LIFETIME CARE: Home Health Care and Hospice

     Lifetime Care is an organization that provides home care services in the following counties in New York state: Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Yates, and Schuyler.  In addition, Lifetime Care also provides hospice services in Monroe, Wayne, and Seneca Counties.  Home health is provided for many areas of need, such as care after a hospital stay, care after surgery, care for a chronic illness and care for moms and kids.  Each of these areas employs the use of a health care team to carry out its goals of speeding up the healing process while patients maintain their independence.  Team members include: RN's and LPN's, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists and medical social workers.  It is important to note that the aforementioned team groups include further subspecialties, such as a wound care RN or a home infusion RN.  Each team member has important responsibilities which contribute to the success of recovery of the patient.  For example, for care after a hospital stay the RN's are responsible for checking vital signs, administering medication or injections, wound and ostomy care, home infusion, oxygen administration, blood test and pain control.  Medical social workers are available to assist with financial issues and or setting the patient/caregivers up with information regarding available community resources. 

     I think the team approach to health care is essential in providing thorough management and treatment to patients. As a registered dietitian, I was part of a multidisciplinary hospital wide team, and more specifically a member of the Nutrition Support Team.  My experience working was a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to joining a multidisciplinary team in the future as a physician assistant.