The initial visit is primarily about connection and understanding. Your designated Registered Nurse Case Manager will come to your home to meet you, answer all of your questions, and conduct a thorough assessment to ensure we build the perfect care plan for your unique needs.
What Happens During the Visit?
Warm Introductions
We begin by simply getting to know you. We want to understand who you are, what your daily life looks like, and what your goals and preferences are for your upcoming care. This is a time to build trust and ask any questions on your mind.
Clinical Evaluation
Your nurse will perform a gentle, comprehensive physical assessment. This includes checking your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), reviewing your current symptoms, and assessing any specific areas of concern like wounds or mobility issues.
Medication Review
We will ask to see all of your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. We carefully review these to ensure there are no adverse interactions and that your current regimen is effectively managing your symptoms.
Home Safety Check
A critical part of home care is ensuring your environment is safe. We will walk through the main areas of your home to identify potential fall hazards and discuss if any specific medical equipment (like a hospital bed or shower chair) is needed to keep you secure and comfortable.
Establishing the Care Plan
Before we leave, we will discuss the proposed care plan with you. This outlines what specific services you will receive (nursing, aides, therapy, social work), how often our team members will visit, and what you can expect in the coming weeks.
How to Prepare
To make the first visit as smooth and productive as possible, it helps to have the following items readily available on the kitchen table or counter:
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All current medications in their original bottles (prescriptions, vitamins, over-the-counter meds)
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Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance cards
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Photo ID or Driver's License
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Copies of any Advance Directives (Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney, POLST)
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A list of emergency contacts and names of other doctors you currently see
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A list of questions you want to make sure you ask the nurse
Please Note: Initial assessment visits typically take between 1 to 2 hours. This allows us to be thorough without rushing, ensuring you feel completely comfortable with the care plan moving forward.