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Article: Daily Review Atlas Progress 2011
When Barb and Ron Byers opened the doors of Western Illinois Home Health Care in 1981, they had a staff
of five and worked only in Warren County. Now, the 105 person staff delivers services in 10 counties.
"One of the most rewarding parts of this business is that we have been able to bring quality, professional
skilled care to a rural area that didn't have any," Byers said.
While the staff has grown, so has the need. The population in the United Sates is aging, with the number of
people 65 and over at 39.4 million in 2000 and 46 million in 2010.
"It's a growing trend to have people return to their homes. It's where they want to be," Byers said.
That does present some challenges, especially in rural areas. The biggest is, with advancement in home care
operations, the providers are able to spend less time with each client and therefore can see more people.
That also, however, means more time on the road.
Byers said UPS drives 2 billion miles each year, while home health care providers are on the road for 4.78
billion miles. That's why WIHHC has provided their nurses with cars, which serve as "mobile offices."
They've also been giving nurses laptops for the past 15 years.
"You have to keep track of so much data," Byers said.
In 2010, WIHHC had its entire staff certified for Alzheimer's and dementia care. The organization also had a
consultant come in and review the entire operation.
"We've grown so much and we anticipate more growth," Byers said.
As part of their 30th anniversary celebration, WIHHC staff will be giving presentations to the public to help
improve customers' quality of life.
"Quality of life walks hand and hand with home care," she said.
Education is a big key for WIHHC. They recently hired a new staff member specifically trained to educate
nurses; she will be following them on home visits and creating courses designed to help with common experiences
or trends that are developing. Byers added that 60 percent of nurses have four year degrees beyond their
nursing certification, and two staff members have master's level degrees.
"It's important for judgment and critical thinking...they're not just nursing but educating people about their
own care," Byers said, adding the three managers have 85 years of experience.
In 2010, WIHHC staff worked 95,000 service hours for 850 clients and drove 450,075 miles.
WIHHC has offices in Monmouth, Galesburg, Canton and Macomb.
"We're so proud to be in the community for 30 years and provide over 100 jobs for people living in our community,"
Byers said.
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