Key Points

Before you go on a home visit, you must plan and have a clear purpose for visiting. Plan to visit those households with known infections last to reduce the risk of carrying the infection from house to house. Start with homes that have mothers with new babies. Aim to visit 10-15 household’s per month. A home visit should take approximately 20 minutes.

1. Agree in advance on a time for your home visit with the household members

2. Review the profiles of who is living in the home; what are their ages and gender

3. Understand the existing public health issues in the household

4. If first visit, plan for a comprehensive home and environment assessment and document your findings

5. Study records of previous visit.

6. Prepare an update of the status of any issues raised or actions from previous visits

7. Prepare and take your home visit kit that includes basic first aid supplies and soap

8. Plan and take necessary materials to facilitate health education sessions; also, be prepared to respond to family requests for health education during the visit