What Home Care Assistance Is Available in Harrisburg PA?

What Home Care Assistance Is Available in Harrisburg PA?

If you have an aging or ill family member, you may wonder what home care assistance is available in Harrisburg, PA. Home health agencies are designed to provide services to vulnerable individuals. The goal is to offer safety, dignity, and independence.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health must license all such agencies, measuring them against established standards. Ongoing reviews and surveys happen, ensuring an agency adheres to regulations. Even so, not all caregiving organizations are created equal. You want a company that puts individuals first and personalizes their care, such as AmeriBest Home Care.

What to Ask During Interviews

As you look at different agencies, there are questions you should be asking each of them.

  1. Are you certified by Medicare (a program that covers some, if not all, of the cost of a home caregiver)?
  2. What are your accreditations?
  3. Does your hiring process include background checks?
  4. Do you provide your employees with training?
  5. What do you have in place for replacement personnel in case of call-offs?
  6. Do you provide updates on any issues or concerns you observe?
  7. What payment plans do you have, and can you help with applying for specific coverage?
  8. What happens if an aide doesn’t work out?
  9. Can I have some references?

Beyond these questions, also have keynotes about your situation and your loved one’s needs on a daily basis, particularly if they have unique requirements like help with transport, visual limitations, etc.

Take notes. Get a contact name, and use that person for other questions that inevitably arise.

What can You Expect from a Home Health Aide providing home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA?

Each situation is unique. Your loved ones’ care plan is one-of-a-kind and individualized. There are some generalities, however. Aides are selected for having specific traits, especially the ability to communicate with vastly different people in public and private sectors. Be it Uncle Joe, or Dr. Keenan, the aide providing home care assistance in Harrisburg PA must remain professional, knowledgeable, and practice active listening.

Your aide may help with general housework like dishes and dusting. They may also provide personal assistance for washing, medication management, and getting to and from appointments. Perhaps the most important aspect of being an aide is the ability to build a relationship with the client and offer socialization. Loneliness is the leading cause of depression among housebound individuals.

Cost Factors

Medicare covers most types of home health care, but it must be ordered by a doctor. If you have private insurance, bills normally go through that agency before reaching Medicare. In order to bill Medicare, the agency must bear its certification. In Pennsylvania, about 30% of home care agencies have this certification.

Would you Like to become a Caregiver Home Health Aide in Harrisburg, PA?

AmeriBest Home Care is hiring caregivers: PCAs, HHAs, and CNAs. If you’d like to hire a family or friend to tend to your loved one, we can help with that process, too. We have an outstanding benefits package because we believe our employees are the key to our client’s welfare as well as the company’s success.

You can contact us online, call 717-545-2920 or 1800-HOMECARE, email info@ameribest.org with any questions or move forward with an application.

The Need for Homecare in Philadelphia Continues to Grow

Need for Homecare in Philadelphia Continues to Grow

As a whole, people in the world are living longer thanks to medical advancements. Most folks will need some type of home care services in their lifetimes, for various reasons. It’s estimated that a whopping 80% of seniors will need one year or more in a nursing facility unless they take advantage of professional caregiving services. In either case, Medicaid is paying about 45% of all claims, Medicaid 23%, and the rest is out of pocket. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that homecare in Philadelphia continues to grow. Roughly 7% of the state’s population are elderly, frail, or otherwise disabled. In the next decade, the demand for home care aides will be growing rapidly. Families don’t like the idea of their loved ones being in a facility where they cannot be certain of what’s happening when they cannot be present. In-home services fix that.

Using Medicaid and Medicare for Homecare in Philadelphia

Not everyone is in the position to pay for professional care at home. Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that helps low-income people who would not otherwise have access to adequate care.

Need for Homecare in Philadelphia Continues to Grow

Begin or Continue a Successful Career in Home Healthcare

The need for empathic, attentive people for home care is growing by leaps and bounds. AmeriBest Home Care is currently hiring individuals who can provide support to seniors and their families. We don’t require experience as we will give you paid training so you’re ready to work in no time.

If you want to make a positive impact on lives, this is a very rewarding way to do so. You’re allowing people to maintain comfort and security in their own home instead of a care facility filled with strangers.

At AmeriBest we value our staff and show it by providing a wide array of benefits including:

  1. Sick, vacation, and personal time
  2. 7 paid holidays annually, with time and a half when you work them
  3. Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  4. Life insurance for full-time employees
  5. 5 days of maternity leave

And so much more.

We believe that your happiness positively impacts the lives of our clients every day. Better still, AmeriBest offers ongoing training so you can continue with career development in areas of personal interest.

Are You Right for the Job?

Caregiving is not for everyone, but for those who have a natural ability for nurturing, strong empathy, and good instincts it could prove ideal. You will be giving an individual companionship and socialization. Plus, the job is far more flexible with hours than many other positions. AmeriBest HR works with you to find a match suited to your situation.

The families for whom you’ll work truly appreciate the help you’re providing. You are their eyes and ears when they cannot be present. Knowing a home care aide is in place alleviates a lot of fear and stress.

If you are interested, we are always in need of personal care assistants, home health aides, and family caregivers. If you’d like to learn more, call our Philadelphia office at 215-925-3313. You can also email us at info@ameribest.org, or use our online contact form for further information.

How To Apply for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg PA

How To Apply for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg PA

When the time comes for home care assistance, a million questions come up, all of which are important. As you ponder the changes, make a list of your most important questions so you can ask about them with your doctors and navigators whose job it is to make your life easier. Let’s face it, there is a ton of paperwork involved in applying for home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA, but we are here to help!

Medicare can help you find professional in-home caregivers in Harrisburg PA, such as AmeriBest Home Care. The State of Pennsylvania offers various senior services, including not only home care assistance, but home modifications, durable medical equipment, and personal response systems, as well. Beyond that, your chosen agency should be able to help you apply for personal care services

How to Apply for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg PA

If you are 65 or older, or under 65 with a qualifying disability, you are eligible for some form of help from Medicare and Medicaid. You may have personal insurance that handles some percentage of professional caregiving like AmeriBest offers.

Social Security

The process for Medicaid begins at Social Security. It is by far the fastest way of signing up. Better still, you can do it online. You can do this yourself or get someone you know and trust to help with making your account and signing up for benefits. If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213, or you can make an appointment at your local social security office.

The Benefits

Medicare will cover some level of in-home services when ordered by a physician. However, it must be medically necessary. Assistance with daily living needs will not be covered unless they are part of a skilled services plan of care.

Thankfully, Pennsylvania offers home and community-based waiver services (HCBS). This program provides greater support for caregiving beyond medically necessary options. The idea is to keep people in their community and home rather than in long-term care facilities. Note that there are several HCBS programs, and you can only utilize one at a time.

Long-Term Insurance

If you purchased and maintained a long-term insurance policy, stick with it. The benefits vary, but it’s a great way to plan ahead before you reach the age of 50. Beyond the age of 60, it becomes far more difficult to obtain this coverage that could help with in-home care.

Life Insurance

If you have a life insurance policy, it may be possible to use it in order to pay for home care. You can take a loan from it or surrender it for its cash value. It is important to review the stipulations of your policy plan with your insurer, so you know the best actions to take, and when.

There is also life insurance conversion. Instead of getting a lump sum, you will receive a specific amount for elder care services such as long-term care. This is a separate account that can only be used for home care services. When used properly, this option will not affect your eligibility for Medicaid.

How To Apply for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg PA

Why AmeriBest for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg, PA?

The professionals at AmeriBest Home Care stay on top of the ever-changing face of caregiving services. We can share with you the latest programs or revisions to old ones. If you are a veteran, you may qualify for VA benefits as a payment option. Or, you might look to a pension, personal savings, a reverse mortgage, or Supportive Service through the Older Americans Act, which is indented to provide funds for resources they might not otherwise afford.

We are happy to review all your options so you can make the best choice for you and your family. Use our online contact form, email info@ameribest.org, or call 1800-HOMECARE today!

Agency Home Care Near Philadelphia

Agency Home Care in Philadelphia

A 2018 AARP survey concluded that ¾ of Americans age 50 and older would prefer to remain in their current home as long as possible as they age. The idea of “aging in place” has become a growing movement. There’s a sense of comfort in one’s own home. You know your neighbors and the mailman. Senior communities are the alternative, but they don’t provide the same sense of connection. The top choice for aging in place is agency home care near Philadelphia.

Professional home care enables individuals to retain some level of independence while having an on-call line of services they need daily. Safety is certainly a priority. And for busy families, they go to work knowing their loved one has extra eyes and hands at the ready.

How do You Determine the Timing for Home Care?

There are certain criteria that signal the need for home care. These include problems with:

  • Bathing
  • Depression
  • Driving (the need for transportation)
  • Falling
  • Housekeeping
  • Hygiene
  • Isolation (this is emotionally devastating)
  • Meal preparation
  • Mental Health
  • Memory
  • Mobility
  • Motor Skills (unable to handle daily household tasks)
  • Showering
  • Spoiled food
  • Toileting
  • Unpaid bills

In truth, many seniors face more than one of these problems at the same time. Having someone they trust standing by with a helping hand is a great relief.

Agency Home Care in Philadelphia

Traditional Home Care near Philadelphia

There is more than one type of home care. One is a traditional agency like AmeriBest Home Care. We have verified workers paid through our agency. Before beginning services, we work with you on a schedule of days and hours, including coverage for call-ins. If you have issues, your case manager will help resolve them.

So, say Aunt Annie has a problem preparing meals, keeping up with dusting, and going grocery shopping. Her arthritis hinders fine motor movements. Hiring a caregiver from an agency such as ours lets Aunt Annie accomplish those things, while her family is free to tend to their own responsibilities.

The process begins by assessing your needs. Your loved one’s medical team can help with this. You will also have a home assessment to determine what may be best based on the housing and the individual’s needs. Why housing? There are a plethora of safety issues most people never recognize. Professionals point them out!

Finding a Reputable Agency

You do a search for home care agencies near Philadelphia. Hundreds of results pop up. How do you choose? Word of mouth is always a good start, but once you’re interviewing agencies there are certain topics you should broach. It’s okay to be picky!

10 Questions for Potential Caregiving Agencies

  1. Do they perform background checks on employees, including confirming certifications they claim on their resume?
  2. What kind of training does the staff receive before going into a home?
  3. Does staff have first aid and CPR training?
  4. If you have a need, does the agency have varied language or cultural capacities?
  5. Do they have the proper certifications to operate in PA?
  6. How often are staff evaluated?
  7. Can you meet more than one caregiver to find someone right for your family?
  8. Will the agency help you navigate insurance applications?
  9. Can they provide you with references or referrals?
  10. How do they individualize a Plan of Care?

At AmeriBest Home Care we have professionals standing by to answer your questions at any time. You can call our office at 1-800-HOMECARE, email us at info@ameribest.org, or fill out our online form. Don’t be shy. This is one of those situations where every question and answer matters deeply.

Home Health Aide Services in Harrisburg PA

Home Health Aide Services in Harrisburg PA

The time has come to consider home health aide services in Harrisburg, PA. You need an agency close to home, and one on which you can rely. But you probably have a million questions about finding professionals, paying them, and determining who can become a caregiver in your home. Keep note of those questions, they’ll help you a lot as the process moves along.

Medicare covers personal care aides based on medical needs, including long-term care. If a person has significant needs requiring 24-hour care, only a certain number of hours may be covered. Or, you may be advised to consider a nursing home.

You may have to begin the process of applying for home assistance at Social Services. If so, they offer navigators to guide you through what seems like endless paperwork. You are going to need a lot of documents including financials to prove you have monetary needs for coverage. Other items include:

  • Driver’s Licence or Non-Driver ID
  • Proof of residence
  • Utility bills
  • Mortgage statement with taxes detailed

Don’t let this deter you. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has multiple resources available to help you in your certification and search.

One thing most people may not realize is that there is the option of hiring a family member to care for them. While this person cannot be a spouse, other relations like a child, niece, nephew, etc. can apply and be paid for their help. You can utilize a home health service agency to handle all financials and timekeeping. You just get to enjoy the benefit of having someone who knows you and tends to your needs.

Home Health Aide Services in Harrisburg PA

Accessing Home Health Aide Services, Harrisburg PA

Not all services are created equal, and some may have specific areas of expertise. For example, one group may focus on offering registered nurses or hospice care. AmeriBest, by comparison, has RNs but also focuses on home and community services.

Skilled nursing services include things like wound care, injections, replacing feeding tubes, catheter irrigation, blood pressure monitoring, etc. Home health services encompass things like:

  • Chores
  • Transportation
  • Meal preparation
  • Companionship
  • Socialization
  • Safety checks

A professional caregiver in Pennsylvania may require a license or certification depending on the services provided. There is a certification available for home health aides (HHA) or certified nursing assistants (CNA).

Some of the characteristics you should look for in an aide include:

  • Cleanliness
  • Compassion
  • Facilitation
  • Flexibility
  • Organization
  • Patience
  • Strong communication skills
  • Structure

Who can Benefit from Professional In-Home Caregiving?

When someone lives with medical, physical, or mental challenges simple things you did all the time become daunting. Receiving in-home services from AmeriBest Home Care in Harrisburg fills in the gap where you (or your loved one) just need a helping hand.

If you’re ready to hire a service or want to ask pressing questions about what this means for you and your loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our office personnel can explain the vast array of services AmeriBest Home Care offers, and what you can expect in terms of setting up a personalized plan suited to your needs and goals.

There are three ways to reach our Harrisburg, PA office. Call (717) 545-2920. Email info@ameribest.org, or use our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Home Care Services Near Harrisburg PA

Home Care Services Near Harrisburg PA

Because people are living longer lives, the need for home care services near Harrisburg PA is growing rapidly. In Pennsylvania, there are special programs for assisting people over 60 who want to stay at home rather than move into a cold, unfamiliar facility. To be eligible, one must live in Pennsylvania, be a legal US citizen, and have unmet needs that impact the quality of life.

At AmeriBest Home Care, we stand at the ready to help seniors in the Harrisburg area create a safe and healthy environment within their households. Whether you need assistance with daily living, or supervised care for aging adults facing dementia and related disorders, our in-home caregiving service is professional and personalized.

Benefits of Having an In-Home Caregiver

One of the reasons that Aide assistance has become popular is that it saves money. In fact, Medicare may pay for most (sometimes all) of the services. It’s just a matter of putting in the paperwork.

Beyond the financial element, the greatest gift from companion care comes in the form of peace of mind. Most people are not equipped to handle all the responsibilities of caring for a loved one at home. When they combine this with their daily routine, many burn out. Having a trained individual dedicated to the task of being your extra eyes and ears relieves a lot of stress.

AmeriBest focuses on a holistic approach to home and community-based services. That means you are always informed, and always involved in decision-making.

Home Care Services Near Harrisburg PA

What Do Home Health Aides Do?

If you’re just starting to consider extra assistance for your loved one, you may well wonder about the scope of services a Home Health Aide (HHA) offers you and your family.  The most important thing is that your loved one retains their dignity while also receiving trained assistance. From medication monitoring to help with daily chores, the HHA is there when you cannot be present.

As an overview, a Home Health Aide:

  • Monitors a person’s condition, both physical and mental, watching for any changes that could indicate problems. Journals about their observations.
  • Provides personal care including bathing and dressing.
  • Advises the family on nutrition and safety matters.
  • Protects family privacy and follows home care policies dictated by federal, state, and local statutes.

Qualifications for Being a Home Health Aide Providing Home Care Services Near Harrisburg PA

The ideal home health aides are excellent communicators. They are dependable and responsible, and willing to work as a team. Think “people-first” in attitude. A client is not a number.

An HHA should be minimally 21 years old and have a high school diploma and any mandated certifications. Many companies assist with obtaining these. Some places require 1 or more years of experience in supporting people with various limiting conditions. Additionally, an HHA will be required to show a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance.

Taking the Next Steps

When you feel you are ready to discuss your options for home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA, give AmeriBest Home Care a call at 717-545-2920. Alternatively, you can email info@ameribest.org, or use our online contact form. Have a list of questions and concerns so we can respond directly to your situation.

Home Health Care Agencies in Philadelphia PA

Home Health Care Agencies in Philadelphia PA

There are a number of reasons why you might consider home health care for a loved one. Perhaps they’re dealing with chronic pain and illness. Or, perhaps the problems that come with aging have become too much for an individual to remain safe and healthy. No matter the reason, you’ll want to educate yourself on your options of home health care agencies in Philadelphia PA.

What is Home Health Care?

In defining home health care, bear in mind that some services extend into the community as well. The idea behind home health care is comfort and affordability. An individual receives highly personalized assistance in their own home instead of the hospital or a skilled nursing facility. In brief, having an in-home caregiver or private duty aide supports:

  • Recovery or stability
  • Independence and self-sufficiency
  • Proper med administration
  • Monitoring and watching for warning signs
  • Upkeep with the household chores
  • Personal care, completing errands

Many insurance companies have coverage for an aide service, as does Medicare. A health care provider (or even a home care agency like AmeriBest) can help you navigate the necessary paperwork.

Home Health Care Agencies in Philadelphia PA

How to Pick Among the Best Home Health Care Agencies in Philadelphia, PA

You want only the best care for your loved ones, and that means doing a little bit of leg work. Finding the right fit means having peace of mind. So how do you choose?

  1. Create a realistic list of your needs. Do you just need a few hours a week for small tasks or more intensive care? Make a list of everything you feel you might need an aide to do for your loved one. You can use this list as the beginning of discussion topics when you’re calling around.
  2. Ask people you know about their experiences. If you know someone who has used a service in the past (or is currently using one), ask for their insight. Word of mouth is often your best guide through this process.
  3. Go to consumer-oriented websites and check any reviews you find for health care agencies near you. Make a list of your top picks.
  4. From your top picks, check out their websites. What services do they offer? Do they assess individuals and make personalized plans of care? Can you receive both non-professional care as well as skilled nursing care?
  5. Call and ask how the company qualifies staff for hire. Are there background checks, for example? What kinds of consequences are when complaints arise?
  6. Availability is a big issue. You want to know you can depend on care when you expect it.
  7. Do they have any satisfaction guarantees?

Why AmeriBest Home Care?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we’ve received consistently excellent approval ratings. Our qualified, compassionate team is multi-cultural and focuses on high-quality care so your loved one maintains their dignity and safety at the same time. AmeriBest’s call-off and no-show percentages are incredibly low, while our ongoing training for staff remains a high priority.

If you’d like to learn more about our services, there are several ways you can contact us. Call our Philadelphia, PA office at 215-925-3313. Email us: info@ameribest.or, or use our online contact form. We are happy to field your questions and concerns, anytime.

Caregiver Guide to Home Healthcare Philadelphia, PA

Caregiver Guide to Home Healthcare Philadelphia, PA

Life sometimes goes sideways. At any moment a person can become injured, ill, or begin suffering from the natural issues aging brings. At first, you think you can “do it all” in helping your loved one… that is until you find you can’t. Caregiving is very taxing. It adds numerous tasks, heaping them onto your already very-full platter. That is where home caregiving comes into play. To help you navigate these waters, we created this caregiver guide to home healthcare in Philadelphia, PA.

What Does a Home Caregiving Service Do?

The idea behind having a home caregiver (or home care aide) is to enjoy a support service. An agency like AmeriBest Home Care of Philadelphia works directly with you and your loved one to come up with a safe, supportive plan for ongoing assistance. Companionship, assistance with daily living needs, med minders, and so much more go into each, personalized program. Each situation is unique, the needs vary, and a professional agency helps you navigate the waters of putting something in place you can trust.

Benefits of Having In-Home Aide Services

When you find the right home healthcare provider, there are many benefits for both you and your loved one. Overall, you know the individual will be safe and monitored; they’ll have socialization and personal assistance as needed. They can remain involved in their own wellness, improving their sense of independence.

It is very easy to burn out as a caregiver, which is where professionals step into the fray. They give you some personal time (hey, take that nap you’ve been craving!). You can walk away for several hours and shop, clean the house, grab a coffee-whatever. You need these breaks to maintain your own self-care regimen, otherwise, you’ll end up sick, frustrated, and stressed out.

Caregiver Guide to Home Healthcare Philadelphia, PA

Regulations Regarding Home Health Agencies

All agencies in Pennsylvania are required to be properly licensed by the Department of Health. The Department has specific standards, rules, and regulations and enforces them with unannounced surveys. Additionally, if an agency accepts Medicare, it must have certification from the Federal Health and Human Services Center. The FHHSC also conducts regular surveys for compliance.

Who Qualifies for Home Healthcare?

Nearly anyone can qualify for home healthcare. How much it costs depends on your insurance company and income. Alternatively, Medicaid has both home and community-based service waivers. If you are receiving SSID, you will likely qualify for an aide service. You do have to enroll, something with which your medical provider can assist.

And now some good news: it’s not that hard, and we are here to help!

Home Healthcare Philadelphia, PA

Most people when asked, say they would far prefer to stay at their own home vs. a hospital or assisted living center. Being able to remain in their house provides familiarity. It’s local; they know the faces walking daily by the window. At AmeriBest Home Care, we understand your home is not only your castle but your comfort zone.

As a highly-rated local agency, our professionals provide you with compassion and support. We know you may have a lot of questions about having an in-home aide, and our team is happy to help in any way we can. Call us at 215-925-3313. Email info@ameribest.org, or use our online contact form for more information.

How to Get an In-Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA

How to Get an In-Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA

Your loved one has been struggling, and you’ve been struggling to give them support and care. Then one day comes and you just can’t continue. You’re tired, frustrated, and burning the candle at both ends. It’s time to start considering getting an in-home caregiver in Harrisburg, PA. So, where do you begin?

First, make a detailed list of what you perceive as the household’s needs. Does your loved one need help with chores, for example? Do they have trouble keeping track of their medication? When you’re talking to top health service providers, these are the kinds of things they’ll need to know to assess your situation.

This conversation acts as an opportunity to see how the agency answers your inquiries, too. As pointed questions like:

  1. How long have you been in business?
  2. How quickly can you fill a no-call; no-show?
  3. How do you screen your employees?
  4. Has your company won any awards or received other types of recognition?
  5. What type of training do you offer your caregivers?
  6. Are you licensed, accredited, and insured?
  7. Can you request a different aide if one doesn’t work out?
  8. Does a registered nurse come out to meet the family and develop a personalized plan of care?

Beyond these questions, do your due diligence by checking the Better Business Bureau for complaints. Additionally, look for any online reviews you can find.

How to Hire an In-Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA?

Working with a professional caregiving agency has a lot of benefits. They include:

  • Prescreened staff, including background checks.
  • Directed placement. An agency can select staff based on their experience with your loved one’s condition. Should the individual’s situation change, staff can likewise be adjusted.
  • Agencies have many staff members, any one of whom can become a stand-in for a day when your normal caregiver cannot make it.
  • Liability protection. The agency carries liability insurance in case a worker is injured on the job.
  • Untying red tape. “Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork” seems to be the mantra for obtaining home health caregivers on your own. An agency manages your paperwork by working with doctors and the family.
  • You are not the employer. With an agency, you never have to worry about paying your aide or handling their taxes.

Agencies in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the department of health and meet established regulations. Those regulations are enforced by unannounced reviews. These agencies can obtain certification for Medicare-paid services through the Federal Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid. This is particularly important since Medicare can pay some, if not all, of the bill for said services if you meet financial guidelines.

There is another quality control safeguard, too. Medicate-certified agencies must conduct regular patient assessments that are electronically submitted for review.

How to Get an In-Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA

Hire Family & Friends as Caregivers

The option to hire a family member or friend (not a spouse) exists. Some agencies work in tandem with federal in-home care to “hire” this person and manage their payroll. The beauty of this is that you have choices, and your caregiver is known to your loved one.

If you’re considering this option, know the person must be over the age of 18, and you may need to get a doctor’s approval. You will have to fill out an interview form and whether or not you want a background check. Then, the person hired gets some training on best practices for their job and has a physical before beginning.

Should the caregiver find they love the work, they may consider becoming an aide at a later date. However, if something goes wrong, you can opt out of the private hire and go back to having the agency manage your staff placement.

Why AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg?

At AmeriBest Home Care, your loved one isn’t simply a number on our docket. We believe in doing things the right way, with compassion and professionalism. Improving a person’s quality of life is among our top goals along with safety and contentment. We are happy to field your questions. You can fill in our online form, call our Harrisburg office at 717-545-2920, or email info@ameribest.org.

National Mental Health Month

Since 1949, May has been dubbed Mental Health Month. The goal of the designation is to reach out to people through various venues offering help and education. AmeriBest is a home care service agency in Harrisburg, PA. As part of our commitment, we work hand-in-hand with families who need assistance navigating the tumultuous waters of understanding mental health and finding effective solutions for their loved ones. 

The 2022 theme for Mental Health Month is “Back to the Basics.” After two years of living with the pandemic, many people find themselves feeling stressed, isolated, and uncertain about how to get back to some semblance of normal. This is doubly true for seniors whose support often had to remain separate due to social distancing. In-home caregiving services like those offered by AmeriBest, Harrisburg, filled some gaps by utilizing special protective uniforms so they could still be on the job.

Risks for Developing Mental Health Issues

When someone begins experiencing mental health issues, it probably has more than one root cause. Psychiatrists have created a list of risk factors for mental health. The more you have, the more likely you’re to experience one or more mental health conditions. 

  1. Genetics: Think of your genes like a map of how your entire body grows and functions. That includes the brain. So if there is a history of mental health in your family, you may have a genetic predisposition. For example, if either or both of your parents had an anxiety disorder, your risk of developing the same disorder can increase by 6 times as much at the top end. 
  1. Lifestyle: Your mom was right. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly. It’s god for your body and mind. Should you develop a mental health problem, these simple things become coping mechanisms and helpmates. 
  1. Social conditions: Where you live, work, and socialize all impact your quality of life. Individuals living in poverty, areas with high crime rates, and who have limited access to a healthy community environment illustrate more mental health problems. The amount of anxiety-centered conditions went up 20% because of isolation during Covid, for example. 
  2. Trauma: This is a big category. For example, someone in your life may have had a stroke or car accident that created limitations. That’s trauma as is the death of a loved one, being bullied for extended periods, racism, and experiencing a disaster up close and personal. 

The impact of trauma can remain with little notice until something triggers a memory. Then the world can come cascading down into a pool of tears and fears. Experiencing trauma as a child puts you at 1.3 times the risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood or senior years. 

How can You Help?

If you are a caregiver for someone with mental health problems, even part-time, there are things you can do to help them. The most important is companionship. Loneliness is a huge factor in someone developing depression, and depression can impact other aging issues including dementia. 

Motivation and intellectual activities go hand-in-hand with companionship. An idle mind is one prone to spiraling into negative thought-forms. When people are dealing with things like SAD there’s a tendency to want to simply give up. When you offer said person input at the right time and in the right way, it can make a huge improvement in their quality of life. 

Now, not everyone has the capacity to step into this type of role. There’s a lot of responsibility including paying attention to the signs that mental health is on the decline. That’s the time to reach out. Any organization participating in Mental Health Month can get you started with more tools and know-how. Alternatively (or consecutively) you can call AmeriBest’s Harrisburg, PA office at 717-545-2920 and talk to one of our professionals. 

One of the core principles of professional aid services is helping the entire family. People don’t realize that their personal mental health can be adversely impacted by a loved one’s struggles. Ours is a holistic approach. You can email us (info@ameribest.org) or use our online form for more information.