How Often Will a Home Health Nurse Visit for Wound Care Treatment?
The frequency of home health nurse visits for wound care depends on the wound’s severity, the doctor’s orders, and the patient’s overall health status. Home health agencies design a personalized care plan based on an in-depth assessment, but here’s what most families can expect when wound care is needed at home.
Initial Assessment and Care Plan
- At the start of services, a nurse visits to assess the wound, discuss the doctor’s recommendations, and set a treatment schedule
- The care plan outlines how often visits are needed and what care will be provided at each appointment
Typical Visit Frequency
- Daily Visits: For new, severe, or high-risk wounds (such as infected ulcers or complex post-surgical incisions), nurses may visit daily until the wound is stable
- 2-3 Times Per Week: For most chronic wounds, ongoing healing wounds, or moderate injuries, visits are usually scheduled two or three times a week
- Weekly or Less: As the wound heals and the risk of complications decreases, visits may be reduced to once per week or less, with family/caregiver support in between
What Happens at Each Visit?
- Assessment of wound progress (size, color, drainage, infection risk)
- Cleaning and dressing changes according to the latest standards
- Debridement or other advanced techniques as needed
- Patient and family education for self-care between visits
- Documentation and communication with the referring doctor
Flexibility in Scheduling
- The frequency of visits is updated regularly based on healing progress and any changes in condition
- If the wound worsens or a complication arises, the care plan is adjusted for more frequent or urgent visits
Ongoing Communication
- Nurses remain in touch with doctors, therapists, and family to provide updates and adjust the care plan as necessary
For a full overview of wound care schedules at home, visit our Wound Care resource page or consult your home health provider.
