Homebound

[twokidsmom,rn]

I have a pt that knows that he has to be homebound for care. Has stasis ulcers. But has no family and needs to go to supermarket for food and goes to MD and WCC appts weekly. He does try to do MD and supermarket stops at the same time and supermarket is not far away. Uses a walker and it is taxing for him to leave the house takes hours to do the short trips that he does do. I consider him homebound.

[emilyramos]

There is a form that explains the definition of "Homebound" in the SOC packet. Read it from beginning to end. Keyword: "Taxing Effort"

I make a special effort to explain this to our new clients. I would hate that someone did not leave their home and had a decrease in enjoyment in life because they feared losing their benefits. Not explaining this form correctly will create distress in the elderly and disabled.

[RNMom2010]

Homebound means it is "difficult and taxing and outings are short and of infrequent duration". Groceries are a necessity, esp with no caregiver to assist. I agree with above poster that proper education of homebound status is extremely important because pts will either take it WAY to seriously (miss Dr appts), or try to push their boundaries.

[paddler]

I agree as above, and I avoid telling people to "be homebound" just so they qualify for services. It seems misleading to me.

[Isabelle49]

I would consider your patient homebound.

[hlfpnt, BSN, RN]

Considering his circumstances, I think he's as homebound as he can possibly be...if he were my pt, I'd definitely continue services. His life circumstances are what they are & he's doing his best to be as compliant as possible. :)

[KateRN1]

Document very carefully how long it takes him to recover from his excursions to show a complete picture of how taxing an effort it truly is. I would also get an order for an MSW consult to see if he qualifies for any other community services.