SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – In celebration of National Home Care and Hospice Month in November, Val Halamandaris, President of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice calls on all Americans to honor the dedicated nurses and support staff who provide quality health care and supportive services in homes across the country, and those who are there for patients at the end of life.

Regional West Home Care employs eight nurses and two support staff. The staff has cared for over 700 patients so far this year.

As the nation’s 78 million baby boomers age, even more patients will need home care services. Home care is not only preferred over hospitalization, but it is also the most economical choice. On average, hospital stays cost about $2000 per day and nursing homes charge $559 per day. Home care, on average, costs just $44 per day and it allows patients to live at home and stay independent.

Regional West Hospice has provided end of life care for more than 200 patients so far this year. The hospice team includes five nurses and five support staff and numerous volunteers.

Hospice provides care and support to allow terminally ill individuals and their families to live as fully and comfortably as possible.

The Hospice team recognizes the varied needs of individuals and families, and offers management of pain and disease-related symptoms, social work and counseling services, and spiritual and bereavement services to the patient and their families.

Regional West Hospice accepts patients who have a life-expectancy of six months or less and who are referred by their personal physician. To learn more, visit rwhs.org or www.nahc.org.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center, Regional West Physicians Clinic and Regional West Garden County. These organizations, with over 1,900 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.