Here are the Specialized Programs and Services that the Stratford VNA offers

 

Honeywell-HomMed Telemonitoring Program- Launched in March 2005, this program extends the preventive and proactive care provided to our homebound clients.  Patient vital statistics can be assessed seven days a week from their homes and reviewed by a registered nurse via satellite transmission.  Subtle patient changes are detected allowing early intervention and prevention of serious disease exacerbations or complications.  Patient information is tracked and trended for review by physicians, referral sources and patients.  Telemonitoring reduces emergency room visits and hospital readmission rates and will help the Stratford VNA maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing- Practitioners who provide mental health services to patients with psychiatric disorders, dual medical and psychiatric diagnosis, depression and neglect, substance abuse problems, compliance problems and those who are at risk in the community setting.

Maternal Newborn Care- Professional nursing services in maternal child care following standards of practice to provide prenatal and postpartum assessment, newborn assessment, developmental screening, teaching of breastfeeding and bottle feeding techniques and care of the newborn.  Assessment of the health of the mother and child is preformed working in conjunction with the obstetrician and pediatrician.  Specially trained home health aides are also assigned.

Nutritional Counseling- Nutritional assessment of patients, counseling and correlation in nutrition requirements and/or deficits for diabetes, aging, heart disease, weight management, terminal illness, prenatal and postpartum women and newborns.  Referrals are made to our Registered Dietitian when indicated.

Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies- Supplies are provided by formal arrangement through Professional Home Care Services, Inc, Collins Pharmacy, Mckesson and Rotary Drug.  Direct delivery to patient homes is available.  Durable medical and respiratory therapy equipment can be arranged through the company of the patient choice or through Genox, CT Rehab, Hill-Rom and Apria.

End of Life Care- Based on the philosophy that individuals should remain in their own home environment with the goal of maintaining their comfort and dignity during the final phases of life.  In conjunction with the physician, the home care team of professionals provides patients and their families with physical, psychosocial and spiritual care support services.  Staff is trained to deal with end-of-life needs and, when appropriate, referrals will be made to a Medicare Certified Hospice Benefit (working with hospice to ensure continuity of care by having the staff remain with the patient).

Home Intravenous Therapy- Home intravenous therapy including hyperalimentation, antibiotic therapy and maintenance of peripheral, central venous and implanted venous access devices with 24-hour availability and support, in-home testing of PT/INR via ProTime device.

Wound Management Program- The most advanced wound care protocols are utilized allowing us to treat and heal wounds in a comfortable, cost effective manner.  Wound care technology includes vacuum assisted closure devices.  The involvement of the patient and caregiver is encouraged and care is provided in collaboration with the patient, caregiver, physician and wound care centers.  Digital photography as well as the services of an enterostomal therapist are also available.

Pain Management Program- Multidisciplinary approach to assessing and managing the treatment of acute and chronic pain, through current available treatment modalities.

Clinical Pathways- Clinical pathways provide a framework for uniform assessments, interventions and evaluation of nursing care.  Clinical pathways have been developed for diabetes, CHF, COPD, CVA, and wound patients.

Diabetes Education and Support Program- Diabetic patients are taught insulin administration, diet modifications and signs and symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia to report to their physician.  Use of glucose meters and blood sugar testing are reviewed.  Prevention of complications and disease self-management are stressed.  Glucometers are provided to patients that require the device. 

Fall Prevention Program- Through the use of a fall risk tool, all patients are assessed for fall potential minimally at predetermined intervals.  A multidisciplinary approach is used as well as a fall education protocol.  This program reduces the patient's risk of injury and assists clients to remain at home, avoid emergency room visits and acute care hospitalizations.

Flu and Pneumonia Prevention Program- Focusing on health promotion and risk reduction, flu and pneumonia immunizations are offered to the public over 13 years of age.  Both vaccines are offered to our homebound patients, staff, and those members of the community unable to attend clinics.  Medicare's goal is to vaccinate 90% of home health patients and direct patient care employees this flu season.  Clinics are set up in the fall at private businesses and municipalities.  Close coordination with the local health department promotes the immunization of as many residents as possible.

Emergency Preparedness-  Assuring that the organization and its staff are educated and involved in the issues of public health that face our state and nation.  Working closely with the local health department, administrators participate in town and regional planning activities including mass vaccination and local emergency planning committees, town-wide flu clinics, the Healthy Stratford Council, and many others.