An older Clay County resident wants to stay in her own home but is beginning to need help with bathing. A family is trying to find medical equipment for a loved one. Someone needs transportation to appointments. Another resident could use help finding meal services, while a caregiver desperately needs a break but doesn’t know what respite care is available.
In each of those situations, one phone call to the Clay County Health Department may be a good place to start.
Health Director Sara Mertens, RN, said one of the department’s important roles is helping Clay County residents find the assistance they need, even when the Health Department isn’t the agency that ultimately provides it.
“Sometimes people know they need help but don’t know where to start,” Mertens said. “We can help connect them with services such as meals, transportation, respite care, in-home assistance, medical equipment, and resources for those who may be struggling financially.”
That can be particularly important for residents trying to remain independent in their homes and for family members suddenly finding themselves responsible for helping an aging or ill loved one.
The Health Department provides in-home care that can include bathing assistance and nursing services under the direction of a physician. Its current brochure lists personal care assistance, including bathing, hair and nail care, along with injections and medication administration, catheter care and wound care.
For some families, the need may be much simpler. A walker, wheelchair or other piece of medical equipment may be needed temporarily. The department operates a medical equipment donation and checkout program, one of several services Mertens said she wishes more residents knew about.
Others may be looking for ways to stay active and independent before they need additional help.
Through its Healthy Steps Program, the department holds monthly foot care clinics in Sutton, Harvard, Clay Center and Edgar. It also offers Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and the Stepping On Fall Prevention Program.
The department also provides routine and seasonal vaccinations for residents of all ages and participates in the Vaccines for Children program, which helps eligible children under age 19 receive needed vaccinations at little or no cost. Staff members also work with local schools on school health and nursing needs.
But residents don’t have to fit neatly into one of those programs before calling.
“We can help individuals and families navigate resources for meals, respite care, transportation, in-home assistance, and other everyday needs,” Mertens said. “We can also help connect those who may be struggling financially with programs and resources that may be available to them.”
That means a person doesn’t necessarily have to know which agency provides transportation or which program might help pay for a particular need. The Health Department works with local and regional organizations and can help make those connections.
“A big part of what we do is help people figure out where to start,” Mertens said. “We work alongside many local and regional organizations, so even when we don’t provide a service directly, we can help residents find the right resources and make those connections.”
Help is not limited to older adults or those receiving inhome care.
The department provides services throughout different stages of life, from childhood vaccinations and school health services to blood pressure checks, colorectal cancer screening resources, water nitrate screening, radon testing and medication disposal kits. Its brochure also lists health checkups, medication information, vaccine outreach and feminine wellness products among the services And getting started does not require a physician’s referral.
The department accepts referrals from individuals, family members, healthcare providers and community partners. Residents may also refer themselves.
“If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, simply give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help connect you with the right resources,” Mertens said.
That invitation extends to people who aren’t even sure whether the Health Department is the right place to call.
“You don’t have to know exactly what program or service you need,” Mertens said. “Give us a call, tell us what is going on, and we will do our best to help.”
The Clay County Health Department has served county residents since 1974. Its stated mission emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention and supporting individuals managing chronic health conditions.
Residents can contact the Clay County Health Department at 402-762-3571 or stop by the office at 202 W. Fairfield in Clay Center during regular business hours. Questions may also be emailed to hd.officemanager@ claycountyne.
gov, and the department shares information and updates on its Clay County NE Health Department Facebook page.
