TROY — Observation at Home is one of many FirstHealth telehealth initiatives designed to provide convenient, accessible care for patients. The program provides real-time monitoring and personalized care to help patients recover from acute illnesses safely at home, reducing the need for an emergency department visit or hospital admission.
Kathy Duran of Troy, works full time and is the primary caregiver for her 82-year-old father, Elvin Singleton. She has experienced the benefits of Observation at Home firsthand.
Singleton battles multiple health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure and renal failure, which led to four hospital visits within three months. “These hospital stays take so much out of Dad,” Duran shared. “Keeping him home and out of the hospital is so very important to me.”
Duran credits the Observation at Home program with saving her father from another trip to the hospital — and possibly saving his life. While her father was recently under the care of home health, the nurse noticed fluid developing in his lungs and legs. Duran was immediately concerned and feared yet another trip to the hospital for her dad. However, the home health nurse suggested the Observation at Home program, which is designed for patients who are stable but would typically require hospitalization. Relieved to have another option, Duran agreed. With a referral from home health, her father was enrolled in Observation at Home.
Through Observation at Home, a paramedic visits the patient’s home to conduct a hands-on assessment. While still with the patient, they connect via tele-video with a FirstHealth provider for a telemedicine visit. The team includes providers with both primary care and ER/urgent care experience, allowing them to administer medications or draw labs in the home based on the evaluation.
Duran was impressed by the care her father received. As someone who is employed full time and serves as the primary caregiver, she appreciated how the team kept her involved, often calling her on speakerphone during assessments. She also joined tele-visits with her father and the Observation at Home provider, which gave her an added sense of security.
“I know Dad would have been back in the hospital if it wasn’t for this program, and I’m not sure that would have ended well,” Duran said.
Singleton was discharged from the program after two weeks and continues to do well. Duran is grateful for the compassionate team with Observation at Home, who provided essential support to her and shared her commitment to caring for her father where he feels most comfortable—at home.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas offers a range of telehealth services to provide convenient access to quality care from the comfort of your home. Through secure virtual visits, patients can connect with health care providers for urgent care and specialty consultations in a variety of settings. These services are designed to ensure continuity of care, improve access and offer flexibility. FirstHealth telehealth program aims to enhance patient experience and deliver high-quality health care through innovative technology. To learn more, visit firsthealth.org/medical-care/virtual-care.
