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NMIRF weighs home health care service
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Posted on Aug 28 2000
Home health care services are finally within your reach. In fact, the Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund has recognized this special need which some of its members may soon avail once the board of directors allows the Marianas Visiting Nurses to offer such services.
Instead of checking in hospitals or staying in a nursing home, home health care is now becoming an increasingly recognized cost-effective alternative.
Home health care is still physician-directed health care in the home provided by trained health professionals such as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, medical social worker and home health care aides.
People who may avail of home health care are those who do not need or no longer require round-the-clock professional care. Patient needs may range from recovery from an illness, rehabilitation or prevention. Many patients have demonstrated that they recover faster in the familiar atmosphere of their own homes.
Home health care services available for any patient referred by the hospital or physician’s office include blood pressure monitoring, wound care/dressing changes, diabetic monitoring/teaching, terminal care/support services, health assessment/monitoring/instruction, ostomy care, tube/catether care.
Those who can receive home health care include people who are sick or disabled, chronically/terminally-ill, convalescent and in need of skilled nursing services, homebound and unable to receive outpatient services.
