6 Tips for New Caregivers During the COVID Pandemic

6 Tips for New Caregivers During the COVID Pandemic - AmeriBest Home Care

Stuck at home these days, many of us are finding ourselves having to take on new roles that we would otherwise pay someone else to fill. And this can be a little scary to do without positive guidance.

If you’ve suddenly found yourself having to act as a family caregiver, here are 6 tips and tricks of the trade.

Write things down.

When you’re caring for someone else, it’s important to stay organized. It’s all too easy to forget someone else’s schedule, so make things simple for yourself and write things down.

If you prefer typing that’s cool too.

Just having a mapped-out list of what needs to be done and when can easily knock down the stress levels a few notches.

Automate as much as possible.

Another easy way to keep track of everything is to set up daily reminders. There are a ton of apps out there that can help with medication scheduling, appointment tracking, as well as just general to-do list entries.

These apps will not only help remind you of what needs to be done, but also give you the extra push to get up and get going.

Don’t be afraid to ask for outside help.

One of the biggest mistakes new caregivers make is thinking that they have to take care of everything themselves.

But the truth is, there are plenty of people able and willing to help. If you’re getting overwhelmed, stressed, or just want some guidance- don’t be afraid to ask for outside help.

Call up friends, family, or professional home care aides. And, don’t let yourself get to a mental breaking point before you do so.

Asking for help demonstrates responsibility and caring.

Schedule family time.

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the work of caregiving, that you start to ignore the fun of it.

Caregiving is a remarkable task that lets you care, bond, and connect with your senior. If you’re not enjoying the work you do, you’re missing out on the core of caregiving.

To rekindle the spark, schedule some fun family time. This could be watching some TV together in the evening, building a project together in the afternoons, or even just bonding over some old photos in the basement. The main idea is to find something you both enjoy and set aside quality time for each other.

Watch your health.

You’ve probably heard this before, but you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.

Letting yourself get run down and weary is no way to treat yourself as a caregiver. If you want to give your senior the best care possible, then you have to be up for the challenge and in good spirits. And, in order to feel that way, you have to take care of your own health too.

This means, taking breaks when you need them, giving yourself some alone time to refresh, watching your diet and fitness, and being overall kind to yourself.

Which leads us to our last tip…

Speak to yourself with compassion.

If you missed something on your to-do list, or you just didn’t have time to get something done- don’t stress. The worst thing you can do is beat yourself up over something you’re only just getting the hang of. You wouldn’t do that to others, so don’t do that to yourself.

Instead, look at where you went wrong with a non-judgmental perspective. Understand what led you to make that mistake and learn from it. Then move on and give yourself some compassion.

You’re doing the best you can.

Employment Opportunities! Become a Paid Caregiver

Employment Opportunities! - AmeriBest Home Care

During these past months, unemployment rates have skyrocketed as millions of Americans apply for unemployment benefits.

It’s no stretch to say that these have been tough times to navigate through.

But, they are certainly not impossible.

If you’re one of the many Americans worried about the economy to come and your finances, we might just have the perfect idea for you:

Become a paid caregiver!

What’s in the job?

As a paid at-home caregiver, you’ll be helping elderly live their best lives in the comfort of their homes.

All caregiving is done in the patients’ own homes. You’ll head on over to your client (or multiple clients depending on the schedule you set for yourself) and help with activities such as:

  • Dressing
  • Bathing
  • Meal prep
  • Light housework
  • Companionship

Why become a caregiver?

The bottom line: caregiving is a stress-free job that pays well.

As a caregiver, you won’t have to worry about making intense deadlines or coming up with the next biggest idea. You just need to concentrate on the little things: being compassionate, courteous, and careful.

It’s as rewarding as it is manageable.

And that’s really the best combination for any job.

What’s the time commitment like?

As a paid caregiver, you get to be in control of your own time and create the schedule that works best for you. Whether full time, part time, or per diem, the time commitment is up to you.

We know that some of our caregivers use this job as a supplement for their regular income. Which is why we provide maximum flexibility. After all, caregiving is about helping others grow upward, not chaining them downward.

However, we also know that many of caregivers come to us for a fresh start. To begin a new career in a place they can truly belong. And, for those employees, we do everything in our power to help them succeed.

AmeriBest is Hiring!

AmeriBest Home Care is currently seeking caring and motivated individuals to become a part of our family of healthcare workers.

Whether you’re looking for a new career or a part time gig, this could be the opportunity for you. You don’t need any prior experience. Just a good attitude and a willingness to learn.

At AmeriBest Home Care, we’ll train you and set you on the path to great caregiving.

We’ll teach you the necessary skills to succeed in the home healthcare world. And, we’ll be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the field and supporting you as your caregiving career develops.

At AmeriBest Home Care, we care about our employees just as much as we care about our clients. Which is why, we offer full-time benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401K and paid time off.

How to apply?

Simply fill out the online form at the bottom of the page here: https://www.ameribesthomecare.com/join-our-team/

Or, give us a call at 215-925-3313.

Come join AmeriBest, today!

We’re not just an agency, we’re a healthcare family.

7 Stay-at-Home Activities for Elderly and Caregivers

7 Stay-at-Home Activities for Elderly and Caregivers - AmeriBest Home Care

Don’t let the days slip away just because you’re indoors!
Here are 7 at-home activities for the elderly and caregivers:

Pick up a new book.

Or listen to a new podcast. Whether educational or fictional, stories are a great way to get you feeling happy and motivated. You can even get an online book club going. Check with your local library for a pre-existing book club. Or, start your own with friends and family.

Never underestimate the power of a good book.

Clean up and redecorate.

It’s easy to fall into a rut when you’re stuck at home, looking at the same scenery day after day. Luckily there’s an easy fix. Spring cleaning and redecorating! If you’re not into big house projects, sometimes just organizing a room or two can make a huge difference as well.

After all, new spaces make for new perspectives.

Take advantage of the internet.

With social distancing at the core of society right now, tons of companies and individuals have begun making their content available on the internet. And, many of them are free. If you’re looking for something to do at home, look online for Broadway shows, ballet productions, operas, e-sports, educational courses, exercise classes, museum tours, zoo tours, and more.

There’s so much happening on the web right now!

Sit down and chat.

We’re always so busy running to get things done, that we often miss just sitting and talking with our family and friends. But what’s truly more important than connecting with our loved ones?

Grab a cup of coffee, tea, water, whatever you want, and just sit down and chat. If you’re home alone, you can always do this over phone calls and video chats. It’s time to take a breath and slow down.

Soak in some sun.

If you have a backyard or porch, spend at least 15 minutes out in the fresh air. Meditate, think, stare out at the world, eat a snack, make some phone calls, draw. There are tons of things you can do outside in your own yard. If you don’t have a yard, just open a window. Breathing in the crisp air with the sun on your skin will keep you feeling relaxed and happy. Not to mention, help you sleep better at night.

Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Try out some new recipes.

We eat three meals a day, with drinks and snacks in between. And when we eat so much, eating sometimes becomes a boring chore. But it doesn’t have to be. Spice things up with some new recipes. You can search on Pinterest and YouTube for some fresh meal ideas. Or, create your own!

And, don’t forget to take pictures. Your family and friends will love to see what you’ve come up with.

Produce your own content.

Now, while the world is homebound, people from all over are craving for online content. If you’ve ever wanted to start your own YouTube channel, TikTok account, podcast. Or, if you’ve ever wanted to write stories, give advice, provide tips, or just share your life story, now is your time to shine! It’s easy to start, and you’re sure to make some friends along the way.

Have fun and give back to the world in a way that only you can do.

Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event

Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event - AmeriBest Home Care

Disasters can be challenging to cope with emotionally. You must take care of your emotional and mental health after a disaster and pay attention to how you are feeling. You should also consider how your family members act and feel after an accident, especially if you are in any immediate physical danger.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a set of genuinely exceptional circumstances for many of us. As such, it is natural to feel stressed and uneasy during this time. Make sure you take care of your emotional well-being, as well as that of your loved ones. By doing so, you can ensure that you are ready and able to respond to unexpected situations. Some of the following tips may be useful to you:

Everybody reacts to disasters and calamities in different ways. However, this does not mean that we should neglect or pay less attention to our mental and emotional health. If you have recently experienced a disaster or traumatic event, make sure you take care of your mental health in the aftermath and the well-being of your loved ones.

Download PDF.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Fact vs. Fiction

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Fact vs. Fiction - AmeriBest Home Care

Can you recover completely from Coronavirus? Can you prevent COVID-19 by wearing a mask? Is there a vaccine against the new coronavirus? Should you cancel your travel plans? Can you order packages online without being worried? Did it all start from a bat soup?!

Check out this great article by IBX about Coronavirus and get some answers today!

Key Points:

Fact or fiction?

“If someone contracts the COVID-19 virus, they won’t recover.”

Fiction!
Most people who get COVID-19 will recover, as most people who get COVID-19 will only have mild symptoms and may not realize they have had it at all.

 

Fact or fiction?

“You can prevent COVID-19 by wearing a mask.”

Fiction.
While these masks cannot protect you from contracting the virus, they are very much needed in the hospitals.

 

Fact or fiction?

“You can contract COVID-19 by simply being near someone with the virus.”

The answer: It depends on the situation.
It is thought that the main way the virus spreads is through person-to-person contact, including the following:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

 

Fact or fiction?

“A vaccine for COVID-19 will be available soon.”

Fiction.
It usually takes years to test and develop a working vaccine.

Fact or Fiction:

“You should cancel your travel plans.”

Possibly.
The CDC produces a daily list of high-risk locations.

Fact or fiction:

“You can catch COVID-19 from packages you order online that have been shipped from high-risk locations.”

Fiction.
But if you’re really concerned, you can wipe your package—and its contents—when they’re delivered with a sanitizing wipe.

 

Fact or fiction:

“COVID-19 started out in a pot of bat soup.”

Not exactly.
We don’t know about the soup, but we do know that the virus moved from bats to people.

Source: getgoodliving.com/article/health/covid-19-coronavirus-fact-vs-fiction

What Coronavirus Symptoms Look Like, Day By Day

Coronavirus Symptoms - AmeriBest Home Care

Please also remember to continue practicing:

  • Proper Handwashing techniques
  • Wipe down frequently used surfaces often throughout the day
  • Travel only when needed, staying a distance of 6 feet away from others as often as possible
  • Continue to practice social isolation

Be Safe and Stay Healthy!

Infection Control Team.

AmeriBest Field Staff Info Updates on Coronavirus

Updates on Coronavirus - AmeriBest Home Care

Attention, dear AmeriBest caregivers! We will be reaching out to each and every one of you with the following info. Feel free to share it with your fellow coworkers and please stay safe!

3/20/2020 update:

Good afternoon.  In the ever-changing environment with COVID-19 for safety purposes for all associates, we have closed the office until further notice.  We are still open for business and the corporate staff are all available by email or phone.  Please call the main number 215-925-3313 if you have questions regarding COVID-19, PPE, Symptoms experienced by either yourself or your patient, or any other concerns.  You can also visit our website:  Ameribesthomecare.com for ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please follow all CDC recommendations for social distancing, no large gatherings, and hand washing.

3/21/2020 update:

This is a payroll reminder for anyone submitting timesheets.  Timesheets are due by Sunday evening as per the standard timesheet procedure.  We accept timesheets by fax, email, or by dropping them off in the blue drop box behind the main corporate building.  Please make sure we have your correct address on file.  If you need to update your information, please call human resources with the updated information at 215-925-3313, Option #.  Thank you.

3/23-25/2020 update:

Due to the temporary office closing, all paychecks will be mailed out.  Please do not come into the office as it is closed.  If you have an issue with your check, you can call payroll at 215-925-3313 Option # or email the payroll department directly.  If your timesheet is late, please fax or email the late timesheets and we will send a manual check when it is processed.  Again, please do not come to the office, as it is closed.   We are taking these safety measures to protect everyone from exposure.  You can also visit our website:  Ameribesthomecare.com for ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please follow all CDC recommendations for social distancing, no large gatherings, and hand washing.