Component Task: Home Visit to a Client with Mental Disorder

This is a visit to a client with mental disorder by the Public/Community health nurse in the home.

Aims

·         Assess progress of health and continuity of treatment

·         Assist client to live an independent life and contribute to society

·         Encourage client and family to honour follow up visits and adhere to prescribed medication

·         Counsel client and family on social isolation, stigma and misconceptions about the condition

Types

·         Special

·         Routine

Requirements

·         Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag

·         Map of the area/community

·         Records of the client manually/electronically

·         Register of the area/community

·         Arrange for transportation

Steps

1.        Read map of the community

2.      Knock, enter, greet and introduce self

3.      Explain the purpose of visit and ensure confidentiality

4.      Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment

5.      Assess client’s/family’s knowledge about the condition

6.      Assist client to identify health needs

7.       Check and use items in the home visit bag

8.      Interview and counsel on:

·         Health of client and family

·         Medication and regular check-ups/visit by community psychiatric nurse

·         Schooling/occupation

·         Personal health

·         Diet

9.      Ask of other concerns

10.    Refer problem beyond scope to the appropriate place

11.      Schedule client/family for next visit and thank them

12.    Record and report findings manually/electronically