The percentage of seniors living in Arizona will rise from 18 percent of the state's population in 2000 to 26 percent in 2050, states St. Luke's Health Initiatives. Of that growth, two-thirds are projected to dwell in Phoenix-located Maricopa County. Many seniors, as well as those with disabilities, prefer staying at home rather than an institutional setting to maintain some sense of independence and comfort. Home health care agencies in Phoenix make this possible.
Nursing Services
Several home health care agencies in Phoenix employ licensed nurses who provide services. Cypress Home Care nurses collaborate with the patient's physician to design and implement preventative and therapeutic plans. They update patient records and charts on a regular basis. Home Health Exchange offers a specialized program for caring for patients' wounds and changing dressings. Homewatch Care Givers offers a recovery assistance program for nurses to monitor patients recuperating from severe medical conditions.
Personal Care Services
Many of Phoenix's agencies provide personal care services, including Cypress Home Care, Home Health Exchange and Homewatch Care Givers. Duties include helping patients bathe, get dressed, eat and maintain proper hygiene. For clients with mobility issues, personal caregivers help patients transfer to a wheelchair, get out of bed and walk in a safe environment. Cypress Home Care personal caregivers are trained in CPR and are required to report any mental, physical or emotional changes they observe in their clients to a supervisor.
Companionship and Housekeeping Services
Companions provide leisure and recreational opportunities to their clients. Activities may include arts and crafts, reading, games, field trips and conversation. Other services include maintaining a clean, safe environment, laundering clothes, washing dishes, vacuuming, dusting, taking out the trash and watering the plants. Companions will provide transportation to appointments, run errands, shop for groceries and remind patients to take their medications. Homewatch Care Givers offers a seniors' exercise program.
Specialty Care
Phoenix home health care agencies offer specialized programs implemented by licensed nurses and caregivers. For example, Home Health Exchange has experienced workers to care for patients with dementia, cancer, cardiac issues, Parkinson's Disease and those with quadriplegia. Homewatch Caregivers offers a memory care program for clients with Alzheimer's and care to stroke victims.
Medical Equipment
The Apria Healthcare provides medical equipment to patients in their homes. Equipment may include walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, transfer benches, bathroom safety rails and oxygen therapy equipment. It will deliver the equipment to the patient's home, set it up, explain its use and provide service calls for maintenance. It also delivers medications to patients who are dealing with chronic disease and arrange for travel-friendly equipment for upcoming vacations. Apria has branches all over the country, including Phoenix.
