10 Tips for Transitioning to a Job in Home Health

Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

What is a job in Home Health Care like?

Home Health Care is a unique job. Clinicians will come to your home to provide health care services to you. Different insurances have varying stipulations on who may qualify to receive these services, and what your copay might be. Typically, for seniors, Medicare will allow you to receive Home Health care for a limited duration of time if it is difficult for you to leave your home, and a Physician orders it. Seniors and family caregivers, you may want to check this link for Medicare details. Typical services are Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Social Work, Home Health/Bath Aide. Clinicians who do this type of job work hard on the road all day, and tend to have frenetic schedules. But they usually love helping people and desire to assist people to heal and stay independent!

If you work in home care, check out my 57 page Ebook on being an organized clinician in home health care which includes 30 instant downloadable patient care and encouraging handouts for effective and impactful senior care!

Are you transitioning to a job in Home Care? Read this first!

1. First, organize your trunk. I recommend 2 boxes in your trunk-one for clean equipment, and one for “dirty”. I keep a bag of grocery bags, and large and small ziplocks on hand, for separating and storing items.

2. Secondly, organize your driving area. Cupholders are a plus! I have a bin for my bag on the front seat floor to keep it clean. Every time I stop to get gas, I clean out all the trash and wipe down my steering wheel.  (I use one of my grocery bags to store and gather up the garbage).

Following directions and staying safe is priority! Check out this handy phone holder for following directions safely in the car. (affiliate link)

3. Importantly, maximize your car time by planning ahead. You can listen to podcasts, audiobooks, etc. 

4. Likewise, be familiar with your assigned area. Get to know your zip code areas and local senior living facilities. You can save yourself time by marking or memorizing landmarks in your area.

5. Proactively offer day and time options for setting up visits. If you are open ended, your schedule may end up scattered with wasted driving. Always ask about physician appointments and followup testing at the beginning of care, so you can plan ahead. 

6. I highly recommend you take a class on fall prevention. Fall prevention is one of the primary areas of applicable education and safety in home care. The most impactful course I have taken is the Fall Prevention Specialist Certification at Pesi. (affiliate link) My patients and coworkers respect the certification, and I am frequently referring to the information I learned to help my clients stay safe. I chose to be an affiliate for Pesi because this course was so helpful to me. Click the link for more info!

7. Be prepared for excellent patient education with appropriate and clear educational handouts. Patients are given multiple loose handouts at the hospital. Many of the handouts are outdated and confusing. You have the opportunity to fine tune your patient’s health education, and make an impact on their long term health and safety. Support that with clear, readable, practical, educational handouts!

Check out this instant download senior care packet at Creative Home Therapy on Etsy.

Or download this free monthly calendar for scheduling visits!

8. Take care of yourself too, and plan for bathroom breaks. Know where the good gas stations are located. Take care of your self physically with regular hydration and nutrition. I know it’s hard!

Check out this cute 2 pack of stainless tumblers for your car: (affiliate link)

9. Connect with your coworkers. Text or email, and make a point to encourage them. Being on the road with little interaction from coworkers is tough, especially in a profession that is draining physically, emotionally, and mentally at times. You future self will thank you for this as well. If your management doesn’t make it a priority, then lead up at work and help make connection happen! See Creative Ways to Build Camaraderie for ideas!

10. Stay on top of paperwork. Document as much as you can throughout the visit, so that you don’t forget important details.  I always jot notes in a planner to remind myself of details to include in that day’s document, or reminders for the next visit.

Other supplies for working in Home Health Care:

Check out this helpful home care notebook: (affiliate link)

You may be also be interested in: 9 Tips for a Great Start of Care or Avoiding Hospital Readmission

Do you have any other tips for clinicians new to Home Health Care? Get started in your organized caregiving journey with a FREEBIE packet of helpful printables by subscribing to the blog for a weekly email with informative posts, freebies and sales!