Press Coverage

The Globe and Mail
December 12, 2009

Health care at home

For elderly people with multiple conditions, people with debilitating chronic disease or those who have had major surgery, health care at home is an essential element in reducing risk and supporting recovery.

Wendy Starr, primary caregiver for her mother, an 86-year-old, mid-stage Alzheimer’s patient, says that having a Bayshore Home Health myNurse do a comprehensive physical assessment in the home each month provides a measure of relief in an otherwise difficult time. “My father is 86. My brother is physically handicapped and lives with my parents; he doesn’t drive, so I also help him with his appointments. At least he is there to keep an eye on Mom and Dad when I’m not there.

“But it’s a full time job,” she says of the challenges of caring for her mother. “It’s everything you read about and more. They change so much, right before your eyes.”

It’s important to arrange professional help before a crisis happens, says Julie Adams, area director for Bayshore Home Health’s Markham, Ontario office. “When you take a proactive approach, whether you require 24-hour nursing care or a service such as myNurse, you have a professional in place looking out for things that may come up. Our nurses notice changes that indicate increasing risks. They can let family members know, and address the situation before it gets out of hand.”

Home health care nurses can also act as effective health advocates, helping patient families identify and obtain the range of services that may be required. “We know where the resources are and how to get them, whether it is a nursing home, a day program or Meals on Wheels. If one of our nurses finds that a client is having a difficult time managing meals at home, for example, they may suggest services to the client and their family that provide that extra care.”

Taking her mother to the doctor is a very stressful experience for everyone involved, says Ms. Starr, so having a professional come into the home for a monthly assessment is a valuable alternative. “My mother doesn’t understand or communicate anymore, so otherwise, something like an infected foot might go unnoticed.”

The fact that the myNurse assessment service is provided by trained nurses was very important to her, says Ms. Starr. “I’ve found that, without that training, other caregivers I’ve hired didn’t always have the patience or sensitivity to deal with someone with Alzheimer’s. My mom doesn’t like to be touched – she’s afraid you’ll hurt her.”

Ms. Adams adds, “We try to build relationships with our clients, and our nurses will offer suggestions about how to manage that individual’s health more effectively. Providing education can help our clients stay at home longer, which is what they want.”

As her mother’s Alzheimer’s progresses, Ms. Starr and her family are working to find a full-time care facility for the day it is needed. “There will be a time that she won’t know where she is. Until then, I know she would be so upset – I couldn’t do it. In the meantime, having a nurse come in provides a little peace of mind,” she says.