Home health program helps residents remain independent

For many older adults, remaining in their homes is critical to their well-being. But Cook County’s rural landscape can make aging in place more challenging.

Traci Allen, a registered nurse at North Shore Health, helps older adults maintain their independence through home health services provided throughout the county.

“My goal is to keep people in their homes,” Allen told WTIP. “I’m passionate about Home Health.”

Allen is part of North Shore Health’s home health agency, which provides skilled care and services directly to patients in their homes. The program serves individuals with an illness, injury, chronic condition or recent surgery that makes it difficult to leave home.

Home health visits begin with a health assessment. Nurses may provide treatments such as wound care, review medications and educate patients about managing their conditions. They can also recommend home safety improvements and coordinate with health care providers if additional concerns arise.

“The goal is to help patients stay healthy and independent at home while preventing unnecessary hospital visits,” Allen said.

The size of Cook County presents a challenge for nurses making home visits. Allen said the agency’s three visiting nurses try to divide the county into service areas and schedule multiple patients in the same region when possible.

“It could take more staff than what we have,” Allen said. “I’ve been working with home health for since 2009 and I’ve traveled quite a bit, put a lot of miles on my car. You have to have a good car, four wheel drive or all wheel drive.”

While many people rely on family members for care, caregiving can become a significant burden, especially in rural and isolated areas.

“I would say that accepting help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a way to ensure that you and your loved ones have all the support that they need to manage your illness safely and comfortably in your home. Many people want to remain independent, and they don’t want to burden others, but home health is designed to support that independence for them,” Allen said.

Allen said home health nurses work with families to provide education, skilled care, monitoring and support.

While home health focuses on helping people regain or maintain independence, palliative care is available for people living with chronic or serious illnesses. However, Medicare generally covers home health services but does not cover all palliative care services.

Allen said a county-funded grant helps offset some palliative care costs through a sliding-fee scale.

When planning for aging or serious illness, Allen said it is important to begin conversations before a crisis occurs.

“Talk about what matters most, and what quality of life to you means, and what kind of care you want if your health were to change,” Allen said. “It’s also important to designate a healthcare agent and complete your advanced care planning document, such as a health care directive.”

WTIP spoke with Allen about home health care and its role in the health care system. Audio of the conversation is available below.

Josh Hinke June 22, 2026