November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, a time to honor more than 20,000 providers who deliver home care services to more than eight million individuals nationwide.

“This annual celebration is particularly meaningful to our system,” said Sherry Mendoza, RN, director of Home Care for Adventist Health. “Our dedicated clinicians — who make nearly 300,000 visits annually — fulfill a very special part of our mission by delivering much needed care to patients right in their homes.”

Currently, Adventist Health operates 16 home care agencies, five hospices and a variety of other in-home services across California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Everything from light housekeeping to post-partum checkups to around-the-clock care is available, and hospice services enable patients with terminal illnesses to spend their final days in the comfort of their own homes.

Giving New Parents a Hand

The joy of having a baby can sometimes be overshadowed by the seemingly daunting new responsibilities that a little one brings. Once they leave the hospital, new parents typically find themselves second-guessing their parenting skills. To ease these post-birth jitters, specially trained home care nurses at several Adventist Health hospitals — such as Glendale Adventist Medical Center in Southern California and Sonora Regional Medical Center in the Sierra foothills — make home visits shortly after delivery. By that time mom, dad and newborn are settling into a routine and are thrilled to have a nurse stop by to address questions and concerns.

During these visits, both the mother and baby undergo a brief medical assessment. Sometimes clinicians uncover a problem that needs immediate medical attention, and frequently they return for a follow-up visit. Teaching is also an important aspect of the home visit, even for experienced parents.

Delivering on a Dream

Alice Henderson* was confined to her bed, but it was her hasty Las Vegas wedding some 50 years ago that she lamented. If only she and her husband, Bert*, could have been married by a pastor. When a nurse at the board and care home where the couple lived suggested they renew their vows in a Christian ceremony, Alice wanted nothing more than to be able to walk down the aisle to her waiting groom.

It seemed like such a simple wish, but Alice had been unable to walk on her own for some time. In fact, she couldn’t even sit up without assistance. When Eric Verheul, a physical therapist with Home Care Services in Hanford, Calif., heard of the upcoming wedding, he was determined to make Alice’s dream come true. Working alongside a dietician and nurse, Eric made sure Alice received the nutrition she needed to restore her weight and muscle mass. He spent hours with the frail little woman working on strengthening exercises, and soon she was able to sit up on her own. Eventually, Alice was even able to stand.

Was it too much to think that Alice might actually be able to walk down the aisle at her wedding? Eric again revised his patient’s treatment plan and as the big day drew near Alice became stronger and steadier. Bert, who was also under Eric’s care, was quickly regaining his mobility and thrilled with the new life he saw in his wife.

But exercise plans were not all that had to be considered. There was a wedding to plan! Dresses and shoes needed to be found and fitted for the bride, maid of honor and flower girl, and tuxes had to be ordered for the men. Menus were scrupulously gone over, and flowers arrangements were decided on.

Finally, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, family, friends and home care staff gathered in a beautiful garden for the Hendersons’ special day. The bride, dressed in an ivory lace gown, slowly and carefully walked down the flower-strewn path to meet her groom. She was glowing with joy as the couple renewed their wedding vows, and there was a twinkle in the groom’s eyes as he was invited to kiss his bride.

Caring Until the End

Oftentimes, the final wish of a patient is to comfortably pass away at home. Adventist Health’s Hospice Services offers in-home, end-of-life care to many patients who would otherwise have to spend their last days in a hospital or nursing home.

Ingrid Gordon, RN, is a case manager for Adventist Medical Center’s Hospice Services in Portland, Ore. After admitting a patient to hospice, she met the woman’s husband and became confident that he could also benefit from similar care.

For nearly a year, Ingrid made visits to the couple’s home with home health aides, a physical therapist, medical social worker, pharmacy courier and a hospice volunteer.

“We told Darlene* and Frank* a team member was available to them by phone at any hour of the day or night,” said Ingrid. “They took full advantage of that fact and were not shy about calling.”

More than anything the couple wanted to remain at home until they passed away. While Ingrid couldn’t make any promises, she assured them that she’d do her best to grant their final wish. As it turned out, Darlene and Frank were able to remain at home with the help of the Adventist Health Personal Care Services team.

In addition to collaborating with a physician to manage the patients’ pain and multiple disease symptoms, Ingrid became a member of Frank and Darlene’s family. She saw to the repair of their back porch steps so the couple could continue to be outside. She helped celebrate Darlene’s birthday, ferried the couple’s four cats to and from the vet and arranged for the pastor of their church to baptize Frank at home. She became a confidante, advocate and surrogate daughter.

When the end came for Darlene, Ingrid rushed to be at her side. Three weeks later, she was there again when Frank passed away.

“They were at home where they wanted to be,” said Ingrid. “People who cared about them were nearby, all the loose ends were wrapped up and they were comfortable.”

* Alice, Bert, Darlene and Frank are pseudonyms.