By Jane Marks, ’76
I learned early on that it really does take a team to provide care. Marion Wallace and Sandy M. are the two social workers I remember were always available to help problem solve. Another department that provided guidance and education included the pharmacists. Many times, Mrs. Greenberg would educate the team about medication concerns or issues. When it came to respiratory needs, Eddie Hill and Joe Hanson were always on top of addressing our questions and often demonstrated techniques at the bedside.
Church Home and Hospital realized the importance of discharge planning and provided a nurse in that position to assist with the transition from hospital to home. She was a vital part of the team. For a time, I provided patient and caregiver education for a variety of patients (diabetics, hypertensive, post mastectomy and/or post radical neck surgery). Church Home recognized the importance of education to ensure that patients understood the management of their chronic health condition.
There are certainly more challenges today with decreasing hospital days, avoiding readmissions, and trying to avoid emergency room visits. The importance of team care is vital.
My interest in aging and caring for older adults was sparked at Church Home and Hospital and continued through graduate school and at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. For the past 30 years working in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at JHBMC, I have had the opportunity to strengthen and broaden my knowledge about health needs of older adults and often reflect on my experiences at Church Home. I have been exposed to new and innovative models of care. My mentor, John Burton, MD, has encouraged and supported my role over the years.
Church Home gave me a strong foundation in many aspects of nursing and caring for older adults. It has been a wonderful 40 years!
