Month: November 2023

Interconnected Health: Unveiling Patterns in Family Health History

Senior In-Home Care Services Allentown PA

November 23 is National Family Health History Day. It’s an ideal time to think about your family history and health screening needs. Dive into your family history to get a better grasp on your health needs if you see your family for the holidays. Find out what diseases run in your family. Determine the lifestyle changes you must adopt to maintain wellness. AmeriBest Home Care offers senior in-home care services in Allentown, PA, and we are here for you if you’re looking for reliable, top-rated home care in the area.

How Genetics Affect Health

Family history is one of the most common disease risk factors. It contributes to autoimmune disorders, heart disease, cancer, and mental illness.

People inherit health risks from their families in two ways. Inherited genetics can affect a person’s tendency towards a specific disease.

Environmental factors also come into play. For example, a mentally unwell mother may be unable to care for her children, increasing their risk of anxiety and depression.

Parents can also raise their children in unhealthy environments by giving them junk food and not teaching proper hygiene. These children may adopt these bad habits and grow up unhealthily.

How to Honor National Family Health History Day

National Family Health History Day intentionally falls near Thanksgiving. It’s an ideal opportunity for families to discuss their health conditions and needs. They can make the day more eventful by:

Drawing a Genealogy Tree: Grab some colorful pens and poster board. Create a family tree that outlines your family’s health history. Encourage seniors to provide background knowledge. The kids can have fun creating a vibrant design.

Create Binders: Family members may create binders that outline their health history. It may include medical records, prescriptions, and internet resources. It can be a valuable tool for family members and health providers.

Share Health Concerns: Ask families to write health concerns and questions in advance. When you get together on National Family Health Day, you can review the questions and have lively discussions. Encourage everyone to participate, even the little ones.

Senior in Home Care Services in Allentown PA

If genetic conditions run in your family, you must take precautions to keep them under control. Go to routine screenings and follow a plan that minimizes the risk. Talk to your doctor to create a health plan that works for you, while professional Allentown caregivers will ensure your loved one follows their recommended health routines and screenings.

AmeriBest Home Care is a top provider of senior in-home care services in Allentown PA. We offer various non-medical services, including light housekeeping, medication management, transportation, and more. We also provide training so loved ones can earn money caring for their relatives, offering the very best in-home care services one can provide!

Taking Charge of Your Health: Empowerment in American Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a disease that negatively affects the quality of life. November is National Diabetes Month. It’s a time to think about what you can do to promote a healthy lifestyle. With senior care in Harrisburg PA, local residents can decrease their diabetes risk by knowing the signs, risk factors, and properly monitoring their health at home.

What is Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It causes a deficiency of insulin. As a result, glucose cannot enter the cells and provide a person with the energy they require.

In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. For type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but cannot use it effectively. In time, the insulin demand will be greater than the pancreas’s ability to create insulin. It will result in an insulin deficiency.

How to Honor American Diabetes Month

American Diabetes Month is a great time to think about your health and the health of others. You can honor it by:

Engaging in activities that reduce the risk of diabetes, such as exercise and healthy eating.
Sharing stories, health tips, and educational resources on social media to raise awareness.
Donating to the American Diabetes Association and other organizations that help prevent and offer diabetes treatment.
Attending ADM Events- The ADM offers several online events that educate people on diabetes.

How Senior Care in Harrisburg PA Reduces Diabetes Risk

Type 1 diabetes starts in childhood. But type 2 diabetes, the more common type, develops in adulthood. And the risk increases with age.

Endocrine Society statistics show that 33% of adults 65 or over have diabetes.

Diabetes risk can be reduced with senior care. Harrisburg PA seniors can hire a home aide to help them follow a healthy menu. The caregiver will also encourage them to exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Weight management is essential in diabetes prevention. The more excess weight you have, the more resistant your tissue cells and muscles are to insulin. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of diabetes.

A caregiver can also help seniors who already have diabetes. They will ensure they follow a diet that keeps diabetes under control, helping them maintain a healthy weight, and reminding them to take their medications.

AmeriBest Offers Home Care in Harrisburg PA

AmeriBest does its part by providing non-medical home care to seniors and the disabled. We can help with medication management, ensure your loved one follows a healthy dietary and exercise routine, or even provide transportation assistance for doctor visits.

Additionally, we offer training so relatives can get paid for caring for their loved ones. Our caregivers receive bonuses and competitive pay. They can take advantage of educational opportunities in a supportive environment.

Your loved one deserves the best. Learn more about what we have to offer! Contact AmeriBest today.

The Science of Gratitude: How Practicing Gratefulness Impacts Aging and Caregiving

Gratitude is an essential character trait, providing a scientifically proven positive impact on overall well-being. Philadelphia PA caregivers and their clients can practice gratitude to reap the benefits it can provide. Read on for valuable tips that bring gratitude into caregiver-senior relationships.

How the Science of Gratitude Can Help Seniors

Seniors often deal with mental health issues. They suffer from anxiety and depression due to failing health, deaths, and isolation. A grateful attitude will help them overcome downfalls.

The benefits of gratitude in older people are outlined in Marilyn Schlitz’s Grateful Aging Program. The program was discussed in a 2017 NIH study.

The program requires seniors to take nine steps to embrace graceful aging. They include:

Answer the call to transformation – question assumptions on aging to change your belief system
Cultivate curiosity- find wonder in life
Formalize a Grateful Aging practice- such as meditation, visualization, affirmations, and mindful breathing
Set intention for Grateful Aging- Formulate an intention statement that outlines your gratitude goals
Pay attention to the gifts of aging- be aware of the things you take for granted
Build Grateful Aging habits- such as exercising and eating healthy
Find guidance- Some seniors may require guidance in the form of books, podcasts, live events, and friendships
Move to acceptance – change your mindset so you are ready to accept change
Transform self and society- increase your wisdom to develop compassion for yourself and others

The Grateful Aging program can improve senior health, well-being, and quality of life.

How Gratitude Benefits Caregivers in Philadelphia PA

Many caregivers and health workers deal with professional burnout and depression. Some healthcare systems find gratitude combats these negative emotions. It also improves cardiovascular health, mental health, and stress resilience.

One 2020 NIH review studied the benefits of gratitude in the caregiver space. An included 2017 study showed that gratitude reduces stress in caregivers caring for people with dementia. A 2019 study showed appreciation for others and a “lack of sense of deprivation” reduced healthcare burdens.

Caregivers can practice gratitude through mindfulness, meditation, and affirmations. Agencies can also promote gratitude by launching campaigns that encourage gratitude and reward staff for showing gratitude. They can distribute pamphlets, create Gratitude trees, and so much more.

When both seniors and caregivers express gratitude, it enhances the relationship and brings overall improvements.

Caregivers in Philadelphia Are Doing Their Part

AmeriBest encourages our workers to integrate gratitude into everything they do. We do our part by hosting an annual Thanksgiving celebration. Staff and family members can enjoy delicious meals and giveaways.

We also provide opportunities for becoming a caregiver for a family member. Philadelphia PA residents can use our program to turn their caregiving efforts into careers. We offer competitive pay and benefits, a supportive environment, and ongoing education.

Gratitude helps caregivers and seniors enjoy a higher quality of life. AmeriBest is here to support life-improving efforts. Contact us to find out how we help our community.

Caring Beyond Memory: Navigating Alzheimer’s with Compassion

Get Paid to Take Care of Family Allentown PA

Alzheimer’s can be scary for patients and family members. The best approach is to treat patients with compassion and understanding, navigating your way around the disease, not against it. AmeriBest Home Care offers opportunities for relatives to get paid to take care of family in Allentown PA. Family caregivers can learn how to care for relatives with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Read on for some valuable tips.

Show Respect

Caregivers must show respect to Alzheimer’s patients. They must let them do as much for themselves as possible. This strategy will help them maintain their respect and self-esteem. They will be less likely to become frustrated and depressed.

Create a Soothing Environment

Alzheimer’s patients are prone to frustration. Caregivers can help by creating a soothing environment in the home. Use understated lighting and play calming music. Respond to the patient positively. Don’t let their reactions upset you. Remember that they may be unable to control their words and actions.

Follow a Daily Routine

A daily routine will promote a sense of calm. It will make the senior less prone to anxiety. Create a schedule for eating, sleeping, and other activities to maintain a positive mindset.

Maintain Good Communication

It can be challenging to communicate with an Alzheimer’s patient. Do your part by limiting distractions. Use clear, straightforward language. Use questions that require yes or no answers. Avoid giving too many choices. Repeat words and phrases if necessary without getting frustrated.

Engage in Active Listening

People with Alzheimer’s may be unable to respond and communicate effectively with words. You will better understand what they are trying to say through active listening. Pay attention to their body language to fully comprehend the message they are trying to convey.

Don’t Argue

Arguing will promote negative behavior and anxiety. Avoid arguments at all costs, even if the person is wrong. Respond with understanding and compassion in all instances.

Use Re-Directive Strategies

Re-directive strategies are effective if the patient becomes agitated. Acknowledge their emotions and suggest a change of scenery or a new activity. Doing so will put them in a better mindset.

Actively Show Compassion

People with Alzheimer’s may become combative. Show compassion instead of lashing out. A gentle physical touch, eye contact, and verbal reassurance will take the edge off.

Get Paid to Take Care of Family in Allentown, PA

AmeriBest can make dealing with a relative with Alzheimer’s easier. We provide opportunities to get paid to take care of family. Allentown PA caregivers can benefit from reduced expenses and the comfort of knowing their loved ones are in the right hands.

Our programs offer competitive pay and bonuses. Caregivers train in a supportive environment. We provide opportunities for continuing education so you can expand your career.

We also offer the best in non-medical home care services, including but not limited to: meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, medication management, companionship, bathing, and more. Our highly trained staff, and valuable resources create a quick and easy care experience in the comfort of your home.

With this in mind, we know that Alzheimer’s is not easy to deal with. AmeriBest offers top-notch care and training opportunities for relatives. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Celebrating Survivors and Honoring Lost Loved Ones

Get Paid to Take Care of Your Loved Ones Harrisburg PA

So many of us have lost loved ones to lung cancer. Honor them in November during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. You can make a difference by raising awareness to ensure lung cancer doesn’t take more lives. Additionally, if you are currently caring for someone battling cancer or another disease or disability, reach out to AmeriBest to see if you can get paid to take care of your loved ones in Harrisburg PA.

About Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Cancer Awareness Month became official on October 31, 2022, when President and First Lady Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation. If you’d like to learn more, the Lung Cancer Initiative offers several ways for you to get involved.

What You Can Do to Honor Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Attend Events: The Lung Cancer Initiative hosts several events that honor Lung Cancer Awareness Month. People worldwide can attend the Online Survivor Luncheon on Nov. 1. NC residents and visitors can participate in in-person events like the Evening of Hope, the Jodi Koviach Memorial 5 K Run & Walk, and the Community Education Community. Find out what events are happening in your area!

Get Tested: Make sure lung cancer doesn’t happen to you. Getting tested is crucial to early detection. It increases survival rates. Learn about testing resources in your community.

Wear a White Ribbon: Wear a white ribbon to raise awareness about lung cancer. The LCI will mail out white ribbons upon request. Give them to your family and friends to draw attention to the cause.

Tell Your Story: Share stories about your battle with lung cancer. You can share them through social media, in person, or send them to the LCI. They may feature your story in one of their publications.

Learn: The LCI provides educational materials you can request through their website. You can also view their educational seminars online. Or invite an LCI member to speak at your church or community event.

Donate: Donate to the LCI and other lung cancer organizations. Your money will raise awareness and fund research.

Get Paid to Take Care of Your Loved Ones in Harrisburg PA

AmeriBest understands that many of our clients are affected by loved ones who lost their lives to lung cancer. We do our part by providing seniors with companionship and other non-medical in-home care services. We can also help people with lung cancer or affected by lung cancer by ensuring they eat healthy and follow their treatment plans; or ease the financial burden by providing opportunities to get paid to take care of your loved ones. Harrisburg PA residents can apply to take advantage of competitive pay and benefits. You will learn in a supportive environment and receive ongoing education.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about what we have to offer!

Beyond November: Sustaining Support for Family Caregivers Year-Round

Get Paid to Take Care of Family in Philadelphia PA

November may be National Family Caregivers Month, but at AmeriBest Home Care, we believe you should honor caregivers year-round. Therefore, we proudly offer access and guidance to the state and government programs so you can get paid to take care of your family in Philadelphia PA. Keep reading to find out more!

About National Family Caregivers Month

National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) encourages people to set aside time to honor the caregivers in their lives. It was initiated by the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) nonprofit. The organization provides education, resources, and support to family caregivers.

Caregivers often provide services to relatives for free. They deal with emotional, physical, and financial issues due to their sacrifices. NFCM is a way to show them our appreciation during a month when so many bond with loved ones.

Get Paid to Take Care of Family in Philadelphia PA

AmeriBest understands how difficult it can be to care for a loved one. We offer a program that allows people to get paid to take care of family. Philadelphia PA residents who care for senior relatives and relatives with disabilities are eligible to apply.

We offer competitive pay and benefits and consistent hours. Caregivers will get paid holidays, a $500 sign-on bonus, and other benefits. They will get paid on time, and they will work steady hours.

Caregivers train in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. Most aides say the support staff is the best thing about working at AmeriBest. We offer a workplace culture based on pride and camaraderie.

Start on your career path training in a state-of-the-art facility. Develop your skills with our ongoing education and training opportunities. No previous work experience is required.

How to Support Family Caregivers

Let a Caregiver Know You Appreciate Them: You can show a caregiver your appreciation by giving them a meaningful gift, taking them out for coffee, or just saying thanks.
Create Social Media Posts with Appropriate Hashtags: Raise awareness of caregivers’ kindness and sacrifices by posting about them on social media. Show you are part of the movement using hashtags like #NFCMonth, #NationalFamilyCaregivingMonth, Caregiving Happens, and #NCFM.
Donate to Related Nonprofits: Make a difference during NFCM by donating to nonprofits like the Caregiver Action Network, the National Council on Aging, and other related groups.
Attend Caregiver Events: Organizations host events that support caregivers and explore strategies to implement national healthcare. Consider attending one and recommend them to your community members.

AmeriBest is Your Top-Rated Home Care Choice

AmeriBest offers more than opportunities to get paid to take care of your loved one. Philadelphia PA families also appreciate our excellent homecare services. We provide various non-medical services, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, and more. Therefore, we are a go-to resource for people who hope to make caregiving for their loved ones into a career and for families who need the best care for their loved ones, providing education, guidance, and support when they need us.