HCR’s Diverse Care Project Helping Improve Access to Home Health Care for Older Black Adults

HCR Home Care is a leading provider of home health services to individuals in Rochester, Monroe County and across New York state. Our home health care services meet the needs of people who require follow‐up care after a hospital stay or who require care and support in managing an illness.

Deanna Dudley, Compliance Coordinator, HCR Home Care

Services include nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy; social work; and care management. Unfortunately, home health care is too often underutilized in the Black/African American community, resulting in health-outcome disparities.

Our Diverse Care Project aims to help Black/African American residents over age 65 by improving access to home health care services and removing barriers to services – to help reduce health disparities that disproportionately affect people of color.

Barriers to care range from a lack of knowledge about home health care benefits, to distrust in the health care system, concerns about providers coming into the home and not having a primary care doctor.

We are collaborating with pastors from predominantly African American churches to educate older adults about the availability and benefits of home health care. These benefits include supporting people’s preference to live independently, helping people understand and manage chronic health conditions, and reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Examples of pastor support include:

“I want to let the Rochester community know that home health care is available to you. HCR Home Care offers care that you can trust! They will come in, hear your story, understand your needs and see how they can assist. Do not be overwhelmed, they can help!” -  Marilyn Cunningham, Reverend, Graves Memorial CME Church

“HCR offers a great opportunity to access health care right in your own home. They have professional providers that can meet the needs that you may have. I’m encouraging you to take advantage of home care through HCR.” - Elder Willie Lightfoot, Pastor, Prayer House of God by Faith

The Importance of Falls Prevention

One key part of our education and outreach effort is bringing attention to the risks of falls. Each September, Falls Prevention Month is observed nationally to raise awareness of the dangers of falls. While important to keep in mind during September, falls prevention should be a focus year-round, because:

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults, as they can result in serious health issues, including fractures, head trauma and loss of independence.

With the winter months quickly approaching and icy surfaces becoming prevalent, precautions such as wearing non-skid shoes and using a cane or walker become important considerations.

Because of the higher risk, older adults need to take extra precautions to prevent a fall or to reduce the likelihood of falling. One important tip to help prevent falls is making the home as safe as possible by “fall-proofing” your home – making sure hallways and bathrooms are well lit, storing objects within easy reach, securing trip hazards such as electrical cords or throw rugs, adding handrails and lights to stairs and using non-skid bath mats.

Other tips to help prevent falls include consulting with a physical therapist for balance testing, increasing physical activity to build strength, getting regular screenings for risk factors, such as routinely seeing medical professionals for eye exams, blood pressure monitoring, medication review and foot exams.

Thanks to the support of Congressman Joe Morelle, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and the Monroe County Legislature, HCR received grant funding to help conduct additional outreach and education. With these additional resources, more African American older adults in our community will learn about the benefits of – and gain greater access to – home health care.

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