Definition of Housebound

Patients are eligible for home visits only when unable to leave their home due to physical and/or psychological illness

An individual will not be eligible for a home visit if they are able to leave their home environment on their own or with minimal assistance to visit public or recreational public services

Caldicot Medical Group have developed a definition of housebound in callaboration with GPs and community nurses to encourage people who are able to attend the surgery for their appointments.

It is acknowledged that an individuals needs may change and therefore eligibility for a home visit should be re-assessed on a require basis.

Ultimate responsibility to determine whether a patient requires a home visit by a GP/Advanced Nurse Practitioner/District Nurse rests with the assessing clinician.

Patients assessed as not meeting the criteria for housebound will be expected to attend the surgery.

Implementing the definition of housebound will bring the following benefits:

• More clinical care is delivered in the best setting for deliverying safe care

• Time of clinical teams is most efficiently and cost effectively utilised

• Patients who are not able to travel to the surgery are seen at home in a timely and efficient manner.