A Giant Leap for Patient-Centered Care

Throughout my childhood and teen years, the United States was very active with the Space Shuttle missions.

I remember that exciting day, April 12, 1981, when Mrs. Childers, my third-grade teacher in Virginia Beach, VA, rolled a bulky television into the classroom. All of us watched the first launch of the Space Shuttle with rapt attention. It was a thrilling moment and one that has stayed with me my whole life. The planning, the science, the dedication, and the commitment by NASA and other entities to make the Space Shuttle program work was immense.

Back then, I only was aware of the glorious launch, clouds of gases billowing off the launch pad, and the excitement of the countdown. Now I understand the amount of work behind each launch and landing, not to mention the actual risk of being in space. Sometimes the shuttle worked well, and flawless missions ensued. Sadly, other times were disastrous events. Nonetheless, the dreaming, the planning, and the work didn’t end. So many positive research discoveries, the Hubble Space Telescope, the first woman astronaut, the first teacher in space… the list goes on and on.

While it would be preposterous to compare the opening of Oakwood Preferred Home Health to the Space Shuttle Program, I can’t help but see some similarities. We are creating a very technical program, which is licensed by the State of Wisconsin and accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Healthcare. Medicare reimbursement is one of the most complex reimbursement systems in healthcare, and Home Health is no exception. Our policies and standards of care are subject to review in the same way that our skilled nursing and rehabilitation policies and standards are. It takes a lot of work to build a billing system, a policy review system, quality initiatives, and to lay a sturdy foundation for our services. Staff must complete extensive training, which means a robust onboarding process. Departments here throughout Oakwood have collaborated with Home Health to ensure smooth transitions of care.

We are launching, so to speak, into a new realm and making history here at Oakwood!

How does Oakwood Preferred Services work?

We provide skilled rehabilitative nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy under a physician’s orders based on a Plan of Care which is sent to the ordering physician for a signature. This Plan of Care is created with the Services patient as the central focus of the plan. Oakwood’s various disciplines work together to achieve the common goals agreed upon by the patient and their physician, with the primary goal to restore independence and health to the highest level possible.

These services are reimbursable through Medicare and insurance plans. Each patient participating in Oakwood Preferred Services will have an RN Case Manager assigned to them.

Oakwood Preferred Services will also offer Supportive Services, which is covered through private pay. An outreach manager will provide a free informational visit, and discuss with the patient and their family (if desired) which services would be best to support the patient. Services may include companion care, assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.

For tasks requiring delegation from a registered nurse, such as help with feeding and bathing, a Plan of Care is created and sent to a physician for a signature. Again, these services are privately paid.

These Supportive Services are meant to enhance, not replace, services already offered at Oakwood. For example, if you are living in Settlers Ridge at Prairie Ridge, or The Oaks at University Woods, and you need more services than Oakwood can provide, we are here to help meet your needs.

While we might not be handling rocket fuel, we are handling the lives of older adults and supporting their health here at Oakwood Village. We have a major impact on the trajectory of their wellness, independence, and the galaxy of support surrounding them. Our hope is that you see the same level of dedication, safety, science, and wonder exhibited by our space program.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We hope to become your trusted partner and primary choice for Home Health, Supportive Services and more.

Oakwood Preferred Services is now accepting patients for Home Health Rehab Services and Supportive Services throughout our two campuses. If you are interested in learning more about Oakwood Preferred Services, please call (608) 230-4477, speak with a member of Oakwood’s Health and Wellness or social services staff, or let your doctor know you want Oakwood Preferred Services.