Transitioning to Home Infusions
4 tips to help you plan
Getting infusions at home instead of at a hospital or an infusion center can be a big change. It’s also a transition with a lot of moving parts. With home infusions, you will be responsible for receiving and storing your medication for the infusion.
It’s helpful to know what’s ahead so you can be prepared. Here are four tips to help with the transition.
1. Locate the right resource
Once your doctor has determined that home infusions are appropriate for you, the first step is to find a home health agency that can provide your infusions. Your CareConnect team will help you with this process. It may take some time, but they will support you as everything is set up and you are ready to begin treatments in your home.
2. Store your supplies
Before your home infusion takes place, you will be mailed a large box of medical supplies and a smaller box with your medication for the infusion. When your medication arrives at your home, it will need to be refrigerated immediately. To ensure that no items are spoiled or missed:
It is important that you are at home to receive the shipments.
Be sure you have enough space in your refrigerator to store your medication and any medical supplies that have special storage instructions.
Check the contents against the shipping list to make sure you received all the correct supplies.
3. Prepare space and time
When the home health agency nurse arrives at your home, you should provide a clean workspace that is relatively free of clutter, such as a table or countertop. The nurse will use this area to prepare your medication for the infusion.
If your doctor has prescribed pre-medications for you, you may need to take these prior to your infusion. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about pre-medications or have questions about medication timing.
Keep in mind that the first infusion at home may take longer than at an infusion center or hospital. The home health agency nurse will need to perform a clinical assessment, check over your supplies, review your therapy orders, and discuss your unique infusion process with you.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: During the infusion, always be sure to let the nurse know if you experience any changes in how you’re feeling, such as if you get chills, flushed, or a stomachache. These may be signs of a reaction.
4. Plan ahead
If you know you’re going to miss an infusion, let your nurse or the home health agency know and discuss any changes to your infusion schedule with your doctor. Reschedule the infusion as soon as possible to remain on track with your treatment regimen.
For more tips on what to expect with your first home infusion, see our article, “Your First Home Infusion”.
For any questions you may have about your infusion or other aspects relating to your treatment, your CareConnect team is just a phone call or email away. Call 1-800-745-4447, option 3 or email info@CareConnectPSS.com.