Homer Schmitz Memorial Health Clinic
The Homer Schmitz Memorial Health Clinic is saving lives by managing the care of high need residents at St. Andrew's of Jennings and Zion Corner/ Sammie E. Jones Residence, residential housing facilities for low-income seniors. These seniors live on approximately $12,000 annually, forcing them to make extremely difficult financial decisions: "Should I purchase my medicine or groceries this month?" "Should I pay my utilities or transportation to a physician's office?"
The clinic provides on-site, walk-in healthcare services to all residents, at no cost, so they can get medical services before major health issues develop.
In partnership with the Deaconess Faith Community Nurses, a faith community nurse is available three days per week to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, breathing, and manage medications. This team works together to help:
- Chronic illness; both physical and mental
- Ensure smooth and effective transitions from acute or post-acute settings
- Minimize avoidable hospital readmissions
- Address medication-related complications
- Increase patient engagement
- Decrease the use of emergency medical transportation by taking proactive healthcare measures; monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, breathing, medication management and walking programs.
By coordinating healthcare, managing chronic conditions, and monitoring after a hospitalization we strive to prevent the need for more expensive care over time and provide each deserving resident with an enhanced quality of life.