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All Rights Reserved
National Handwashing Week is celebrated in the United States during the first full week of December. It is a time to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing and to teach people how to wash their hands effectively.
Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Germs can be found on all sorts of surfaces, including doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. When we touch these surfaces and then touch our eyes, nose, or mouth, we can transfer germs to our bodies and get sick.
Handwashing with soap and water removes germs from our hands and prevents them from spreading. It is especially important to wash our hands at certain times, such as:
To wash our hands effectively, we should follow these five steps:
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and others from getting sick. By following the five steps above, we can all help to keep our communities healthy.
In honor of National Handwashing Week 2023, here are some tips for teaching your children about the importance of handwashing:
By teaching your children about the importance of handwashing, you can help them to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Need more tips or assistance with your loved one? We are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
Each year on December 1, people worldwide recognize World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to remembering and raising awareness about the HIV and AIDS epidemic. We take part in this day to remember the lives lost since 1988 and raise awareness for help and support for those living with this condition.
The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, which makes 2023 the 35th anniversary year of this remembrance day. Each year has a specific theme, and this year’s theme is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.” Over the past 35 years, scientists and healthcare professionals have made significant advancements in the understanding and available treatments for this condition. Furthermore, this awareness day is also dedicated to helping to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.
World AIDS Day was first started in 1988 to help raise research funds and fight prejudice surrounding this condition. Since then, people all over the world have stood together to take part in this important day.
We offer supportive hospice care for individuals with advanced AIDS. Our hospice care services help patients with terminal illnesses live the rest of their lives in as much comfort as possible. Our hospice care services can meet a variety of needs for patients with advanced AIDS, which can help provide symptom and pain management.
During the last stages of AIDS, a person may experience night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Hospice care can provide personalized comfort and care during these final stages. In addition to physical support, hospice care can also provide spiritual and emotional support during this difficult time. We also provide additional support for family members and caregivers, as well as bereavement support.
If you or a loved one is living with AIDS, our team is here to help. Ask us about how our supportive and personalizable hospice care services can help provide support and enhance your quality of life. For all of our services, we take a team-oriented approach to provide the best care possible for you and your loved one. Contact us today to learn more.
National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this deadly disease. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. However, early detection and treatment can improve survival rates significantly.
Home health care can provide valuable support to people with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers. Home health aides can help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Home health nurses can provide skilled nursing care, such as wound care, pain management, and medication administration. They can also teach patients and caregivers about the disease and how to manage it at home.
Hospice is a type of care that focuses on providing comfort and support to people with terminal illnesses. Hospice can be provided at home, in a nursing home, or wherever the patient calls home.
Hospice care can help people with pancreatic cancer live their remaining time as comfortably and fully as possible. Hospice care can also provide support to caregivers during this difficult time.
If you are a patient with pancreatic cancer or a caregiver for someone with pancreatic cancer, please know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you, including compassionate hospice care in the place you call home. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today!
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are progressive diseases that eventually lead to end of life for those suffering. When your loved one reaches more challenging stages of dementia, hospice care is extremely valuable. Hospice is a specialized type of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients who are terminally ill—with a prognosis of six months or less if their disease runs its normal course.
Transitioning to hospice care can be a difficult decision, but it can also be a relief for both patients and caregivers. Hospice care can provide your loved one with the support and care they need during their final months of life. You do not need to wait until the very end to initiate hospice—which is a common misconception.
If your loved one does not have a Primary Care Physician, we can help you obtain an order for hospice care. The PCP will write an order to initiate hospice. This is step one.
Once you meet with us, you will be assigned a team of caregivers who will work with you to create a care plan for your loved one. The hospice team will include nurses, social workers, aides, and other professionals who are skilled in caring for people with dementia.
We will bring in all necessary supplies and durable medical equipment (DME) that your loved one will need to be safe and comfortable in the place they call home.
Our Hospice agency can provide a variety of services to help you and your loved one transition to hospice care. These services may include:
If you are considering hospice care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please contact us today. We make the process simple, letting you focus on what matters most!
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate the millions of Americans who provide unpaid care to their loved ones. Caregivers play a vital role in our society, helping people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and age-related impairments live their best lives.
Caregivers provide a wide range of services, from helping with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing to providing emotional support and companionship. They may also manage their loved one’s medications, transportation, and finances.
Caregiving can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Caregivers often report feeling a sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping their loved ones. However, caregiving can also be stressful and demanding, both physically and emotionally.
That’s why it’s important to recognize and support caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month and throughout the year. There are many ways to do this, such as:
Here are some of the ways that caregivers help those they love:
Caregivers can help their loved ones stay healthy by managing their medications, providing transportation to medical appointments, and helping them follow their doctor’s recommendations. Caregivers can also help their loved ones cope with stress and anxiety, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Caregivers can help their loved ones maintain their independence by assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. Caregivers can also help their loved ones stay connected with their community and participate in activities that they enjoy.
Caregivers offer their loved ones companionship and emotional support, which can be essential for their well-being. Caregivers can listen to their loved one’s concerns, offer advice and encouragement, and help them to feel loved and valued.
Caregivers are essential to our society, and they deserve our appreciation and support. During National Family Caregivers Month, let’s celebrate the caregivers in our lives and show them how much we care.
If you are a caregiver and would like to know more about the services we provide, please let us know. We would be happy to serve you and your loved one!
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently, but it eventually leads to severe cognitive impairment and death.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience.
Educate yourself about the disease.
The more you know about Alzheimer’s disease, the better equipped you will be to care for your loved one. There are many resources available online and in your community that can provide you with information and support.
People with Alzheimer’s disease are at risk of falls, wandering, and other accidents. It is important to create a safe and supportive environment for your loved one. This may involve removing tripping hazards, installing locks on doors, and using GPS tracking devices (such as medical alert bracelets or inserting Air Tag-like devices in shoes).
People with Alzheimer’s disease often thrive on routine. Establish a regular schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety. (Tip: use colorful plates to help make food easily identifiable).
Alzheimer’s disease can cause people to behave in ways that are frustrating and confusing. It is important to be patient and understanding. Remember that your loved one is not trying to be difficult. (Try not to raise your voice—rather, use a calming tone as much as possible).
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally demanding. It is important to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Make time for activities that you enjoy.
Even if your loved one cannot engage in conversations or activities like they used to, they still enjoy spending time with you. Make time to simply sit with your loved one, hold their hand, or listen to music together. (Music therapy has proven to be effective in calming/lessening anxiety + helps with activities such as reminiscing).
Tell your loved one that you love them and appreciate them. Let them know that you are there for them and will always support them.
Encourage your loved one to continue doing activities that they enjoy. Help them to stay connected with their loved ones and community.
No matter how small, celebrate your loved one’s accomplishments. This will help to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience. By following the tips above, you can provide your loved one with the care and support they need.
Life is a Journey. We are With You Every Step of The Way!
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you and your loved in the place they call home.
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early detection can be challenging because symptoms frequently do not present until the cancer is in the later stages. Adding to the early detection challenge is the lack of standardized screenings for average-risk individuals. Therefore, when symptoms appear or a tumor is found, cancer has frequently progressed to advanced stages.
As liver cancer progresses, the focus shifts from treatment to improving a patient’s quality and comfort of life. Therapies provided by home health care are critical in the early stages. However, in advanced diseases, hospice care support becomes indispensable. Combined, these supportive systems offer a lifeline for patients with liver cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of adult liver cancer. It usually occurs more frequently in males and those with chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis or viral hepatitis. Chronic alcohol misuse and prolonged cigarette smoking also rank high among the risk factors. If you have any of these risk factors, you fall into the high-risk category and should consult your healthcare team regarding potential screening options.
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent liver cancer, it’s best to curb high-risk behaviors. This includes refraining from cigarette smoking, avoiding unprotected sex, and not sharing used needles, as these measures are essential for overall health, well-being, and cancer prevention. Understanding the risk factors, recognizing potential symptoms, and implementing preventative measures can all assist with early detection and possible prevention.
Home health care offers a variety of customized services for patients with liver cancer and other types of cancer. Whether patients are undergoing treatment, recovering, or requiring additional assistance, home health care provides the support needed. Most patients find solace in familiar surroundings. In the comfort of home, patients can focus on healing while surrounded by skilled care.
When considering home health, it is important to understand the multidisciplinary support behind it. This includes the dedicated involvement of RNs, medical assistants, personal aids, social workers, therapists, and even companions. They all have a shared goal to improve the patient’s condition, avoid complications and limit hospital readmissions.
Home health agencies provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of those who require in-home care. Among these services are medication and pain management. Assistance with medication is especially important for people with liver cancer who frequently experience discomfort. Licensed home healthcare professionals are skilled in administering medications, recommending exercises, and introducing other pain-management techniques.
In addition to medication support, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is essential in supporting daily activities. They can assist with personal care, hygiene, and even light household duties, including meal preparation.
Another key component of home health care is education. Home health care professionals aim to inform patients and families about the disease process and care protocols. This fosters an environment where everyone stays informed and proactive in the patient’s care.
Lastly, physical therapy services can be provided. These services aim at optimizing mobility and improving the patient’s overall health and well-being.
Many people choose hospice care as they approach the advanced stages of liver cancer, especially when treatments aimed to cure the disease are no longer viable. Contrary to popular belief, hospice care isn’t reserved solely for the immediate end-of-life phase. Medicare provides coverage for hospice care for patients who are expected to live six months or less. Many caregivers say they regret not seeking hospice care sooner after discovering the immense comfort and support it provides the patient and family. Hospice care, whether offered at home or in an institution, encompasses a holistic approach to patient care. One primary goal of hospice care is symptom management.
Patients with liver cancer often experience pain, nausea, and other discomforts. To address this, hospice teams comprising doctors, nurses, and other professionals ensure these symptoms are kept at bay through medication and holistic approaches. Physical, emotional, and psychological well-being are also prioritized alongside symptom management. The gravity of a terminal diagnosis can be overwhelming. Hospice ensures that patients and their families receive ample counseling and emotional support, navigating them through the situation’s complexities. Many hospice programs offer spiritual guidance and support for those who find solace in spirituality, ensuring that patients find peace in their final days.
Liver cancer is multifaceted, presenting physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. While medical advancements offer avenues for early detection and treatments, the combined efforts of home health and hospice care provide patients and families unparalleled support. These services are available every step of the journey, from the moments of early diagnosis to the quiet reflections of life’s final chapter.
Patients and families aren’t alone in the face of liver cancer; they are supported by dedicated professionals ready to assist, guide, and comfort. Through comprehensive care and genuine compassion, we can ensure that those affected by this disease find solace and strength, surrounded by love and expertise.
Our chaplains provide exceptional spiritual support to our patients and staff. Chaplains are a vital member of our interdisciplinary team, and especially during Clergy and Chaplain Awareness Month, we would like to take the time to express our gratitude for the work they do every day.
Our chaplains work hard to meet our patients and their loved ones where they are, and they work diligently to address their spiritual concerns. While providing ministry, our chaplains also help soothe spiritual fears, assist patients and their loved ones with difficult spiritual questions, and ensure the proper supports are in place to make any transition of life easier. Our chaplains also aid in planning end-of-life care services, mediating conflicts, offering counsel and more.
Our chaplains serve a diverse community of people and go above and beyond in their efforts to advocate for each patient. Chaplains ensure spiritual needs are being addressed and recognized in their ongoing care. Our chaplains respect all spiritual beliefs and do their best to address any needs or concerns each person may bring forth.
Our chaplains are a great force of strength and it’s admirable how they continue to hold space for every individual they encounter on the job.
We thank you for always responding with compassion and providing exceptional service to our patients, their loved ones, and to the staff of the facilities we serve. We thank you for your determination to show up for others to help provide comfort and ease worried minds. We thank you for being a wonderful source of wisdom and incredible demonstration of strength. We thank you for holding space for the grief of our patients, staff, and their loved ones. Thank you for your counsel, your kindness, and for the respect you show each individual you encounter on the job.
You are valued, appreciated, and celebrated!