Last fiscal year, The Home Care Network provided services to over 16,000 home health and hospice patients. We have seen an increasing number of patients who simply cannot afford to live safely and with dignity in their own homes.  Elderly patients and low income families are struggling in the face of soaring utility and medical costs. At the same time, community resources are dwindling. Several organizations with a long tradition of community support have been forced to cap their support grants.  Others simply no longer exist.
The clinical staff of The Home Care Network, led by a registered nurse or physical therapist, assesses the skilled needs of patients at home. Under-insured and low-income patients often put themselves at risk unintentionally. They overlook or dismiss the importance of items such as home safety fixtures and nutritional supplements because the cost of these items is seen as an extravagance given their limited income.  Our trained staff is instrumental in identifying the kinds of support needed to help patients remain safe and independent during illness and recuperation. 
Donated funds are used for patients who require financial assistance in three categories:
1.      Medical equipment and supplies (not covered by insurance)

Supplies and safety equipment include, but are limited to:
·  Bathroom grab bars
·  Tub seats
·  Hand showers
·  Transfer benches (in and out of tub)
·  Raised toilet seats
·  Nutritional supplements

 2.      Medications (limited supply until other funding sources can be established)
 3.      Transportation (back to physicians’ offices for follow – up care, x-rays, and other related medical procedures).