To meet the needs of the residents in the West Broward County area, an Assisting Hands Home Care franchise office launched a transitional care program last year for its clients. This program helps those recovering from surgeries or major medical procedures avoid readmission to hospitals by providing skilled nursing services as a part of its in-home care.
“We know what a challenge it is for those who have just been released from the hospital to manage their prescribed medication, their physical therapy and follow-up doctors visits, among many other tasks,” said Assisting Hands Broward administrator Karina Teixeira. “We serve as a partner to help our clients recover faster and stay well.”
According to a recently released analysis of Medicare penalty data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 80 percent of hospitals in Florida experienced penalties of varying levels because of patients stays recorded during fall 2013. A recent Associated Press report lists the nationwide average for penalties per hospital at $127,000 every year since 2012. This is attributed to patients missing follow-up appointments, not taking the correct amount or type of medication as prescribed upon discharge and/or not completing recommended physical therapy.
“We service our clients in their transition from the hospital or rehabilitation facility back to their home and have successfully prevented re-hospitalizations,” said Teixeira. “By assisting clients in clearly understanding their discharge orders and medications, providing healthy meals and assisting with activities of daily living, we have ensured faster and stronger recoveries.”
Assisting Hands Broward currently employs more than 250 caregivers with extensive experience in medical case management and home healthcare.

Karina Teixeira opened Assisting Hands Broward in March of 2013 to serve the aging population of Florida’s West Broward County. Teixeira was drawn to the Assisting Hands Home Care franchise model after experiencing the need for safe and comfortable care for a loved one. In 2011, her father-in-law fell and fractured his hip while visiting her family, requiring 24/7 care for him in her home. After facing the challenge of finding caregivers she and her husband trusted with his care, Teixeira was inspired to open a business to provide peace of mind to seniors and their loved ones. Assisting Hands Broward is located at 9720 Stirling Road, Suite 106, Hollywood, Florida 33024, and its phone number is (954) 681-4430. Learn more by visiting its website at www.assistinghands.com/browardor by emailing [email protected] .