Going home feels good, especially when you’re coming from the hospital. And, in an effort to protect patients from Covid-19, medical professionals are speeding up the discharge process to get people home, where they are better protected from the virus.
“There is a time to be in the hospital; when you need a higher-level of 24/7 care,” says Nancy Larson, Director of Our Lady of Peace Community Hospice and Home Health Care. “But a lot of people don’t realize that home health care is available when they go home, and it’s covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and HealthPartners.
Nancy says there is no doubt that people sleep better in their own bed with uninterrupted sleep, and they recover faster in a familiar environment, surrounded by the people they love. But depending on the level of care their loved ones can provide, home health care may be necessary, and it’s a good option. “Now that technology has improved and equipment is smaller, we can do everything that can be done in the hospital, from blood draws to x-rays, wound care, and dispensing medication. We can also provide Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy.”
Courtney Baires Escobar is a registered nurse (RN) with Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home Health Care who loves helping people. “Most people don’t realize that there are a lot of resources out there to help them recover at home,” she says. “It’s wonderful to give my patients the opportunity to remain in their home.”
Courtney’s patients are all ages, from the youngest, a 19-year-old recovering from a car accident to older adults whose adult children find peace of mind with professional care. “I remember a patient who was receiving cancer treatment,” says Courtney. “She wanted to attend her granddaughter’s wedding, so my goal was to manage her symptoms, build her strength and keep her motivated to get there. I’m happy to say, she made it.” Eventually, the patient was transferred to hospice in her home, where Courtney continued to care for her.
“I was able to be with her and give her the best quality of life possible.”
Nancy and Courtney believe we will see virtual home care in the future because the pandemic has shown us what is possible. “We can virtually support, educate, and assess physical issues with good outcomes,” says Nancy Larson. “This is very good news for people in rural areas.”
Home health care nurses are also a good resource, connecting patients with social workers who can help direct them to additional services, such as meal preparation, and 24-hour care providers. If you or a loved one could benefit from home health care, our team would love to serve you. If you would like to learn more, we would be happy to talk with you.