Home Health May Provide Help With Unexpected Medical Needs

Kara Taylor didn’t expect to need the assistance of Garrett County Home Health program, but when a complication from gallbladder surgery left the 29-year-old with an abdominal drain for a week, the program was what allowed her to come home sooner.

Garrett County Home Health is a part of the wide range of services provided by the Garrett County Health Department (GCHD).

“Home Health made my transition from hospital to home such an easy and effortless experience,” Taylor said. “My mind was at ease knowing my care was in the best hands from the knowledgeable staff. I cannot thank them enough for their compassionate care!”

However, the staff doesn’t just provide services for their patients, they teach the patient or their caregivers how to continue the care they need between home health visits.

“They taught me about my medication and how to do dressing changes,” Taylor said, “and gave me peace of mind about how to do self-care, and then they checked on me every few days to avoid infection.”

For most people, the term “home health” brings to mind older adults in wheelchairs or using walkers, but as this story shows, home health is not age based. It can help patients of any age as an alternative to lengthy hospitalizations or nursing home placement. The program provides medical needs, assessment and case management/coordination of in-home services so that persons needing medical care can remain at home and reduce return trips for routine medical care.

“Our agency accepts Medicare, but it also accepts most private insurances,” said Jennifer Lee-Steckman, GCHD Community Health Director of Nursing. “You would be surprised by the number of patients who are well under Medicare age.”

Depending on the client’s needs, home health can provide visits from nurses, aides, or physical or occupational therapists. For more information about GCHD’s home health services call 301-334-7750 or 301-895-3111.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department