We have the top rated scores in our service area.

We employ people that live, work, and play in your area. We want to be YOUR top of mind home care agency. We want patients to choose us, and you always have a choice.  

For 40 years, North Woods Home Care and Hospice has provided compassionate and professional care for the people of the central Upper Peninsula. We have an unrivaled dedication to our patients which is evidenced by the fact that people who have used our care choose North Woods for their own loved ones. North Woods has over 60 employees ranging from skilled nurses, home health aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists to social workers, administrative staff, and volunteers. With an outstanding reputation and a great working relationship with both our community physicians and the physicians at our bigger regional hospitals, you can rest assured that we will work closely with your doctor and ensure that you are in control of your recovery. We have offices in Manistique, Newberry, Munising, Iron Mountain/Kingsford, and Escanaba. Choose Home Care in Delta, Dickinson, Schoolcraft, Alger, Luce, Mackinac, or Chippewa County that you can trust. Choose North Woods.

Who is North Woods?

Home health care is an effective and economical alternative when institutional care is not required. Patients can recover more quickly because they are surrounded by their own familiar environment, family and friends. Health services provided by North Woods Home Care and Hospice promotes independence by teaching patients and their family about the management of the illness and its treatment. We provide skilled professionals to implement care plans and monitor the patient, treatments and medication. Our patients praise the caring, competent staff in our post-care surveys.

Why have health care at home?

What is home care and how would I go about getting it?

In-home health care can be initiated in a variety of ways. Most often, a physician helps to determine whether a patient should receive home care. A key to knowing whether it might be needed for yourself or a loved one is to ask whether it is unreasonable for the patient to seek treatment outside of their home--in a physician’s office, at a clinic or outpatient facility. In other words, if a patient is homebound, even on a temporary basis, home care may be suggested. Here are some examples:

During an illness where an in- patient hospital stay is not necessary, but medicines, procedures and medical devices need to be monitored. These may include intravenous medications, oxygen therapy, chemotherapy medication, bandage or dressing changes, blood draws and so on.

After an injury or illness where physical, occupational and/or speech therapy is necessary.

Following discharge from a hospital where wound care and patient assessment is advised.

What kind of services might I receive?

There are many types of services under the umbrella we refer to as home care. These services are commonly referred to as skilled and non- skilled care.

How do I pay for home health care?

Skilled care describes health services provided by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, home-health aide, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, or social worker. These professionals are trained in their specific field and provide the services as ordered by a physician.

Non-skilled care includes services such as household duties, shopping, transportation to and from appointments, and those everyday needs to help a patient stay in their home. Non-skilled care is not ordered by a physician.

When a physician orders home health care, it is documented and provided to us as a Plan of Treatment. Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover all or most of the costs associated with home health care. When North Woods Home Care receives a new patient, our staff verifies insurance coverage and benefits at the start of care. As long as the home care services are ordered by a physician, it will typically be recognized as a covered benefit by most insurance companies. As with any insurance plan, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses that may apply would be the responsibility of the patient. We will bill your insurance company for all home health care services, so there is no cumbersome paperwork for you.

Bereavement Services North Woods offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient’s death. We understand that the effects of terminal illness continues even after a patient dies. That’s why we offer support to the family for up to 13 months after the patient’s death. Mailings, phone calls and personal visits by our social worker help families work through their grief and continue with their lives. “The mailings always came at the right time. Whenever I felt really down, more so than normal, I would get the mail. Just seeing your return address would automatically pick me up. Thank you so much. Please continue the mailings to me. I think these should be mailed to anyone who has lost a loved one.”

Volunteers As part of the hospice care program at North Woods, we have a volunteer staff that provides a valued service to the hospice patient and family. A volunteer might provide respite time for the caregiver or assist with household chores. Volunteers are an important and appreciated part of the North Woods team. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us to learn more about our training program and how volunteerism supports hospice. It is a rewarding and appreciated role! If you’re interested in volunteering in our hospice program, call us at any of our branch offices or download and fill out the Hospice Volunteer Application (in PDF format).

What is private-duty home care? Private-duty care is care that is not ordered by a physician. These services are usually not covered by insurances. Private-duty services may include skilled nursing, respite time for caregivers, housekeeping, assistance with activities of daily living, and more. These services are billed directly to the patient or the patient’s responsible party. The cost varies by type of service, number of visits, mileage, travel time and so on. The services and the fees involved are discussed with the patient and/or the responsible party and are provided in a written agreement at the time the services begin.

Serving Those Who Have Served America’s veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it’s never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. That’s why North Woods Home Care and Hospice is a preferred provider with the Veteran’s Administration. Our staff understand the unique needs of veterans and are prepared to meet the specific challenges that veterans and their families may face. We have embraced our mission to serve America’s veterans. It’s our way of saying thank you for the sacrifices they have made in serving us. North Woods can provide nursing, therapy and aide care to those who are established with the VA. If you aren’t established or don’t know if you are established we will gladly check on the status of your enrollment. The VA covers aides for personal care and light housekeeping. They also cover a nurse for medication management or, if you become ill, a nurse/therapy to educate about your medications and disease process and treat any wounds or exacerbations of your illness. North Woods Home Care and Hospice is proud to partner with the Veterans Administration to offer care to our country’s veterans

North Woods Home Care and Hospice Foundation North Woods Home Care and Hospice Foundation was established in 1995 to provide resources not otherwise available or affordable to our patients. Our purpose is to help home health and hospice patients achieve their optimal level of comfort along with physical, psychological and social functioning. The foundation helps our patients and the communities we serve through a program of charitable donations. The foundation can provide funds to help patients get services, equipment or supplies that are needed as part of their home care, but may not be covered by their insurance. It can also help with supplies and services that simply are not affordable by our patients. North Woods Home Care and Hospice Foundation also recognizes the need for patient education and activities that may not be offered through community service systems. By supplementing existing programs with additional educational programs and activities, the foundation is bringing a better quality of life to the residents of the communities we serve. The foundation accepts donations and memorials, which may be tax- deductible. A memorial is a thoughtful expression in memory of a family member or friend. Donations are often allocated to the community from which it originates, so that each community we serve receives its share of funds. If you would like more information about North Woods Home Care and Hospice Foundation, or if you would like to make a donation, please contact us at 1-800- 852-3736.

Patient Choice You have the right to choose which home health care agency you want in your home. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 made it mandatory for hospitals to offer patients a choice when discharging them with home health care. This is an important law. You have the power to choose your own health care provider. You can even let your doctor or hospital discharge planner know in advance that you want North Woods Home Care and Hospice for your home health care needs.

Registered Nurse Who said you can never go home? Return to your roots--or plant new ones--in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. Full- or part-time Registered Nurse positions available due to growth. North Woods Home Care and Hospice is a privately-owned, thriving agency with a nearly 40-year track record for providing quality home care in the central U.P. of Michigan. We have offices in Escanaba, Munising, Newberry and Manistique, with over 60 employees. The six-county area we serve is typical small-town rural America. These positions offer excellent compensation and benefits which may include sign-on bonus, 401k, cafeteria plan, continuing education, company car, vacation and sick pay, and more. All direct care staff work with tablets for records documentation. You must be licensed in the State of Michigan in good standing, and must possess a valid driver's license. The U.P. provides abundant outdoor recreation with four stunning seasons. Escanaba and Manistique are on the shores of Lake Michigan; Munising is on Lake Superior, and Newberry is in the heart of moose country. Come join our friendly, family-oriented team. Come to North Woods. Send resume to: Caleb Varoni, Administrator North Woods Home Care & Hospice PO Box 307 Manistique, MI 49854 800-852-3736 Phone 906-341-2490 Fax e-mail: info @ nwhch.com

Locations and Contact Information North Woods is headquartered in Manistique, with branch locations in Escanaba, Munising and Newberry. We serve Alger, western Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson (Iron Mountain / Kingsford), Luce, western Mackinac, and Schoolcraft Counties. Call toll-free 24 hours a day 1-800-852-3736 Headquarters: Manistique Office in Schoolcraft County Phone: 906-341-6963 Fax: 906-341-2490 P O Box 307 226 S. Cedar Street Manistique, MI 49854 Branch Offices: Munising Office in Alger County Phone: 906-387-4834 Fax: 906-387-3028 129 E. Superior St. Munising, MI 49862 Newberry Office in Luce County Phone: 906-293-3090 Fax: 906-293-8166 500 W. McMillan Newberry, MI 49868 Escanaba Office in Delta County Phone: 906-420-8567 Fax: 906-420-8471 517 Ludington St Escanaba, MI 49829 E-mail address: info@nwhch.com Choose home care you can trust. Choose North Woods.

North Woods Home Care and Hospice Notice of Privacy Practices This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review this notice carefully. Your medical record may contain personal information about your health. This information may identify you and relate to your past, present or future physical or mental health condition and related health care services and is called Protected Health Information (PHI). This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your PHI in accordance with applicable law. It also describes your rights regarding how you may gain access to and control your PHI. We are required by law to maintain the privacy of PHI and to provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to PHI. We are required to abide by the terms of this Notice of Privacy Practices. We reserve the right to change the terms of our Notice of Privacy Practices at any time. Any new Notice of Privacy Practices will be effective for all PHI that we maintain at that time. We will provide you with a copy of the revised Notice of Privacy Practices by posting a copy on our website, sending a copy to you in the mail upon request or providing one to you at your next appointment. How we may use and disclose health care information about you: For Care or Treatment: Your PHI may be used and disclosed to those who are involved in your care for the purpose of providing, coordinating, or managing your services. This includes consultation with clinical supervisors or other team members. Your authorization is required to disclose PHI to any other care provider not currently involved in your care. Example: If another physician referred you to us, we may contact that physician to discuss your care. Likewise, if we refer you to another physician, we may contact that physician to discuss your care or they may contact us. For Payment: Your PHI may be used and disclosed to any parties that are involved in payment for care or treatment. If you pay for your care or treatment completely out of pocket with no use of any insurance, you may restrict the disclosure of your PHI for payment. Example: Your payer may require copies of your PHI during the course of a medical record request, chart audit or review. For Business Operations: We may use or disclose, as needed, your PHI in order to support our business activities including, but not limited to, quality assessment activities, employee review activities, licensing, and conducting or arranging for other business activities. We may use or disclose, as needed, your PHI for training programs including those in which students, trainees or practitioners in health care learn under supervision and/or training of non-health care professionals. We may also disclose PHI in the course of providing you with appointment reminders or leaving messages on your phone or at your home about questions you asked or test results. Example: We may share your PHI with third parties that perform various business activities (e.g., Council on Accreditation or other regulatory or licensing bodies) provided we have a written contract with the business that requires it to safeguard the privacy of your PHI. For Specified Government Functions: In certain circumstances, the Federal regulations authorize the Agency to use or disclose your health information to facilitate specified government functions relating to military and veterans, national security and intelligence activities, protective services for the President and others, medical suitability determinations and inmates and law enforcement custody. For Worker's Compensation: The Agency may release your health information for worker's compensation or similar programs. Required by Law: Under the law, we must make disclosures of your PHI available to you upon your request. In addition, we must make disclosures to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of investigating or determining our compliance with the requirements of the Privacy Rule, if so required. Without Authorization: Applicable law and ethical standards permit us to disclose information about you without your authorization only in a limited number of other situations. Examples of some of the types of uses and disclosures that may be made without your authorization are those that are: • Required by Law, such as the mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect or mandatory government agency audits or investigations (such as the health department) • Required by Court Order • Necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public. If information is disclosed to prevent or lessen a serious threat it will be disclosed to a person or persons reasonably able to prevent or lessen the threat, including the target of the threat. • Under certain limited circumstances, when you are the victim of a crime. • To a law enforcement official if the Agency has a suspicion that your death was the result of criminal conduct including criminal conduct at the Agency. • In an emergency in order to report a crime. • To Coroners And Medical Examiners - The Agency may disclose your health information to coroners and medical examiners for purposes of determining your cause of death or for other duties, as authorized by law. • To Funeral Directors - The Agency may disclose your health information to funeral directors consistent with applicable law and if necessary, to carry out their duties with respect to your funeral arrangements. If necessary to carry out their duties, the Agency may disclose your health information prior to and in reasonable anticipation of your death. Verbal Permission: We may use or disclose your information to family members that are directly involved in your receipt of services with your verbal permission. With Authorization: Uses and disclosures not specifically permitted by applicable law will be made only with your written authorization, which may be revoked. Your explicit authorization is required to release psychotherapy notes and PHI for the purposes of marketing, subsidized treatment communication and for the sale of such information. Your rights regarding your PHI You have the following rights regarding PHI we maintain about you. To exercise any of these rights, please submit your request in writing to our Privacy Officer: • Right of Access to Inspect and Copy. You have the right, which may be restricted only in exceptional circumstances or with documents released to us, to inspect and copy PHI that may be used to make decisions about service provided. • Right to Amend. If you feel that the PHI we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information although we are not required to agree to the amendment. • Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You have the right to request an accounting of certain of the disclosures that we make of your PHI. We may charge you a reasonable fee if you request more than one accounting in any 12-month period. • Right to Request Restrictions. You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the use or disclosure of your PHI for services, payment, or business operations. We are not required to agree to your request. • Right to Request Confidential Communication. You have the right to request that we communicate with you about PHI matters in a specific manner (e.g. telephone, email, postal mail, etc.) • Right to a Copy of this Notice. You have the right to a copy of this notice. Website Privacy Any personal information you provide us with via our website, including your e-mail address, will never be sold or rented to any third party without your express permission. If you provide us with any personal or contact information in order to receive anything from us, we may collect and store that personal data. We do not automatically collect your personal e-mail address simply because you visit our site. In some instances, we may partner with a third party to provide services such as newsletters, surveys to improve our services, health or company updates, and in such case, we may need to provide your contact information to said third parties. This information, however, will only be provided to these third-party partners specifically for these communications, and the third party will not use your information for any other reason. While we may track the volume of visitors on specific pages of our website and download information from specific pages, these numbers are only used in aggregate and without any personal information. This demographic information may be shared with our partners, but it is not linked to any personal information that can identify you or any visitor to our site. Our site may contain links to other outside websites. We cannot take responsibility for the privacy policies or practices of these sites and we encourage you to check the privacy practices of all internet sites you visit. While we make every effort to ensure that all the information provided on our website is correct and accurate, we make no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness, of the information available on our site. We are not liable to anyone for any loss, claim or damages caused in whole or in part, by any of the information provided on our site. By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of personal information as detailed herein. Any changes to this Privacy Policy will be made public on this site so you will know what information we collect and how we use it. Breaches: You will be notified immediately if we receive information that there has been a breach involving your PHI. Complaints: If you believe we have violated your privacy rights, you have the right to file a complaint in writing with our Privacy Officer at North Woods Home Care and Hospice, PO Box 307, Manistique, MI 49854. If you have questions and would like additional information, you may contact us at 1-800-852-3736. Effective date: 9/23/13