Member Insight
Central Coast Home Health & Hospice

by Kim Wybenga, Business Development & Membership Director

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! 

Ask most people and they will tell you that an annoying head cold makes them want to wrap up in a blanket, grab the T.V. remote and cozy up for a few days. What is it about being in our own space and place, especially when we are not feeling well, that just makes us feel a whole lot better? For me, it’s the creature comforts that I have come to enjoy in my own home and the people who could potentially walk through my door to brighten my day. But for others, the reason they would rather be cared for at home is connected to challenges with transportation, mobility or even basic economics.  

Today more people are inquiring about home health services for ongoing health care needs and/or seeking options for care during their final stages in a terminal illness. Yes, for some the response to these challenging circumstances continues to be.... THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!  

CENTRAL COAST HOME HEALTH and HOSPICE, located at in San Luis Obipso, has been the solution for many who have sought to address their healthcare needs in a place familiar to them...their own home. Throughout history many have advocated for home healthcare and/or end of life options. So, is this a novel concept? 

Not at all!  Though hospitals were established in the 5th century BC., people have always made efforts to remain at home for their health care and hospice needs, especially in circumstances where doctors and medical staff are not readily available. The earliest U.S. attempts for formal home healthcare were launched in 1813 by a religious sect of wealthy women who felt a calling to serve the sick at home. Their aim was to care for those who primarily could not afford to be seen by doctors in the office or hospital. The criteria for these types of services have since changed and have thankfully evolved to encompass ALL socioeconomic statuses. What was once considered a medical rarity, has now become a personal choice when caring for our loved ones or our own healthcare needs.  

Central Coast Home Health and Hospice most certainly blessed our community when it opened its doors on January 25, 2008. Four ordinary men with medical backgrounds did something extraordinary with their knowledge, medical licenses and their hearts of compassion.  

Who were these mighty men to create the Central Coast Home Health and Hospice organization? None other than the Management Team and Board of Directors...

• Jerry Jordano DPT/owner
• Luis Sarmiento MHA, OTR/owner
• Brian Pritt PTA/owner
• previous owner Marc Garcia

Essentially their hearts pursued a dream that in time turned into a beautiful reality. In their like-mindedness they recognized a dire need for more integrated home healthcare services that were lacking on our Central Coast. With vigor, local support and determination, they decided to find ways to make home healthcare and hospice services more readily available. The results of their efforts went above and beyond even what they could have imagined 17 years ago. Never underestimate the power of the driven few who can inspire others! 

SPECIALTLY services for SPECIAL people!  

That is the overriding message conveyed daily from this amazing organization. It is also what sets them apart from other home healthcare services. From the quality of doctors, nurses, to the physical, speech and occupational therapists, compassionate social workers, personable home health aides and registered dietitians, their patient’s needs are covered and cared for from the solace of their own living rooms.  

The wide range of specialists available through Central Coast Home Health and Hospice are nothing short of exceptional and include these specialties:

• Lymphedema
• Ostomy
• Parkinson and Movement Disorder
• Wound Care
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Total Joint Care
• Palliative Care
• Better Balance for Life, which assists in physical strengthening. 

Wow! Talk about comprehensive program and care services.

They are licensed by the State of California, Medicare approved, offer durable medical equipment and are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Serving San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties as a freestanding company, they have incredible flexibility and ability to do more than other corporate based, or hospital owned health agencies can commit to.  

Locally owned and operated, the Central Coast Home Health and Hospice team is known for their highly qualified medical staff, empathetic hospice and palliative care team. With medical services available 24/7, they have proven to be an incredible blessing in our community! Since 2008 their commitment to providing the choice to administer healthcare at home has remained steadfast and true and is as integral as the hearts of the men who followed this significant dream.

We want to thank all those who serve and work tirelessly at this unique organization to make each patient feel cared for in their time of medical vulnerability. Because for some, THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

This article was formatted and published by Rebecca Briggs Baker for the SCCC.