Dominican Sisters has provided free in-home care, related services and equipment to the Denver community since 1923. In the last six years, we have expanded our boundaries and programs, now providing all of the following services to qualified individuals who reside within our boundaries of Simms Street to the west, Bowles Avenue to the south, Peoria to the east, and 108th Avenue to the north.

Intermittent In-Home Nursing Care

• Provided more than 24,000 nursing visits in 2007
• Offer the services of RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and PCPs
• Care provided to those who are un- or under-insured or have exhausted their insurance benefits
• Provide physical and mental assessment and treatment, consistent with MD orders
• Services include skilled nursing services, health maintenance and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Housekeeping Program

• Implemented as a pilot program in 2004, housekeeping visits topped 6,200 in 2007

• Provides services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and grocery shopping

• Staff is trained in medical signs and symptoms and proving to be an effective source of early medical intervention

Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program

• Durable medical equipment loan program available to our patients and to the general public
• Wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, bath/shower benches, and hospital beds, are examples of some of our equipment
• Loaned for as long as needed, without charge
• When equipment is returned, it is cleaned, repaired and stored for next individual or family
• Donations of equipment gratefully accepted
• Equipment loaned is clean and in good working condition
• Agency recommends borrower is assessed for proper use and fit of all equipment by MD, PT, or OT

Pastoral Care Program

• Dedicated, part-time RN, trained in spiritual direction and theology, provides spiritual support for any denomination
• Pastoral Care Assistant can take communion into the home, generally weekly
• Makes referrals to others in the community in order to meet the patients’ needs
•  May assist families in developing end of life plans with the patient or may arrange for anointing of the sick
• Works closely with Agency RN or hospice RN

Patient Assistance and Referral Services

• Funding provided by Virginia Hill Foundation supports extraordinary, medically-related needs for patients
• Needs can include life-saving medications, specialized equipment, dietary supplements, and other items on a case-by-case basis
• For referrals, DSHHA works closely with many community resources to assist those that we are unable to help
• Provides the Senior Blue Book to callers whenever possible
• Our philosophy: Let no caller go without some suggestion of where help might be available

Wellness Clinics

• These free standing clinics started in conjunction with Jewish Family Service of Colorado in 2006 as part of NORC Project (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community)
• Wellness Clinics provide free screening, health information and education at no charge to the participant
• Expanded to six Wellness Clinics in 2007; providing over 10,000 patient contacts annually through Metro Denver