Colusa Regional Medical Center,
Caring for our Community

Caring for a Loved One at Home

Many of us are unprepared for a sudden health crisis in the family.  This can be a life altering event for both the afflicted as well as close family members. While we all might want to take an active role in the healing of a loved one, and know that most of us would prefer to heal at home surrounded by a loving family, caring for a loved one at home can present a daunting challenge to even the most committed family member. The healing provided by close family members may be essential in the rapid and complete recovery of a loved one, but such help often requires the assistance of qualified outside resources.  If a loved one needs routine or periodic at-home care for any health related issues, a home health care agency or professional can be of great assistance and could save you money and aggravation in the long run.

The need for home health care has grown for many reasons. Medical science and technology have improved. Many of today’s most successful treatments that were once only available in the specialized environment of an acute care hospital can now be successfully performed in the home setting, with appropriate assistance. Also, home health care can be less expensive and can often be just as effective as care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. And just as important, most patients and their families prefer to stay at home under the care and comfort of family rather than be in the less familiar surroundings of a hospital or nursing home.

Along with the doctor, the home health staff creates a comprehensive assessment of health and social needs for the patient, the family and informal care-givers in a written plan of care. The goal of the plan is to promote and restore health and independence through the provision of direct skilled nursing care in the comfort of the patient’s home. Patients and their families experience a sense of wellness and peace when medical services are provided in a healing environment in their own home.  Home health professionals collaborate with the patient, their physicians and family members to coordinate all services including disease management, individualized health education for disease management and self-care. 

Though some healthcare agencies only provide health services, others also can provide personal care services as well.  Home health agencies licensed in California can administer medication, injections and provide wound therapy among other essential medical procedures.  Most agencies offer multilingual staff and interpreter services. 

Since most home health care is temporary and part-time, patients their family and informal care-givers need to learn how to identify and care for an array of possible problems, like a patient suffering from confusion or shortness of breath. The home health staff provides educational information to continue to meet the individual needs of the patient, including medication, wound care, therapy, and managing the stress of both the patient and the family care givers.

The goal of short-term home health care is rehabilitation. It helps the patient get better, regain their independence, and become as self-sufficient as quickly as possible. The goal of long-term home health care (for chronically ill or disabled people) is to maintain the highest level of ability or health, and help the patient learn to live with their illness or disability.

Home Health works with your doctor and a team of healthcare professionals to provide a variety of services which could include some or all of the following:

Medical Social Worker

Assesses social, emotional and financial problems and provides coordination of community resources and long term care planning. 

Physical Therapy evaluates safety of the home environment and the patient’s physical strength and mobility.  They develop rehabilitation plans to restore function and teach patients and caregivers physical exercises and activities to achieve maximum independence at home.  A Physical Therapist can recommend medical equipment and home modifications to promote safety and independence at home.

Occupational Therapy evaluates the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, home maintenance, and meal preparation.  The Occupational Therapist initiates a rehabilitation plan to restore activities of daily living, and trains patient and caregivers in the use of assistive devices to promote independence.

Speech Therapy evaluates speech and swallowing abilities and establishes a therapy regime for restoration of cognitive functioning, swallowing deficits and communication skills.

When other skilled services are required and, when necessary, a Certified Home Health Aide provides short-term personal care and support services for bathing, dressing, skin care, using the bathroom, getting out of bed, eating and other activities of daily living under the guidance of the registered nurse or therapist.  They can help with light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and cooking.

Maternal Newborn skilled nursing care is tailored to maintain the health of new mothers and newborns after delivery.

Palliative Home Care is a comprehensive multidisciplinary palliative care program to provide supportive medical, social, emotional and spiritual services to those approaching end of life or a chronic life threatening illness.

Hospice care is appropriate when a person is no longer seeking curative treatment for his or her terminal disease. The focus shifts from cure to symptom control and comfort care. A patient can be referred to hospice by anyone. A person is eligible for hospice once he or she is certified by a physician as having a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less.

Home Health can include Psychiatric Nursing for mental health care in the home.

Telehomecare is a new home health care monitoring system using the latest computer technology to allow home health video visits to reach patients in rural locations.

All home health services should be performed by local licensed, qualified, and insured professionals.  Be sure to check the health care provider's certification and references before committing to their service.  Most home health care is covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal and most major insurance plans. 

For more information on Home Health Care, to request a clinical home assessment or for community referrals contact Elizabeth Tennant, Director of Colusa Regional Medial Center Home Health at (530) 458-2075.  Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask for a free copy of booklets that can help you understand home health and Medicare coverage.