Home Safe is a nurse-managed membership program that provides supportive assistance to elderly citizens in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.

"The program was set up to help adult children who are concerned about their parents, but do not live in their area," said Barbara Kyles, MBA, RN, Home Safe coordinator.

Through the Home Safe program, four levels of coverage can be obtained, depending on the type of assistance a client needs. Each client is paired with a nurse health manager who cares for the same client throughout the program. Such a routine makes clients more comfortable and sets Home Safe apart from other elderly care programs.

"We don’t want to repeat services that are already out there," said Kyles. "We want to provide more."

Nurses involved in the program may help clients set up medication, check their weight and emotional status, and maintain regular phone contact with the client and his or her family.

Clients also have 24-hour access to a nurse through the Home Safe office. Other services, such as transportation to an appointment or event, can be provided for an additional fee.

Home Safe has received positive feedback so far. The response has Kyles thinking about expanding.

"When we first set up the program in September, we we’re focusing on Johnson, Linn, and the surrounding counties," Kyles said. "Now we’re looking at expanding the program to all of Iowa."