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Show t ffispoQ Glen Hardwick is a patient who came home from the hospital about 5 months ago following a totSeval hip replacement. eral weeks later he developed an infection of the hip prosthesis, was rehospitalized, and was then ready to be discharged from the hospital. But, he would require extensive I.V. antibiotic therapy, dressing changes, every day twice a day, and monitoring of his condition. Glen had two options: go to a nursing home, or go to his home. Glen chose to return to the comfort of his own home. Sanpete Home Care Services sends a nurse twice daily to provide dressing changes, and care of his hip cavity requiring strict sterile procedure. They monitor his I.V. therapy, and care for a special I.V. access device, draw blood when needed, and report to Physician any changes in Mr. Hardwicks condition. Mrs. Hardwick has been taught how to administer KIm irwls (oik months. Glen also need- Medical Equipment and ed a wheelchair for when Supply, and will bill your he left the home, which insurance for you. was also provided locally by Sanpete Home Care Other services also availServices. able are homemaker or personal care aide for These services are cover- those who live alone at ed by Medicare, and have home and need assisallowed Mr. Hardwick to tance with personal care remain at home rather or housekeeping duties, than spend five to six and are unable to do so months in a nursing home. due to physical limitations. This may be paid for by Similar services are avail- State monies or Medicaid able to patients in their in some instances. home setting if certain crOther services available iteria are met. Sanpete Home Care Services of- are the Rescue Alert sysfers skilled nursing care, tem, instruction and supphysical therapy, home plies for diabetics, ostomy health aide, occupational supplies, incontinent suptherapy, and a social serv- plies, and equipment rentice worker. Medical sup- al or purchase for most plies are also covered in home medical equipment most cases. Terminally ill needs. We also offer free patients, and patients re- bereavement seminars. quiring highly technical We offer availability for probtherapies can now be safely cared for in the lems or home emerhome setting by trained gencies. nurses and therapists. Sanpete Home Care SerDurable medical equip- vices serves Northern and ment rentals or purchases, Central Sanpete County, and some oxygen needs and is located at 14 South can also be supplied by State Street, in Mt. PleasSanpete Home Care Serv- ant. Call the home care 1 , or ices, who operate a small specialists at the I.V. antibiotics, and has done so for several satellite store 24-ho- 462-343- I.H.C. ur The Project Care Coalition would like to thank Glen Hardwick for generously inviting us into his home and for posing for the needed pictures. His "Letter to the Editor" was unsolicited, and we appreciate his efforts, and also his cooperation. Mr. Thank You! office where they take care of supplies, book work and Dear Editor: correlating field services Sanpete Home Health for those who serve the Care program, sponsored in their homes. Intermountain Health patients Care hospitals, performs a The entire staff goes the valuable and outstanding extra mile every day to service to all residents of make sure that each patient's needs are met. Sanpete communities. by Program Director Rick Hall, a Registered Nurse, and four other Registered Nurses correlate and ad ministers this important service. They make sure that ill and homebound pa tients receive the best care both in their health needs and other home care services, which are given by home care aids who perform such duties as patient hygiene, pre paring meals, houseshopping, and other chores to help the recovering patient. -- -- An added plus is the peace of mind and sense of helping their loved ones that the families, them- selves, enjoy. My wife, Anella, has been well supported by all the Home Health Care personnel in her role as longtime care giver during my long illness. Admissions, correlation of the total program, and treatment medically and dressing of wounds are performed by Rick Hail, R.N.; Helen Parry, R.N.; Kathy Jorgenson, R.N.; Ann Mickelson, R.N., and Dianne Neilsen, R.N. Two able congenial la- dies, Dawn Sterner and Joan Olson work in the have been receiving Home Health Care for most of six months due to a total .hip. replacement which became infected. Each member of the staff has gone far beyond their professional responsibility am caring for me and sure this applies to all patients they attend. I I Sanpete can be proud of our Home Health Program. Those involved are knowledgeable, profes-cleanin- g, sional and efficient. More importantly they are caring, willing and cheerful, and maintain a positive attitude that surely enhances the getting well process. I express my appreciation for their attentive care and diligent efforts in my behalf. am sure each of their patients feel as I do. I Everyone in our area should join me in this expression of gratitude to those who serve so un- selfishly to make our lives better. The Home Health Care program is funded by Medicare, Medicaid and private funding. The total costs amount to less than half the cost of receiving these services in an institution. Glen Hardwick. Mt. Pleasant LOOKING TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE Spring 1993 9 |