Penny Tyynismaa, a Tama County Health and Home Care nurse was the speaker for the Jan. 15 Toledo-Tama Kiwanis meeting. With her is Kiwanis member John Kavalier. Photo/Mary Fasse-Shaw

At the Jan. 15 meeting, of the Toledo-Tama Kiwanis, Tama County Public Health Nurse Penny Tyynismaa spoke to Kiwanis about home care versus nursing home care.

Penny said that of all the risks the elderly face, the most are injuries from a fall. She pointed out that throw rugs should be removed as they can easily lead to falls. (Some of the ladies were not happy to hear this, but grudgingly knew she was right). Confusion about mediation, complicationsafter surgery, dehydration, living alone, having three or more physical or cognitive impairments, and not being able to complete activities of daily living are other reasons that nursing home care might be necessary.

The county nurses perform many essential actions for those needing help. Among these are assessing the home for safety, encouraging the use of emergency bracelets (particularly those that give the alarm when there has been a fall).

They also can help with accurate medications and help clients set up medical planners that allow them to sort out medications for several days.

Tyynismaa said it is important to try to get all medications from the same pharmacy, so medications checks can be thorough and complete.

A person working as an aid can also be found by working through the county nurse. This person can give baths, check that medications are being taken correctly, and help with tasks like grocery shopping.

Help Navigating The Health Care System

However, one of the most important services the nurse can provide is helping clients navigate the health care system. They are aware of requirements and what regulations exist and what forms need to be completed. Also, they perform the important function of being able to speak to a doctor directly and immediately to obtains information needed by the client.

There, is an expense for the services. Having an aid costs approximately $8,000 per year. A nurse visit is $200 per visit-, however, this can be pro-rated. The cost of a nursing home can range from $7,000 to $8,000 per month, so being able to stay at home is less expensive. However, as Penny pointed out there are some situations where nursing home placement is mandatory, and she said, this is most often a very difficult decision.

Penny gave the group a wealth of information. It would be wise for anyone making the decision between nursing home and in home care to speak with her because she can definitely aid in making that hard choice.