Skilled Home Health Care for Pneumonia
About Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi. The infection leads to inflammation of the lungs, causing the air sacs to fill with fluid or pus. Pneumonia can be severe, but it is treatable. Individuals who are hospitalized for pneumonia may have other complications and recovery can be prolonged.
Symptoms of pneumonia can vary for each patient, but they may include:
- Chest x-ray with inflammation
- Chest pain with deep inhalation/cough
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Confusion or mental changes
- Fever and/or chills
- Shortness of breath or shallow breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
Each patient’s plan of care is tailored to meet their unique care needs and health goals. Most commonly, home care helps pneumonia patients:
- Remain independent at home
- Reduce potential ER visits/hospitalizations
- Decrease their risk of pneumonia progression
- Receive treatment at first signs of exacerbation
Elara Caring offers many skilled services to support patients as they manage their pneumonia recovery at home.
- Home care nursing, for example, offers education to patients on the disease process and their medications. Nurses can assist with diet recommendations and provide effective symptom management tools and treatments.
- Physical therapy helps patients with balance, strength and mobility. Therapy is customized for each patient and may include things like functional or endurance exercises or assistive device teaching.
- Occupational therapy provides training to help patients accomplish their activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing and meal preparation. Occupational therapists can assess patients’ homes for safety issues or fall risks, too. Additionally, occupational therapy can help patients with energy conservation.
How do I know if I’m ready for home care to help manage my recovery after pneumonia?
Our team of experts assess each patient for home care eligibility. Some signs that you may be ready for home care are:
- Leaving home is taxing and/or requires assistance
- Hospitalization or ER visit in last 6 months
- New or existing diagnosis of pneumonia
- Recent exacerbation of pneumonia
- Onset or increase in signs and symptoms
- Confusion about medications
- New or recent medication changes
- Falling in the past 6 months
- Decline in ability to perform ADLs/IADLs
- Concern from patient and/or family about recent health changes
Get in touch with Elara Caring
Contact your local Elara Caring branch for more information or ask your physician if skilled home health with Elara Caring may be right for you.
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