Home Health 101: What Visiting Nurses Actually Do and How to Get Safe Care at Home

Many patients and families start home-based care with more questions than answers. In this episode Nurse Jessi explains, in clear bedside language, how home health works: who provides care (RNs, LPNs, PT/OT, home health aides), how referrals and eligibility are decided, what happens during the first home visit, and practical steps for everyday treatments like wound care, medication management, and mobility support. Listeners will get exact scripts for intake calls, a checklist of what to have ready for the first visit, and plain-language guidance on red flags that need urgent attention. The episode also covers common billing questions and how to coordinate home care with your primary clinician. By the end you’ll know how to make home health safer and more reliable for yourself or a loved one—without medical jargon or confusion.