ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Home infusion through Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital offers patients an alternative to getting intravenous therapy in the hospital. 

Patients can give themselves medications like antibiotics and nutrition, with step-by-step instructions, in the comfort of their own homes.

"Home infusion is basically getting people home and empowering them to take care of themselves in their home so that they can get well sooner in the comfort of their home with their loved ones," said Jennifer Johnson with Sentara Infusion Pharmacy.

She says it allows patients to feel like they are taking control of their own medical care.

"How we empower patients in their homes is by coming to the bedside when they're getting ready to go home, and teaching them how to use their IV infusion, that could be intravenously with a pic line or a mid-line, and teaching them step-by-step how to do that process, and really making them feel comfortable," Johnson said. "So I, myself, would come out to the bedside and teach them, and they would teach-back, and if there's any questions, we would go from there. At that point, the medication would be delivered to their home when they're discharged and they would be able to start their therapy right where they left off from the hospital."

Patients are given a teaching mat, which offers step-by-step guidance on how to administer the medication. It also has a QR code on it that links to an instructional video. If patients have questions, there is a 24/7 helpline.

A wide variety of patients can utilize the at-home service.

"The population this affects can be really anyone, it can be young or old," Johnson said. "If you are in the hospital and are worried about something going on at home, we can get you home safe, whether you're the primary caregiver for a loved one there, or there's an event coming up that you want to attend, we can hopefully get you home and back to the things you really enjoy in life."

This service is offered across Central Virginia.

For more information on home infusion and infusion pharmacy services, click here.