A number of problems may make caring for a patient at home more challenging.
Patient Condition |
Problem for Home Care |
Provision |
impaired hearing |
unable to hear audible alarm, difficulty escaping in home fire |
addition of visual alarm |
impaired vision |
unable to read instructions or see readings; increased risk for falls |
large print; audible alarm if |
forgetfulness |
unable to remember drug schedule; problems cooking on a stove |
someone to make sure that medications taken |
confusion |
unable to handle complex instructions or equipment |
|
dementia |
wandering off; unable to take essential medications; agitation or behavior may make difficult to handle |
|
mental illness |
may not take essential medications; may reject assistance |
|
poor manual dexterity due to arthritis |
unable to open "safe" medical containers |
|
poor strength |
unable to open containers or move equipment |
|
poverty |
unable to afford essentials |
|
sedatives or other medications that impair coordination |
increased risk of falls |
|
impaired mobility |
increased risk of falls; unable to go out for food, medications or doctor visits; unable to escape in an emergency |
|
bedridden or chair bound |
increased risk of bed sores |
|
osteoporosis |
increased risk of complications after a fall |
medications to increase bone density; avoiding factors contributing to low bone density |
incontinence |
fouling of bed and clothing; increased risk for bed sores |
need for assistance in toileting |
unable to get food or drink |
malnutrition, dehydration |
need for assistance in getting food |
malnutrition |
poor healing, organ dysfunction |
|
smoking |
increased risk of burns or fire |
|
drug or alcohol abuse |
complications of abuse; neglect in self-care |
|
being alone for significant periods |
no one to respond to a problem |
|
extreme environmental temperature |
risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia |
need for heat in winter and cooling in summer |
hostile or frustrated family members |
abuse or neglect; stealing of medications |
|
Some problems are amenable to assistive devices.
Some problems are amenable to interventions by family and/or friends.
Some problems are amenable to a visiting nurse.
If all else fails then the patient may require assistive living or a nursing home.
ICD-10: ,