Strategies for Fall Prevention

Strategies for Fall Prevention

As we age, we become more prone to serious injuries from falling. In fact, data collected by the Medical Clinics of North America indicates one-third of people over 65 experience falls and the risk of falling increases as we age. Caregivers must pay close attention to fall risks and implement fall prevention strategies if necessary.

Families and caregivers can assist seniors with fall prevention by identifying possibly dangerous medication interactions. Consult with a local pharmacist or doctor to see how one drug may interact with another and if the combination can result in dizziness or loss of balance. Additionally, if a senior is weak or ill, caregivers should help them with activities like getting in and out of bed and using the bathroom. In terms of environmental changes, removing tripping hazards and installing grab bars in strategic locations enhances the safety of the surroundings.

 

Progressive Home Health Services, Inc. has been providing quality home health care services to the city of New York since 1985.  Visit us at www.phhs.com for more information about our home care services.

The Growing Home Care Industry

The Growing Home Care Industry

Recently, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released a jobs report demonstrating the continued rapid expansion of the home health care industry. In fact, the report claims that the industry accounts for almost a full third of all new health sector job creation for August 2013. In the U.S, the home care industry serves about 8.6 million patients ranging in all levels of care from primary care to hospice and palliative care. As part of this important industry, Progressive Home Care provides employment to the people of New York City.

The BLS report goes on to say that the home health care sector has strengthened America's economy by adding in excess of 90,000 jobs over the past 12 months. In August alone, the industry contributed 9,500 jobs out of a total 32,700 in the entire health-care economy. According to the report by 2020, the ranks of home health and personal care aides will have swelled by more than 1.3 million—a 70 percent increase from 2010. People from the large and aging baby-boomer generation continue to demand health care in the comfort of their own home as opposed to nursing or assisted living facilities, both of which can incur a high cost. If you would like to read more about the expected growth in the home care industry please see ABC News recent coverage on this topic.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/boom-predicted-home-care-industry/story?id=19015511

To read the full report from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics please see the link below:

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311011.htm

If you are interested or know someone who is interested in becoming a home health aide, please call us at Progressive Home Health Services, Inc. at 212-273-5500 or visit our website at www.phhs.com.

Financial Benefits of Home Care

As the American population gradually ages, more and more people will require assistance to carry out day-to-day activities. In fact, in the next four decades, the overall number of people 65 and older is projected to double from just over 40 million currently to more than 88 million. With the help of reputable companies like Progressive Home Care, the new population of senior citizens can remain in their homes longer maintaining their independence and saving on the high costs of health care.

When examining the costs of long term care, moving into a nursing home can cost roughly $75,000 per year. Those that choose to reside in an assisted living facility can expect to pay just under $40,000 annually. Compare that to hiring a home-health aide at the rate of $20 an hour, which comes to about $31,000 per year, if the aid is brought in five days a week for six hours per day. This is just one example of how much families can save with the home care option.

If you would like to learn more about the financial benefits of home care, please see the link below to the Joint Commissions’ informational brochure,” Home- The Best Place for Health Care”.

 http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Home_Care_position_paper_4_5_11.pdf

If you are considering Home Health Care for yourself or a loved one and would like to discuss your option, contact us at Progressive Home Health Services, Inc. at 212-273-5500 or visit us at www.phhs.com.

Home Care for Patients with Alzheimer’s

Home Care for Patients with Alzheimer’s

 How do you know when it’s time for home care?  This can be an extremely difficult question to answer.  However, there are some signs to look out for when determining when a person with dementia can no longer live independently.  If there are any drastic changes in mood, personal hygiene, social activity, daily routine, cleanliness of the house, payment of finances, or something more obvious like forgetting to turn off the stove, it may be time to start looking at care options.

Home health care can have tremendous benefits for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  Their home is a familiar and comfortable place where routines can be maintained or more easily shaped.  Home health care services typically include help with personal care, such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting.  Home care agencies can also provide help with meal preparation, household chores, and activity planning.  Nursing care — such as help with medications, wound care, and medical equipment — is also available, if needed.  The home health aide can provide daily physical and mental stimulation by playing games, going on walks, or assisting in travel to a senior center where a person with dementia may like to socialize.  If your loved one is currently in or decides to move to an assisted living facility, the home health aide can continue to provide services for your loved one at the facility.

If you have any questions regarding home care or other care options for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, kindly give us a call at Progressive Home Health Services, Inc. at 212-273-5500 or visit our website at www.phhs.com.

For more information on Alzheimer’s and care options please see the below helpful links:

http://www.alz.org/nyc/in_my_community_17493.asp

http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-in-home-health.asp

 

Why Work With A Home Care Agency?

Why Work With A Home Care Agency Over Hiring Your Home Health Aide Privately?

 

Assistance from a home health aide can help a loved one maintain their independence as well as their happiness by allowing them to remain in the comfort of their home. Home health aides provide a wide range of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, assisting with ambulation or transferring, toileting, feeding, and providing medication reminders. In addition, home health aides help with what professionals call, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as shopping, meal preparation, making medical appointments, transportation, laundry, and companionship.  Though paying privately can seem expensive, especially if your loved one needs around-the-clock care, hiring a home health aide that is not employed by a licensed or certified home care agency can lead to much greater expenses.

Tax Issues:

If you decided to privately hire a home health aide, you will need to pay Social Security, unemployment, and payroll taxes unless the home health aide can represent themselves as an independent contractor.  However, you will need to make sure that the home health aide truly is an independent contractor and therefore paying their own taxes.  If taxes are not being paid, then the financial responsibility falls on the employer.  These liabilities could include paying interest on back taxes, civil fines, and possibly criminal penalties.  We strongly suggest that you work with a lawyer to assure proper hiring practices with respect to federal tax laws.

Workers’ Compensation:

If the home health aide is injured on the job, the employer would be responsible for paying the workers’ compensation.  This can include the cost of all medical expenses and any disability payments that might become applicable.

Criminal Background Checks and References:

It is mandated by state law that New York State Licensed Home Care Service Agencies and Certified Home Health Agencies conduct criminal background checks as well as check personal and employment references.  This can help protect your family against fraud and other forms of elder abuse.

Nursing supervision:

Through the supervision of a registered nurse, agencies provide clear boundaries for the aides, letting them know which tasks they are and are not qualified to perform and which tasks can only be provided by a licensed professional.

Access to other aides and to a care coordinator:

If the relationship between the home health aide and the patient changes, perhaps due to the progression of a disease that affects cognitive abilities, the family has access to a care coordinator and replacement aides.  The care coordinator can help in assisting the family and the aide understand why these changes are occurring and discuss how the aide can meet the changing the needs of the patient.  If for some reason the current aide cannot help to meet these new needs, the agency can quickly provide a replacement aide.

If you would like more information about home care services and why working with an agency could be a better option for your family, contact us at Progressive Home Health Services, Inc. at 212-273-5500 or visit our website at www.phhs.com.

Todays Health News

Today in Health News studies are showing that the life expectancy of women age 50 and up is increasing. According to the study there are some common factors with those who lived longer:

• Kept healthy and avoided obesity
• Avoided Excessive Drinking
• Avoided Excessive Smoking

You can view the full article published by the NY Times in the below link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/03/health/life-expectancy-grows-for-women-age-50-and-up.html?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130903

In other news, Diana Nyad was the first women to swim without a shark cage from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida a total of 110 miles at the age of 64! Read the incredible full story in the below link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/03/sports/nyad-completes-cuba-to-florida-swim.html?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130903&_r=0

Stay Healthy!

The Many Benefits of Tomato

Good Afternoon All,

Tomato is one of the biggest selling fruits in the United States and qualifies as a "superfood" because of all its nutritional value. Please see below list of some of its benefits:




            Benefits of Tomato:

• Lycopene that boosts collagen in the skin
• Antioxidant
• Can improve vision
• Lowers risk of heart attack
• Can help prevent sunburns
• Boosts bone health 

 

 

 

 

So have some tomatoes in your salad today!

Super Foods of June

Good Morning Everyone

With the season changing we would like to talk about some of the seasonal beneficial fruits in stock at your local grocer. Some in-season produce for the month of June are:

• Plums- Rich in fiber and Vitamins A, C and K
• Papaya- Great antioxidant, Vitamins C and E, Good for your eyes and skin 
• Strawberries- Sodium-free, Fat-free, & Rich in antioxidants

These are just some of the seasonal fruits for the summer. Please see below link to the article recently published by The Huffington Post titled " In Season Produce: 5 of our favorite picks for June", for additional fruits and recipe ideas.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/03/in-season-june-superfoods_n_3361924.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular#slide=2509730

Have a fruit salad today!

Paying for Eldercare

Good Morning All,

Please see below link to an article recently published by Yahoo "Paying for Eldercare without losing your assets" regarding paying for Eldercare. The article addresses various finance options that you can consider for affording future care and getting the most out of your insurance.  http://finance.yahoo.com/news/paying-eldercare-without-losing-assets-113400812.html

 

Have a great weekend!

Your friends at Progressive Home Health Services

Healthy Spices

Good Morning All,

For some of us picky eaters it can sometimes be harder to incorporate healthier foods into your diet. So instead of completely substituting some foods why don't you try and spice them up with some healthy spices.

Did you know?

• Oregano contains vitamin K that helps build bones
• Cinnamon can help reduce risk factors of diabetes and heart disease
• Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds
• Cumin contains iron.

Those are only some of the healthy benefits spices can have, for more info on different healthy spices and ideas on how to incorporate them into your food, please see below article recently published by yahoo:
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/think-spice-8-spices-health-benefits-150700170.html

Hearing Loss

Good Morning Everyone,

Today I'd like to share some facts on hearing loss, as it is shown that the majority of hearing loss is cumulative over the years. It is surprising how every day noise can affect you down the line.

 

According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (asha.org)

"Listening to loud noise for long periods of time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. Noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually and painlessly. A single exposure to an extremely loud sound such as an explosion can cause a sudden loss of hearing". There are many more causes of hearing loss that include everyday loud noises such as blow dryers and lawn mowers. Long term exposure to these types of noises can cause permanent damage.

Please see below link to an article recently published by the NY Times on what causes hearing loss and ways you can prevent it:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/25/what-causes-hearing-loss/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130326



Importance of Sleep

Good Morning Everyone,

Today we would like to talk about the importance of a good nights sleep!

 



Not getting a good nights sleep (8 hours) can affect you in many ways. Lack of sleep can cause:

• Lowered concentration
• Depression
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Poor memory
• Can reduce the extent of growth
• Can affect your weight

A recent study was done on how sleeping can effect weight gain by Sleep researchers from the University of Colorado.
Please see below link to the article about this research published by the NY Times:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/lost-sleep-can-lead-to-weight-gain/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130319

Aronia Berries

Good Morning Everyone,

 Aronia berries are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S and can be found at your local grocer or easily ordered online. I found they are one of the most powerful berries packed with tons of nutrition!

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

      Benefits of Aronia Berries:

 

* Great source of antioxidants

* Fights against heart disease

* Helps digestion

* Can help strengthen memory

* Helps the body produce good cholesterol

To read more about this fruit use the below link to read recently published Yahoo article about the benefits of this superfruit!
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/aronia-berries--the-new-antioxidant-super-fruit-195008315.html



 

Air Purifying House Plants

Good Morning Everyone!

We are just getting past the cold and flu season so keeping the house clear of germs is important.

Did you know certain house plants help purify the air?

 

Some house plants such as the peace lily pictured above can remove toxins such as benzene, ammonia, acetone and many other harmful chemicals from the air.

 

To read more about the various different plants and their air purifying properties, please see below article published by Yahoo:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/stress/photos/healthiest-plants-your-home#0

 

 

Healthy diets make a difference!

Good Morning Everyone!

Having a diet full of healthy foods can really make a difference in your health and your life. Some of these benefits include weight loss, reduced stress, increased energy and many more. Having a healthy diet can also work as a preventative measure for many diseases.

In a recent study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine it was found that your diet can help prevent heart attacks! Please see below article published by Yahoo summarizing the findings:
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/diet-prevents-heart-attacks

So challenge yourself today to substitute some of your more unhealthy meals and snacks for something more beneficial! Feel free to browse through the blog to see our posts on beneficial foods!

National Senior Independence Month

Good Morning! 

Maintaining or regaining independence can have a huge effect on one's self esteem and mental health, which can, in turn, help maintain or improve one's physical health.

Here are just a few things to consider when trying to improve your Seniors living conditions and facilitate a more independent lifestyle:

1. Are open spaces wide enough to walk through and free of obstructions?
2. Can medications and necessary daily supplies be accessed without help?
3. Can doors and faucets be easily operated?

Feel free to share these tips and post your own ideas below.

Benefits of Chocolate!

Good Morning Everyone!

 

With Valentine's Day around the corner, we would like to share some healthy benefits of Chocolate!

 

 

Benefits of Chocolate:

• Reduces stress hormones
• Anti-inflammatory qualities
• Can improve blood vessel function
• Has natural Antioxidants

 

If you would like to read some more about the benefits of chocolate, please see below article published by clevlandclinic.org, of the various Heart Health benefits chocolate possesses:

 

 http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/chocolate.aspx

 



Surprising Benefits of Coffee!

Good Morning, hope you are all off to a good start of the week.

For those of us feeling guilty about having that extra cup of coffee this morning please see below list of some of it's benefits!

 

Flu Season!

Good Morning All!

 

It is cold and flu season everyone so make sure you are using precautions to help prevent getting sick!
 

 

 

 

If your already feeling under the weather, please see below article published by Yahoo on some immune boosting foods and snacks to help get you going again!

 

 "Fend Off the Flu! 6 Immune-Boosting Foods"

Now that we're in the midst of cold and flu season, every sneeze threatens to leave us cooped up in bed for weeks. Protect yourself (and your family) with these foods recognized for their immune-boosting powers. Plus, super-simple ways to eat them every day....

 

See the full article using the below link:

 http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/fend-off-flu-6-immune-boosting-foods-152700598.html



Eating More Vegetables

Good Morning All,

I'd like to start off this week by encouraging everyone to add more vegetables to your diet!

Eating vegetables can help lower your risk of many different diseases including heart disease and diabetes.

Check out the below excerpt from a article published by Yahoo/ABC News, about a Lower Heart Disease Risk for Vegetarians..Though we are all not vegetarians we can definitely benefit by making healthier choices.

Dr. William Abraham..

Abraham said he occasionally prescribes a vegetarian diet to patients who have already had heart attacks - but this study might persuade him to prescribe them preventively to patients with heart disease risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol...

Read the full article using the below link:

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/vegetarians-lower-heart-disease-risk-study-finds-110046252--abc-news-health.html

Foods with Healing Properties continued..

Good Morning All,

Today's healthy food is the Onion!

 

Benefits of Onions:

• Contains a natural antihistamine that reduces airway inflammation and helps relieve symptoms of allergies
• Can help with inflammation caused by arthritis
• Contains high levels of vitamin C
• Can help battle cold and flu symptoms
• The sulfides found in onions can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Can help prevent stomach cancer

So chop up some onions and add it to your dinner or salad today!

 

 

High Blood Pressure

Over the past couple of days we have been posting about foods with healing properties including many that help with high blood pressure and heart disease. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Check out the below article published by the New York Times titled "Keeping Blood Pressure in Check" regarding the importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

 

"Keeping Blood Pressure in Check" - N.Y Times

Since the start of the 21st century, Americans have made great progress in controlling high blood pressure, though it remains a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure and kidney disease. Now 48 percent of the more than 76 million adults with hypertension have it under control, up from 29 percent in 2000.But that means more than half, including many receiving treatment, have blood pressure that remains too high to be healthy...

View the full article online at:  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/28/keeping-blood-pressure-in-check/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130129

Foods with Healing Properties continued...

Good Morning All,

 

Today's healthy food is Broccoli!

 

 

 

 

Benefits of Broccoli:

• Can fight cancer by neutralizing carcinogens and accelerating their elimination from the body.
• Helps prevent lung and esophageal cancers
• Has over 7 nutrients that you need in your daily diet including vitamins A, K and C.

According to mealsmatter.org, by including broccoli in your diet regularly you may reduce and prevent ailments like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and it may help lower blood cholesterol.

 

 A simple side of broccoli sauteed in garlic and oil is a quick, tasty and healthy side dish.

So incorporate some Broccoli into your meal today!

Progressive Home Health Services!

 

Progressive provides top quality Home Health Care services to the five boroughs of New York City and to Westchester County. Our aides take care of over 3,000 New Yorkers daily. For more information, see www.phhs.com or call (212) 273-5500.

Food with Healing Properties continues..

Good Morning All, and Thank You for checking out our blog!

 

Continuing on with Foods with healing properties this week.. today's food is Guava!

 

 

 

Benefits of Guava:

 

• Contains more of the cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable!
• Helps fight the growth of breast cancer cells
• May protect you again coronary heart disease (Most common type of heart disease in the U.S)
• Can also help with high blood pressure and weight loss

 

So have a guava as a snack today, throw one in your juicer or blender for a healthy drink or smoothie!

Foods with Healing Properties continued..

Happy Friday All!

 

Today's healthy food is the Carrot!

 



 

 

Benefits of Carrots:

• Contains beta-carotene which can decrease the risk of cancers of the bladder, cervix, prostate, colon, larynx, esophagus and lungs.
• Can inhibit cardiovascular disease
• Stimulates the immune system
• Supports colon health and also ear and eye health
• Contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin C, and an incredible amount of vitamin A!

 

Have a great weekend everyone, and try to incorporate some of this weeks healthy foods into your recipes!

Foods with Healing Properties continued..

Good Morning Everyone!
Hope your day is off to a good start.

Today's healthy food is Watercress also known as Berro in Spanish.

Watercress is an ingredient that is used in a variety of Spanish dishes!

 

 

Benefits of Watercress:

• Contains 4X the calcium of 2% milk
• Is high in vitamins C, A and K
• Can protect against cancer and muscular degeneration
• Helps build your immune system
• Supports bone health

Foods with Healing Properties continued..

Good day all!

 

Todays healthy food is the Cherry!

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Benefits of Cherries:

• Reduces inflammation and can curb pain.
• Inhibits the growth of tumors and can even kill cancer cells, without damaging healthy cells.
• Can lower uric acid levels (good for those with gout).
  

Berries Lower Heart Attack Risk in Women!

Speaking of beneficial food, please see below article published by The New York Times..

Berries Lower Heart Attack Risk in Women!

Young women who eat plenty of blueberries and strawberries may have a reduced risk of heart attack, a new study has found. The reason, researchers believe, is that those fruits, like other red and blue fruits and vegetables, have high concentrations of anthocyanin, a flavonoid that may help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function.

View the full article on The New York Times website using the below link:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/21/berries-lower-heart-risk/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130122

Foods with Healing Properties

For the next couple of days we will be posting various foods and their healing properties, todays food is:

Kiwifruit!

 

 

Benefits of Kiwifruit:

 

•  Can help prevent against heart disease, stroke, cancer and respiratory disease.
•  Has bloodthinning properties, without the side effects of aspirin.
•  Promotes damaged cells to repair themselves.