There’s probably nothing that brings more dread in my heart in home health care than bed bugs. Even if I can’t see them, the evidence that they are near is often clear. One thing I have learned through all my experiences with bed bugs is that no one wants to admit that they have them. The feelings of embarrassment and shame are too weighty–even when bugs are crawling on everything and everyone.

So I had to think about bed bugs: they cause so much unease, discomfort or itching; they leave traces of themselves all over; they’re not really hidden. This made me think about home health, because the uniqueness of the home care experience is that life is not hidden easily when someone steps into your home. Sure, it’s one thing to step out and go to a medical clinic and put on your best face; but it’s another thing to be seen where you are–at home, in the reality of what you are facing. This is the depth of the intimacy of home health care–there’s little room to hide.

What matters most as clinicians is how we respond to these openings and areas of vulnerability. Are we willing to respond with compassion? Even in the hardest places, are we willing to ask our patients what they need? Are we willing to respect and care for them in their weakness; to encourage and help them when they feel embarrassed or ashamed?

Home health clinicians have an opportunity to bring compassionate care to each home that they step in, no matter what is hiding beyond the door.

Are you ready?