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Home Healthcare Matters

March 22, 2023

Michelle Meng starts her workday as a Geriatric Aide by climbing four flights of stairs in a Berkeley walk-up apartment building to check on participant Gary Krieger. Michelle's home care visits are part of his all-inclusive healthcare PACE plan through Center for Elders’ Independence.

76-year-old PACE participant Gary suffers from sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making it difficult to breathe and climb those stairs. Having lived in his beloved apartment for 27 years, he was reluctant to move into a nursing facility, but he knew he couldn't manage independently without help. In September 2022, Gary took a leap of faith by switching his medical insurance to PACE, calling it the "best decision of my life."

Greater Independence

Home Health Care keeps older adults recovering from injuries or managing acute or chronic health conditions where they want to be – at home. One of the primary benefits is that it helps adults to do everyday tasks like walking, bathing, dressing, and preparing meals, so they can continue living independently at home for as long as possible.

Gary receives home care thrice a week. His meals are delivered to his doorstep. The PACE transportation service brings Gary to the PACE Berkeley Center once a week for socialization activities, primary care provider appointments, and therapy sessions.

PACE Participant Greg Krieger proudly shows off his family photos in his apartment of 27 years.
PACE Participant Greg Krieger proudly shows off his family photos in his apartment of 27 years.

Quicker Recovery

Michelle reports that it has only been six months since Gary enrolled at PACE, but he has lost over fifty pounds and says he can climb the stairs with fewer breaks. His diabetes has also improved, as his insulin dose has been reduced since he started the program. Gary attributes this quick recovery to his team of professionals – "Team Gary." He explains, "With CEI, I have an occupational therapist, a nutritionist, a physical therapist, nurses and doctors, and home care aide Michelle. They meet at a table once a week to discuss my health care. Where else but CEI can I get this level of healthcare?"

Studies conclude that patients recover faster under home health care services than in health facilities. The speedy recovery stems from being in a familiar stress-free environment.

Home care and home healthcare may sound similar but there is an important distinction. Home healthcare is support based on diagnosed
medical needs and provided in the home as part of a healthcare plan. Both can support a variety of needs for seniors aging in place.
Home care and home healthcare may sound similar but there is an important distinction. Home healthcare is support based on diagnosed medical needs and provided in the home as part of a healthcare plan. Both can support a variety of needs for seniors aging in place.

Prevents Avoidable Trips to the Hospital

Older adults may avoid unnecessary hospital visits by managing their health conditions at home. Gary says before he joined PACE, he had two emergency room visits in one month because he was not taking the proper medication. As a part of his home health care plan, Michelle can help closely monitor the medications to ensure he is getting the care he needs.

Evidence-Based Practices

A significant benefit of CEI home health care is that it is grounded in evidence-based practices and standards of care to ensure patients receive the proper care at the right time in their homes. All home care geriatric aides are managed by a clinical and non-clinical supervisor. Gary is an example of a happier and healthier PACE participant who benefits from home health care.

The caring professionalism I get at CEI far exceeds anything I expected. It made my life better, richer, and fuller. CEI has got me back into the lives of my children and friends. And I'm getting better every day. CEI has delivered on their promise.

Posted in Independent Living Tips and tagged aging-in-place, Alameda county senior healthcare, Alameda county senior housing, area, care, CEI, challenge, Contra Costa county senior housing, Contra Costa senior healthcare, individual, Medicare eligible, model, national social worker month, Pace program, Senior participants, seniors, socialization

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