Patient & Family Education
Living Independently at Home for Patients and Families
Learning to live with a chronic condition is not always easy. Mary Washington Home Health aims to give you the tools and information you need to live safely and independently at home. Call 540.741.1667 to speak with one of our intake specialists.
Our comprehensive in-home medical care includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- COPD/Pneumonia
- Joint replacements
- Cardiovascular surgeries
There is a key distinction between home health services and personal care services. Mary Washington Home Health provides skilled in-home medical care. Personal care companies provide only non-skilled help with daily living.
Home Health Services When Discharged from the Hospital
Home health services are frequently requested by physicians when patients are leaving hospitals or nursing homes. Our team of nurses, social workers, and intake staff works closely with the patient's doctor and caregivers to make the process of setting up home care services smooth and seamless. This is particularly helpful for patients with chronic conditions like COPD and heart failure because home health services can decrease the likelihood of repeated hospitalizations and readmissions.
Most patients receive an initial home health visit by a nurse or therapist within 48 hours of discharge from the hospital.
Caregiver Virtual Support Group
For those currently caring for a loved one.
- Are you caring for an ill or homebound loved one?
- Do you need ways to balance your life and manage caregiver stress?
- Could you use information on resources available for caregivers?
Preventing Trips & Falls
Numerous patients are in danger of tripping or falling at home. Check out ways to make your home safer by speaking with your healthcare provider.
Ask your health care provider the following questions to make your home safer:
- Will any of my medicines make me lightheaded, sleepy, or dizzy?
- What exercises will help me decrease my chance of falling?
- What changes can I make to my bathroom in order to make it safer?
- What changes should I make to my bed/bedroom?
- Is there any way to make stairs safer?
- Would help with chores at home be a good choice for me?
- Would it be beneficial to use either a cane or a walker?
- What do I do if I fall?
COPD & Respiratory Conditions
There is no cure for COPD, but there are things you can do every day to keep COPD from getting worse, to protect your lungs, and to stay healthy.
Speak to your doctor about the following to successfully manage your COPD:
- Learn how to manage your days and give yourself time for activities
- Quit smoking and improve your air quality
- Eat small healthy meals throughout the day
- Build up your exercise routine under the supervision of your doctor
- Speak with your doctor about a healthy sleep routine
Heart Failure & Cardiac Care
When the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body’s tissues, heart failure is a possible condition. Heart failure may develop suddenly, or over time, depending on the cause.
Learn more about Heart Health here!
Medication Safety & Prescription Management
When you receive your prescription, always:
- Check the label: Look for your name, the name of the medicine, the dose, and how often you should take it. If something looks unfamiliar, call your health care provider.
- Look at the medicine: Make sure it looks the same as what you've been taking. If it doesn't, call the pharmacist or your health care provider
- Take and store medicines safely: When taking medicines at home, store them properly, and keep them organized and out of the reach of children.