Private Duty Nursing is the Wave of the Future

As the Baby Boomer generation retires, the population the healthcare industry serves is exploding. Nearly one in five or 19.6%, Americans will be over the age of 65 which is expected to rise to 23.4% in 2030. Effectively, older adults will outnumber children.

We all want to age gracefully in the comfort of our home, however, there comes a point when medical professionals like a private duty registered nurse or nurse practitioner may be required to manage more complex situations. After all, you will only want those properly trained to handle the most complicated and involved medical tasks for your parents or spouse. 

So, let's dive in shall we? 

How can Private Duty Nursing Help You?

First, we tackle the most basic question, What is private duty nursing?

Private duty nurses (PDNs) provide long-term, comprehensive hourly nursing care in a patient’s home. They are either registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who practice under the supervision of an RN clinical supervisor. “Private duty nursing provides advanced level nursing services in the home,” says Samanta Roseme, RN BSN CEO of Assured Quality Homecare.

Unlike traditional in-home care services, private duty nurses provide one-on-one medical care. They are qualified to offer this care in the comfort of the patient's own home, or in a facility such as a hospital or nursing home. They can offer advanced care, working in tandem with the family.

Which will suit your needs, a Private Duty Nurse or Traditional Homecare?

Traditional in-home care allows your parents to receive services that a home care agency provides, which may include bathing, toileting, dressing and grooming, transportation, meal preparation, companionship, medication reminders, house cleaning, and other chores.

By definition, a home care agency provides your loved one with non-clinical services that help them with their activities of daily living. Home care is also referred to as personal care, companion care, non-medical home care, private duty, custodial care, or homemaker services. The services that a home care agency provides are considered “non-medical” 

If your mom or dad is healthy, you might be able to meet their needs on your own or hire a caregiver to help provide the assistance they need. However, there are times when care needs are more advanced. That is when you might have services provided by a private duty RN or LPN. 

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Does your parent require the following tasks to be performed? If Yes, then it is time to contact a Private Duty Nurse.
 

• Monitoring your parent’s medical status and keeping detailed records for overseeing and partnering medical providers.
• Alerting family, other caregivers, and primary physicians of any changes in your parent's physical and/or emotional symptoms.
• Administering medications including intravenous injections.
• Providing traumatic injury and wound care including, ventilator care and tube feedings.
• Providing hospice and palliative care for your parents.
• Other chronic and life-threatening seizures and disorders.
   

Medical Benefits of In-Home Private Duty Nurses

Private duty nurses carefully observe and document the progress and condition of your parent who requires in-home monitoring. These observations can lead to the discovery of necessary changes in treatment regimens, physical therapy, or care plan changes instrumental to recovery or overall daily comforts. Ultimately, a private nurse's goal is to prevent any medical complications and handle any that may arise through proper assessment, treatment, and monitoring of your parent's health.

The Personal Benefits of In-Home Private Nursing Care

With personalized one-on-one care, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with knowing that your parents are cared for even when you aren't there. For Mom or Dad that require full-time care, a private nursing team can offer the family a great deal of respite while allowing their parents to feel comfortable and confident within their own homes rather than a facility setting. Most parents, especially aging parents, feel more independent in their own homes and are more likely to engage with the Nurse and become participants in their own care and recovery efforts. Furthermore, private nurses communicate daily with the family, making it easier to provide a steady stream of family support to changes.

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Providing care for an elderly parent can be a daunting task.

Home health is a benefit that every person should take full advantage of, but sometimes it’s just not enough. What if mom is discharged on Monday and home health can't make it to her home until Wednesday? Private duty can supplement the care and make sure she's not alone. What if 2-3 hours a week is not enough for dad or he needs help with transportation; a Private Duty Nurse can help.

A private duty nurse from NursePower will offer your parents the level of care they need where they want it - not in a nursing facility or hospital, but in the comfort and safety of their own home. 

NursePower provides private nursing care at home for clients who need or want the services of a registered or licensed nurse practitioner. Either as a stand-alone service or as a complementary service to your existing home caregivers, NursePower pairs you or your loved one with a highly-trained nurse who will help you feel better at home so you can be better at home.
To find out more about NursePower and the services they provide, please call (860) 373-0251.