 Essex County, NJ -- There is comfort in knowing that the physical therapist who is helping to get you back on your feet may also be your neighbor.
Eileen August, aphysical therapist for JerseyCare Home Health, an affiliate of Barnabas Health Home Health Care Agencies, fosters this comfort in her weekly travels to visit patients recovering after hospitalization. A long-time resident of Livingston, NJ, she has the unique advantage of working in the same community where she resides, along with neighboring towns. It is not unusual for former patients to run into her at the supermarket, restaurants, or at a local town event.
For patients who opt not to go to a sub-acute rehabilitation facility following hospitalization but who are in need or rehab, physical therapy begins at home. For those who do go to a sub-acute facility but need continued rehab after discharge, physical therapy continues at home. Whether a patient is recovering from orthopedic surgery, heart attack, stroke, Parkinson’s disease or any number of other conditions, Eileen is there to set realistic goals and assist patients to return to a level where they can remain safely at home and as independent as possible.
Initially she does a full functional evaluation with patients and often family members, determining any equipment needs; their ability to transfer in and out of bed, a chair or the bathroom; and to walk and climb stairs. She then sets up a care plan and a home exercise program for strengthening which she helps patients and their caregivers accomplish on her visits, often several times a week. “I try to set realistic goals,” explains Eileen. “Ideally we want patients to return to the level that they were at and to be functional enough to go to outpatient therapy if needed to continue their recovery. The exercises are gradually progressive to help patients gain strength and independence along the way.” With JerseyCare Home Health’s Joint Replacement Home Recovery Program, patients leaving the hospital after hip and knee replacements have the advantage of intensive therapy, in the comfort of their own home, to ensure the best possible outcomes. Eileen visits these patients within 24 hours their hospital discharge to begin a one-on-one therapy program under the direction of their physician.
“Eileen is a pro with her patients and also has a good understanding of Medicare and Home Care guidelines which she can impart to the families she visits,” says Denice Kmetz, PT, Rehabilitation Supervisor. “She definitely makes an impression and her affable personality leads to special requests for her as a therapist from previous patients and their friends. Most important, she gets them involved in their own recovery.”
Even though Eileen is a familiar neighbor to many of her patients, she is always mindful of cultural traditions and respectful of the privilege of helping people in their own homes. “I love working in the community and seeing my patients around town, but I consider myself a guest in their homes,” she reflects.
Good neighbor and outstanding physical therapist – a winning combination!
In October, the Barnabas Health Home Health Care Agencies recognize National Physical Therapy Month. In addition to physical therapy, the Barnabas Health Home Health Care Agencies offer a wide variety of health care services in the comfortable environment of one’s home. Our approach is interdisciplinary and our team of professionals works closely with physicians to coordinate care in the home or place of residence with the focus on achieving quality of life, maximizing independence and reducing hospital readmissions. Referrals may be made for skilled nursing and physical therapy with additional services available including occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional evaluation and diet education, social work consultation and Home Health Aid assistance when appropriate.
For more information about the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Home Health Care Agencies, please call 973-243-9666 or visit www.homehealthnj.com.
Date: October 2010
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