Characteristics of a Good Home Health Care Aide in Philadelphia

Nurse taking senior's blood pressure

A good home health care aide in Philadelphia can manage many responsibilities. They are compassionate, knowledgeable, and able to multitask. A home aide should also have a love of learning and development.

Compassionate

An in-home caregiver should be compassionate. Compassionate people are in tune with the needs of others and make an effort to help them. They listen to their patient’s stories, empathize with their struggles, and are sensitive to their challenges.

Knowledgeable

A good home health care aide should be knowledgeable about the patient’s condition and how to administer treatments. They should know when a patient should take their medications, how often those medications need to be taken, and what will happen if they are not taken on time or as prescribed. It also means the aide must understand how specific equipment works and operate it correctly.

A Multitasker

In addition to being a caring and compassionate individual, a good home health care aide in Philadelphia should be able to multitask. Multitasking is an essential skill because it enables them to be more efficient in their job, ultimately saving time and money for the patient’s family.

Handling Stress

The ability to handle stressful situations is another characteristic that makes a good home health care aide stand out from other candidates. A stressful situation may arise at any moment when caring for patients.

Love of Learning

It’s not enough to just be a good home health care aide. To stay competitive in the field, they must be willing to develop their skills and knowledge continually. Continuing education is a must.

If you’re interested in home health care in Philadelphia for an aging loved one, contact us at AmeriBest Home Care to learn more.

Home Care Assistance Against Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

Home Care Assistance for Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

In determining the best agency home care near Philadelphia, PA, one major consideration is whether or not your loved one belongs to a minority with unique needs. Studies show that racial and ethnic minorities experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, especially during the pandemic. With this in mind, it’s important for mindful home care agencies like AmeriBest to create a supportive environment to allay worries, loneliness, and any sense of isolation. The after-effects of the pandemic aren’t going away any time soon.

Isn’t Depression Normal?

People think that it’s normal for the aging community to feel depressed. It’s not. Rather aging adults are at higher risks for depression, and minorities even more so.

Signs of Depression

You may think of depression as being like a case of the blues. It’s far different. Depression ties into chemical imbalance and brain wiring. It’s treatable. But it’s easy to miss the signs. That’s where the best agency home care professionals are trained to watch for certain things including:

  • Intense pessimism
  • Feeling guilty for no reason or hopeless
  • Ongoing irritability and restlessness
  • Being tired all the time
  • Having no interest in beloved activities
  • Mental distraction
  • Sleeplessness
  • Digestive troubles

Older minority adults usually have one chronic health issue (80%). So, there’s the assumption their melancholy stems from not feeling good. This is why depression and anxiety often go untreated. Even the individuals themselves think their mental state has to do with illness, so they may not seek treatment.

The Role of Socialization

The CDC reports that social isolation greatly affects depression among marginalized aging adults. Feeling alone is not pleasant. But when you hire a home health care aide, there is another presence in your loved one’s life-someone on whom they can depend and who will be around regularly. The difference this makes is substantive.

Home Care Assistance for Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

Best Agency Home Care Near Philadelphia

AmeriBest Philadelphia is here to help you with your questions and concerns about finding the right assistance for your loved one. Our results are why AmeriBest Home Care is one of the top agencies in Philadelphia. Caregiving is challenging and often puts a strain on family relationships. Reach out for help before you feel overwhelmed.

AmeriBest knows how important it is to keep the lines of communication open. We work with the entire family (or those who wish to be involved). We also work with your loved one’s entire healthcare team so everyone is on the same page.

Our staff provides individualized services. There are no “cookie cutter” solutions with home care, and we aim to personalize care plans attentively. Your home care team will always remain up to date on best industry practices for maintaining high-quality services, including:

  • Care coordination
  • Familly education and awareness
  • Housekeeping
  • Meal preparation and nutritional monitoring
  • Med minders (and monitoring)
  • One-on-one interaction
  • Personal care and hygiene assistance
  • RNs
  • Social workers
  • Therapists
  • Transportation to medical appointments

You can contact us in several ways:

  • AmeriBest Home Care’s online information form HERE
  • By phone: 1800-HOMECARE or 215-925-3313
  • Email: Info@ameribest.org

We look forward to answering your questions and helping with your journey.

COVID Mandates for Healthcare and Home Care Workers 

Doctor administering a COVID-19 vaccine to a senior woman wearing a face mask.

Philadelphia senior citizens and residents of other age cohorts will be happy to learn the city has achieved a comparably high vaccination rate for healthcare industry workers. Government officials at the federal level highlight Philadelphia’s vaccine mandate for its elevated vaccination rate. The high rate of vaccination among the city’s medical industry personnel is especially important now that the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus is rearing its ugly head.

About Philadelphia’s Vaccination Mandate

The city of Philadelphia issued a coronavirus vaccine mandate as the summer drew to a close. The mandate has lead to nearly every single hospital employee in the greater Philadelphia area being fully vaccinated against coronavirus. Furthermore, the city’s health department reports more than 95% of the city’s nursing home employees are fully vaccinated against the virus. This statistic is especially striking when juxtaposed with the comparably low 75% vaccination rate of nursing home employees throughout the rest of the country. 

However, it must be noted the definition of “fully vaccinated” has the potential to change as time progresses. It is quite possible only those who receive a booster shot will be considered fully vaccinated by the time winter comes to an end. At the moment, more than 75% of all Philadelphia residents are fully vaccinated, meaning they have at least two vaccine shots. Though this percentage is lower than that of those who work in local hospitals and nursing homes, it is still an encouraging sign. 

Why Philadelphia’s Vaccine Mandate is so Important

Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s highest rates of hospitalization stemming from coronavirus infections. The state’s intensive-care units are struggling to provide care for individuals who require intubation and other forms of assistance. Sadly, nearly 400 individuals were hospitalized in early December in Philadelphia alone. Phila.com’s city data shows the city’s hospitalization trend is moving in the wrong direction as a mere 200 were hospitalized within the city’s limits prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Philadelphia’s high vaccination rate is the elevated employee retention rate. The vast majority of local Philadelphia hospitals and nursing homes retained nearly the entirety of their staff despite the vaccine mandate. The Pennsylvania Health Care Association reports that of the city’s 47 nursing homes, an average of seven individuals departed their posts as a result of the vaccine mandate. 

It is clear that Philadelphians are willing to put their self-interest and political differences aside for the greater good. However, it is slightly disturbing to learn that merely 40% of the hospitals in the United States have vaccine requirements. This low nationwide percentage is a large part of the reason why transmission rates are climbing with no signs of slowing down as the Omicron variant continues to wreak havoc throughout Philadelphia and beyond.

AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia is a Call Away

AmeriBest’s home care team is here to help you and your loved ones live with dignity. If you or a family member need or want home care assistance and you live in the greater Philadelphia area, reach out to us for more information about our service. You can contact our home care team by phone at 1-800-HOMECARE. You can also contact us by email at info@ameribest.org or online through our convenient contact form.

What You Need To Know About the Delta Variant

What You Need To Know About the Delta Variant

Turn on the nightly news and you are sure to hear mention of the Delta variant of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. AmeriBest Home Care is proud to provide PPE, medical supplies, and ongoing support to our caregivers during this difficult time. We go to great lengths to ensure each of our Philadelphia homecare providers is healthy and perfectly safe to be around. Between disinfecting, social distancing, and testing, AmeriBest has implemented extensive measures to protect our team and our clients. 

Recognize the Threat That Is the Delta Variant

The masses ditched their face masks earlier this summer, declaring the pandemic to be over. Unfortunately, those masks will likely be put back on due to the rise of the Delta variant. There is the potential for COVID-19 to morph into even more variants in the days, weeks, and months ahead. 

Delta is a major problem as it is highly contagious. Delta is more contagious than the common cold. Furthermore, Delta is even more contagious than Ebola, SARS, MERS, and influenza. The latest information indicates Delta is also just as contagious as chickenpox. The variant has become the predominant variant in the United States, meaning it is in the Philadelphia community and also surrounding communities. 

Who Is Feeling Delta’s Wrath the Most?

The unvaccinated are in Delta’s crosshairs. Those who have not yet received the vaccine jab are much more likely to suffer serious illness, be hospitalized, and pass away after contracting the Delta variant than those who are fully vaccinated. Though the vaccinated can transmit the Delta variant, the CDC does not believe the vaccinated can transmit other variants.

Delta Might Cause a Hyperlocal Outbreak

Delta has the potential to accelerate the ongoing pandemic as it is highly transmissible. Those living in dense urban areas where practicing social distancing is challenging and those in areas with minimal vaccination might experience a hyperlocalized outbreak. Such outbreaks are likely to be that much more common in areas with low vaccination rates that are surrounded by areas with comparably high vaccination rates. In other words, such hyperlocal outbreaks might generate some COVID hotspots throughout the United States.

Delta Variant

Delta Continues To Reveal New Information

The puzzle of the Delta variant is still being put together by the brightest minds in the medical industry. Scientists are unsure if Delta causes more significant sickness than the original version of the virus. A study conducted in Scotland states the Delta variant is two times more likely to cause hospitalization in unvaccinated people than the Alpha variant. However, other data shows the variant is unlikely to cause the hospitalization of the unvaccinated. 

The medical community is also continuing to learn more about the symptoms of the Delta variant. It appears as though losing the sense of smell and frequently coughing are not as common of symptoms as occur with the original virus. Data stemming from the United Kingdom, where Delta wreaked havoc, shows that headaches, fever, runny noses, and sore throats are the most common symptoms.

AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia Is at Your Service

If you or a loved one can benefit from home care in Philadelphia, reach out to us today. Our Philadelphia home care agency provides home and community-based services, home health aides, skilled nursing, physical therapy, and more. You can reach us by dialing 215-925-3313.

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August is National Immunization Awareness Month With the CDC

August is National Immunization Awareness Month With the CDC

The summer is flying by. We are quickly approaching August, meaning the warm temperatures will be around for another month until the fall season gets into gear. August is important in that it is National Immunization Awareness Month. Senior citizens, their caregivers, and other members of the Philadelphia community should be immunized against diseases including the highly contagious coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. However, coronavirus is only one virus you need to be immunized against. The elderly and their caregivers should also be immunized against other diseases with preventative shots.

Sadly, plenty of people have forgotten about these preventative measures or simply ignored them as the pandemic stretched on for well over a year. If you know you are overdue for an immunization shot or if you suspect you might be overdue for such a shot, it is in your interest to meet with your doctor to coordinate immunization, get a physical, and possibly coordinate personalized care.

Vaccines Are Important for Everyone

There is a common belief that vaccination is only important for infants. The truth is immunization through preventive shots is important for individuals of all ages. This means kids, tweens, teens, adults, seniors, and also those who provide care for seniors should be immunized with preventive shots in accordance with the schedule detailed by their personal doctor.

Vaccines Are Important for Everyone

Timely vaccines are important as they play a vitally important role in guarding against serious diseases. Though the vast majority of the diseases that vaccines are available for are unlikely to occur, outbreaks still take place. The bottom line is the experts at the forefront of the medical industry are adamant that vaccines are safe, highly effective, and recommended throughout the course of one’s life. Even if you are a senior citizen living in Philadelphia and received vaccines when you were in your youth or when you were in your early adult years, you can still benefit from vaccines. Meet with your physician to determine which vaccines are ideal for you. Furthermore, anyone who is traveling should also consider whether additional vaccines are necessary. 

Don’t Forget About the Flu Vaccine!

If you are like most people, the coronavirus vaccine is at the forefront of your mind. However, every senior living in or near the greater Philadelphia area should receive the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is typically available toward the end of the summer. Schedule your flu vaccine now and you will rest easy knowing you have done your part to prevent coming down with the flu this fall or winter. 

Reach Out to AmeriBest Today

Home care in Philadelphia should not bust your budget. If you have a loved one, friend, or other important people in your life who could benefit from home care, encourage them to reach out to AmeriBest today to find out more about our unique services. You can reach our Philadelphia home care providers by phone at 215-925-3313. We can also be reached by email at info@ameribest.org.

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COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

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When it comes to the subject of COVID-19 vaccines, there are plenty of mistruths, and even some bald-faced lies. If you don’t invest your time learning about the vaccines used to combat the coronavirus, you will end up underinformed or misinformed. It is time to separate fact from fiction.

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Worthy of Your Trust

There is a common misconception that vaccines developed to stop the spread of coronavirus are unsafe as they were rushed. Though the global scientific community certainly ramped up their efforts to develop vaccines as quickly as possible, this does not mean the end results are in any way unsafe. The bottom line is the world’s top scientists did not take shortcuts when developing coronavirus vaccines.

Though this is the first time messenger RNA or MRNA for short, is being used for a vaccine the general public will receive, this strategy has been carefully developed across the prior three decades with patient safety squarely in mind. So don’t believe those who insist the rush to create vaccines makes them inherently unsafe.

Those Who Have Already Contracted the Virus Should Still Take the Vaccine

It is quite possible natural immunity to the virus lasts a couple of weeks, a full month, several months, or even longer. However, our top scientists are unsure as to exactly how long natural immunity lasts. Sadly, it appears as though it is becoming increasingly common for people to contract the virus several times over. Medical experts in Philadelphia and beyond insist even those who have contracted the virus should still receive the vaccine to ensure they are fully protected.

AmeriBest Home Care - COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

Masks and Social Distancing Must Continue After Receiving the Vaccine

One of the most pervasive myths about the vaccines being dispersed across the world is their implementation eliminates the need to continue social distancing and mask-wearing. The medical community is adamant that everyone who receives the vaccine should continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing their hands with regularity, and proceeding with caution.

Receiving the initial vaccine shot does not immediately make someone immune to coronavirus. It takes upwards of an entire week to 10 days for the human body to start developing antibodies. These antibodies gradually increase across the weeks to come, meaning masks and social distancing will be the norm in Philadelphia and elsewhere until herd immunity is achieved through the widespread dispersal of the vaccine.

Comprehensive Expert Reviews Indicate the Vaccines Are Safe

Though the Russian vaccine administered to its populace did not undergo a thorough review to ensure safety and efficacy, the vaccines provided to those in the United States have undergone comprehensive analysis. The experts who have studied these vaccines insist they are completely safe. As an example, nearly 44,000 people enrolled in Pfizer’s clinical vaccine trial. The results of the trial were studied in-depth by medical experts who concluded the Pfizer vaccine is safe.

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AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia Is Here to Help During This Trying Time

Do you have a family member or friend in the greater Philadelphia area who could benefit from home care assistance? AmeriBest Home Care is available to help your loved one or friend enjoy a dignified and comfortable life. Reach out to AmeriBest Home Care today at (215) 925-3313 to learn more about our services and coordinate home care.

6 Ways Caregivers Can Safely Celebrate this Holiday Season, 2020

AmeriBest Home Care - Ways Caregivers Can Safely Celebrate this Holiday Season

Working closely with elderly and at-risk patients- caregivers this year have to be extremely cautious with their holiday plans.

However, that doesn’t mean that caregivers can’t still celebrate.

Here are 6 safe ways caregivers of the elderly can have fun and enjoy the holiday season this 2020:

1. Shop Online

Instead of fighting through crowds or waiting on extremely long socially-distanced lines, do your holiday shopping on the internet this year. Stores and brands have put almost all their sales online this season, so you won’t be missing out on savings. Not to mention, it’s easier to shop around for the best price when it’s all just on your computer. Write a cute message, send the gift straight to the recipient, and stay safe the all way through.

2. Participate in Mail-in Gift Exchanges

It’s extremely popular nowadays to do gift exchanges amongst friend groups and larger families. Unfortunately, in-person gift exchanges are not highly recommended this year. But, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Conduct your gift exchange this holiday season through the mail! Send your gift with a secret message, and see if your recipient can guess if it’s from you! Getting gifts in the mail is always something different and exciting.

Woman reading letter in kitchen

3. Do a Drive-By

Close physical visits may not be so safe for your senior. However, appropriately distanced visits can be okay. A cute way to do this is with a drive-by! Stay in your car and drive by your senior’s house slowly. You can bring fun signs, balloons, costumes- be as creative as you want! A drive-by visit is a great way to show you care and make your senior feel a part of the holiday celebrations.

4. Make Your Parties Virtual

You may not be able to host a big holiday bash, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate with a party! Invite your friends and family to a virtual holiday party. Play games, chat, laugh and have a blast in a setting that’s safe for all. Simply be sure to set up the virtual call for your seniors ahead of time, because they may not be able to join the call by themselves.

5. Use Water on Your Envelopes

This tip is more to protect others than yourself. If you’re sending holiday cards, letters, money gifts- don’t lick the envelope closed. Instead, use a soft sponge and a bit of water to wet the envelope seal. Using water instead of saliva will help protect all those who come in contact with your letter. Just be sure not to put too much water on the envelope or it may have trouble staying sealed.

6. Order in a Holiday Dinner

If you’re eating by yourself this year, or you’re eating with others virtually- spice things up with a fancy restaurant dinner. Order your favorite holiday foods and drinks. You can even have the same foods delivered to your senior’s home and enjoy a quaint virtual dinner together.

Contact AmeriBest Home Care to learn more about what we offer. Many people feel good about our services because they make their loved ones happier!

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

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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.

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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!