Home Health Care is a service that is provided in the home setting. It is initiated under the direction of a physician, by a professional registered nurse or physical therapist. It is usually started after a person is discharged with a new illness, or when an old illness has flared up. Home health provides an array of services including: nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social services, and person care such as bathing, dressing, and custodial assistance. Types of circumstances that require skilled intervention in the home include: wound care, diabetes management, hypertensive monitoring, post stroke care, post operative care, rehabilitative care, as well as many other medical conditions.The home health care patient population ranges from pediatric to geriatric. This service can be paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or private pay. For a free, confidential, professional, in-home assessment or consultation call a nurse at (337) 439-5444.
DOCTOR IN SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Calvin White
Dr. Calvin White serves as medical director for the Home Health Care 2000 Lafayette division. As a medical director, he provides medical direction and administrative services for our agency. Dr. White is a family medicine doctor in Opelousas, LA and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Opelousas General Health Systems and St. Landry Extended Care Hospital. He received his medical degree from University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. White is appreciated and brings great value to our team!
Home Safety For the Elderly - Fall Prevention
One in every three senior citizens over 65 falls each year, and the numbers are even higher for seniors over 75 years. Many of these falls result in serious injuries including sprained or fractured ankles, head or brain injuries and most commonly, hip fractures. Plus, statistics show that those who have fallen once are much more likely to fall again later. When you add up all the numbers, the result is that injuries from falls are the leading cause of admittance into nursing homes. It is no coincidence that we are more likely to fall as we get older. An increase in medical problems and arthritis combined with a decrease in physical activity make us more susceptible. Sometimes the medicines prescribed to treat medical conditions produce side effects that can cause dizziness, loss of balance and general fatigue. Other risk factors include vision loss, memory loss and poor nutrition. Seniors are also prone to osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, which makes bones brittle. So, when they do fall, injuries are more likely. Additionally, recovery time after a fall is much slower for seniors, and once they have fallen they tend to decrease activity in fear of falling again. This fear of falling increases the risk of another fall.
Make sure all hallways and walkways are clear of cords, cables and clutter.
Avoid the use of area rugs and mats, but if they are used, make sure they are backed with a non-skid material and make sure edges are not torn or frayed.
Increase lighting throughout the house.
Have baseboards and door frames painted in a contrasting color for better visibility.
Install railings on all stairways and make sure they are well lit with light switches at both the top and bottom of the staircase.
In the bathroom, place non-skid mats in the shower/tub and have grab bars installed by a professional.
Outdoors, make sure that all yard surfaces including lawns, patios, walkways and driveways are level without cracks, holes or loose bricks.
Have adequate outdoor lighting that turns on automatically with a timer or light sensor.
Have a phone installed in every room of the house or have a cordless phone that can be clipped on and worn always in case of emergency.
Consider a daily “check-in” phone call to a family member or friend at a designated time. That way, if the senior does not call, someone will know to check on him/her. Some local police departments offer a similar program for seniors at no cost.