UHS Home Care provides the support you need to heal at home

November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, a time when home care agencies and caregivers across the country raise awareness about the unique and irreplaceable value of healthcare delivered at home. 

UHS is the leading provider of home care services in the Southern Tier, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to more than 2,500 patients annually. UHS Home Care offers a wide array of services, including skilled nursing and specialized therapies, as well as medical and respiratory equipment designed to help patients recover, maintain independence and remain safely at home.

Reliable medical equipment that supports healing at home and on the go

For nearly a decade, Cynthia Moore has been supported by high-quality medical equipment and exceptional service from UHS Home Care.

In 2017, Ms. Moore became seriously ill and collapsed, leading to a stay at UHS Wilson Medical Center. During her hospitalization, she was diagnosed with COPD and referred to UHS Home Care for the equipment and support she would need to manage her condition.

Following an in-home evaluation, Ms. Moore received a portable oxygen concentrator, allowing her to breathe easily while on the go, as well as an overnight oxygen concentrator, providing the support she needs at home while being able to move easily throughout the house.

The equipment made an immediate impact on her health. While she was hospitalized in July, by August, she was already feeling well enough to attend a family reunion with the support of her portable machine.

Since then, Ms. Moore has been using her oxygen 24/7, which has allowed her to maintain an active lifestyle. "I'm out and about all the time, whether going to the store or helping to care for my sister," Ms. Moore shared.

Over the years, she has been able to rely on UHS Home Care not only for equipment, but also for valuable guidance and support from staff, who have helped her learn to use her machines and introduce other services available to her, such as renting an overnight concentrator for when she's away from home.

The rental machine allows her to travel to Florida to see her family – including her three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren – without interrupting the care she needs.

Ms. Moore recalled one visit when she discovered the rental was not working properly. After contacting UHS Home Care, a replacement arrived within days, allowing her to enjoy two weeks with her family with peace of mind.

Praising the convenience, strong communication and personable service, Ms. Moore credits UHS Home Care with helping her manage her health since her diagnosis.

"The location is very convenient, and if I can't make it in, they bring anything I need to me," she said. "Everyone is so friendly. Even if they're busy, they make time to help. They always serve you with a smile."

Comprehensive care from the comfort of home

In addition to providing dependable medical equipment, UHS Home Care provides a comprehensive array of home health care services including nursing care, physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy, nutritional services and more. These services help patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions receive the care they need from the comfort of their own homes.

For Joan Cuneo, who lives with scoliosis and COPD, receiving care at home from the providers at UHS Home Care has been instrumental to boosting her energy and restoring her confidence.

Ms. Cuneo is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including regular visits from a nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and home health aide – all of whom travel to her home to provide high-quality, personalized care.

Each member of her care team has played an important role in her recovery and helped her regain confidence in her daily life.

“Before, I didn’t have the energy to move. Now, I get up and I tell myself, ‘I can do this,’” Ms. Cuneo shared. Reflecting on her care team, she added, “They all listen. I know I can call any time and always get the help I need.”

To read Ms. Cuneo’s full story, click here.

Finding purpose with UHS Home Care

National Home Care Month also provides an opportunity to recognize the dedicated providers who care for patients and families from the comfort and security of their homes.

For UHS Home Care team members, helping patients regain independence and achieve meaningful goals at home is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in home care.

"Working in home care gives us the opportunity to work directly with patients, address the challenges they face in their everyday lives, and help maintain and improve their independence," said Kerry Baxter, PT, DPT, c/LSVT BIG, UHS Home Care. "There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a patient accomplish something in their own home that they haven't been able to do in a long time."

By traveling directly to patients' homes, UHS Home Care providers build meaningful connections with patients and families, as they play an instrumental role in delivering compassionate care and support in an environment where healing can thrive.

"What I enjoy most about working in home care are the relationships that I form with my patients and their families. There is a massive sense of pride I feel when I see my patients improve in their health and regain their independence," said Saralyn Terzi, RN, UHS Home Care.

UHS Home Care professionals serve communities across the region with an unwavering commitment to always meeting patients where they are. Erik Krukowski, OTR/L, UHS Home Care, works with patients in rural areas, and values listening to their stories, learning about the unique history of their homes and personalizing care that helps patients continue to live safely and comfortably.

"I love educating patients and families on promoting a safe, independent, and comfortable environment. I promise every patient that my job is a collaborative process, so I am not going to make you remove your throw rugs or rearrange your furniture without permission," he said. "I feel it's essential to meet our clients where they are and provide strong support to complete their everyday needs."

From skilled home healthcare services to reliable medical equipment, UHS Home Care remains committed to helping patients throughout the Southern Tier receive the personalized care they need in the place they are most comfortable: home.