SALISBURY — Gentiva Home Health, an affiliate of Kindred at Home, is honored to join the National Association for Home Care as well as health care organizations around the country in celebrating National Home Care & Hospice Month.

Each November, this observance honors home health and hospice workers – including nurses, aides, social workers, therapists and administrators – who make a remarkable difference in the daily lives of patients and their families.

“We are so appreciative of the selflessness, compassion and commitment of our caregivers at Gentiva Home Health, and always excited to recognize their efforts on behalf of others during National Home Care & Hospice Month,” said Susan Wear, senior home health specialist.

“November is a time to celebrate and applaud the home health professionals who provide care, inspire hope and preserve dignity while working with patients in the comfort of their own homes,” she said.

Wear pointed out that November also marks the beginning of the holiday period when many patients want to be at home with their loved ones. Home health and hospice providers such as Gentiva can provide care in the home setting throughout the holidays, every day of the week.

In recent years, home health and hospice have become one of the fastest growing segments in post-acute care because of their ability to actually reduce the overall costs of health care while bringing services where patients want it, in the home.

Gentiva and Kindred at Home’s more than 40,000 caregivers based at 600-plus sites of service across the country now care for more than 130,000 patients on a daily basis.

“We make it possible for more of our citizens to recover from surgery or manage chronic illnesses at home — among family and friends — and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital or other institutions,” said Wear.

Home health services typically include assistance through skilled nursing, therapy, social work, nutrition, disease management education or help with daily activities. The services seek to promote health, independence and quality of life.

In part due to clinical advancements in home health, more Americans are now able to remain mobile, energetic and independent as they grow older in their place of residence.

Patients and family caregivers who wish to learn more can contact the Kindred Contact Center at 1-866-Kindred or call  704-933-1001. Physicians and other referral sources who want to learn more about Gentiva Home Health should contact Susan Wear at 704-433-7587.