When you are sick, where would you rather be treated? Odds are most of us would prefer the security and comfort of our own bed in our own home rather than a hospital or nursing home. Millions of Americans agree. This is why University Healthcare at Home is celebrating National Home Care & Hospice Month throughout November.

Why do we celebrate? More than just providing excellent care where and when patients need and want it, home care saves the United States and commercial health insurers billions of health care dollars each year. There is no more cost-effective provider of health care in our country. Based on the number of baby boomers entering their golden years in the next two decades and cost effectiveness, many experts agree that the destiny of health care lies in the home.

When your mother, father, sister, brother or neighbor are struggling with a disability, dealing with a chronic illness, or recovering from a recent hospital stay, home care has the answer. Through technological advances, home-delivered health care has grown far beyond basic nursing and home health aide services. Modern home care has many of the same capabilities of hospital care. Home health care providers work diligently to keep Americans in their homes, where they belong.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving and recall our many gifts, please take a moment to remember the dedicated home care professionals in our community who make a difference every day for our loved ones. They make it possible for the healing to begin at home. I am honored to be a part of the solution, and to work with the outstanding group of health care professionals at University Healthcare at Home.

Sincerely,

Judy Hockman, RN, BSN, MSN

System Director of Outpatient Clinical Services

University Healthcare at Home