Cleveland Clinic Heart Care at Home is a program that blends innovative telehealth monitoring technology and, if appropriate, home healthcare services to support patients following hospitalization for heart disease or heart surgery. Heart Care at Home monitors your progress daily and provides the kind of personal support that will allow you to recover successfully in the comfort of your own home.
How does it work?
Following hospital discharge, our home-based monitoring technology will track your blood pressure, heart rate, weight, blood oxygen level, and other vital signs and symptoms on a daily basis. It transmits that data through your home phone line to a 24-hour care center staffed by our home care nurses. They’ll regularly update your physician on your progress, and follow up with you or your caregiver by phone or in person as needed to answer questions and provide support to help you manage your disease. Heart Care at Home typically lasts 40 days after discharge.
Why is a program like this so important to my recovery?
Patients who are continuously monitored through a program like Heart Care at Home experience fewer rehospitalizations and better outcomes. You can stay where you most want to be - at home - and your follow-up care will be easier and more convenient because you’ll require fewer visits to your physician for monitoring. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that we’re keeping tabs on your condition and we’re never far away.
Will I need lots of complicated equipment in my home?
Not at all. All you’ll need is a traditional land line telephone jack and a grounded three-prong outlet. We’ll handle installation of the small telehealth unit, which monitors your vital signs wirelessly and transmits the data toll-free to our care center through your telephone line. It’s easy to operate, compact and hassle-free.
Will I still be able to speak to a person when I have questions and concerns?
Absolutely. The same nurses who are monitoring your vital signs from our 24-hour care center are available to speak with you by phone or in person as needed. They’ll also help connect you with home care services you may need, such as physical therapy or nutrition counseling.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
Please discuss this program with your physician to see if he/she feels you would benefit from it. This program is available throughout our 14-county Northeast Ohio service area: Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Summit, Medina, Lorain, Erie, Huron, Stark, Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana.
How can I find out more?
Your first step should be to speak with your Cleveland Clinic physician. You can also contact Cleveland Clinic at Home by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 216.444.HOME (4663) or toll free 800.263.0403.