“On a scale of one to 10, I give this program a 10”

Robert Pica doesn’t consider himself tech-savvy, but after a month in Home Recovery Care, he knows how to operate remote patient monitoring devices and host virtual doctor visits like a pro.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it!”

Mr. Pica enrolled in Dignity’s Home Recovery Care program after he went to Mercy Gilbert’s emergency room in September for COPD. The 73-year-old hasn’t spent much time in the hospital and wasn’t about to start now. When he was approached about going home with hospital-level care, he seized the opportunity.

“The doctor explained Home Recovery Care and I thought, ‘who would want to stay in the hospital when you can go home with the same level of care?!’ I was able to have visitors, sleep in my own bed and enjoy my wife’s cooking.”

By the time Mr. Pica arrived home from the hospital, there was a nurse at his house unloading equipment. He was sent home with an oxygen tank and a remote patient monitoring kit that includes a tablet for virtual doctor visits, stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, scale and thermometer.

The technology was impressive and easy to use, but it was nothing compared to his care team. They answered questions, coordinated his care, and set follow up appointments after his discharge. Mr. Pica’s 30-day episode was managed by a Recovery Care Coordinator who was on call 24/7 and he was visited daily by registered nurses during his acute phase.

“When you’re sick, it’s easy to be cranky, but the Home Recovery Care team always brightened my mood. They had the best bedside manner. We would end every call laughing and teasing!”

Mr. Pica was discharged after a month of care. These days, he is feeling better. The former smoker knows his condition his chronic and credits the Home Recovery Care team for educating him on how to manage.

“The other day when I was feeling pretty down about being on oxygen. I called Jeannie, my Recovery Care Coordinator and, by God, she picked me right up! On a scale of one to 10, I give this program a 10.”