There's No Place Like Home!
Home health care provides people with health care and health-related services at home with the goal of helping them lead healthier, happier, more independent lives in the comfort and security of their own homes surrounded by loved ones. While the home has been a primary site for caregiving for ages, home health care as we know it now had its beginnings in the 1880s. Today, home health care is the fastest growing segment of the health care industry, providing an ever-growing list of services to people of all ages and walks of life. The home care industry is dedicated to providing high-quality care and support services in the home.

Imagine yourself disabled, too ill to take care of yourself or with a condition requiring regular medical attention. Most people would assume they would be in the confines of a hospital or nursing home. However, you can choose to receive health care at home with the assistance of home health care professionals. Home care is an excellent and cost-effective alternative to hospital care or other institutional care.

Those who may benefit from home care services include the following:

• Those who are able to be discharged from a hospital or nursing home but need additional care;
• Those who are terminally ill and want to die with dignity in the comfort of home;
• Those who have short term health needs;
• Those who need assistance to live independently at home due to age or disability.

Should you be in need for home health care, your contact will be with our Clinical Services Manager, Cindy Griffin.

Home health agencies today provide a full range of health and supportive services that span the full cycle of life. These services include skilled nursing, certified home health aides, medical social services, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, case management, and hospice care to conveniently serve patients at home. Home Health helps patients remain in their home by providing the supportive care that they need.

Advanced technology is opening new horizons in home health care. Infusion therapy, wound care, and pain management are just a few examples of the highly complex health care services that can be delivered at home today. For individuals who need assistance with certain activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and getting in and out of bed, home health agencies can provide home health aides to assist and therapists to help maintain or restore function.

Generally, home health services are initiated when a loved one is unable to care for him or herself due to failing health or recent changes in health. Often a physician, nurse, hospital discharge planner or case manager suggests obtaining professional help at home to assist with your health care needs. All services are provided under the guidance of the patient's doctor and a treatment plan is developed for each patient based on the individual needs and goals of the patient and family. Home health services are delivered in close collaboration with hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers and facilities so that patients move seamlessly from one setting to the next as their needs change.

Patient and family education is an important part of home health care. The involvement of the patient and family members in the treatment plan often improves the effectiveness of the plan. What's more, by working in the patient's own home environment, the health care provider can gain valuable insights to improve treatment and help the patient live a healthier, more independent life at home.

Home care permits earlier hospital discharge, reduces hospital admissions, assists with a more rapid recovery and helps maintain a relationship between the patient and the physician. The patient is often happier at home and receives more personalized care and attention. Home care providers are able to develop a relationship with family and friends which leads to improved care and comfort.

State and federal regulations govern the operation of home health care agencies in Michigan. Medicare is the major payment source for home health care nationally. Home health services are also typically covered by Medicaid, private health insurers, and health maintenance organizations.

Take time to find the best home care agency for your needs. In most communities, families have a variety of agencies from which to choose. In Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, our knowledgeable and compassionate staff at Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice will work closely with you, your family, and your physician to provide you with exceptional care to promote your independence and ability to stay at home. We are your choice for exceptional care in the Heart of the Keweenaw, enhancing the value of keeping families together at home.