BackThe Best Home Health Agency- It's YOUR Choice!
Article submitted by Sarah Wilde, RN/V.P. Customer Services at Synergy Home Care.
For more information, she can be reached at 225-201-1235 or Central Referral Intake, 800-583-7897.
Today approximately 225 Home Health providers are in the state of Louisiana delivering home care services to individuals who require services because of acute illnesses, long-term health conditions, permanent disability, or terminal illness. Home care is a humane and compassionate way to deliver health care and supportive services within the comfort of the patient's home.
A physician must order the skilled services needed for the patient and oversee the plan of care, but the choice of the home health agency is yours!
The home health agency should be Medicare-certified. Such an agency has met federal minimum requirements for patient care and, therefore, can provide Medicare and Medicaid home health services. Requirements may include, adhering to patient's rights and confidentiality, coordinating patient care with the physician and a team of skilled medical professionals; maintaining medical records, documentation of care standards and licensing of professional staff.
The home health agency should be able to provide the particular service you require to meet your need(s). Registered and Licensed Practical nurses provide skilled services such as injections, IV therapy, education on disease treatment/prevention and patient assessments. Some agencies, such as Synergy Home Care, offer specialized nursing, such as a RN, WOCN (wound ostomy certified nurse) or psychiatric nursing. Other professional personnel important to the complete management of the home care patient are Social Workers, Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists. Certified nursing assistants provide help with the patient's activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing. They work under the supervision of the RN who manages the care plan of the patient as ordered and out lined by the referring physician. Visits are generally made during the day, but the nurse should also be available after hours and for urgent situations.
Educating yourself is the best way to make the most informed decisions and knowing which agency meets your individual needs enhances the likelihood of a successful recovery.