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Homebound

Start of Care · Episode 3

Homebound

Frank went to church on Sunday. Brian wonders if that means he can't get home health.

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Key takeawayWhat homebound really meansHomebound doesn't mean the patient never leaves home. It means leaving takes a considerable and taxing effort, for example needing a walker, a wheelchair or another person's help, and that absences are infrequent and short or for medical care, religious services or adult day care. Document the specifics: how far, with what help, and how they felt afterwards.

In this scene

Frank: I'm not stuck here. Dot drove me to church on Sunday. And to the barber.

Brian: He goes out. Doesn't that mean he isn't homebound?

Carmen: Homebound doesn't mean he never leaves. Church, the doctor, a short trip to the barber can still fit.

Watch the episode to see what happens next.

Questions to think about

  • Frank went to church on Sunday. He:
  • Homebound means leaving home:
  • You document homebound status with:

About this series

For home health nurses and therapists: the start-of-care in-home assessment. Timing, patient rights, homebound status, an accurate assessment, every medicine in the home, home safety, caregivers and emergency plans, screening, the patient's own goals, and closing the loop with the physician. Follow your agency's policies and the Medicare Conditions of Participation. See the whole series

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