Take a look inside our skills lab and at our tireless caregivers working hard on perfecting their professional skills.
Come join us! Call 215-925-3313 ext. 126 or email us at nursinginternal@ameribest.net
More info here: Skills Lab
Put your hands together for National Long-Term Care Awareness Month!
For seniors and caregivers alike, this is an incredibly important month. National Long-Term Care Awareness Month brings attention to the emotional hardships, the medical benefits, and the financial advantages of lasting homecare and caregiving.
In honor of the month, we’ve put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about long-term care.
Long-term care for seniors is centered around individual health and personal care. The goal of long-term care is to help with everyday tasks, enabling seniors to live their best lives stress-free and comfortably.
Long-term care is generally intended for seniors with disabilities, serious injuries, or ongoing medical conditions.
A home health aide providing long-term care usually helps with:
Trained health care providers can also offer long-term medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing.
A caregiver providing long-term services doesn’t just go through the rote motions of routine but also creates a safe and warm environment for seniors.
The majority of long-term care is done at-home. And, it is mostly done un-paid by family or friends. While providing care for a loved one is an extremely rewarding endeavor, it can also be time-consuming and emotionally draining.
If you or someone you know is providing long-term care, lighten the burden, and get paid to be a caregiver! You can get paid to do the work you’re already doing by simply signing up as a home health aide.
When you sign on to work with a premium home care agency like AmeriBest Home Care, you’ll receive more than just a job, you’ll receive a lifelong career. AmeriBest provides its caregivers with paid training, competitive pay, flexible hours, medical benefits, career encouragement, and more.
Pennsylvania has multiple programs that offer un-paid caregivers a chance to get reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses pertaining to their caregiving. Expenses such as food, medical supplies, health services, and more.
With these programs, many adults acting as primary caregivers can receive compensation for their work, even if they are caregiving for family members or friends.
However, if you’re looking for more than just reimbursement, working as a professional caregiver can provide you with financial security and life satisfaction.
At AmeriBest Home Care, we are committed to providing exceptional home health and personal care services to seniors and members of our community. And, when you join the AmeriBest family, you’re joining a cause. A cause to make sure no senior gets left behind. That every senior, no matter physical ability or financial status, is given a real opportunity to live their very best lives.
What could be more rewarding?
Join the AmeriBest family, and get paid to be a caregiver!
Сall today at (215) 925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE (for PA residents).
Whether short-term or long-term, acting as someone’s primary caregiver requires time, money, emotional stamina, physical stamina, and mental wherewithal to make critical decisions regarding medical treatments.
And, when you’re devoting so much of yourself and your life to a role, it’s no exaggeration to say that eventually, that role becomes your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a way to alleviate the burden of family caregiving, read on! In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of caregiving lifestyles you may fall into, caregiving as a career, and how you can get paid to be a caregiver.
According to a study conducted on family care, caregivers can be categorized into five distinct groups of care: compressed generational, broad generational, intensive parent care, career care, and serial care.
Each group represents a different lifestyle. The lifestyles are based on the number of care patients, the age at which one first becomes a caregiver, the length of the caregiving, and the exhaustion of the caregiver’s abilities due to overlaps.
Compressed and broad generational care:
Compressed and broad generational care are the two most common forms of caregiving, according to Fast et al.’s study. These two categories of caregiving involve caring for a family member or close relative and start during the middle to a late period of one’s life. Compressed and broad generational care run for shorter periods of time, with an average of 4-14 years.
Caregivers who fall under these two categories generally care for an aging and/or ailing parent. According to www.caregiver.org, nearly 85% of caregivers care for a loved one, 42% of which for older parents.
Intensive parent care, career care, and serial care:
Caregivers who have taken on intensive parent care, career care, or serial care, constitute the smallest population of caregivers but are overcome with the largest stresses of caregiving.
These caregivers take on the burden earlier in life, between the ages of 30-50, and labor for the longest duration, 10-30 years.
On average 40% of caregivers are classified as being in “high-burden” situations, with the financial encumbrance ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 a year.
If you fall under one of the five categories of lifestyle caregiving, it might be time to turn your caregiving into a career, and get paid for the work you already do! Become a professional home care aide, and get paid to take care of aging parents and grandparents.
At AmeriBest Home Care, we understand the burdens involved with caring for a loved one. And, how those burdens can often get in the way of good caregiving. That’s why we do all that we can to create a stress-free, enjoyable experience for our caregivers.
When you sign on with AmeriBest, we’ll provide you with professional training, health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, holiday pay, overtime pay, sick days, 401k, PTS, and competitive pay.
With AmeriBest Home Care, caregiving isn’t just another stressful obligation, it’s a wonderful and meaningful career.
Give us a call today at (215) 925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE (for PA residents).
As we begin Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to take a moment and help all those new to the caregiving world.
Caregiving is a wonderful and fulfilling role, but it comes with its hardships. That being said, we’ve put together a list of easy tips and helpful advice for new caregivers who will be working closely with patients diagnosed with cancer.
Breast cancer is not taboo.
In fact, one of the best ways to help cancer patients, past and future, is to talk about breast cancer and raise awareness. By openly discussing breast cancer, you remove the stigmas that dance around it. You allow men and women to feel comfortable asking questions and getting tested. You give victims and survivors an opportunity to share their stories and emotions. And, you offer knowledge and insight to those who would otherwise go unaware.
In a sense, talking about breast cancer is almost just as important as any treatment could be.
The medical industry is constantly publishing new research and documentation. Reading these findings and staying up-to-date on the latest breast cancer news can help you better serve your seniors. Knowing the facts will enable you to make informed decisions in regard to your seniors’ health care, as well as allow you to have constructive conversations with your seniors about breast cancer.
It’s also wise to brush up on the basic facts regarding breast cancer (what it is, preventative care, treatment, etc.), so that you can feel comfortable answering your seniors’ questions on the topic.
Sometimes you just need an outside opinion or new perspective. There’s no shame in that. Even the most experienced medical professionals ask advice from one another. Because, at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.
If you’re feeling uncertain or unsure, never be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to other medical professionals in the field, caregivers, or experienced friends for a little advice and guidance.
Make sure you’re taking your own emotional health into account.
As a caregiver, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the emotions of those you care for. And, sometimes those emotions are extremely intense.
For that reason, it’s important to listen to your seniors and understand what they are going through, but do not let their pain become yours. Know where your emotions end and where your seniors’ emotions begin.
Sympathizing without taking on another’s emotions is a skill that often comes with years of practice. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, the best thing to do in the beginning is give yourself a little break – a morning, an afternoon, or a day off. And, be sure to remind yourself of the wonderful work you are doing as a caregiver.
Join our caregivers’ team, contact us today! 215-925-3828
It’s crazy to think, but COVID-19 isn’t the first pandemic the world has suffered, and it most likely won’t be the last.
If you check back in history, you’ll notice that pandemics just happen every few decades or so. And, there’s no stopping them. At least for now.
So, the best we can do is prepare in advance, physically and mentally, and be ready for anything.
It’s hard to think properly in the moment. When Covid-19 first hit, people went running out to the stores, buying everything in sight. This caused major chaos, as well as shortages of even non-essential items.
Avoid the panicked over-buying, and stick to a list. While you have the time to calmly think, now is when you should make a list of all the items you would want to buy if another pandemic hit.
You never know how badly a pandemic is going to strike, and how isolated you may end up. So, it’s good to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Knowing that you’re prepped and ready for even the worst possibilities is a huge stress reducer.
You can buy pre-made emergency kits. Or, you can put one together based on what you, personally, may need. Consider items like: gauze, band aids, pain relievers, heat packs, tissues, fully charged power banks, solar powered flashlights, rope, water, etc.
Another item that will make you feel much calmer knowing that you already have is food.
Take some time now before another pandemic comes along to stock up on non-perishables and freezer-food. Nowadays, there are plenty of options out there, so you can really choose what you would actually enjoy eating (and not just old-school camping food).
Some foods you may enjoy are: BPA-free canned salmon, tuna fish pouches, boxed milk, nut or rice milk, coffee, spices, crackers, frozen fruits and veggies.
It’s important to remember that items for our mental and emotional states are just as essential as items for our physical health. While you’re stocking up on grocery items, throw in a few things for your mental health as well. Things like: face masks, puzzles, adult coloring books, or even a novel or two.
Buying all these extra supplies at once can really add up in expenses. And, if you’re looking at your list of things to buy and thinking you need to buy them all at once, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.
The good news is that since you’re doing this in advance, you have time.
You don’t need to go out of your way to do extra shopping. Simply buy doubles (or triples) of things you’re already purchasing. And, look for sales! For instance, if you’re already buying toothpaste one week, buy an extra tube or two to add to your stockpile. If you are already in an electronics store fixing your computer, grab an extra power bank for your emergency kit.
Prepping should reduce stress not add to it.
If you need our help, AmeriBest Home Care will always be happy to help you prepare for any necessary situation regarding our care for you.
Call the number: 215-925-3313 so that we can be useful to you!
Most families are not prepared for the time when their loved ones need help with the everyday things. As more people age, there is more of a need for home health care Philadelphia PA. Home health care can provide a myriad of services. Often, patients are discharged home from the hospital with no way of properly caring for themselves. They may be unable to walk to the bathroom unassisted or even unable to shower or bathe on their own. Some may not even be able to cook for themselves. Times like these are when a provider of Home Health Care Philadelphia PA may be necessary.
Many companies provide home health care in Philadelphia PA services for people who need a little help due to medical conditions. A good home health care Philadelphia company will send people out to do a variety of assorted jobs for the patient.
When it comes time to hire someone to help a person with the daily tasks of life, you should ask them before hiring a company to perform the duties.
If the worker that comes to do the work is not acceptable, can someone else be sent instead? It is imperative to have a worker you like and trust.
Ascertaining these questions is important, as it will affect the person receiving the services. These Home Health Care in Philadelphia PA companies provide a variety of services such as:
Cooking and cleaning: If a patient requires help with cooking, it is a good idea to make sure she gets a person who can cook.
General housekeeping– The helper, if provided, will sweep, mop, dust, wash dishes and other household chores the patient cannot do.
Bathing– The helper can assist with bathing the patient, drying and dressing.
Medications– The home health nurse can refill the patient’s medicine box with the correct dosing.
Having a good home health company to provide services can enable patients to live at home in their familiar surroundings.
While the world begins to re-open stores, schools, theaters, amusement parks, and more- many seniors and caregivers are still sitting at home waiting for safer conditions before they fully re-enter society.
And with so much time on their hands, they’re looking for more to do than just watch TV or read a book.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, here’s a list of 5 popular pandemic hobbies to help you occupy your time!
Make the most of your days with worthwhile and enlightening activities.
As we all strive to navigate through this uncertain time, some hobbies have skyrocketed in popularity.
Gardening is one of those hobbies. In fact, gardening went up 100% on Google Trends– a whopping twice as much as last year!
Gardening is a great way to spend some quality time out in the fresh, open air. And, there’s so much to do: planting new flowers, designing topiaries, growing fruits and vegetables, creating raised gardens beds. The creative possibilities are endless.
Another fan favorite has been the #QuarantineFifteen.
During the months of quarantine and social distancing, many caregivers and seniors have finally found time to not only enjoy the food they eat, but also the cooking process beforehand. Searches for “recipe” of all kinds went up 100% when compared to 2019’s search trends.
Sitting or standing, humming along to music or listening to a podcast, chatting on the phone or pondering in silence- there are so many ways to enjoy yourself while cooking. Not to mention, the delicious food that comes after!
One good thing to come from this pandemic is that animal shelters have emptied tremendously.
Animals give people joy and companionship. So, it’s no surprise that during these trying times, people have flocked to animal shelters to help not only the animals, but also themselves.
One act, two kindnesses.
If you’re looking for way to boost your mood at home, consider fostering a pet for a little extra love and fluffiness in your life.
“Do it yourself” activities have become a huge hit in recent months. With most people stuck at home, it’s been hard to make purchases and hire others to do work around the house. This struggle has encouraged many to start fixing up their homes on their own and even making their own products.
For seniors and caregivers who are goal oriented, DIY’s are a wonderful hobby. There are plenty of easy-to-follow DIY videos online, as well as books and magazines that feature various projects.
Furniture, cosmetics, clothing, stickers, home renovations, jewelry- there’s so much to choose from that you’re bound to find something you just can’t wait to make!
Spending so much time at home has also allowed seniors and caregivers to gain a new appreciation for their homes and the wonders that reside in their own backyards.
Backyard birding is a calming activity that brings a sense of excitement to your own backyard. You’ll suddenly take note of things you never noticed before like rare birds, unusual melodies, interesting migration patterns, and more.
AmeriBest Home Care caregivers are ready to assist you or your loved one with daily activities so that you can peacefully enjoy your favorite hobbies.
Call AmeriBest Home Care today by phone: 215-925-3313
We will always be happy to take care of you!
Trust is vital when it comes to any aspect of the medical field. The more one looks into it, the more one will find that it all comes back to trust. Sure, price is important, as is location and reliability, but when it comes to the bottom line, you cannot, and should not, pick someone that you do not trust 100%. When it comes to home health care services for yourself or someone you love, you need to make sure that you don’t just go with the first person you find, but instead someone you know will be trustworthy in everything that they do. After all: it is not just about having someone to help, it is about having someone that you KNOW is going to do the job the right way each time that they come.
Trust is even more important when you are talking about a healthcare professional going to your home to care for you or a loved one. After all: it is one thing to trust your doctor when you go to their office, but it is another thing to have the doctor come to your home to care for you. With this in mind, it is not only about finding a professional that you trust, but also about finding a company that you trust. The company that supplies Home Health Care Services in Philadelphia PA professionals needs to be one that doesn’t just have good reviews and does a thorough background check on the people they hire.
A great place to start is to find a company that is licensed, bonded and insured. Furthermore, you want to make sure that you go with a company that only hires professionals who have experience in home health care. They should also allow you to interview the home professionals at your home or office and pick the one that is best suited for your needs. Finally, any Home Health Care Services in Philadelphia PA company you go with should promise you the same professionals you trust each time they come out.
Some people experience illnesses or diseases that make it difficult for them to care for themselves. They don’t want to spend time in the hospital than necessary, and they search for other options. Home Care Services offer a perfect solution because they offer a range of helpful services based on the individual’s needs. This type of care makes it possible for the patient to stay at home and receive the necessary care. Services such as home visits, medication management, personal care, companionship and more are offered. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen and more are also offered.
This type of care can help the patient to have a better quality of life by letting them stay at home, where they feel most comfortable. Hospice care is also offered to those patients who wish to forgo curative care. This type of care lets them stay in their own home while receiving compassionate treatment. They provide pain relief and symptom treatment for all of their patients. Many feel that this type of care is ideal because it allows the patient to enjoy a better quality of life. Hospice care is specifically designed for those whose life expectancy is six months or less and choose to forgo curative treatment.
Many people who are ill wish to stay home and deal with the illness on their terms. This is the best way for them to live the rest of their lives with dignity. These providers also offer services for their family members that include bereavement services. The quality of life is so important when the end is near and many believe that this is the best option available.
It is good to contact an agency that offers Home Care Services in Philadelphia PA to learn more about what they offer. Many people feel good about this option because it makes their loved ones happier. It also allows family members to spend special and precious time together in a more comfortable atmosphere. It is important to see that a loved one’s wishes are being met, and this is a great way to do so.
As home health workers, we care for those vulnerable and at-risk to get severely ill from COVID-19. Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your clients. Below is the City of Philadelphia – Department of Public Health’s official document for home health workers.
You can also download this brochure by clicking here. Stay safe!
