News : November is Home Health Care Month

During November the home healthcare community honors the nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our health care system and in homes across the nation. To recognize their efforts, we call upon all Iowans to commemorate the power of caring, both at the home and in their local communities and to learn more about what Home Health is all about.

Why home health?
There are many reasons why people may need health care at home. “Some [people] are recovering from surgery or may have a chronic condition requiring ongoing care. Others need therapies or assistance with activities of daily living. Many of our clients want to remain in their own homes, surrounded by family and friends because ‘there is no place like home!’ said Melissa Smith, Director of Home and Public Health.

The VGH Home Health Agency has been a certified Medicare service provider since 1975. We offer a comprehensive array of services.

Our Team & Services:

Registered nurses: The transition from illness, injury, or surgery to independence at home frequently requires the services of a skilled nurse. Some examples of nursing services provided are; administration of injections, diabetic care instructions, Ostomy care, Foley catheter insertion and follow-up care, blood draws, disease education/management, medication management.

Physical therapist, occupational therapists, and speech therapists: The scope of rehabilitation services include: orthopedic care, balance/fall prevention, speech-language disorders, neurological disorders, home safety assessment/teaching, and home exercise programs.

Home Care Aides: A wide range of home services are available from essential Homemaker Services (light housekeeping, laundry, vacuuming, shopping), Personal Services (assisting in personal care hygiene, baths, shampoos, meal preparation, and range of motion exercises).

Community Health: It is our goal to improve the health and promote the well-being of individuals, families and communities through education and service. We promote and encourage healthy behaviors, focus on prevention/protection, assuring quality/accessibility of health services, respond to disaster and assist the community in recovery.

How does it work?
Patients are referred to the Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health Agency through a variety of sources: hospitals, health care providers, family members/friends, or the patient themselves. Coordination with the patient’s medical provider will be completed and our staff will meet with the patient in their home within 48 hours or when the provider requests based upon the patient’s needs. During the first visit and throughout the course of treatment, the nurse will meeting with the patient, evaluate in-home needs, manage care as ordered by client’s medical provider, and provide feedback to the patient’s care team.

Can I do that at home?
Whether it’s maintaining an independent lifestyle at home assisting in recovery post-hospitalization or providing preventative health information, Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health Agency is an important resource for people of every age. Our goal is to provide the support to help our clients remain safely in their home and avoid unnecessary hospitalization.

If you’d like to learn more about Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health, please call 319-472-6360 or visit our website.