As the American population ages and the trend toward treating patients at home increases, the home health care field has boomed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of home health aides is expected to grow by 50 percent between 2008 and 2018. Home health services include nurses, health aides, physical therapists and hospice workers, as well as social service personnel who all work to assist and support patients of all ages in care at home.
About Fort Myers
Fort Myers, Florida, is a small city on the Gulf coast with a history of part-time northern residents who come down during the winter months for Florida's warmth. They often eventually settle in the state on a full-time basis. With this high percentage of people who often need medical services that often include home health care, Fort Myers has established many home health agencies, including visiting nurses, home health aides and "elder nannies" that assist seniors in cleaning, cooking and running errands.
Nurses Association
The Visiting Nurse Association of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers helps patients and their families find qualified nurses to assist with cardiac, diabetic, wound care and specialized care needs. Physical therapy and occupational therapy specialists are also available. Agency social workers provide psychosocial support for patients, families and caregivers.
Home Health Aides
Lee Memorial Health System offers a home health division that provides a variety of services to patients who need additional care when they get out of the hospital. Registered nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists and social service specialists are all available for home care. Home health agencies such as Maxim Healthcare provide a full range of health care services---including physicians, nurses, habilitation services and non-medical assistance---in the home for those who need it.
Elder Assistance Agencies
Licensed and bonded agencies such Assisting Hands Home Care provide a number of services to help elders stay in their own homes, such as personal care and grooming, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, and transportation assistance to doctors and hospitals. Granny Nannies is another agency that offers similar services to the Fort Myers area. These agencies are often called upon to help with elder care when family members live some distance away.
Referrrals to Home Health Agencies
Physicians and hospitals often make referrals to qualified and experienced home health agencies that have a track record of good results. Family members sometimes seek home health care help for elders who have reached the point of requiring additional help to stay in their own homes, especially when ongoing medical conditions require close monitoring.
