Thanks to critical home care services offered through Medicaid & Medicare programs, Americans of all ages have the ability to remain independent, safe, and cared for at home – all while enjoying the fun that summertime has to offer! From going to the beach, swimming, and sports games, home care gives freedom to those with medical complexities.
Without in-home caregivers, individuals like Araina, Elvis, Luis, Noah, & Danny would be forced into institutionalized facilities like nursing homes instead of thriving in the comfort of their own homes surrounded by loved ones. Their caregivers also give them the opportunity to be out in their communities, experiencing things like going to a good, old fashioned baseball game with their family and friends!
Check out some of the fun these home care recipients had this summer!
Araina Cline, North Carolina
11-year-old Araina from North Carolina enjoys all summertime has to offer all because of her dedicated team of home care nurses who keep her safe and healthy at home!
These nurses give Araina the independence to thrive as an ordinary kid despite her cerebral palsy diagnosis. She loves going in the pool, going to the beach, and having fun photo shoots at beautiful sunflower patches!
Fun fact: Araina has been named the “TikTok Queen” after all the videos she makes with her beloved nurses!
Elvis Lacount, North Carolina
17-month-old Elvis absolutely loves getting out and about for summer time fun activities! He enjoys spending time at the pool and going on hikes with his nurse, Michael Smith! But a child with Elvis’ medical complexities wouldn’t be able to enjoy life to the fullest without skilled in-home nurses to care for him.
Elvis’ mom Danielle says they struggle to find enough coverage at times:
“Elvis is approved for 112 hours of in-home nursing each week but usually only receives 88 due to the lack of home care nurses available. If our nurses call out sick, we rarely have someone to cover them. The few times we have found coverage, it was amongst our three regular nurses who volunteered to work on their day off. Our nurses are seriously the best. I don’t know what emotional state our family would be in without them.”
Luis Melgaralvizu, New Jersey
13-year-old Luis had the opportunity of a lifetime: To throw the first pitch of the Trenton Thunder game in Trenton, NJ. Luis got to make his dream come true while BAYADA employees cheered him on. Luis was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis and must use leg braces to walk. He needs help with daily tasks because he cannot use his hands like most kids his age do. But despite his diagnosis, he lives life to the fullest! Luis loves music, sports, and his in-home caregivers!
Noah Kelliker, North Carolina
15-year-old Noah loves hanging out in his pool, thanks to his home health aide, Mary! Due to his medical complexities, Noah relies on daily home care to remain cared for surrounded by his family.
Fun fact: Noah likes to look his best for the ladies and is excited that he recently started shaving! He also loves to watch Family Court on TV and play his drums.
Danny Collins, Pennsylvania
68-year-old Danny of Lehigh Valley, PA lives with cerebral palsy, which makes him reliant on home health aides to remain independent at home. Danny loves baseball and recently, he had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs game!
Danny was joined by his two BAYADA home health aides, Marian and Miracle, who cheered him on!
