Characteristics of a Good Home Health Care Aide in Philadelphia

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 in Harrisburg PA

Home care in Harrisburg PA

No matter where you live, you’ve probably come across a family caregiver or a professional home health care aid, like those provided by AmeriBest Home Care in Harrisburg, PA. The sad reality is that (as of this writing) 133 million people have at least one chronic illness. Families are left with difficult decisions. Do they send them to a facility, or do they find a way to keep their loved one in the comfort of their home?

If they choose in-home health services, the family of the said individual may try and become the caregiver, attending to all the needs of their loved one. As you can imagine, the strain is palatable. Effectively they are trying to balance two lives into the time allowance for one.

What is Aging in Place?

But there’s good news. Relief is on the horizon with AmeriBest home care services in Harrisburg, PA. The person involved can “age in place.” The idea is to give seniors a sense of independence while maintaining matters of safety and other supports. The individual has greater self-esteem and a more positive attitude. There is less stress, and an in-home aide helps with socialization, too. For the family, having a professional caregiver is less expensive than facility care.

What About Medicare?

When an individual cannot afford home healthcare, Medicare coverage. Can provide financial help if you qualify. A person has to be homebound, require periodic care, and have a doctor who will prescribe the service. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s Department of Health and Human Services can cover some of the costs involved. If you are not sure if your family makes for a good candidate, call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (215-765-9040) and get some answers. The staff at our AmeriBest home health services can also help guide you through the jumble.

It is worth noting that both Medicare and the Pennsylvania Department of Health Services will allow you to choose an aide. Your children, cousin, aunts, etc., can work in your home and get paid. This takes aging in place to another level of well-being. Now your loved one not only stays home but has a known individual caring for them.

Home Health Care: a Closer Look

A person receiving home health care receives different services than other people. It’s vital they receive individualized care. One person’s needs are not the same as someone else. At AmeriBest, we are committed to tailor-made care plans. Yours might include more than trained aides. Perhaps the person needs physical therapy, for example. That requirement goes into the plan, along with any other specialized necessities.

Basic services include:

  • Light housekeeping
  • Meal preparation
  • Nutritional menus
  • Socialization
  • Bathing
  • Spotting a person with mobility issues

Our compassionate and well-trained aides help individuals achieve self-sufficiency within their limitations. They keep an eye out for changes in a person’s behavior, speech, walking, etc. Any oddity immediately gets communicated to the person’s medical care team.

There are several ways to contact us for further information:

Our online contact form

Phone: 717-545-2920

Email: info@ameribesthomecare.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Supporting Your Elderly Parents With Paid Caregiving

As our parents get older, it can be a challenging and emotional time for everyone involved. As their children, we want to ensure that they are comfortable and well-cared for, but it can take time to figure out what to do and where to begin. However, by being informed and prepared, we can navigate these challenges and celebrate the joys of growing older together. Today, we’ll explore the ways you can support your aging loved ones, including but not limited to paid caregiving, state assistance, and other available support. Let’s dive right in!

Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

There are several alarming signs that may indicate that an older adult needs more help, including:

  1. Difficulty with daily activities: Struggles with tasks such as walking, bathing, dressing, and cooking can indicate that an older person may need assistance with these activities.
  2. Changes in physical appearance: Unexplained weight loss, poor hygiene, and changes in clothing choices can be indicators that an elderly person is struggling and may need help.
  3. Changes in behavior: Sudden mood changes, increased confusion, and disorientation can indicate that an older adult may need more assistance and support.
  4. A decline in cognitive abilities: Difficulty with memory, communication, and decision-making can be early signs of cognitive decline. They may indicate that the elderly need more help.
  5. Safety concerns: Issues with mobility, falls, and medication management can be serious safety concerns for elderly individuals. These red flags may indicate that they need more help at home or in a facility.
  6. Isolation and loneliness: Withdrawing from social activities and relationships can signify depression or a need for social support.
  7. Difficulty with managing finances: Struggles with paying bills, mismanaging money, and frequent calls for assistance can indicate that an older or disabled person may need help with financial management.

It is crucial to identify these signs and provide the necessary support and resources to help elderly individuals live safely and comfortably. This may involve working with family members, professional care providers, or local resources to ensure that the elderly person has the support they need.

How To Start Supporting Your Aging Parents

  1. Start a conversation: Talk to your parents about their preferences and expectations for their future. Ask them what they would like to happen if they need help with day-to-day activities or if they become ill. Find out what their wishes are for medical treatment and end-of-life care.
  2. Get organized: Make a list of their medical information, insurance policies, and other important documents. Consider getting power of attorney so you can make decisions for your parents if they cannot.
  3. Assess their needs: Look for signs that your parents may need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals. Consider hiring in-home care or moving them to a care facility if necessary.
  4. Make time for joy: While it’s essential to take care of practical matters, it’s also important to celebrate the joys of aging together. Plan regular visits and trips, and find activities that they both enjoy.
  5. Stay connected: Even if you live far away, technology can help you stay in touch. Encourage your parents to use video calls and email to stay connected with you and their grandchildren.
  6. Seek support: Taking care of aging parents can be emotionally and physically taxing. Make sure to seek help from friends, family, or a support group. It can also be helpful to speak with a therapist who can provide you with tools and strategies for managing stress.

Aging can be difficult, but we can also make it a time of joy and celebration. Remember to communicate openly, get organized, assess your parents’ needs, make time for joy, stay connected, and seek support. By doing so, you can ensure that your aging parents are comfortable at home.

How Can I Get Paid for Caregiving for My Parents?

Family caregiving can be very demanding and emotionally and physically tolling. It can be a source of stress for many caregivers and significantly impact their health, relationships, and financial well-being.

It’s essential for caregivers to prioritize their well-being and to seek support when they need it. This can include talking to friends and family, joining a support group, or seeking help from professional resources like therapists or respite care services.

There are several ways to get paid for caregiving for your parents in Pennsylvania, including:

  1. Private Pay: You can agree with your parents or their family members to provide care for a fee. This is known as private pay and can be a flexible arrangement that meets the needs of both parties.
  2. Medicaid Waiver Programs: Pennsylvania offers programs that can provide funding to pay for care services in the home. You can check with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging or the local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about these programs and how to apply.
  3. In-Home Support Services: Pennsylvania also offers in-home support services through the Home & Community Based Services. These services can provide support with activities of daily living, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
  4. Long-Term Care Insurance: If your parents have long-term care insurance, they may be eligible to receive benefits to pay for your care services.
  5. Tax Credits: There are also tax credits available for caregivers in Pennsylvania, such as the Caregiver Credit and the Dependent Care Credit. These credits can provide financial relief for caregivers who care for their parents.

Working with a professional is vital to determine the best course of action for you and your family. AmeriBest Home Care can help you navigate the complex regulations and requirements related to paid caregiving. Call 1800-HOMECARE today.

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.

 

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 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

How Are YOU? Caregiver Self-Assessment

AmeriBest Home Care

Being a caregiver is rewarding but often exhausting. If you are the friend or loved one of an individual in need of home health care in Harrisburg, PA, trying to go it alone, it’s a good idea to do a self-check from time to time. After all, you cannot help others when you are drained and out of sorts. So, how are YOU?

The American Medical Association created a measuring tool. Physicians use it to assess anxiety and stress among family caregivers. There are yes and no questions. Depending on the results, the physician may suggest in-home health care services that AmeriBest proudly provides in Harrisburg, PA.

An example question would be, “During the past week, have you felt completely overwhelmed?” That inquiry could be followed by, “Have you felt torn between your family, work, and caring for your loved one?” The idea is to get a general feel of the caregiver’s stress levels. When the rankings are particularly high, it’s worth looking for support, including getting in touch with a professional aide who takes some of the work off your hands. At AmeriBest Home Care, we take pride in our staff’s ability to effectively work with a wide range of people.

AmeriBest Home Care

At first, you might feel hesitant about both the assessment and reaching out to a professional service. That’s perfectly normal. Family caregivers represent a majority of support for aging loved ones with chronic problems or functionality limits. We all want to be able to help successfully, feeling that, as a family, we’re best suited to knowing and meeting our loved one’s requirements.

But there are challenges to providing help to your loved one. You play many roles beyond your family station (son, daughter, cousin, etc.). You are the cook, maid, nurse, and driver, just to name a few. With all that responsibility, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. They fall into a backdrop of activity until a day arrives when you’re sick, worn out, frustrated, and ready to give up. It’s a terrible moment for anyone.

Remember, you are “only human.” There are limits as to what each of us can handle. This is why so many families turn to agencies like AmeriBest Home Health Care of Harrisburg, PA. They want a trustworthy company with high professional standards. Our staff receives ongoing training to keep them informed of “best practices” in the ever-changing home caregiving industry.

More importantly, our aides focus on the family as a unit. While they come to your home to help your loved one, the entire household has input on many matters, including answering questions about the individual’s favorite foods, tv shows, and activities. The integrated social nature of proficient caregiving is incredibly important. Depression and anxiety can run high in families who have done everything alone.

home health care harrisburg pa

If you’d like to learn more about what AmeriBest can off you, you can reach out to us anytime.

Use our online form HERE. Alternatively, you can call our office at 717-545-2920 or email info@ameribest.org

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?

 

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.