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1. What is Acton Nursing Services?

Acton Nursing Services is a home health care agency delivering skilled services to patients in their own homes. As part of the Town of Acton’s Health Department, Acton Nursing Services has been included in the Operations Budget of the Town of Acton since 2014.

2. Does Acton Nursing Services provide public health services?

Yes, Acton Nursing Services provides public health services such as flu prevention and other wellness programs. There are separate budgets for Acton Nursing Services and Acton’s public health activities. In those instances where Acton Nursing Services skilled staff are called upon to work on public health activities, their time is paid for out of the health department budget. ANS’s goal in coordination with APH is to "Keep Acton Healthy".

3. What public health services does Acton Nursing Services provide?

Acton Nursing Services provides skilled staff to help deliver the town’s public health services. Public health services include state-mandated disease surveillance and reporting, membership in the state’s Vaccine Program, and a variety of educational and outreach programs established in Acton to benefit the overall health of the community. These outreach efforts take place in nursing homes, over-55 communities, the Council on Aging center, schools and other public places. Outreach includes Wellness Clinics and Discussions, Blood Pressure Clinics, Flu Clinics, Podiatry Clinics, Childhood Immunizations, Base-line Concussion assessments and responses to community health needs through timely recognition and, if necessary, intervention.

4. Does Acton Nursing Services provide services outside Acton?

Although Acton Nursing Services’ focus is principally on residents of Acton it also provides fee-based home health care services to residents of surrounding communities who exercise their statutory right to choose their home health care provider and select Acton Nursing Services. In recent years, ANS has responded to requests for services from residents of Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Littleton, and Stow.

• Although Acton Nursing Services’ focus is principally on residents of Acton it also provides home health care services to residents of surrounding communities who exercise their statutory right to choose their home health care provider and select Acton Nursing Services. In recent years, ANS has responded to requests for services from residents of Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Littleton, Maynard and Stow.

5. What are the benefits to Acton of having a Home Care Agency as a Town Department?

The Town of Acton has had a home care agency since 1923, gaining Medicare certification in 1966. It has been a valued resource for Acton residents who have required skilled care after acute hospitalization, for chronic illness, or for other specialty medical needs. Home care services are provided in addition to the state-mandated Public Health Services that are provided to Acton citizens.

Acton residents gain the benefit of being able to access help from dedicated professionals who are familiar with the Town. ANS’ dual-role of providing care at home and public health preventative care is beneficial to residents who may be aging or have aging family members living with them.

Acton’s population is projected to continue to “grey” as an increasing percentage of residents fall in the over-60 age range and ANS will serve an important role in keeping our community vibrant as more residents decide to age-in-place. Having home care services as an integral part of the town’s infrastructure also provides important insulation against the high level of churn seen in the home care provider system.