Home Health
There's no place like home when a person is ill. However, support services may be needed to assure that the best care possible is received. Providence St. Mary Home Health provides the skilled services and the support necessary so that patients who have an acute, chronic or terminal illness can remain at home
The Home Health Service at Providence St. Mary Medical Center is licensed in the states of Washington and Oregon, certified for Medicare and Medicaid, and fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. All services are provided without discrimination.
Providence St. Mary Home Health serves Walla Walla County, and Columbia County in Washington and parts of Umatilla County in Oregon.
Under the direction of the physician, the following professionals work together to provide quality care:
The professional nurse works with the physician to help restore a patient to his/her optimal level of health and functioning by providing assessment, treatment, and education for acute and chronically ill patients. In addition, nurses provide care to alleviate physical symptoms of the dying process.
The physical therapist assists people to improve mobility through exercise programs designed for patients to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Equipment recommendations may be made for assistive devices to aid walking, transfers and wheelchair seating.
The medical social worker's purpose on the health care team is to assess the environment, both emotional and physical. When needed, social workers also offer supportive services to improve the home environment for the patient and the family.
Spiritual support for patients and their families can be provided by Providence St. Mary Medical Center chaplains or by clergy from the patient's own church.
The occupational therapist evaluates arm range of motion, strength and coordination, cognition, self-care abilities, home safety and accessibility in relation to the person's ability to function in the home. The occupational therapist can then instruct the person in the use of adaptive equipment and techniques to facilitate independence and self care. Exercises and activities can be designed to increase range of motion, strength, coordination, and function.
The speech-language pathologist facilitates a person's communication and swallowing processes that have been affected by a CVA (stroke), progressive neurological diseases, developSpeech Therapist: The speech-language pathologist facilitates a person's communication and swallowing processes that have been affected by a CVA (stroke), progressive neurological diseases, developmental delay or by otherSpeech Therapist: The speech-language pathologist facilitates a person's communication and swallowing processes that have been affected by a CVA (stroke), progressive neurological diseases, developmental delay or by other health impairment. The goal is to assist the patient in achieving maximum independence. health impairment. The goal is to assist the patient in achieving maximum independence. mental delay or by other health impairment. The goal is to assist the patient in achieving maximum independence.
Working under the supervision of a registered nurse, the certified home health aide assists with personal care, therapy, exercises and treatments.
Providence offers exceptional skilled care for patients of all ages, with all medical diagnoses, within the comfort of their home.
Persons with shortened life expectancy and those who support them have special care needs. An interdisciplinary team approach is used to meet the patient's medical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs. Professional care services provide symptom management to maximize comfort and enhance feelings of self-worth and well-being. This approach encourages patient participation in decisions affecting his/her living and dying.
Providence St. Mary Home Health provides a full range of services Monday through Friday. When necessary, home health staff will visit patients on weekends, holidays and after hours.
Specialized home health services at Providence St. Mary Home Health include:
- Wound management
- Colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy care
- Diabetic care
- Pediatric nursing
- Blood draws for lab work
- Programs for stroke, total hip, total knee and amputeev
- Pain control therapy
- IV therapy, including central line care for Hickman, Groshong, Port-A-Cath, PICC
- Tube feeding therapy
- Urinary catheter care
- Post-surgical care
For most patients, fees and medical supplies are fully covered by traditional Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance. To qualify for most funding sources, it must be a taxing effort for the patient to leave home. The patient must also need skilled, intermittent care, and have a physician’s order. Patients must also have their basic care needs supported between home health visits. Patients without funding sources may be assisted by Social Services in exploring financial support.
Contact the home health office for more information.
The following services are NOT covered by home health or Medicare:
- Full-time nursing
- General housekeeping services
- Meals delivered to home
- Transportation