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

 

Changes to Medicare Advantage Coming in 2019 That’ll Make Caregivers Smile

Oftentimes, hearing about CMS policy changes on the news can make you wary. But this year the news regarding upcoming changes to Medicare Advantage policy is both welcome and exciting! For the first time, non-skilled in-home care services will be allowed as a supplemental benefit for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. That means services provided by in-home care providers (like the talented folks who work for AmeriBest Home Care) could be covered by a host of different Medicare Advantage plans, beginning in 2019.

This is a very big deal for in-home care providers and the people that rely on them. Never before has CMS allowed supplemental benefits to include daily maintenance provided by non-skilled, in-home providers under Medicare Advantage plans. Yet in the announcement made in April, CMS declared that they are re-thinking and expanding the definition of what “primarily health-related” means as it relates to supplemental benefits. Where previously “primarily health-related” pertained to care given only by skilled nurse staff or other health care providers, the new policy will extend to encompass daily maintenance care supplied by non-skilled caregivers. “Under the new definition, the agency will allow supplemental benefits if they compensate for physical impairments, diminish the impact of injuries or health conditions, and/or reduce avoidable emergency room utilization,” a CMS representative announced.

The policy change is welcome news for Medicare Advantage users, a population that is rapidly growing. In fact, according to CMS data, nearly one-third of Medicare beneficiaries in 2015 were participants in Medicare Advantage, a figure that is projected to continue growing over the coming years. Payors also seem to be embracing the change, expressing a willingness and eagerness to cover non-skilled care if it means keeping people out of hospitals and emergency rooms.

Tracy Moorehead, a CEO of industry group ElevatingHome, spoke on the issue at the Home Health Association’s National Leadership Conference in March. “[Home Health Providers] have greater flexibility than the fee-for-service providers do. They don’t have a homebound requirement in many cases. So they are tasked with full capitation, where they have an amount they are provided to care for a patient and they will do whatever they need to make sure that patient doesn’t cost them more money than necessary. And if that includes private duty services, then I’m sure a plan is more than ready to pay for that.” Indeed, as the population of dual-eligible patients qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid expands, plans have increased incentive to cover personal services in response to keep costs low and prohibit unnecessary hospital visits. While Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna were some of the first to adopt this new move towards embracing home health (establishing the relationship even before CMS’s policy change announcement), other insurance providers are beginning to follow suit.

Upon full policy implementation in 2019, Medicare Advantage plans en masse should be willing, eager, and excited about supplemental benefits that extend to non-skilled caregivers. And for the thousands of Medicare Advantage users that have turned to AmeriBest Home Care for loving and thoughtful provision of in-home care, this is great news. As we continue to provide exceptional care to our clients and exceptional training and support to our employees, Medicare Advantage’s embrace of our services as part of supplemental benefits only proves the indelible value and importance of our work in people’s lives.

Skilled Nursing in the Comfort of Home Through Philadelphia Home Care Provider Ameribest Home Care

Let highly-skilled, highly-qualified care providers help you towards independence in the comfort of YOUR home, not a nursing home!

Illness, injury, and hospital stays can leave you feeling incapable and in need of assistance just to get through your regular activities of daily living. But you don’t want to surrender your independence and the comfort of your own home to transition to life in a nursing home. Nursing homes can be expensive and can leave you feeling uncomfortable and out of place in an unfamiliar environment that’s not your own. Fortunately, you have options!

At AmeriBest Home Care, we believe that keeping you in your own home is pivotal as you move back towards independence. That’s why we provide only the best skilled nursing home health services in Philadelphia. Our nurses are ready, willing, and prepared to help you get back to life and health as you once knew it in the comfort of your very own home. We provide the highest quality of care every day to our clients who need assistance in managing their chronic or acute conditions, in an effort to keep them independent, health, and avoid unnecessary and costly hospitalizations. Our registered nurse serves as the primary central contact-us and conducts your care plan within a multi-disciplinary service management realm, meaning you get well-rounded, thoughtful care that’s been planned out with your individual needs in mind.

AmeriBest Home Care employs experienced, licensed registered nurses who are compassionate and competent. Our nurses are thoroughly trained are our experts in handling an assortment of various health conditions and patient scenarios. Our staff are also required to pass multiple background checks and consistently undergo vigorous competency and skills assessments, so you know that only the best of the best are attending to your health care needs. Further, all practices are evidenced-based and follow concrete protocols in conjunction with physician orders.

What can skilled nursing in my own home offer me?

With skilled nursing through Ameribest Home Care, you’ll receive all of the excellent healthcare and guidance that you would in a nursing home, without the extreme cost and the need to move to a new environment that’s not your own. Our thoughtful, researched health care plans are established with you in mind, and include:

  • Comprehensive health assessments
  • Continuous care planning and case management with physician and other disciplines.
  • Patient and caregiver education
  • Disease management programs
  • CHF Program
  • Wound Care Program
  • Diabetes program
  • COPD programs
  • Medication management and education
  • Pain management and education
  • Patient safety and fall prevention
  • And more.

If you need it, we at Ameribest Home Care can provide it. So, are you ready to experience highly-trained, highly-qualified, and caring home care in the comfort of your own home? Give us a call at 1-800-HOMECARE or (215) 925-3313 to find out how you can receive the very best care in your own home. Our nurses are ready to come help you return to independence and achieve your healthiest lifestyle on YOUR turf, without the need for a nursing home.

 

 

Provide Philadelphia Home Care to Your Loved One in the Comfort of Their Home

Ready to provide caring and capable Home Health to a loved one in the comfort of their very own home? Ameribest Home Care can help you!

Illness, injury, and hospital stays can leave many in need of assistance when completing activities of daily life. And while it’s most comfortable to receive that assistance at home and at the hands of someone you genuinely love and trust, no one wants to feel like they’ve become a burden to their children, relatives, or friends. That’s where AmeriBest Home Care comes in. We provide you with the appropriate training and skill set so that you can become a knowledgeable, capable, and caring personal caregiver to the friend or loved one who is in need. That means your mother, father, aunt or uncle, close friend or distant relative can receive quality and thoughtful care from you in the comfort of their very own home! Our home and community-based services (or Home Waiver Services) are available to those covered by MA (Medicaid/ medical assistance), and enable your loved one to remain in a community setting rather than being admitted to a nursing facility while they receive care from someone they love and trust the most: you!

Smiling elderly man in a wheelchair and friendly caregiver in a

 

Well-Paying Philadelphia Home Care That You Provide to Your Loved One… Tell Me More!

Once you’ve been thoroughly trained by the skilled and capable staff at Ameribest Home Care, you’ll be fully equipped and able to assist your close friend or loved one in all aspects of their regular daily living. The two of you can decide together what their plan of care will look like. Services can include:

  • Meal preparation
  • Light housekeeping – to meet individual health needs
  • Shopping
  • Laundry
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Medication management
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Securing transportation
  • Supervised walks
  • And so much more…

With care in the comfort of their own home that’s provided by someone they genuinely love and trust, your loved one’s health care plan will truly cater to their individual needs. So, how does your loved one qualify? Eligibility requirements are minimal; all they need to qualify is:

  • A medically-verified long-term condition or disability (where long-term means a condition that will last for longer than 6 months)
  • A monthly income of less than $2,163
  • No more than $8,000 of countable resources (including savings, checking, stocks, bonds, and other liquid assets or investments)

Further, if your loved one owns their own home, please mention this fact to our staff: it may affect their application for the waiver program.

So, are you ready for the person you love the most to receive professional, thoughtful, and well-qualified home care from an utterly caring caregiver that they know and trust? Call Ameribest Home Care, or fill out an inquiry form at our website www.ameribesthomecare.com, to find out how you and a loved one can partner together in pursuit of their healthy, guided living. It’s time for health care that’s truly comfortable, provided in the familiar space of home, and at the hands of a trusted loved one. At Ameribest Home Care, we’re answering the call for the comfortable home health care your loved one deserves.

Diabetes & Mental Health

“Is mental health pretty low on your list of priorities for managing diabetes? This may change your mind.
Mental health affects so many aspects of daily life—how you think and feel, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. You can see how having a mental health problem could make it harder to stick to your diabetes care plan.

The Mind-Body Connection

Thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes can affect how healthy your body is. Untreated mental health issues can make diabetes worse, and problems with diabetes can make mental health issues worse. But fortunately if one gets better, the other tends to get better, too.”

Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/mental-health.html

📞 (215) 925-3313

#Ameribest #wearehereforyou #wearehiring #homecare#TakeCareofEachOther #homehealthcare #WaiverProgram#ElderCarePhiladelphia #CareforLovedOne #Homecarenurse#Choosecaregiver #PhysicalTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #SkilledNursing

Skin Cancer Awareness

Karachi-weather-2

 

“Plan your sun protection using these tips—

-Seek shade, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.
-Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
-Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, head, ears, and neck.
-Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
-Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection.
-Remember to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.”

Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/can…/dcpc/resources/features/skincancer/

Contact Ameribest for all of your home health care needs.
📞 (215) 925-3313

#Ameribest #wearehereforyou #wearehiring #homecare#TakeCareofEachOther #homehealthcare #WaiverProgram#ElderCarePhiladelphia #CareforLovedOne #Homecarenurse#Choosecaregiver #PhysicalTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #SkilledNursing

Protect Yourself with Vaccination

adultvaccinations_456px
“Protect yourself by getting vaccinated. There are many important reasons to get vaccinated. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are up to date on the vaccines that are right for you. Did you know that vaccines are not just for kids? Grown-ups need them throughout their lives too! Many adults in the U.S. are not aware of the vaccines they may need and are not taking advantage of the best protection from several serious, sometimes deadly diseases. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are up to date on the recommended vaccines. Here are some important reasons to vaccinate!”
Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/features/adultvaccinations/index.html
Contact Ameribest for all of your home health care needs.
📞 (215) 925-3313
#Ameribest #wearehereforyou #wearehiring #homecare #TakeCareofEachOther #homehealthcare #WaiverProgram #ElderCarePhiladelphia #CareforLovedOne #Homecarenurse #Choosecaregiver #PhysicalTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #SkilledNursing

World Sickle Cell Day

“This World Sickle Cell Day (observed every year on June 19), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is raising awareness around sickle cell disease and ‘transition.’
Transition is the process of young people with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder, learning to become more responsible for their health and transferring their health care to an adult healthcare provider. Learn about transitioning care with SCD, read tips to prepare for it, and find more resources to help manage transition.”
sickle
Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/features/sickle-cell-transition/index.html
border
Contact Ameribest for all of your home health care needs.
📞 (215) 925-3313
#Ameribest #wearehereforyou #wearehiring #homecare #TakeCareofEachOther #homehealthcare #WaiverProgram #ElderCarePhiladelphia #CareforLovedOne #Homecarenurse #Choosecaregiver #PhysicalTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #SkilledNursing