When a person returns home after a hospital stay, manages a complex medical condition, or requires ongoing clinical support, routine care may involve needs that go beyond what family members can reasonably provide. Skilled nursing brings licensed clinical care into the home for individuals who require prescribed treatments, clinical monitoring, or assistance with ongoing medical needs. Support may be relevant for people of different ages who have chronic conditions, are recovering from procedures, use medical equipment, or require continued treatment outside a hospital setting. In Maryland, home-based clinical support can be coordinated around the person’s established medical plan while allowing care to take place in familiar surroundings. The specific services provided depend on the individual’s condition, medical orders, and the level of nursing support required.
How It Works
Depending on the individual’s care plan, skilled nursing support may include:
Tracheostomy
Routine care and monitoring for individuals with a tracheostomy, including observation of the tube and surrounding area and prescribed tracheostomy-related care.
Ventilator Management
Support for individuals who depend on mechanical ventilation, including respiratory monitoring and care related to prescribed ventilator use.
Enteral/TPN Services
Assistance with prescribed enteral nutrition through a feeding tube or total parenteral nutrition (TPN), including related monitoring and access-site care.
Wound Care
Assessment, cleansing, dressing changes, and other prescribed care for wounds resulting from surgery, injury, pressure-related damage, or other conditions.
Infusion Therapy
Administration and monitoring of prescribed intravenous treatments, medications, fluids, or other therapies delivered through an appropriate access route.
Diabetes Management
Monitoring blood glucose and providing nursing support related to the individual’s prescribed diabetes treatment plan.
Catheter Management
Routine catheter care, drainage-system monitoring, and observation for changes associated with urinary catheter use.
Post-Op Care
Nursing support following surgery, including monitoring the surgical site, carrying out prescribed care, and observing recovery-related changes.
Pain and Medication Management
Support with prescribed medications, medication schedules, pain monitoring, and observation of medication-related changes.
What to Expect
Care begins with the individual’s established medical orders and care needs so that nursing support can be provided according to the prescribed plan. During scheduled care, the nurse performs the applicable clinical tasks, observes relevant changes, and documents information needed for continuity of care. As the person’s condition or treatment needs change, observations may be communicated to the appropriate healthcare provider so the care plan can be reviewed when necessary.
Connect With Us
Reach out to talk about what kind of support you or someone you care for may need. Having a conversation about routines, personal needs, and skilled care requirements can help clarify the next steps.