nurse home visits

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• Occupational Therapy
• Healthy Aging
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Best Visiting Nurse Services

AccentCare is the best visiting nurse service, with performance ratings above industry standards

One day you or a loved one might need a visiting nurse for medical care in your home. In the United States, it’s a relatively common experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million Americans are treated in their homes every year by more than 12,000 home healthcare agencies. Many people prefer the ease of having medical care in their own home, rather than having to travel to a hospital or doctor's office.

When the time comes, you’ll need to do some research to find a visiting nurse service that fits your personal needs. With that in mind, we reviewed over 40 home healthcare companies to find the best visiting nurse services available.

Best Visiting Nurse Services of 2024

• Best Overall: AccentCare
• Best for Post-Operative Assistance: Elara Caring
• Best Technology: Enhabit Home Health & Hospice
• Best for Specialized Care: Interim HealthCare
• Best for Hospice (End-of-Life Care): ProMedica Hospice
• Our Top Picks

Elara Caring

• Enhabit Home Health & Hospice
• Interim HealthCare
• ProMedica Hospice
• See More (2)

Final Verdict

• How to Choose

Methodology

Best overall : accentcare.

• Services offered : Personal care, behavioral health, rehabilitation, medical assistance, hospice and palliative care, care management, health alert systems
• Number of locations : 260 locations across 31 states

We selected AccentCare as the best overall provider of skilled home health care based on its accessibility (there are over 260 locations) and performance ratings that are above industry standards.

Programs for chronic conditions

Specialized programs, including behavioral health and stroke

Tele-monitoring program for early intervention

Some locations have different names, which can be confusing

Website’s location search page is hard to find

All of AccentCare's agencies are accredited by Community Health Accreditation Partners (CHAP) and have earned an overall 4.6-star quality rating and recognition from the We Honor Veterans program. AccentCare treats over 140,000 patients a year. Along with skilled home health care and private duty nursing, it offers hospice care, personal care services, and care management.

AccentCare also uses technology to supplement visiting nurse home care visits with tele-monitoring that can deliver biometric data (blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose, etc.) in close to real-time to keep the medical support team informed and ready to take action if necessary. AccentCare is the fifth largest provider of skilled home health in the U.S.

Best for Post-Operative Assistance : Elara Caring

• Services offered : Home health care, hospice care, rehabilitation, recovery care, personal care, behavioral care
• Number of locations : 200+ locations across 16 states

Elara Caring focuses on recovery and rehabilitation, excelling in nursing, physical therapy (PT) , occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy . 

Also offers hospice care and behavioral health services

Delivers proactive customized care (CAREtinuum)

Only available in 16 states

Elara Caring's CAREtinuum program, a system that uses predictive analytics to identify patients at risk, sets it apart from other companies for post-operative assistance. For example, Elara’s CAREtinuum Fall Risk Program patients are 72% less likely to return to the hospital due to falling.

Elara Caring offers a wide range of in-home clinical services, treating more than 65,000 patients a day. Along with skilled home health, Elara Caring offers hospice care, personal care, and behavioral care. Its behavioral care supports a wide range of conditions, including depressive/anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar, and other disorders.

Even though Elara only has locations in about one-third of the states in the U.S., it is the ninth largest provider of skilled home health in the country.

Best Technology : Enhabit Home Health & Hospice

• Services offered : Home health care, hospice care, post-operative care, transition program from hospital to home, long-term care
• Number of locations : 355 locations across 34 states

We chose Enhabit Home Health & Hospice for its easy-to-use technology that makes a customer’s online experience simple, with comprehensive information quickly available.

Locations in 34 states

Variety of programs to enhance skilled nursing, including skilled therapy, balance and fall prevention, and orthopedics

Not all locations offer hospice

Website offers Spanish translation, but only portions of the site are available in Spanish

The online software at Enhabit streamlines each step, from referral processing to scheduling to management of physician orders, in order to optimize patient care and attention. This connection between patients, doctors, and in-home care providers makes processes easier and more transparent.

In addition, Enhabit’s web portal provides one-stop access to manage diagnoses, patient history, medications, and plan of care. Enhabit is also able to deliver better care for patients through predictive analysis, to identify potential risks.

Best for Specialized Care : Interim HealthCare

Interim Healthcare

• Services offered : Home health care, senior care, in-home nursing services, respite care, transitional care; at-home physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
• Number of locations : 300+ locations across 41 states

We chose Interim HealthCare for its focus on home care for adults or children with special needs due to an injury or illness.

Promotes a more engaged existence at home for patients and their families

Offers caregivers more than 300 continuing education units

Available in nearly 50 states

Independently owned franchises mean inconsistencies in customer satisfaction

Interim HealthCare's services include care for adults and children who are developmentally delayed or need to use a feeding tube. Specialized offerings include home care for arthritis, multiple sclerosis , joint replacement, hypertension , paraplegia and quadriplegia, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Interim also offers many specialized interactive online training courses and live webinars for specific needs, such as dementia care. Interim HealthCare University provides extensive training resources available for free to employees, including over 300 lessons for both clinical and non-clinical staff and management in areas such as fall prevention, home care technology, and transitioning from a facility.

Interim’s HomeLife Enrichment program looks beyond basic needs to address the mind, spirit, and family as well as the body. The focus is to add purpose, dignity, and self-worth to basic safety and independence.

Interim HealthCare has a network of more than 300 independently owned franchises (employing nurses, aides, therapists, and other healthcare personnel) serving about 173,000 people every year.

Best for Hospice (End-of-Life Care) : ProMedica Hospice

• Services offered : Home hospice care, pain management, spiritual support, comforting treatments, bereavement services
• Number of locations : In 26 states

ProMedica Hospice provides the comfort and quality of life that hospice is known for, with fast and effective responses to patient discomforts such as pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety.

Advance directive not required for hospice care

Fully accredited

Provides employees with training, continuing education, and tuition assistance

Only available in 26 states across the U.S.

ProMedica Hospice has locations in 26 states, offering services such as pain and symptom management therapies. Heartland can provide hospice care in any “home”—including a private home, an assisted living facility, or a skilled nursing center.

While some hospices require a do not resuscitate (DNR) order before providing care, ProMedica (formerly Heartland Hospice Care) doesn’t. In situations where Medicare will be paying for the care, a DNR is not required because the care is considered palliative (providing comfort, instead of a cure or treatment).

ProMedica Hospice develops talent by offering its employees training and education opportunities at many of its locations. For example, its nursing assistant training programs include assistance with the cost of taking a state certification exam.

ProMedica Hospice also offers bereavement services, advanced planning services, and the possibility to grant funds to help offset financial burdens created by terminal illness.

While each visiting nurse service on this list has its strengths, AccentCare is our top pick due to its wide variety of specialized programs and high quality rating. The caretakers at AccentCare are skilled and experienced. Plus, home care visits are supplemented with an advanced tele-monitoring system.

Guide to Choosing a Visiting Nurse Service

When it comes to selecting the best visiting nurse services for you or a loved one, there are several factors you should look for to help inform your decision.

• Accreditation : Home healthcare agencies and companies must be licensed in order to operate in a state. As you research the best visiting nurse services, ensure that the agency you select is licensed in the state you live. Consult with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Joint Commission, which offers accreditation to home health providers.
• Insurance : Check your available coverage and what potential out-of-pocket costs may be by asking any potential visiting nurse service if it accepts your insurance. Often, services take Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or Veterans Administration benefits.
• Services needed : Depending on your needs, you may require more specialized nursing care. For example, visiting nurse services can be tailored to the patient if they need after-surgery care, rehabilitation therapy, medication administration, or personal care and companionship.
• Visiting hours : Many visiting home nurses operate between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. However, depending on the needs of the patient, in-home hours can often be adjusted. Ask a home healthcare provider if they also arrange for evening or overnight visits, should you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a visiting nurse.

A visiting nurse is a skilled medical professional, usually a registered nurse, who oversees all aspects of the medical care you receive at home, as ordered by a physician. This might include evaluating your medical condition and health needs, monitoring your vital signs and assessing risk factors, and administering medication. A visiting nurse is also trained to care for specific conditions such as COPD, diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. They can change dressings for surgical incisions or wounds and provide hospice care .

When your visiting nurse leaves, they make sure that you and your caregivers have the necessary information and supplies to support the plan of care.

Is a Visiting Nurse the Same as a Home Health Aide?

A visiting nurse is a skilled medical professional, while a home aide typically has limited formal medical training and provides services such as help with personal hygiene, meals, and transportation. A home health aide may stay in your home for several hours providing care, while a visiting nurse will stay for a shorter time to perform specific tasks.

Does Medicare Cover Visiting Nurse Services?

If you have Medicare, home health care, such as that provided by a visiting nurse, is covered 100% by Medicare when your doctor certifies that you meet the required guidelines. If you do not have Medicare, consult with your healthcare insurance to determine your policy parameters for coverage, including necessary copayments, if any.

Hospice (including a visiting nurse, if one is on your team) is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veteran’s Health Administration, and private insurance. Although most hospice care is provided at home, it is also available at hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and dedicated hospice facilities.

Always double-check coverage with your insurance provider and ask the visiting nurse service if it accepts your insurance plan.

For this ranking, we looked at more than 40 home health providers. The primary criteria were the number of locations and national footprint, so the ranking would be useful to a large number of people. In addition to reviewing companies' areas of expertise, we also looked at their website interface, navigation, and usability and how they are ranked in areas such as quality care and patient satisfaction by services such as the U.S. government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Home Health Star and Home Health Compare .

AE Pictures / Getty Images

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Home health care .

LexisNexis Risk Solutions. LexisNexis Risk Solutions ranks top home health and hospice providers .

• Skip to main content
• Clinical support programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• LGBTQ+ resources
• Maternity support
• Member support and advocacy resources
• Mental health programs
• Quit For Life
• Real Appeal
• Rewards programs
• Substance use

HouseCalls is check-in care that comes to you

Did you know you can set up a yearly preventive care visit at home.

UnitedHealthcare® HouseCalls — our yearly in-home health and wellness service — is a health plan feature for Medicare and Medicaid members, offered at no additional cost to you. It’s a way to help our members stay on top of their health between regular doctor visits.

Why is a HouseCalls visit a good idea?

Benjamin Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” We agree. The goal of our preventive care visits is to help you maintain your independence and continue doing what you love long into the future. We know there’s no way to prevent all health emergencies and accidents, but we believe that by taking care of yourself, you may be able to improve your odds of avoiding them. That’s where HouseCalls comes in. 

UnitedHealthcare® HouseCalls

Video transcript.

These days, you can have just about anything delivered to your door.

How about a home delivery of good health and wellness? It comes from UnitedHealthcare and is called HouseCalls.

HouseCalls is a yearly health and wellness visit that happens in the privacy of your very own home. No driving to an appointment. No sitting in a waiting room.

Here’s how it works.

Our HouseCalls team finds a time that’s convenient for you and schedules the visit. A health care practitioner, a physician’s assistant, medical doctor or nurse practitioner, comes to you at the scheduled time. The clinician completes a health evaluation, including a physical exam and other important screenings, then YOU decide what happens next.

You can discuss questions to ask your doctor at your next appointment, review instructions from your last doctor’s appointment or chat about other health concerns you haven’t had a chance to talk to your doctor about. Whatever you need.

The visit takes about 45-minutes to an hour – plenty of time to answer your important health questions.

Your practitioner will even send a summary of your HouseCalls visit to your doctor.

And unlike those other home deliveries – there’s no additional cost for a HouseCalls visit, it’s a feature of your medical plan. If you’re in good health or you already see your doctor regularly – you might not think HouseCalls is for you, but it is. Think of it as an extra layer of care – valuable one-on-one time you don’t always get in the doctor’s office.

So, when you get a phone call from our HouseCalls team – take advantage of this great program and schedule your HouseCalls visit. Or just call us and make an appointment!

It’s Easy. It’s Convenient. It’s UnitedHealthcare HouseCalls. 

What to expect during a HouseCalls visit

During a HouseCalls visit, you’ll meet with the same types of professionals you’d see in a doctor’s office — a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. They’ll answer your health-related questions, perform a physical exam and offer a health screening in the comfort of your own home. If you choose, your family members, loved ones or caregivers are welcome to sit in on this visit and ask additional questions. A typical visit will range from 45 minutes to a full hour.

The results of your exam and screening will be forwarded to your primary care provider (PCP) and you’ll receive a summary of your visit in the mail. 

During your visit, here are some typical topics you'll cover

• An overview of your medical history and prescription medications
• Conversations about overall well-being, like how to help you stay active, sleep well and manage stress
• Tips on to help you avoid trip hazards in your home
• Community resources and support

Open the door to the convenience of a medical visit in your home

Meet with licensed medical staff on your schedule, in the convenience of your home. Once they arrive, talk about health concerns at your pace (the visits are focused on you and you alone). Use the results to help coordinate care with your doctor. 

• Be prepared to provide a urine sample during your visit—drink fluids in advance
• Wear shoes or slippers that are easy to remove (your feet will be checked)
• Know where to find medication bottles so they are ready to review 
• If applicable, have blood pressure readings available for review
• If you have diabetes, please provide blood sugar test results, as well as your blood glucose meter 

Remember, at the end of your visit, you’ll receive a personalized checklist of topics to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment. Plus, you and your doctor will receive a mailed summary of your visit.

Want more good news?

HouseCalls is included at no extra cost in most Medicare and Medicaid members as part of your health plan. 1  Schedule at a convenient time and we’ll come to you. 

Call to request a visit 1-866-799-5895 , TTY 711 , Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET

For medical emergencies, call 911. 

Related Content

From simple to complex, we’ll help answer your Medicare questions. Learn more about Medicare

Explore Medicare Advantage Plans from UnitedHealthcare in your area. Shop for a Medicare plan

Make the Most of a Nursing Home Visit During the Pandemic

Keep these tips in mind to bring cheer to your loved one.

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

The Visitors' Guide to Nursing Homes

Nursing home visits are challenging at any time, and even more so during the pandemic. Most nursing homes now have strict visiting rules in place to protect residents from exposure to COVID-19, such virtual, window or drive-up visits (with visitors staying in their cars). Some nursing homes allow for socially distanced outdoor or indoor visits (although indoor visits are limited to isolated areas designated for family, not visits in the resident's room).

Getty Images

No matter what form the visit takes, you’ll want to make the most of the time with your loved one. "It is very lonely for seniors in nursing homes today and they crave validation, fond memories of family events and affirmation of their value and dignity," says Teri Dreher, a board-certified patient advocate and owner of a patient advocate company in Chicago.

Prepare for a Good Nursing Home Visit

Do your homework before the visit. To prepare, you can:

• Find out about the rules and restrictions. Ask what kind of visit is permitted and how much time you're allowed.
• Consider the time of day. Does your loved one need to stick to a schedule of meals or naps that can’t be interrupted? Does the visit need to be coordinated with the weather?
• Ask if you can bring along a friend or a family member, such as your spouse, sibling or child. Visits are a great time for older adults to see their grandchildren , even if it's just through a window.
• Make arrangements for potential challenges. These may include a loved one’s soft voice that you may not hear from 6 feet away in a socially distanced visit or poor hearing that may keep your loved one from understanding you. Nonprescription assistive hearing devices or face masks with a clear “window” (if your loved needs to read lips) can foster better communication.
• Think about questions you'd like to ask staff during the visit. “Make certain all of your questions for the staff are prepared well in advance before you arrive. Make your questions succinct; thank the workers and always be polite. Health care workers in nursing homes today are under a lot of pressure and have more restrictions on their time,” Dreher advises.

Make Observations

During your visit – whether it’s in person, through a window or via video call – take note of your loved one’s health . “Observation, even if just through a window, can give you some idea of your loved one’s physical condition – for instance, if their clothes are clean, if their hair is brushed or if they’ve lost weight ,” says Robyn Grant, director of public policy and advocacy at the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.

Grant says it’s important to observe the facility (for example, is it clean or does it smell?) and staff behavior. “Are they wearing face masks? Are they washing their hands or using hand sanitizer before and after contact with your loved one?” Grant asks.

She also recommends asking your loved about his or her experience in the nursing home, such as:

• Are there enough staff to help you when you need it?
• How do you spend your day? Are you getting outside your room?
• How have your meals been?
• Are staff giving you baths or showers and changing your clothes daily?

What to Do Together

The nature of visiting restrictions may determine what you can do. You may be permitted to stroll or roll (if your loved one is in a wheelchair) around the nursing home grounds. If that’s not possible, perhaps you can still:

• Play a video game (such as a card game) while sitting 6 feet apart. Electronic devices such as iPads can make that work.
• Listen to favorite music together.
• Sing songs on a video call.
• Use a video call to give your loved one a tour of something (your house or yard) or have grandchildren demonstrate an activity they’re involved in (playing a musical instrument, for example).
• Assist your loved one with errands. Make a shopping list together so you can go out and get needed items.
• Present your loved one with something special. Find out what’s permitted in advance, and consider bringing some special sweets, a meal from your loved one’s favorite restaurant or meaningful objects (label them first). “Framed pictures of family members, new pajamas, a soft blanket and favorite magazines are nice gifts. Anything you can do to bring love and joy will be very appreciated,” Dreher says.

How do you decide what to do? “Take cues from your loved one and let them guide the visit,” Grant advises. “Remember the visit is about them and their needs.”

What to Talk About

Conversation will take center stage during your visit, even if your loved one isn’t able to chat much anymore. Some guidelines:

• Express positive emotions. “Tell your loved one how good it is to see them, how much you’ve missed them and how much you’ve thought of them,” Grant recommends. “If they're excited to talk to you, let them lead the conversation.”
• Keep it light. “Try to keep the visit social and not bring up stressful topics,” Dreher suggests.
• Be aware of who's steering the conversation. "If they're excited to talk to you, let them lead the conversation. They may just enjoy sharing their thoughts and experiences. Alternatively, if they're quiet or withdrawn, you can lead the conversation, sharing positive experiences and thoughts," Grant advises. "Try to answer the questions they ask and remember to keep the focus on their needs."
• Reminisce about happy times , such as previous holidays, special milestones or nice things the person has done for you in the past that you still appreciate.
• Bring your loved one up to date about positive things happening in your life or your family members’ lives. Let your loved one know what’s happening outside of the nursing home walls so they can feel involved in your life.
• Remind them of things they can look forward to. Having an eye on something positive in the future brings purpose and helps people get through tough times.

If your loved one wants to talk about something serious, listen and show empathy. It could be a helpful cathartic moment for them.

Some Final Advice

Remember that your loved one is in a nursing home because he or she is frail and needs lots of assistance to get through the day. Try to be gentle:

• Be sensitive to memory changes . If your loved one has any cognitive impairment, don’t press them about people or past experiences if they don’t remember. If they repeat themselves or ask the same questions, be patient.
• Make a "soft" exit. It can be hard to leave when your visiting time is over. Consider coordinating your visit with an upcoming activity, such as a nap or lunch. Once your loved one is absorbed in what's happening, your departure won't feel so upsetting.
• Share feedback with staff. Report any concerns to a nurse or go up the chain of command to the nursing director or administrator.

And schedule another visit soon. It will bring meaning to your loved one and give them a reason to keep going, especially during the pandemic.

The Best Ways for Nursing Home Residents to Stay Active

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our  editorial guidelines .

Dreher is the president of NShore Patient Advocates LLC in Chicago.

Grant is the director of public policy and advocacy at the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.

Tags: senior health , nursing homes , caregiving , aging , family health , senior citizens , health , health care , assisted living

Most Popular

Senior Living

Senior Care

Best Assisted Living Communities

health disclaimer »

Disclaimer and a note about your health ».

Sign Up for Our 3-Day Guide to Medicare

Confused about Medicare? We can help you understand the different Medicare coverage options available to help you choose the best Medicare coverage for you or a loved one.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

When medicare nursing home coverage ends.

Understanding what happens when Medicare ends its coverage for skilled nursing care is crucial for the well-being of your loved ones. In this informative guide, we'll walk you through what Medicare covers, when the coverage ends and options for what to do.

Ruben Castaneda and Paul Wynn Jan. 19, 2024

Nursing Homes vs. Assisted Living

Learn about the key differences between nursing homes and assisted living communities to determine which is the best option for your loved one.

Payton Sy Dec. 7, 2023

Nursing Home Statistics

Learn about what nursing homes are, who lives in them and how much they cost.

Elaine K. Howley Nov. 30, 2023

FAQ: How We Rate Nursing Homes

In 2023-2024, ratings were determined by nurse staffing, patient outcomes and whether steps known to be effective in avoiding harm and improving health were built into nursing home routines.

Zach Adams and Chelsey Wen Nov. 14, 2023

Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes

The use and ethics of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes is an ongoing discussion. Learn why these medications are sometimes misused and how can you advocate for your loved one.

Elaine K. Howley Nov. 13, 2023