Staff Writer

Sometimes you have everything you need right in front of you.
Earlier this summer, Centura Health announced the merger of two of its operating entities, Centura Health Senior Services and Centura Health at Home.
The merger supports the organization’s strategic initiatives and allows for expansion of services by providing an integrated network of home care and senior care.
“This restructuring combines two existing divisions that focus on providing health care services in people’s homes,” said Gary Campbell, president and chief executive officer.
“It will provide Centura Health with the opportunity to coordinate and extend the reach of our organization into the communities we serve, and into the actual residences of the people we serve.”
Erin Denholm is the president and chief executive officer of Centura Health at Home. She said the merger has been a smart one for staff and patients.
“It is a natural fit. The model of care that home care and senior living communities have is very different than an acute care model of care,” Denholm said.
“We are a guest in someone’s home whether they own or rent the home or our organization owns the home of even if their home has shrunk into a very small room in a nursing home, it is stil their home.
“The care model when you are a guest is very different than an acute care facility and that schedule.”
Combining the two companies just made sense, according to Denholm.
“We have actually seen a huge surge in the number of services from the home care side on the campuses,” Denholm. “We’ve seen increased support from physical therapy and occupational therapy and increased support from nursing as well. The campus leaders are working with the home care leaders on coming up with some really innovative programs.
“We are looking at ways we can use technologies in a powerful way to intervene on residents’ behalf to prevent ER visits and hospitalization - which of course in this day of healthcare reform speak is the number one area of cost containment.
“We’re pretty excited about the synergies that are happening among the leaders.”
In May 2010, Centura Health  will turn 14 and is currently Colorado’s largest health care provider.
Centura Health Senior Living Communities and Centura Health at Home span the front range of Colorado including Boulder County, Denver, Summit County, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Durango and Cañon City.
Nursing homes, adult day care, independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s care and respite care along with home, hospice and bereavement care, infusion therapy, oxygen and home medical equipment are among the services provided.