How to Financially Plan for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg, PA

home care assistance harrisburg pa

Families must plan carefully to maintain a high quality of life for loved ones as they age. Elder care is expensive. Fortunately, some programs offer benefits for home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA.

One program to consider is Medical Assistance and Payment of Long-Term Care Services. The program is available through Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services. This article will explain how to see if you qualify.

What is Medical Assistance and Payment of Long-Term Care Services?

Long Term Care (LTC) services cover home, community-based, and nursing home services. You can apply for LTC and Medicaid Assistance online through the COMPASS website. Or you can mail or give your application to your local county assistance office. The program provides home heating assistance, long-term living services, health care coverage, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and services for children.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for LTC, you must:

  • Have a doctor’s form confirming you require long-term medical services
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Be a Pennsylvania resident
  • Have a social security number

The eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • The limit for non-money payment (NMP) is 300 percent of the federal benefit rate (FBR) which changes annually.
  • The limit for medically needy only (MNO) is $2500 for semi-annual net income.
  • If your income is more than 300 percent of the FBR limit, you can deduct the cost of 6 months of long-term care to reduce your monthly income

Resource limits for one person are as follows:

  • The resource limit is $2000 with an additional $6000 resource disregard for people with income at or below 300 percent of the FBR
  • The resource limit is $2400 for people with an income above 300 percent of the FBR
  • You may also pay for LTC with your funds and eventually reduce your resources to the Medicaid LTC limits

Get Paid for Caregiving with Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg, PA

Training to become a home aide will also help you afford home health aide services. Harrisburg, PA residents may enroll in a training program with their chosen home care agency. They will get paid to care for their loved ones when they require additional care, as determined by their health care provider. It makes care more affordable and reduces caregiver’s financial losses incurred when they must take off work to care for their loved ones.

AmeriBest offers training for people who wish to get paid to care for their loved ones. We offer competitive pay, impressive benefits, and consistent hours, including holiday and overtime pay. Our caregivers train and work in a supportive environment. You may continue your education through our program to advance your career.

Affording at-home care can be challenging. Check out state programs to learn more about benefit eligibility for home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA. Contact AmeriBest to familiarize yourself with our caregiving options.

We will help you find the solutions best suited to your family situation.

Top Resources for Family Caregivers in Philadelphia, PA

family caregiver philadelphia pa

Spoiler alert! Caring for a loved one is NOT easy. Many caregivers find themselves taking time off work and completing mentally, physically, and financially demanding tasks to ensure their relative’s well-being. Luckily, if you’re a family caregiver in Philadelphia, PA, the state recognizes your hardships and contributions. The government offers support in the form of hands-on and financial assistance. Here are some home and community-based services Philadelphia, PA caregivers should learn more about.

Home and Community-Based Services in Philadelphia, PA

Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support Program supports family caregivers, offering access to respite care, benefits counseling, education and training, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket caregiving expenses. The local Area Agency on Aging administers the program.

Each caregiver who enrolls is assigned a case manager who comes to the home, assesses the care situation, and works out a management plan suited to everyone’s needs.

There are three eligibility categories for the program. However, category one is best suited to most senior needs. The caregiver must be 18 and over. The care receiver must be 60 and over and have deficits. Care is also available for individuals of any age with a cognitive disorder.

You do not have to meet any income requirements to qualify. However, your income will affect your reimbursement amounts.

Eldercare Locator

The U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare website provides information on services for seniors and caregivers nationwide. You can learn more about support services, housing, elder rights, insurance benefits, health, and transportation near you.

Pennsylvania Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE)

The LIFE Program provides services to seniors with health challenges who wish to continue living independently. It is a Medicare/Medicaid-sponsored program that provides a comprehensive hands-on approach that distinguishes it from other programs. Participants who are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare usually pay nothing for the services.

Follow this link to find a LIFE program in your area.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS)

The DHS administers services that provide care and support to seniors and other vulnerable Pennsylvania residents. They aim to improve the lives of families and individuals in the community.

Their most relevant program for seniors may be Community Health Choices. It allows Pennsylvania seniors and people with physical disabilities to receive long-term care at home. The program covers expenses through Medicaid.

AmeriBest Offers Home and Community-Based Services in Philadelphia, PA

If you are a family caregiver in Philadelphia, PA, AmeriBest Home Care services can make your life easier! We provide opportunities so you can get paid to care for your loved one. Competitive pay and benefits, a supportive environment, and room for advancement are waiting for you.

Our staff provides various non-medical in-home care services. We offer light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, companionship, and more.

Contact us to learn how we can reduce stress for caregivers and help your loved ones achieve their home health goals.

Becoming a Paid Family Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a paid family caregiver in Philadelphia, PA, comes with a unique set of responsibilities and rewards. At AmeriBest Home Care, we understand this role goes beyond just providing physical and emotional support to your loved ones; it encompasses navigating complex legal and financial issues. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to become a paid family caregiver in Pennsylvania, ensuring you’re well-equipped to offer both emotional and financial support to those you care for.

The Emotional and Physical Impact of Family Caregiving

Caring for a family member is more than just a responsibility; it’s a profound act of love and dedication. As a paid caregiver, you ensure your loved one receives compassionate care from someone they deeply trust and cherish. This role, while physically and emotionally taxing, is also a source of immense fulfillment, strengthening your bond. However, it’s important to acknowledge the varied impacts of caregiving:

●      Emotional Stress: Caregivers often face stress and anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by the continuous caregiving demands.

●      Physical Strain: The role’s physical aspects, like lifting, can lead to fatigue and injury.

●      Social Isolation: Engagement in social activities may decrease, causing loneliness.

● Health Risks: Persistent stress heightens the risk of depression and other stress-related conditions.

●      Reward and Satisfaction: Despite challenges, caregiving offers a profound sense of fulfillment and emotional connection.

●      Personal Growth: The experience fosters empathy, patience, and resilience, enhancing personal development.

●      Improved Relationships: Caregiving often deepens the bond between caregiver and recipient, creating a stronger connection.

●      Sense of Purpose: Many caregivers discover a renewed purpose and meaning in life through this caring role.

Understanding Medicaid Waivers in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, family caregivers can receive financial support through Medicaid Waivers. These waivers, under broad federal guidelines, allow the state more flexibility to pay for personal care and household services for individuals living outside of long-term care facilities. This is especially beneficial for older adults or individuals with disabilities living in their homes or with family members.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services oversees various Medical Assistance/Medicaid waivers, each with distinct eligibility criteria and services. These include:

● Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)

● Aging Waiver

● Alternatives To Nursing Homes

● Attendant Care Waiver

● Community HealthChoices

● Community Living Waiver

● Consolidated Waiver

● Independence Waiver

● Infant, Toddlers, and Families Waiver

● Medicaid Waivers for Intellectual Disabilities Supports and Services

● OBRA Waiver

● Person/Family Directed Support Waiver

Each waiver is designed to cater to specific needs, promoting community-based support and enhancing the quality of life for Pennsylvanians in need.

Eligibility for Paid Family Caregiving in Philadelphia

To become a paid family caregiver, you must qualify through the eligibility criteria. These include both financial and functional requirements. A key component is obtaining physician certification, indicating the need for long-term services and support. Additionally, income and asset limits are set by the state, which you must meet to qualify for the Medicaid Waiver Program under Community HealthChoices (CHC).

Upon qualifying for the CHC waiver, individuals gain access to both standard Medicaid benefits and additional waiver services. Behavioral health care, including mental health and substance use disorder treatments, is provided through a managed care plan determined by the individual’s county. For physical health needs like primary care, hospital visits, specialists, dental services, and home-based services, beneficiaries utilize a Community HealthChoices managed care plan. There are three CHC plan options:

1. AmeriHealth Caritas CHC (known as Keystone First CHC in Bucks, Chester, Delaware,

Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties)

2. Pennsylvania Health & Wellness

3. UPMC Community HealthChoices

At the onset of waiver eligibility, individuals are informed about these plan options and can change their plan anytime. Without a specific choice, automatic enrollment in a CHC plan will occur. Working with a Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker facilitates enrollment and eligibility for CHC. They are an essential resource for understanding the various programs and services available and can guide you through the application process.

Choosing a Home Care Agency

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to select a home care agency that allows the employment of family members. This choice is crucial, as the agency will be your partner in providing high-quality care. They offer training, development, and support, ensuring that you are well-equipped to care for your loved one. It’s not just about finding an organization that allows you to care for your loved one; it’s about choosing a partner that aligns with your caregiving philosophy and values.

The chosen home care agency will be instrumental in your development as a family caregiver. They provide essential training, development opportunities, and ongoing support. This guidance is crucial, especially if you’re new to caregiving. The agency will help equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the best possible care to your loved one. Their resources and support can make a significant difference in your confidence and effectiveness as a caregiver, ensuring that you’re not just caring for your loved one, but also growing and learning in the role.

Compensation for Family Caregivers

Compensation for family caregivers in Philadelphia, PA, varies depending on the home care agency. However, all agencies receiving Medicaid waiver payments have a similar pay range, determined by the state’s reimbursement rates. It’s important to consider not just the pay but also the additional benefits and training opportunities the agency offers.

AmeriBest Home Care: Committed to Supporting Philadelphia’s Family Caregivers

At AmeriBest Home Care, our dedication lies in empowering family caregivers throughout Pennsylvania. We understand the complexities and nuances involved in becoming a paid family caregiver.

Our team is equipped to guide you through every step of this process. From clarifying eligibility criteria to assisting in selecting the ideal home care agency for your unique situation, we’re here to offer comprehensive support. We believe in making the transition to a paid caregiver as smooth and informed as possible. Reach out to us at 1-800-HOMECARE today to begin your journey. 

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. As a home care agency for stroke recovery in Philadelphia, AmeriBest sees the impact of strokes on individuals and families daily. Did you know that, according to the American Heart Association, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States? It can lead to disabilities and death. The good news is that 80% of strokes can be prevented. Keep reading to learn more about stroke reasons, risks, signs, and post-stroke care in Philadelphia.

The Makings of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to some part of the brain becomes blocked. Alternatively, it may happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. When brain cells do not get oxygen-bearing blood, they will die. This creates a medical emergency. The sooner stroke treatments can be administered, the better chances physicians have of allaying some of the potential results. Delays in stroke treatment increase the risks of permanent brain injury or even death. 

Stroke Risks

There are a variety of factors that increase the potential for having a stroke. Some risk factors can be managed by medicine and monitoring, others cannot. If you have:

  • A history of smoking, alcoholism, or using illegal drugs
  • An abnormal heart rhythm
  • Damaged heart valves
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Hight Red Blood Count, Cholesterol, or Lipids. A high red blood count means your blood is thick, increasing the chance of clots. Cholesterol can thicken arteries
  • Obesity
  • TIA (transient ischemic attacks aka a mini-stroke) history

Then you have a higher propensity toward stroke, especially if more than one of these factors is in play. 

While strokes can happen to anyone at any time, people over 55 have twice the chance of having a stroke. Men experience strokes more often than women. One in four people who survive a stroke are at risk for another. 

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

Stroke Signs

The CDC explains the use of the FAST system to recognize the signs of a stroke.

F – Face drooping

A – Arm limp or weak

S – Speach issues, including stuttering

T – Time is of the essence – call 911 immediately.

What Can You Do?

When consulting with families in the AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia, PA caregiver agency circle, we strive to educate everyone on ways to prevent stroke. The most important action is living a healthy lifestyle, including adjusting your meal and snack choices to more fruits and vegetables while avoiding trans fat, cholesterol, and salt. 

It’s also important to watch your weight. Obesity increases stroke risk. The BMI index is one that shows you if your weight is in a healthy range. If you know your weight and height check it here. Hand in hand with your weight comes activity. Movement helps stabilize or even decrease your weight while supporting healthy blood pressure. 

You can learn a lot and make great contacts by participating in a National Stroke Awareness event near you.

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

It can be overwhelming to care for a stroke patient while also attending to your own needs. That’s where home and community-based programs like those at AmeriBest come into the picture. We can provide your loved ones with improved safety, while also focusing on their recovery. Call the AmeriBest Home Care Philadephia office (215) 925-3313; 1-800-HOMECARE for information. You can also email info@ameribest.org, or use our online form for questions.

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

The Parkinson’s Caregiver

The Parkinson's Caregiver

Each year April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. As a top in-home caregiver agency in Philadelphia, PA, we at AmeriBest home care encourage people to learn more about Parkinsons and what they can do during April to make a difference.

What is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a nervous system disorder, that primarily affects a person’s movement. The most common symptoms of the disease, which increase over time, include

  • Decreased Facial Expressiveness: Parkinson’s weakens facial muscles, so the person may show no signs of smiling or frowning.
  • Emotional Impact: Depression and behavior changes.
  • Fatigue.
  • Memory Loss. 
  • Muscle Stiffness: A Parkinson’s sufferer’s muscles never relax fully. Over time, this leads to limited motion, which is sometimes painful. 
  • Posture Changes: Over time it becomes difficult for someone with Parkinson’s to stand upright, and they may also experience balance issues.
  • Sleep Disruption
  • Slow Movement: Spontaneous movement becomes difficult with Parkinson’s. People move more slowly, shuffle, lower their speech volume, etc. In some instances, their gait may freeze temporarily.
  • Tremors: Starting as small as one finger or foot, tremors occur usually when the body is at rest. 

Men are at a higher risk for developing Parkinson’s. It usually begins around the age of 60, but sometimes manifests as early as age 50. Some cases of Parkinson’s are hereditary, while others come from a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition. 

Many people dismiss early signs of Parkinson’s thinking of them as an effect of the normal aging process. The signs begin on one side of the body, or in one limb of the body. Eventually, Parkinson’s affects the entire way the body functions.

How to Get Involved

  1. Donate toward further research and community assistance.
  2. If you have noticed worrisome symptoms, make an appointment with a neurologist for yourself (peace of mind is worth it).
  3. Participate in fundraising walks virtually: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/optimism-walks/ 
  4. Put up links on your Facebook Page or personal webpage so people can find webinars and request publications.https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month. 
  5. Visit someone you know with Parkinson’s to offer your support, or volunteer at a facility specializing in the disease. 

The Parkinson's Caregiver

 

Being a Parkinson’s Caregiver

When you discover your loved one has Parkinson’s Disease, you want to do your best to help them. But what does “help” in this situation really mean? It’s a challenging diagnosis with equally challenging daily issues. 

Tips for Effective Home Care

It might be tempting to take over responsibilities for your loved one. It’s a normal, but sometimes unnecessary, reaction. Let them do whatever they are capable of doing, for as long as they can. A sense of ongoing independence and self-sufficiency is important for mental wellbeing. Keep your dialog open to true needs. Have those tough conversations openly and honestly.

This is a complex disease. Learn all you can about Parkinson’s so you know what to expect. Nonprofit organizations like the National Parkinson’s Foundation have educational materials at the ready. Also, ask your health care provider and team for suggestions about community supports. The more you know, the less you’ll feel inadequate for the task ahead.

Going one step further, if your loved one will allow, come with them to each medical appointment. This gives you the opportunity to take notes and gain perspectives. 

Beyond these actions, watch every missive from insurance companies, making sure prescriptions and services are adequately covered, and likewise make sure this individual takes their medications properly. 

Need Help?

As Parkinson’s progresses, you may find you need professional assistance. AmeriBest caregivers are happy to step in and provide superior service for your loved one with Parkinson’s. We have a variety of services, one of which is sure to meet your needs. Our top home care agency offices stand by to review your request for information or reply to your email (info@ameribest.org). You can also call us:

Philadelphia 215-925-3313

Harrisburg 717-545-2929

Toll Free 1-800-HOMECARE

Caregiver burden and alcohol use

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, during which organizations like AmeriBest Home Care in Harrisburg, PA endeavor to raise awareness about the growing number of people struggling with alcohol use. Among them, we see caregivers who have become overwhelmed, and really don’t know where to turn. Too little focus has been given to this situation, and it’s time to work together for solutions.

What Studies Show

Ongoing reviews of caregivers indicate that the emotional, social, and physical burdens of caregiving can overwhelm anyone. Attention from mental health professionals, social support groups, and home care agencies can help. No one expects to become an informal caregiver. Illness or injuries often occur out of the blue. 

5 Negative Impacts of Caregiving

So, suddenly you find yourself with heavy responsibilities that affect you in five main ways:

  1. Decreased quality of life
  2. Emotional overload
  3. Physical grind
  4. Social limitations
  5. Time constraints

To give more specific examples, there are

  • Financial management
  • Dealing with insurers
  • Exhaustion
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Errands and meals
  • Administration of medication
  • Moderating risk factors

Just to name a few. Bundled all together you have what’s called caregiver burden.

Having home health assistance typically results in longer lives for the infirmed. But it can turn into a nightmare when you’re going it alone. You can’t sleep, have headaches, get sick more often, etc. Alcohol becomes a tempting coping mechanism. 

Caregiving and Alcohol Abuse

When faced with the inability to provide the quality of care a loved one needs, people still often push themselves. They feel awkward about asking for help, guilty that they’re not doing enough, and the relationship between them and the infirmed becomes strained. Alcohol is readily available and easy to hide from the person for whom you care. 

Alcohol is certainly not an answer. The debilitating impact of alcohol puts loved ones at risk. In some instances, too much drinking leads to elder abuse. 

How Much is Too Much

American dietary guidelines state a man drinking more than four drinks daily, or 14 per week and women-three daily (7 per week) implies alcohol abuse. People on certain medications shouldn’t drink at all. If there are other alcoholics in the family, you may have a genetic predisposition to contend with as well.

Relief is Available

Did you know that you can have a friend or other family member caring for your loved one and get PAID for it? Government-funded programs include those for caregiving. There’s a beauty and great peace of mind in having someone help who is not a random stranger.

When a person joins the AmeriBest team in Harrisburg, PA, they become part of a network of skilled professionals dedicated to compassionate care. The chosen person receives all the training they need to keep individuals safe and secure in their homes. It becomes a very rewarding career path, and one where someone can take a more active role in their family, relieving a lot of the stress that can otherwise lead to alcohol abuse. 

If you would like more information on how you can get involved, contact us, email info@ameribest.org, or call our Harrisburg, PA office at 717-545-2920

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

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.

Thanksgiving 2021: To be, or not to Be 

This year’s Thanksgiving will be unlike any other. The cost of turkeys has skyrocketed and the fear of coronavirus continues to ominously hang overhead. You can still celebrate the holiday by taking the proper precautions at your Philadelphia home. 

The Safe Thanksgiving You and Your Loved Ones Deserve

The Thanksgiving celebration does not have to spread coronavirus throughout your family. If possible, move the celebration outdoors so everyone can breathe in the fresh air while enjoying turkey and all the fixings. There is no shame in wearing a mask while around loved ones until Thanksgiving dinner is ready. 

Above all, it will help to keep your celebration small. Limit the number of participants at your Thanksgiving dinner and you will have done your part to prevent the potentially deadly transmission of coronavirus between loved ones. 

Encourage Family Members to get Vaccinated

Vaccination is essential to safeguarding yourself as well as loved ones from COVID-19. If anyone invited to your holiday celebration is not vaccinated, encourage them to get the jab as soon as possible. Even one shot prior to Thanksgiving will help protect your family. 

Ideally, everyone who attends your Philadelphia Thanksgiving celebration will be fully immunized. Immunization helps to reduce the chances of severe illness as well as death. If everyone who attends your get-together is fully vaccinated, the event will be as close to normal as possible.

Thanksgiving 2021, Thanksgiving for seniors

Include the Kids

Kids between the ages of 5 and 11 are now eligible for vaccination. Have your kids vaccinated as soon as possible and you will be able to include them in your Thanksgiving celebration without even the slightest worry. Though your kids will not be fully vaccinated by the big day, partial vaccination will make a meaningful difference both in terms of health and wellness as well as your peace of mind. 

So don’t make any plans for a second “kids” table that is socially distanced from that of the adults. You can include vaccinated kids at the regular dinner table without worry by getting them vaccinated today.

Mind the Ventilation

If those attending your Thanksgiving celebration are not vaccinated, they can still interact with revelers at your home. However, it is in your interest as well as that of attendees to ventilate the area to the best of your ability. Open up the windows, turn on the ceiling fans and use air purifiers. Even opening a door every hour or so will improve ventilation, reducing the chances of a breakthrough case. 

Consider Rapid Testing

Though some family members might scoff at the idea of being rapid tested prior to socializing with their loved ones, it is in the interest of the collective family unit for such testing to be performed. Rapid tests generate results in mere minutes, providing everyone who attends the family get-together in Philadelphia, Allentown, or a nearby community with a truly invaluable peace of mind.

Learn More About Home Care by Connecting With AmeriBest Home Care

There is no shame in asking for Philadelphia home care assistance, especially when the grueling Philadelphia winter arrives. Our home care specialists are here to help you enjoy a high quality of life throughout the winter and beyond. Give us a call today at 1-800-HOMECARE or send us an email at info@ameribest.org to find out more about how our home care services will improve your quality of life or that of a loved one.