Is this the Last Pandemic? Tips for Seniors and Caregivers to Prepare Mentally and Physically

home care agency in philadelphia, best home care agencies in philadelphia

It’s crazy to think, but COVID-19 isn’t the first pandemic the world has suffered, and it most likely won’t be the last.

If you check back in history, you’ll notice that pandemics just happen every few decades or so. And, there’s no stopping them. At least for now.

So, the best we can do is prepare in advance, physically and mentally, and be ready for anything.

Here Are 5 Ways Seniors and Caregivers Can Prepare for a Pandemic in the Future

1. Make a list of essentials

It’s hard to think properly in the moment. When Covid-19 first hit, people went running out to the stores, buying everything in sight. This caused major chaos, as well as shortages of even non-essential items.

Avoid the panicked over-buying, and stick to a list. While you have the time to calmly think, now is when you should make a list of all the items you would want to buy if another pandemic hit.

2. Keep an emergency bag handy

You never know how badly a pandemic is going to strike, and how isolated you may end up. So, it’s good to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Knowing that you’re prepped and ready for even the worst possibilities is a huge stress reducer.

You can buy pre-made emergency kits. Or, you can put one together based on what you, personally, may need. Consider items like: gauze, band aids, pain relievers, heat packs, tissues, fully charged power banks, solar powered flashlights, rope, water, etc.

home care agency in philadelphia, best home care agencies in philadelphia

3. Stock up on non-perishables and freezer-food

Another item that will make you feel much calmer knowing that you already have is food.

Take some time now before another pandemic comes along to stock up on non-perishables and freezer-food. Nowadays, there are plenty of options out there, so you can really choose what you would actually enjoy eating (and not just old-school camping food).

Some foods you may enjoy are: BPA-free canned salmon, tuna fish pouches, boxed milk, nut or rice milk, coffee, spices, crackers, frozen fruits and veggies.

4. Include some self-care products

It’s important to remember that items for our mental and emotional states are just as essential as items for our physical health. While you’re stocking up on grocery items, throw in a few things for your mental health as well. Things like: face masks, puzzles, adult coloring books, or even a novel or two.

5. Look for sales

Buying all these extra supplies at once can really add up in expenses. And, if you’re looking at your list of things to buy and thinking you need to buy them all at once, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.

The good news is that since you’re doing this in advance, you have time.

You don’t need to go out of your way to do extra shopping. Simply buy doubles (or triples) of things you’re already purchasing. And, look for sales! For instance, if you’re already buying toothpaste one week, buy an extra tube or two to add to your stockpile. If you are already in an electronics store fixing your computer, grab an extra power bank for your emergency kit.

Prepping should reduce stress not add to it.

If you need our help, AmeriBest Home Care will always be happy to help you prepare for any necessary situation regarding our care for you.
Call the number: 215-925-3313 so that we can be useful to you!

 

What Home Health Care in Philadelphia PA Can Do For your Loved One

Most families are not prepared for the time when their loved ones need help with the everyday things. As more people age, there is more of a need for home health care Philadelphia PA. Home health care can provide a myriad of services. Often, patients are discharged home from the hospital with no way of properly caring for themselves. They may be unable to walk to the bathroom unassisted or even unable to shower or bathe on their own. Some may not even be able to cook for themselves. Times like these are when a provider of Home Health Care Philadelphia PA may be necessary.

Many companies provide home health care in Philadelphia PA services for people who need a little help due to medical conditions. A good home health care Philadelphia company will send people out to do a variety of assorted jobs for the patient.

When it comes time to hire someone to help a person with the daily tasks of life, you should ask them before hiring a company to perform the duties.

  • Is the company accredited and licensed?
  • Do they take the insurance that you have?
  • How often do they visit and for how long?
  • Are their workers certified to perform the job duties?

If the worker that comes to do the work is not acceptable, can someone else be sent instead? It is imperative to have a worker you like and trust.

Ascertaining these questions is important, as it will affect the person receiving the services. These Home Health Care in Philadelphia PA companies provide a variety of services such as:

Cooking and cleaning: If a patient requires help with cooking, it is a good idea to make sure she gets a person who can cook.

General housekeeping– The helper, if provided, will sweep, mop, dust, wash dishes and other household chores the patient cannot do.

Bathing– The helper can assist with bathing the patient, drying and dressing.

Medications– The home health nurse can refill the patient’s medicine box with the correct dosing.

Having a good home health company to provide services can enable patients to live at home in their familiar surroundings.

5 Popular Pandemic Hobbies for Seniors and Caregivers

home care agency in philadelphia, best home care agencies in philadelphia

While the world begins to re-open stores, schools, theaters, amusement parks, and more- many seniors and caregivers are still sitting at home waiting for safer conditions before they fully re-enter society.

And with so much time on their hands, they’re looking for more to do than just watch TV or read a book.

If that sounds like you, or someone you know, here’s a list of 5 popular pandemic hobbies to help you occupy your time!

Make the most of your days with worthwhile and enlightening activities.

1. Gardening

As we all strive to navigate through this uncertain time, some hobbies have skyrocketed in popularity.

Gardening is one of those hobbies. In fact, gardening went up 100% on Google Trends– a whopping twice as much as last year!

Gardening is a great way to spend some quality time out in the fresh, open air. And, there’s so much to do: planting new flowers, designing topiaries, growing fruits and vegetables, creating raised gardens beds. The creative possibilities are endless.

2. Cooking

Another fan favorite has been the #QuarantineFifteen.

During the months of quarantine and social distancing, many caregivers and seniors have finally found time to not only enjoy the food they eat, but also the cooking process beforehand. Searches for “recipe” of all kinds went up 100% when compared to 2019’s search trends.

Sitting or standing, humming along to music or listening to a podcast, chatting on the phone or pondering in silence- there are so many ways to enjoy yourself while cooking. Not to mention, the delicious food that comes after!

home care agency in philadelphia, best home care agencies in philadelphia

3. Pet Fostering

One good thing to come from this pandemic is that animal shelters have emptied tremendously.

Animals give people joy and companionship. So, it’s no surprise that during these trying times, people have flocked to animal shelters to help not only the animals, but also themselves.

One act, two kindnesses.

If you’re looking for way to boost your mood at home, consider fostering a pet for a little extra love and fluffiness in your life.

4. DIY Projects

“Do it yourself” activities have become a huge hit in recent months. With most people stuck at home, it’s been hard to make purchases and hire others to do work around the house. This struggle has encouraged many to start fixing up their homes on their own and even making their own products.

For seniors and caregivers who are goal oriented, DIY’s are a wonderful hobby. There are plenty of easy-to-follow DIY videos online, as well as books and magazines that feature various projects.

Furniture, cosmetics, clothing, stickers, home renovations, jewelry- there’s so much to choose from that you’re bound to find something you just can’t wait to make!

5. Backyard Birding

Spending so much time at home has also allowed seniors and caregivers to gain a new appreciation for their homes and the wonders that reside in their own backyards.

Backyard birding is a calming activity that brings a sense of excitement to your own backyard. You’ll suddenly take note of things you never noticed before like rare birds, unusual melodies, interesting migration patterns, and more.

AmeriBest Home Care caregivers are ready to assist you or your loved one with daily activities so that you can peacefully enjoy your favorite hobbies.
Call AmeriBest Home Care today by phone: 215-925-3313
We will always be happy to take care of you!

Trust the Home Health Care Services in Philadelphia PA

Trust is vital when it comes to any aspect of the medical field. The more one looks into it, the more one will find that it all comes back to trust. Sure, price is important, as is location and reliability, but when it comes to the bottom line, you cannot, and should not, pick someone that you do not trust 100%. When it comes to home health care services for yourself or someone you love, you need to make sure that you don’t just go with the first person you find, but instead someone you know will be trustworthy in everything that they do. After all: it is not just about having someone to help, it is about having someone that you KNOW is going to do the job the right way each time that they come.

Trust is even more important when you are talking about a healthcare professional going to your home to care for you or a loved one. After all: it is one thing to trust your doctor when you go to their office, but it is another thing to have the doctor come to your home to care for you. With this in mind, it is not only about finding a professional that you trust, but also about finding a company that you trust. The company that supplies Home Health Care Services in Philadelphia PA professionals needs to be one that doesn’t just have good reviews and does a thorough background check on the people they hire.

A great place to start is to find a company that is licensed, bonded and insured. Furthermore, you want to make sure that you go with a company that only hires professionals who have experience in home health care. They should also allow you to interview the home professionals at your home or office and pick the one that is best suited for your needs. Finally, any Home Health Care Services in Philadelphia PA company you go with should promise you the same professionals you trust each time they come out.

Experienced and Compassionate Home Care Services in Philadelphia PA

Some people experience illnesses or diseases that make it difficult for them to care for themselves. They don’t want to spend time in the hospital than necessary, and they search for other options. Home Care Services offer a perfect solution because they offer a range of helpful services based on the individual’s needs. This type of care makes it possible for the patient to stay at home and receive the necessary care. Services such as home visits, medication management, personal care, companionship and more are offered. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen and more are also offered.

This type of care can help the patient to have a better quality of life by letting them stay at home, where they feel most comfortable. Hospice care is also offered to those patients who wish to forgo curative care. This type of care lets them stay in their own home while receiving compassionate treatment. They provide pain relief and symptom treatment for all of their patients. Many feel that this type of care is ideal because it allows the patient to enjoy a better quality of life. Hospice care is specifically designed for those whose life expectancy is six months or less and choose to forgo curative treatment.

Many people who are ill wish to stay home and deal with the illness on their terms. This is the best way for them to live the rest of their lives with dignity. These providers also offer services for their family members that include bereavement services. The quality of life is so important when the end is near and many believe that this is the best option available.

It is good to contact an agency that offers Home Care Services in Philadelphia PA to learn more about what they offer. Many people feel good about this option because it makes their loved ones happier. It also allows family members to spend special and precious time together in a more comfortable atmosphere. It is important to see that a loved one’s wishes are being met, and this is a great way to do so.