Home Health Care Providers Topic of Chamber Meeting

The Los Fresnos Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting at the Los Fresnos Inn & Suites meeting room on Thursday, April 28.  The topic of Home Health and In-Home Care Providers was aptly covered by PAS (Personal Attendants Services) Programs Director, Vannessa Sandoval, RN, BSN.  Sandoval represented Texas Visiting Nurse Service, LTD (TVNS).  Sandoval has 22 years of service with TVNS and discussed personal attendant services commonly referred to as “Palomitas” in certain communities because of the attendants wearing all white.

 She discussed the difference between and when a patient would need skilled nurse care and home care supplemental service or “providers”.   Also discussed was the need for early preparation and planning for securing Long Term Care Insurance in view of proposed cuts to Medicaid and the decrease in services, providers and the entire medical industry.  The Rio Grande Valley utilizes the largest portion of Medicaid and provider services and is the largest low-income and elderly population compared to the rest of the State.  Costs for care can range from $1000 a month to as high as $4,340 a month depending on the need.  Since some insurances do not provide long term care or provider services it is necessary to know where to start in selecting the right coverage and what type.  For more information go to www.dads.state.tx.us/services/contact.cfm or call the Aging and disability resource centers at (855)937-2372.