Language Line Services

COMMUNICATING IN OTHER LANGUAGES

Positive, clearly understandable communication is an essential element to exceptional care and services. Approved Home Health is committed to helping those we serve have a full understanding of the information we provide.

In many situations, when there are communication barriers because people are not comfortable speaking or understanding the English language, a family member or friend acts as the translator between the patient and/or caregiver. The Approved Home Health team identifies if this is the most appropriate way to meet the care needs of the patient and family. At times, the Approved Home Health staff speaks a second language and can communicate with those patients and/or caregivers.

Then there is the Cuidando con Cariño, Compassionate Care HelpLine. It is a toll-free phone line (1-877-658-8896) that offers information and resources for people living with or caring for someone with a serious illness. People calling the HelpLine will reach bilingual information specialists who will answer questions about hospice, helping a loved one with grief and loss, family caregiving and advance health care planning. Important bilingual written information will also be provided free of charge.

Another way that Approved Home Health provides language interpretation services is through the AT&T Language Line. Every Approved Home Health team member has access to a telephone number that puts an interpreter on the telephone to listen to what the staff member has to explain to the patient and/or caregiver and then tells them what was said in their native language. Then, the interpreter listens to what the patient and/or caregiver says and tells the Approved Home Health staffer what was said in English.

Remember, whenever there is any difficulty understanding what is being said, please do not hesitate to tell the Approved Home Health team member to find an interpreter.