Connect Home Health Care

11/01/2017

https://twitter.com/LHCGroupInc/status/925831448162074624

“Nov. is National Home Care and Hospice Month. Let's recognize and celebrate the professionals who provide home health and hospice services.”

11/01/2017

https://twitter.com/GetUSCovered?t=1&cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjc18y&refsrc=email&iid=807862efa2a94d2eb17f95b9897efade&uid=1359420253&nid=244+272699405

10/25/2017

Know the basics on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment to help as you battle the disease.

10/24/2017

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer risks, the value of screening and early detection, and treatment options available to women and men who are diagnosed with one of the many forms of breast cancer. More than 249,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year, and nearly 41,000 die from the disease.

Over the years, a loop of pink ribbon has come to symbolize breast cancer awareness, and today the image of a pink ribbon can be found emblazoned on thousands of products, from apparel to dishware to office supplies. But there's more to awareness than just wearing pink.

10/23/2017

Affordable in-home healthcare

04/22/2016

SUPPORT EARTH DAY
Reducing energy usage, minimizing plastic waste and using recycled materials.

Reduce equipment to reduce energy usage and environmental impact.
Reduce equipment to reduce office space footprint and air conditioning needs.
Reduce number of toner cartridge models needed to minimize plastic waste and landfill impact.

01/26/2016

7 Winter Storm Safety Tips for Seniors

During the winter months, ice, snow and cold temperatures can make life challenging for everyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses -- especially for seniors.

Here is some helpful advice for preventing common winter dangers that the elderly population faces.

Avoid Slipping on Ice
Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall. "Unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence for senior citizens, especially during the winter months," says Dr. Stanley Wang, a physician at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. Often these falls cause major injuries such as hip and wrist fractures, head trauma and major lacerations.

While younger people often recover relatively quickly from such injuries, older adults face complications, which Dr. Wang says are a leading cause of death from injury in men and women over the age of 65.

Make sure to wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles, and stay inside until the roads are clear. Replace a worn cane tip to making walking easier. Take off shoes as soon as you return indoors because often snow and ice attach to the soles and, once melted, can lead to slippery conditions inside.

To find out more, read our article on Preventing Senior Falls

Dress for Warmth
Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia -- a condition where the body temperature dips too low. According to the CDC, more than half of hypothermia-related deaths were of people over the age of 65.

So don't let indoor temperatures go too low and dress in layers. Going outside? Wear warm socks, a heavy coat, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. In very cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin. Use a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs.

Your body temperature should never dip below 95 degrees -- if it does get medical assistance immediately.

Fight Wintertime Depression
Because it can be difficult and dangerous to get around, many seniors have less contact with others during cold months. This can breed feelings of loneliness and isolation.

To help avoid these issues, family members can check in on seniors as often as possible; even a short, daily phone call can make a big difference. Seniors can also arrange a check-in system with neighbors and friends, where each person looks in on one or two others daily.

For more information on this topic, read our article on Getting Help with the Holiday Blues

Check the Car
Driving during the winter can be hazardous for anyone. But it is especially dangerous for older people, who may not drive as often anymore or whose reflexes may not be as quick as they once were. Get your car serviced before wintertime hits -- or ask a family member to bring it to a garage for you. Checking things like the oil, tires, battery and wipers can make a big difference on winter roads. Also make sure your AAA membership is up-to-date in case of emergencies.

Learn the Warning Signs a Senior Shouldn't Be Driving

Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have easy access to flashlights and a battery-powered radio in case the power goes out. Stockpile warm blankets. Longer power outages can spoil the food in your refrigerator and freezer so keep a supply of non-perishable foods that can be eaten cold on hand. If the power goes out, wear several layers of clothing, including a hat. Move around a lot to raise your body temperature. Check out this winter weather checklist from the CDC to make sure you have everything you may need.

Eat a Varied Diet
Because people spend more time indoors and may eat a smaller variety of foods, nutritional deficits -- especially Vitamin D deficiency -- can be a problem. Nicole Morrissey, a registered dietician in southwest Michigan, recommends consuming foods that are fortified with Vitamin D, such as milk, grains and seafood options like tuna and salmon.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Using a fireplace, gas heater or lanterns can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your safety by checking the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector and buying an updated one if you need to.

The most important tip to keep in mind during the colder months is to ask for help. If you need to clear your property of snow and ice, don't hesitate to ask a family member or neighbor, or hire a professional. Arrange rides to the grocery store and doctor's appointments. Many communities have shuttle services specifically for seniors. Don't be afraid to reach out for help.

Wintertime certainly poses challenges for seniors, but with a bit of planning and awareness, you will stay healthy and experience the joys of springtime soon enough.

12/17/2015

Holiday Health for Seniors:

11 tips for keeping older people healthy this holiday season.

While the holidays are a time of gatherings with family and friends, they can also be a source of stress, as exercise schedules might be disrupted for shopping excursions and rich holiday meals make it difficult to adhere to a particular diet. Staying healthy can be a challenge during this time of year, especially for seniors. Get a senior's caregiver involved to help manage expectations at this time of year.

To help seniors stay healthy during the holidays, reduce their stress and avoid the holiday blues, keep the following tips in mind:

Make Healthy Choices
From rich meals to tempting and tasty homemade snacks, the holidays are a time for many to indulge in food -- or overindulge. Try to plan meals with other events in mind.

For example, if a big dinner is planned for New Year's Eve, consider serving a lighter lunch of salad or soup. "You don't want to deny anyone of the food they like to eat at this time of year, but you don't want anyone to gorge themselves, either," Fuchs says.

Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is one way you can stay healthy during the holidays. "Senior citizens, especially, need to drink plenty of fluids, as not drinking enough water could cause hospitalization," Fuchs says. To make it easier to stay hydrated, have water easily accessible at home and keep bottled water in a purse or bag when running errands.

Follow Dietary Restrictions
Some seniors must follow special diets, such as one that is low in sodium. It can be difficult to adhere to a diet during busy, stressful times, especially if there aren't any healthy options available. "When people get stressed, they tend to overeat and don't stick to their diets," Golden says. To make it easier to follow dietary guidelines, keep healthy options like fresh-cut vegetables and fruit on hand.

Drink in Moderation
"Drinking too much can impair functions, and for some senior citizens, drinking alcohol with certain medications can have adverse side effects," Golden says. Consider offering fun, alcohol-free drinks so everyone can celebrate the holidays.

Keep Exercising
In many parts of the country, the holidays are synonymous with cold weather and snow. To stick to an exercise schedule, bundle up and invite your parents for a walk around the block if the sidewalks are dry. If it's snowing or icy outside, drive to an indoor shopping mall and walk a few laps while window-shopping.

For more information, read our article on Exercise and Fitness for Seniors ?

Shake up Traditions
Between cleaning the house and cooking for a crowd, hosting a big holiday meal can be a source of stress. If an older relative traditionally hosts a big holiday meal, consider passing the tradition on to the younger generation of family members. If the relative insists on hosting, Fuchs recommends younger family members volunteer to clean or prepare part of the meal.

Decrease Gifts
For many senior citizens, especially those on a fixed income, the holidays can be a financial challenge due to purchasing gifts for many family members. To reduce stress from paying for gifts, consider having a family grab bag, where everyone contributes one gift.

Rest after Traveling
For some senior citizens, the holidays are a time to travel long distances to visit family and friends. Whether they travel by car, rail or plane, keep in mind that an older relative might want to rest upon arrival. Golden suggested offering the options of watching television or taking a nap instead of planning a day of shopping and visiting.

Make Homes Accessible
If older relatives are visiting your home for the holidays, ensure your home is safe and accessible. "Be mindful of hazards in your home. For instance, someone with a cane could trip over area rugs," Fuchs advises. Consider having your relative sleep on the first floor of your home. If that's not possible, let them stay in a room close to the bathroom. In addition, use nightlights in the hallway so they don't stumble in the dark.

Take Breaks
Between parties and shopping, the holidays often involve busy days and late nights. If you are planning an all-day outing, carve some time for a nap or a way to relax for a bit, even if it is just to sip tea in a cafe. Little kids, seniors and everyone in between will appreciate it.

Stay Involved
Recognize that senior citizens still want to feel they are part of the holidays. For many, that may include helping out with holiday preparations. "It's fine to reduce senior citizens' stress by offering to hold the holiday event at your home instead of theirs, but still keep them involved by having them cook a favorite dish or maybe help decorate the home," Golden says.

With a few preventative measures and a willingness to change some traditions, senior citizens can stay healthy and follow their diets, while also having fun with their family members this holiday season.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a Chicago-based mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter and other words that end in "-er." Her work can be found here.

12/04/2015

Compassionate Senior Care Services
Connect Home Care provides trustworthy, kindhearted, senior home care services in your loved one's home. All CAREGivers are thoroughly screened, extensively trained, professional, and reliable. At Connect Home Care, it's about providing the highest-quality home care services to fit you and your family's needs.
Find care now: 703-920-1212

Connect Home Care offers quality and affordable in-home care services for any family member, including seniors, adults and children with disabilities. We are...

12/01/2015

December 1st is WORLD AIDS DAY.

World AIDS Day, designated on December 1 every year since 1988,[1] is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

World AIDS Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No To***co Day, World Malaria Day and World Hepatitis Day. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day.

An estimated 36.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide in which 1.2 million of these people are living with HIV in the United States, and 1 in 8 don’t know it.

As of 2013, AIDS has killed more than 36 million people worldwide (1981-2012), and an estimated 35.3 million people are living with HIV,[3] making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Despite recent improved access to anti-retroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claims an estimated 2 million lives each year, of which about 270,000 are children.

11/29/2015

Caring for the elderly in an aging world is our passion!