02.05.2009

The outlook for health care reimbursement is becoming ever more challenging in these tough economic times. Medicaid reimbursement for home nursing is currently subject to rate freezes and even cuts, while the cost of providing services continues to rise. Providers of home health services face the constant challenge of meeting costs while continuing to provide high quality care.

The health care providers at Overlook Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Services face those challenges every day. Home health care – nursing, personal care, physical therapy and occupational therapy in the home – helps to keep patients independent and living in their own homes with as much independence, safety and dignity as possible. Patients with chronic illness, such as diabetes, cardiac or pulmonary disease, often need help in maintaining their health and avoiding hospitalization. The health care providers at Overlook VNA & Hospice Services provide a lifeline for these patients.

“Donations from grateful families help to offset the cost of providing these quality services,” said Wayne Regan, President of Overlook Visiting Nurse Association. “The generosity of individual contributors greatly assists our efforts to continue our outreach of care throughout the Commonwealth and provide services that otherwise would not be met.”

A family recently “touched” by Overlook sent a very generous gift, along with a note thanking the VNA for providing care to an elderly family member, helping to manage his diabetes and keeping him in his home, safe and independent. The family praised the nurses providing care and referred to them as angels.”

Even through these economically challenging times; Overlook VNA has continue its phenomenal growth. Geographically reaching 65% of the state; Overlook now cares for greater than 1,800 patients every day.

“Masonic Health System (MHS), parent company of Overlook VNA & Hospice Services, has been providing outstanding care for patients and families since 1911,” said Regan.. “We are fortunate to also be affiliated with The Masonic Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Masonic Health System, which supports the exceptional care provided by our staff. Charitable dollars raised by the Foundation provide those special “extras”, not covered by insurance or fees, which make MHS and Overlook VNA & Hospice Services beacons of quality care.”

Among just a few of these special “extras”:

• Supplies for our family caregivers which ease the day to day care for our Overlook VNA patients in between visits from Overlook VNA staff.
• Non covered medical devices that support activities of daily living
• Hospice supplies and needs to assist those that are at the final stages or end of life
• Integrated therapies, such as Reiki massage, aromatherapy and other non-traditional treatments to sooth our Overlook Hospice patients and their family members.
• A Web-based information database of community resources and articles which offer helpful information on a number of health related topics.

For more information regarding Overlook Visiting Nurse Association, please call
508-434-2424.