The home visiting:
- It should have a purpose.
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It must be based on need and the permission of the client.
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It should have a plan.
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Necessary resources should be available.
Advantages:
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The family would be met in an environment familiar to them, where they are more relaxed to communicate easily than at hospital or clinic facilities,
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All family members can be seen and assessed by one person at one visit,
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The health workers, who know the neighbourhood, are aware of local problems, priorities, customs, difficulties and resources,
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High-risk families can be identified and visited as a priority,
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The health workers can observe, assess and act upon obvious and latent health problems. The assessment includes the condition of the family's personal, hygiene, water supply, sanitation, waste disposal, food handling and storage, etc. It is more accurate as the visitor observes with him/her own eyes,
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Better understanding and a good relationship is established with the family members.
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Advice will be practical and suited to the family's needs.
Limitations:
- It is time-consuming.
- A limited equipment can be carried to the house.
- The appointment might not be respected.
- If there is a problem in the home, the visit may not be successful.
- Certain homes may be geographically inaccessible.