Local Option Provides Full Spectrum Home Health Care

Texas County Memorial Hospital’s Home Health of the Ozarks provides in-home healthcare services for patients of all within a 40-mile radius of Houston. Services include nursing, physical therapy, nurse aide and personal home care.

“Our goal is help our patients recover and stay healthy and safe in the comfort of their own home,” Krista Elliott, Home Health of the Ozarks director, said.

In Texas County many seniors do not want to give up the independence of being in their own home, and according to Elliott, many medical experts agree that “aging in place” is healthy and provides flexibility.

Sometimes the home health agency works in conjunction with family caregivers, providing additional care or a level of care the family member may not be able to provide.

“We are here to help patients with chronic healthcare conditions such as heart failure or diabetes,” Elliott said, explaining that Home Health of the Ozarks nursing staff will visit the patient’s home for physical assessments and to provide nursing care.

Nursing staff can assist patients with diabetic foot care, wound care, home infusion therapy, ostomy care or infection prevention.

“Some of our patients have been hospitalized for surgery and after discharge from the hospital, our staff will visit the patient in their home to change dressings and monitor the patient’s health following surgery,” Elliott said.

Nursing staff can help patients learn how to monitor and record their blood sugar or blood pressure. Nurses provide one-on-one information regarding patient diagnoses, too.

“We have a nurse on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so while you’re in home health care, we can answer any questions or help if problems arise,” Elliott said.

A physical therapist and physical therapy assistant provide physical therapy in the home.

“A patient may return home from the hospital or nursing home after a joint replacement, and they will find that home surfaces are much different than those in the hospital or nursing home,” Elliott said. “Physical therapy can help the patient continue to gain strength in their limbs, and they will also help the patient learn to navigate uneven surfaces or stairs in the home.”

Patients that have personal needs such as bathing, grooming, cleaning house or paying bills can receive help from the Home Health of the Ozarks personal aides.

“If you notice weight loss or diminished appetite, confusion or memory loss, a loss of interest in socializing or problems with balance or walking, these are all situations where in-home care may provide benefits,” Elliott said.

For insurance to cover home health care, it must be ordered by a physician. Home Health of the Ozarks accepts most forms of private insurance including Medicare and Medicaid.

For additional information about TCMH Home Health of the Ozarks, contact Elliott at (417)967-1240.