What is Private Duty Nursing?
Many VNA patients receive what is referred to as “skilled” care. Skilled care includes medical care, medication management, rehabilitation, and education provided by nurses (RNs or LPNs) or by physical, speech, or occupational therapists. Skilled care is provided on an intermittent basis, meaning a nurse or therapist may visit the patient’s home several times each week, but will not provide around-the-clock care. Skilled care (as well as supportive care by a home health aide, dietitian, and/or a medical social worker) is generally paid for through Medicare Part A.
For those patients who desire additional care, private duty nursing is often the answer. The VNA provides private duty services through Nightingale Private Duty Nursing. Nightingale’s nurses, home health aides, and in-home companions augment the services provided by the VNA since Nightingale can provide care whenever patients desire it. In fact, Nightingale can even provide care on a twenty-four-hour- or live-in basis, if a patient so chooses.
Nightingale was founded in 1998 with the mission of providing private duty nursing services to help families at home when they need it most. The agency started with just 10 employees, but its staff has since grown to well over 100. Nightingale’s nurses, home health aides, and therapists provide custodial care and care management services in patients’ homes for as long as needed. They even offer live-in and 24-hour care, if necessary.
By adding Nightingale’s custodial care to the intermittent care already provided by the VNA, patients can receive the care they need whenever they need it. For example, while the VNA can provide a patient with skilled nursing or therapy services as covered by Medicare, Nightingale can assist that same patient by providing longer-term or even live-in assistance, if the patient desires it. Best of all, patients can receive all of this care from the same trusted organization.
For more information about Nightingale Private Duty Nursing, please click here.
