What is Respiratory Care and why Seniors and Caregivers Should Know About It?

The final week of October is Respiratory Care Week. Respiratory care becomes increasingly important throughout the aging process. If you have a senior in your life or are a senior yourself, you will greatly benefit from respiratory care knowledge and strategies. However, most people are understandably unaware as to what this unique type of care is really all about. Here’s a quick look at the basics of respiratory care for seniors.

Recognize the Importance of Respiratory Health for Seniors

Senior caretakers and seniors themselves tend to focus on the loss of bone strength throughout the aging process for good reason. Bone loss prevention is certainly important yet respiratory health is also essential to maintaining a high quality of life through the golden years. A senior with a chronic respiratory problem such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will struggle to perform self-care and complete the activities necessary for daily living. 

If you are a caretaker for a parent or grandparent, be sure to wash your hands before interacting with him or her to help prevent the transmission of germs that might cause an infection that leads to breathing difficulties. Even the common cold has the potential to cause breathing problems. 

It also makes sense for the senior in your life to minimize interactions with Philadelphia community members during flu season. Ideally, one or two primary caregivers will provide assistance to your elderly loved one during the winter months to minimize the potential transmission of germs and viruses.

Respiratory Care for Philadelphia Seniors

A respiratory problem makes it difficult to perform daily tasks, especially when you reach your 60s, 70s, and 80s. A senior diagnosed with such a condition will require ongoing assistance to do everything from bathing and grooming to meal preparation and even household tasks such as vacuuming. 

Respiratory problems have the potential to make it challenging to walk from the house to the car or even from the bedroom to the kitchen. Hold onto your parent’s arm when walking for additional support. The use of a walker or cane will also facilitate safe walking inside and outside of the home.

Mind the Indoor Air Quality

Most senior citizens spend the vast majority of their time indoors. Unfortunately, indoor air isn’t as clean as outdoor air. Though heating and cooling system filters remove some toxins and other particles from indoor air, they don’t remove every potential threat. Change these filters once every month or two to ensure they can trap as many nasty particles as possible. If you vacuum for the senior in your life, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to eliminate as many allergens, pollen, dust, and other diminutive particles from the living space.

Help the Senior Citizen in Your Life Choose the Right Clothing

An elderly individual who struggles to breathe will find tight clothing makes it that much more difficult to breathe without impediment. In particular, overly-tight clothing around the abdominal region, the chest, and the neck can constrain breathing. Go clothes shopping with your elderly loved one, choose nonrestrictive garments including those with elastic bands for additional flexibility, and he or she will have that much more freedom to expand the chest and diaphragm for easy breathing.

AmeriBest Home Care is Here to Help

Our home care providers have helped seniors throughout the greater Philadelphia area enjoy a better quality of life. Whether you or your loved one has a respiratory ailment, mobility limitations, or simply struggles completing daily living tasks, our Philadelphia care providers are here to lend invaluable assistance. Contact us today at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org to coordinate service at your Philadelphia-area home.

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated September as National Cholesterol Education Month. Cholesterol levels are often neglected as most people don’t want to make the dietary and life changes necessary for optimal health. However, the longer your cholesterol level remains elevated, the greater your chances are of suffering a serious health problem. Let’s take a quick look at why everyone living in and near Philadelphia should do what they can to keep their cholesterol level at a healthy level.

A Brief Explanation of Cholesterol’s Importance and Potential Harm

Cholesterol is a perfectly natural part of biological functionality. If cholesterol were not present, the human body would not be capable of creating healthy cells. However, there is good and bad cholesterol. The good variety, high-density lipoprotein, known by the acronym of HDL, assists in the elimination of the bad cholesterol from the body. Bad cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, referred to with the acronym of LDL, causes plaque to form in the arteries, heightening the chances of vascular problems, heart disease, clots, and even heart attack or stroke.

When Should Cholesterol Be Checked?

In an ideal world, cholesterol will be checked much sooner than it actually is. The average person living in Philadelphia waits until there is a serious health problem to address a cholesterol problem. Some people refuse to go to the doctor, meaning they don’t even know their cholesterol is high.

Adolescents and kids should have their cholesterol levels gauged by a medical professional. Those age 20 on up should have their cholesterol level checked once in every 4-6 years. However, those who have a high risk for cardiovascular disease due to genetics or lifestyle flaws (hamburger and fries, anyone?) should have their cholesterol checked every couple of years or even annually.

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

Cholesterol in the Context of Race

Did you know that African-Americans are much more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than members of other races? In particular, African-American men are likely to have elevated cholesterol. This comparably high level is the result of a unique form of a gene found in African-Americans.

Tips To Keep Your Cholesterol Under Control

The most important thing you can do to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level is practice mindful eating and maintain a healthy diet.

Do not eat mindlessly in front of the TV or computer! Read food ingredient labels when shopping for groceries. Zero in on food products that do not contain trans fats. Trans fats elevate cholesterol and even damage the heart if consumed in excess or at a high frequency.

It will also help to prepare food the right way. Cut the fat and skin off from fish and meat prior to cooking it. This approach maximizes your protein intake while minimizing the amount of fat consumed. Instead of deep fat frying or breading your food, opt to poach, bake or broil it. Choose a healthy cooking method and you will have done your part to minimize your fat consumption, ultimately keeping your cholesterol in check.

Establishing a consistent workout routine also helps to lower your cholesterol. Exercise on most days of the week to feel the difference. Weight management also helps.

Quit smoking – within just one year of quitting, your risk of heart disease will be half that of a smoker!

Drink alcohol in moderation – surprisingly enough, moderate use of alcohol is linked with higher levels of HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.

Get Assistance With AmeriBest Home Care of Philadelphia

We are eager to provide you or your loved one in the greater Philadelphia area with assistance. Our home care services are held in high regard by our local community. Give us a call today at 215-925-3313, reach out to us via email at info@ameribest.org, or contact our team online to find out more about how we can help improve your quality of life with expert home care.

 

AmeriBest Home Care is NOW HIRING: Admissions RN!

Salary range: $75,000-$80,000. $6,000 Sign-on Bonus! $0.585 per mile reimbursement for visits.

New RN grads welcome. Great opportunity for an RN transitioning out of acute care or long-term care settings. We will train you!

AmeriBest Home Care, a Top 5 provider in Pennsylvania, has an immediate opening for a Registered Nurse, Home Care Admission Visits (Admissions RN). If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity with a patient-centered provider, then AmeriBest may be the company for you.

The Admissions RN will significantly impact patients’ lives in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Demonstrating enthusiasm and compassion, the Admissions RN will visit patients in their residence to assess patients’ home care needs and develop plans of care. The Admissions RN will work collaboratively with the nursing department and be a resourceful and influential member of the clinical team.

Responsibilities:
• Conduct one on one visits with patients
• Provide education to patients and their families
• Educate caregivers in the field
• Develop plans of care
• Communicate effectively with clients, caregivers, referral sources and AmeriBest staff
• Be a team player with all AmeriBest departments
• Prepare reports as requested

Qualifications:
• Graduate of an approved nursing education program
• Current RN license in the State of Pennsylvania
• CPR Certification
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to prioritize daily tasks and handle multiple responsibilities
• Sense of urgency and adaptability to changing priorities
• Goal-oriented with a positive, upbeat attitude
• Demonstrated record of goal achievement and responsibility
• Enjoy working in a multi-cultural environment

This Position Offers:
• Salary $75,000-$80,000
• $6,000 Sign-on Bonus
• Mileage reimbursement at $0.585 per mile for visits
• Company phone or cell phone allowance
• Full-time schedule
• Flexibility
• Medical / Dental / Prescription / Vision
• Paid time off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k)

Interested? Contact us at 215-925-3313 or info@ameribest.org

About AmeriBest Home Care: 

AmeriBest provides high quality home care services to our valued clients in order to help them lead dignified and independent lives in the comfort and safety of their own homes.

As one of the largest and most respected providers in Philadelphia, AmeriBest Home Care strives to become the provider of choice for home and community-based services by placing the needs of our clients as our highest priority.

Job Type: Full-time

COVID-19 considerations: PPE provided by AmeriBest

National Recovery Month With Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

National Recovery Month With Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

September marks the start of the Philadelphia Eagles’ season yet this month is also quite important for those struggling with substance abuse and those who have recovered from addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA for short, has designated September as National Recovery Month. This is the time of year when we raise awareness about substance abuse in seniors.

Risk Factors of Substance Abuse in Seniors for their Caregivers

Most people living in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond assume substance abuse is primarily a problem amongst teens, twenty-somethings, and other young adults. The truth is senior citizens are just as vulnerable to developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol as others. In particular, senior citizens dealing with chronic pain have a tendency to abuse pain relief medication, alcohol, and additional substances.

Risk factors include:

  • Being white
  • Having higher income
  • Living alone
  • Losing a spouse
  • Retiring unexpectedly/being laid off
  • Having chronic pains
  • Being disabled
  • Having a history of mental illness or substance abuse

If you notice the senior in your life requires more medication than they used to, drinks alone, or is secretive about drinking, it is a sign that he or she needs professional substance abuse counseling.

How To Support Someone in Their Recovery Effort

An elderly individual or any other person struggling to stay sober is in need of help yet unwilling or unsure of how to ask for it. You can help in subtle ways. Do not immediately resort to an intervention with a substance abuse counselor. A forced intervention is a last resort. 

Instead of performing a forced intervention, start by educating yourself about the problem. Get a sense of whether the individual’s use of a particular substance is harmful to him/herself or others. If you don’t know much about substance abuse, read up on the subject on the web or at your local library. Do not persuade your loved one to completely abstain from the substance in question right away. Encourage gradual weaning off of the substance for incremental progress that eventually leads to sobriety. 

Ask for Professional Assistance

National Recovery Month With Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Most attempts at “do it yourself” (DIY) sobriety do not work. Even if a family member or friend provides support, the person with drug dependence will likely need professional substance abuse counseling. All sorts of groups from Alcoholics Anonymous to Nar-Anon for those addicted to illegal and prescription drugs are ready and willing to help. Nudge your loved one in the direction of such a counselor. 

Consider attending counseling sessions with the senior, caregiver, or other friends/family member if he or she needs additional support in the quest for sobriety. In some cases, simply discussing the addiction with a professional counselor builds momentum to the point that the person with drug dependence is willing to take the next step toward returning his/her life to normal.

Coordinate AmeriBest Home Care Service at Your Home

If you need assistance with the challenges of daily living, contact our Philadelphia home care services providers today. Our caring team provides extensive home care services.  This service liberates current care providers to return to normal living. If you live in the greater Philadelphia area and need home care assistance, reach out to us today at 215-925-3313, send us an email at  info@ameribest.org or contact us through our convenient online contact form.

 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month With the CDC

August is National Immunization Awareness Month With the CDC

The summer is flying by. We are quickly approaching August, meaning the warm temperatures will be around for another month until the fall season gets into gear. August is important in that it is National Immunization Awareness Month. Senior citizens, their caregivers, and other members of the Philadelphia community should be immunized against diseases including the highly contagious coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. However, coronavirus is only one virus you need to be immunized against. The elderly and their caregivers should also be immunized against other diseases with preventative shots.

Sadly, plenty of people have forgotten about these preventative measures or simply ignored them as the pandemic stretched on for well over a year. If you know you are overdue for an immunization shot or if you suspect you might be overdue for such a shot, it is in your interest to meet with your doctor to coordinate immunization, get a physical, and possibly coordinate personalized care.

Vaccines Are Important for Everyone

There is a common belief that vaccination is only important for infants. The truth is immunization through preventive shots is important for individuals of all ages. This means kids, tweens, teens, adults, seniors, and also those who provide care for seniors should be immunized with preventive shots in accordance with the schedule detailed by their personal doctor.

Vaccines Are Important for Everyone

Timely vaccines are important as they play a vitally important role in guarding against serious diseases. Though the vast majority of the diseases that vaccines are available for are unlikely to occur, outbreaks still take place. The bottom line is the experts at the forefront of the medical industry are adamant that vaccines are safe, highly effective, and recommended throughout the course of one’s life. Even if you are a senior citizen living in Philadelphia and received vaccines when you were in your youth or when you were in your early adult years, you can still benefit from vaccines. Meet with your physician to determine which vaccines are ideal for you. Furthermore, anyone who is traveling should also consider whether additional vaccines are necessary. 

Don’t Forget About the Flu Vaccine!

If you are like most people, the coronavirus vaccine is at the forefront of your mind. However, every senior living in or near the greater Philadelphia area should receive the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is typically available toward the end of the summer. Schedule your flu vaccine now and you will rest easy knowing you have done your part to prevent coming down with the flu this fall or winter. 

Reach Out to AmeriBest Today

Home care in Philadelphia should not bust your budget. If you have a loved one, friend, or other important people in your life who could benefit from home care, encourage them to reach out to AmeriBest today to find out more about our unique services. You can reach our Philadelphia home care providers by phone at 215-925-3313. We can also be reached by email at info@ameribest.org.

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Caregiving Improves Quality of Life for Both Women and Men

Caregiving Improves Quality of Life

There is a common misconception that women are better caregivers than men. In reality, men are just as capable of providing exemplary care as women. In fact, caregiving proves mutually beneficial for the patient as well as the individual providing care. A recent study shows men who provide care for others are less likely to commit suicide. 

About the Study

The researchers who conducted the study included men who provided care to family members. These men lived in nearly two dozen different countries during the study. The suicide rates were lower in nations where men provided more family care, regardless of whether that care was for adults or kids. This means there is an inherent benefit to performing family care work. The benefit is so strong that it reduces the chances of suicide. This is an important finding as researchers had typically focused on areas of employment as potential factors that influence suicide rates. 

Most people errantly assume the lack of income or economic success is the sole cause of male suicide. However, as the study noted above shows, simply providing care to others, regardless of their age or unique condition, appears to lower the risk of male suicide.

Additional Study Details

It is particularly interesting to note the study also higher unemployment rates did not link to an elevated suicide rate in men in nations where men took on more care-oriented roles. However, in nations where men reported less involvement in providing care, the elevated unemployment rates were tied to an increase in the suicide rate. 

The mere fact that the female suicide rate did not significantly increase as more women entered the workforce in the past century is proof that providing care is mutually beneficial to caregivers and those receiving care. Women have maintained their roles as the primary caregivers in spite of the fact that most now have part-time or full-time employment. 

Caregiving Improves Quality of Life

Caregiving’s Latent Benefit Is Becoming Quite Clear

Caregiving clearly provides both men and women with an important connection to fellow human beings, be it those in their family or those who are a part of the larger community. People are quietly craving for meaning in life and new connections. The dependence on others gives one meaning and a reason to continue moving forward with life, reducing the chances of suicide, and also helping the caregiver feel that much more fulfilled. 

If you are looking for a job that provides you with the opportunity to give back to others, consider becoming a caregiver. Working as a caregiver gives your life that much more meaning and helps you obtain a sense of satisfaction from work.

Get Home Care in Philadelphia Through AmeriBest

Do not suffer through your injury, illness, old age, or other challenges in silence. If you can benefit from home care or if you know someone who can – contact us today. You can reach our Philadelphia home care services providers by phone at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org

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July is Healthy Vision Month

July is Healthy Vision Month

July is the perfect time for sun, swimming, and focusing on vision health. This is Healthy Vision Month, meaning it is an opportunity to pay close attention to whether your eyes are as healthy as they can be. In particular, those who care for individuals with visual impairment should be hyper-focused on providing top-notch care. Let’s take a look at a few tips for providing care for individuals in Philadelphia with visual impairment.

It Takes a Healthy Caregiver To Provide Care

If you are not healthy, you will not be able to care for your loved one with a visual impairment or other challenges. Take care of yourself first and you will be in the condition necessary to care for others. In particular, it will help to get your eyes examined at least once per year. Eat a balanced diet with colorful fruits and vegetables, continue to exercise, and get eight hours of sleep each night.

Sweat the Small Stuff To Make Seeing That Much Easier

A subtlety such as adding brightly-colored tape to steps in the home has the potential to prevent a painful and potentially fatal fall down the steps toward the basement, first floor, or elsewhere. Look for additional similar areas throughout the home where you can add light or bright colors to ensure the individual in your life with vision challenges can see as clearly as possible. 

Eliminate Slipping Risks

Eliminate Slipping Risks

Look around the home for anything that might cause your family member with vision limitations to slip or trip. Clean up all clutter. Mop, sweep and dry all hallways. Move cords out of the way. If there are any loose rugs, remove them or ensure they are firmly connected to the floor so the home can be traversed with ease. Buy your loved one a pair of shoes with rubber soles to wear around the house and he or she will have footing with a stronger grip, ultimately reducing the chances of a slip and fall that much more.

Organize the Entirety of the Home

If the home is well-organized, it will be easier for the senior in your life to move around, finding what he or she needs without tripping, slipping, or having to step over clutter. Even if it takes an entire day or two to organize the home so nothing is stepped on, investing the time just might prevent a costly and painful fall. There is even the potential for organizing the living space to saved your loved one’s life. Be thorough with the organization and you just might set the stage for the senior to remember where items are based on touch or memory.

Ameribest Is At Your Service

Our Philadelphia home care services providers are here to help during your time of need or that of your loved one. If you or a family member can benefit from home care, dial 215-925-3313 for more information. You can also contact us by email at info@ameribest.org.

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JOB FAIR at AmeriBest Home Care

AmeriBest Home Care job fair

Calling ALL nurses & non-clinical staff; LPNs, RNs, CNAs, HHAs & DCSP. We are interviewing for both in-office and field positions.

Are you tired of long nights and weekends? If you are compassionate, hard-working, and dedicated to serving others then we would like to hear from you. Join AMERIBEST Home Care today. Currently hiring for full-time, part-time, and PRN positions.

We offer:

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Supplemental insurance available
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Oh and did we mention… TUITION ASSISTANCE

July 23, 2021 11:30am-3:30pm

AmeriBest Home Care, LLC

990 Spring Garden St
2nd floor / Suite 201
Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 925-3313

The Top 3 Rewards of Caregiving

Providing another person with care is inherently rewarding in a number of important ways. Being a caregiver gives one a sense of self-worth and an important role to serve within the Philadelphia community. Professional caregivers also benefit in that they are compensated for their hard work. If you enjoy providing others with care and want to make the world a better place for those battling illness or age-related problems, you should give serious consideration to becoming a caregiver with AmeriBest.

Reward #1: Caregiving Provides a Sense of Purpose

Everyone needs a sense of purpose. If you strictly work to provide for yourself, chances are you will feel a bit empty inside. Alternatively, if you were to provide another person, especially a loved one or another aging member of the Philadelphia community with care, you would feel that much more important and useful. This sense of purpose provides you with motivation to remain healthy and capable of helping your loved ones or others in need. Such a sense of purpose is particularly important for those who do not have anyone else to care for and those who want to be more involved with their community.

Reward #2: Improve Another Person’s Quality of Life

Even if you are not particularly talented or lack advanced college degrees, you can make a considerable difference in another person’s quality of life. Simply providing care for another person who is in need of assistance will dramatically improve his or her well-being. In other words, you have the power to single-handedly enhance the life of one or several other people living in the greater Philadelphia area. Doing so is much more rewarding than anything else you could have done with your time and energy. 

Improve Another Person’s Quality of Life

An added bonus is the fact that working as a care provider with AmeriBest provides a financial compensation. We provide caregivers with opportunities for career growth and additional compensation as experience is gained. If you genuinely care for others and would like to earn money for providing individuals throughout Philadelphia with essential assistance, consider a career with AmeriBest.

Reward #3: A Rewarding Friendship

Providing a loved one or another member of the Philadelphia community with assistance strengthens relationships all the more. This is an opportunity to learn about someone else, develop a friendship and make memories. So be sure to cherish every moment you spend with your patients as you will look back on that time quite fondly in the years ahead. Perhaps more important is the fact that the company you provide to your patients will warm their hearts and give them something to look forward to.

AmeriBest is Here to Help

We are proud to provide home care services to individuals throughout the greater Philadelphia area. If you or a loved one need assistance with daily living, let our team help you live with dignity. We are also interested in hiring caregivers. You can contact our Philadelphia-area home care providers at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org to learn more.

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Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

This month is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. If you do not have a loved one in your family who suffers from Alzheimer’s or another brain-related medical challenge, you are in the minority. Though few know it, the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Facts and Figures report states nearly half of American senior citizens age 85 and older have Alzheimer’s. This is just one of many interesting facts and figures worth highlighting during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.  

Even if you do not have a parent or a grandparent suffering from Alzheimer’s, you can do your part to provide life-changing assistance to those battling dementia.  If you would like to provide care for Philadelphia Alzheimer’s patients, consider becoming a care provider with AmeriBest.  Let’s take a quick look at some facts, figures, and other tidbits related to Alzheimer’s that most people are surprised to learn. 

Alzheimer’s is More Common Amongst Women

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 65% of those who have Alzheimer’s disease are women. This fact comes as a surprise to many people as there is a common misconception that Alzheimer’s disease is primarily a problem suffered by men. Women are more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s at some point in their life simply because they tend to live longer than men. 

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease Start as Early as 30

Most people incorrectly assume Alzheimer’s is a disease that strictly pertains to the elderly. However, upwards of 5% of those who have Alzheimer’s suffer from the type dubbed early-onset. The sad truth is individuals can begin displaying the symptoms of Alzheimer’s as soon as age 30.

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

Caregiving is Becoming Increasingly Important

It is quite shocking to learn more than 16 million individuals are working as caregivers for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Though some Alzheimer’s patients are partially autonomous, the vast majority require considerable assistance. 

You can earn money by providing assistance to the ill, the injured, the elderly, and those with dementia by working for AmeriBest. This is your opportunity to earn a living while improving another’s quality of life, develop new relationships with those in Philadelphia, and also helping relieve pressure from a senior’s family members. 

Alzheimer’s is Becoming an Increasingly Expensive Societal Problem

The aggregate cost of long-term care services and overarching health services for Alzheimer’s care is quickly approaching $300 billion. It is interesting to note about three-quarters of the cost of care was paid through Medicare and Medicaid. The balance was paid out of pocket. The aging baby boomer cohort will spur even more Alzheimer’s spending in the years ahead, creating plenty of jobs for caregivers.

AmeriBest Care is a Phone Call Away

We are proud to provide home care service in and near Philadelphia. If you are interested in working as a care provider for Alzheimer’s patients throughout the greater Philadelphia area or are in need of care, reach out to us today. We can also discuss coordinating care for your aging or ill loved one. You can contact AmeriBest by phone at 215-925-3313.

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