West Jordan Firefighters Partner with Ability Home Health to Prevent Emergencies

Emergency crews are always there when we need them. But sometimes emergency care is only the bandage, not the cure. Proper support and resources can prevent health problems from progressing to an emergency in the first place. West Jordan Fire is getting creative in helping the community beyond emergency response.

West Jordan Fire Chief Derek Maxfield has responded to many calls in his career and was always happy to do so, but was frustrated that he couldn't provide everything that was needed.

"Throughout my entire career I've responded to calls that we were the first line of help, but not the right line of help. I could see what the real problem was, but all I could provide was emergency medical care and a transport to the emergency room." - Chief Maxfield

West Jordan Fire has partnered with Ability Home Health and Hospice (HHH) to help residents get long-term help, not just an emergency response.

Ability HHH is a medical support company with resources such as physical and occupational therapy, wound care, terminal illness care, home health, palliative care, hospice, and bereavement services. They also can help connect you with other community services, such as meal delivery and mental health or domestic abuse counselors.

This partnership doesn't cost the City or residents anything. Contact information is only shared with the express permission of the resident in need.

The very first referral is a powerful example of how this program will change lives.

An elderly couple in their 90s was struggling to manage on their own; the husband managing advanced prostate cancer and the wife living with dementia. They had nowhere to turn for help, and the husband was increasingly worried about what would happen to his wife when he passed away.

After an EMT response, they were referred to Ability HHH with their permission. When Liz Garfield from Ability visited their home, she helped them navigate insurance options and connect with community resources. Soon, they had meal deliveries, help with cleaning, and a plan in place for the wife's care if her husband were to pass away.

Because they now had regular check-ins, someone was there to notice when the husband had fallen, something his wife, due to her dementia, hadn't realized. Help was available immediately. They helped him back to bed where he was able to pass peacefully, his wife holding his hand.

Within just a few hours, arrangements were made to move his wife to a care center where she could receive the support she needed.

Emergency responders carry fliers to hand out as needed and request a release of information. This allows them to send the resident's contact to Ability HHH, who will follow up to see what services they need.

"There's a lot of people out in the community that need help. And if we can just be one more link in that chain to getting them what they need, then why not? It matters to me because I truly care about the citizens and the service that we're providing." - Chief Maxfield

Don't think you earn too much or too little to qualify for care. Ability is committed to finding you care, regardless of your insurance.

So far, Ability has connected nine families and patients with resources and support to manage illness and chronic conditions.

You can find out if they can help you, whether you are in need yourself, a caregiver, a family member or neighbor of someone in need of at-home care. It just takes a phone call and a free in-home consultation.

"Don't hesitate. There is never an out-of-pocket charge. We're going to make sure they're taken care of." - Garfield

If you know someone who is in need of at-home medical care for any reason, you can reach out to Liz Garfield:

Cell: 801-414-8195

Office: 801-896-1611 (Direct line for Thrive Program)

Email: [email protected]

Or for more information visit https://abilityhhh.com/. You can also talk to the website chatbot 24/7 to get answers to basic questions.

By Erin Dixon