AmeriBest Caregiver Jobs for Home Care in Harrisburg, PA

AmeriBest Home Care is hiring! We are looking for conscientious, empathic people to join our in-home health service team in the Harrisburg, PA area. Whether you’re already a caregiver, or just thinking about moving into this area for your career, we have a lot to offer you, including a positive atmosphere where your efforts not only matter, but we appreciate them! 

Why AmeriBest?

There is a reason AmeriBest ranks among the top home care agencies for nursing and caregiving. We invest in our employees and value their contribution to the dignity of individual clients. With AmeriBest you’ll be part of improving a person’s and family’s quality of life every day. 

Our benefits plan is among the best you’ll find, starting with paid training. We’re not going to just send you into the field and let you fend for yourself. Doing all your tasks well means our clients remain safe and comfortable in their homes. The theme of AmeriBest really boils down to that-providing high-quality, compassionate personal care services to people in our community. 

Our Benefit Plan: A Closer Look

When you are considering a caregiving position, it helps to have points for comparison. The AmeriBest Benefit Plan is outstanding and includes:

  • 401K
  • An app for Daily Pay, giving access to your income any time, anywhere
  • Bereavement and maternity leave
  • Electric timekeeping
  • Life insurance for full-time employees – $15,000
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance. The basics are covered at 100%
  • Monthly recognition awards for “caregiver of the month”
  • Paid Holidays: 7 a year with time and a half for working any of them.
  • Sign up bonus
  • Supplemental insurance options such as short term disability

You won’t be disappointed. 

Why Become a Personal Caregiver?

Let’s face it, some careers are not for everyone. But if you love working with people and have a natural nurturing ability, being a home care aide may be the ideal choice. As a home care assistant you:

  • Provide comfort and companionship to individuals in need.
  • Keep the individual and family connected medically and with the community.
  • Can grow your career. Training is only one step along the path. You can specialize!
  • Enjoy flexibility. You create your schedule in tandem with AmeriBest HR, one suitable to your situation. 

Plus, your individuals and their families appreciate your help. Unlike many jobs where you never hear “please” or “thank you,” the people you work for are grateful for the relief you provide.

Job Opportunities

There are three positions in Harrisburg, PA for which we always seek exceptional applicants:

  • Personal Care Assistant
  • Registered Nurse
  • Speech Therapist

In any of these jobs, you provide consistency, knowledge, and skills that are so important to individuals needing extra help at home. Plus, your career profile doesn’t have to stop with one niche. We encourage career development and provide paid training for things like CPR, signs of abuse, and sound nutrition practices.

Ready to Apply?

You can fill out an application right now, online. Alternatively, call 717-545-2920 or email info@ameribest.org. 

Get paid for caregiving with AmeriBest Home Care

Are you a compassionate personal caregiver in Harrisburg, Pa, or an empathic private duty home care aid in the Philadelphia area? Or, perhaps you’ve been thinking about a career in-home health services, and are passionate about helping people? At AmeriBest Home Care, we are always looking for people like you. 

AmeriBest ranks among the top home care agencies and in-home nursing services serving the Philadelphia area. We offer you the best-PAID training, flexibility, and career opportunities, coupled with impressive benefits. We are hiring people who want to support families and individuals who require assistance for their wellbeing and improving their overall quality of life. 

Time and again, we see caregivers finding great satisfaction in their work. You are helping people, offering companionship, and providing comfort. At AmeriBest we know company success begins with employee satisfaction and success. 

Benefits of Being a Home Health Aide

If you are not already a home care assistant, you may wonder if the job is really right for you. There are several fantastic benefits of becoming an in-home caregiver.

  1. Appreciation: When a family finally has an aide in place, the whole house sighs in relief. These people are often stressed, worried, and over-extended. An extra pair of keen eyes and skilled hands is a blessing, and people show their gratitude. 
  2. Flexibility. Agencies work with your personal schedule so you can work as much (or little) as you wish. Once you have a caseload, you work with the patients and family for a suitable schedule.
  3. Growth Potential: The healthcare industry as a whole is always growing and changing. You will learn a lot from your experiences on the job, plus any training an agency like AmerBest offers. 
  4. Rapport: Personal aids become an extension of the family. You have a chance to really know your patients in ways that hospital workers can’t. 
  5. Specialization options: Is there one type of situation/patient you prefer? You can ask for assignments fitting that goal, if available.

Employment Opportunities:

We are always on the lookout for outstanding

  • Registered Nurses
  • Speech Therapists
  • Personal Care Assistants. 

Think of your services from the client’s point of view. They don’t want to go into a facility where nothing’s familiar and strangers are constantly passing through. Being at home provides the consistency people crave. It’s reassuring. Working for AmeriBest in any of our programs means your individual’s dignity remains intact. Our clients know each person on our team is respectful, knowledgeable, and dependable. 

Career Development

We not only provide 100% paid training but want to invest in your continued growth as a caregiver. You can get courses in:

  • CPR
  • Fall risks
  • Heart disease management
  • Hoyer lift use
  • Nutrition
  • Recognizing abuse

And much more!

AmeriBest Benefits in Brief

Quality workers deserve quality benefits. We respect your efforts with suitable compensation, time off, and insurance. You’ll receive

  • Daily Pay option: You can transfer your earnings any time through an Ap that also tracks your hours.
  • Discount plan for LifeMart
  • Holidays: 7 paid holidays; time and a half for working holidays
  • Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and basic medical covered at 100%
  • Life insurance policy: $15,000, free to full-time employees
  • Monthly caregiver awards
  • Year end bonus 
  • 401K

At AmeriBest you have the security of knowing you’re working for one of the top five, most stable caregiver agencies in all of Pennsylvania. Apply today, contact us for more information, or email: info@ameribest.org

Are you looking for Home Care in Harrisburg?

Have you been caring for your loved one at home without assistance? Caregiving can wear you out and create anxiety about maintaining the individual’s quality of life. That’s where AmeriBest can help. If you are looking for top-quality home care in Harrisburg, PA we have a local office that can provide you with all the information you’ll need to move forward.

Why AmeriBest Home Care?

AmeriBest Home Care believes in high-quality, comprehensive service, both home health, and personal care. Each person we service receives a personalized assessment, coordinating with their primary physician and any current clinical staff. It’s a holistic approach that gives people peace of mind. 

If we had to summarize AmeriBest in three words, they would be comfort, safety, and dignity. 

  • Your loved one stays in their own home. There are no strangers wandering the halls of a facility. This gives them some peace of mind, and a sense of assurance. Our amazing home nursing services and in-home caregiver program strives daily to connect with both the individual and family, offering answers to any questions you may have.
  • A direct care worker looks at your home through a different lens; one focused on making sure everything’s in the best possible place for safety. That slippery rug or lack of handrail? You may not have thought about them before. We can help.
  • Having compassionate, trustworthy staff means your loved one never feels like a “number,” boosting morale and a deep sense of self-worth. 

Benefits of Having a Home Health Care Aide

Whether you live in Harrisburg, PA, or in the Philadelphia, PA area, AmeriBest is here. You may be new to the idea of having an aide, but there are many benefits to consider:

  • Extra eyes and hands. You are only one person. An experienced aid provides coverage during times when you cannot be “eyes-on.”
  • An home health aide can take care of transporting an individual to various medical appointments. 
  • The caregiver or direct care worker provides the individual with companionship and socialization
  • Home care often proves more affordable than a facility
  • Your personal assistant can help keep the home in order when the individual’s ability is limited
  • The nurse can watch for physical or emotional changes that may indicate an underlying problem. 

What you can Expect from AmeriBest Home Care

Dependability is one of the keynotes that makes AmeriBest one of the top-rated home health care agencies in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, PA. Our office lowers the risk of call-outs and no-shows by always having a backup plan. We seek only the best candidates in our hiring process. 

Our staff members provide essential support services. Your nurse or aide will familiarize themselves with existing medical practitioners and providers and coordinate with them for high-quality care. 

AmeriBest can also help you navigate insurance coverage, including Medicaid. The paperwork can become overwhelming and it helps to have a professional “interpreter” for all the jargon.

If you would like more information, there are several ways to contact us. Beyond the online form, you can email info@ameribest.org or call 1-800-HOMECARE.

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month with the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America – Caregiving for Someone with MS 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Month takes place in March of every year. During this time, many organizations including AmeriBest Home Care Agency in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA, shine a light on the struggles faced by people living with MS. In order to care for your loved one, you may find having a caregiver home health aid improves the individual’s quality of life. It also helps to learn as much as you can about how MS manifests and what you can do to make your life, or that of a loved one, better. 

An Invisible Disease

To look at a person with MS, you might never know there was anything wrong with them. The symptoms often remain invisible, and not everyone is vocal about their situation. Some days they may have a flare-up, and a week or month later the symptoms subside. It’s not a contagious condition. Researchers aren’t fully aware of the triggers for MS and continue seeking answers. 

MS A Closer Look

When a person’s immune reaction damages protective sheaths around nerves in the brain, Multiple Sclerosis begins. 

When MS appears it’s often in a young adult. Nonetheless, Multiple Sclerosis is age “blind”-it can be diagnosed at any time. There are various signs of MS, including

  • Visual changes or problems
  • Numbness
  • Bladder or digestive issues
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pain

Multiple Sclerosis is rarely fatal. While new medications exist to help control the frequency of MS symptoms, there is no known cure. 

Worsening Progression

For some with MS, their condition continues to progress with more severe symptoms. As Multiple Sclerosis advances, it severely impacts every aspect of a person’s life, often shortening it by up to 7 years. Some families find it hard to help such individuals alone. 

That’s where caregiving for someone with MS can use helping hands, namely by seeking a top home care agency in their area. AmeriBest ranks highly among Home Health Aide Services in Harrisburg, PA, for our dedication, the quality of our care, and our compassionate aids. 

Consider the difficulty of attending to the safety and well-being of an individual who

  • Cannot talk or walk
  • Struggles with breathing
  • Experiences spasms or tremors
  • Has balance problems, creating a fall risk
  • Develops paralysis or partial immobility
  • Illustrates difficulty with swallowing
  • Show signs of memory loss

While not all people with severe MS develop all of the symptoms, these represent the range of potential problems ahead. 

Coping & Helping

There’s no question that people with MS and their families experience ongoing stress, worry, fear, and sometimes guilt. As you understand what a person is experiencing, you can find the best possible course of care, one where you’re supported too. From providing transportation to medical appointments and medication reminders to helping with everyday chores, a home caregiver aid is a support unit. 

You don’t have to try to do everything by yourself. Reach out to the professionals at
AmeriBest Home Care by filling out our contact form or by email: info@ameribest.org. You can also call one of our two offices: 

Philadelphia, PA 215-925-3313 

Harrisburg, PA 717-545-2920

or 1-800-HOMECARE

American Heart Month: What is it and How to Observe it?

Every February, AmeriBest Home Care of Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA, joins with many other organizations, physicians, nurses, in-home care workers, and families alike to observe American Heart Month every February. Why? Because over 600,000 people die annually from heart disease in the United States alone. Heart disease shows no preference for age, gender, or ethnicity. However, the following factors impact your risk:

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Inactivity 
  • Poor diet
  • Smoking

If you have been thinking about caring for your loved one at home due to their heart health (combined with other matters), there are ways to give them heart-healthy habits and choices. In addition, you and your family can become advocates for raising awareness about heart disease by first learning about it. This is part of what American Heart Month is all about. 

Heart Disease 101

The term “cardiovascular disease” (CVD) is often used synonymously with “heart disease.” Both are umbrella terms covering everything from congenital heart defects and heart rhythm problems to the most common form of heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries going to the heart, leading to stroke and heart attack. And while all that sounds frightening, the good news is that many deaths can be prevented with proper care. The earlier, the better. 

Signs of Heart Disease

CVD often goes hand in hand with old age. At AmeriBest, we work with seniors, giving them ways of strengthening their circulatory system. The first step is teaching families and individuals the signs of heart disease so prompt medical treatment occurs:

  • Chest pain (or pressure in the chest)
  • Feeling constantly tired or exhausted
  • Nausea and vomiting regularly
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness

Preventing Heart Disease

Home health aid services like those AmeriBest Home Care provides help you monitor heart health, but that’s only one part of the equation. There are great ways to keep a person’s heart in shape. Think of healthy habits like a daily vitamin supporting wellness. 

By making minor changes, you can get on the road to improved heart health. Start with increasing activity levels. Don’t go from zero to one hundred—small, progressive steps matter. About two and a half hours of moderate activity a week is all it takes. If your loved one has physical limitations, AmeriBest’s outstanding caregivers can help develop a safe routine.  

Next, think about diet. Limit saturated fats, salt, and meats with high-fat content. Stress fruits, whole grain, nuts, and vegetables. Look into the Mediterranean diet for ideas.

Monitor yourself or your loved one. When you go for a check-up, talk with the physician about blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. There are medications specifically designed to target these two risk factors. And, people may not have to take them forever if they make suitable lifestyle choices. 

Finally, get more rest and avoid stress factors. Both support your immune system and improve both mental and emotional well-being.

Need Help?

If you’re in the Philadelphia or Harrisburg, PA area and have a loved one who needs more support than you can provide, reach out to us, asking about home care services. As a professional home health care agency, our staff provides compassionate and insightful assistance. Feel free to contact us HERE any time with your questions. 

Should You Become an Organ Donor? Pros & Cons

As a leading home care health provider in Pennsylvania, we at AmeriBest field many questions from families with aging clients. Among them is whether or not your loved one (or yourself, for that matter) should become an organ donor. It’s a complex decision and one in which reliable data is essential. 

Organ Donor Myths

In considering the pros and cons of organ donation, there are a lot of myths floating around that you need to circumnavigate. Misinformation taints your ability to make an informed choice. For example, some feel that physicians don’t work as hard to save organ donors. That goes against the Hippocratic Oath in every way. In fact, your health care team before a transplant is usually different than the one doing it.

Age and Health

You do not have to be young or in pristine health to be an organ donor. Before any transplant occurs, doctors evaluate all the conditions involved. There are a few exceptions, of course, like active cancer. Basically, the organ’s health is more important than your age group.

Living Organ Donors

Many people do not know about living donors. Tissues from certain parts of the body including the kidney, liver, and lungs, all qualify for living donations. By participating in this kind of organ donorship, you save the recipient’s life and that of someone who needs a full-fledged transplant. 

Religious Beliefs

AmeriBest works with families to get a familiar person into at-home care. Said individual typically knows the personal beliefs of someone before getting them involved in living or after-death donations. Most major religions have no taboo against organ donations; it is an act of kindness. 

Closed Casket Funerals

While you might think otherwise, unless there is serious disfiguration from the cause of death, there is no reason families cannot have an open-casket funeral. Donors get respectful, dignified care. Also, there is no cost for the procedure to the donor or their family. 

Organ Donation by the Numbers

One of the things that may figure into your discussions of organ donation is the sheer volume of need. Twenty-two people die daily while waiting for a transplant. There are over 120,000 people currently on the waiting list for organs in the U.S. alone. That number grows by 10 every 10 minutes.

The impact of organ donation is substantial. Just one person can save up to 8 lives, and a tissue donor can improve the lives of 50.

Organ Donation Cons:

  • Uncertainty: You, your loved one, or your family may find the idea uncomfortable or troubling. Allaying those feelings is often simply a matter of education and discussion.
  • Risk & Recovery: As a living donor, be aware that the process is major surgery, and it has risks that your physician will outline. Recovery can take time, and it is not always pain-free.
  • Scaring: Living donor procedures may leave lasting scars.
  • Insurance Woes: Some insurance companies do not cover any resulting problems ensuing from the donation.
  • Emotional Discomfort: If your loved one is a donor, their body will be kept on life support to protect the organs. For many, the “waiting game” is highly distressing.

Organ Donation Pros:

  • Knowing you Helped Others: Organ donation saves one, if not many, lives. 
  • Comfort upon Death: Knowing your loved one’s organs went forward to save others provides consolation and closure in the midst of tragedy. 
  • Comfort in Life: As a living donor, you’ll learn about some of the lives you’re helping (no specific names, of course, but situational information).
  • Full Body Donation: Should someone choose to become a full-body donor for medical research, the studies can lead to solutions for diseases in the future. Medical students can learn through working on cadavers, and in most cases, the organization accepting the donation provides a free return of the individual’s ashes.

Becoming an Organ Donor

If you want to learn more about becoming an Organ Donor, your caregiver, home health aid can become a bridge for learning more. It’s essential that an individual, or their power of attorney, can speak about personal wishes after death. The process includes:

  1. Signing up as a donor
  2. Register as a donor
  3. Add your status to your state identification
  4. Sign and carry your donor card (or let people know where to find it with other vital documents)
  5. Tell your medical care providers about your choice
  6. Include your directives in a living will

No matter what, AmeriBest is here for you. We have offices in Harrisburg (717-545-2920) and Philadelphia (215-925-3313). Or you can call any time: 1-800-HOMECARE.

Interested in working as an in-home care assistant? Start HERE.

January: Cervical Health Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. 

It happens a lot less often than it once did, but yes, it is still a threat to many women.

According to the ACS (American Cancer Society) roughly 4,250 people in the U.S. died from cervical cancer in the year 2019.

The primary reason that fewer individuals are dying of cervical cancer these days is an increase in the use of the Pap test.

Cervical cancer is more prevalent in less developed regions of the world. In 2018, around the world, approximately 311,000 individuals died from cervical cancer.

This type of cancer is curable, particularly when treated in the early stage.

Will the stage at diagnosis matter?

Absolutely. In general, the earlier cervical cancer is diagnosed, the better the results. This type of cancer usually grows slowly.

A Pap test is able to discover abnormal cells on a cervix before they grow cancerous. It’s referred to as carcinoma in situ or stage zero cervical cancer.

Removing those cells may assist in preventing cancer from initially developing.

General cervical cancer stages are:
  • Stage One: Cancer cells exist on the cervix and might’ve spread into the uterus.
  • Stage Two: Cancer has grown outside of the uterus and cervix. It has not spread to the bottom part of the vagina or the walls of the pelvis.
  • Stage Three: Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall, the bottom part of the vagina, or is impacting the kidneys.
  • Stage Four: Cancer has reached beyond the pelvis over to the bladder lining, the rectum, or to distant bones and organs.

The five-year relative rates of survival based on those diagnosed with cervical cancer from the years 2009 – 2015 include:

  • Localized (confined to uterus and cervix): 91.8%
  • Regional (reached beyond uterus and cervix to sites nearby): 56.3%
  • Distant (reached beyond the pelvis): 16.9%
  • Unknown: 49%

Is there anything you can do to prevent it?

There has been a substantial reduction in the fatality rate since the Pap test came onto the scene.

One important thing to do to prevent cancer includes getting routine Pap tests and checkups as advised by a doctor.

Other methods of lowering your risk involve:

  • asking the physician if you ought to receive the HPV vaccine
  • obtaining treatment if pre-cancerous cervical cells are discovered
  • having follow-up tests done when there’s a positive HPV test or an abnormal Pap test
  • quitting or avoiding, smoking

Are you or your loved one experiencing cervical cancer?

You may require some support and care at home because of cervical cancer or its treatment. At AmeriBest Home Care our home health care professionals are dedicated to providing high-quality comprehensive home health and personal care services to valued members of our community. A lot of emotional and practical support is available to you. We offer Philadelphia home care services in a dignified and respectful manner. Your home health care professional manages your healthcare while you’re in your home. They’ll help with all non-medical issues that arise. Please call us at 215-925-3313 to find out how we can help you or your loved one.

January: National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve of the eye. Usually, it happens once fluid accumulates in the front area of the eye. This additional fluid increases the eye’s pressure and damages the optic nerve.

Caregiving for someone with glaucoma

The following tips might help to promote eye health and control high eye pressure:

  • Consume a healthy diet. Consuming a healthy diet may help to maintain your health; however, it will not prevent glaucoma from growing worse. Several nutrients and vitamins are critical to eye health, which includes antioxidant vitamins A, E, and C; selenium; copper; and zinc.
  • Safely exercise. Routine exercise might decrease eye pressure within open-angle glaucoma. Speak with your physician about a suitable exercise plan.
  • Restrict your caffeine. Consuming beverages that have large quantities of caffeine might raise your eye pressure.
  • Frequently sip fluids. Only drink moderate quantities of fluids during any given time within the course of a day. Consuming one or more quarts of any liquid within a brief time might temporarily raise eye pressure.
  • Sleep with an elevated head. Utilizing a wedge pillow that keeps the head raised slightly, around twenty degrees, has been proven to decrease intraocular pressure when sleeping.
  • Take all prescribed medication. Using eye drops or other medicines as prescribed may help to obtain the best possible outcome from treatment. Be certain that you use the drops precisely as prescribed. Or else, the optic nerve damage in your eye might grow worse.

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve of the eye. Usually, it happens once fluid accumulates in the front area of the eye.

Alternative medicine (discuss with your medical provider!)

A few alternative medicine approaches might help your health overall; however, none is an efficient remedy for glaucoma. Speak to your physician about their potential risks and benefits.

  • Herbal remedies. A few herbal supplements, like bilberry extract, have been claimed to be remedies for glaucoma. However, more studies are needed to show their effectiveness. Do not use herbal supplements in replacement for proven therapies.
  • Relaxation methods. Stress might trigger acute angle-closure glaucoma. If you are at risk of that condition, figure out some healthy ways to cope with your stress. Meditation and additional techniques might help.
  • Marijuana. Studies show that marijuana can lower eye pressure in those who have glaucoma, yet only for 3 – 4 hours. Other traditional treatments are more effective. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, marijuana is not recommended to treat glaucoma.

Are you or your loved one experiencing glaucoma?

Once you receive a glaucoma diagnosis, you are possibly facing long-term treatment, routine checkups to slow down and prevent vision loss as much as possible. You might need some care and support in your home because of glaucoma or its treatment. At AmeriBest Home Care our home care professionals are committed to offering quality comprehensive personal care services to valued members of our community. We offer Philadelphia home care services in a respectful and dignified manner. Your home care provider will help with every non-medical issue that arises. Also, they can help you follow your doctor’s orders. Call an AmeriBest home health care provider today at 215-925-3313 to find out how we can be of help to you or your loved one to stay independent at home!

An Inside Look at Everything You Need to Know About the Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant of coronavirus comprised only 3% of all cases in the United States this past week.  This variant is now the dominant strain of the virus.  South Africa and several other nations have also revealed Omicron has quickly become the dominant variant of the virus in less than a month’s time.  This rapid spread is concerning to say the least.

It is clear that Omicron spreads faster than Delta and other variants.  However, the good news is that the early data indicates Omicron symptoms are not as severe as those of Delta and the original strain of the virus.  Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know about Omicron.

Omicron is Worth Taking Seriously

Governments and businesses around the world are afraid of Omicron for good reason.  This variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious and potentially deadly, especially when transmitted to those who have not been vaccinated.  Though preliminary data from Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer indicates their booster shots aren’t as effective against the Omicron variant as hoped, Moderna representatives revealed their booster is quite effective against the variant.  

It is clear that the best protection against Omicron is full vaccination including a booster shot.  Though President Biden and other world leaders are certainly stressed by the lightning-quick spread of Omicron, they do not believe it is cause for panic, especially if the percentage of vaccine-boosted individuals continues to climb. 

Omicron Data is Slowly Trickling In

Aside from the slightly diminished severity yet heightened transmission rate when compared to Delta and other coronavirus strains, not much else is known about Omicron.  The data about this new variant is expanded with each passing day yet it will take some time to gauge whether Omicron should spur lockdowns and forced vaccinations for entry into businesses, public spaces, and other buildings.  The United States federal government has responded to the initial data by encouraging Americans to get tested for the variant prior to socializing with family during the holiday season.

Big Pharma’s Response

Through Moderna executives are adamant their booster shot is effective against Omicron, the limited data released by Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer isn’t as reassuring.  The heads of all three pharmaceutical giants have indicated they are prepared to reformulate their vaccines to better mitigate the impact of the Omicron variant of the virus.  Furthermore, the United Nations’ World Health Organization has stated the Omicron variant’s risk to the worldwide populace is “very high” based on analysis of early data.

Moderna’s initial booster data derived from lab testing indicates the half-dose boost jab heightens neutralizing antibodies by nearly 40x.  A Moderna booster of a full dose is that much stronger, spiking antibody levels by an impressive 83x.  However, it must be noted the full-dose booster of Moderna has more severe side effects than those provided by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.  If Omicron continues to spread throughout the United States and the rest of the world, it is possible that Moderna’s full-dose shot will be used as a booster instead of the half-dose booster.

Coordinate Home Care Through AmeriBest Home Care Today

AmeriBest’s Philadelphia home care specialists are here for the senior in your life.  Reach out to us today to find out more about our services.  You can reach AmeriBest by phone at 1-800-HOMECARE.  If you prefer to reach us online, fill out our contact form, or send a message to our team at info@ameribest.org.

COVID Mandates for Healthcare and Home Care Workers 

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.