After a hospitalization, an illness or later on in life, some patients require additional medical care and attention in the comfort of their own home. Unfortunately, their family members can’t always be the ones to provide them with this assistance. That’s when Home Health services can be most effective.

According to the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, about 12 million individuals in the U.S. require some form of Home Health care, and more than 33,000 providers exist in the industry today. About two-thirds of all Home Health recipients are older than 65 years old, the Association reports, and chances of infection are less likely in the home than at a hospital or nursing home.

The main goal of the Home Health professionals, including the Home Health team at Prowers Medical Center, is to assist patients in getting better, helping them to become more self-sufficient and to regain their independence.

November is National Home Care & Hospice Month, and now is a great time to consider if Home Health services could benefit you or someone you love.

“Our goal is to provide high-quality, personal and compassionate care,” said Micaela Aguilera, Registered Nurse and Home Health Administrator at Prowers Medical Center. “Home Health care is designed to meet our patients’ needs by offering personalized service in the convenience of their homes.”

When is Home Health Necessary?

According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Home Health care is as effective as any care patients receive in a hospital or skilled nursing facility — only it is typically more convenient and less expensive.

“Sometimes people, especially the elderly, just need a little bit of help with medication management to remain in their home,” Aguilera explained. “Someone may need rehab so they can return to their previous level of independence following an illness or a hospital stay. There could be a new diagnoses or medications which may require teaching from a licensed professional. This is where we can help.”

Home health professionals at Prowers Medical Center provide the following services:

  • Wound care (for pressure sores, surgical wounds, etc.)
  • Diabetes care
  • Patient and caregiver education
  • Medication evaluation and management
  • Rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy

“We utilize the Rehabilitation Department to provide Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy,” Aguilera said. “Prowers Medical Center Home Health is the only agency in the area that provides all of the above-mentioned services.”

It’s important to remember that Home Health is not the same as Hospice. Hospice care is more focused on end-of-life care for patients with a terminal illness and life expectancy of six months or less. Home Health services simply allow individuals to receive professional medical assistance while living at home, rather than in a hospital or nursing home setting.

“One of the most important benefits of Home Health is that you can trust that your loved one is receiving one-on-one care at all times,” Aguilera said. “Medicare/Medicaid covers Home Health if the patient meets eligibility criteria.”

Home Health at Prowers Medical Center

Prowers Medical Center Home Health is a Medicare-certified Home Health agency licensed by the State of Colorado. Only skilled services are provided; the team does not provide other services such as house cleaning, meal preparation or personal care.

The Home Health staff consists of six Registered Nurses (one of whom is the Home Health Manager), one Certified Nursing Assistant and one office administrator.

“A majority of the Home Health nurses were born and raised in the southeast Colorado region, and they have strong roots and ties to their community,” Aguilera said. “We are all proud to be a part of a team that provides care to our community residents. Our staff forms special bonds with our patients, always going the extra mile.”

Prowers Medical Center makes the transition into Home Health services as seamless and efficient as possible for its patients.

“One thing to keep in mind is that if your loved one is in the hospital and they require therapy, they can transition with the same staff from hospital therapist, to Home Health therapist, then to outpatient therapist,” Aguilera concluded.

If you have any questions about Home Health services at Prowers Medical Center, or to find out if Home Health is right for you and your family, call (719) 336-6881 or (719) 336-6882 for more information.