Advantages of Home Visits:

• Provides an ideal setting for implementing the nursing process.
• Offers an opportunity to assess the home and family situation.
• Allows nurses to provide services in the patient’s familiar environment.
• Facilitates strong relationships between nurses and families.
• Addresses family concerns and clarifies doubts.
• Enables nurses to observe family practices and the progress of care.
• Supports modification of care plans based on observations.
• Offers a viable option for patients unable or unwilling to travel.
• Creates a comfortable atmosphere for discussing concerns and needs.

Components of Home Visiting:

1. Initiation Phase: The community health nurse clarifies the source of referral for the visit, its purpose, and shares this information with the family.

2. Pre-visit Activities: Prior to the visit, nurses gather information about the family, including location, distance, address, and the reason for the visit. This may involve reviewing family folders, consulting other nurses or family members, or contacting health agencies. Information gathered may include age, sex, family structure, culture, values, problems, current care, etc. This information helps the nurse plan appropriately for the visit and address the patient’s needs effectively.

3. Activities During Home Visits: Community health nurses use their skills to build rapport and trust with the family, which is crucial for a positive relationship. The nurse-patient relationship is vital for providing healthcare services in the community. The nurse introduces herself, establishes her professional identity, and builds the nurse-patient relationship. This relationship should be characterized by:

• One person possessing knowledge and skills that can benefit another.
• The needs of the person receiving assistance taking priority.
• The relationship being self-limiting based on the goals to be achieved.
• The person receiving assistance needing and utilizing the support.
• The assistance being provided competently.
  During visits, the nurse assesses the family’s needs and plans nursing care accordingly.

4. Termination Phase: The termination of home visits occurs when:

• The nurse-patient goals are achieved, health is restored, and the patient can function without nursing assistance.
• The patient changes residence or moves to another care setting.
• The nurse transfers the patient’s care to another nurse or caregiver.

5. Post-visit Activities: These include recording and reporting. The nurse documents important events within the family, reports necessary information to higher authorities, discusses family problems with colleagues and other health team members, and plans accurately to meet the family’s needs.