Eden Health of Idaho Falls

08/09/2025

Last week, we began introductions to our over 20 different locations. We all share our core values of integrity, dedication and empathy, but at the end of the day, our Agencies are shaped by the communities they serve. This week, we're introducing you to our Eden Health of Spokane team! 🎭💃

You can rest assured that it will be your neighbors who will be there to lend a helping hand post-surgery or at end-of-life.

08/07/2025

August is dedicated to spreading awareness about vaccinations. Keeping up with immunizations are vital for patients, particularly because they are more vulnerable to illnesses like the flu.

Being consistent with vaccines can prevent hospitalizations, reduce medical expenses, and keep the focus on recovering from surgery or managing chronic illness. Home care caregivers can help you stay on schedule for these vaccine appointments. ⏰💉

08/06/2025

Eden Home Health of Nevada congratulates Jenni Jones on a whopping 25 years of dedicated service! Her hard work and commitment are truly appreciated! 🎉 🥳

08/05/2025

Thank you, Scott, for sharing your experience with Eden Home Health of Oregon City! ✨

08/04/2025

Eden Health of Wyoming is up for Best of the Best again for Wyoming this year! We'd be honored for your vote in these categories:

➡️ Home Health Care Services in Beauty & Health
➡️ Hospice in Beauty & Health
➡️ John Paulus, DO in Beauty & Health - People
➡️ Kris Martino, FNP in Beauty & Health - People
➡️ Place to Work in Top Employer

You can vote daily from now until August 15, 2025 at https://bit.ly/3J1ygKM 🏅

08/02/2025

While all of Eden Health's Agencies share core values of integrity, dedication and empathy, our Agencies are shaped by the communities they serve. This week, we’re introducing you to our Eden Health of North Idaho team! ⛰️ ❄️

You can rest assured that it will be your neighbors who will be there to lend a helping hand post-surgery or at end-of-life.

07/31/2025

We had so much fun breaking a sweat with the residents at Fields Senior Living. Thank you for having us! 🤸‍♀️🤸🤸‍♂️

07/31/2025

🥇 ✨ A HUGE congratulations to Eden Health of Bellingham for achieving The Bellingham Herald's 2025 Cascades Best Award! We are honored by the recognition and look forward to continuing our gold-standard service to the Bellingham community.

07/30/2025

We had such a great time at Fields Senior Living earlier this month! 🥰

07/30/2025

Congratulations to Eden Home Care of North Idaho's Erica Barcklay for achieving Employee of the Month for July! 🙌 🥳

Erica pours her heart into her clients, is incredibly kind and dependable, and consistently provides compassionate, high-quality care. Her clients absolutely adore her, and we hear nothing but glowing feedback from our partners.

If you see her out in the field, be sure to give her a big congratulations—this recognition is well-deserved!

07/30/2025

Congratulations, Stephanie!

07/29/2025

Thank you, C, for sharing your experience with Eden Home Health of Sandpoint! ✨

07/22/2025

07/22/2025

Many factors influence healthy aging. Some factors we have no control over such as genetics, but other factors we can control. Things like exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, having regular doctor visits, and caring for our mental health are all super influential factors that are completely within our control.

Mental health (mental wellness) is essential to overall health and quality of life. It directly impacts how we feel, think, act, make choices, and relate to others. Managing the things that affect our mental health (social isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and mood) with medical, and self-care is essential to healthy aging (NIH, 2022).

Social Isolation & Loneliness:
As people age, changes in eyesight, hearing, memory loss, mobility, disability, and loss of family and friends can make it difficult to maintain social connections leaving seniors isolated and alone.

Loneliness and Social Isolation are not the same thing. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated, while isolation is the lack of social contacts and having limited regular interactions. Several recent studies show that older adults who are socially isolated or lonely are more susceptible to increased heart issues, depression, or cognitive decline.
• A study of more than 8000 older adults (65+) showed that showed that loneliness is linked to faster cognitive 🧠 decline (Donovan, et al., 2017).
• A study of 11,000 older adults (70+) in 2021 showed that loneliness is linked to greater risks for heart 🫀 diseases (Hu, et al., 2021)
• Another study showed that older adults without supportive social systems suffer from more chronic respiratory 🫁 conditions and depressive disorders compared to older adults with supportive social systems (NIH, 2022).

Did you know that homecare agencies can help seniors bridge that gap that leaves them feeling lonely and isolated? We provide needed companionship, and also transportation to doctor visits and other community activities assisting with those social connections. Reach out to one of us in the Home Care office at Eden Health of Idaho Falls and ask about this and the many more ways we can assist with aging with health and safety in your own home.

07/21/2025

Sounds like lots of Fun for a great cause!

07/21/2025

1 in 4 older adults report falling each year resulting in nearly 37 million falls. Falls can result in serious injuries like broken bones, head or brain injuries, or even death. Falls are not a natural part of aging though, and they can be prevented.

The CDC has a program called STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) which is in part directed at helping prevent falls. There are 6 steps that are recommended beginning with
1: finding exercise programs to improve strength and balance. Programs like Fit and Fall Proof focus on strength, which improves balance.
2: Stay safe, healthy, and Independent with steps as simple as making sure you're wearing the right shoes. Talk with a podiatrist or other footwear specialist to ensure your shoes have a proper fit and good traction.
3: Review all your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, including vitamins and minerals, prescription medications, and all other nonprescription things you take to make sure there are no counteractions, doses, or medication that may make you dizzy, sleepy, or weak. The way the body processes medication changes as we age and can result in side effects that were not previously there.
4: Getting an annual eye exam can find and help fix issues before they become problematic, e.g. glaucoma and cataracts.
5: Make your home safer. The CDC has a home safety check list and we at Eden Health Home Care have others that can be used to make sure your home is as safe as possible. As part of the admissions process and regular care plan evaluation, we do a home safety assessment for each client. Some safety items we look for and can help provide our clients include nonslip mats, bathroom handrails, and toilet risers.
6: Talk to your healthcare provider! If you feel unsteady, have recently had a fall, or are worried about having a fall ~ Bring it up! you may be at increased risk and now is the time to get help before a fall results in an injury.

The most important thing to remember is FALLS ARE PREVENTABLE! Aging can be safely done, and you don't have to do it alone.

More information of the CDC STEADI program
https://www.cdc.gov/still-going-strong/older-adults/index.html
&
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi

Stay safe and Stay Steadi my friends!

07/17/2025

Eating Heart Healthy, Part 4 ~ Grains
The foods you eat every day have a big impact on your heart disease risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.

When it comes to grains, older adults should focus their diet on whole grains versus refined grains.
• Whole grains are rich in fiber and phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support health.
• Dried grains are a handy option that provide a base for easy, heart-healthy meals.

Some risks of not getting enough whole grains in our diet include:
• Constipation, bloat, and gastrointestinal distress.
Increased risk of obesity and diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.
• Higher risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation and diverticulosis.
• Nutrient deficiencies, anemia, weak bones, and poor immune function.

Stock your pantry with affordable staples like brown rice, barley, millet, oats, and whole-wheat pasta. There are plenty of choices. I’ve even seen whole wheat pizza dough/ready-made crusts in stores allowing you to make a healthier version of many people's favorite food.

07/16/2025

Eating Heart Healthy
PART 3: Dairy

Dairy is a largely under consumed food group among the elderly. Approximately 90% of adults do not consume the daily recommended amount of Dairy. Some barriers to the appropriate consumption include concern over spoilage before use, lactose intolerance and sensitivity, and simply passive avoidance.

“Increased dairy consumption among all populations can positively contribute to improved diet quality and nutrition equity — availability, accessible, and affordability — goals that support enhanced health for all Americans” (National Milk Producers Federation, 2024).

Though lactose intolerance and sensitivity are a significant reason reported for the under consumption of the RDA of dairy products, nearly two thirds of Americans report that they have never tried lactose free milk (64%), lactose free flavored milk (76%), or other lactose free dairy products (68%), (National Milk Producers Federation, 2024).

Education and outreach efforts tailored to increase awareness and availability of lactose-free dairy foods and beverages, in addition to emphasizing dairy’s benefits beyond bone health for everyone, present new opportunities,” As health care professionals, we can promote all the education available on the lactose free dairy options, but when it comes to the affordability of those products, it will require all of us taking a stand and raising our voices to change pricing methods. The benefits of dairy products are vitally important to all, but especially for our aging population. The lactose free options should be as economically feasible as the other options to keep the aging population as healthy as possible.

If you’d like further information on who to contact to ‘voice your opinion’ on those prices, you can always reach out to us at Eden Health in the Home Care office.

Joseph, M. (2025, June 18th) 27 Types of Dairy Products: An A to Z Guide. Nutrition Advance. https:// www.nutritionadvance.com/dairy-products/ -con-11

National Milk Producers Federation. (2024, May 2). Survey shows clear need for better education on dairy products and their benefits. Wisconsin State Farmer. https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2024/05/21/why-do-some-americans-lack-adequate-dairy-nutrition/73782445007/

07/15/2025

Eating Heart Healthy ~ Part 2: Proteins

Maintaining independence, quality of life, and health are fundamentally important for aging and elderly adults. As we age, protein, often called the building block of life, becomes more vital. During the aging process our bodies naturally lose muscle mass. Without enough protein and regular movement, this loss of muscle mass leads to weakness, increased fall risks, and slower recovery from injury and illness. Our protein intake also supports bone health, boosts immunity function, helps maintain energy levels and a healthy weight.

The amount of protein each individual needs daily varies depending on several factors including weight, activity level, and other health conditions. Older adults need more protein than the RDA (recommended daily allowance) to maintain muscle strength and functionality. The proper amount should be discussed with your medical provider. Getting enough protein daily can be challenging, especially for older adults who may find it difficult to cook regularly. Programs like Meals on Wheels help by delivering balanced, protein rich meals that support strength, energy, and well-being. At Eden Health – Home Care, nutritious meal planning, prep, and eating assistance are also major components of almost all of our clients’ care plans. If you have questions or are just curious wondering how we can help you or a loved one have nutritiously balanced meals on a scheduled basis, reach out to us at Eden Health Home Care and see if we can help, or maybe just point you in the direction of programs that can.

07/14/2025

Eating Heart Healthy: Part one, fruits and veggies. . .
Nutritious foods can be expensive, making eating right and heart healthy that much more complicated for older adults on low or fixed incomes.

Vegetables: Your first 2 cups of vegetables should be lower-calorie veggies like cucumber, celery, broccoli, arugula, and eggplant.
 A cup of veggies is approximately 10 broccoli florets
Fruits: Your first 1.5 cups of fruits should focus on low calorie fruits like grapefruit, strawberries, cantaloupe, and watermelon.
 A cup of fruit is equal to about 8 medium strawberries.

Tips to save when buying fresh produce.

Buy In Season: strawberries and blue berries are often cheaper in the spring while apples are cheaper in the fall.

Buy Frozen or Canned: Frozen and canned veggies and fruits often have the same nutrients as fresh produce but typically costs much less. Frozen~ chose plain fruits and vegetables with no sugar added. Canned~ chose varieties with key words like ’lower sodium’ or ‘no salt added’,

Focus on Less Expensive Options: Cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and bok choy are generally the least expensive vegetables, while broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and green beans are high in fiber, another important nutrient for older adults.

Avoid Prechopped Fresh Produce: While prechopped fresh produce has all the same nutrients as fruits and veggies in their natural form, you’ll have to pay a premium price for the convenience. Buy the produce in whole natural form and chop it yourself saving that extra cost.

Who doesn't love cost saving advice right? As for a secondary link for this information to Eden Health, there is also the individual care plan.

At Eden Health Home Care, making sure our clients get healthy nutritious meals is one of our goals, whether that involves meal planning, or prep, or just cutting the food into bite size pieces, no one goes hungry on our watch, and no one should have to eat alone if they don't want to. We can also simply provide companionship which I often find can just make food taste better.

Reach out to us in the Home Care office at Eden Health and see what other ways we can help you or your loved one age better at home.

Tomorrow we will look at Proteins.

07/11/2025

I laid in bed this morning calculating exactly how many minutes it would take me to get ready for work, feed the cats, and then drive to town. It came out to 37 minutes, and I did not get up one minute earlier than I had to. Because it is on my mind, and because it is so important, today's topic is Sleep. The resource for today's information comes from the National Council on Aging.

Molony, S (2025, May 25). ‘May’ You Sleep Better For Health and Longevity. NCO. https://www.ncoa.org/article/may-you-sleep-better-for-health-and-longevity/

07/10/2025

Don't Forget! This Saturday is the weekly Walk With a Doc!
Saturday 9am
Community Park
455 E. 25th St.
Idaho Falls, Id 83404
(Starts with a short talk under the shelter)

07/10/2025

At Eden Health, we are proud of the services we offer. The main goal of all our services is to help our friends and family remain in their own homes for as long as possible. We understand the importance of what we do, but we think how we do it is even more important. We listen, we build relationships, and we go out of our way to create meaningful experiences throughout our relationships of care. The Idaho Commission on Aging https://aging.idaho.gov/stay-at-home/ has some great information on ways to maintain your independence and stay at home. I’ve included some of their tips.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with retaining the independence to stay healthy and safe in your own home, reach out to us at Eden Health Home Care and learn how our team can help.

07/09/2025

Did you know that studies show only 30% of the characteristics associated with aging are controlled by genetics? That means 70% of the way we age is impacted and controlled by the lifestyle choices we make. What does this have to do with a Home Care agency you ask? At Eden Health, we provide a holistic approach to aging. We create personalized care plans for each resident, recognizing the way lifestyle choices impact and influence the aging process and addressing not just the client's physical health, but also their emotional, social, and mental wellbeing. We provide family and caregiver education on the impacts of lifestyle, and we provide access to community programs that promote healthy aging. Are you curious yet? Give one of us a call at Eden Health Home Care and lets talk about how we can be a healthy lifestyle choice in that aging process for you or a loved one.