A definition of housebound is when a patient is unable to leave their home environment through physical or psychological illness. A patient is not considered housebound if he / she is considered to be able to leave their home with minimal assistance (e.g. unassisted/assisted visit to doctor, dentist, hairdresser, supermarket or social event). Some patients may not be housebound permanently but may be temporary due to consequences of illness.
District Nurses
District Nurses carry out many roles for housebound patients, including:
- General nursing procedures and investigations
- Post-surgery care
- Assessment of patients’ needs
- Care for terminally ill patients
- Loaning of equipment
- Looking after wounds and leg ulcers
- Educating patients about self-care
