When someone at home falls ill or returns from hospital, families often do not know what to ask for. A doctor, a nurse and an attendant do different jobs, and choosing the right one saves time, money and worry.
Key points
- A doctor decides what is wrong and what treatment is needed.
- A nurse carries out medical tasks such as dressings, injections and tube care.
- An attendant helps with daily living, such as bathing, feeding and moving safely.
- Many patients need a combination, and the mix often changes during recovery.
What a doctor does at home
A doctor examines the patient, works out the likely cause of a problem, decides on treatment and tests, and reviews medicines. A doctor home visit suits a new symptom, a fever that is not settling, or a check-up for someone who finds travel difficult.
What a home nurse does
A nurse carries out medical tasks that a doctor has advised. This is the right choice when the need is a procedure or regular monitoring rather than a diagnosis.
- Dressing wounds and checking healing
- Giving injections and prescribed IV medicines
- Caring for urinary catheters and feeding tubes
- Checking blood pressure, sugar, temperature and oxygen level
- Supporting recovery after surgery or a hospital stay
What an attendant does
An attendant helps with everyday living: bathing, feeding, using the toilet, moving safely and keeping company. This is care support, not medical treatment. A patient who is medically stable but needs help with daily tasks may only need an attendant.
How to decide
- New symptoms or an illness that is getting worse: start with a doctor
- A dressing, injection, catheter or tube prescribed by a doctor: a nurse
- Needs help with bathing, feeding or moving but is medically stable: an attendant
- Recovering after surgery: usually a doctor’s review plus a nurse for dressings, and an attendant if movement is limited
Why the plan changes over time
The first days after discharge usually need the most care. Later, fewer nursing visits may be needed. It helps to review the plan every week or two and change it as the patient improves. For ongoing needs, see our care plans.
When a hospital is the better choice
In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Sudden weakness, a drooping face or slurred speech
- Heavy bleeding
- Fainting, a seizure or being hard to wake
- A patient who is getting worse quickly
Frequently asked questions
Can one person provide both nursing and attendant care?
The roles are different. Medical tasks should be done by a trained nurse, while daily support can come from an attendant or a trained family member. Ask what each person is trained to do before you book.
Do I need a prescription before a nurse visits?
For procedures such as injections, IV medicines, catheter or tube care and dressings, a doctor’s advice or prescription is needed. If you are unsure, a doctor visit can settle this first.
Can I start with a single visit?
Yes. A single visit is a sensible way to find out what the patient really needs before arranging more.
Not for emergencies. Home healthcare does not replace emergency hospital care. In a medical emergency, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.