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Joel is a 78-year old male recently diagnosed with moderate-stage Alzheimer’s disease. He is married and lives at home, where his wife has taken on the role of primary caregiver. Joel has a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis, and over the past several months, his short-term memory loss and confusion have worsened. He occasionally becomes agitated in the evenings, forgets to take medications, and has had two near-falls due to imbalance while navigating stairs.
The optimal window to initiate home health services is when cognitive decline begins to impact safety, independence, and the ability to manage chronic conditions. This frequently occurs in the mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s, when symptoms like forgetfulness, wandering, and physical deconditioning start to compromise daily life.
In Joel’s case, several clinical red flags have emerged:
These indicators suggest that Joel – and his wife – could benefit from coordinated, in-home support through home health services.
1. Skilled Nursing for Chronic Disease Management & Medication Oversight
Alzheimer’s patients are often unable to report symptoms or comply with treatment regimens. A skilled nurse can help Joel remain medically stable by managing his hypertension, monitoring for polypharmacy risks, and ensuring proper medication administration – issues known to lead to preventable hospitalizations (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).
2. Physical Therapy to Improve Balance and Prevent Falls
Studies show that approximately 60% of people with dementia will fall each year, often resulting in significant morbidity (Taylor et al., 2019). A physical therapist can work with Joel to build strength and improve balance, significantly lowering fall risk.
3. Occupational Therapy for Daily Living Environmental Modifications
Occupational therapy can help Joel learn strategies to navigate his home safely and establish structured routines, reducing confusion and helping preserve independence. This is especially beneficial in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s.
4. Speech Therapy for Cognitive-Communication Support
While commonly overlooked, speech-language pathologists can address the cognitive-communication decline in Alzheimer’s patients, helping to maintain social engagement and improve safety awareness (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2023).
5. Caregiver Education and Support
Joel’s wife will receive training on safe mobility assistance, medication management, and managing behaviors like agitation or confusion – helping delay institutionalization and reducing caregiver stress.
Patients like Joel often go too long without receiving necessary care at home. According to recent data, only 15% of patients with dementia receive home health care in the early stages of functional decline, despite evidence that early intervention leads to lower hospitalization rates and improved quality of life (Grabowski et al., 2022).
Early referral is key to maximizing benefit, delaying disease progression, and preventing caregiver exhaustion.
If your patient with Alzheimer’s shows signs of declining function, missed medications, fall risk, or caregiver burnout – refer to home health care. Our interdisciplinary team is trained to help patients like Joel safely remain in their homes while reducing the burden on caregivers.
Let’s work together to provide the care they need, at the speed they deserve.
Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
Taylor, M. E., Delbaere, K., Mikolaizak, A. S., Lord, S. R., & Close, J. C. T. (2019). Gait improvements in response to rehabilitation are associated with changes to striatal dopamine in people with Parkinson’s disease. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 33(8), 609-618.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (2023). Dementia and speech-language pathology. https://www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Dementia/
Grabowski, D. C., Stevenson, D. G., & O’Malley, A. J. (2022). Use of home health services among older adults with dementia: Results from a national sample. Health Affairs, 41(3), 385-392.
Download a copy of this article here.
During National Hospital Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated doctors, nurses, case managers, and healthcare professionals who go above and beyond every day. Your tireless efforts provide healing, comfort, and hope to those in need – especially when life’s journey requires the highest level of care. As a hospice provider, we see firsthand the impact you make on patients and families. Your commitment to excellence and compassionate service allows us to work hand in hand, ensuring that every patient receives the dignity, comfort, and specialized care they deserve at every stage of their journey.
Thank you for your partnership, your expertise, and your dedication to our shared mission of caring for those who need it most.
Let’s continue working together to provide exceptional care – because every moment matters.
We are deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the dedicated staff at our partnering nursing homes. Your commitment to residents is invaluable, and we are honored to work alongside you to enhance their quality of life.
Research shows that strong collaboration between hospice providers and nursing homes leads to improved patient outcomes, higher family satisfaction, and better quality metrics. Here are some key statistics that highlight the impact of our partnership:
Your role in patient care is vital. Every day, you provide comfort, dignity, and support to residents and their families. As we celebrate National Nursing Home Week, we want to recognize your unwavering dedication and the compassionate care you provide.
We are always looking for ways to enhance our collaboration and better serve your residents. If there is anything we can do to support your team – whether through additional training, in-service education, or improving care coordination – please reach out.
Lets continue making a meaningful impact together. Call us anytime.
Thank you for all that you do to support your residents! We are honored to be your partner in care. Happy National Nursing Home Week!
References
Gozalo, P., Teno, J. M., Mitchell, S. L., Skinner, J., Bynum, J., Tyler, D., & Mor, V. (2018). Hospice effect
on government expenditures among nursing home residents. Health Services Research, 53(5), 3437-
3460.
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. (2019). Hospice services in Medicare: Report to Congress.
MedPAC. https://www.medpac.gov
Miller, S. C., Lima, J. C., & Intrator, O. (2020). Quality of hospice care in nursing homes: Family
perspectives. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 23(7), 900-907.
Teno, J. M., Gozalo, P., Trivedi, A. N., Mitchell, S. L., Bunker, J., Lima, J., & Mor, V. (2018). Site of death,
place of care, and health care transitions among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries, 2000-2015. JAMA,
320(3), 264-271.
Mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, especially for seniors. Depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD – especially among Veterans – are often overlooked in aging populations. Many individuals struggle in silence, unaware that home health care can be a valuable tool in addressing mental and emotional wellness while ensuring their physical needs are met. Home health care is not just about recovery – it’s about empowering patients to live safely and independently at home, with compassionate support tailored to their unique needs.
Safe Independence: We help seniors maintain their autonomy by ensuring they have the resources and support needed to stay safely at home.
Collaboration with Providers: Our team works closely with primary care physicians, mental health specialists, and therapists to create a care plan that supports both physical and emotional well-being.
Eyes & Ears in the Home: We identify early warning signs of mental health decline and intervene before hospitalization becomes necessary.
Customized Therapy & Support: Home health services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, helping patients regain confidence and prevent isolation.
Connection to Resources: We guide families in accessing support groups, counseling, telehealth, and Veteran-specific services for comprehensive care.
If you or a loved one is struggling with:
Medicare & most insurance plans cover home health services! Ask your doctor if home health is right for you.
Want to Learn More? Contact us today to see how home health care can improve mental health and overall well-being at home!
Because Saving the Day Doesn’t Always Come with a Cape… But if it did, you’d be the real-life superheroes in scrubs!
We see the tireless dedication, the unwavering patience, and the endless compassion you pour into your residents. You juggle care plans, manage families, and keep the wheels turning – all with grace, skill, and (probably) way too much coffee.
So, this National Nursing Home Week, we just want to say:
For every late-night reassurance.
For every hand held in comfort.
For every effort to keep your residents thriving.
For being the heartbeat of skilled nursing care.
We’ve Got Your Back, Too!
When your residents need skilled home health services, we’re just a call away. We work hand-in-hand with you to ensure smooth transitions, exceptional care, and the peace of mind that your residents are in the best hands – even after they leave your doors.
We appreciate you today and everyday – so if you ever need a helping hand (or just a fresh cup of coffee), give us a call!
Download a copy of this article here.
To all the incredible healthcare heroes, we see you. We appreciate you. And if coffee ran on gratitude, you’d never need another cup!
We’re always here to extend the care you provide beyond the hospital walls – helping patients recover safely and confidently where they feel most comfortable.
We know the pace you keep and the challenges you face. So, while you’re out there saving lives, know that we’re just a call away, ready to support you and your patients anytime, day or night.
Thank you for all you do – today, this week, and always!
Download a copy of this article here.
Military families understand the meaning of sacrifice—both in service to the country and in caring for
their loved ones. Military caregivers embody selflessness, often providing unwavering support to aging or
terminally ill family members. As a hospice provider, we recognize the distinct challenges these caregivers
face and are dedicated to providing compassionate, specialized care that honors their journey.
The journey of a military caregiver is often shaped by resilience, routine relocations, and the profound
impact of service-related injuries or illnesses. Many veterans may face conditions linked to their service,
such as chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Agent Orange-related illnesses, and
service-connected disabilities. These factors require a hospice provider who is deeply attuned to the
complexities of military caregiving and the unique emotional, medical, and logistical needs of these
families.
Military caregivers face higher rates of stress, depression, and financial strain compared to civilian caregivers (Ramchand et al., 2014). According to the RAND Corporation, military caregivers provide an average of 10+ additional hours of care per week compared to non-military caregivers, often navigating complex health conditions related to service (Ramchand et al., 2014). Furthermore, up to 30% of post-9/11 military caregivers experience clinically significant mental health challenges while supporting their loved ones (Tanielian et al., 2018). Our hospice services alleviate this burden by offering comprehensive, holistic support to both the patient and caregiver.
Medical professionals play a crucial role in guiding military families toward the specialized hospice care they deserve. If you are a provider caring for a veteran or military family, consider referring them to our hospice services to ensure:
If you are a medical provider, we invite you to refer military caregivers and their loved ones to our hospice program. If you are a military caregiver, we are here to walk this journey with you. Call us today to learn how we can support you and your loved one.
We salute your service and honor your sacrifice—both in uniform and in caregiving.
References
Ramchand, R., Tanielian, T., Fisher, M. P., Vaughan, C. A., Trail, T. E., Epley, C., & Robbins, M. W. (2014). Hidden heroes: America’s military caregivers. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR499.html
Tanielian, T., Ramchand, R., Fisher, M. P., Sims, C. S., Harris, R., & Harrell, M. C. (2018). Military Caregivers: Cornerstones of Support for Our Nation’s Wounded, Ill, and Injured Veterans. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9937.html
Download a copy of this article here.
Aging brings unique challenges, but with the right support, seniors can continue to live independently and safely in the comfort of their homes. Many older adults and their families may not realize that home health care is a powerful resource designed to provide essential medical care, rehabilitation, and support – allowing seniors to maintain their independence while ensuring their health and safety.
Home health care is a Medicare-covered service that provides skilled nursing, therapy, and other medical support for individuals recovering from an illness, injury, or managing a chronic condition. By bringing healthcare professionals directly into the home, seniors receive the care they need without the stress of hospital visits or facility stays.
There are several misconceptions about home health care, and we want to set the record straight:
Aging at home is more successful when seniors have a strong support network. Families, caregivers, and healthcare providers all play a role in ensuring safety and well-being.
How Home Health Helps Strengthen Community Support:
Navigating aging and healthcare options can be overwhelming, but home health care simplifies the process by offering comprehensive, compassionate care at home. Whether a loved one is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or needing extra support to remain safely at home, we are here to help.
If you or someone you know could benefit from home health services, reach out today.
Our team is ready to provide guidance and ensure older adults receive the care and support they deserve.
Let’s Keep Seniors Safe, Healthy, and Thriving at Home!
Every April, Patient Experience Week gives us the opportunity to recognize the vital role that medical professionals and healthcare partners play in ensuring a smooth, compassionate, and high-quality experience for patients during critical times of need. As a trusted home health care provider, we deeply value our partnership with referral sources like you– because together, we prioritize patient-centered care that makes a meaningful difference.
When you refer a patient to home health care, you are taking an important step toward ensuring they receive expert medical oversight, therapy, and support in the comfort of their home. Research consistently shows that patients who receive coordinated, at-home care after hospitalizations experience:
Our mission aligns with yours: to deliver a seamless, high-quality care experience that helps patients recover safely and comfortably. Through clear communication, personalized care plans, and responsive support, we work alongside you to:
As we recognize Patient Experience Week, we want to extend our gratitude to you – our referral partners, physicians, and care coordinators – for the dedication you show every day. Your referrals to home health care do more than just connect patients to essential services; they create a path to better recovery, comfort, and peace of mind for those in need.
Let’s continue working together to make every patient’s journey a positive and empowering experience.
Jencks, S. F., Williams, M. V., & Coleman, E. A. (2009). Rehospitalizations among patients in the Medicare fee-for-service program. New England Journal of Medicine, 360(14), 1418-1428.
Leff, B., Burton, J. R., & Mader, S. L. (2020). Hospital at home: Feasibility and outcomes of a program to provide hospital-level care at home for acutely ill older patients. Annals of Internal Medicine, 172(2), 77-85.
Press Ganey. (2022). The state of patient experience in home health care: Trends and insights. Retrieved from https://www.pressganey.com/resources
Download a copy of this article here.
Hospice care is built upon a foundation of compassion, dignity, and support – not only for the patient but also for their family and loved ones. While medical teams provide expert pain and symptom management, hospice volunteers bring an irreplaceable level of companionship, emotional support, and non-medical assistance that enhances quality of life in the final stages.
Despite their essential role, many healthcare professionals are unaware of just how much volunteers contribute to hospice care. This is where we stand apart – our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
Our dedicated hospice volunteers extend their care in profound ways that benefit both patients and their loved ones, including:
Research shows that volunteer involvement in hospice care has a measurable impact:
Many hospice providers mention volunteers in passing, but few truly leverage them as a core part of their care model. Our hospice program prioritizes volunteer integration in ways that make a tangible difference, ensuring:
Choosing the right hospice provider for your patients means selecting a team that goes beyond symptom management – it means selecting a provider that values the whole-person approach, including the emotional and psychosocial support volunteers bring.
Refer your patients to a hospice that treats volunteers as an essential part of the care team. Contact us today to learn more about how our hospice services stand apart.
Candy, B., France, R., Low, J., Sampson, E. L., & Vickerstaff, V. (2020). Does involving volunteers in the provision of palliative and end-of-life care improve patient and family well-being? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 60(2), 302-312.
Connor, S. R., Pyenson, B., Fitch, K., Spence, C., & Iwasaki, K. (2019). Comparing hospice and nonhospice patient survival among patients who die within a three-year window. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 40(5), 704-710.
Ghesquiere, A., Hauser, J., & Schulz, R. (2021). Family caregiver burden and hospice use: The impact of volunteer support. The Gerontologist, 61(1), 108-117.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). (2023). NHPCO facts and figures: Hospice care in America. https://www.nhpco.org/hospice_statistics
Download a copy of this article here.
AT Home Care Hospice – Tri-Cities has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Premier Performer” for achieving an overall caregiver and family satisfaction score that ranked in the top 5% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2022 calendar year.
AT Home Care & Hospice is an established, full-service Virginia home health and hospice agency that provides a superior quality of services in a caring manner.
AT Home Care & Hospice prides itself by partnering with the We Honor Veterans Program. We have a team of highly-trained individuals who work with our Veteran patients during their time of need.
Patient services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (an individual’s sex, gender identity, sex stereotyping, pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions) , sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), communicable disease, or national origin.
Read our Notice of Nondiscrimination here.
