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How to Make a Home Visit

Kelly Keith, Spring 2003

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Organize list of patients you will be visiting during the day, including address/phone number/reason for visit. Make a list for the instructor and for yourself.

Research by reading each patient's chart, if available at the clinic, to learn about history and previous visits. Use your texts or Agape resources (computer, books, assessment guides) to review assessment parameters for expected problems and plan your visit.

Gather supplies:

• cell phone, fully charged and turned on
• blank SOAP notes
• pens
• pamphlets you may need (Agape schedule, CHIP, EDHC, diabetes, Parkland info, etc)
• home visit bag with BP cuff and otoscope with extra covers
• stethoscope
• gloves
• glucometer - if you need to check a diabetic patient (make sure it works! include test strips, lancets, alcohol swabs)
• Child development and immunization information
• instant hand sanitizer & alcohol swabs to clean self & equipment between patients.

Locate patient's home using www.mapquest.com if necessary for driving directions. In most cases home base for HVs is the East Dallas Police Storefront, 4545 Bryan, 214.670.4413.

Call patient before visit if possible. Introduce yourself as the Baylor student nurse with the Agape Clinic and that you want to come by to check up on patient and family. Ask when is a good time to come (now or schedule time later in the day?). Photo: Lupe, Sereniti, & Jeff on Bryan Street, winter January 2003

If you have any concerns re safety at a particular address, check with your instructor or police. If, when you get to an address, you don't feel safe, leave & then call your instructor. Review the safety memo. At the home visit, introduce self and partner and purpose of visit. Discuss what you would like to do during the visit…then INVESTIGATE:

• Ask questions.
• Ask to see medications and assess patient's understanding of meds and administration.
• Do a brief focused physical assessment.
• Ask if patient is having any new problems, needs any medications, or has any specific questions.

Comment from Albert Guerrero: "Stress the dynamic nature of the home visit" & that measures outlined in this file are good for when the client is cooperative. "It is my experience so far with the home visit that plans change the moment you leave the police station." Clients are often not home or address incorrect ... this is community. "If your client is not home ... assess the situation & environment to see if there is anything else that could be done at that moment & location ..." assess & provide services to other people there.

Thank the patient for their time. Remind patient of follow-up at clinic or teaching done during visit. Again, ask if patient has any questions before you leave. BE SAFE!

During the home visit, ask general investigative questions. These may not pertain to the specific reason for your visit. This visit is also a way to feel out any other problems. Ask about insurance, transportation, who lives in the home, lack of food, hygiene, etc. based on your observations in the home.

During the home visit, take note of the environment - condition of home, odors, pets, if they have food, condition of the outside of the home/apartment complex, neighborhood, safety hazards, etc.

Call the instructor between visits, or whenever you have a question (helpful to have cell phone). Discuss visit with the instructor in case patient needs medications, etc.