Home Care Resources

Limitations

Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation does not offer services to hospice patients. Occupational therapy, speech therapy and aide services are also unavailable at this time.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Administrator at (561) 686-0933, TDD/State Relay dial 711.

Program Accessibility

Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation, Inc. and all of its programs and activities are accessible to and usable by disabled persons, including persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or blind, or who have other sensory impairments. Access features include:

• Convenient off-street parking designated specifically for disabled persons

• Curb cuts and ramps between parking areas and office

• Level access into one storey office building

• Fully accessible office, conference rooms, bathrooms and public waiting areas

• Treatments conducted in the comfort of patients’ own homes

• A full range of assistive and communication aids provided to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or blind, or with other sensory impairments.  There is no additional charge for such aids.  Some of these aids include:

• Interpreters

• State relay system

• Readers and taped material

• Large print material

• Flash cards, alphabet boards and other communication boards

• Assistive devices for persons with impaired manual skills

If you require any of the aids listed above, please let any staff member know.

Ethical Issues

Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation has a policy and procedure that facilitates ethical treatment and involvement of patients, families and Agency clinicians through the use of an Ethics Committee.

Some ethical issues that may be appropriate for the Ethics Committee may include possible child or elder abuse, the refusal of medical treatment, and family or environmental issues that may be harmful or present a threat to patients or Agency staff.  All information discussed among the Ethics Committee participants is strictly confidential.

Please notify the Agency if you have any concerns or would like to discuss ethical situations related to your care.

Complaints

There may come a time when you, or a family member, have questions or concerns regarding the services being provided to you. We encourage you to share such concerns with your nurse or therapist, or his/her immediate supervisor, as they will know more about your case than anyone else.

In the event of desire to file any complaint, please contact the Administrator at (561) 686-0933, TDD/State Relay dial 711.  All grievances will be handled confidentially without reprisal, with a direct response to the patient or family as to the resolution of the problem.

Satisfaction

Patient, referral source and staff satisfaction is very important to our Agency. We collect and act upon satisfaction data as part of our quality assurance program. Your comments are always welcome, and we ask that you take a few moments to complete and return the satisfaction survey at the end of this booklet. We may also follow up with you by telephone after your care is completed in order to obtain feedback about our services.

Download Satisfaction Questionnaire (Zipped PDF) | or View Online

Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

As a home health patient you are to be informed of your rights and responsibilities upon admission to our Agency.  Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation will protect and promote the patient’s Rights to:

1. Be fully informed in advance about service/care to be provided including the disciplines that furnish care and the frequency of visits as well as any modifications to the plan of care.

2. Participate in the development and revision of the plan of care.

3. Informed consent and refusal of service or care and treatment after the consequences of refusing are fully explained.  Be informed, both orally and in writing, in advance of service and care being provided of the charges, including payment for service expected from third parties and any charges for which you will be responsible.  To receive this information orally and in writing before care is initiated and within 30 calendar days of the date the organization becomes aware of any changes.

4. Have your property and person treated with respect, consideration and recognition of the patient’s dignity and individuality.

5. Be able to identify visiting staff members through proper identification.

6. Voice grievances or complaints regarding treatment or care, lack of respect of property or recommend changes in policy, staff or service without restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.

7. Have grievances or complaints regarding treatment or care that is or fails to be furnished, or lack of respect of property investigated.

8. Choose a health care provider.

9. Confidentiality and privacy of all information contained in my medical record and/or Protected Health Information.

10. Be advised on the agency’s policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of my clinical record.

11. Receive appropriate care without discrimination in accordance with physician orders.

12. Be fully informed of any financial benefits when referred to an organization.

13. Be fully informed of one’s responsibilities.

14. Be informed of the agency service or care limitations.

15. To be informed in writing about advance directives (life support issues) so that you are able to decide and communicate your desires in advance and do this according to state law.

16. To receive assistance to accomplish adequate pain control if you are suffering from pain.  The pain needs to be reported if it in any way interferes with your ability to ambulate, get dressed, do housework and if you believe it affects your quality of life.

17. To be informed of anticipated outcomes of service/care and of any barriers in outcome achievement.

Many people avoid discussion about pain because they fear that they will take medication that they will become dependent on or that the medicine will create other problems. Under treating pain has health consequences as well. It is very important that you clearly and accurately describe the pain that you are experiencing. The nurse will help you in establishing an effective pain management program with your physician.

• Your description of your pain will be heard and you will receive physician directed alternatives to control your pain.

• Respect will be exhibited in regard to your personal, spiritual, and cultural beliefs.

• You will receive information about medications ordered that will inform you about their benefits and any other potential risks involved in taking them.

Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation will inform patients of their Responsibility:

1. To provide complete and accurate information about illness, hospitalizations, medications, pain and other matters pertinent to your health; any changes in address, phone or insurance/payment information; and changes made to advance directives.

2. To inform the organization when you will not be able to keep your home care appointment.

3. To treat the staff with respect and consideration.

4. To participate in and follow your plan of care.

5. To provide a safe environment for care to be given.

6. To cooperate with staff and ask questions if you do not understand instructions or information given to you.

7. To assist the organization with billing and/or payment issues to help with processing third party payment.

8. To inform the organization of any problems (including issues with following the plan of care), dissatisfaction with services or recommendations for improvement.

9. To call the home health agency first with all health questions or problems.  This includes if you believe you need to go to the hospital to get assistance with your needs.  If you or your family/caregiver believes that your health situation is CRITICAL then call 911.

Privacy

Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation is providing this Notice of Privacy Practices in compliance with federal regulations, and because the privacy of your information is important to us as an Agency. 

OHHR is required by law to:

• Maintain strict privacy of all health information

• Provide in writing our legal requirements and privacy practices regarding personal health information

• Provide notification if we are unable to agree to any requested restrictions

Your health information is located in a clinical file which is the property of Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation.  You have certain rights concerning how this information is disclosed.

Patient Health Information Privacy Rights:

• You may request a restriction on certain uses and disclosures of your health information.  The Agency will make all attempts to honor requests

• You may inspect/request an amendment or copy of your records.  (Certain information may be denied such as mental health records)

• You may obtain a list of any disclosures of health information

• You may request that any previous authorization be revoked to disclose health information except for disclosures that have already taken place

• You may receive communications of your health information in a confidential manner

• You may receive notification of privacy practices in writing

Requests regarding personal health information must be made in writing to the Administrator.  There may be charges incurred for the cost of supplies, postage, and copying which you will be responsible for.

Orthopaedic Home Health and Rehabilitation uses your health information to plan for your treatment, to obtain payment information, for administrative purposes, and to evaluate the care you are receiving.  We will not disclose any information without prior authorization except as explained in this booklet.

Examples of Disclosures for Treatment, Payment and Operations:

For treatment, we use your health information to plan, coordinate and provide your care.  We disclose your health information for treatment purposes to physicians and to other health care professionals outside of our Agency who are involved in your care.

For payment, we use your health information to prepare documentation required by your insurance company, by your HMO, or by Medicare or Medicaid.  We only disclose information required by these organizations to enable us to receive payment.

For health care operations, we use or disclose your health information to improve the quality of our services, to plan better ways of treating patients, and to evaluate staff performance. 

If necessary, we may use or disclose health information for the following purposes, unless you request otherwise:

• Informing family and friends:  we will only disclose your health information to family, friends or others approved by you who are involved in your case to obtain information on your care, location or general condition

• Assistance in disaster relief efforts

• Confirming our visits to your home or other appointments

Uses of disclosures required or permitted:

Where we are required or permitted to do so, we may disclose your health information in the following circumstances without written authorization:

• Federal government investigation, when required by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate or determine our compliance with federal regulation

• Federal, state or local law requirements

• Public Health Activities, i.e. to report communicable diseases or death; for matters involving the Food and Drug Administration

• Reporting of abuse, neglect or domestic violence

• Health oversight activities by a health oversight agency (this is an agency authorized by government to oversee eligibility and compliance and to enforce civil rights laws)

• Judicial or administrative proceedings, i.e. responding to a court order or subpoena

• Use by coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors

• Facilitating organ, eye or tissue donation

• Research, provided that very strict controls are enforced

• Averting a serious threat to your health or safety or that of the public

If at any time you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the agency and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

• There will be no retaliation against you for filing a complaint

• You may file a complaint by writing directly to the office administrator

• You may file a complaint in writing to Secretary of Health and Human Services, US Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC, 20201

OASIS PRIVACY NOTICES

STATEMENT OF PATIENT PRIVACY RIGHTS (Medicare/Medicaid)

As a home health patient, you have the privacy rights listed below.

You have the right to know why we need to ask you questions.

You have the right to have your personal health information kept confidential.

You have the right to refuse to answer questions.

You have the right to look at your personal health information.

• We know how important it is that the information we collect about you is correct. If you think we have made a mistake, ask us to correct it.

• If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal Medicare and Medicaid agency, to correct your information.

NOTICE ABOUT PRIVACY

For Patients Who DO NOT Have Medicare or Medicaid Coverage

As a home health patient, there are a few things that you need to know about our collection of your personal health care information.

• Federal and State governments oversee home health care to be sure that we furnish quality home health care services, and that you, in particular, get quality home health care services.

• We need to ask you questions because we are required by law to collect health information to make sure that you get quality health care services.

• We will make your information anonymous.  That way, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that oversees this home health agency, cannot know that the information is about you.

We keep anything we learn about you confidential.

STATEMENT OF PATIENT PRIVACY RIGHTS

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT – HEALTHCARE RECORDS
THIS STATEMENT GIVES YOU ADVICE REQUIRED BY LAW (the Privacy Act of 1974).

THIS STATEMENT IS NOT A CONSENT FORM.  IT WILL NOT BE USED TO RELEASE OR TO USE YOUR HEALTH CARE INFORMATION.

Advance Directives

Every competent adult has the right to make decisions concerning his or her own health, including the right to choose or refuse medical treatment.

When a person becomes unable to make decisions due to a physical or mental change, such as being in a coma or developing dementia (like Alzheimer’s disease), they are considered incapacitated. To make sure that an incapacitated person’s decisions about health care will still be respected, the Florida legislature enacted legislation pertaining to health care advance directives (Chapter 765, Florida Statutes). The law recognizes the right of a competent adult to make an advance directive instructing his or her physician to provide, withhold, or withdraw life-prolonging procedures; to designate another individual to make treatment decisions if the person becomes unable to make his or her own decisions; and/or to indicate the desire to make an anatomical donation after death.

By law hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, hospices, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are required to provide their patients with written information concerning health care advance directives.

You are not required by law to complete an advance directive but to be aware that it is your right to refuse or select what treatment that you want.  If you have made these determinations and they have been recorded, please provide the Agency with a copy to help us honor your wishes.

Questions about Health Care Advance Directives

What is an advance directive? It is a written or oral statement about how you want medical decisions made should you not be able to make them yourself and/or it can express your wish to make an anatomical donation after death.  Some people make advance directives when they are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  Others put their wishes into writing while they are healthy, often as part of their estate planning.

Three types of advance directives are:

You might choose to complete one, two, or all three of these forms:

What is a living will? It is a written or oral statement of the kind of medical care you want or do not want if you become unable to make your own decisions. It is called a living will because it takes effect while you are still living. You may wish to speak to your health care provider or attorney to be certain you have completed the living will in a way that your wishes will be understood. Download Living Will (Zipped PDF) or View Online

What is a health care surrogate designation? It is a document naming another person as your representative to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself.  You can include instructions about any treatment you want or do not want, similar to a living will.  You can also designate an alternate surrogate. Download Designation of Health Care Surrogate (Zipped PDF) or View Online

Which is best? Depending on your individual needs you may wish to complete any one or a combination of the three types of advance directives.

What is an anatomical donation? It is a document that indicates your wish to donate, at death, all or part of your body.  This can be an organ and tissue donation to persons in need, or donation of your body for training of health care workers.  You can indicate your choice to be an organ donor by designating it on your driver’s license or state identification card (at your nearest driver’s license office), signing a uniform donor form (at the back of this booklet), or expressing your wish in a living will. Download Uniform Donor Form (Zipped PDF) or View Online

Am I required to have an advance directive under Florida law? No, there is no legal requirement to complete an advance directive. However, if you have not made an advance directive, decisions about your health care or an anatomical donation may be made for you by a court-appointed guardian, your wife or husband, your adult child, your parent, your adult sibling, an adult relative, or a close friend. The person making decisions for you may or may not be aware of your wishes.  When you make an advance directive, and discuss it with the significant people in your life, it will better assure that your wishes will be carried out the way you want.

Must an attorney prepare the advance directive? No, the procedures are simple and do not require an attorney, though you may choose to consult one.  However, an advance directive, whether it is a written document or an oral statement, needs to be witnessed by two individuals.  At least one of the witnesses cannot be a spouse or a blood relative.

Where can I find advance directive forms? Florida law provides a sample of each of the following forms: a living will, a health care surrogate, and an anatomical donation. We have included sample forms for download. If you have any questions about the completion of any of these forms, please let your clinician know.

Can I change my mind after I write an advance directive? Yes, you may change or cancel an advance directive at any time.  Any changes should be written, signed and dated.  However, you can also change an advance directive by oral statement; physical destruction of the advance directive; or by writing a new advance directive.  If your driver’s license or state identification card indicates you are an organ donor, but you no longer want this designation, contact the nearest driver’s license office to cancel the donor designation and a new license or card will be issued to you.

What if I have filled out an advance directive in another state and need treatment in Florida?  An advance directive completed in another state, as described in that state's law, can be honored in Florida.

What should I do with my advance directive if I choose to have one?

If you have questions about your advance directive you may want to discuss these with your health care provider, attorney, or the significant persons in your life.

More Information on Health Care Advance Directives. Before making a decision about advance directives you might want to consider additional options and other sources of information, including the following:

Aging with Dignity www.AgingWithDignity.org
(888) 594-7437

Other Resources Include:

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
www.aarp.org

(Type “advance directives” in the website’s search engine)

Brochure: End of Life Issues
www.FloridaHealthFinder.gov
(888) 419-3456

Keeping You Safe at Home

Your safety is important to us.  There are many situations that can pose a threat to your personal safety and health.  This section is to identify potential safety concerns with you and help prevent further problems with your health.

General Safety

• Keep all doors and windows locked

• Do not open doors for strangers. Ask for identification and call someone to verify who they say they are

• Keep the telephone within reach

• Keep emergency numbers posted by all telephones

• Keep personal information such as social security number, credit cards, etc and valuables in a safe place

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach

• The company that supplies your medical equipment should instruct you in the safe use of each item

• Manufacturer’s instructions for specialized medical equipment should be kept with or near the equipment

• Routine and preventive maintenance must performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for providing a proper environment for specialized medical equipment

• Have any equipment batteries checked regularly by a qualified service person

• If you have any questions or need assistance with any equipment, please ask your nurse or therapist

• If a piece of equipment breaks or seems to not work correctly, notify the company that brought the item to you immediately

• DO NOT use an item unless you are sure it is working properly

• Post “NO SMOKING” signs if oxygen is in use

• Turn off all oxygen if an open flame is present

• Do not smoke while using oxygen

• Make sure portable oxygen tanks are stored lying down.  Do not store standing up in a closet or room

• Do not allow oxygen to freeze or overheat

• If you have electrically powered equipment such as oxygen or a ventilator, register with your local utility company

• Keep all substances in their original containers

• Do not mix products that contain chlorine or bleach with other chemicals

• Keep hazardous items, cleaners and chemicals out of reach of children and confused or impaired adults, and stored away from food and medication

Fall Prevention

• Remove throw rugs or use a nonskid backing and do not place in high traffic areas

• Keep all pathways clear of cords, tubing, medical equipment and clutter

• Do not run cords under rugs

• Make sure that carpet is not loose, uneven or frayed

• Clean up any spills immediately

• Arrange furniture in a safe pattern to allow easy access around room

• Make sure you have adequate lighting in hallways, bathrooms, stairways, outside steps and entrances

• Use night lights to keep pathways visible in the dark

• Replace burned out light bulbs

• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries by the bed for emergencies

• Keep all assistive devices within reach; do not attempt to walk without them

• Use your walking aids and/or wheelchair as directed

• Select non-skid soles on your footwear

• Use non-skid bath mats and/or adhesive strips in the bathtub.  Consider use of shower/tub seat, grab bars, elevated toilet seat and/or commode

• Use securely fastened handrails on steps/stairs

• Be aware of any medications being taken which may cause dizziness or unsteadiness

• When in a seated or lying down position, stand up slowly

Medication Safety

• Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your physician

• If you miss a dose, DO NOT take a double dose or alter the time or the dose in any way without checking with the nurse, pharmacist or physician

• Do not discontinue or change your medications without physician permission

• Never use someone else’s prescription medication

• Do not allow anyone else to take your prescription medication

• Store your medication in a safe place according to the storage instructions on the label

• Keep all medications together in one location if storage instructions are the same

• Medications that you no longer take should be disposed of in a safe manner

• Keep an accurate record of ALL medication that you take.  This includes prescription medication, over the counter medication, and any vitamins or herbal products.  Include on this record any medical alerts, allergies, or suspected allergies that you may have.  Add any medication changes to your list immediately

• Inform your physicians and nurses of any medication changes, including the addition of any over-the-counter medications

• Read all labels and instructions carefully.  If unable to read fine print, ask pharmacist to re-label with easy-to-read labels

• Attempt to understand your medicine and what it does as much as you can.  Read the medical information provided or ask a nurse or pharmacist for reading material about the medication

• Use a labeled pill box to help remember dates/times of medications

• Never remove medication labels, or transfer medication into another container

• Concentrate and be aware of what you are taking

• Read the label for foods to avoid or other precautions

• Ask you nurse for assistance in setting up a safe system.  Our nurses have been trained to help with this

• Always read the label before taking any drug

• You know the name of each of your medicines, why you are taking it, how to take it and its potential side effects

• Medication side effects are reported to your healthcare provider

• A chart or container system (egg carton or med-planner) is used to help you remember what kind, how much and when to take medicine

Fire Safety

• Have smoke detectors in every room.  Check them monthly.  Replace the batteries every six months

• Have ABC fire extinguisher available in home

• Make an escape plan – then practice it

• Keep exits out of the home clear of clutter

• If a door is closed and feels hot to the touch, DO NOT OPEN IT.  Take a different way out of the room or house.

• If smoke is present, get down as low as possible and crawl out of the area

• If your fire escape is cut off, remain calm, close the door and seal cracks to hold back smoke.  Signal for help at the window.

• Notify the fire department if a disabled person is in the home

• One or two persons can get a bedbound patient to safety by placing the patient on a sturdy blanket and pulling/dragging the patient out of the home

• Check and replace any frayed electrical cords and defective equipment

• Have your furnace and other potentially dangerous equipment checked annually

• Make sure your electrical wiring is not frayed and is free of shorts

• Use extension cords correctly – don’t overload them.  It is better to use an extension panel than an extension cord if electrical outlets are in short supply

• Never cut the grounding prong off a 3 prong cord.  Use an adapter if necessary

• Use well-grounded outlets and three-pronged plugs for medical equipment

• Use surge protectors to avoid overloading outlets

• Be very careful with space heaters.  DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO TIP!  Keep space heaters, candles and flames away from curtains, blankets, pillows etc

• Use heating pads with caution.  Use only on low and no more than 20 minutes at a time.  Check frequently for redness.  Do not apply directly to skin.

• Avoid use heating pads while sleeping to avoid burns

• Never smoke in bed or lying on the couch

• Never smoke when oxygen equipment is in use

• Always check the hot water for temperature before getting into a bath or shower

• Have water heaters set at 120 degrees or lower

• Be cautious about cooking in clothes that are too loose or that are made of very flammable material

• Keep handles turned inward on the stove and check to insure burners and oven are shut off after use

• Keep appliances away from water

• Keep pot handles turned to the back of the stove

• Use pot holders

• Keep open lids away from you to avoid steam burns

• Stir foods you have microwaved, and then let it sit for 20-30 seconds.  Microwave ovens cause hot spots that can scald

Infection Control

Infection control is also a safety issue since managing the spread of infections is a major part of maintaining your health.  Cleanliness and good hygiene help prevent infection.  Contaminated materials such as bandages, dressings or surgical gloves can spread infection and harm the environment.  If not disposed of properly, these items can injure trash handlers, family members and others who come into contact with them.

Certain illnesses and treatments (chemotherapy, dialysis, AIDS, diabetes, burns) can make people more susceptible to infection.  Your healthcare provider will instruct you on the use of protective clothing (gowns, gloves) if they are necessary.

Hand Washing

Wash your hands before and after giving care to the patient, even if wearing gloves, before handling or eating foods, and after using the toilet, changing a diaper, handling soiled linens, touching pets, coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.  Hand washing needs to be done frequently and correctly.  Remove jewelry, use warm water and soap (liquid soap is best), hold your hands down so water flows away from your arms, scrub for at least 10 to 15 seconds (30 seconds recommended), making sure you clean under your nails and between your fingers, dry your hands with a clean paper towel and use a new paper towel to turn off the faucet.  Apply hand lotion after washing to help prevent and soothe dry skin.  Washing your hands is the single most important step in controlling the spread of infection.

Disposable Items and Equipment

Dispose of items that are not sharp including paper cups, tissues, dressings, soiled bandages, plastic equipment, urinary/suction catheters, disposable diapers, chux, plastic tubing, medical gloves etc in waterproof (plastic) bags.  Fasten securely and dispose of bag in the trash.  Store medical supplies in a clean/dry area.

Non Disposable Items and Equipment

Items which are not thrown away including dishes, thermometers, commode, walkers, wheelchairs, bath seats, suction machines, oxygen equipment, mattresses etc.  Soiled laundry should be washed apart from other household laundry in hot soapy water.  Handle these items as little as possible to avoid spreading germs.  It is best to add household liquid bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water is recommended).  Equipment utilized by the patient should be cleaned immediately after use.  Small items (except thermometers) should be washed in hot, soapy water, rinsed and dried with clean towels.  Household cleaners such as disinfectant, germicidal liquids or diluted bleach may be used to wipe off equipment.  Follow equipment cleaning instructions and ask your healthcare provider for clarification.  Thermometers should be wiped with alcohol before and after each use.  Store in a clean, dry place.  Liquids may be discarded in the toilet and the container cleaned with hot, soapy water, rinse with boiling water and allow to dry.

Sharp Objects/Biomedical Waste

Needles, syringes, scissors, knives, staples, glass tubes or bottles, IV catheters, lancets, razor blades, disposable razors and all other sharp objects in the home must be packaged and disposed of properly to reduce the risk of exposure to waste handlers and the public at large.  The agency will provide appropriate containers for disposal of such items, or will provide you with the name and number of a Florida registered biomedical waste handler.  In the event that a sharps container is left in your home after discharge, please contact our agency for pick up.

Spills in the Home

Surfaces contaminated by blood/bodily fluid spills are cleaned by putting on gloves and wiping fluid with paper towels.  Use a cleaning solution of household bleach and water (1 cup bleach to 10 cups water) to wipe the area again.  Double bag the used paper towels and dispose of in the trash.  In the case of a spill involving blood and/or bodily fluids at an assisted living facility, the client should notify the facility staff immediately.

Emergency Preparedness

Natural disasters shall be defined and determined by the National Weather Service and/or the State of Florida.  In the unlikely event of a disaster, every possible effort will be made to assure your medical needs are met.  Most home health services are not life supporting and can therefore be suspended for brief periods of time without placing the patient at great risk.   In the event of inclement weather, disasters or other unforeseen interruption of services, our staff will, if possible, contact you by phone to let you know that they are unable to make your visit that day.  Once an official clearance is given by State or weather officials, your services will be back as before.

Examples of emergencies include, but are not limited to, severe weather conditions.

Tornado

Tornados are nature’s most violent storms.  When a tornado has been sighted, go to your shelter immediately.  Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.  In a house or small building, go to the basement or storm cellar.  If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lower level such as a closet or interior hallway.  Get under a sturdy table, hold on and protect your head.  Stay there until the danger has passed.   In a high rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.  In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and to a more substantial structure.  If the patient is bedbound, move the patient’s bed as far away from the windows as possible.  Cover the patient with heavy blankets or pillows being sure to protect the head and face.  Then go to a safe area.  Do not attempt to outdrive a tornado.  They are erratic and move swiftly.  If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert with your hands shielding your head.

Lightning

Inside a home, avoid bath tubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can conduct electricity.  Stay away from windows.  Avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies.  If you are outside, do not stand under a natural lightning rod, such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.  Get away from anything metal, including tractors, farm equipment, bicycles etc.

Hurricanes

A hurricane can immobilize an entire region.  Heavy rains and high winds cause flooding and damage to structures and surrounding landscapes.  Preparation is the key to surviving a hurricane.  Keep informed of the storm’s path and anticipated arrival, assemble disaster supplies, secure your home and evacuate to a shelter if necessary.

It is important to plan ahead for events that you can’t control as it relates to the weather and environment.  This way you are more likely to be able to implement a safe and effective plan.

Your admitting clinician will ask you where you plan to go in the event of a disaster.  Your choices are to stay at home, leave the area, stay with family or friends that are in a safe location or go to a public shelter.  It is beneficial to discuss your emergency plan with family members and friends in advance of the situation.

It is also good to have an emergency kit prepared. Standard supplies for most emergency situations include:

• Food for 2 weeks – include special diet foods, pet food

• Water – 2-3 gallons of water per day per individual

• Paper supplies – plates, cups, utensils, paper towels, toilet paper

• Personal Hygiene Items – baby wipes, incontinence supplies

• Medications – 2 weeks supply, serial number to pacemakers and other medical equipment that may require identification

• First Aid Kit

• Sleep Supplies

• Cleaning Supplies – bleach, soap, disinfectant, plastic gloves, garbage bags

• Communications – phone numbers, radio, cell, batteries, chargers

• Cookware – matches, lighters, foil, zip lock bags, charcoal, sterno, pots, pans, spatula, potholders

• Storage – ice chest, thermoses

• Finances – bank card, 2 weeks supply cash, important financial and insurance papers in waterproof container

• Miscellaneous – candles, flashlight, lantern, fans, extra batteries, matches, duct tape, hammer, nails, screwdriver, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra keys, books, games

Hurricanes are one of the disaster events more likely to be experienced here in South Florida. 

The following is a suggested course of action when a hurricane is about to approach:

Before Hurricane Season

• If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans

• If you will need assistance in an evacuation, please register NOW with the County Emergency Operations Center

• If you require hospitalization, you must make prior arrangements through your physician

• Determine if and when you would have to evacuate.  REMEMBER:  All mobile and manufactured homes residents must evacuate regardless of location

• Decide NOW where you would go if ordered to evacuate (a friend or relative, a hotel, out of the region, or, as a last resort, to a shelter).  If you are going to leave the region or go to a hotel, you must leave early.  Determine your route.

• Keep your home in good repair.  Obtain assistance to tack down loose roofing and siding and to trim dead or broken branches from trees

• Take detailed videotape/pictures of the outside of your home and the belongings inside your home.  This is proof for the insurance companies of what you own inside and out, and will be helpful to them and you

During a Hurricane Watch:

• If you are homebound but not currently under the care of a home health agency, contact your physician

• Review your emergency plan

• Make arrangements for a safe place to stay in case an evacuation is necessary.  Rely on a shelter as a last resort

• Arrange for the safety of pets.  No pets, except Seeing Eye dogs, are allowed in shelters.  Leave your pets with plenty of food and water or board them with a vet

• Refill prescription drugs and gather any other special medications.  The shelters cannot furnish special diets, prescriptions, insulin, or other supplies

• Check your flashlight and radio and have extra batteries on hand

• Fill your car with gas.  Check battery, water and oil

• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings to help preserve food during a power outage

• Assemble emergency supply kit

• Prepare clean containers for drinking water

During a Hurricane Warning:

• The American Red Cross advises moving outside threatened areas as early as possible. Stay with friends, relatives, or at a motel located in a place safe from flooding. As a last resort only, go to a Red Cross Emergency Shelter

• Fill fresh water drinking containers

• Keep up to date with radio and TV.  Make sure you have a battery-operated radio in case of power interruption

• Gather important papers and documents in a portable, waterproof container

• Bring outdoor furniture and loose objects inside.

• Put up hurricane shutters.

• Storing extra water in bath tubs may help with flushing toilets

• Be prepared to evacuate if directed.  Know the evacuation routes

During an Evacuation:

• If the local authorities order an evacuation, you must leave, according to the Red Cross.  If you evacuate:

• Ensure you have the proper identification.  You may need proof of your address to re-enter your neighborhood after the storm

• If flooding is imminent, turn off electrical service at the main fuse or breaker box.  Turn off gas appliances at individual shut off, if accessible.  Do not attempt to turn off gas service at the meter

• Close the windows and secure the house before leaving

• Follow published evacuation routes

During the Storm

• Wherever you ride out the storm, stay indoors.  Don’t be fooled if the calm eye of the storm passes over, and don’t be caught outside when the hurricane winds resume from the opposite direction

• Listen to your local radio or TV station for more information

After the Storm:

• Don’t drive unless necessary

• Don’t return to evacuated areas until authorities give the “all clear”

• Report downed power lines and broken water or sewer pipes to the proper authorities.  Do not report individual lack of utility service.  Use the phone for emergencies only.

• After the initial emergency period has passed, notify relatives and insurance companies.  Take inventory before calling insurance companies and record losses.  Protect property from further damage if possible without endangering yourself or others

• Do not eat spoiled or questionable food, sightsee, or touch downed or dangling electrical wires

• Do not attempt to operate gas appliances that have been under water.  Contact the gas utility to schedule an inspection

• Notify your home health agency once you return home

Palm Beach County Shelters

• There are approximately 17 shelters throughout Palm Beach County, and they are managed and maintained by the American Red Cross.  Shelters should be used as a last resort.  You should choose one near your residence.  Be sure you know the route, and do not go until you hear from officials that your shelter has opened.  Also, be sure to advise family members or friends that you have evacuated and where you will be.  Shelters have a limited capacity and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• If you do not qualify for the Special Needs Program but require transportation to a regular shelter, the County will may provide transportation for you. You must be pre-registered and live in an evacuation zone or mobile/manufactured home, be physically handicapped, or have no other means of transportation. Call Palm Tran Connection to register at 561 649-9838. Your nurse or therapist would be happy to help you make this call. Download Special Needs Application (Zipped PDF) or View Online

• No smoking, alcohol, firearms or pets are allowed in shelters.

What to Bring:

• Prescription medications and medical supplies

• Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first-aid kit, flashlight

• Bedding, including sleeping bags and pillows

• Infant necessities

• Clothing (five days)

• Car keys and maps

• Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence

• Insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records etc

• Personal hygiene products

• Lightweight folding chair/cot

• Personal items (books, toys etc

• All required medication and medical equipment

• Glasses, hearing aids and extra batteries

• At least 72 hours worth of medication, ostomy supplies, wound care supplies, walker, cane etc

• Special dietary needs (only regular meals will be provided)

• One gallon of water per person

• Pillows, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, folding chairs

• Important papers, such as home health agency folder, doctor’s orders, insurance papers, unfilled prescriptions etc

• Identification with photo and current address, such as a driver’s license or state issued ID card

• Cash (check cashing, credit card and ATM services may not be available for several days after the storm).  DO NOT bring excessive amounts of cash.  There will be no place to secure money or valuables at the shelter

• Comfort items for 72 hours, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, soap, lotion etc

• Snacks, small games, cards, a magazine or book etc

• Extra clothing for 72 hours and a few extra sets of underwear and socks

• Flashlight and/or portable radio if desired with extra batteries

Special Needs Shelters

• Palm Beach County maintains a Special Needs Program to provide specialized care for people with medical needs during a disaster event. Physicians and nurses are assigned to the Special Needs Shelters by the Palm Beach County Health Department

• Space at these shelters is limited and is based on need and established criteria

• You must pre-register with the County Emergency Operations Center at 561 712-6400 and have physician authorization

• We have provided a Palm Beach County Special Needs Application for download. If you require assistance to complete this form, please ask your nurse or therapist. Download Special Needs Application (Zipped PDF) or View Online

You may be eligible if:

• If you are accepted, you will be notified and provided transportation to the  shelters, if you need it.

• You will need to bring:

• No pets are allowed in the Special Care Units. Make pet arrangements in advance. Service dogs are allowed.

• If you are unable to return home, assistance will be provided for you.

• If you have a caregiver, your caregiver must accompany you and remain with you at the special needs shelter. The shelter can accommodate one caregiver at a time – other family members should go to regular shelters.  Your caregiver will have floor space provided. The caregiver must provide their own bedding. Caregivers who regularly assist the patient in the home are expected to continue to do so in the shelter. The caregiver can be a relative, household member, guardian, friend, neighbor, home health agency employee, or volunteer. 

• The special needs shelter should be used as a place of last refuge. The patient will not receive the same level of skilled care as received from home health staff, and conditions in a shelter may be stressful.

• For further information about the Special Needs Program, call 561 712-6400 and ask to speak to the Special Needs Coordinator

The Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management has released an informational letter regarding their Special Care Units or Special Needs Shelters.

“In the event that Palm Beach County is threatened by a hurricane, the normal environment of a hurricane shelter does not lend itself to the proper care of citizens that have medical problems.

With the support of area hospitals, the Health Department and Red Cross, we have developed a Special Program. Prior to the arrival of a hurricane, citizens who meet the specific medical criteria may be taken to one of two centrally located facilities where they will be under the medical supervision of physicians and registered nurses. Admittance to these facilities may be restricted to the following:

1. Persons who cannot be without electricity because they depend upon their own electrically energized life support equipment within the home; i.e. oxygen, nebulizers, c-pap, bi-pap, etc.

2. Persons that are too immobile and/or have a chronic stable illness but are not suitable for regular shelter placement or do not require hospitalization.

3. People with minor health/medical conditions that require professional observation, assessment and maintenance.

4. People with the need for medications and/or vital sign monitoring and are unable to do so without professional assistance

5. Persons who are bedridden and require custodial care.

Caregivers must accompany their patients.

All persons not meeting the above criteria will be referred to a Red Cross shelter.

If you do not meet the criteria and live in an evacuation zone or mobile home park and are disabled with no other type of transportation you may register with Palm Tran at 561-649-9838. They will transport you to a Red Cross Shelter at no charge.

We will try to assist anyone who needs transportation to the best of our ability. We need to know, however, if you are transportation dependent.

We also need to know about your care during day to day activities. It is very important that we know what level of care you require. If you are receiving care from an agency or caregiver, you will need that same type of care at the shelter. If possible, please make arrangements for someone to come to the shelter with you, so that they can assist you during your stay.

We do provide you with three meals and two snacks a day, if you are on a special diet please bring that food with you. We are attaching a supply list with this application, if you have any questions about this list be sure to call us and we will give you the assistance that you need.

Please be selective with what you bring, our facility is designed to accommodate people that need medical care, so please be considerate of that and not bring items that require electricity or space. Only bring the things that you need most. Bedding is provided for you, and only for the caregiver if there are extra beds available after all of the patients have checked in. So be sure that your caretaker or companion has their own bedding, including an air mattress or portable cot. Let us know if you need assistance with your pets, we now have a pet friendly shelter in Palm Beach County and may be able to assist you with those preparations.

Please make sure that you have considered all of your options before settling on a shelter. There are many ways to protect yourself during a disaster. Make your home a safe place by preparing ahead of time, having shutters, water, perishable food items and knowing multiple routes out of the area if an evacuation is needed. Be prepared by stocking up on supplies throughout the year, keeping medications updated and filled. There is always information regarding “Disaster Preparedness” in your local grocery stores.

If you are on oxygen, always make sure that your supplier knows where you are in the event that you may need extra oxygen cylinders. Talk to your physician about staying home, different ways to keep your medication cool, if refrigeration is needed. Be sure to always let your family know about your “Hurricane Plan” and were you will be. Check with your office or clubhouse; if you have one and find out what they may have planned. If you live above the first floor, try to make arrangements with a neighbor or friend that may live on the first floor. “A shelter is safe, but there is no place like home”. If you have any other questions about Hurricane Preparedness, please do not hesitate by calling me at the number below.

Sincerely,
Sally Waite
EMS Manager
Palm Beach County
Division of Emergency Management
Office: 561-712-6400

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