Methodist@Home program offers home visits to area patients

“The new Methodist@Home program has been great for us. It’s a wonderful program for all of us senior citizens who have trouble making it to the doctor.” — Geneva Rodgers, Dixon, KY

Crystal Buchanan, a Methodist Physician Group Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, is making home visits to patients who have established care with a Methodist Physician Group primary care provider through the Methodist@Home program. Initiated in May 2019, Buchanan makes home visits two days a week, averaging 2-5 patients each day.

Geneva, 91, and her husband, Cleatis, 99, live in Dixon, KY, and have found it difficult to get to appointments in Henderson with their Methodist Physician Group family physician, Dr. Paul Moore. “We don’t have family members who can drive us to Henderson,” she said, “so having Crystal come to examine us and check on our medications was a big help.”

Mrs. Rodgers is recovering from a recent hospitalization and her husband was due for a regular check-up. “I know there are many older patients who will be able to benefit from this,” Mrs. Rodgers added. “It was great for us!”

“The Methodist@Home program is a blessing to these patients who are often elderly and homebound with multiple chronic health problems,” said Buchanan. “While I’m in their home, I am not only able to meet their healthcare needs but at times I am able to identify safety issues or other needs that might go unnoticed. While most patients prefer to see their primary care physician, I can directly talk with them about concerns or problems they may have and communicate that back to their physician.”

Buchanan continued, “This program is going to be a great asset to the community and Methodist Hospital. We strive to keep patients out of the Emergency Department or hospital by providing convenient, compassionate care. And what better place to receive it than at home?”

For more information on the Methodist@Home program, call 270-826-2304.

Photo caption: Crystal Buchanan, APRN (standing), visits Geneva and Cleatis Rodgers inside their home in Dixon, KY.