Past the Big Oak Tree

Article submitted by Sharon Cummins, RN of Caring Plus Home Health - an agency that serves 6 counties. For further information, call (719) 544-4197.

Go three miles and turn right at the big oak tree. Keep going until you pass the old car in the field, then turn left at the cattle guard." These are the type of directions that one gets for those people living in the rural areas of Southern Colorado. At the end of that long drive with bumps and curves and a little bit of uncertainty, you will find a person who has just had a coronary artery bypass surgery, or a repair of a broken hip, or severe cellulitis, or an open wound requiring dressing changes. The people who live in these areas have a lot in common, including the fact that they are isolated from a lot of the services that they need in time of crisis or illness. They manage the best that they can... but when they are ill, it is difficult. It is compounded when one lives alone or the spouse is as ill or feeble as yourself. Most of the time, the resources are available but the rural citizens do not know how, or where, to tap into them.

There are home health agencies who include these areas and are eager to service those people needing skilled care. The skilled nurse or therapist is able to direct those rural clients to the companies, agencies, social services that are needed and will improve their situation. The rural citizen should be able to receive the help or services that they need no matter where they live.