Borgess Health - Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice Program

What is it?

The visiting nurse and hospice program incorporates a multidisciplinary team of health professionals able to evaluate and treat patients’ medical, social, emotional, end-of-life and health care needs. Services include skilled in-home nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, home health assistance and medical social services.

Who is it for?

Patients in eight counties.

Why do they do it?

The goal is to better meet the needs of patients, often outside the hospital. Referrals to community-based organizations to provide food, social and economic support, combined with medical care, can better help patients avoid unnecessary re-hospitalization and inappropriate use of the emergency department.

Impact

During FY 2010, 2,311 patients were served – among the outcomes, 97 percent were appropriately treated for pain, 68 percent were treated for breathing difficulties and 100 percent were evaluated for depression and risk of falling.

Contact: Margaret Patton
Community Relations Specialist
Telephone: 269-226-5247
E-mail: margaretpatton@borgess.com