PHC Program Director, Brandy Hudson, discusses her role at Angel Home Healthcare, what led her into this career, and how home health care impacts an individual’s quality of life, from following best practice policies to working closely with physicians for optimal patient outcomes.
“Dating back to high school, I’ve always wanted to help people through healthcare. In 1999, I enrolled in Certified Nursing Assistant classes and got certified; was able to work for a bit in a facility but life and circumstances intervened.
I have a legally blind son that had other complications and I needed to be home caring for him. Much later in life, and the kids were grown, life had changed drastically. I found myself still wanting to work/care for others. I took a position with my first home healthcare agency. After a couple of years there; learned the ropes and did pretty much every task from filling in for absent attendants, field work, State compliance and regulations to payroll!
After all these years I found a place where I could help patients in need in a way that I had not previously imagined, from an office setting. Today, I am the PHC Program Director at Angel Home Healthcare.
Most Rewarding Part of Home Health Care
Our agency provides home health services to adults only. We have a wide range of clients from early 20s all the way to 104 years old. However, the majority of our clients are in their 60s and 70s.
In my current position with Angel Home Health, I pride myself on being diligent and delivering Above the Rest care for our clients. It is a fast-paced and challenging job, but the rewards are great; as our clients and the attendants that we have the privilege of caring for, and employees are grateful for an agency and a program that is truly about the CARE.
In fact, the most rewarding part of my job is when I hear back from a client or a home health aide that they are a perfect match for each other, and the care is being provided in a caring and comforting atmosphere right in the comfort of home.
Most Common Medical Conditions Requiring Home Care
There are 2 major medical conditions that I would consider to be the most common contributing factors to most home healthcare needs. The first is diabetes, and second is heart disease. If I had to list a 3rd, it would be behavioral/mental conditions and/or dementia.
Health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and dementia are not the sole reason for home health care. In fact in most cases, they are secondary to the real need for care as most of our clients suffer from a lack of support from their loved ones (family members, caregivers, etc) to care and/or the loved ones (family members) are too busy with their own issues and life to care.
In my role as Program Director in PHC/PAS services, the greater demand for care is (in my opinion) in the family unit breaking down and the lack of family support that individuals have in their elderly years.
Why Home Health Care is Beneficial
Again, home healthcare is not what I do but the goal (and why it is beneficial)l is that the individual can be treated and/or recover in a more familiar and comfortable atmosphere of their own home. This has been proven to be more beneficial to both the patients and the healthcare system. Patients are happier. They recover much better in this environment. They receive one-on-one, personalized care plans. All of this prevents overcrowding of facilities. Less hospital or rehab stays always equals a healthier happier individual.
If someone is shying away from home health care such as in-home physical therapy, in-home occupation therapy, or having a nurse or health aide in the home, it would probably be that clients and/or attendants alike are uneasy with their living conditions. It may also be an issue of pride. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can make an individual more aware of the things they can not do. This, in turn, causes frustration and even in some cases embarrassment.
All the more reason why all home healthcare workers should be encouraging people with a caring and positive attitude. Our clients for the most part would love to be able to do for themselves or have a loved one (family member) help them do such tasks as bathing, dressing, toileting and such. However due to illness, they have lost control of the basics of their life and have to rely on others to meet their needs. I often have long conversations and pray with these individuals to comfort them and help them understand our goals and the program
Our Healthcare Agency Works with your Doctors
The plan of care we develop is reviewed by your doctor and if any need arises we coordinate that with your physician. All orders are given by the medical doctor on the type of required care, and our clinical staff follow those orders. We coordinate care with healthcare professionals to offer the most complete and comprehensive care possible for an individual to succeed.
Staying Up-to-Date on Best Practices
For PHC/PAS services, I try my very best to stay in the loop of Texas Health and Human Services Commissions, as they are the program creators and set regulations. I read newsletters, training documents and announcements via emails, webinars and live, onsite training. I also frequent the MCO and System Aides websites so I am aware of the latest knowledge that I need to perform my job to the best of my ability.
We have ongoing in-service trainings to ensure that attendants are compliant with policy and regulations. This is an on-going effort that requires lots of preparation in the front end of every training opportunity – to instill and make knowledgeable the team you are working with to provide the care.
I firmly believe that knowledge is the key – people can’t care or do things they do not know about. If you make your team knowledgeable in EVERY area of the department – you will be MORE likely to ensure all policies and protocols are met and upheld. The more they understand why and what causes things to be as they are, the more likely they are to not only observe for themselves but to encourage others to do so as well, when they see deficits.
We here at Angel, have the most up-to-date systems for documentation of client care. We use all HIPPA-approved systems and communications to ensure the clients files are secure and private. We use Electronic Medical Health Records for documentation and communication to case managers at THHS. As for the PHC/PAS Team, we try to make sure all team members are informed and have the most current information on each client and attendant to ensure the client’s care is of the highest quality and we are fully knowledgeable in each regard.
Memorable Experiences with Angel Home Healthcare
In this line of work we see a lot of very heartbreaking situations from all walks of life. There are successes and encouraging stories too, however the majority of our experiences with our clients are on the heavier side of Life.
Our Angel staff is some of the best for sure. We have birthday parties, holiday dinners, taco Tuesdays and other staffing events to build team morale. Personally, in the PHC/PAS department, I have always felt that it is very important for a team to have a harmonious, working friendship with each other.
We often meet as a team outside of work with our families to have dinner or a holiday party. This makes for a happier team and positive work environment which, in turn, overflows onto our clients and attendants. Our commitment to caring for our in-home patients unites us, and I’m so pleased to be a part of this organization.”
For more information about Angel Home Health services and how we can help you or your homebound loved one, please reach out today.