The advantages of home care nursing may outweigh the downsides. Home caregivers enjoy the benefit of one-on-one attention, while nursing facilities have only a single staff member caring for ten or more patients. However, home care is not as well-regulated as nursing homes, and it is possible for caregivers to abuse their patients. Also, the elderly are more likely to have chronic health conditions and to experience medical emergencies at home.
Home healthcare facilities do not have many of the major medical equipment and facilities that a hospital or clinic has. In addition, patients may perceive nurses as invading their privacy. The environment can be difficult to maintain, with shifts and unpredictable patient behavior. Some nursing homes may not have the necessary equipment to provide safe, clean care. Nonetheless, home care is better than no type of nursing at all, and the benefits of home healthcare nursing outweigh the disadvantages.
The main advantages of home care nursing include autonomy and independence. Nurses are responsible for performing most tasks, but they also have to be skilled in assessment and medical-surgical skills. In addition to this, home care nurses must be highly confident in their ability to advocate for patients and to perform various procedures. A nursing background in an acute care setting is helpful, as is a good knowledge of patients’ medical needs and preferences. A home care nursing career is often less stressful than working in a hospital.
