How to Obtain a Referral
Referral to Avera Queen of Peace Home Health can be made by physicians, patients, the patients' family, friends or community agencies.
The patient must have a skilled need and be under the care of a physician who will write an order for home health. A patient must live in the program service area, which consists of the Mitchell community and surrounding 35-mile area.
Patients living outside of the Avera Queen of Peace Home Health service area are referred to local home care agencies located near the patients home.
All patients referred to Home Health will have a pre-admission interview by a Registered Nurse from Home Health to determine if Home Health is appropriate.
Is Home Health Care Covered by Insurance?
Payment for services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, if certain guidelines are met. Home Care is also offered on a private pay basis, also. All individuals are eligible regardless of race, color, creed or age.
Professional Care Services
Avera Queen of Peace Home Health patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy, therapists, dietitian, pharmacists, aide, and volunteers. In addition, Home Health helps with medications, supplies, equipment, therapies, and hospital services as appropriate.
Physician
The patient's primary physician and the Home Health director will help in overseeing the care of the patient.
Nursing
Avera Home Health skilled nursing services staff work with physicians and members of the health care team to coordinate home care services. By providing direct care and education, Avera Home Health can help restore and improve a patient's health status. Nurses from Avera Home Health are experienced and trained in current nursing practices for both adult and pediatric populations. Services may be short-term following an illness or surgery or long-term for patients with chronic diseases. Services include:
- Health assessment and teaching
- Medication administration
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Blood draws for laboratory work
- Ostomy care
- Foley catheter care
- IV services
- Maternity care for high-risk pregnancy and aftercare for mother and newborn
- Diabetes programs
- IV nutrition and other nutritional support programs
Social Worker
Not only does illness affect physical well-being, but also it can have a social, environmental, emotional and financial impact. Avera medical social workers help the patient and family members cope with the problems associated with illness, disability or impending death. Working with the patient and caregivers, either individually or as a group, the social workers assess problems, needs and coping mechanisms. They can direct the patient to community education, counseling and support resources.
Chaplain
Along with the support of the clergy that volunteer, Home Health works with the patient's own clergy member to help with the spiritual aspect of healing.
Pharmacist and Dietitian
They provide support and advice regarding medication, symptom control, and nutritional advice when difficulties arise.
Home Care Aides/Homemakers
Managing household and personal care tasks can be difficult for people aging or living with chronic diseases. Services provided on an intermittent basis can help the patient remain at home. Home Health aides can:
- Assist with bathing, grooming and personal hygiene
- Purchase groceries and other items
- Prepare meals
- Complete light housekeeping tasks
- Do laundry
- Transfer the patient at bedtime
- Assist with the patient's correspondence
- Provide companionship
Specialists
Because people recovering from illness or injury often recover more quickly in their own homes, Avera Home Health therapists are available to assist patients in the home setting. Therapists help to address pain, weakness, limited motion, inability to move around and transfer, swallowing and communication disorders.
Three general therapy areas may be available for homebound individuals:
The physical therapists provide services to help restore function, increase strength, improve mobility and balance, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. The therapists help patients recover and return to the highest possible level of participation and self-sufficiency.
The occupational therapists help the patient regain independence in everyday activities after an accident or illness. If the limitation is physical or mental, the therapists help the patient regain skills necessary for living meaningful and satisfying lives.
Speech therapists address problems related to cognition, communication and swallowing disorders. They perform a variety of speech-language services including problem prevention and diagnosis, consultation, screening and treatment.
Gifts and Donations
Avera Queen of Peace& welcomes donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, and religious and civic organizations. Insurance does not cover the full cost of care, so your generosity ensures that hospice is available to everyone in need.
Your gift, which can be a one-time gift or a pledge gift, is tax deductible. Our staff can suggest ways for you to recognize a family member, friend or others by way of memorial gifts. Please make your check payable to Avera Queen of Peace and mail to:
Avera Queen of Peace Foundation
525 North Foster
Mitchell, SD 57301
