Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 11:34 PM

What is home health care? It’s whatever you need, where you need it most

GoldCare audience learns that many people rely on home health services, with excellent "5-star" resources available in our area.

Home health care offers a lot more than you might think. It’s actually just exactly what is needed because home care is tailored to each individual patient. 

“Just know there is a service out there that comes into your home for as long as you need us to,” Amie Head of Medical Centers Home Care told GoldCare 55+ members at their January Lunch N’ learn. 

Some of the things nurses can do for patients in their home include helping with new medications, adjusting to a broken bone and dealing with new diagnoses, such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and COPD. 

“We work under the supervision of your doctor,” Head explained. “We’re in direct contact with your doctor in case something is needed.”

Also comforting is the fact that Home Care nurses are on call 24 hours a day. 

“That’s peace of mind,” she said. 

Occupational therapists are available to help people regain the ability to live the way they want to, such as someone recovering a stroke. They can bring in adaptive equipment to help with difficulties like putting on socks. Certified low-vision therapists can help glaucoma patients overcome poor eyesight with tools like a large remote control, adjustable optical glasses and a talking blood pressure cuff. 

“It helps them stay independent,” Head explained. 

Speech therapists can help stroke sufferers regain speech. Bath aides are available to assist people getting in and out of the bathtub after a surgery such as a hip replacement. A continence care program teaches people to strengthen continence muscles. Social workers can offer resources for emotional issues, transportation or medication that is too expensive. 

“They are very beneficial,” she advised.

A doctor must refer patients for home care. Considered a medical necessity, Medicare and most insurers cover 100 percent of the cost of home service. If a patient does not have insurance coverage, Medical Centers Home Care will work with them so they have what they need. Also, all the arrangements will be taken care of and patients do not have to set up anything. Services can be in place before patients leave the hospital.

Double 5 Star rating

Medical Centers Home Care received a double 5 Star rating – one for good outcomes and one for quality of care. That means anyone sent to provide medical care at home has been checked out and is safe to care for patients. 

Many lucky luncheon attendees got to take home one of several colorful bird houses given away as door prizes at the GoldCare event. If you are 55 or older and would like to take advantage of all the benefits Marshall Medical Centers’ GoldCare 55+ program has to offer, visit mmcenters.com where you can download a membership application, or pick one up in the lobby of Marshall North or South. For more information, please call 256-571-8025 (for Arab area residents 256-753-8025) or email rose.myers@mmcenters.com.

For more information visit Medical Centers Home Care.