Vol. 4, No. 3, March 2007
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The Challenge of Home Health Care
If you’ve been working for a decade or two, chances are you’re in the “sandwich generation.” That means you could be caring for children at the same time that you’re responsible for aging parents. This is an issue that could interfere with your job.
“It’s difficult,” acknowledged Maryann Prudhomme, director, Bayada Nurses. “They’re putting more responsibility on the families. The family has to put together some sort of a plan. If you’re a casino employee, check first with your HR department. They may have an employee assistance program or cover elder care. Then check with the county. Call 2-1-1. The county has a wonderful intergenerational program and can tell you if you’re eligible for caregiver assistance programs.”
Bayada Nurses will help families put together a plan as well. “Home care options are sometimes difficult because insurance companies cover some and not others,” said Prudhomme. “The biggest problem is who is going to provide the service. We work with many county and state programs and try to identify where those services can come from."
If Bayada will be providing care, they will send a nurse to complete a home assessment and put together a treatment plan.
"We also work with family members who are out of the area,” said Prudhomme. “The children may be in upstate New York but Mom and Dad live in Ventnor. We function as the eyes and ears for those family members who can’t be there.”
Bayada Nurses is a home care agency started in Philadelphia 30 years ago. “We do from birth to seniors, skilled and non-skilled nursing,” explained Prudhomme. “Our core values are compassion, excellence and reliability in providing home care. After all, if you’re waiting to go to a job, the nurse can’t be late."
Prudhomme enjoys her role of helping clients. “Many of our clients can maintain their independence because of our services."
For more information, visit www.bayada.com.
