Private nurses can provide you with medical and personal care at your home. Private nurses can visit you wherever you live and at any time to provide you with the necessary care. This article outlines what services and treatments private nurses can offer and gives you plenty of information to help you decide which private nurse will be right for you.
What is nursing care at home?
Nursing care at home refers to medical care provided by registered nurses or enrolled nurses, in the comfort of a patient’s own home. This type of support is typically provided to individuals who have been discharged from a hospital but still require medical attention or home care.
Nursing care at home can include medication management, wound care, administering injections, and other medical services. The goal of nursing care at home is to help your recover quickly, reducing pain and managing any health concerns, while remaining in a familiar and comfortable environment.
What do private nurses do?
Private nurses, also known as private duty nurses, are registered nurses (RNs) or enrolled nurses (ENs) who provide one-on-one medical care home care, including in retirement villages, nursing homes and shared living settings.
They provide a range of services for a patient, such as administering medication, monitoring vital signs, performing medical procedures, providing wound care after surgery, and assisting with daily living activities like showering or toileting.
Private nurses can work with patients of all ages, including newborns, children, adults, and the elderly. They aim to provide personalised care that meets your unique needs and helps them maintain their health and well being. Private nurses can work independently or be employed by a home care or healthcare agency.
How nurse care works in Australia
There are many agencies and organisations out there offering private nursing care.
To access home nursing in Australia, you can start by speaking with your doctor or healthcare provider.
They can help you assess your needs and refer you to a home nursing service if required. You can also search for in home nurses in your area online or ask for referrals or advice from friends and family. An online enquiry form is available on the Nursed Care website.
It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced provider that offers the services you need.
What can private nurses help with?
There are a range of medical services and treatments that your home nurse can provide in the comfort of your own home. Some examples include:
- Catheter and continence care
- Clinical care
- Chronic disease care
- Dementia checks and care
- Medical and well being checks and assessments
- Medication provision, management and supervision
- Mental health care
- Pain relief and management
- Palliative and end of life care
- Personal care and home care
- Post operative care and support following surgery
- Wound care and dressing changes
How can older people have nursing help?
Older people can request private nursing services through My Aged Care. People aged 65 years or over can complete an online request for an assessment of their care needs. Then, nursing services may be allocated through either the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or through a Home Care Package.
If you are over 65 with medical issues, or the carer of an older person with medical concerns, then visit the My Aged Care website to learn more about service entitlements.
Receiving some nursing care at home can help you remain safely at home longer, avoiding the need to move to an aged care facility before you are ready.
Nurse care through the NDIS
People living with a disability may be able to receive short-term private nursing care through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS is a scheme to fund and deliver support to people under 65 who have a disability.
Nursing services delivered as part of an NDIS plan must be related to your disability and improve your longer-term health and well being. Nursing service can typically only be delivered in the short term. An example would be if you have a fall related to your Multiple Sclerosis, or you get an infection and you have compromised lung capacity because of a disability.
Private nursing care services will need to be monitored as you recover and assessed as part of your regular plan reviews. Nursing care can be provided alongside other home care help.
In 2019, there was a change to how nursing care was funded and provided through the NDIS. Previously, nursing care was taken from the Capacity Building Support budget. Now, it is funded as part of the Core Support – Assistance with Daily Living.
Private duty nurse
A private duty nurse can provide you with one-on-one medical care when you need it. If you have been discharged from hospital, it may be recommended you have some private nursing care at home. Nurses can work in private arrangements with their patients. You do not have to be an NDIS client or My Aged Care client to have a nurse visit you.
If you don’t have funding to help you cover the cost of nurse care at home, you will need to pay the full amount. However, receiving care at home is often preferable to staying in a treatment centre or paying for respite care somewhere else. It makes sense to consider private nursing at home. Learn more here.
Who is private nursing care for?
All sorts of people require private nursing care at various stages of life. Private nursing and home care is excellent for people who:
- need post-operative healthcare
- need help with wound care, including dressing and drainage of cuts and incisions
- need at home care and support with physical injuries
- want an improved quality of life
- have chronic conditions
- want to feel more confident in managing their medication at home
- have complex personal care requirements
How to find the right private nurse
If you require assistance with medical care and treatment at home, you must find a professional who makes you feel comfortable and well cared for. You will need to find someone in whom you feel trust and who is attentive to your needs and requirements.
Privates nurses should have completed the required training and study to enable them to work as nurses. Most nurses choose to work in the role because they are caring and compassionate.
If you encounter a nurse who does not make you feel comfortable, does not listen to you, or does not involve you in decision-making about your care, then you are well within your rights to request a different private nurse provider.
Your home care nurse should provide compassionate care and be attentive to and understanding of your personal preferences. They should be able to keep your family members involved and feel as though they are part of your recovery plan.
Choosing a private nurse
Private nurses coming to your home should be either a registered nurse or an enrolled nurse.
Registered nurses need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
ENs have typically completed a Diploma of Nursing. The duties that ENs can perform varies slightly. Often ENs work alongside RNs. Endorsed enrolled nurse can administer and oversee medication use.
Not only should your nurses have the correct nursing training, they should also have police clearance and a clear working with children (WWCC) check.
Nurses working for an agency would have all of these safeguards and checks in place through their employer.
How to make sure you choose the right duty nurse
Inviting a private nurse into your home can be an important decision in your care and well being. It makes sense to meet a potential private nurse before signing them up to provide regular care.
If you elect to receive nursing treatments from a company or team of nurses, having an introductory meeting is always recommended. You will be able to get a sense of the staff and ask any questions regarding support service allocation and provision.
Establishing a relationship with your nurse
As you get to know your private nurse, they will develop a better understanding of your requirements and the specific services you require. Nurses can be matched with regard to your language and personality preferences. As you build a trusting relationship with your nurse, you will only continue to feel more confident in their services.
Receiving nursing care at home
If you would like to receive nursing care at home, you can speak to your doctor or consulting physician for a referral. You are also able to contact service providers and agencies directly. Staff from agencies like Nursed Care can be booked and scheduled without the need of a doctor’s letter.
Benefits of home nursing services
There are many benefits to medical care and treatments from a nurse at home. These benefits include:
- taking the pressure off families who are worried about their loved one
- enabling you to keep up usual daily routines
- making life easier not having to travel to appointments
- ensuring that you feel confident that your specific needs are being met
How to avoid hospital
Although a hospital visit is often necessary, prolonged hospital stays can be unpleasant and stressful. Elderly people often make a faster recovery when they are at home and in familiar settings. Many healthcare needs can be met at home. A home care nurse can ensure a patient receives quality care and is safe, in the knowledge that their physical and medical care needs are being met.
Home care nurses can ensure that a patient’s physician is updated about symptoms and concerns. This helps patients maintain their independence at home while nurses monitor their overall health with due diligence.
Dementia nursing care
Many people with dementia are able to live happily and safely in their own homes. When a person with dementia has access to the right treatments and supports, they will be able to stay at home for many years to come. Nurses can visit people with dementia to ensure they have the medical support they need and assist them to be safe and happy.
Nurses can assist people living with dementia to take medication and prescribed drugs. They can also pop in regularly to ensure a dementia patient is taking care of themselves well and living a comfortable life. Having this regular support can relieve a lot of stress and worry from families.
Some nurses even have specialist training in dementia care; we can match people with dementia to the right nursing staff to ensure they will offer top quality nursing care and be a good fit for their patients.
Disability nursing care
Often, people with a disability have particular care needs. This can include the administration of certain medication, or the use of certain assistive medical equipment.
If you are already an NDIS client and your medical or health needs change, then speak to your plan coordinator. You home care support entitlements may need to be reviewed.
Nursing services with Nursed Care
Nursing care is a core service that we provide. It’s even in our name! Nursed Care is here to provide you with high quality healthcare. Our professional enrolled and registered nurses are fully trained and accredited to give you the medical support you require.
Our nurses are in high demand because of the professional and compassionate care they deliver. Contact us:
- If you are looking for a caregiver who can support an elderly family member or loved one with quality medical care
- If you have had recent surgery or been a patient in hospital, because we can assist you in making a full recovery
Another benefit of choosing Nursed Care is that we have a team of support staff who can help you in other ways, such as with getting dressed and ready for the day. Our support workers add value to the health services provided by our nurses. Our support workers can assist with everyday tasks such as cooking or cleaning. These support services also make up a critical part of your care.
Don’t search any longer for your nurse – Nursed Care is the right choice for the top nurses and home care workers in New South Wales.
Frequently asked questions
Depending on the treatment and care required, private nurses may charge between $50 – $100 per hour. Nurses who visit on weekends or after hours are likely to charge more for these services.
The length of time that a nurse is with you will also impact how much they charge. For example, a longer shift may be charged at a lower hourly rate than a short visit. Many nurses will apply a one-hour minimum rate, even if they do not stay for a full hour.
The length of time that a nurse is with you will also impact how much they charge. For example, a longer shift may be charged at a lower hourly rate than a short visit. Many nurses will apply a one-hour minimum rate, even if they do not stay for a full hour.
The cost of nursing care will also depend on who provides it. Typically, an RN will charge more than an EN because they have completed a higher qualification. A more experienced nurse can provide more complex medical care.
You may need medical care at home during the day or night. Most home care nurses work during the day and into the early evening. However, if you require support overnight, this can be arranged through your service provider. Your private nurse may visit daily or just a couple of times a week.
Make sure to discuss your healthcare needs with your care staff and make appointment times that will enable you to have the assistance you need when you need it.
Make sure to discuss your healthcare needs with your care staff and make appointment times that will enable you to have the assistance you need when you need it.
Yes, NDIS funds can be used for support by a registered nurse in the short term. The care must be related to your disability and will be reviewed when you have a plan review. Your home care nurse will be able to inform the NDIS the nature and duration of your treatment. This blog covers the characteristics your NDIS nurse should bring to your care.
Many of our supported independent living options have comfortable shared living areas and pleasant outdoor spaces like gardens and decking.
Yes, home care package funds may be used for home care nursing services. Elderly people living in the community or at an aged care facility should contact their service provider to discuss their medical support requirements.
