Memorial Home Health Services: A Caring Touch That Extends Beyond Hospital Walls
June 2004 — Providing at-home treatment to over 2,500 adult and pediatric patients every year in Broward and North Miami-Dade, Memorial Home Health Services provides a continuum of care that extends beyond hospital walls.
This group of dedicated nurses, medical social workers, home health aides, dietitians, support staff and physical, speech, occupational and respiratory therapists help ensure that homebound patients receive the education and assistance they need to best manage their health.
Reaching Out
"Our staff cares for patients who are homebound, yet require the skill of a registered nurse or therapist for ongoing treatment," says Clarice Conti, Administrator of Memorial Home Health Services. "Adult services include cardiac, pulmonary and enterostomal therapy, wound care and psychiatric care, to name a few. In addition, we're one of the only programs in South Florida offering pediatric services that include respiratory therapy, rehabilitative services and cardiac care."
Infusion therapy, including chemotherapy, is available for both adults and children, and the agency recently enhanced their services by developing a cardiac and stroke program.
Due to their commitment to provide a high level of care to patients, the agency consistently ranks in the top 1 to 2 percent nationwide in patient satisfaction, according to Press Ganey.
Continuity of Care
The agency acts as an extension of the hospital when a patient is discharged. "It's our goal to provide continuity of care and prevent the need for Emergency Department visits or re-admittance to the hospital," says Conti.
When a physician prescribes home health care while the patient is still in the hospital, the caseworker is able to assess patient needs and alleviate concerns about the future of their care. "When a patient prepares to leave the hospital, it can be overwhelming to both the family and patient to digest information pertaining to care," says Conti. "Not only do we provide medical treatment and therapy, but we also help to educate patients and families, introducing information gradually so they may better absorb what is necessary."
This information may include medical terminology, diagnoses, the importance of following medication instructions, side effects and when to call the doctor. According to Conti, "After teaching patients, we ask them to repeat the care instructions to us to be certain that they have retained everything."
If you are interested in finding out if you or a loved one qualifies for home health services, speak with your physician. For referral to a physician, call the Memorial Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.