Mahaska Health Partnership Recognizes November as National Home Health and Hospice Month
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – November is National Home Health and Hospice Month. Mahaska Health Partnership reminds the public of the many options available locally through their Home Health and Hospice Services to meet a wide variety of patient needs.
“There are many home health and hospice services available in our region, but MHP Home Health and Hospice Services is a nonprofit and the most comprehensive,” MHP Home Health and Hospice Services Director Jean Gibson explained. “If a patient transitions from home health to palliative care or hospice, we are able to provide a seamless transition for patients and their families.”
Home Health Services is often the starting point for patients who are looking for additional assistance with everyday tasks at home. “Our home health services offer more than just skilled nursing services in the home,” Gibson shared. “We also offer home tele-monitoring; Meals on Wheels which are delivered daily to Oskaloosa, University Park and Beacon residents; Med-Alert Systems and palliative care.”
According to Gibson, palliative care is a short-term program for individuals who need assistance managing pain and symptoms, as well as other supportive care. “Our staff works with a patient’s primary care provider to develop an individualized plan of care,” Gibson said. “This is a wonderful resource for those who are facing a serious illness and need relief in the home setting. This service is free of charge to the patient thanks to funds provided by the United Way of Mahaska County, which helps reduce the stress on families too.”
For individuals and their families facing end-of-life illness, hospice services are available to patients, either in their home or at the MHP campus. “When inpatient hospice care is needed, patients benefit from the Hospice Serenity House, a residential facility that provides a home away from home for a patient’s last days,” Gibson explained. “The Hospice Serenity House has provided hundreds of families quality end-of-life care since it opened in 2010.
“Many families comment on the wonderful care provided and beautiful facility after utilizing the Serenity House,” Gibson continued. “We often hear a family’s biggest regret is not calling us sooner. We are proud to be able to provide comfort, support and peace of mind to patients and their families in whatever setting they need it; our job is to assist families with the care, so families can enjoy the time they have together.”
For more information about the home health, hospice and palliative care options at MHP, call 641.672.3260. Anyone can make a referral and services are provided throughout Mahaska and Keokuk counties, surrounding areas, and at the MHP Hospice Serenity House.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.
