TRI-COUNTY HEALTH MOVES TO CAPE

Tri-County Health Related Services has moved from Scott City to 106 Farrar Drive in Cape Girardeau.

Tri-County HRS, a subsidiary solely owned by Tri-County Group XV Inc., was established in Southeast Missouri 20 years ago. It covers the counties of Dunklin, Pemiscot, New Madrid, Mississippi, Ripley, Butler, Stoddard, Scott, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Wayne, Jefferson, and Reynolds.

HRS is comprised of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurses' aides, physical and speech therapists, and homemaker aides who coordinate their skills to provide personalized service to homebound clients.

The goal of HRS is to bring quality service to homebound persons. HRS offers an alternative for persons needing medical attention who would otherwise be placed in a hospital or nursing home.

HRS also provides regular medical monitoring and instructional techniques to clients. Disabled patients receive a variety of services ranging from shaving, shampooing, bathing, and other personal-care activities. The services are done by staff certified nurses' aides.

Staff homemaker aides can provide help with daily chores such as meal preparation, making beds, bathing, housekeeping and grocery shopping.

HRS Director of Nursing Mary Lynn Thompson said: "We try to provide all essential services that a patient needs without having to place that client in a hospital. If the service can be done at home, we try to provide it."

Thompson said the nurses work closely with the client's doctor. When a patient's physical condition changes, adjustments in treatment and care are also made. Close monitoring of the patient helps the doctor and nurse stay abreast of the best treatment plan for the client.

The cost of the services is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and client pay.