CHI Franciscan - Highline

FOR SOME, SEEKING CARE at a medical facility is nearly as burdensome as their illness. Franciscan home health services speed healing by meeting patients where they are. "Our home health program provides skilled care for patients who are homebound and would other wise have to receive care in hospitals, or receive no care at all," said Judy Key t, BSN, MBA, director of operations, Franciscan Health at Home. "If home health ser vices weren't available, it would cause considerable rehospitalization and force many people to seek care in our EDs. Many patients wouldn't receive the clinical care that they need." A FOCUS ON TOTAL HEALTH As part of CHI Franciscan Health's integrated approach to care, home health staff includes nurses and physical, occupational and speech therapists to provide ongoing treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes or temporary care following a new diagnosis, accident, illness or surgery. Medical social workers connect patients to community health care resources to provide seamless care, and certifi ed nursing assistants offer support with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. REDUCING THE NEED FOR HOSPITAL VISITS As patients understand their medical needs, they begin practicing preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of rehospitalization. A report from Qualis Health and the Home Care Association of Washington found Washington patients who were referred to home health services but did not seek care were 58 percent more likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days than patients who received home health care. In addition to preventing rehospitalization, home health also helps patients shorten the duration of visits to hospitals and medical centers, saving them money and allowing them to heal at home. By remaining in their preferred settings while still receiving quality medical care, patients heal faster and remain more independent. HOME IS WHERE THE HEALTH IS Home health emphasizes education to enable patients to manage their own care. JUDY KEYT, BSN, MBA PATIENTS WHO WERE REFERRED TO HOME HEALTH SERVICES BUT DID NOT SEEK CARE WERE TO BE REHOSPITALIZED WITHIN 30 DAYS. 58% MORE LIKELY 10 CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH /// chifranciscan.org CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH /// chifranciscan.org 10 HOME HEALTH SERVICES AT HIGHLINE MEDICAL CENTER Highline Home Health makes it possible for patients throughout King County to recuperate in the comfort of their own homes, and works with providers across the CHI Franciscan Health system to better meet patients' medical needs. "We provide follow-up care, including dressing changes and therapy for joint replacement," said Carolyn Bonner, RN, BSN, director of Highline Home Health. "Our staff teaches patients to manage chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart failure and lung disease, to minimize side effects from those illnesses and maximize independence." One of the best things about home health services is that, in many cases, there's no cost to the patient. Medicare covers 100 percent of home health costs for its users, and Medicaid and most other insurers also provide coverage for home health. For additional information on Highline Home Health, call (206) 439-9095. CAROLYN BONNER, RN, BSN

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