Diabetes is ranked second behind congestive heart failure as the primary diagnosis entry into home care.

The role of Star Home Nurses oftentimes begin as patients are discharged from hospitals and rehabilitation centers early in the course of illness which requires more sophisticated nursing management at home. They serve as the liaison among members of the health care team, patients and family members. These nurses eventually develop a complete overview of a patient’s medical regimen and, therefore, responsibility for the coordination of care.

Star Home Nursing believes that adherence to the medication regimen is crucial to good diabetes control. Unfortunately, there are multiple reasons for why patients are unable to take their prescribed medications. Most of the time, it is the lack of knowledge and understanding about when to take certain medications and the importance of taking them at the indicated time. Adherence to the medication regimen is not just dependent on whether a patient will do what is medically indicated, but rather whether the patient has the knowledge, cognitive skills, and physical ability to follow the recommendations.

Our nurses aim to encourage patients to take charge of their diabetes. A perceived loss of control related to homebound status and need for home health services, as well as previous life experiences and familiarity with the more traditional model of medical care may cause these patients to feel ill-equipped to manage their diabetes. With coaching, patients can develop the skills and confidence needed to participate fully in their diabetes management. Patients who are self-directed but physically unable to fully participate in their self-management may need assistance with the process.

Use of motivational interviewing makes a difference in the way our nurses approach behavior modification for their patients. It is not about what a home care nurse or health care provider wants a patient to do, but rather what the patient sees as important and doable. Our paradigm shift is in providing the tools and reasons for change, investigating and negotiating change strategies, assessing readiness for change and identifying the barriers that prevent changes from occurring. The shift is not in promoting patient autonomy, but also educating families to allow patient focused goal setting.

Star Home Nursing helps the patients and their families to cope with this challenge in order to maintain a good quality of life for them.