July 18, 2024
As we previewed in May, the Illinois HomeCare & Hospice Council hosted a Nurse Delegation Seminar in July. Participants heard the story of nurse delegation in Illinois, learned how other states are effectively and safely using nurse delegation in home- and community-based settings, discussed what operationalizing nurse delegation entails, and spent time brainstorming and collaborating with ... Read More
April 16, 2024
In healthcare, especially in-home health care, nurse delegation plays a key role in ensuring that patients receive the care they need. If you or someone you care about is thinking about getting healthcare services at home, it’s good to know what nurse delegation is and how it can make a big difference in the type ... Read More
March 21, 2024
A slew of bills that could have a big impact on healthcare practitioners and consumers are on the table in Springfield during this current legislative session. The bills, if passed, “could lead to really good things,” says Wellspring’s founder, Sheila McMackin, MSW, LCSW. But she also notes that one of the bills—HB 4884—could negatively affect ... Read More
January 29, 2024
When you need to hire a home care agency, it’s crucial to find a service that aligns with your specific needs. Here are some key questions to ask when screening agencies, along with insights into how Wellspring Personal Care addresses these concerns. Does the level of care provided match my needs? Understanding the type of ... Read More
December 19, 2023
Hospice care is designed for patients who are at the end stages of a terminal illness, typically when the life expectancy is six months or less, as certified by a physician. The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and maintain the highest quality of life possible. This approach includes managing pain and ... Read More
October 30, 2023
In the fall of 2022, the Illinois HomeCare and Hospice Council (IHHC) convened a committee, chaired by Sheila McMackin, LCSW, to explore the concept of applying levels of care to in-home health care. (To learn about levels of care, see our blog post, “Like Hospitals, Home Care Agencies Should Have Levels of Care.”) The Levels ... Read More
April 18, 2023
We were honored to receive this letter from a client recently. The client is overseeing care for his parents and gave us permission to share their photo (above) and his name. Steve wrote to Sheila McMackin, owner, and Edwin Nunez, director of nursing, about the excellent care and service his family are receiving from our ... Read More
February 15, 2023
Did you know that in Illinois, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can now administer medications to their home nursing clients? Previously, CNAs who come into the home were only allowed to provide medication reminders to their clients. This change makes it easier for patients who live alone to continue receiving in-home care. Family caregivers can also ... Read More
January 31, 2023
What happens when a hospital is ready to discharge a patient who still needs ongoing clinical care? Typically they’re transferred to a nursing home or nursing and rehabilitation center. Most people would rather be sent home (or wherever they call home) so they can continue living in their own space. Fortunately, clients who choose Wellspring ... Read More
November 22, 2022
In last month’s blog post, we talked about how consumers would be better served if home care agencies were required to use levels of care, similar to how hospitals treat their patients. You can read about that here. This month, we want to look at another idea that, if used consistently by the home care ... Read More