Managing Chronic Conditions in Elderly Patients: The Role of Home Care Nurses

Abstract

Chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are common in the elderly population and are the leading causes of patient hospitalization, readmission, and high use of healthcare services. One important way to help the elderly manage their chronic conditions and to prevent hospitalizations and emergency department visits is to provide effective home-based care. Home healthcare, especially by home care nurses, plays a key role in providing comprehensive care in specific high-risk elderly populations, which often leads to significant cost savings. A case study of congestive heart failure is used to illustrate key opportunities and challenges of using home care nurses to provide effective home-based care for common chronic conditions in elderly patients.