Since 1966, the Saline County Health Department's Home Health Division has been a cornerstone in providing care to the community, making it the oldest Home Health Agency in the area. This longstanding commitment is further emphasized by the County Commission's recent declaration of November as Home Care & Hospice Month, aligning with the needs and preferences of the county's elderly population.

“Research suggests nearly 90% of people over 65 want to age in place—to live at home as long as possible," explained Christi Ponton, Saline County Health Department Home Health Coordinator. "To make this happen, additional care is necessary, which is why families turn to home health care. The Saline County Home Health care team works so well together. We are passionate about taking care of our community. Our team goes above and beyond for our patients, and we take care of them as we would our own family. We have seen the benefit of home health on people in our community as they age-- improved quality of life and independence leading to better outcomes."

The proclamation by the Saline County Commission acknowledges the crucial role that home care and hospice play in supporting various individuals, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and postsurgical patients. The declaration serves as a recognition of the hard work and dedication of caregivers, including nurses, aides, therapists, and social workers, who are integral to providing care in the comfort of patients' homes.

The Home Health Division of the Saline County Health Department offers a range of services such as skilled nursing, therapy, home health aide support, and medical social work. They employ a primary care nursing model, where one nurse is responsible for overseeing a patient's care, fostering a consistent and strong caregiver-patient relationship.

Inclusivity is a key aspect of their services, with the provision of a Spanish language interpreter for all services, ensuring that no one is left out due to language barriers. This policy underlines the division's commitment to providing accessible home health care to all who need it, as long as they have a qualified need and are under the care of a physician.

With the observance of Home Care & Hospice Month, Saline County continues to showcase its dedication to providing high-quality home-based care. This initiative honors the professionals, volunteers, and family caregivers who are essential in supporting the county's elderly and those in need of specialized care in their homes.