Qualified homebound patients can experience expert care from Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital’s Home Health Agency. Nurses visits patients as needed and care for their physical and emotional well-being.

Patients aged 19 or older with disabilities, illness or injuries that keep them homebound can be placed in home health care with a doctor’s referral. Patients are certified for 60 days and can either be recertified or discharged at the end of the period.

According to Diane Lewis, RN and Nurse Manager for the Home Health Agency, most patients stay with the Home Health Agency for two to three certification periods.

“It depends on the patient’s diagnosis and if they have any changes. There is no set standard,” Lewis said.

Care provided by nurses includes physical, speech, occupational and IV therapy, training with a new disability or new medical equipment, assistance with bathing or other activities of daily living, wound care, care after surgery or medication management.

Lewis said that there are also emotional benefits to home health care due to the shorter hospital stay, the comfort of familiar surroundings and relief in knowing that someone is coming to help you.

“You have the comfort and satisfaction knowing you have a nurse to come check on you. You’ve got somebody coming to bathe you if you can’t get in the shower by yourself. If the doctor ordered therapy, you’ve got a therapist coming to your house two or three times a week.”

Lewis also said that the nurses care for patient’s emotional needs, as well.

“They have hearts. They’re very compassionate.”

The Home Health Agency currently serves Marengo County and the bordering counties with hopes of expanding their reach.

For more information, contact the Home Health Agency at 334-289-0701.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, February 28 issue of the Demopolis Times.)