Jamy Fugleseth, RN, works closely with the IV infusion company to control the pain level, dosage and frequency of pain medicine used in Judy Hassel's pain pump who is seated with her husband, Larry. Through the telephone Jamy was able to make adjustments in dosage.
First Care Medical Services will continue to provide uninterrupted home health and hospice services that clients have learned to value and trust. Those in the Fertile area will continue to be served even after the office on main street closes on May 31st. Jamy Fuglseth, a nursing professional with over 15 years of experience, who grew up in the Fertile area, will continue to be the primary provider of home health services in the Fertile area.
Pat Wangler, Chief Executive Officer at First Care, explained the office change. "By eliminating the cost of office space, First Care has made the optimal commitment to using funds for the purpose of patient care." With techonological capabilities an office can now be located anywhere that technology can connect. Wangler commended the Home Health staff at First Care for its commitment to high quality care and services and state that the First Care organization remains committed to serving the area with high quality health services in the home.
Jodi Nelson, Home Health and Hospice Director, emphasized that First Care Home Health offers high quality professional care for people that have healthcare needs at home, the place they feel the best and want to stay.
Nelson is happy to count Fuglseht as one of the staff who serve the Fertile area. "Jamy is a highly skilled nurse with exceptional compassion for the clients and the community he serves. He is well respected by clients and their families, as welll as staff," she said.
Jamy Fuglseth has been providing home care to Judy Hassel in rural Fertile intermittently for 3 1/2 years. Her hame care started with First Care after abdominal cancer surgery, and at the beginning she needed extensive care, seven days a week, including physical therapy provided by First Care's Liz Brouse. Jamy was a family friend, and they requested he become her primary nurse.
" When you've seen the best, you want the best," Judy said. He called on his fellow home health nurses from First Care to help him cover the days. In addition to Jamy, Judy came to know many of the staff. "All the First Care staff is very good, but I have known Jamy since he was a friend of my son. They graduated together. He makes me feel safe and secure, and I know I can count on him whenever I need him, even if I call him at home," she said.
Jamy's commitment to Judy is fueled by her determined attitude. "Judy is a fighter," said Jamy. "It's easy to want to help someone who has the courage and grit to do more than is required. We set her goals together, and I am committed to making sure she has what she needs to accomplish those goals. She is an inspriation to me."
Educating people also makes staying in their own homes more feasible. If they can make their home a safer environment, learn to use adaptive equipment, or adopt healthier eating habits, living at home is much easier and enjoyable.
Judy's husband, Larry, had to learn to be Judy's major caregiver, and deal with new circumstances. "When we run into a question about any of Judy's treatment, we call Jamy. If for some reason, we aren't able to get in touch with him, we call the after hours number at First Care's main office," he said. "I work in Red Lake Falls, so I cannot be here all the time. I feel confident, when I know Jamy is scheduled to make a visit."
Home health nurses provide a variety of services for clients. In addition to healthcare they also become advocates for them. Jamy explained, "I see many clients who suffer from chonic illnesses like cardio-vascular disease. People who have chronic diseases must learn to live with them, because they cannot be cured. I help them balance daily routines of diet, activity and medication.
"I have sen a lot more anxiety in recent years in some of my clients. I assist them in finding sources of help for their anxieties. The home health nurse is often the client's connection with the outside world. Many of them don't have families that are able to visit often, so they depend on and appreciate my visits," he said.
The staff at First Care Medical Services Home Health and Hospice recently received notable recognition as one of the 2008 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the top 25% of Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States.
Home health care is for clients of all ages from babies to the elderly. An initial visit by a nurse is available at no cost to assess individual needs. Common patient conditions that would warrant home health care are: heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, recovery from surgery, alzheimers, dementia, cancer, and medication management. In addition to assisting with disease and illness management, First Care aides help clients with hair care, bathing, changing bed linens and similar personal needs.
Hospice care is for clients facing a life limiting illness. The First Care team walks beside the client and family providing strenth and courage to enjoy the many special moments left with loved ones. The experiences, compassionate workers and volunteers of First Care Hospice answer questions and provide support. Hospice is beneficial, many clients and families have expressed the wish they had caled sooner. In addition to providing home health care for people in the Fertile area, Fuglseth recently became a credentialed as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.
People in the Fertile area will be able to continue to call the Fertile telephone number for information on Home Health and Hospice care at (218) 945-6152. They can also contact the main office in Fosston at (218) 435-7670. If you wish to contact First Care through email send to Danielle Paradis at Daniellep@firstcare.org or Jackie Salvhus at Jackies@firstcare.org.
If you would like more information on Home Health you can visit the Home Health and Hospice web pages on this website.
First Care is an equal opportunity provider and employer.