What Does Home Intensive Care Service Include?

The responsibilities of a home intensive care nurse include the following:

- Visiting and assessing the patient at home.
- Identifying any deficiencies in the care environment.
- Supervising the installation of necessary medical devices. 
- Administering and monitoring medical procedures such as medication, IV drips, dressings, and pressure sore care according to the doctor's treatment plan.
- Measuring and monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature, and reporting these to the doctor.
- Coordinating invasive or non-invasive ventilation for patients on respiratory devices. They also check the equipment and prepare reports for the doctor. 
- Performing daily care for patients with tracheostomy, which helps those who cannot breathe on their own. The nurse also manages the dressing of this area, which is prone to infection, and monitors mucus/secretions.
- Regulating oxygen levels for patients requiring it and ensuring proper use.  
- Implementing the patient’s prescribed nutritional plan.
- For patients unable to eat orally or swallow, a nasogastric tube or PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) is used. The nurse administers the prescribed nutrition at scheduled times.
- Sterile catheter care and replacement for patients with urinary catheters. 
- Organizing rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
- Providing information to the family about the process and their responsibilities.
- Offering moral support to both the patient and their family during this challenging period. 

How to Access Home Intensive Care Services

To benefit from home intensive care services, you should first consult with your doctor. The doctor will explain what needs to be done at home and create a personalized care plan for your patient. Before leaving the hospital, you can arrange for intensive care equipment through a report provided by the attending physicians. These devices can either be purchased or rented. A portion of the costs for the devices and medical personnel is covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK). Patients with private health insurance can benefit from this service free of charge for two months. Home intensive care requires teamwork, involving doctors, nurses, and, if necessary, caregivers.