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Avoiding Falls is a Balancing Act!

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

One in three seniors will fall each year. One in five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. In fact, 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling.

It is time to get serious about the significant impact of falls and educate seniors about the steps they can take to avoid a fall. Prevention is critical because falling once doubles a a person’s chances of falling again. That is the goal of this education tool – to inform seniors about the factors that put them at risk and encourage them to take important steps to precent falls and related injuries.

Dr. Jane Mahoney, Professor of Geriatrics at the UW – Madison, recommends a regular exercise program to improve balance. With this tool we have outlined three simple balance exercises on the back of the card to get a senior started on a simple program they can do at home with a chair. Of course, everyone should consult their doctor before starting any exercise program.

If you would like more information, please give our office a call at 844-543-3546.

Being Older Does Not Mean Being Depressed!

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that elderly depression is not only widespread, but a “serious public health concern.”

Depression is not a normal part of aging. However, older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing depression. The condition often is misdiagnosed or undertreated. Health care providers may mistake symptoms of depression as just a natural reaction to illness or the life style changes that come with age. Older adults themselves share the same beliefs and are reluctant to ask for help.

The good news is that senior depression can be treated and with the right support, treatment, and home care strategies, seniors feel better and live a happy and vibrant life. A home aide can provide encouragement, and a personal connection to help a senior overcome depression. The companionship that our caregivers provide is priceless!

In fact, studies show that elders who have a support system are more likely to recover from a depressive episode than those who are isolated. If you would like more information, please give our office a call at 844-543-3546.

Emergency Department Visits Are Rising!

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

Despite CMS efforts to reduce hospitalizations, the number of emergency room visits among seniors are rising. The CDC report highlighted that the number of seniors who end up in an ER will continue to rise as the population continues to age. Given that the fastest growing age group in the country is 80+ year olds, the statistics are alarming!

Homecare is a valuable solution to help reduce hospitalizations. As adults get older, having help at home can help minimize many of the risks that lead to hospitalizations. With a wide range of services, home care can help seniors remain safe, healthy, and independent. If you would like more information, please give our office a call at 844-543-3546.

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. As our senior population continues to grow, the number of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias will continue to rise. In fact, it is expected that the number of people with Alzheimer’s Disease will double by 2030!

While the world still searches for a cure, help us spread awareness and remember to watch for early signs and symptoms in your loved ones! We created this informational poster to make it easier to recognize the early warning signs and react by seeking medical support. The more people who know about Alzheimer’s, the more action we can inspire. Until there is a cure, there is care! We have seen an increase in calls from families looking for care for their loved one suffering with dementia. Dementia care can prolong a person’s ability to stay home and provide the families with needed peace of mind!

For more information, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LifelineHomecare

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The Great Reset in Senior Care

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

In Healthcare industry news we are seeing daily reports of organizations launching home-based care programs. We’re seeing Hospital at Home, SNF at Home, and Mayo Clinic launched an advanced care at home model as an example.

The reality is that payors, health care organizations, and senior advocates are looking for new and creative ways to keep seniors at home with the care and services they need. Luckily we have been specializing in this type of care for over 30 years!

Policymakers recognize the growing demand and are rethinking how we deliver care to seniors. Spiking hospitalizations and readmission rates are causing healthcare costs to surge. Keeping patients at home is the goal of everyone. In fact, expanding home and community-based services is part of the legislative package that was passed on November 19, 2021, as part of the Build Back Better Act.

Home care services are an integral part of any home-based care model. Researchers have found more than 90% of hospital readmissions can be traced to non-clinical factors, such as having insufficient support for day-to-day functional needs after a patient is discharged home.

This article outlines how we can all work together to, “Build Back Better for Seniors!” We would love to talk to you in more detail about how our home care services can help you and your family reduce hospitalizations and improve outcomes for your loved ones. For more information, please give our office a call at 844-543-3546.

Parkinson’s Disease Resources

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. We always like to share helpful information to support patients and their families. We created this resource guide for people with PD and their families as part of our TULIP campaign.

Anyone with a chronic disease like PD can use all the help they can get. We compiled a list of agencies to support and direct patients and/or their families as they walk through their journey.

Parkinson’s is a challenging progressive neurological condition that impairs a person’s movement and, in advanced stages, requires full-time care. We provide Parkinson’s Care at Home which focuses on ensuring that clients get their medication on time every time and have the help they need with ADLs to avoid falls.

Many people with PD complain of changes in their thinking and mental abilities, difficulties when decision making, planning activities, and problem-solving. Our caregivers are trained in Parkinson’s related dementia and are familiar with dementia care techniques.

For more information, please give our office a call at 844-543-3546.

“If I Could Turn Back Time”

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

Senior isolation during the pandemic reached an all-time high. There are many articles suggesting that isolation, loneliness, and depression have become major health concerns among the senior population.

In addition to loneliness, ER visits within this age group are also on the rise. The CDC reports a yearly average of 29 million ER visits by patients 60 and over. Their data shows that the risk of hospitalizations increases with age and chronic conditions.

Unfortunately, we can’t turn back time, but our home care services can lift a person’s spirit and help oversee their health and wellbeing! Caregivers are trained to assist seniors in the activities that keep patients safe at home. Two of the main causes of hospitalizations are falls and poor management of their medical condition, including medication management. These are important tasks that are satisfied with home care.

Making a difference in a senior’s life is the goal of every caregiver. That’s why they chose this line of work. Over the years, we have seen incredible friendships develop. As care managers, it is our job to assess the client’s needs and ensure that the care plan addresses exactly what tasks need to be accomplished each visit, and what risks the caregiver should avoid. We always like to get family feedback too to ensure that we’re not missing anything. It is a team effort, and communication is key.

For more information, please call our office at 844-543-3546.

Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

April is Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Awareness Month. A red tulip is the symbol for Parkinson’s Disease. As with many other chronic conditions, Parkinson’s is on the rise in the United States. There are about 60,000 people diagnosed each year with this life-changing disease, and it is expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years! Many people with PD struggle with everyday tasks and rely on the help of a loved one. With the caregiver in mind, we created this bookmark outlining the care strategies titled, “TULIPS.”

We always believe that knowledge leads to better care! We are hoping this image will encourage caregivers and guide their efforts to do the best they can for their loved ones. It also helps us raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease! The TULIPS care strategies remind us that patience is important when we are working with someone with PD. Also, ensuring that patients take their medications on time, every time is critical!

Over the years we have cared for many people with this disease, and we would be happy to provide care to you or your loved one as well! We incorporate these strategies into the care plan and educate families as well on TULIPS. Need more information? Visit us on Facebook or give us a call at 844-543-3546!

https://www.facebook.com/LifelineHomecare

Everyone needs a cheerleader!

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

Stroke recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. For every story of recovery, there is a story of support! Our caregivers do an incredible job of providing the patience and encouragement that is so necessary to a stroke survivor’s success. Some clients need more help than others, but everyone needs a cheerleader, and that is where our caregivers shine! This flyer lays out the many services we provide to support someone who is still recovering from a stroke or trying to cope with the lasting effects. No two people are the same, and everyone has specific needs that we take into consideration when we create a client’s care plan. Need more information? Give us a call at 844-543-3546!

What does the future of Long-Term Care look like?

Posted on | by Anthony Rogers

When we consider long-term care, we typically think of institutional care for seniors. Thankfully, times have changed! As we shift towards the future more healthcare providers are leaning towards a home-based care delivery model. In fact, the Home Care Act of 2021 recommends getting seniors home with the services they need to keep them safe and happy. When it comes to long-term care, most of the need centers around basic ADLs such as dressing, and personal hygiene. Homecare can meet these needs, this is what we specialize in! Do you have a family member that will be transitioning back into the home soon? Give our office a call at 844-543-3546 so that we can give your loved one the smoothest transition possible!