When leaving home means needing help to stand up, get down the stairs or get into a car, an appointment can end up postponed or become a major ordeal. A home visit makes it possible to receive care more comfortably.
When a home visit makes sense
Especially for people with limited mobility, those who are bedbound or recovering from surgery. Care can include older adults, management of chronic conditions, assessment of new concerns and palliative care. A visit can also be a matter of preference or convenience, even without difficulty getting around.
Being welcomed into someone’s home is special
As in any appointment, I discuss symptoms, examine you and review medicines, preferably in their original packaging. It is also important to understand nutrition, sleep, mobility and the support of family members or caregivers.
A home reveals things that do not always reach the office: lighting on the way to the bathroom, how medicines are organized, the difficulties faced by someone helping. Knowing that everyday setting brings the conversation closer and allows advice to fit your circumstances better.
When needed, I speak with other professionals involved, such as nurses, physiotherapists or speech and language therapists. Priorities and the frequency of future assessments are agreed with you and, when appropriate, those involved in your care.
Booking and limits
I make visits in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone; availability for each address is confirmed when booking.
My visits are scheduled and do not replace emergency care. Sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath or a sudden change in speech or strength, for example, need immediate assessment: go to an emergency department or call SAMU on 192, without waiting for a home visit.