Help and Healing from the Comforts of Home [Lynn Hansen]

I'm Lynn Hansen from Volga, South Dakota. I work in Brookings at Quality Tool.

Why did your doctor recommend home health care?

I had a herniated disc and a pinched nerve, which was kind of paralyzing my left leg. My herniated disc was actually on the inside of the vertebrae instead of the outside of the vertebrae, like usual, so it was a little more complicated. So, I ended up staying two days in Sioux Falls. And then when I was released, I was released with a walker, and, obviously problems getting up and down steps in and out of vehicles. So that's why they suggested home health care.

How was your experience with the home health staff?

After I got released. Yes, Kris was her name, my nurse, she was awesome. I actually looked forward to her visits every other day. And so taking my vitals, and making sure I was using that breathing apparatus, and anything I needed, not only was...she did the medical part, but even our little visits, I mean, it's surprising how it makes a person feel better when you sit there all day by yourself. And so, but... Yep, like I say, they were amazing team, and I believe it was Sarah that was my physical therapist, and Tara was my occupational therapist. All three of them were just, I mean, amazing. They treated me like family.

How did the home health team assist with your care?

My first visit was from Tara. She was my occupational therapist. She came in, made sure that I was able to take a shower. My walker, I didn't have a tray on it, which I didn't realize could be equipped with a tray because while I was home alone during working hours. As far as making my own meals, getting my coffee and stuff, that was a huge help. And then they also equipped me with a reacher that I carry on my walker. So, that way I don't have to bend over or reach above my shoulders for anything. And then my physical therapist, Sarah, she was a huge help. She helped me as far as once I started feeling a little better, getting out of the house, like if I wanted to go check the mail, down the steps, up the steps. And as far as, they call it BLT, no bending, lifting, twisting, she taught me a lot of good ways of doing that and like putting my socks on. And as far as getting out to appointments, that was a huge help, because I would've had to have my daughter or my wife leave work, come get me, take me to my appointments, and then take me back home, make sure to get me in the house where, everything was right there at home.

How did the team help with your independence?

Like I say, they actually taught me some stuff that I didn't know and showed me some easier ways to do things. And as far as getting around... For example, getting in and out of my truck, I never would've guessed, because once I graduated, I was like, "Hmm, how am I gonna get in my four-wheel drive truck?" Well, we went out to the garage, and, luckily, I have nerve bars on my truck. But yeah, she showed me how to step up, turn, get in the seat, turn, and without lifting, bending, twisting. And yeah, you know, when you're a regular person like me, you'd never think about easy stuff like that. They know an easier way to do it and how to make life easier, and as far as on your body and stuff when you're trying to do recovery.

How was the coordination between your doctors and the home health team?

When they were finished, usually it was like at the end of the week, whatever, then they would update Dr. Hannaman or my surgeon in Sioux Falls as far as how my progress was going. And when I got towards the end of being released from home health care, then they all gave me the okay that I was ready to graduate and move on to outpatient physical therapy. I was actually kind of sad to see them go.

How does the home health team track your progress?

Say they would come on a Tuesday and then come back on a Thursday. Like my nurse, Kris, she would ask me if I'd been working with the breathing machine and she would check, like, my feet and toes to see if I'd been doing the exercises and my progress. And same with my physical therapist. And then my occupational therapist, she would check with me weekly as far as, "Okay. Now are you able to get in the shower by yourself, or did you still need assistance?" And there too, towards the end, I was able to get in the shower by myself and use the shower chair by myself. And now I was actually able to stand and hold the handicap bar without the shower chair. So yes, they were a huge help. And as far as following me up on a daily basis, or every other day and weekly basis.

What recovery challenges would you have faced without home health?

I don't think it would've went as well as what it did, because I wouldn't have had that interaction throughout the day every other day. I think I'm further with home health care than if I would've been having to go out to appointments say every other day or whatever.

Would you recommend home health?

I would recommend home health care to other people because it makes life so much easier as far as how mine went. And I mean, if you do need the assistance of a wheelchair, I would say a walker, even in some cases a cane, like if it's in the wintertime, because I am a little worried about that, if it's icy or whatever, I would highly suggest home health care. I mean, the one-on-one attention is so much better, I feel. And I'm gonna say it again, as far as I was treated more like family than a patient, I feel.

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