The city of Great Bend is joining the local and national campaign to raise awareness about home health care and hospice services during November.
Mayor Mike Allison has proclaimed a local version of National Home Care Month and National Hospice Month.
"We are so grateful to Mayor Allison and the city for realizing the importance of both home care and hospice care," said Donita Wolf, director of Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice. "It is great to have their support as we spread the word about the many advantages of our services."
GBHH&H, located at 3520 Lakin, is a non-profit agency and part of the Central Kansas Medical Center family.
"Home care involves licensed nurses and therapists who bring their skills and compassion to your home," Wolf said. "Our professionals provide the care that is needed and information about living as independently as possible."
This care may include rehabilitation from surgery or a stroke, or management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD or arthritis.
"We accommodate each patient’s particular circumstances," Wolf said. "Our staff collaborates with families and physicians to make life easier for patients, while providing all appropriate medical care."
Hospice care allows terminally ill patients and their families to experience the end of life together in the comfort and security of their own homes. It includes pain control, palliative medical care, and social, emotional and spiritual guidance.
"Our hospice staff members demonstrate their compassion and offer peace of mind to families at this difficult time," Wolf commented. "We do all we can to allow loved ones to share time together as we provide pain control and help manage symptoms."
The hospice team includes the patient, doctors, nurses, home care aides, social workers, spiritual caregivers and volunteers.
GBHH&H is also using this special month to recognize team members "who make a remarkable difference in the lives of patients and their families."
The non-profit agency, which opened in 1979, has 16 employees including RNs, LPNs, aides, social workers and clerical staff. It also works with CKMC’s Rehab Services, offering physical and occupational therapies.
"Each member of our staff brings special talents," Wolf said. "They are the heart of our agency."
GBHH&H is a member of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, the Kansas Home Care Association, and the Kansas Hospice and Palliative Care Association. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance pay for its services.
For more information, call 620-792-8171 or visit www.ckmc.org.
