The program was founded in 1978 with one nurse and a secretary.

Today, it has grown to a staff of 16 including registered nurse (RN) case managers, a contingent RN, a licensed practical nurse (LPN), maternal child health RNs, physical therapists, a licensed physical therapy assistant (LPTA), home health aides, an office manager, administrative secretary and director.

The Home Health Care department has seen many changes since receiving Medicare Certification 30 years ago. Perhaps the most significant of those is the expansion of services offered to Union County and its five contiguous counties.

"We have seen a lot of change in this program since 1978," said Debbie Whiteside, Director of Home Health Care, who will soon celebrate her 30th anniversary as an employee. "Regulations have changed, services have expanded, technology has helped improve care and our team has grown. Throughout all of this change, the one constant is that we have always kept the needs of our patients at the forefront."

The Home Health Care department conducts home visits, for a variety of needs, to monitor a patient's health and assist in the recovery process. Education is given to patients and their families to help patients stay at home, where they are often most comfortable.

"Our Home Health Care program is an asset to Memorial," said Robin Slattman, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital. "These services allow us to extend our care past inpatient treatment, so that the road to recovery is smooth and patients can enjoy healing at home."

Services include nursing, rehabilitation therapies, dietary and social services and assistance with housecleaning, errands, personal care and grocery shopping for qualified individuals.

Through a partnership with the Union County Health Department in the late 1990's, the Welcome Home program was implemented and continues today. The program provides visits to Union County mothers and their new babies, regardless of the hospital at which they deliver.

The Home Health Care program is accredited by The Joint Commission, a nationally recognized symbol of quality, and has been nationally recognized as HomeCare Elite for the past two years.

The program is Medicare/Medic-aid certified and accepts most types of insurances.

To learn more about the services offered through Home Health Care or to see if you qualify for care, please call (937) 644-3211 or (800) 686-4677 ext. 2422 or visit www.memorialhosp.org.