New health agency to help seniors stay at home
Published 10:21 am Monday, January 19, 2009
IRONTON — It’s all a part of a growing trend of the elderly wishing to stay in their homes as long as possible. That was the inspiration for Community Home Health Care, 1207 S. 3rd St.
The business started by Tara Boggs and Martha Sites opened in November and offers cooking, cleaning and similar household services.
“A lot of the elderly … don’t want to leave their home,” Boggs said.
With the current Passport program many can tap into the services Community Home Health offers.
The Passport Medicaid Waiver Program is offered to anyone who is 60 years or older. They must need hands-on assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, eating or mobility, according to the Ohio Department of Aging. They also must meet the financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility and have their doctors agree to a service plan.
To apply a person should contact the local Area Agency on Aging. The next step will be an application, telephone screen and in-person assessment. Next the local department of Job and Family Services will determine financial eligibility.
“After meeting all eligibility criteria, you will be enrolled, pending slot availability,” according to the Ohio Department.
Usually, the area agency on aging will contact Community Home Health to give the two women a patient referral. Then Sites, a nurse, goes out to make a home visit.
Sites worked for 30 years as a licensed practical nurse at River Valley Health Systems, also known as Lawrence County General Hospital. Her usual post was in the emergency room, which was a favorite.
“I like a challenge, something unexpected,” Sites said.
After leaving hospital emergency room care, Sites went into home health care for nine years.
“I wasn’t working and wanted to get back into work and contacted Tara to see if she was interested,” Sites explained about venturing into her own business. “It is the same type of work. I just enjoy the elderly people.”
Anyone wishing to contact Community Home Health Care, may call (740) 532-1273.