Senior Care Tips for Families in Allentown, PA

Senior Care Tips for Families in Allentown, PA

If your loved one receives family senior care in Allentown, PA, you may wonder how you can best support them and yourself as their caregiver. Providing support to elders is an important role that many family members are happy to fulfill, but it isn’t without challenges. If you’ve embraced an at-home family care position for your loved one, here are a few tips that help you give the most compassionate, quality care possible.

 

Tips for Caring for the Senior in Your Life   

Familial caregiving is such a gift. It allows your elderly or disabled loved one to receive the loving support they need within the comfort of their home. Agencies like AmeriBest Home Care are honored to come alongside family caregivers and provide them with the training and resources they need to excel as a family personal aid. 


Routine Assistance and Daily Care  

Your family member’s needs can vary, ranging from assistance with transportation to help with basic needs like dressing. It’s important to continually assess how much support your loved one requires. While you want to ensure they receive adequate care, especially regarding nutrition, hygiene, and medication management, giving them some autonomy is also crucial. Collaborating with your relative regarding things like meal planning or social activities can help them maintain their sense of independence. 


Companionship and Emotional Support  

Aside from assisting with daily routines, being there for companionship and emotional support is a valuable aspect of family caregiving. Emotional wellbeing is important for their overall health, so take time to check in with them about how they’re feeling. Keep your communication open and honest, showing patience and compassion when they express struggles or concerns. Your mental wellbeing as a personal aide is important too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, connecting with family caregiver support groups who can listen and empathize can be a worthwhile activity. 


Reach Out for Support and Resources  

Aging and the need for care can take a toll on both caregivers and the individual receiving support. You may experience financial concerns, need professional support, or just want to connect with resources in your area. Fortunately, home care agencies like AmeriBest, and local coalitions on aging, such as your State’s Aging Services Department, are often a wealth of knowledge and resources for family caregivers. 


Financial Considerations and Legal Concerns  

While family caregiving is a wonderful option for most families, it’s important to have a plan in place for long-term care if and when the time comes. Budgeting, deciding advance care directives, and understanding your legal responsibilities should all be discussed before the need arises. An attorney or financial planner can help you get these items squared away so you can continue providing quality care to your loved one without the stress of future planning.

 

Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver  

Being a family caregiver is undoubtedly rewarding. Still, that doesn’t mean it is without challenges. Take some time for self-care and balance your responsibilities and wellbeing with the support duties given to your loved one. It’s essential to recognize when you’re becoming overwhelmed or stressed and seek support when you need it. Utilizing respite care or a personal aide through a home care agency can help give you a break while ensuring your relative receives the best care possible.

Senior Care Tips for Families

 

Let Us Help You with Senior Care in Allentown, PA

AmeriBest Home Care is a preferred agency for individuals seeking senior care in Allentown, PA. Not only do we support family caregivers with training, resources, and financial compensation, but we can also step in when needed. Our home care services staff are compassionate, skilled, and able to give you some respite. We are conveniently located in Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia to assist you with your senior care needs. 

Call us at 1-800-HOMECARE to learn more about how we can help.

Navigating Healthcare Appointments: Our Role in Senior Transportation in Philadelphia, PA

Senior transportation is a key aspect of in-home caregiving services. Transportation can take many forms, from walking with a senior to driving them to and from medical appointments. Similarly, your elderly loved one may require transportation for various reasons. If you’re searching for senior transportation in Philadelphia for your elderly or disabled family member, in-home personal care aides may be an excellent solution.

 

The What and Why of Senior Transportation in Philadelphia  

Senior transportation is a broad term. It most often refers to vehicle transportation when an elderly individual can no longer drive themselves. However, personal care assistants can also aid with physical transportation, such as walking alongside your loved one to their neighbor’s house. Both forms of transportation can benefit elderly individuals in many ways. Transportation allows your loved one to access various resources, including medical appointments, grocery stores, and community events, and maintain social connections. In-home health aide transportation services for seniors keep them connected in a convenient and friendly manner.

 

Transportation To and From Healthcare Appointments; Our Role  

According to AARP, seniors should see their primary healthcare provider at least once a year. However, as you age, the number of medical appointments often increases. Having rides to and from these appointments is critical for your aging loved ones.

 

Effortlessly arrangement   

In-home personal assistance, like the support offered through AmeriBest Home Care, offers safe, reliable, and convenient transportation to and from medical appointments. Arranging transportation is easy and eliminates the hassle of navigating public transportation or commercial services like Uber or Lyft. Home health care means that you can arrange to have someone available to transport your loved one exactly when they need it.

 

Friendly service    

Unlike public transportation or rideshare services, which can be unfamiliar and daunting, senior transportation in Philadelphia through a home care aide is friendly and comforting. Your loved one will likely develop a report with their assistant. Similarly, their aide may learn your family members’s preferred routes or arrival times, ensuring their journey is as smooth and pleasant as possible.

 

A decrease in time and stress   

Traditional transportation methods, like buses, ridesharing, or commercial services, aren’t always easy, timely, dependable, or accommodating. It can be stressful for elderly or disabled individuals to figure out the logistics of making it to and from their medical appointments, potentially increasing the likelihood of them not going at all. While family members often make every effort to help when they can, taking time off from work or family activities to transport an elderly loved one can be stressful and time-consuming. Using a home health care aide to provide transportation is a convenient solution for everyone.
 

Adaptable care    

Prioritizing transportation for elderly or disabled loved ones is a vital service. Still, sometimes, these individuals may need more support than a ride. In-home assisted living services go beyond transportation. You can work with home care agencies, like AmeriBest Home Care, to find support for various aspects of daily living, including help with personal routines, medication management, companionship, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.  Home health aide services are versatile and adaptable, helping your loved one maintain the best quality of life as they age.

Navigating Healthcare Appointments

 

Find Out How AmeriBest Home Care Can Transport Your Loved One    

If you’re searching for senior transportation in Philadelphia, PA, AmeriBest Home Care can help you navigate the array of services available. We are conveniently located in the heart of Philadelphia, as well as Harrisburg and Allentown, which are ideal locations to provide senior transportation to your loved one. Whether it’s a medical appointment, personal errand, or long-awaited visit with friends, our transportation services can make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Call us at 1-800-HOMECARE to learn more about how we can help. 

Understanding the Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors in Philadelphia, PA

Assisted Living for Seniors

Assisted living personal aides can offer your loved ones the support, safety, social interaction, and fulfilling lifestyle they deserve. Your senior loved one likely spent much of their life helping provide these things for others, maybe even you. Now, through assisted living in Philadelphia, PA, you can return the favor, ensuring they’re well-cared for and enjoying a physically and mentally rich and convenient lifestyle that suits their unique needs – all from the comfort of their own home.

 

Benefits of Assisted Living in Philadelphia, PA   

In-home assisted living caregivers can tailor their support and services to each person, offering just the right amount of care to largely independent seniors who may need some help with daily tasks.

 

Help with Routine Needs    

Activities of daily living are often one area where seniors may need support. How much support can vary, ranging from bathing to providing meals and offering transport to and from doctor’s appointments. Assisted living caregivers, like those at AmeriBest Home Care, can help coordinate all of these things, providing transportation coordination, aid, and medication management. During the times when you’re unable to provide family caregiving, you can be confident that your loved one is getting the help they need.

 

Companionship and Stimulation      

Continued care isn’t the only benefit of assisted living in Philadelphia, PA. A personal care assistant can provide intellectual stimulation and opportunities to socialize. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, individuals who complete mentally stimulating activities may have a lower risk of cognitive decline. Your loved one’s aid may be able to play games, help them with technology, or even just engage in friendly conversation to make sure they stay mentally engaged and fit.
Socialization is just as important as stimulation. While you and your family probably make every effort to see your loved one as much as possible, having an assisted living caregiver fill in the gaps is excellent for companionship. The transportation caregivers offer is yet another way they can help seniors remain socially active, reducing feelings of isolation.

 

Active Lifestyle    

If some routine activities are challenging for your loved one, they may be less likely to maintain an active lifestyle. However, some studies have found that decreased physical exercise may be associated with increased cognitive decline. Fortunately, assisted living caregivers may be able to make an active lifestyle more convenient and enjoyable. Whether your loved one wants to go for a short walk or engage in some simple stretching, having the knowledge that a trained staff member is supervising them and ready to step in should they need help may make them more likely to get active!

 

Peace of Mind    

Personal care assistants are great for providing family members peace of mind. You can rest assured that your senior is safe and secure. It can be simple things, like checking a smoke detector if there is a low battery warning, or, just the assurance that your loved one isn’t alone.
Perhaps one of the most comforting aspects is that in-home living assistance allows families to stay involved. Top-notch assisted living facilities may be far from your home, sometimes even across state lines. But when you use at-home caregivers, like those at AmeriBest Home Care, your elderly family member can stay right where they are, comfortably at home and close enough for regular visits!

Support for the elderly

 

Learn more about the benefits of assisted living for your elderly loved one    

AmeriBest Home Care in Philadelphia, PA, is honored to provide support services to elderly loved ones in Philadelphia, PA. If you think your family member could benefit from support or you would like to discuss home care vs senior care communities, contact us. We can review the different types of care available and help you find the perfect fit for your family member. AmeriBest Home Care is available in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Allentown, PA. 

How to Become a Paid Caregiver for a Family Member in Allentown, PA

Caregivers in Allentown

Caregivers in Allentown, PA, are likely facing the same rewards and responsibilities as caregivers nationwide. AARP estimates that 50.3 million adult caregivers in the United States provide unpaid care to their family members. Many of them probably want to give the best support to their loved ones, caring for them in the comfort of their own home instead of using an unfamiliar caregiver or assisted living facility. But at the same time, that can mean making tough decisions.

Family caregivers often spend their earnings or savings on care-related resources, like transportation. They may also have to endure long commutes to and from their relative’s home and take time off work to provide support. The value of family caregiving can’t be understated, but neither can the challenges.

Fortunately, there are resources available to caregivers in Allentown, PA, who want to be paid for their compassionate care.

 

Ways Caregivers in Allentown, PA Can Get Paid for Family Caregiving 

If you’re considering becoming a paid family caregiver in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements and steps needed to receive financial assistance for your care.

 

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Programs 

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that offers waivers that can compensate family caregivers. Various programs and waivers are available to residents, like the Managed Long-Term Services and Supports program (MLTSS) and the Home and Community-Based Services waiver (HCBS), which are available to caregivers in Allentown, PA.

To qualify through Medicaid, eligibility criteria must be met by both the caregiver and the recipient. These requirements are often functional and financial. First, the recipient will need to be deemed as requiring care for daily living activities, which a medical practitioner usually does. Next, they will need to be considered financially eligible for Medicaid. Once considered eligible, they can work with their county’s case manager or Independent Enrollment Broker to be enrolled in the program and determine which waiver best suits their needs.

The caregiver is generally required to be a family member. However, there are sometimes additional stipulations regarding age and relation to the recipient. In most cases, the program or waiver requires the family caregiver to receive some sort of training. That’s where AmeriBest Home Care can help.

 

Partnering with a Home Care Agency like AmeriBest Home Care 

Medicaid waivers will not pay family caregivers directly. Instead, a participating home care agency, such as AmeriBest Home Care, must hire an approved family caregiver. The family member will become a regular employee, receiving compensation and accessing available benefits. Regular paychecks and benefits can take a huge burden off both the family caregiver and the loved one they are supporting.

Additionally, the agency will provide training, information, and ongoing development to ensure caregivers can offer the best support possible. AmeriBest Home Care is dedicated to providing continuing mentorship and development to all of its staff. We’re proud to partner with family caregivers in Allentown, PA, who are selflessly committed to their loved ones.

 

Are There Other Avenues for Caregivers in Allentown, PA, to Be Paid? 

Medicaid is often the most sought-after way to get paid as a caregiver in Pennsylvania. Medicare does not offer payment for long-term care, regardless of whether the caregiver is a family member.

However, there are sometimes other possibilities for financial support. The US Department of Veteran Affairs is one option. For veterans who meet the eligibility requirements, an Aid & Attendance offering can increase the recipient’s monthly budget, which can then be used to pay a family caregiver. Alternatively, the Administration on Aging and Department of Aging Services may be able to offer some assistance for transportation, meal plans, respite, care, and housing, although they cannot pay you as a caregiver directly.

A final option is long-term care insurance. Certain insurance providers offer compensation for caring for a dependent family member. Still, it’s important to be aware of your coverage and premiums.

 

Family Caregiving

 

Why Caregivers in Allentown, PA, Turn to AmeriBest Home Care 

AmeriBest Home Care is the ideal solution for families as a home care agency that hires, trains, and mentors family caregivers. We give you the resources and training you need to care for your loved one and receive compensation for doing so. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for both caregivers and their family members.

Contact AmeriBest today to learn more about becoming a paid family caregiver and all of the resources we have to offer.

Empowering Philadelphia’s Unsung Heroes: How Medicaid Supports Family Caregivers in the City of Brotherly Love

Family Caregivers

How Medicaid Supports Family Caregivers Philadelphia, PA 

According to one statistic, as many as one in five Americans are family caregivers. You may be part of this group as a Medicaid Family Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA. It’s undeniable that caring for a family member is one of the most rewarding experiences. You can provide them quality care from the comfort of their own home and care from someone they know and trust. In most cases, the same level of compassionate support and familiarity just isn’t attainable through a caregiving service. While there are many capable and highly skilled caregivers out there, receiving caregiving from a family member or loved one is often the best way to put everyone at ease.

However, as enjoyable as spending quality time with and caring for your family member is, the choice to do so isn’t always easy. The impacts of family caregiving can range from emotional concerns to financial stressors. Family caregivers often pour a lot of resources into caring for a loved one. They put in a lot of hours, which can mean long commutes around their work schedule or giving up a career entirely. Some may choose to sacrifice portions of their income or savings to help cover the cost of medical equipment or transportation. These things can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining.

These effects of family caregiving don’t go unnoticed, though. Fortunately, there are various programs available that may be able to help family caregivers financially.

 

Is It Possible to Use Medicaid for a Family Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA? 

Family caregivers in Philadelphia, PA, can often use Medicaid to receive payment for caring for a loved one. In fact, Medicaid Waivers, or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, are among the most common resources used by residents. The program is also referred to as 1915 (c) Waivers or Section 1115 Waivers. In all, the state offers approximately ten support service waivers for caretaking.

In Philadelphia, these waivers can help pay for care services for individuals who are not residents of a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living center. Support services covered by the federal government program include assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing and bathing, as well as household chores.

 

Designating a Family Member as a Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA 

Although there are some stipulations, the recipient of the Medicaid funds can generally use the money to pay a familial caregiver for home care services. In some cases, the dependent family member must be over 18 years of age to select their relative as their caregiver. Then, they can oversee schedules and timesheets, but a fiscal agency will manage payments to the caregiver.

There are eligibility requirements and certain steps the caregiver must take. For example, the recipient may need to work with a case manager in their county to determine how much care is needed and what the budget should be for those services. Then, from that budget, they can pay their family member instead of receiving care support directly from the state.

 

Taking Advantage of Home Care Agencies in Philadelphia, PA 

Although the family member needing care may not want to receive services from a caregiving agency, the agency may still be able to help them pay a family caregiver. For example, AmeriBest HomeCare can help family caregivers in Philadelphia, PA. 

There are programs available that provide training to become a caregiver, such as the self-directed personal assistant program, the Structured Family Caregiving program, or Community HealthChoices. These programs typically compensate individuals who give in-home care to their loved ones while educating them on how to provide the best support possible.

A home care agency like AmeriBest can hire a familial caregiver. They will then become a general company employee, receiving both paychecks and benefits. The care recipient can choose their family member as their caregiver through the company. Still, they will not have to be responsible for compensation.

It’s important to note there are eligibility requirements, such as income limits, physician certification, the prohibition of a spouse as a caregiver, and program parameters.

 

Can Medicare be Used for Family Caregivers Living in Philadelphia, PA?

The government health care insurance plan, Medicare, does not pay for long-term care services, including in-home care support, and does not offer reimbursement for caregiving services. In some cases, the insurance plan may cover things such as transportation or meal delivery, but these offerings are limited.

 

Supports Family AmeriBest

 

Become a Medicaid Family Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA

A rewarding job like family care for a loved one shouldn’t be daunting. With the variety of programs available in Philadelphia, PA, you can find the appropriate support network for you and your family members. AmeriBest HomeCare can help you on your journey; reach out today! 

Transforming Compassion into Income: Exploring Opportunities to Get Paid to Care in Harrisburg, PA 

Medicaid Family Caregiver

Family caregiving is both rewarding and a significant responsibility. Supporting your loved one in the comfort of their own home is a valuable experience that many wish to provide for their relatives. However, it can also strain caregivers financially, emotionally, and physically.  Know that if you’re looking for ways to ease your financial burdens while providing compassionate care to your family member, you’re not alone. The unique set of concerns faced by family caregivers in Pennsylvania leaves many exploring avenues to get paid to give care in Harrisburg, PA. 

 

Ways to Get Paid to Care in Harrisburg, PA 

Medicaid is perhaps the most advantageous way to get paid for being a family caregiver in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or the surrounding area. Medicaid waivers, in particular, can be used to compensate family members caring for their disabled or elderly family members who still live at home. 

These government waivers allow the state, via home care agencies, to financially assist caregivers in providing in-home personal care and household services to individuals living outside assisted care facilities. There are various Medicaid waivers, each with its own eligibility requirements. Regardless of the type of waiver, the majority are overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

 

How Can My Family Member Become Eligible for Paid Family Caregiving in PA?

First, the relative needing care must qualify to receive payment via a Medicaid waiver. A physician who can certify that long-term support or services are needed can determine eligibility for functional requirements. Financial eligibility is set and reviewed by the state, as income limits must be met to qualify for the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Medicaid waiver. 

Once qualified, the CHC managed care program offers various plans. Working with a Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker can help you determine eligibility, enroll, and understand the services available. 

 

How Do Home Care Agencies in PA Help with Compensation?

Once your family member is confirmed to be eligible, they will need to choose a home care agency that allows the employment of family members as caregivers, like AmeriBest Home Care. The agency facilitates training, development, and ongoing support of the family caregiver to ensure they are able to provide the best care possible for their loved one. 

Additionally, the agency is responsible for payment, benefits, and continued development opportunities. Once hired, the family caregiver becomes a regular company employee and is put on the payroll just like every other staff member. 

Home care agencies in Harrisburg, PA, such as AmeriBest, provide the best of both worlds. They help ensure you have the skills and knowledge needed to provide loving and effective care to your relative. Meanwhile, they also oversee payment and benefit disbursement (if applicable), helping to relieve some of the stress from you and your loved one. 

 

How Much Compensation is Offered to Get Paid to Care in Harrisburg, PA?

The fixed rate of the Medicaid waiver payment determines compensation for family caregivers in Pennsylvania. Medicaid gives a specific amount to home care agencies that is then used to pay family caregivers. Rates can also vary by the home care agency, but most have a similar pay range. 

 

Family Caregiver AmeriBest

 

Choose a Supportive Home Care Agency; Choose AmeriBest Home Care 

Receiving compensation for supporting your relative can help relieve financial stress and allow you to fully enjoy the rewarding experience. But it is only part of the equation. Don’t choose a home care agency based on pay alone. 

It’s important to consider the training, development, and additional benefits provided by the company. AmeriBest Home Care understands the complexities and concerns of being a family caregiver. We work to empower and support family caregivers across Pennsylvania – equipping them with the resources, information, and skills they need to make paid family caregiving as easy a journey as possible. Reach out today to learn more about joining our team.

National Mental Health Month

Since 1949, May has been dubbed Mental Health Month. The goal of the designation is to reach out to people through various venues offering help and education. AmeriBest is a home care service agency in Harrisburg, PA. As part of our commitment, we work hand-in-hand with families who need assistance navigating the tumultuous waters of understanding mental health and finding effective solutions for their loved ones. 

The 2022 theme for Mental Health Month is “Back to the Basics.” After two years of living with the pandemic, many people find themselves feeling stressed, isolated, and uncertain about how to get back to some semblance of normal. This is doubly true for seniors whose support often had to remain separate due to social distancing. In-home caregiving services like those offered by AmeriBest, Harrisburg, filled some gaps by utilizing special protective uniforms so they could still be on the job.

Risks for Developing Mental Health Issues

When someone begins experiencing mental health issues, it probably has more than one root cause. Psychiatrists have created a list of risk factors for mental health. The more you have, the more likely you’re to experience one or more mental health conditions. 

  1. Genetics: Think of your genes like a map of how your entire body grows and functions. That includes the brain. So if there is a history of mental health in your family, you may have a genetic predisposition. For example, if either or both of your parents had an anxiety disorder, your risk of developing the same disorder can increase by 6 times as much at the top end. 
  1. Lifestyle: Your mom was right. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly. It’s god for your body and mind. Should you develop a mental health problem, these simple things become coping mechanisms and helpmates. 
  1. Social conditions: Where you live, work, and socialize all impact your quality of life. Individuals living in poverty, areas with high crime rates, and who have limited access to a healthy community environment illustrate more mental health problems. The amount of anxiety-centered conditions went up 20% because of isolation during Covid, for example. 
  2. Trauma: This is a big category. For example, someone in your life may have had a stroke or car accident that created limitations. That’s trauma as is the death of a loved one, being bullied for extended periods, racism, and experiencing a disaster up close and personal. 

The impact of trauma can remain with little notice until something triggers a memory. Then the world can come cascading down into a pool of tears and fears. Experiencing trauma as a child puts you at 1.3 times the risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood or senior years. 

How can You Help?

If you are a caregiver for someone with mental health problems, even part-time, there are things you can do to help them. The most important is companionship. Loneliness is a huge factor in someone developing depression, and depression can impact other aging issues including dementia. 

Motivation and intellectual activities go hand-in-hand with companionship. An idle mind is one prone to spiraling into negative thought-forms. When people are dealing with things like SAD there’s a tendency to want to simply give up. When you offer said person input at the right time and in the right way, it can make a huge improvement in their quality of life. 

Now, not everyone has the capacity to step into this type of role. There’s a lot of responsibility including paying attention to the signs that mental health is on the decline. That’s the time to reach out. Any organization participating in Mental Health Month can get you started with more tools and know-how. Alternatively (or consecutively) you can call AmeriBest’s Harrisburg, PA office at 717-545-2920 and talk to one of our professionals. 

One of the core principles of professional aid services is helping the entire family. People don’t realize that their personal mental health can be adversely impacted by a loved one’s struggles. Ours is a holistic approach. You can email us (info@ameribest.org) or use our online form for more information. 

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

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

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