Recently, a patient's husband broke into tears while we were speaking privately. Mr. Rose felt completely overwhelmed and alone caring for his wife with Alzheimer's disease. His doctor was concerned because his blood pressure was very high. Mr. Rose was not doing much to take care of his own needs, and it was affecting his ability to provide the best care to his wife. ...more

August 23, 2008

SEBRING — A least one group of medical professionals still makes house calls. With a nine-person staff, including four nurses, the local two-month-old Visiting Nurse Association of Florida regularly makes house calls to 44 patients. The not-for-profit foundation was established nationally in 1976. "We teach them the tools to stay out of the hospital," said Kimberly Simms, director of marketing. "The nurses bring a smile and a helping hand." VNA visiting nurses work hand in hand with physicians when visiting 74 -year old Donald Vanyo. The homebound Lake Placid resident takes 14 pills a day. ...more

May 27, 2008