BAYADA Pediatrics, a specialty of BAYADA Home Health Care, presented a $1,500 donation to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as part of their sponsorship of the “98.1 WOGL Loves Our Kids Radiothon”. BAYADA staff were on hand in the CHOP atrium lobby, answering phones during the annual event which has raised over $7 million since its inception 15 years ago.
“It’s all about supporting the children who need life-changing services at CHOP,” said BAYADA Transitional Care Program Director Mary Ellen Garofalo. “It brightens our hearts during this holiday season to know we are making a difference in the world of pediatric care.”
During a live interview, BAYADA Clinical Manager Susan Coder, RN, shared how CHOP has been an integral part of her life from both a personal and professional perspective.
“When my daughter was nine she was in a car crash that left her broken from head to toe,” said Coder. “CHOP gave her physical, occupational, and speech therapy and helped her so much with her recovery. I can’t thank them enough.”
Coder didn’t know at the time that home care nurses could help take care of her daughter, who is now 21 and also works at BAYADA. The experience led to her decision to become a nurse, and to help other parents who care for children with complex medical needs.
“Nobody wants their kids in the hospital for an extended time,” said Coder. “BAYADA provides specially trained nurses who go into a child’s home and can continue the care they were receiving at CHOP.”
BAYADA Transitional Care Managers Susan Ecker, RN, and Mary Simrell, RN, are familiar faces in the halls of CHOP, helping patients and their care team to prepare for the transition from hospital to home.
“Parents can be really scared when faced with bringing a child with special needs home from the hospital,” explained Ecker. “I meet with parents, explain the home health care process, collaborate with local BAYADA offices on scheduling the child’s home care nursing shifts, and work with the medical equipment companies to ensure the home is equipped with the technology needed for the child’s care.”
Education also plays a role in helping parents prepare for their child’s discharge. “They desperately want their child to be home, but it is overwhelming for them,” said Simrell. “I collaborate with the nurses at CHOP to help parents understand their child’s condition and care needs so that they feel more confident and better prepared for discharge.”
BAYADA provides nursing at home and school for children from birth to adolescence with complex medical needs. Most commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicaid are accepted. To learn more, visit bayada.com/pediatrics.
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