Celebrating National Home Care Month

More than 11 million Americans receive care from home health providers. In their honor, Fallbrook Hospital Home Health and Hospice joins the National Association for Home Care and Hospice in celebrating November as National Home Care Month under the theme “Compassionate Health Care Delivered to Your Doorstep.”

Dr. Manring, Medical Director for Home Health and Hospice, said, “It is a privilege to provide home care services to patients in their homes. The rapport that our staff gains with their patients is unique to the home environment. This team works well together. Many of the employees have been with us for over 10 years, giving their best to this community.”

Today’s modern home care agency offers a wealth of nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling and dietary needs. Medicare is a significant payer for adults over 65 years of age. Third party payers include commercial insurance and managed care organizations.

Fallbrook’s Home Health and Hospice Agencies have been there for the community for 15 years. In the past year Fallbrook Home Health was recognized by the National Hospitalization Reduction Study as a National Best Practice Agency. The nationally reported CMS Home Health Compare Scores for Acute Care Hospitalization placed Fallbrook in the top 10 percent of the most successful agencies in the country for this measure. For further information about skilled intermittent care under the plan of a physician please call (760) 728-1191, extension 378.

Hospice is based on the following guiding principles of palliative medicine:

1. Affirming life and regarding the dying process as a natural part of life

2. Neither hastening or postponing dying

3. Providing relief from symptom distress

4. Integrating care in a holistic approach (physical, psychological and spiritual)

5. Recognizing the family as part of the plan of care and integral component the support system of the patient

Fallbrook Hospital Hospice’s service is an interdisciplinary approach that includes the physician, nurse, social services, volunteers, dietary counseling, chaplain, home health aides and therapists. The goal is palliative comfort care in the patient’s residence. The word “residence” can mean a private home, nursing facility, a board and care facility or a residential care facility for the elderly.

Fallbrook Hospital Hospice offers a free weekly Bereavement Support Group to the community and special programs throughout the year. The winter program, “Holiday Remembrance,” will be held on December 9 at Pala Mesa Resort and a seminar for men on February 12 at Christ The King Lutheran Church. Call (760) 728-1435 for further information.