Norwalk, CT, April 6, 2011 – Constellation Home Care has recently installed a Competency Lab to evaluate the skills of field staff prior to placing them with patients.  The majority of Constellation Home Care patients are seniors living at home requiring post-hospital care.  Home Health Aides provide hands-on care to these patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse, and provide assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing and transferring from bed. 

The competency lab is a simulation of a patient’s environment including medical equipment one may find in a patient’s home if their condition causes them to be immobile.  The lab includes a hospital bed, wheelchair, commode as well as a Hoyer lift which is used to assist with transfer of heavy and/or immobilized patients.  Home health aides must pass all components of the evaluation before being assigned to any patient cases. 

Constellation’s Home Health Aide Supervisor, Gregory Johnsen, RN stated “the new lab shows how committed Constellation is to being a quality provider.  We know our home health aides are more knowledgeable and equipped with the appropriate techniques to administer care in the field.  Overall, the competency lab increases the quality of our services.”

R A Caldwell, a Stamford-based medical equipment distributer provided the equipment for the competency lab, which is now located in Constellation’s recently expanded space at 14 Westport Avenue in Norwalk. 

For more information on the competency lab or Constellation Health Services, please contact 800-860-6656, email info@constellationhs.com or visit www.constellationhs.com.