The Heart Home
I am seeking the help of my online
community. Several blogs ago I had
mentioned the desire to start my own business, but was unsure what I actually
wanted to do, so I purchased the book, "How to Start an Independent Practice"
by Carolyn R. Zaumeyer. This book was filled with a step by step approach to
all the tools one will need to start a successful business. After reading her
book, I was excited and ready to take the first step. I wrote my blog and
received a great response with support from NPs who have started their own
businesses and offered to assist me when I was ready. Unfortunately, I just stopped;
I do not really know what happened. I started to ask myself questions
introducing doubt in my spirit.
Now I am faced with a dilemma and
an idea for a business. I am hoping this is something that is doable. Ok, here
goes! My boyfriend was diagnosed with CHF six years ago and now he is faced
with two options: heart transplantation and/or the left ventricular assist device
(LVAD) which is considered a bridge to transplantation. Either way he will need
after care for a minimum of six months after he is discharged from the hospital
to home.
With limited family support and
having to work full-time, and the family leave act not applicable, I decided to
work on a business plan for "The Heart Home." The business is starting a
transitional flat for individuals who need interim care to assist with managing
the LVAD in a home-like setting, creating the confidence building techniques to
accept this machine that is supporting their hearts. This service could be
offered in the "Heart Home" or in the clients' homes. My boyfriend could be the
test, where I become a recognized provider for insurance companies and I
provide a service for reimbursement where I am able to take a leave of absence
or even quit my job to care for someone with an LVAD.
My role would be the liaison for family and
friends and providing reassurance and constant care to the client, by assisting
with transitioning back to a "near" normal life with the LVAD. Soon I will be
receiving the training on the care and troubleshooting of the LVAD, and I will
be the primary caregiver.
The specialization of the care with
clear care planning and goal setting would set me apart from a long term care
facility for individuals who need rehab for hip and knee replacements, and
other surgeries where they are too unstable to go home and the family support
is limited. Also the nursing care is very broad and many nurses who work in the
long-term care facilities are LPNs, so there would be a huge learning curve to
place someone in that type of facility, in my opinion. I am sure this is all
wishful thinking, especially when dealing with the insurance companies. I have thought about this many different ways
and I truly feel helpless of the situation. I plan to reach out to all my
colleagues for advice to really help me evaluate if this is a worthwhile
endeavor, but I say, "How can it not be?"