UHS celebrates our dedicated home care professionals
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. It is also a chance to recognize the dedicated providers who care for patients and families from the comfort and security of their homes.
UHS is the leading provider of home care services in Greater Binghamton, providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare services to more than 2,500 patients annually. UHS Home Care offers a wide array of services, including highly-skilled, specialized nursing and therapy care, as well as medical and respiratory supplies.
Comprehensive care from the comfort of home
For Joan Cuneo, of Endicott, NY, receiving care at home from the providers at UHS Home Care has been instrumental to boosting her energy and restoring her confidence. Several months ago, Ms. Cuneo was brought to UHS Wilson Medical Center when she experienced trouble breathing. After her discharge from the hospital and completing rehab at UHS Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Ideal, she was connected with UHS Home Care to set her up with the care she would need right at home.
Ms. Cuneo, who lives with scoliosis and COPD, was provided a walker and oxygen tank from UHS Home Care. While the new equipment has helped improve her comfort and mobility at home, the real difference-maker has been the care she’s received from the UHS Home Care staff.
For Ms. Cuneo, the impact of compassionate care was almost immediate, as she recalled the first time meeting her nurse, Alanna. “When Alanna walked in, my whole day brightened up,” Ms. Cuneo said. She went on to commend the nurse for both her warm, sincere personality and for being thorough, detail-oriented, and attentive to her needs, sharing, “I could tell she was really listening to me.”
Since that first visit, Ms. Cuneo has continued to see Alanna several times a week, who comes for check-ups and to help administer her medicine. Additionally, Ms. Cuneo receives truly comprehensive support from the UHS Home Care staff, including regular visits from an occupational therapist, physical therapist, and home health aide – all of whom travel to her home to provide high-quality, personalized care.
Each member of the UHS Home Care staff who have visited Ms. Cuneo have made an impact on her recovery. For instance, Jennifer is the home health aide who helps her take a shower, which Ms. Cuneo said is the hardest thing she has to do due to her limited mobility. While she was nervous the first time Jennifer came, her calm demeanor and thoughtful anticipation of her needs put her instantly at ease. Ms. Cuneo shared, “If she wasn’t that calm, I would be nervous every time. She reminds me to breathe and talks to me. Now, I feel so comfortable with her.”
Providing further practical support, her occupational therapist, Jessica, worked with her on making improvements around the house to help her avoid exhausting herself – such as putting a stool in front of the sink and a new chair in the shower. Ms. Cuneo has also been supported by Mike, her physical therapist, and Josh, who performed her physical therapy evaluation, providing her the encouragement she needs to improve, while also giving her critical reminders of when to rest and not push herself. Mike has helped her make great strides in regaining her mobility, Ms. Cuneo shared, getting her to walk downstairs again and working to help her get back outside.
Beyond the impact of the physical care, Ms. Cuneo also spoke to the meaningful personal connection she’s developed with her caregivers. Ms. Cuneo recalled one particularly comforting moment when Alanna noticed a photo collage displayed in her home. Ms. Cuneo explained they were family photographs with her brother, a firefighter who died in the September 11 attacks, and they sat together and held hands as Ms. Cuneo remembered him.
Of her experience with UHS Home Care, Ms. Cuneo said she feels happier and more confident as a result of the care she’s received. “Before, I didn’t have the energy to move. Now, I get up and I tell myself, ‘I can do this,’” Ms. Cuneo shared. Of the entire staff who have supported her through her recovery at home, she said, “They all listen. I know I can call any time and always get the help I need.”
Here to serve growing demand
According to Forbes Health, over 90% of Americans want to age in place. Home care is the preferred method of healthcare delivery among many disabled, elderly and chronically ill individuals who want to live independently in their own homes as long as they possibly can.
Home care services allow families to stay together, and provide dignity and comfort for their loved ones while helping them remain in their own community. These programs are seeing growth compared to traditional hospital stays or other institution-based forms of care for acute and chronic illnesses.
Nationwide, home care nurses, therapists and aides will travel countless miles to deliver care and work tirelessly to provide professional support to millions of Americans in need of quality health services. UHS is proud to recognize these individuals this month and throughout the year who make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. To learn more about UHS Home Care, please visit https://www.nyuhs.org/care-treatment/home-care.