The Visiting Nurse Association has been around for about 100 years and yet many people are still are not aware of the variety of services the organization provides. While the idea of a Visiting Nurse conjures up visions of house bound, chronically ill, elderly people, the agency actually cares for 4 million patients of all ages annually across the US.
Nurses and home health aides maintain busy schedules bringing skilled care to patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other chronic and terminal illnesses. They provide pain management, wound care, hospice and palliative care, and occupational, speech and physical therapy. The medical ancillary staff checks vitals, keeps track of medication and mental state for post surgical patients sent home shortly after a procedure. They will even provide a professional to educate a new mother and help her adjust to motherhood for the first 24 - 48 hours.
The organization also provides home health aides that can visit a couple of times a week to help with cooking, light cleaning and errands. Patients can be any age who are disabled, physically or mentally challenged, or the ill parents of busy Baby Boomers can get the help they need to live independently.
In the vast majority of cases Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance policies will pay for at-home care. Doctors can write a prescription order and even those without insurance can get help with cost effective out-of-pocket payments.
Check out the VNA website for more information:
http://vnaa.org/vnaa/siteshelltemplates/homepage_navigate.htm