Home Telehealth Services
The VNA's Home Care Telehealth Program monitors a client's vital signs and symptoms via a machine that transmits the information to the VNA. Telehealth monitoring has been shown to improve the delivery of home care and to decrease unplanned emergency visits and hospitalizations.
Telehealth monitoring is helpful for home care clients with an unstable condition or those at risk for quickly developing complications or worsening of an illness. Telehealth monitoring may also be used to check the effectiveness of a change in medication or treatment.
How Does Telehealth Monitoring Work?
Your monitor will prompt you to check your pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level, and weight daily. At a pre-planned time every day, the telehealth monitor gives instructions for you to step on and off the scale to check your weight. The monitor then asks you to sit in a chair, slide the blood pressure cuff on your arm, and attach a finger sensor to your hand. You will press a button to start the blood pressure measurement. There is plenty of time to complete each task, so there is no need to rush. After collecting the information, the monitor may ask some simple pre-programmed yes or no questions.
All the data is then transmitted over telephone lines to the VNA central station computer where your nurse checks the information daily. The telehealth nurse responds to changes in vital signs and symptoms by contacting you to discuss the change. The conversation may result in a repeat test, education about how you can control your symptoms, a home visit and/or treatment changes to prevent worsening of your condition. As needed, the telehealth nurse consults your nurse and/or physician to discuss the best way to help you be healthy, safe and comfortable.
How Does Telehealth Monitoring Benefit You?
- It provides the care you need in the comfort of your own home.
- It offers you the security of knowing your health is being monitored seven days a week.
- You can feel more connected to your VNA nurse.
- Your VNA nurse can work with your doctor to identify and treat problems in early stages.
- You can gain the knowledge to better self-manage your disease.
- Home care visits by your nurse can be made as needed.
Click here for information about our online referral form for Adult Home Care Services.
For more information about our skilled Telehealth monitoring services, please contact:
(802) 860-4400.