Registered Nurses help improve the patient's condition or to maintain the patient's condition and prevent it from getting worse.  RNs can also meet with patients shortly after they are discharged from the hospital.  The duties of home healthcare nurses range from taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, and temperature) to assessing health progress and needs. Home healthcare nurses change dressings on wounds and observe how well patients can perform certain tasks that may be hampered by a condition or by having surgery.


Physical Therapy specializes in improving functional independence and often includes establishing a home exercise program designed to improve mobility, strength, range of motion, and pain management. Physical therapists may also educate caregivers with the goal of expediting healing and preventing re-injury.


Occupational Therapy specializes in treatment to assist in regaining lost motion and in restoring the ability to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating, after an accident or illness. This therapy often includes establishing a home exercise program designed to improve strength and range of motion. Occupational therapists can also assess whether or not assistive devices (walkers, shower benches, etc.) would be beneficial to the client. If these devices are deemed necessary, the therapist can help find and order the right equipment for each client’s specific needs.


Speech Therapy specializes in the treatment of swallowing, speech, and language disorders. It may include physical exercises to strengthen the muscles used in speech (oral-motor work), speech drills to improve clarity, or sound production practice to improve articulation.