Homecare Update

(From the November 2025 issue of MedStat)

Celebrating November and Continued Homecare Growth

As part of National Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Homecare and Hospice is celebrating with activities and staff recognition for their dedication to patients and families. You can support best outcomes for hospice and palliative care patients by participating in NovemBEARD online. Donations will close with a traditional “Shave Off” celebration, December 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Endeavor Brewing and Spirits, located at 909 W. 5th Ave., Columbus.

Looking ahead, Homecare’s Home Medical Equipment (HME) will begin providing oxygen services in the first quarter of 2026. The team is pleased to welcome Renae Forsythe as the new manager of Respiratory Services. Renae has been a respiratory therapist at Nationwide Children's for more than 20 years, including 15 years as the clinical lead respiratory therapist for pulmonary and complex care. During her tenure, she has led numerous multidisciplinary projects, organized clinical rounds, provided clinical care and education, collaborated with Homecare care coordinators and discharge planners and managed a team of respiratory therapists delivering expert pediatric care. In her new role, Renae will support a continuum of care, enabling families to receive all their home medical supplies, including oxygen, from one provider.

In 2026, Homecare’s intermittent skilled nurses will expand its service area, to include Marion, Richland and Morrow counties. Homecare Skilled Nursing and Therapy Services has been available in the Toledo region since March 2024, and HME delivers medical supplies and equipment to all 88 Ohio counties, except for phototherapy equipment.

Visit the Homecare website to view an updated service area map. For questions about referrals or any Nationwide Children's Homecare services or programs, email Megan.Mertz@NationwideChildrens.org.