NKCH Celebrates 25 Years of Home Health Excellence

Celebrating over two decades of nationally acclaimed care, August marked the 25th anniversary of North Kansas City Hospital’s Home Health agency. “Having the privilege to serve the community is special to us, and we hope to remain a provider of choice for home health services in the area, delivering the best possible care to each life we touch,” said Cheryl Foster, director of Home Health at NKCH.

The relationship between Margie and Catherine goes beyond home health professional and patient. They are like family to each other.

They’re greeted like family when they arrive at a residence. Arms extend for hugs and a friendly conversation ensues. It’s more like old friends catching up than a home health provider visiting a patient. Everyday home health staff enjoy this interaction as they make their appointed visits in Clay, Platte, Ray and Jackson Counties.

The impact of home health on patients and families extends beyond nursing, therapy and self-care services. Staff become like family. They get invited to birthday parties, family reunions and even memorial services. “I know about Margie’s family and she knows about mine. They genuinely care about me and make a difference in my recovery,” said Catherine Danna, a home health patient from Independence.

Margie Lute, HHA, is Catherine’s certified nursing assistant and helps her with self-care and light housekeeping. “I think the personal relationships do set us apart,” said Margie, who has seen one individual for six years. Margie is a long-time hospital employee and has worked in home health for 14 years.

Connie Oliphant, PT, GCS, joined the staff in 1995. Her focus is physical therapy services for older adults in rural areas. “When patients come home, their goals change and they want to be more independent. It’s a privilege to be in their homes and help them,” Connie said.

Case Manager Jody Brockman, RN, CMSRN, visits patients who need nursing care, and likes today’s technology, including remote monitoring, that helps nurses provide superior care. “Patients can send us their vital signs and ask questions to see if an additional visit is needed,” Jody explained.

Connie, Jody and Margie all love Home Health and feel they make a difference. They can’t imagine doing anything else.

Learn more about NKCH Home Health services.