DOH PROVIDES COMMUNITY WITH HOME VISIT PROCEDURES

The Department of Health (DOH) is providing the community with DOH programs’ Home Visit Procedures. This information is to let the community know what to expect in regards to home visits from the Wholistic Health & Wellness, Community Health Nurses, and Home Care/Home Support programs.

For routine home visits, prior to entry into your home, a respiratory screening will need to be completed. If the screening is negative, the visit can proceed with your health provider wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). If the screening is positive, the visit will be rescheduled to a later date, and the visit will be moved to a phone consultation.

Routine home visits can be easily rescheduled in the event of a positive respiratory screening. An essential home visit, which must happen to ensure the health and safety of the client, will be completed by a health professional (RNMD/PSW/RPN).

Please note that the physician/nurse attending the home is visiting with a primary purpose. The identified patient will be seen as scheduled, and anyone other than the patient is asked to make an appointment, as the physician/nurse is prepared and informed about the identified patient only, and does not carry or have access to other medical information.

If you are uncertain about language or terms, we respectfully ask the patient to clarify with the physician/nurse so there is no misunderstanding resulting from the home visit. Patients can also ask to have a designated person present with you to help assist in understanding patient concerns and conversations.

 

PRIOR TO VISIT

• Tell your Care Coordinator/medical provider about any special circumstances about your home
• Ensure your house number/address is visible for providers prior to visitation
• Have an area available for hand washing with liquid soap and paper towels
• Keep walkways cleared of ice and snow
• Do not plan for guests or calls during your home visit times with your care provider and anyone you wish to be there as part of your care team
• Give reasonable notice to your care provider if you need to cancel or reschedule your home visit
• If you have a sudden onset of respiratory symptoms close to your scheduled appointment, be sure to notify your service provider. This will ensure the service provider has adequate personal protective equipment for the planned visit.
  

 

DURING THE HOME VISIT

• Refrain from smoking and alcohol use
• Avoid wearing perfume/cologne or burning scented products (candles/incense)
• Secure your pets, unless you have a service animal permitted to accompany you
• Minimize noise and distractions
• Store and lock all firearms and weapons in accordance to the law
• Wear PPE as indicated by your care provider

 

Should you have any questions or require more information regarding your home visit, please contact the program providing your home visit:

• Home Care/Home Support – 613-575-2341 ext. 1064
• Community Health Nurses – 613-575-2341 ext. 3220
• Wholistic Health & Wellness – 613-575-2341 ext. 3215