February 16, 2021
JAA Home Health Services recently received a glowing report from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) that oversees this area of senior care.
This exhaustive, in-depth, three-to-four-day-long survey of all aspects of the division’s operations includes visits with staff to patients’ homes, a review of records and documentation, assessment of how the department follows guidelines, and more. This year was particularly important because Home Health received its standard survey as well as one related to COVID infection control practices and emergency preparedness.
Results were deficiency free in all areas with no additional recommendations for improvement recommended by the DOH.
Director of Professional Services Tracy Barto is a 30-year veteran of home health care. According to Tracy, “It means the world to me as only being the director of JAA Home Health Services since October 2019. It is an example of team success. We could not be deficiency free if all of my team did not perform to the highest standard. We are a quality agency and provide superb care. As their leader, I could not be more proud.”
The team consists of over 20 professional clinicians in the field including two certified wound care nurses and a mental health nurse. The department cares for patients in their homes with services covering Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, parts of Washington and Beaver counties. Referrals to Home Health come from a variety of sources; however, a physician must order all care.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, as with the entire healthcare industry, the department has had to adjust, making many changes as situations arose.
Today, the staff meet their clinicians outside the JAA building to replenish medical supplies and communicate by phone. Additionally, they provided many hours of education related to PPE and COVID safety to their staff. Initially, patients were wary of receiving care for fear that the staff would spread COVID-19. However, they have found ways to maintain closeness with patients, even helping them video chat with their doctors.
Home Health’s innovative approach to providing care makes them so successful. Their efficiency and detail-oriented approach has kept the staff intact during COVID.
Everyone at JAA is honored to have this best-of-class Home Health team onboard.
If you or a loved one are looking for a Home Health referral or would like additional information, call 412 586 3249 and speak to any clinical manager. Our home health staff members are always glad to help and guide you in the right direction.