Doris Miner needed a little assistance. Doris, and her husband, Kenny, moved from their ranch in rural Tripp County in part to cut down on driving, and to be closer to services.
“I have driven thousands of miles on gravel roads in all conditions, including in the winter. I do not like it. We couldn’t stay on the farm anymore,” said the 81-year-old. “We have a nice little townhouse we like, but we needed a little help.”
Doris has faced multiple sclerosis for more than 40 years, and her husband has myasthenia gravis. She said bathing can be difficult.
“Bathing can really test our abilities,” she said. “Avera@Home gives the help with bathing and our medications that we need. We have four grown children, and they all live far away, and they know we’re in good hands with this service.”
Avera@Home nurses, nurse aids and other staff offer a wide range of assistance to families like the Miners. For Doris and Kenny, help with bathing and medications – which include prescription pickup and proper sorting and scheduling – allows them to continue a more independent life.
“This service makes sense to us, because we enjoy their visits and appreciate how they help,” said Doris. “It lets us live on our own. We don’t need too much help, but they have other services that someday we might need. It’s good to know that in case we do.”
Jennifer Allmendinger, BSN, RN, is part of the Gregory Avera@Home team, and often works with the Miners. She said for many families, like them, there’s a secure feeling that comes with regular visitors and the services she and her team offer.
“Many people might not know about the range of services we provide or how it all works,” she said. “Avera@Home has returned skilled nursing and therapy services to Gregory, and we now are now able to provide important care that allows patients and families to recover and heal right at home. Our service puts patients at ease knowing they can remain in their homes while receiving needed cares.”
Allmendinger said each family’s situation is different. She said the Avera@Home team is happy to answer questions and line up the appropriate services for anyone across the spectrum of care, from simple cares to more complex skilled nursing services and therapies.
For Doris Miner, the service is, as she said, “a godsend.”
“Hired help is hard to find in rural South Dakota,” she said. “This really works well for us, and I am sure there are others who could use it, too. We’re really thankful for it.”
You can learn more about Avera@Home services like those the Miners receive by calling 605-668-8327, or by visiting AveraAtHome.org.
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