a) The initial phase:

During the initial home visit, which usually lasts less than an hour, the individual client is evaluated and a plan of care is established to be followed or modified on subsequent visits.

The initial assessment includes evaluating the client, the home environment, the client's self-care and the ability to care for the family, and the family's' source of income. In institutions where many people work together, the initial assessment includes identification of possible hazards, such as cluttered work areas, potential fire risks, air or water pollution, inadequate sanitation facilities.

The client's needs and the care provided must be documented. The medical diagnosis and specific detailed information on the functional limitations of the client are usually part of the documentation. The goals and the actions appropriate for attaining them must be identified. Expected outcomes of the interventions must be stated regarding client's behaviours and the realistic measure.

b) Ending the home visit:

As the visit comes to a close, it is important to summarise the main points of the visit for the client and family and to identify expectations for future visits or client achievements. Here are the following points to be considered at the end of each visit.

  • What are the main points the client or family should remember form the visit?.
  • What positive attributes have been noted about the client and the family that will give them a sense of accomplishment?.
  • What were the main points of the teaching plan or the interventions needed to ensure that the client and the family understand what they must do?.
  • Who should the client or family call if they need to contact someone immediately?.
  • What signs of complications should be reported immediately?.
  • How frequent will the visit be made?.
  • When is the next visit?.

c) Identifying risk factors at home: What are the factors you should take into considerations during home visit regarding the common danger symptoms during pregnancy?:

As the occurrence of danger symptoms, that can be felt or noticed by the pregnant woman, may vary in their timing in relation to the gestational age, you have to know very well the timing of the occurrence of common pregnancy related or other medical problems, taking the gestational age as the milestones. Secondly, you have to be selective not to overwhelm the pregnant mother with too much information at a time. Thirdly, remember that counseling is not a one-time business. You should be prepared to repeat the messages about danger symptoms at every visit and check that the woman has understood them correctly.

d) Areas (points) to be assessed during home visiting:

  • General cleanliness.
  • Solid waste disposal.
  • Latrine construction and handling.
  • Personal hygiene.
  • Vaccination of under 1-year infants.
  • Vaccination of women.
  • ANC.
  • Feeding of children under two years.
  • Family planning.
  • The presence of insects or rodents in the house.
  • The presence of sick person in the house and action taken.

The HEW should carry a bag containing appropriate supplies to treat emergencies on site.

Last modified: Tuesday, 21 February 2017, 4:24 PM