Month: August 2023

Home Health Care Assistance in Allentown, PA: Enabling Independent Living

If you have an elderly loved one, you’ve likely considered how they will continue to live independently as they age. Many families turn to home care assistance in Allentown, PA, so that their loved ones can age at home. Enabling independence for seniors is an important part of aging at home. Let’s look at how home health aides and families work together to encourage seniors’ independence.

Why Independence Matters for Seniors

It feels good to be able to live independently. For seniors, however, the benefits go far beyond how they feel emotionally (though that is important). The benefits of promoting independence include,

Maintaining a sense of dignity
Promoting physical health
Enhancing mental health and well-being
Preserving cognitive function
Enabling social engagement and participation
Reducing caregiver stress

Promoting independence in seniors helps them and their families as well!

By enabling seniors to care for themselves, their family caregivers feel less stressed and are able to enjoy social time with their loved ones.

How Family Caregivers Can Promote Independence in Seniors

If you’re the adult child of a senior, you can help them maintain their independence. Some things simple things you can do include,

Is your aging parent refusing help, even when it’s obviously needed? Talk to your loved one about what aspects of life they need assistance with.
Spend time with them regularly and engage in activities like games, exercise, or outings with them.
Consider home care assistance to help them with tasks they struggle with.

How Home Health Care in Allentown, PA Helps Seniors Live Independently

Home care assistance helps seniors live independently by tailoring the services they provide to seniors’ specific needs.

By meeting their key needs, home health aides ensure seniors can,

Focus on tasks they can do by assisting with their specific needs
Exercise regularly by helping them with exercises and providing companionship
Help them engage socially in the community and family by providing transportation services
Updating the home for senior safety by evaluating their home and helping them make important changes
Keeping a regular schedule for appointments, exercise, and social engagement

Are You Looking for Home Health Care Assistance in Allentown, PA?

If you’re looking for home care assistance for you or a loved one, contact us today.

One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services that are right for you.

‘Mental Health at Work’ by Nurse Fran

Guidelines on Mental Health at Work

An estimated 15% of working-age adults have a mental disorder at any point in time.  Depression and anxiety are estimated to cost the global economy US $1 trillion each year, driven predominantly by lost productivity. People living with severe mental health conditions are largely excluded from work despite participation in economic activities being important for recovery.

The WHO guidelines on mental health at work provide evidence-based recommendations to promote mental health conditions and enable people living with mental health conditions to participate and thrive in work. The recommendations cover organizational interventions, manager training and worker training, individual interventions, return to work, and gaining employment. The guidelines on mental health at work aim to improve the implementation of evidence-based interventions for mental health at work.

Key facts

Decent work is good for mental health.
Poor working environments – including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity – pose a risk to mental health.

Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

Work Can Protect Mental Health

Almost 60% of the world’s population is in work (1). All workers have the right to a safe and healthy environment at work. Decent work supports good mental health by providing:

a livelihood;
a sense of confidence, purpose, and achievement;
an opportunity for positive relationships and inclusion in a community; and
a platform for structured routines, among many other benefits.

Safe and healthy working environments are not only a fundamental right but are also more likely to minimize tension and conflicts at work and improve staff retention, work performance and productivity. Conversely, a lack of adequate structures and support at work, especially for those living with mental health conditions, can affect a person’s ability to enjoy their work and do their job well; it can undermine people’s attendance at work and even stop people getting a job in the first place.

Hopefully, this information has been helpful!

Please let us know in the comments.

Home Health Aide Services in Harrisburg, PA

Living independently works best when we engage in an active lifestyle; however, as we grow older, that engagement can be harder. Let’s look at the ways that a caregiver or home health aide could help seniors enjoy aging at home, in Harrisburg, PA.

Reclaiming Abilities

As we age, even simple tasks can become more challenging. Arthritis, limited mobility, and chronic health conditions can all impact our ability to perform daily tasks. Home health aides help seniors find ways to make these tasks easier. In some cases, this means doing things for the senior they’re no longer able to do. In others, it involves helping them select mobility aides and find alternate ways to do things.

Exercising Regularly

Exercise is important to a healthy life. Fortunately, it doesn’t require rigorous workouts at a gym. Walks in your neighborhood and gardening both provide seniors with the ability to get out and move around. T’ai Chi and low-impact aerobics are also excellent for helping seniors maintain balance and coordination and improve their health. Home health aides help ensure seniors don’t over-exert themselves and can help them manage more challenging aspects of exercise when they have limited mobility or a health condition.

Socializing

Our ability to socialize is a mark of our independence. Home health aide services help seniors get out into their community for religious services, outings with friends and family, and even volunteering.

Mental Engagement

We need to exercise more than our body as we age. We also need to exercise our minds. Home health aides provide companionship services that can involve playing games, putting together puzzles, and engaging in hobbies.

Updating the Home

Home health aides help seniors evaluate their home for risks and make improvements as needed. They can help install handrails in showers and next to toilets. They can also help rearrange the home to avoid clutter and make items seniors need daily accessible without having to reach or bend.

Keeping a Regular Schedule

We often think of keeping a schedule as a need for a busy life on the go, when we’re balancing a career, family, and free time. However, seniors in their retirement years also benefit from a regular schedule. It helps ensure that they set aside time for exercise, meal planning, and social engagement. Managing a schedule also helps seniors ensure they make important appointments. Home health aides help seniors monitor their schedule and make changes when needed.

Are You Looking for a Caregiver Home Health Aide in Harrisburg, PA?

If you’re looking for a caregiver home health aide in Harrisburg, PA, for yourself or a loved one, contact us today. One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services that are right for you.

3 People Have Died After Infection With Rare Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Connecticut and New York

At least three people have died in Connecticut and New York after contracting a rare flesh-eating bacteria that can be found in warm, brackish waters or raw shellfish, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Two people in Connecticut became infected with Vibrio vulnificus and died after swimming in two separate locations on Long Island Sound, according to Christopher Boyle, director of communications for the state’s Department of Public Health.

According to the Department of Public Health, a third person was infected in July after eating raw oysters from an out-of-state establishment. According to the department, all three were between 60 and 80 years old.

What to Know About Flesh-Eating Bacteria Vibrio Vulnificus, and How to Avoid It

The bacteria has also been detected in an individual who died in Long Island, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday. Officials are still investigating the death in Suffolk County to determine whether the bacteria was encountered in New York waters or elsewhere, according to the news release.

Vibrio vulnificus comes from the same family as the bacteria that causes cholera.

A mild case of the bacterial infection vibriosis can cause skin wounds, blisters, abscesses and ulcers. It typically includes chills, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and possibly vomiting. In more severe cases, people can develop septicemia. This is more common for those with underlying health conditions, particularly liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or other diseases that suppress the immune system.

Anyone can get vibriosis, but people with an open wound, such as a cut or scrape, a recent piercing or a new tattoo, should avoid exposing skin to warm seawater in coastal environments or cover the area with a waterproof bandage, the news release says.

Doctors say it is important to seek treatment quickly if you develop a skin infection after possible exposure to the bacteria.

Vibrio vulnificus causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States every year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials Advising People to Be Cautious

Officials from Connecticut and New York are advising people to take precautions before consuming raw oysters or being exposed to salty or brackish water.

“People should consider the potential risk of consuming raw oysters and exposure to salt or brackish water and take appropriate precautions,” Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said in a news release on July 28. “Particularly during the hottest months of the summer, bacteria are more likely to overgrow and contaminate raw shellfish.”

New York’s Governor Echoed Those Sentiments Wednesday

Dangerous flesh-eating bacterial infections increased in Florida after Hurricane Ian

“While rare, the vibrio bacteria has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous,” Hochul said. “As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria.”

Connecticut routinely monitors oyster harvest areas statewide for vibrio levels in the summer, and since 2014, the state has added to its requirements for oyster harvesting.

In part, oyster harvesters are required to shade oysters while on a vessel and in high-risk areas, and harvested oysters must be placed in an ice slurry to drop the internal temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit within three hours of harvest, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture.

Caregivers, please be careful!

Stay safe out there.

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Philadelphia Medicaid: A Comprehensive Guide for Eligibility and Benefits

Low-income seniors are more likely than their middle or high-income peers to lack access to healthcare. Fortunately, Medicaid helps Philadelphia seniors who otherwise afford insurance premiums access the healthcare they need. Understanding the eligibility requirements, however, is one of the biggest barriers seniors often face to accessing the care they need. At AmeriBest Home Care, we strive to empower seniors in our community to live independently and assist them in meeting their needs. Here is our comprehensive guide on Medicaid, both eligibility requirements and benefits.

Medicaid Benefits

Medicaid, also called the Medical Assistance Program, is funded jointly by the state and federal governments. Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to low-income families and individuals, including seniors. The program covers a wide range of services to meet seniors’ healthcare needs including,

Doctor visits
Hospitalization
Emergency care visits
Prescriptions
Long-term care

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Medical Assistance Program. Apply for Medicaid through the DHS website or by visiting their local County Assistance Office.

Qualifying for Medicaid in Philadelphia

To qualify for Medicaid in Philadelphia, you must satisfy four requirements: Residency, Citizenship or Immigration Status, Category, and Income/Resource Limits. Navigating these requirements can seem daunting. Let’s break them down.

(1) Residency

The state of Pennsylvania considers you a resident as long as you are present in the state and intend to stay. You don’t have to have a permanent residence, nor do you have to spend any specified amount of time in the state. You do need a place to receive mail, since Medical Assistance sends information via US Mail.

(2) Citizenship and Immigration Status

You have to prove that you are either a US citizen or that you have the required immigration status to receive Medicaid. You are a citizen if you were born in the US, regardless of your parent’s citizen status. Immigrants must be “lawfully present” in the US or “qualified”. Qualified immigrants include,

Green card holders
Refugees
Asylees
Cuban/Haitian entrants
Conditional entrants
Individuals paroled into the US for more than a year
Certain survivors of trafficking or domestic violence and their children
Persons granted withholding of deportation or removal

Lawfully present immigrants include,

Those with temporary resident status or pending applications
Family unity beneficiaries
Those with employment authorization
Those with approved visa petitions

(3) Category & (4) Income Limits

Income and resource aid limits vary by category, so it’s important to determine the category you fit into. You may meet the criteria for more than one category, in which case you should apply under the category that provides you the most benefits.

For seniors, these categories include,

Healthy Horizons

Adults 65+ whose

Disability is expected to last more than 12 months
With income at 100% of the Federal Poverty Limit
With resources limited to $2000 for a single person or $3000 for a couple

Medicare Savings Program

Adults who

Qualify for Medicare
With income at 135% of the Federal Poverty Level
With resources limited to $7860 for a single person or $11,800 for a couple

HCBS Waiver Programs

Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for those who

Require an institutional level of care
Require other functional care that varies by specific waiver
Have an income limit of 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate
Have a resource limit of $8000

Examples of income that may be counted when determining eligibility include,

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits
Foster Care payments
Certain housing or utility subsidies
Weatherization Payments

Are You Applying for Medicaid to Cover Senior Care in Philadelphia, PA?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right care and program for you or your loved one. We can help educate you on the categories, limits, and options available to you. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully.

Personal Home Care Services in Allentown PA

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As seniors age, ensuring they receive compassionate care is important, especially if they require assistance with daily activities but still value their independence. Home health caregivers play a vital role in supporting seniors to maintain their autonomy and dignity. They provide personal home care services in Allentown, PA, compassionately empowering senior independence.

The Essence of Compassionate Care

Studies have shown that compassionate care positively impacts the physical and mental well-being of seniors, promoting their overall quality of life. Compassionate care encompasses empathy, understanding, and respect for the unique needs and preferences of senior citizens. It involves creating a nurturing environment that allows them to retain their independence while receiving the support they require.

Empowering Senior Independence

Home health caregivers in Allentown, PA play a pivotal role in empowering senior independence. Caregivers provide personalized care in the comfort of seniors’ own homes, enabling seniors to maintain a sense of familiarity and control over their lives. Whether it’s assistance with daily tasks, medication management, or companionship, home care assistance ensures that seniors can live independently while receiving support they need.

The Role of Home Health Caregivers in Allentown, PA

Home health caregivers offer a range of services tailored to the unique needs of each senior. At AmeriBest Home Care, we provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. We also offer companionship, engaging seniors in meaningful conversations and activities to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being

Compassionate care provided by home health caregivers positively impacts the physical and mental health of senior citizens. By encouraging seniors to remain active and engaged in daily activities, caregivers help seniors maintain physical strength, mobility, and independence. Additionally, caregivers offer emotional support, actively listening to seniors’ concerns, and providing reassurance, promoting good mental well-being.

Enhancing Quality of Life

The compassionate care delivered by home health caregivers in Allentown, PA greatly enhances the quality of life for senior citizens. By allowing seniors to maintain their independence, caregivers contribute to a sense of dignity and self-worth. Seniors continue to make decisions regarding their daily routines, personal preferences, and activities they enjoy. This autonomy fosters a positive outlook and overall satisfaction with life.

Collaborative Approach

Home care assistance in Allentown, PA, follows a collaborative approach to caregiving. At AmeriBest Home Care, our caregivers work closely with seniors, their families, and healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive care plan. This collaborative effort ensures that the care provided is personalized, flexible, and in alignment with the unique needs and goals of each senior.

Are You Looking for a Home Health Caregiver in Allentown, PA?

If you’re looking for a home health caregiver for you or a loved one, contact us today. One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services that are right for you.

Enhancing Quality of Life: The Role of Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA

As Americans grow older and life expectancy increases, well-being and quality of life will become increasingly more important. Home healthcare in Harrisburg, PA, plays a crucial role in supporting elderly residents. Let’s explore how a caregiver or a home health aide can enhance the quality of life for you or your senior loved one.

Promoting Independence Through Home Healthcare in Harrisburg, PA

Maintaining independence is vital for the overall well-being of senior citizens. Caregivers and home health aides offer personalized support tailored to a senior’s individual needs, ensuring they can continue living in the comfort of their own homes. By helping seniors with activities, they may struggle with due to limited mobility, chronic illness, or disability; caregivers are able to help seniors live independently and build their sense of independence.

Ensuring Safety and Security

At AmeriBest Home Care, we recognize that independent living for seniors requires safety first. Our expert caregivers help seniors identify potential hazards and create a secure living space to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. A caregiver also provides peace of mind for seniors and their families, who know someone is available immediately if there is ever an emergency.

Social Engagement and Companionship

Loneliness and social isolation are significant challenges many seniors face. Home care services in Harrisburg, PA, like AmeriBest Home Care, play a vital role in combating these challenges by providing social engagement and companionship. From transportation services to companionship activities like hobbies and meals, our caregivers are present to help improve seniors’ quality of life. By helping to facilitate social engagement, caregivers and home health aides help the seniors build community and foster a sense of belonging and participation.

Personalized Healthcare and Medication Management

Whether managing an illness, chronic health condition, or disability, medication is often a crucial component of a senior’s healthcare. However, managing medication can be challenging for seniors. Home Health care services in Harrisburg, PA, provide medication reminders and help seniors manage multiple prescriptions. They can also help seniors remember prescription refill requests and help them navigate the complex healthcare system to ensure their needs are met. This helps to improve seniors’ overall health and well-being, contributing to an improved quality of life.

Nutritional Support and Meal Planning

Nutrition is another key component to a good quality of life. Our caregivers and home health aides assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and monitoring of dietary restrictions. They can also help seniors make healthy choices in foods and plan out snacks to help them keep their energy up throughout the day.

Are You Looking for Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA?

If you’re looking for a caregiver or home health aide for you or a loved one, contact us today. One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services that are right for you.

Senior Services in PA: Empowering Older Adults for a Better Quality of Life

Aging can leave us feeling disempowered as we face changes in our lives and in our health. Technology, improved healthcare, and senior services in PA help seniors live longer, and more fulfilling lives. Their caregivers, family and friends and home health care aids, can help empower seniors to be involved in their own care and regain control over their lives. Let’s look at the ways you can support your senior loved one.

Encourage Seniors to Age at Home

One of the most important ways you can empower your senior loved one is to help them age at home. Studies have found that older adults who live in long-term care facilities require more assistance and are at greater risk for disabilities and hospitalization due to increased frailty. While frailty is a natural part of aging, living in facilities can accelerate the development of frailty due to poor self-perception and greater caregiver dependency compared to independent living.

Senior care services like AmeriBest Home Care and family/friend caregivers provide seniors aging adults with help when and where they need it while encouraging them to live independently. Because in-home services are tailored to a senior’s specific needs, seniors are less likely to become dependent on their caregivers and more likely to have a positive self-perception.

Encourage Self-Care

Self-care is healthcare. When we take time to care for ourselves, we improve our overall health as well as our emotional and mental wellbeing. This is especially important as we age, when depression, chronic health conditions, and potential social isolation can increase. Encourage your loved ones to take time for themselves in simple ways. Some simple self-care seniors can provide themselves include,

Setting aside time to relax with music, reading, or a simple hobby.
Writing a daily journal.
Writing a memoir to preserve memories.
Doing exercises like yoga or low-impact aerobics.
Walking outside or working in a garden.
Eating a healthy diet, including healthy “treats” like a favorite fruit.
Creating a grooming routine.

Prepare the Home for Aging in Place

Help your senior loved one age at home safely by preparing their home. From slippery bathtubs to high shelves, many homes aren’t made with seniors in mind. Do a home audit to determine potential safety hazards and plan changes. Some changes to consider include,

Installing grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet.
Change cabinet and pantry storage to remove the need for seniors to stretch or bend to reach items they need daily.
Install a ramp or chair lift for those with limited mobility.
Provide nightlights in hallways and in the bathroom.
Remove clutter and trip hazards from the home.

Take Advantage of Senior Care Services in Pennsylvania

From Medical Assistance to community programs, you can find help for seniors throughout Philadelphia. At AmeriBest Home Care, we can help connect you to valuable services that can help you care for your loved one and help empower them as they age at home. We also provide personal care, companionship, transportation, and respite care services to empower you and your loved one.

Are You Looking for Senior Care Services in PA?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right care for you or your loved one. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our program coordinators.