Health Visitor Home Visits

[RoseDeer]

Hi guys , I was just wondering if HVs still did home visits? Only reason I'm asking is because we're a family of 4 squished into a 1 bedroom flat. We've had to make sacrifices and we don't really have a living room. I'd have nowhere for them to sit or anything. I'm anxious they'll ask and I know you're not allowed to refuse so I just let them see the mess we call a home ?

Yes they do, but you can refuse, you can opt out of health visiting if you like. It's an optional service. I wouldn't opt out just because you have a small flat though, they will be well used to that.

I'm happy to go see them at the centre whenever but it makes me uncomfortable having people in the house. My babies 10 month old now so when would they ask?

Unlikely. I opted out with my second after a few months purely as she's my second, she's healthy as a horse and developing brilliantly. My first was a different story...

This is your fourth, you can just say you're happy with her development and growth. It's an optional service. The only time they visited me was at my request with my first, and for the post birth check with my second.

They do, but usually it's during pregnancy, straight after birth, if you're struggling to get out of the house or if they have no baby weighing clinic where they can see clients.

In my experience, they tended to only do home visits in those initial couple months. After that, any visits were in the surgery or by phone.

That being said, they are health visitors, they will have seen people in their bedrooms before. It won't be a big deal, but you can do whatever makes you comfortable. Request to see them in the surgery or to stop by a local baby weighing clinic or opt out altogether.

He's my first, there's dad , me , my son and he has an older son that isn't mine.

I was always told if you opted out , social services would be involved?

The last time I saw them was at 6 months and it was like flying start centre. I think they said they see me again at 15 months.

I dont mind seeing them , just not here. I'm more than grateful for the advice and everything.

Didn't you see a midwife at home in the days immediately after you had your baby?

Yes , I should have probably mentioned he's 10 months now but I've heard from people that they sometimes come to the house that's all. At the time we were living at in laws. Alot more room.

The HV only tend to come to your house in the early days when you get signed off by the midwife and handed over to the HV team. Most people then just have one visit, and after that you go to the local centre if you want to see them.

So, given the age of your baby, you'd only ever see them at the local centre, unless you need or ask for a lot more support from them.

What's made you suddenly concerned the health visitor will want to visit after 10 months op? They come in the early days and usually sign most people off unless there's concerns, i only saw them once each time with my dc. Unless something has happened with your dc that makes you think you're going to have someone turning up at your door, I think you're unlikely to see a health visitor for this dc again unless you take them to the clinic.

Thank you

Lovely of you to just assume something. I'm a first time mum ,It was a general question and I'm an anxious person. My baby is absolutely fine thank you.

Sorry the thank you was to you

Depends where you live as to what they do I suppose. In my area the HVs come out in the early days then at 1 and 3 for reviews. No option to be seen elsewhere here. But you can opt out of the service if you like.

I'm really surprised that you've not seen a health visitor in the last 10months! Mine would have been in touch every few weeks initially for weigh ins and then for a 6-9 month review and then a year review. Is there a clinic you normally go to for these things?

I wouldn't worry to be honest, with COL people are having to do what they can to make things work more than ever and a health visitor should understand that. If the home is clean and safe that's the main thing. I was nervous about having the hv visit because I've a large bouncy dog and she was totally fine with it, didn't ask to see round my house or anything. It's an optional service but it's a good service, my hv was lovely and very reassuring and supportive when ds had some feeding and weight issues. I know some people struggle with their hv but I wouldn't opt out with your first. Maybe you could ring her and explain the situation first? If you're waiting on bigger housing or something they may even be able to help with that.

He's been seen by a HV and then at 6 months at a flying start centre. My question was after that do they come to the house

They aren't there to judge you but in our case they came only a couple of times in the first week or two, then after that we had to go to the health centre.
We had in laws staying and their bed was in the lounge squashed in by the sofa and the was no question about any issues, they just needed enough space for the weighing scales to set up, and to see the baby's skin and check them out.

My HV comes to my house, we also have had phone appointments and we have my daughters next assessment in their health centre. They have seen my house in all states of chaos and never passed judgement. I had severe depression and saw them every 2 weeks.

I would absolutely ask to see them elsewhere or have phone appointments depending on what is appropriate but also don't feel like they will judge you. They might be able to offer support with managing to live as you are too. It can't be easy and you might find that they are a listening ear. I have seen our HV to have a moan about being a parent as much as my daughters wellbeing - which does tie in with the moan about parenting due to my daughters health issues

They may offer to come to your house if it has been flagged that you may need some extra support. If that's the case I'd call them and tell them you're a bit cramped and could you meet at the centre.

I'm an HCP and have seen all sorts of living arrangements. I've offered support to get people better housing but never 'reported' anyone for being over crowded.

I only ever saw a hv once at home - that was soon after the birth. They were never in contact again.

They only do home visits in the early days IME. The checks will be at clinic.

You absolutely can refuse the home visits and go to children's centres for them. You can decline the service completely if you wish