Thirty Years of Care Providence at Home Celebrates Milestone

Providence’s first-ever home healthcare division was established 30 years ago to respond to the changing needs of our community and has continued to grow and evolve over the past quarter-century.

Although house calls from visiting nurses were common practice as early as the nineteenth century, the home healthcare model as it is known today emerged during the healthcare reforms of the 1990’s. Changes to insurance payment systems resulted in the traditional hospital stay being drastically shortened. Patients needed follow-up care, and Providence was there to meet the need with nursing services, physical therapy, and other forms of help in people’s homes.

In 1994, Providence Home Health Care was licensed by the state of Illinois to provide in-home care for people who were not ready to move in to a retirement or care community. The division recorded 1,500 home visits in its first year, far more than anyone had envisioned in such a short time – emphasizing the need for care that met people right where they lived.

Two years later, Providence added private duty services to its offerings, making life easier for older adults by providing bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, and other non-skilled assistance. They continue to offer these types of services today through the Campus Care programs in Illinois and Indiana, allowing Providence At Home division to serve people in their own homes, in our retirement communities, and in skilled nursing and assisted living venues — wherever we are needed.

Congratulations on 30 great years, Providence at Home! We look forward to many more years of your service and care.