Family Care Clinic celebrates home health care

Family Care Clinic staff members Ann Shepard, Lesa Taylor and Carol Stow show their support for National Home Care Month. (Democrat photo/Ryan Rogers) [Click to enlarge]

The staff of Piggott Community Hospital's Home Health joined with health care providers around the country, as well as the National Association for Home Care and Hospice to celebrate November as National Home Care Month.

According to studies, more than 11 million Americans receive home-delivered health care from their providers. Through home health care, many patients are able to maintain their quality of life without the requirement of leaving their homes. The theme for the celebration, "Preserving Health Independence and Freedom," recognizes the importance patients place upon continuing their established daily routines while still receiving medical assistance.

"Caring for the sick, elderly and dying in their homes is truly a privilege for us," RN executive director of PCH Home Health Care Latraca Moore said. "Home care professionals, volunteers and modern medicine make it possible for people to stay in their homes, regardless of their condition."

Through the advancement of technology, home-delivered health care has grown. Modern home care agencies can now offer a wide-range of nursing services, as well as physical, respiratory and speech therapy. Medical equipment is also more readily available for home use. With skilled nursing services, patients can receive care from nurses trained to meet the needs of those with disease and other medical needs, such as special diets and medication.

In Rector, PCH's Family Care Clinic celebrated their role in providing home health care with an open house on Tuesday. Patients and visitors were greeted by the clinic's staff with information and refreshments available.

"We want to let people know more about the services we provide," assistant director Carol Stow said. "We offer several services which can allow our patients to receive the care they need from their own homes."

Family Care Clinic at Rector is operated by Stow and staff members Vickie Gunn, Lesa Miller, Kim Williams and Ann Shepard.

"Home health care is very rewarding because people are so happy to be able to remain in their homes," Taylor, an LPN, said. "It gives them greater comfort and really encourages them to learn more about their medical needs."

Family Care Clinic has been in operation at Rector for eight years. It is located at 715 E. 9th Street. Persons seeking additional information about home health care are encouraged to call Family Care Clinic at (870) 595-2558 Piggott Community Hospital Home Health at 1-800-266-6807.