Times have changed. Ten years ago, even a minor medical procedure like a lumpectomy to check a breast lump for cancer meant a hospital stay. Complex surgery meant longer stays. Now minor procedures are routinely done on an outpatient basis and patients undergoing surgery can be discharged early. The needs of many recovering patients may be more than family or caregivers can handle. Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (PMMC) offers the region's only hospitalbased, skilled home care program.
Healing at home means faster, better recovery
"Hospital-based home care is actually a continuation of a patient's hospital care," explains Cheryl Barr, RN, director of home care at PMMC.
"We've created a team approach that is focused on speeding recovery, lowering the risk of readmission and regaining functionality."
PMMC's Home Care RN case manager knows a patient's care plan, communicates with doctors and therapists and reviews the patient's progress. A nurse or therapist comes to the home to teach the patient about wound care, medications and special equipment.
"Sometimes patients make themselves homebound because they can't cope with their condition," explains Cheryl. "Even using a walker requires some coaching. And it's easy to mix up medications. So our support and training can really improve their quality of life."
On average, nurses and therapists visit two to three times a week for about three to six weeks. "Anyone can request skilled home care," says Ms. Barr, "but to qualify you must be homebound and require skilled nursing care on a short-term, intermittent basis. And care plans must be overseen by a doctor."
The hospital's Home Care program is covered by most insurance, including Medicare and meets all Medicare guidelines. PMMC is also the only hospital home care service in the area accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO.)
If you or someone you know needs skilled care at home, call 610-327-7216.
Feel good about skilled care at home
Hospital-based care helps patients feel confident about their recovery. It also:
- Speeds recovery
- Is easier on families
- Decreases risk of readmission
- Eases depression
- Encourages independence
- Improves quality of life
- Costs less than hospitalization
Skilled Care Services offer the following assistance:
- Home assessment by a registered nurse and intermittent skilled nursing visits for treatment of illness or injury
- Training to family members or other caregivers to assist in treatment
- Home Infusion Therapy: Administration of medications, nutrients or other liquids intravenously, under the skin or into the digestive system (with a physician's approval)
- Enterostomal Therapy: Treatment for wounds or surgical openings in the body, which discharge body waste
- Physical Therapy: Guided exercises and manipulations
- Occupational Therapy: Exercises and training to maximize patient independence
- Speech Therapy: Support to overcome or adapt to changes in speech and/or language or to manage swallowing disorders
- Home Health Aides: Supervised aides who help with personal care needs
- Medical Social Worker: Provides access to community resources
PMMC's Home Care has registered nurses on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you with your healthcare needs.
For more information, call PMMC Home Care at 610-327-7216.
