Avita Home Health & Hospice is making a real impact in North Central Ohio. This local non-profit offers home health and hospice services, focusing on personalized care for patients. They emphasize a “Community First” approach, striving to educate and support those they serve.
Cathy Sapp, RN and executive director, shared how important it is to remember that they are part of the Avita family. The organization, previously known as HomeCare Matters, was brought under the Avita Health System in 2017. Since then, they’ve expanded to meet the growing demand for home health and hospice services in the area.
“Individualized care is our priority,” Sapp explained. “Many people misunderstand hospice as just end-of-life care, but it’s about living well and cherishing moments with loved ones.” This perspective aims to reshape community views on hospice services.
Britney McElhatten, a medical records specialist, agrees. “We want to shed light on hospice’s positive aspects. Discussing death can be uncomfortable, yet it’s a crucial topic for families to address.” To foster healing and support, Avita hosts a children’s grief camp called “Healing Hearts.” This free camp welcomes kids aged 5-12, helping them navigate their emotions after loss. A Car Cruise In on September 27 will raise funds for future camps.
The staff at Avita is dedicated to getting involved with the community. They believe in providing support during tough times, making it easier for families to cope. In addition to the grief camp, programs like “Healing Journey” and “Rays of Hope” offer counseling and ongoing grief support. Their monthly gathering, “Lunch with Friends,” creates a friendly space for sharing experiences together.
Avita also organizes memorial services twice a year, honoring those they’ve lost. Their assistance extends beyond hospice, offering palliative care, physical therapy, speech therapy, and daily living support through home health aides.
Sapp started her journey as a patient care nurse and then moved up to clinical manager. She finds great fulfillment in her work, appreciating the direct impact they have on people’s lives. “It’s the most rewarding nursing I’ve ever done. You actually see the difference you make,” she said.
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, nearly 50% of patients in hospice care lived longer than six months, challenging the stigma that hospice is only for the last days of life. This statistic highlights the importance of discussing these services earlier, allowing families to plan better and make the most of their time together.
As Avita continues to grow, their commitment to compassionate and individualized care shines through, reminding us all of the power of community support in times of need.
