Home Care Services
homecare@sfhhc.org

When the need arises for professional nursing and home health care to be delivered at home, look no further than Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers

Since 1987, Saint Francis Hospital has been providing home care assistance in the privacy of patients' homes throughout the Hudson Valley. Our services and quality outcomes identify our programs being recognized as a leader in the home care industry. All services are guided by an active Board of Directors, agency policies and high standards evidenced by our accreditation by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Health Care Organization (JCAHO) and licensure by the New York State Department of Health.

Our Mission
Our Guiding Principles - "CREST"
Our Employees
Certified Home Health Care Agency (CHHA)
Licensed Home Care Agency

Certified Home Health Agency Serving Dutchess County 845-483-5550
   Tele-Monitoring
   Point Of Care Technology
   Skilled Services

Specialty Programs
   Physical & Occupational Therapy
   Wound Care
   Ostomy Care
   Cancer Care
   Cardiac Rehab
   Psychiatric Home Care

Quality Outcomes & Recognition Awards
   Home Health Compare
   Home Care Elite Award

Licensed Home Care Agency, Serving Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan and Columbia (845) 483-5551

Medical Home Care Services
   Private Duty Nursing
   Nursing Care Management
   Skilled Services
   Live-In Aides & Respite Care
   Hourly Home Health Aides & Personal Care Aides
   Hospital Care Aides
   Staffing Services
   PRI's

Non-Medical Care-Givers At Your Service
   Companions (friendly visitors, escort to medical-social-recreational outings)
   Homemakers (housekeeping, laundry & ironing, errands, meal preparation)
   Home Assistance (assist dressing, oversee home maintenance, pet & plants care)

Specialty Programs
   Patient Transportation
   Personal Emergency Response Systems
   Electronic Medication Management
    Private Pay Tele-Monitoring
   Gift Certificates

Current Grant & Service Programs
   NYS Health Workforce Re-Investment Initiative
   Dutchess County Office for The Aging - Caregiver Support

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Our Mission

Saint Francis brings together women and men dedicated to serving the health care needs of the people in our region. We personify the Catholic tradition of respect for life and the dignity of worth of each individual. We demonstrate our commitment to quality and excellence in all that we do and our belief that wise utilization of our resources will enable us to endure.

The agency's mission is to improve patient health outcomes by providing high quality, comprehensive and accessible home care services for eligible patients. These services include Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Social Work, Respiratory Therapy, Nutritional Consultation, Live-In Aides, Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides, Homemakers, Companions and an array of Non-Medical Home Care Services. Additional technological advancements including Tele-Monitoring, Electronic Medication Management and Personal Emergency Response Systems help ensure the safety of patients we serve and their environment and ensure patient progress towards goals.

Our dedicated nursing staff works collaboratively to enhance the quality of care that Saint Francis provides. Family and/or significant others are provided with education and are encouraged to participate in the treatment process. Our mission and commitment to quality ensure that you will receive the best care possible. We help patients realize their goals in maintaining a healthy independent lifestyle.

Our Guiding Principles - "CREST"

Creativity: We strive to find better ways to serve; being open and responsive to innovation and changes that will improve services to patients and colleagues

Respect: We believe in the dignity and worth of every human being, and respect life at all stages. We demonstrate compassion, caring and professionalism toward all individuals with whom we come into contact.

Excellence: We are committed to quality in all that we do. We take pride in our work, our environment and ourselves

Service: We consider the needs of our patients first as we perform our responsibilities. We recognize that every interaction is a unique opportunity to serve.

Teamwork: We work collaboratively in a spirit of joy to benefit our patients, co-workers and community. We foster a mutually supportive environment and are sensitive to the needs of others.

Our Employees

All of our employees are carefully screened and trained to provide quality services and exceed requirements of the New York State Department of Health. All of our staff possess the necessary skills and receive regular supervision and on-going training. Thorough reference checks, drug screens, license verification, comprehensive interviews and competency testing in addition to conducting criminal history record checks of our non-licensed home care staff are routine practices of the agency.

Registered nurses provide comprehensive and skilled assessments to determine healthcare needs and services required for a safe home care plan. Working closely with physicians, family members, community agencies and insurance companies we are able to improve quality of life at home, while at the same time promote independence and respect privacy, by offering a wide array of care to all we serve.

Please contact us regarding employment opportunities within the Home Care Programs with Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers. Employees enjoy a full range of positions from various non-medical para-professional to highly skilled positions. Opportunities range from per-diem, part-time, full-time or independent contractors. Employee benefit programs are generous and promotional opportunities plentiful. To view current employment openings please visit our website at www.sfhhc.org or email us at homecarejobs@sffhc.org

Certified Home Health Care Agency (CHHA)
Saint Francis Hospital Certified Home Health Services
241 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 483-5550 Fax: (845) 483-5478

Saint Francis Hospital Certified Home Health Services offers the most comprehensive home care program in Dutchess County. A not-for-profit organization is certified by the NYS Department of Health, certified by Medicare and Medicaid and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and a member of the Home Care Association of New York State.

The agency is recognized for providing professionally skilled nursing and therapy services and treatment within the privacy of the patient's home. With use of the most modern technological and medical equipment. Patients receive the highest degree of quality care possible. We are recognized as being the first agency in Dutchess County to implement Point of Care Technology and Tele-Health services and the only certified home care agency in the region to attain a "Home Care Elite" award.

Payments are accepted via Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance.

Tele-Monitoring

In 2005, our Certified Agency was the first in the County to embark on yet another technological advancement in monitoring and managing patient health daily. Utilizing a tele-health monitoring system we are capable of receiving data electronically on a daily basis of patient's weight, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. Patients, physicians and family members realize a sense of security knowing that a health care professional provides daily monitoring and appropriate intervention when needed. Studies indicate that use of this technology reduces unnecessary emergency room visits and re-hospitalizations anywhere between 40 to 75% and allows for more preemptive care supporting adjustments to treatment plans or medications. Additional peripheral devices including glucose meter, peak flow meter, PT/INR and ECG are planned for later uses. For more information on this tele-monitoring technology and an on-line demo please visit Honeywell HomMed at www.hommed.com.

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Point Of Care Technology

In 2005 our clinical information and management tools were incorporated to the most modern computerized software and hardware available to assist nurses and therapists to provide efficient and well coordinated care for our patients. With the use of laptop computers our staff are able to improve overall care and coordination of services, improve efficiencies with documentation and enhance quality time in the delivery of direct patient care.

Specialty Programs

• Skilled Nursing
• Enterostomal Therapy
• IV Therapy
• High-Tech Services
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Medical Social Work
• Nutrition
• Home Health Aides
• Respiratory Therapy
• Laboratory Services
• Psychiatric Home Care
• Cardiac Rehab

Quality Outcomes & Recognition Awards

Home Health Compare We are extremely proud of our quality outcomes which places our agency far ahead of many local, state and country certified agencies. Please visit www.medicare.gov and search "Compare Home Health Agencies in Your Area"

Home Care Elite Award

In 2006 our Certified Agency was recognized as one of the top 500 Home Healthcare Agencies in the United States and the only Certified Home Care Agency to receive this status in the Hudson Valley.

Licensed Home Care Agency
Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc.
241 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 483-5551 Fax: (845) 483-5053

Commitment to high clinical and paraprofessional standards has made Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc., a leader in Live-In home care, medical and non medical and private duty nursing services. We are committed in providing reliable services and care providers you can trust. Our most important goal is to provide individualized customer service and exceptional patient care better than anyone else!

Saint Francis Home Care Services Inc., is committed to excellence in patient care and helping maintain quality of life at home. All services are guided by an active Board of Directors, agency policies and high standards evidenced by our accreditation by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Health Care Organization (JCAHO) and licensure by the New York State Department of Health.

Medical Home Care Services

Private Duty Nursing

Registered Nurses & Licensed Practical Nurses to provide an array of private duty nursing services ranging from conducting skilled nursing assessments, blood draws, medication management, dressing changes and patient/caregiver in-home teaching.

Nursing Care Management

Affordable nursing service that is specifically designed to provide nursing case management and support services while providing peace of mind for caregivers who have a loved one needing assistance with coordination and oversight of their care. This program has proven to be very helpful for family who live significant distances from a loved one or for those having difficulty providing the time to adequately manage the care of a loved one. Services include monthly in-home assessments, supervision of privately hired aides, assistance in arranging medical appointments, weekly telephone support calls to family and patient, assistance with medication renewals, assessing nutritional status, referring to community services as needed and accessing social and recreational supports.

Skilled Services

• Skilled Nursing
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Medical Social Work
• Nutrition

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Live-In Aides & Respite Care

Our agency has been long recognized as a leader for providing Live-In and Respite Care services throughout the Hudson Valley and at times making up approximately 50% of our private duty service line. Our experienced Registered Nurses ensure that all of our Live-In Aides possess the necessary skills, receive regular supervision and on-going training. Aides are expected to remain on an assignment a minimum of 2 weeks prior to having time off and most often work about a month at a time before requesting leave.

There are no addition charges for monthly nursing service, however, should a request be made for more frequent nursing visits or hourly Aide service to assist with grocery shopping, errands etc. an hourly fee for service can be arranged.

Hourly Home Health Aides & Personal Care Aides

Our agency accepts requests for care 24 hours a day. RN Supervisors or Patient Care Schedulers begin to gather information needed to coordinate and deliver the best care and services. The patient, family and treating physician provide medical and social information and have direct input in the development of the patient's plan of care. Once the plan of care is established the RN Supervisor will coordinates placement and orientation of the Aide. All Home Care Aides are required to receive a core training, demonstrate competency and participate in on-going training throughout the year in order to maintain their certification.

Hospital Care Aides

In the event you or a loved one requires admission to any hospital in the area and may require a little more one on one care, support, supervision or companionship we can help. Our hospital care aides generally will provide eight hour shift work to provide direct supervision and care while in the hospital. Services can range from companionship to hands on personal care and can be proved 24 hours per day if required.

Staffing Services

Our agency enjoys many contracts with long term home health agencies, certified home care and hospice agencies and a number of skilled nursing and other residential providers. In the event these agencies experience shortfalls in providing their owns staff, Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc. is often the preferred agency that provides assistance when required.

PRI's

Our Licensed Agency Nurses are trained and certified to conduct Patient Review Instruments at a moments notice for those requiring or exploring appropriateness for skilled nursing home placements.

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Non-Medical Care-Givers At Your Service

Many requests we receive for services may in fact not warrant the services of skilled nursing intervention or direct oversight. For this reason we designed a program that will assist in providing all the non-medical services one may be in need of to help them live safely and comfortably at home. Supervised and supported by a Service Coordinator, our care-giving staff will be oriented to provide a variety of services and companionship based upon the requests of family and the client. Service Coordinator will provide a valuable linkage for referral services to community support programs available. Care-Giving Services can include but are not limited to the following:

We understand that family members who may or may not live in the home of an aging parent or loved one experiences a tremendous influx of responsibility when care and support services are needed. Too often family care-givers struggle in trying to meet the needs of a loved one and at the same time caring for their immediate family and other activities and/or obligations. Likewise, we understand that seniors needing assistance at home are torn about reaching out to family members due to their busy schedules or concern about independence. Care-Givers, At Your Service can provide a valuable support to all involved in these situations that should not be overlooked. Competent, reliable and trustworthy care-givers will provide exceptional care and services that will enhance the quality of life for all involved.

Specialty Programs

Patient Transportation

In 2007, the Licensed Home Care Agency initiated a new service line in order to satisfy an ever-growing need in servicing seniors in our community needing assistance with transportation. Obtaining a grant through Saint Francis Hospital Foundation, five new leased automobiles were attained that have been issued to Aides to provide a combination of home care services to rural area patients and to provide transportation services at a nominal rate. This service is only open to those patients already open and being served by Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc.

Personal Emergency Response Systems

In 2007 a new initiative was launched to provide yet another safety feature in the home care setting. Two way voice activated personal Emergency Response Systems are available at very reasonable costs and provide a vital safety net that empowers people to continue to live safely at home. They are particularly useful for those who live alone or are at home alone several hours during the day, for those who have history of falls or are at risk of falls or those that are becoming more medially frail. Knowing that help could be on the way with a simple push of a button is reassuring to all.

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Electronic Medication Management

98.5 Compliance Ratings
One of the most challenging issues faced with the aging population and family caregivers continues to be related to managing medications. Nearly 30% of hospital admissions, 40% of skilled nursing home placements, and approximately 125,000 deaths occur each year because patients are unable to manage their medications at home.

Fortunately, new technology has been revolutionizing ways to effectively manage and monitor medication compliance in the home setting. This new technology available will eliminate traditional and ineffective methods in which medications have been managed in the past, will empower people to manage their own care, improve overall quality of life and give them the therapeutic advantages of better health and well being while promoting more independence. Electronic medication monitoring will also provide a better sense of security and great relief for family care-givers.

The MD-2 Personal Medication System is a viable solution for individuals who have trouble remembering, organizing or taking their medications. The system works well for individuals who experience forgetfulness or who may be likely to take too much, too little or perhaps even the wrong medication. This sophisticated and fully integrated device simplifies medication organization and delivery so that oral medication dosages will be taken on-time and as prescribed. The unit can hold up to 60 doses of medication (each dose holding up to 25 pills), can be programmed to deliver up to 6 doses per day and uses voice, tone and flashing lights to remind the patient to take their medication. When medication schedules are twice daily, the system can store a 30 day supply of medications. It also can be programmed to give specific verbal and text reminders to take or apply non-oral medications, to take with food etc…

To dispense the actual medications dose, the individual simply has to press a large red exterior button and an easy-to-open reusable plastic cup containing the medications is dispensed. In the event the individual doesn't respond to the prompt, after an hour and a half of reminders every minute, the unit will automatically shift the missed dose to a storage chamber in the unit and automatically alert up to four caregivers that the user has missed a dose.

One of the best features is that the MD-2 also has a monitoring service. Using a clients phone line, it can automatically call up to four care-givers in sequence and alert them that the user has missed a dose. The MD-2 automatically calls out to the support center (toll free number) on a daily basis and uploads the dispensing history. This is password protected and can be accessed by the caregiver via the internet. Lastly, the monitoring service notifies caregivers when medications are running low and needs to be refilled.

Private Pay Tele-Monitoring

Imagine the peace of mind provided to a family caregiver when told that we currently have the technology that will allow us to monitor patient care seven days a week by use of a tele-monitoring service. Imagine the sense of security to the patient or family member when we can demonstrate that in many cases, use of tele-monitoring reduces re-hospitalizations and emergency room visits anywhere from 40% to 75%. Imagine the sense of independence and privacy one can continue to enjoy by use of this easy to use technology.

Basic tele-monitoring programs involve the placement of very sophisticated FDA approved monitoring devices in the home (via an order from a doctor) that patients are easily trained to use. Within 4 minutes, a basic monitoring device can check weight, blood pressure, heart rates and blood oxygen levels and automatically transmits that information to a tele-health nurse who reviews the reports and responds accordingly. In cases where the test results are out of range of the parameters set by the doctor, the nurse will provide an intervention, sometimes as simple as contacting a doctor and facilitation a medication change or at other times, perhaps scheduling a nursing visit for further assessment. More sophisticated devices are capable of adding peripherals to monitor glucose, peak flow, PT/INR, ECG and temperature. Our Licensed Agency can offer a private pay models focusing more on a wellness.

Gift Certificates

Many of the services that we offer may be of great benefit to an individual that is aging and needs extra support in the home. Unfortunately, many times they are reluctant to spend the money on themselves. For this reason we will make available gift certificates that can be purchased for any of our services.

Current Grant & Service Programs

NYS Health Workforce Re-Investment Initiative

Saint Francis (Hospital's) Home Care Services, Inc., has received a $144,000 Health Workforce Retraining Initiative grant from the state departments of Health and Labor to be used for worker retention. The one-year grant will go towards expanding the workforce of Personal Care Aides (PCAs) and Home Care Aides (HCAs).

Occupational shortages in these job categories are increasing rapidly as the region experiences significant aging trends. PCAs and HCAs offer basic living assistance for the elderly living at home who want to retain their independence. But the aging population wishing to remain at home requires more complex care that necessitates advanced training. Up until now, there was no such formal, on-going training program.

This Health Workforce Retraining Initiative represents a commitment from Saint Francis Hospital in facilitating training and employment opportunities to meet our community's healthcare needs. To be eligible for this training, you must have had some prior healthcare experience - in any capacity.

Training, lasting about a week, will be conducted at Dutchess County BOCES on Route 55. There is no fee, nor will those in training receive pay. PCAs will train during the day, HHAs in the evenings. Preference will be provided to workers laid-off or at risk of being laid-off, and individuals currently unemployed or under-employed with prior experience in health care.

Dutchess County Office for The Aging - Caregiver Support

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