Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

senior care harrisburg

Tossing, turning, adding blankets, or removing them…the time seems to slow to an aching pace, and all you pray for is going to sleep. At AmeriBest senior care Harrisburg, PA, we’ve encountered many individuals, particularly seniors, who struggle with sleep. Small losses here and there are normal. But when it becomes nightly, the lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and depression.

What is Sleep Hygiene?

In recent years you may have heard the term “sleep hygiene.” Basically, sleep hygiene is a matter of creating healthy habits that help you get better sleep.  Both your environment and pre-bed routine contribute to sleeping deeply. When we say “routine,” not all suggestions here work for everyone, so you want to craft a sustainable pattern that, with time, becomes natural.

Factoid: Insomnia 

Over 70 million Americans exhibit sleep disorders every year. Between 30 and 50% of the adult population have ongoing insomnia problems. Chronic insomnia is defined as having sleep interruptions or difficulties three times a week for more than three months. Stress is the number one contributor to sleep problems, along with pain, depression, diseases, and medications, all common to the aging population. 

How to Get Started 

Sleep hygiene aims to create a pre-bed routine and harness habits that may contribute to getting to sleep and staying asleep. The aides at Ameribest, Harrisburg, PA, can help individuals stick to their routines using simple reminders.

For example, they can remind a person of all the steps before going to bed. Dress, brush your teeth, and take a half hour to wind down using gentle lighting and relaxing music. Find the things that really settle your mind and spirit.

home care harrisburg pa

Sleep Schedule

First things first, it’s time to set a sleep schedule. Try to wake up at the same time daily, creating a bio-rhythm for consistency. Do not put off sleep unless it’s absolutely necessary. It may take a little time to adjust, but that’s to be expected.

Cat Naps & Electronics

Avoid napping. You haven’t slept well, so it’s not surprising you want a nap. However, the more you nap, the more it impacts your night’s sleep. Limit naps to early afternoon. Also, avoid all electronics (cell phones, tablets, etc.). Electronics stimulate the mind, which is the opposite of what you want. Instead, try relaxation methods like deep breathing and meditation.

Tip: Don’t just lie there awake

When you spend hours in bed, unable to sleep, the connection between you and your bedroom becomes contrary. You want to look forward to bed. So if you’re still awake after a half hour, get up for a bit. Stretch, perhaps read a book, and then try again. Still, avoid electronics, though.

Other Helpmates for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Get as much natural light as possible. Sunlight creates a rhythm in your body that can decrease sleep problems. Don’t drink caffeine in the evening because it’s a stimulant. Late-night meals aren’t great, either. Digestion can disrupt sleep.

Senior Care Harrisburg

If you are caring for a loved one, it can be difficult to help them achieve solid sleep habits. However, if you have a professional aide like those from AmeriBest Harrisburg, PA, they can step in with guidance during their shift. Make it a team effort!

Call us to see how home care in Harrisburg, PA can best help your family. You can reach our Harrisburg office at 717-545-2920, by email at info@ameribest.org, or by using our online contact form.

 

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

homecare in philadelphia

Our senses are the key to the ways in which we engage with the world. When one begins to fade, it changes everything, including how others treat us. We begin to be seen as our condition, not the person behind it. Glaucoma, called the “sneak thief of sight,” is one such disorder projected to affect over 4 million people by 2030. Without raising awareness of how important eye exams are to preserving vision, the numbers will only continue rising. At AmeriBest Homecare in Philadelphia, we get calls from families who do not know how to handle this issue on top of any other health limitations their loved one has. They worry about the quality of life and effective care going forward. After all, Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, especially for Latinos and African Americans. The numbers will only continue rising without raising awareness of how important eye exams are to preserving vision.

Glaucoma up Close

Glaucoma can affect people from all walks of life and of all ages. Nonetheless, it primarily affects people when they hit middle age and upward. Everything begins in the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending thousands of images to the brain for processing. When there is damage to the nerve, the clarity decreases and begins fading. When an eye doctor detects glaucoma in its early stages, it improves their ability to treat the issue.

Two Main Types of Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the two primary forms of the disorder. It results from increased pressure inside the eye. Secondary glaucoma occurs because of an underlying disease, causing, or contributing to, eye pressure.

Prevention

The problem with glaucoma is that most people don’t even know it’s developing because it begins in peripheral vision. There are no early warning signs. The only way to check for glaucoma is through an eye exam in which the eye is dilated. When discovered early enough, some eyesight can be protected. Note that if your family has a history of glaucoma, it’s doubly important to have regular exams as there appear to be genetic correlations.

Tests for glaucoma look at five factors. First, the eye doctor examines the pressure inside the eye. Next, they look at the shape and color of the optic nerve, followed by checking your field of vision. The last two things are examining the angle where the iris meets the cornea and the thickness of the cornea.

Accessing Homecare in Philadelphia

If your loved one has a glaucoma diagnosis, you may need help with their daily care, especially as the vision fades. Our trained staff is ready to show compassion and kindness, particularly since the individual probably feels vulnerable. Give us a call to learn how we can make things at home run with less stress while also providing experienced care you can trust.

There are many good home care agencies in Philadelphia, but if you’re looking for a GREAT one, contact AmeriBest!

You can contact our office in three ways:

Our online Contact Form

By phone 215-925-3313

Or by email: info@ameribest.org

Cervical Health Awareness Month

home health care agencies harrisburg pa

Not that long ago, cervical cancer was the predominant cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States, one-quarter of which were over the age of 65. Thanks to screening and prevention, those numbers have been slowly reducing, but there is still a long way to go. Thousands of women still die of this disease annually. Many will require the help of home health care agencies in Harrisburg, PA.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. At AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, PA, we recognize two major barriers to continuing the fight against Cervical Cancer. One is education. The other is prevention by ongoing screening and inoculation. Nearly all cases (70%) of Cervical Cancer begin with an HPV infection; vaccines designed to protect against HPV (Gardasil and Cervarix) could potentially prevent many cases. Pap smears may also catch the problem. So why are these preventatives used more often?

That question returns us to education. There is a general lack of public awareness. Girls and boys between the ages of 11-12 should receive the HPV injection, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). While primary physicians may stress getting the inoculations, something in communication often falls through, leaving children at risk of future HPV cancers.

Two Types of Cervical Cancer

The type of cervical cancer a person has depends on where the disease began. Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops in the outer part of a woman’s cervix, visible during gynecological exams. This is where 90% of cervical cancer originates.

Adenocarcinoma begins in the inner part of the cervix. It is rare. Sometimes both types of cancer appear simultaneously, again a rare occurrence.

How Can PAP Tests Help?

Because cervical cancer is usually a slowly growing problem, a Pap test may detect abnormalities that act as a red flag for future checkups. Pap can also detect cancer in its early form. In both cases, there is a better chance of recovery when the disease is caught in the initial stages.

The good thing is that testing can be done in a clinic or doctor’s office rather than the hospital. If you have a professional home caregiver, they can transport your loved one to and from the appointment, leaving your time open for other matters. For those without health insurance, there are programs offering low-cost screening.

The Aging Population

The mortality rate of cervical cancer in elderly women is high. Studies indicate that delayed diagnosis and insufficient treatment are two correlating factors. The average age of diagnosis is in the early 50s, but there is a second peak of this cancer in women that happens between 60-70. Because these women often have other issues like heart disease and diabetes, their risks are greatly increased.

Home Health Care Agencies Harrisburg PA

Looking for home health care agencies in Harrisburg, PA? When you hire professional caregivers, they are there to provide support, not just with daily tasks but with any protocols that a physician puts in place for “at home” care. AmeriBest staff has been trained to follow the care plans diligently. When you cannot be home, WE can be.

How To Access Home Care in Harrisburg PA?

Contact our Harrisburg office at 717-545-2920. You can also email us at info@ameribest.org or contact us here.

We’ll be happy to help you navigate the process!

Home Health Care Services in Allentown PA

Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA

When you have a loved one who struggles with various daily needs, you want a high-quality, dedicated company like AmeriBest in Allentown, PA, on your side. Our goal is to provide comprehensive Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA, to our community by focusing on compassion and maintaining individuals’ dignity. Studies show that a lack of self-worth greatly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Two key words in AmeriBest’s home care are “client-centered.” Our clients do not feel like they are on the outside looking in. We listen to their ideas, concerns, fears, and hopes when devising a plan of care. Next comes input from family and friends. And, of course, we include all of a person’s healthcare providers in the equation, so everyone is on the same page.

Dealing with Caregiver Uncertainty

Individuals requiring care often have misgivings about having a stranger in their homes. Or they aren’t sure exactly what to expect from the situation. These feelings are shared by families seeking the right situation for their loved ones. It’s not easy. There are many options out there, but think about what you want ideally and make a list, including your questions and use them during reviews of company options.

Remember that all home health agencies in Pennsylvania must have a license from the Department of Health. This license ensures they meet health and safety standards while adhering to rules and regulations. The Department will survey agencies unannounced to check on best practices.

The Best Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA

Overall we want people to feel more comfortable and safe in their homes. We also want to educate families about risks and valuable insights into the current situation they may never have encountered. While we handle the professional end, families still have valuable roles to play as intermittent caregivers.

There are many good reasons to consider hiring home health services for the vulnerable population. You have responsibilities, and when you try to meet those along with those of your loved one, it becomes a struggle. There are many challenges to caregiving. Time management is at the top of the list. An aide can give you much-needed time away. They can:

  • Assist with bathing and dressing
  • Provide medication reminders
  • Prepare meals
  • Help with safe ambulation
  • Do laundry and light housekeeping

Most importantly, AmeriBest’s home caregivers in Allentown, PA, provide socialization. Whether it’s recounting favored memories, playing cards, or watching TV, the aide is a person who can give your loved one their whole attention.

Taking the Next Step

When ready, reach out to AmeriBest’s Allentown, PA office at 610-596-9070. We also have offices in Harrisburg, PA, and Philadelphia. Seek the one closest to you for convenience. Don’t feel awkward about what may seem to you as an odd question. Thousands of people have probably asked likewise.

We have a professional staff ready to review the process and respond to all your questions. Call us at 610-596-9070. If you prefer, email AmeriBest at info@ameribest.org or use our online contact form for your initial communication.

Home for the Holidays in Harrisburg: Family Activities

in-home caregiver in Harrisburg, PA

With Harrisburg being the capital of PA, you can anticipate a flurry of activities around the holidays. You read the descriptions and get all excited, but then wonder how well the event will be when bringing your family, including elder members. If you have an in-home caregiver in Harrisburg, PA, breathe a sigh of relief. Your aide can provide many supports to make the event memorable with less fuss on your part.

So where might you go? Since it’s a sweet time of year, why not visit Christmas is Sweet Lights at Hershey? This is a drive-through event (hey, no walking!) with over 600 displays. If you cannot go, your AmeriBest aide can drive for you. Do not miss getting hot chocolate. It’s fantastic.

There’s also Hershey Park, filled with decorations and presenting special programming; You’ll see 5,000,000 lights everywhere you go. Stop at the ticket office for complete accessibility information should your senior family member require it.

For something laid back, head to the Capitol in Harrisburg with your AmeriBest aide and enjoy the incredible tree in the rotunda. While you are there, you may stumble across a concert.

A half-hour away from Harrisburg in York, you can check out a model railroad display featuring a 2,700 ft. layout (a quarter-mile track). The engines might not be circling your tree, but there are regular open houses that will fit your schedule throughout the holidays.

Watching movies at home is fun, but what about going to a real movie theater for your senior’s favorite holiday title? The Majestic Theater (Gettysburg – under 1 hr away from Harrisburg) will show A Christmas Carol on various dates. Take your trusted AmeriBest aide with you so they can settle your senior in, and you grab the popcorn.

About 30 minutes south of Harrisburg, you can gather the family together for the Trail of Lights at Country Creek Produce Farm. There is a driving trail for those with mobility issues. Food and beverages are available (tip: try the doughnuts).

Twenty minutes away on December 1st, your aide could take your loved one to a relaxing, fun wreath decorating. It takes place at the Costwater Distillery.

Move It Inside If You Wish

If you don’t want to travel or the weather makes it impossible, there’s a lot you can do with your family, including seniors! For example, while you’ve seen dozens of outdoor lights, how about making your light festival inside the house?  Even if your senior cannot manage the strings of lights, you can bet they’ll want to direct the action.

Play holiday trivia (you can make up the questions or buy a game set). Have a family bingo night, or bake cookies. Just think about the things your family has always enjoyed together and make minor adaptations suited to your loved one’s condition.

Home for the Holidays in Harrisburg Family Activities

In-Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA

If AmeriBest already serves your family, your aide will come with a bucketload of ideas for celebrating the holidays. This person can help with planning, shopping, and decorating, making your job much easier.

Considering getting a professional in-home caregiver in Harrisburg, PA? Or becoming one? AmeriBest will answer all your questions! You can reach us in three ways:

Our online contact form: HERE

Email: info@ameribest.org, or

Call 717-545-2920

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA?

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA

If you’re facing a short-term recovery with assistance or a long-term plan for your health and well-being, you may ask yourself, “Do I qualify for in-home care services in Harrisburg, PA?”. Or perhaps you’re looking into this option for a loved one. You are not alone. Many people seek out highly qualified caregivers, like those provided by AmeriBest Home Care, as an alternative to respite or nursing homes. It’s far more comfortable and soothing. You know where everything is and everyone who enters your door.

Of course, not all caregiving services are created equal. When you care for a vulnerable individual with physical, intellectual, or emotional challenges, you are left in the unenviable position of making responsible choices in their stead. Nonetheless, there are certain qualifying factors for getting aide services at an affordable price.

Insurance

A significant determining factor is insurance. Each carrier has its definitions of the individual’s condition and what type of care they can receive at home. You’ll see the term “medically necessary” frequently. Most often, a physician has to delineate the present needs and the means required to keep the individual safe.

Age

Age is also a factor. Medicare is designed for people over 65, but it also covers people who become disabled before that. So, a 50-year-old individual who becomes disabled can qualify for having at least part of their home care costs covered. The beauty of medicare is consistency. Regular insurance companies don’t have that.

AmeriBest Home Healthcare Provider Harrisburg, PA 

The basic qualifications for in-home care services in Harrisburg PA are:

  • Attestation by a physician as to your specific needs (like physical therapy or skilled nursing)
  • Having a provider that is properly registered in your state (like AmeriBest).
  • Having a plan of care reviewed and updated regularly by your health team.

So, Where Do You Begin?

Pennsylvania has a “one-stop” resource for information, including home health agency licensure qualifications. The Department of Aging offers Medicare counseling and a program called Options. You qualify for this program if you’re 60 or older, a Pennsylvania resident, a legal US citizen, and have unmet needs regarding daily functionality.

Documentation

Be prepared to gather various types of paperwork as proof of qualification. Examples include a driver’s license, social security card, and proof of insurance; If there is a spouse or family member assisting, they may need a Power of Attorney to ask questions about you over the phone.

It’s expected that the State of Pennsylvania will review services regularly due to the rapidly growing elderly population. When you use a home care health provider like AmeriBest, they keep abreast of these changes and guide you through any that affect your care or that of a loved one.

AmeriBest: Home Healthcare Provider in Harrisburg, PA

Our agency prides itself on the quality of services offered, professionalism, and caring staff. Your situation, or that of your loved one, is wholly unique. Personalization is a big key to the overall happiness of our clients.

We also gladly train family caregivers to provide proper care and get paid for it!

You can use our online contact form HERE

You can also email us at info@ameribest.org

Our Harrisburg office number is 717-545-2920; you can also call 1800-HOMECARE

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg PA?

 

Private Duty Home Care in Philadelphia, PA

Private Duty Home Care in Philadelphia, PA

As someone grows older, they may become chronically ill or have mental limitations due to age. Only some families are prepared for this situation. They have busy lives and cannot provide their loved ones with the kind of care that would provide peace of mind. When you think about your options, you may have heard about private duty home care in Philadelphia, PA.

Think of how much more comfort an individual has in their home vs. a facility. A house is a place filled with a person’s memories, their favorite chair, and the perfect bed! Private duty home care resolves this issue. The team at AmeriBest allows a person to stay in their own house while receiving excellent care.

What, Exactly, Is Private Duty Caregiving?

When we talk about caregiving, questions remain as to what services you can receive from private duty home health agencies in Philadelphia. The list is impressive:

  • Professional Assistance, including vocational, supportive, medical, and psychological help. Medically there are nursing services and speech therapy. Psychological services include cognitive treatments and counseling.
  • Personal Assistance includes offering an individual an extra hand with things like showering, dressing, hair and skin care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and, most importantly, medication monitoring.
  • Companionship: Studies show that having socialization decreases the chance of someone becoming depressed and anxious. At the heart of it all, people really do need people.
  • Family Relief: with a private duty home care aide in place, you have more freedom to take care of business and family. Aides help you avoid burnout. Knowing you have knowledgeable professionals (like those at AmeriBest Philadelphia, PA) with your loved one helps you focus and have peace of mind.

Caregiver Guide to Home Healthcare Philadelphia, PA

What Benefits Can You Expect from a Private Duty Home Care Assistance?

One of the beauties of private duty caregiving is the knowledge professionals provide. You not only have someone close at hand for answers to nagging questions, but you also have our office where you can get further information. At AmeriBest, we aim to create a smooth interaction between physicians, families, and our services.

This is not a paint-by-numbers operation. Personalized care plans are at the heart of our initial intake. You and your loved one are always involved. As the client’s needs change, so does the plan.

Finally, there’s the gift of knowing your loved one is taking the right medications at the right time. Three-quarters of all people over 50 have at least one daily prescription.

When you have pain or suffer from cognitive decline, it’s easy to get things wrong. Having private duty home care deters errors that could prove deadly.

Taking The Next Step

As a Private Duty Home Care Philadelphia PA, AmeriBest wants to answer your questions. Healthcare paperwork and processes can be overwhelming. Having an agency helping you navigate these waters makes things So. Much. Simpler.

There are three ways to contact us:

Call: 215-925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE

Email: info@ameribest.org, and

Use our online contact form.

We look forward to assisting you and your family with this transition.

Potential Career Paths for Family Caregivers

Home Care Jobs Philadelphia, PA

Caring for others takes a particular person. Empathy and compassion cannot develop from a training class. Truth be told, many people who are now HHAs, DCWs, PCAs, and CNAs, started with caring for a family member or a friend. Knowing how much you are helping a family can be incredibly fulfilling, and home care jobs are always available.

The demand for home care services grows daily. At AmeriBest Homecare, we always hire and offer our staff add-on, ongoing training. We know you have choices to make in terms of your potential career paths as a caregiver. Example options include

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Gerontology
  • Home Health Aide
  • Nutritionist
  • Personal Caregiver
  • Private Duty Nurse
  • Social Worker

And much more.

Specializations allow you to follow your interests and passions. For example, you might train to help patients with dementia. When clients have unique circumstances that go beyond typical home care assistance, education like that which AmeriBest provides gives you the knowledge. In turn, you can serve a wider range of individuals.

Nursing acts as a bridge between doctors and the family. They can take care of things like medication administration and taking vitals. Some nurses work in an office and also act as home caregivers. Nursing requires specialized schooling for certification.

A Certified Nursing Assistant might be a perfect alternative if you cannot attend college. If you take the training for being a CNA (typically a program certified by the state), you can work in the home and become part of medical facilities.

A fast-growing potential career path as a caregiver in Philadelphia, PA, is Gerontology. Because people are living longer lives, there are more elders in need of assistance. Sadly, a long life does not always equate to a healthy one. A Gerontology certification course can focus on one or more issues. Possibilities include psychology, mobility, and dentistry.

Then too, there’s becoming a Home Health Aide. At AmeriBest, we have jobs at home and community-based programs for which you can apply. The need is great. In this capacity, you help people with everyday living challenges, including

  • Bathing
  • Housework
  • Med management
  • Oral hygiene
  • Traveling to and from appointments
  • Socialization

The Home Health Aide comes to know the individual. Everything is personalized. You work with the family to help them better understand the care their loved one needs. You also alert the family and physicians to potential problems.

Home Care Jobs for Family Caregivers in Philadelphia, PA

If you’d like to become a member of a caring company with a holistic culture, reach out to us and start your application. We offer some of the industry’s best benefits, including

  • 7 paid holidays; time and a half for working those days
  • Medical, Vision, and Basic dental covered at 100%
  • 15,000 life insurance at no cost for full-time workers
  • 5 days of paid maternity leave

Among others. Read more about our benefits HERE.

AmeriBest values its staff, knowing you are essential to client satisfaction. We aim to keep good people by showing them the support and respect they deserve.

There are three ways to contact us about your potential career path as a caregiver in Philadelphia, PA:

    1. Our online contact form
    2. Telephone 1800-HOMECARE
    3. And e-mail: info@ameribest.org

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg, PA

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg PA

Most adults have no idea how to sign up for home health aide programs. If you are looking for home health aide programs in Harrisburg, PA, AmeriBest Home Care can answer your questions and offer guidance. Make a list of everything you’d like to know, at least right now. Inevitably, with all the paperwork involved in hiring a home caregiver, more issues arise.

One resource where you can find professional in-home caregivers in Harrisburg, PA, is Medicaid. Medicaid pays for in-home care (to one degree or another) in all 50 states. There are financial considerations and the need for a physician’s recommendation, but it offers relief. But more than that, Medicaid certifies agencies like AmeriBest Home Care. A company must abide by rules to work cooperatively with Medicaid for payments. Those rules protect you, as Medicaid will do regular surveys to ensure the regulations are met.

It doesn’t stop there. The State itself offers many senior services. They can coordinate things like durable medical systems and emergency response systems.

Getting Started

Individuals who are 65 or older and have a disability can apply for help from Medicare and Medicaid. Your disability must be a “qualifying” one. Medicare and Medicaid are secondary to any personal insurance you have. Many health insurers do offer in-home caregiving, like the services AmeriBest provides, but it may have a deductible and hour limit. For example, a person recovering from surgery has some personal insurance but must contribute $15 per 4-hour visit.

If you haven’t already signed up for Social Security, do so. Once you are enrolled, Social Security automatically signs you up for Medicaid. This applies to regular Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), depending on your circumstances. By way of illustration, a man of 54 becomes disabled due to surgery. He, his loved ones, or the hospital social worker, can apply for SSDI, through which they can receive in-home aide services.

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg PA

A Closer Look

Remember, Medicare only covers in-home services when they are deemed medically necessary. Your case will be reviewed annually and signed off again by a physician who provides a plan of care. This is not necessarily a bad thing. If problems have worsened, you may qualify for more aide hours.

Pennsylvania participates in the Home and Community-Based Service Plan, funded by the federal government. It proves support beyond what you need for your health. There are 12 HCBS services for which you can apply currently, each with different types of eligibility.

Don’t forget to check to see if you have a long-term insurance policy through your place of employment. Usually, people sign up for these at hiring and then forget about them because any costs come right out of their paycheck. If you have it, keep it. The older you are, the harder it becomes to get this type of insurance.

AmeriBest Home Aide Programs in Harrisburg, PA

The face of caregiving is constantly undergoing a lift or a tuck of some type. It’s AmeriBest’s responsibility to remain aware of those changes and the benchmark for best practices. Our trained staff will review your options with you so you can make informed choices.

To contact us for more information, use our online contact form, email info@ameribest.org, or call 717-545-2920 or 1800-HOMECARE

Home Care for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

Home Care Assistance for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

As time rolls on, medical knowledge grows. Recently there’s been research on how air pollution harms the brains of older adults. This in turn contributes to issues like dementia. The actual “reason” hasn’t been nailed down yet, but the correlation remains, according to the National Institute on Aging. In fact, a person who lives where air quality is better can have an extended time before signs of dementia hit, averaging 1.5 years.

There are two types of air pollution that seem to be the main culprits:

  • Fine Particulate Matter: Tiny solids and liquids in the air (dirt, dust, soot, etc.)
  • Nitrogen dioxide is a byproduct of vehicle emissions, industrial sources, and certain natural events like wildfires.

These pollutants may also impact heart health, which is vital to brain health, too. Over time, the effects accumulate, increasing the risk of mental deterioration. In fact, in 2020 the Lancet’s Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care added air pollution as a risk factor.

 

The Caregiver’s Role

A family caregiver or a home health aide (like those AmeriBest trains and hires), cannot undo the damage that’s already been done, but they can help with the aftermath.

Assistance with daily living, making sure a person remembers their medication, keeping track of important contact information, and knowing the location of everything in someone’s home are examples. You do not want to keep a person indoors 100% of the time. That’s not healthy and often leads to depression, but you can make their life within the home much simpler and more content.

Tip: To check the quality of air in your region, use AirNow.gov for information. This can help you determine if it’s a particularly bad day for taking seniors out for long hours.

Home Care for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

Dementia Home Care Harrisburg PA

At first, some families have reservations about home care, but it is one of the best ways to make your loved one comfortable and at ease, especially with mental impairments. They need familiarity and consistency, but children, grandchildren, or friends may simply not be in a position to provide the level of care necessary for health and safety.

Once you hire a professional team, like the personnel AmeriBest has to offer, you have peace of mind. Aides are trained for both home and community-based assistance. They become part of the family matrix, with two extra eyes and hands so you can take time for handling your own matters with peace of mind.

Our services include personalized care coordination so that your loved one’s entire medical team is on board and regularly informed of any changes that occur. We can answer many of those nagging questions, including about air pollution, while also educating the whole family on how best to keep the individual happy, peaceful, and maintaining their dignity all at the same time.

If you’d like more information about dementia home care Harrisburg PA, don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions or concerns. You can contact AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, PA office in one of three ways:

Call: 1800-HOMECARE or 717-545-2920

Email: info@ameribest.org, or

Use our online contact form HERE.