SEPTA Switching to Saturday Schedule; Amtrak, PATCO Modify Schedules Due To Coronavirus

SEPTA Switching to Saturday Schedule - AmeriBest Home Care

Caregivers: Please be aware that beginning Sunday, March 22, 2020, all Septa routes will be operating on a Saturday schedule every day, until further notice. We urge you to go onto the Septa’s website, Septa.org, to determine what the schedules look like for you to reach your client’s destination on time. Please notify your Scheduling Coordinator if this will affect the on-time arrival to your scheduled shift. Thank you.

Transit service across the Delaware Valley are modifying their schedules due to the coronavirus outbreak.
(as of 3/19/2020)

SEPTA

Septa will begin operating on a Saturday schedule starting Sunday, March 22.
Schedules with Saturday service information are available at SEPTA.org

Amtrak

Amtrak is adjusting their schedule as well, for more info, please go to Amtrack’s Service Adjustments Due to Coronavirus

New Jersey Transit

New Jersey Transit is operating on a regular weekday service.

PATCO

PATCO modifies schedule as well, please find it here: PATCO Announces Schedule Modifications

DART Services

DART Services are operating as regularly scheduled.

Source: 6abc.com

 

COVID-19 Memo for AmeriBest Caregivers from the CEO, Omar Khanataev

COVID-19 Memo for AmeriBest Caregivers

[UPDATE 2]

AmeriBest Colleagues,

It’s really difficult to articulate the grief and anxiety we have all collectively felt over the past couple of months. From the ongoing pandemic, that seems to have no end in sight, to family, friends and neighbors losing their jobs. Lastly, the pattern of distrust in our public servants. I am sure I am not alone when thoughts percolate through my mind, while all these events transpire in real time, and frankly, it’s easy to be enraged and overly emotional. However, I am a firm believer in taking a moment for a deep breath, disengaging and listening to those that are suffering.

Like many of you, I was sickened by the public execution of George Floyd in Minneapolis. It’s all of our duties to do better and be empathetic. To listen to our fellow man and hear their concerns. Our public servants have a tough job, one that requires trust from the community. When that trust is fractured by a bad police officer, and others don’t care to listen, crazy things happen. That trust needs to be built from the bottom again. Change happens from the ground up. Drawing awareness and speaking loudly is critical, but then the tough work starts. Holding our public servants accountable, electing officials that will make concrete policy changes and giving the people (you!) a seat at the table.

Which is why, now more than ever, I am so proud of our mission. I really believe that in its core, we contribute in serving our communities, empowering our clients, our caregivers, providing them with concrete skills and laying the groundwork in their career paths. I am proud of our skills lab that we are rolling out, assisting our caregivers in becoming CPR certified, encouraging our employees to attain higher education. Taking the lead in educating our caregivers on how overtime is structured, what health insurance means, why a 401k is so important. For our clients, I am especially proud of the resources we help allocate, the independence we help them achieve and the risks we help mitigate with their health.

Finally, our direct caregiver workforce, our PCAs, CNAs, nurses and therapists. The amount of work, sacrifice and resolve in your everyday lives is truly a noble and sometimes thankless job. Thank you!

Everyone has their motivations but ultimately, having security, providing for our families and being a good citizen is something we all strive to achieve. Someone much smarter than me named Maya Angelou once said, “I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it”. Those words are so powerful and optimistic. I remain optimistic that good change lies ahead, as long as we all have the courage display it.

Sincerely,

Omar Khanataev,

CEO

AmeriBest Home Care

[UPDATE 1]

Dear AmeriBest Caregivers,

As most of you know, the Governor has instructed all non-essential businesses to stay closed for the time being. AmeriBest is, however, an essential business and provides a service that now more than ever is so crucial to the health and well-being of our vulnerable patients.

While we realize what you do is so essential, we must continue to stay vigilant and follow best practices. Wearing personal protective equipment, washing your hands for 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, not touching your face and coughing into a tissue are just a handful of precautions we can all take to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our goal is to always best serve our patients and keep them safe and comfortable in the comfort of their community and homes.

Also, please never hesitate to call our offices at 215-925-3313 to obtain an essential worker letter so you can go to work and provide care to patients. We have attached a letter for you to use should you be questioned about going to and from your patient’s home. You should always also have your ID on you to limit disruption. If you do not have an ID, please email or call our HR Department so we can mail or email an ID to you. If we do not have a photo, we will reach out to you for a picture to match to your ID identification you submitted on file and will then send you and ID.

In a time of such great anxiety and uncertainty, you have continued to be amazing and supportive to our mission in providing high-quality personal care services. I am not alone when I say how grateful for the work you are doing in our communities. Thank you now and thank you always!

Omar Khanataev

CEO

Dear AmeriBest Caregivers,

Like everyone else, we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation very closely and understand the concerns and anxiety built around this new challenge to all of us. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all the people who have already been affected by this unprecedented event and we appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities, state and federal government who are on the front lines, working to contain this coronavirus. Please know that we are vigilantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation around the clock and have precautions in place to ensure that our patients and caregivers are in a safe environment.

Firstly, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has activated the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline.

That Helpline could be reached by calling 1-800-722-7112, and is a free resource, available 24/7 to anyone in the greater Philadelphia area. Here is what it could help you with:

  • Symptoms and risk factors for the coronavirus & what to do if you think you have been exposed
  • Testing resources
  • Recommendations for social distancing

COVID-19 Memo for AmeriBest Caregivers

Also, we ask that all employees cooperate in taking steps to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases and the spreading the COVID-19 virus. Here is what AmeriBest is currently doing:

  • Social Distancing – stay a “social distance” of 6 feet or more away from other people.
  • Increased office cleaning – we are working with building management to conduct thorough cleaning of our offices. Including but not limited to: wiping down keyboards, door handles, desk surfaces and installing hand sanitizer stations throughout the whole building.
  • Limit large gatherings – until further notice, we will cancel large meetings, lunches, trainings and other gatherings at the workplace. AmeriBest office is temporarily closed until further notice and the corporate staff is mobile.
  • Wash your hands! – wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use common sense – cover your mouth with tissues when you sneeze or cough, and discard used tissues in the trash. Use hand sanitizer, cleaning sprays and wipes constantly. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home if you are sick or show symptoms of exposure.
  • Monitor developments – Monitor local & state departments and the CDC for additional developments.

Visit our website for more information.

We hope that these measures give you confidence that we are taking the necessary precautions in this evolving situation. We remain committed to providing you and your clients with quality service that you can depend on.

With that goal in mind, I implore that you wash your hands frequently and that you avoid patient contact if you are feeling under the weather.

For additional information about COVID-19, please read the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov, your local health department website or visit our website at www.ameribesthomecare.com.

On behalf of everyone at AmeriBest Home Care, thank you for your hard work and dedication to helping your clients remain safe, healthy and independent in the comfort of their own homes.

CEO,

Omar Khanataev

AmeriBest skills lab kicks off Monday February 17, 2020

AmeriBest skills lab kicks off Monday February 17, 2020 - AmeriBest Home Care

Please note that the Skills Lab is going to be temporarily canceled due to Coronavirus! Stay tuned.

Have you heard what’s new at AmeriBest Home Care? “Skills Lab”!

AmeriBest is offering the opportunity for current Personal Care Assistants to receive hands-on skilled training in a safe environment in our fully equipped new skills lab. Our skills lab training opportunities follow a structured teaching concept and takes place under the supervision of the clinical department.

Call AmeriBest’s main number at 215-925-3313 and choose option #5 (Nursing Department) to register for any particular class.

 

FAQ

Q: Is skills lab paid training?
A: Skill lab is paid training at the state minimum wage rate; outside of the PCA schedule

 

Q: Is lunch provided?
A: Lunch is provided for some training classes; not all.

 

Q:  Will I become certified?
 A: The ONLY class that offers certification is the CPR training class.

 

Q:  Does the skills lab fulfill the annual in-service requirement?
A: No, PCAs will still be required to complete 12hrs of in-services each year in order to remain compliant with HR.

AmeriBest Home Care is dedicated to providing high-quality comprehensive home health and personal care services to valued members of our community.

Stay Up-To-Date on The Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Philadelphia, PA

Stay Up-To-Date on The Coronavirus - AmeriBest Home Care

Dear AmeriBest clients, caregivers and staff, here are the resources for you to stay updated on coronavirus (COVID-19).

What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – CDC Brochure.

COVID-19 in Pennsylvania updates – Pennsylvania DOH Brochure.

For more updates by the CDC, please visit their website:
English
Chinese 中文
Spanish Español

WHAT IS Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Coronavirus, a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the virus causes respiratory infections. 3D illustration.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS of Coronavirus COVID-19?

Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

WHAT CAN YOU DO To Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Against Coronavirus?

  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, do not use your hands!
  • Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.
    Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Contain – if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
Healthy lifestyle, hygiene, and prevention of viral and bacterial diseases.

Keeping Up with New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors

Keeping Up with New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors - AmeriBest Home Care

They may seem like nonsense, but New Year’s resolutions actually hold a lot of power.
Especially, for seniors.

New Year’s resolutions are important because they set your sights on the future. They keep you moving forward and focused on a better life- even if the past has been a difficult one.

As seniors get older, they often get lost in regrets and “what ifs.”
When that happens, they can easily find themselves stuck in a spiral that takes them deeper and deeper into the angst of past events.

And, that’s where New Year’s resolutions come in.

New Year’s resolutions give seniors hope. They can pull seniors out of the deepest of spirals by shifting their perspectives from a lost past to an attainable future.

So, this bright 2020, help your senior make a powerful New Year’s resolution that will last.

Easy New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Senior

On the other hand, choosing a resolution that’s too easy will make you feel bored and unfulfilled.

That’s why the best tip for keeping new year’s resolutions is choosing the right resolution from the get-go.

Some good new year’s resolutions for you and your senior to try are:

  1. Exercise 1.5 hours a week
  2. Volunteer once a month
  3. Read 13 books
  4. Host family night every 2 weeks
  5. Start and finish 50% of a project you’ve been pushing off
  6. Smile when you see a stranger

Making New Year’s Resolutions Last Longer

It’s easy to make New Year’s resolutions. It’s harder to keep them and make them last longer than January.

However, there are a few tips and tricks that can really help you stick to your guns, and fulfill your resolution. The best one we can tell you today is: Schedule a time.

Telling ourselves “I’ll do it later,” is one of the biggest traps we fall for, because, we all know that later all too easily turns into never.

The best way to dodge this fall is by scheduling a specific time to do your resolution. If it’s a broader resolution, you can plan one day a week that you’ll be more cognizant of it. If it’s a specific resolution, you can plan a more specific time.

You wouldn’t miss an appointment you make with others, so don’t miss an appointment you make with yourself.

Helping Your Seniors Stick to Their Resolutions

If you notice that your senior is having trouble sticking to his or her New Year’s resolution, there are a few ways in which you can help.

First, check-in on your senior’s progress. We all need reminders every now and then, and we all need a little peer pressure – the good kind. Call up your senior and politely ask, “how’s the resolution going?” It might be enough to get them going again.

If that doesn’t work, the second thing you can do is offer to join them in their resolution. You don’t have to join in every time, but once and a while could really help your senior stay motivated.

And lastly, give encouraging words. If your senior is falling behind, remind them why they chose that resolution in the first place. Stress the fact that it’s never too late to get back on track.

Employee Appreciation Day at AmeriBest Home Care!

Employee Appreciation Day at AmeriBest Home Care!

We want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!

Please join us for our Employee Appreciation Day.

  • Raffle (Must be present to enter)
  • Food (Provided by Jimmy John’s)
  • Flu shots (Administered by our Nursing Dept)
  • Setup your EVV (Ask about weekly pay)
  • Vendors / Information Booth (Visit our vendors and come SPIN THE WHEEL)

Friday 10.25.2019, 9 am – 5 pm
WEAR PINK!!!

Click here to make a Facebook reminder: I’m interested!

Make the Most of Life with these 3 Summer Activities for Caregivers

Make the Most of Life with these 3 Summer Activities for Caregivers - AmeriBest Home Care

When you’re busy caring for someone else, it’s easy to forget about yourself.
But you matter too!

And the sunny, lazy days of summer are the perfect time to catch up on some me-time.

Begin by making a list. Think of all the new things you want to start, all the old things you want to finish, and all the things you’ve always wished you were but didn’t have the time to be.

Then start checking them off one by one. By the end of the summer, you’ll be a new you, a happier you, and the you, you always wanted to be.

And to get you started here’s an easy 3-point checklist to help you make the most of your summertime.

Read two new books

Need a little inspiration? Read some new stories that light your spark and get you rolling on the road to a better life this summer. Choose just two books whose journeys call to you, and read away. Maybe you need a pick me up from the hard work of caregiving. Or maybe you want to read caregiving stories of others just like you. Whichever you need, you can find it in a book.

This can also be where you finally get around to those books on your shelf you’ve always wanted to read but just never did. Or, this can be when you make time for some new books you’ve never heard of before.

Whatever the case may be, reading just two books is an easy, yet productive goal.

Business concept, ideas, books and exercise book on a wooden background with pencils

Write down your story

Everyone’s got a story. Whether it’s about you or your loved one, everyone has something they’ve always wanted to write down and share with others.

So, now’s your chance.
Write down your life’s journey, struggles, and maybe how you became a caregiver. Share your story with others so that they can gain inspiration from you. So they can feel that they’re not alone.

This can also be a great activity to do with your senior. Together, the two of you can craft and write your stories together, laughing and bonding over shared memories that make you smile.

Finish something old

Sometimes, starting something new can be overwhelming.
Where do you start? How do you start? Should you even start?

Sit back and take a breath. Because you don’t have to start new things to feel productive or changed. Instead, look to old things you never finished, but wished you had, and get working.

Picking up old projects and finally finishing them can be just as cathartic and relaxing, if not more, than starting something new. And you might even get rid of some old piles of unfinished odds and ends that have been sitting around in the attic for who knows how long.

A win-win for everyone.
So, this summer spend your time doing things that make you happy and feel accomplished. And walk away into the fall feeling like a better, more refreshed you.

How to Help Avoid Medical Debt in 2019

Health spending and unexpected medical bills are the two most feared financial occurrences for Americans, but the odds are much higher for seniors. According to American Health Economy Illustrated, seniors aged between 65 and 74 account for eight times the health spending of those that are aged 18 to 24. Although Medicare is there to pick up the bill, in many cases people find that they’re not covered for everything they need, and even then Medicare often only covers 65% of the elderly’s medical expenses. What then, can be done in order to help avoid the arrival of unexpected medical bills? Try following these simple guidelines for 2019 to reduce the risk of having to cough up huge sums of cash for medical costs.

Know your plan

It may seem obvious, but it’s important to know what you’re covered for, and what you’re not! Check out your health coverage plan from front to back, know how much you’re expected to pay in the case of a health issue, and know whether you have protection against balance billing – something that can often be a financial slap in the face! Being aware of the potential financial outcomes of your medical plan will help you plan ahead and, if necessary, get coverage to fill in the gaps that Medicare doesn’t provide for! Even if you know your plan well, it’s also a good idea to know your network. This is the medical establishments where you’re covered for use under your health insurance policy. Whenever you receive some kind of healthcare service, always be sure to ask whether it’s in your network to avoid unexpectedly high bills for services you thought you had covered!

Homecare as a preventative option

It may sound like an unproductive option – surely homecare costs more, right? However, in the long-run, homecare can actually be a great way of keeping your medical costs down! Frequently seeing a trained medical professional means you’re under constant supervision, helping to catch any health issues early, and acting as a preventative measure for any unexpected health problems. Your home care health professional can give you advice on any extra medical coverage you should get that would suit your needs, saving you money in the long run and keeping you healthy.

Senior woman talking to young care nurse on home visit

Staying healthy

The most obvious preventative measure is to try and change your lifestyle to a healthier one if you have not already done so. Increased exercise, improved diet, and cutting down on smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol all have huge benefits to your health even in old age! Talk to your doctor or health care professional about going on a weight loss or healthy lifestyle plan – it may save you a heap of cash, but will also let you live out your senior years feeling spritely and healthy!

Understanding how best to manage your healthcare in your senior years can save you from being caught unawares with huge medical bills, leaving you to spend your hard-earned money on the finer things in life. Follow these simple steps in order to prevent a financial catastrophe as a result of your health care needs!

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Philadelphia

There aren’t many professions out there that give you the sense of satisfaction you get from being a home health aide. Caring for people that are most in need is both a job and a passion, and for many people, it’s the starting point into a long and fulfilling career! For those that are already caring for their elderly relatives or loved ones, training as a home health aide could mean that you get paid for caring for your relatives. If you’re thinking of a career as a home health aide or if you would like to get paid for caring for your loved one, continue reading below to find out all the key details!

What do home health aides do?

Home health aides provide one to one assistance services for those who need extra help with everyday tasks. The tasks include bath and shower assistance; hair, oral, nail and foot care; medication assistance; cooking, feeding, and preparation assistance; washing and housecleaning assistance; repositioning assistance and emptying urinary and ostomy bags. The range of jobs that HHAs need to complete means that there’s never a dull moment! For many, the qualification to become an HHA is the first step on a long and fruitful career in care and health services.

What are the requirements?

To undergo HHA training in Pennsylvania, you are required to undertake a minimum of 75 hours of training which must include at least 16 hours of clinical instruction. On top of this, you’re required to complete 12 hours of continuing education training for every 12 months that you’re an HHA. The training will include all the necessary care techniques you need to be a fully qualified HHA including assistance training, medication assistance training, washing procedure training, and housekeeping requirements to good cleanliness. Once the training is complete, you will have to undergo a test that covers all of the main elements necessary to gain your qualification. Before you decide on a training program, you need to ensure that the course you’re thinking of is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health!

A senior woman in wheelchair with a health visitor at home at Christmas time.

Other routes to becoming an HHA

Other than taking the route of an HHA program, there are two other ways to become a fully fledged HHA. The first is through the completion of the nurse aide certification and training. This certification is often sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and is the first step on the road to becoming a qualified nurse so is a great option for those who want to make a career in healthcare. The other option is to complete a competency test developed by the health care agency where you will be working. While this is the quickest and most convenient option, it is the most restrictive, meaning you are unable to move to another agency without completing their competency test first. However, it may be a good option if you’re looking at becoming an HHA to get paid for looking after a loved one or relative.

If you are looking for a career where you feel the rewards of your hard work and dedication every day, or you want to get paid for the care you provide for your relative or loved one, then you should seriously consider becoming a home health aide! The average wage is $22,000 per year, making it a rewarding opportunity both financially and through the satisfaction of helping those most in need!

Transferring to AmeriBest is easy!

Request a call back!

Caregiving Stress and Burnout (And How to Get Relief!)

Senior Woman Comforting Man With Depression At Home

 

Providing care for a loved one in need is truly a rewarding pursuit. As the caregiver, you’re able to improve your loved one’s quality of life, make sure that he or she is provided the appropriate health care by an attentive health care team, and make tasks of daily living easier and more enjoyable. Your loved one might be able to participate in hobbies, socialize with friends, and genuinely enjoy their lives, all thanks to your caring, guiding attention.

But what about you? Caregiving can also be incredibly stressful and physically and emotionally taxing. However rewarding and fulfilling the pursuit might be, it can leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, or in a perpetual state of stress, especially if the health of your loved one continues to deteriorate or they become particularly challenging to work with. In fact, caregiver stress and caregiver burnout are very real and understood concerns that come with lending in-home support to a loved one, and health care providers are increasingly recognizing that the caregiver, as much as the care recipient, needs attention and support.

So how do you know if you’ve got caregiver stress? You might feel:

  • Constantly anxious, depressed, or irritable,
  • Tired or run-down,
  • Increasingly resentful of your loved one or the person that you care for,
  • Less interested in, or just less able to participate in your leisure activities,
  • Unable to sleep well, or sleep enough,
  • Or like YOU might be having new and recurring health concerns that weren’t present before.

Worse than caregiver stress is caregiver burnout: here, your body, mind, and emotions have been taxed to the brink, and literally can’t go on. You begin to shut down, which can look like:

  • Your energy is utterly sapped,
  • You’re perpetually susceptible to colds, flu, or just never feel well anymore,
  • You don’t sleep well and the sleep you do get just doesn’t satisfy; you never feel rested,
  • Your own needs are neglected, either due to a lack of time, or just total apathy,
  • Caregiving no longer gives you any joy or satisfaction,
  • You’re unable to relax, even when you do get assistance or some time to yourself,
  • You feel helpless or hopeless,
  • Or you’ve become increasingly irritable, resentful of, and angry with your loved one for whom you provide care.

Caregiver burnout is concerning: not only does it mean your mind and body have taken a significant toll, but it also means your loved one is now not truly benefitting from your assistance in the way that they could, because you’re not fully present, alert, energetic, or interested in being there for them. But don’t worry! There are solutions to help you resolve your caregiver stress or caregiver burnout.

First, it’s important to practice self-care. Take some time for yourself – a personal day or vacation if you’re able, and truly spend some time relaxing. Read a book, take a bubble bath, or take a long walk – you can even meditate: whatever might help you feel more relaxed and centered. When you’re ready, spend some time thinking back on caregiving, framed in a new light. Recognize and applaud yourself for the great work that you’re doing. Even if you’re loved one is unable to thank you, thank yourself. Reach out to other friends or family for the emotional boost that you need. There are also caregiver support groups that can help remind you of your value and importance and can talk with you about your struggles and challenges.

Finally, consider reaching out for some long-term assistance. Your efforts with your loved one have been invaluable and have truly changed their life for the better, but if caregiver burnout is a real problem for you then it might mean that the burden of care has gotten too great. At Ameribest Home Care, we understand how trying caregiving can be, and we’re here to help. Let us help you find a dedicated in-home health care, skilled nurse, or other caregivers that can lift some of the burden off of your shoulders so that you can have more time to focus on yourself and your own care needs. Ameribest Home Care understands – providing the best care and support possible means caring for and supporting caregivers! We’re here to help you and your loved one live your best lives.

Female Community Nurse Visits Senior Woman At Home