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Home health care agency celebrates 25th anniversary years ago

Reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday

Staff reporter

For the past 25 years, Marion County residents have come to depend on Marion County Home Care.

Since 1992, Janet Herzet has been the director of the agency.

"We provide care to people who need just a little assistance to stay in the home," said Herzet.

She and 10 other employees visit approximately 85 clients to provide assistance.

Nurses provide skilled nursing care such as medication instruction, administering IVs, caring for wounds or injuries, and other skilled care giving.

Certified home health aides provide assistance to clients with personal care, housekeeping, laundry, and running errands.

According to state and federal guidelines, residents must meet specific requirements to qualify for home health care.

A physician must order the care, and there must be a need for a nurse, physical therapist, or speech therapist, Herzet said. An occupational therapist can be utilized if one of the professionals is in the home.

"Basically, the client is home-bound," said Herzet.

The agency is the only one of its kind based in the county and serves all county residents.

"We work with physicians from around the area," said Herzet, citing Hillsboro, Newton, Wichita, and Herington.

The agency is a county-funded entity because it is a part of Marion County Hospital District #1.

The agency is contacted by a physician, case manager, social worker, or family member. A physician must determine if care is needed and write an order.

An evaluation is conducted by the agency's registered nurse, and a care plan is developed.

"Sometimes doctors will give specific orders," said Herzet.

The length of the home care is determined by the goals set by the RN.

"When the client becomes more independent, home care services end," Herzet said.

For those who qualify, Medicare will pay 100 percent. Most health insurance companies have some home health benefits. Others are private pay (paid by client) or through the Senior Care Act.

The act provides assistance to those who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, and do not have health insurance.

In addition to providing in-home care-giving, the agency contracts with an independent company and provides health equipment.

Available equipment includes oxygen concentrators, walkers, commodes, wheelchairs, canes, and nebulizers.

The agency also provide mastectomy fittings.

In addition to the in-home services and equipment, the agency provides an emergency response system.

Clients can wear a device that can activate emergency assistance 24 hours a day, said Herzet.

When a client needs more care than can be provided by the agency, assistance is provided in choosing other alternatives, said Herzet.

For more information, contact Marion County Home Care at (620) 382-3690.

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