Category: Recent News

Women’s History Month: Women in Caregiving

March is Women’s History Month. At AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, we’re excited to honor the women who helped shape what care is through their work and advocacy. Let’s look at some of the most influential caregivers in history.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt

Though Franklin Roosevelt’s polio left him paralyzed, he still became President in 1933. As strong and influential as he was during a tumultuous time in US History, it was the care that his wife Eleanor provided that enabled him to be the leader we remember today. When Franklin Roosevelt passed away, Eleanor continued to advocate for effective and empathetic care for those who needed it most.

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

In 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first African American woman in the US to earn an M.D. degree. She focused her work on the care of women and children and further secured her place in medical history with her Book of Medical Discourses.

Anne Sullivan

When Hellen Keller lost her sight and hearing from scarlet fever as an infant, her family saw little hope for her. However, Anne Sullivan rose to the challenge, helping Hellen learn to communicate and interact with the world around her.

Hellen Keller

With the help of Anne Sullivan, Hellen Keller was able to overcome incredible obstacles to become an activist and speaker. Among her numerous causes, Hellen Keller became a fierce advocate for people with disabilities.

Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds was best known as a Hollywood actress (Singin’ in the Rain as well as the voice of Charlotte in Charlotte’s web). She was also the mother of one of the most beloved actresses in science fiction – Carrie Fisher. What most don’t know is that Debbie also spent her life as a caregiver to her own mother and grandmother when she was 14 and even her own daughter Carrie when she showed signs of depression and bipolar disorder.

Rosalynn Carter

Another First Lady on our list, Rosalynn Carter, became a caregiver at the young age of 12 when her father was diagnosed with leukemia. In addition to serving as a caregiver for other family members, she has written books about caregiving and started the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers to promote the health, strength, and resilience of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, PA

If you’re looking for home health care for you or a loved one, contact us today.

One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services right for you.

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month: The Facts, Stats, and You

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most widespread neurological diseases affecting young people around the world. Unfortunately, most people know little about this disease and how it impacts the lives of those with it. At AmeriBest Home Care Allentown, we believe in educating our communities about their and their loved one’s health. Here’s the 101 on MS to help you make the best choice in home health care for your loved one.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the body and the brain. The cause of MS is unknown. The disease triggers the immune system to attack the central nervous system. The resulting damage causes interruption of signals to and from the brain resulting in numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness, and even paralysis. Because MS is unpredictable, each person’s experience with the disease is different, and losses may be temporary or long-lasting.

Risk Factors for MS

Researchers are still trying to determine the environmental factors that can lead to MS. For example, people with higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to have MS, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency could be a factor. While we try to learn other environmental factors of the disease, we do know that,

Women are three times more likely than men to develop MS
People with biological relatives with MS are more likely to develop it
MS is not inherited, but the genetic predisposition may be
Children of MS patients are 10 – 20 times more likely to develop MS than the general population

Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Because symptoms and severity of MS vary from person to person, the disease is difficult to diagnose. If you suspect you or your loved one may have MS, it’s vital to seek a diagnosis from a medical professional who concentrates on MS diagnosis and treatment, as they will be more likely to recognize and identify symptoms.

There is no cure for MS, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Because the disease is unpredictable, finding the right treatment is often a matter of trial and error. The focus is always in limiting the severity and length of MS attacks. Depending on symptoms and their severity as well as the progression of the disease, treatments can include,

Corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation
Plasma exchange (removing the liquid part from your blood and mixing your blood cells with a protein solution and returning it to your body)
Interferon beta medications to interfere with the disease and increase nerve growth
Glatiramer acetate to help block the immune system’s ability to attack nerve cells
Monoclonal antibodies to target cells that attack the nervous system
Daily or twice-daily oral medications that reduce relapse rates like teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate

In addition, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, physical therapy, and other treatments to help manage symptoms or reduce their severity.

How Home Health Care Helps MS Patients

For those living with MS, life can be as unpredictable as the disease itself. One day may be fine, with the next bringing a sudden flare. It’s important that MS patients have knowledgeable caregivers who can help them meet their daily needs when MS attacks occur. When you choose a home care provider, consider the tasks you or your loved one needs assistance with on a daily basis and when an MS attack occurs.

Are You Looking for the Best Choice in Home Health Care in Allentown, PA?

If you’re looking for home health care for you or a loved one, contact us today.

One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services right for you.

Becoming a Professional Home Health Aide in Allentown PA

Becoming a professional home health aide in Allentown, PA can be incredibly rewarding. You play a key role in maintaining and even improving the quality of a person’s life. Instead of being in a nursing home, an individual is aging in place with you at their side. The littlest thing, like remembering a favorite activity, provides the client with greater socialization, a treasured gift for deterring depression.

There are no formal requirements for education when you’re trying to become an aide. Different situations require different levels of training. In some cases, a high school diploma, safety training, and a heart filled with compassion are all a family needs in an aide. Other in-home caregivers may need a degree in social work, CPR and first aid accreditation, or other medical training to work with specific clients.

The call for direct support personnel is growing exponentially. If you take this career track, you can always find work with companies like AmeriBest. We truly value our staff and give them the tools they need to be successful in their assignments.

Becoming a Home Health Caregiver in Allentown, PA

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. If you want to become a caregiver, how should you proceed?

Self Evaluation: First and foremost, you must hunker down and ask yourself if you can do this work with empathy and patience. It is NOT for everyone. Are you willing to work with difficult clients (or strained family dynamics)? Can you put down your job at the end of the day? If you answered no to either question, this probably isn’t the right career option for you. If your answer is yes, move forward.
Check around your area to see if there are any apprenticeship programs. If not, volunteer to work at a nursing home. Get a feel for the kind of folks with whom you may work in the future.
Review the PA requirements for being a home care aide. Every state is different, but if you plan to apply soon, you’ll want to complete the required exams or certifications, if possible.
Get involved in a professional organization that updates you on things impacting your career.

Joining the AmeriBest Team

At AmeriBest, we always look for caring, dependable home health aides to join our staff in Allentown, PA. We prefer experience, but don’t let that stop you from applying. We pay you for the training time necessary to do your tasks.

AmeriBest has provided high-quality home and community-based services since 2008. Our history of maintaining clients’ sense of dignity and independence has made us one of the most trusted companies in PA.

We also have an amazing benefits package for your consideration. We know good employees are our secret ingredient and treat them accordingly. We offer paid time off, 7 paid holidays, medical-dental-vision plans, and life insurance, just for starters.

Start your career today. Email us at info@ameribest.org, or call any one of our three offices:

Philadelphia: 215-925-3313

Harrisburg 717-545-2920

Allentown 610-596-9070

Or 1-800-HOMECARE

Have a Heart: American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, with the theme “Live to Beat.”. It’s a time when various organizations encourage individuals to focus on cardiovascular health. At AmeriBest in home health care Harrisburg PA, we have seen firsthand the toll a heart attack can take on a person and their family during our work. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. To put it in perspective, one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. In 2020, this equated to nearly 700,000 individuals.

The caregivers at AmeriBest have been trained to recognize the signs of a stroke or heart attack. They observe closely, especially with people who have hypertension, which is a contributing cause of cardiovascular problems.

Heart Health

It’s not as hard as you might think to deter your risks of cardiovascular disease. The first step is understanding your risks by talking to your physician. Taking preventative measures matters.

What are these measures? Main boil down to ongoing self-care. Here are a few:

Eating Healthy. Keep salt and saturated fat to a minimum. It’s ok to cheat. Just remain aware of what you’re consuming. AmeriBest’s Aides can prepare nutritional meals for your loved one.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Practice sleep hygiene. Shoot for 7-8 hours a night. Create a daily ritual for yourself for the time you get up and the time you go to bed. Don’t nap too much.

Move it! Endeavor to get about 2 ½ hours of activity weekly. If that sounds like a lot, it equates to only 13 minutes daily over 7 days. Focus on low-impact cardio exercises that increase your heart rate. Walking, yoga, swimming, and cycling are examples. These types of exercise have minimal impact on joints.

Reduce Stress: For example, say your loved one knows a person who really rattles their cage. Limit how much time they spend with said individual. Activity (ah, ha #3) helps decrease anxiety, as can laughter, yoga (yes, it’s true), meditation, socialization, journaling, and keeping up with your personal hobbies. All these things provide mental distraction.

Know your numbers, specifically your blood pressure which is now easy thanks to home cuffs. If you cannot coordinate the cuff, ask the AmeriBest aide to help you.

If practicable, remain an active participant in your health. If you have questions, ask them, and insist on answers. You are your own best advocate.

Socialize: An in-home caregiver from a home health care agency like AmeriBest has trained personnel who take an interest in your loved one’s favorite activities. Studies show having interaction offsets depression, too.

Hiring a Home Health Care in Harrisburg, PA

When you reach the point when you know you can’t go it alone as the primary caregiver to your loved one, it’s time to consider professional aides. Whether or not your loved one has cardiovascular problems, seeking in-home assistance comes with many questions. The professionals at AmeriBest are here to answer them and provide the necessary information you will need going forward.

Reach out to us:

Online https://www.ameribesthomecare.com/contact-us/

Telephone: (717) 545-2920

Email: info@ameribest.org

Senior Care for Your Loved Ones in Philadelphia PA

As years go by, our loved ones show signs of aging. Eventually, there are things they cannot do for themselves. You step in to help here and there, but the responsibilities keep on growing! People find themselves overwhelmed. That’s where AmeriBest Senior Care Philadelphia, PA, steps in offering in-home health care for seniors.

You may have already felt a financial strain from caregiving due to lost pay or out-of-pocket expenses to provide your loved one with medical necessities. You would not be alone. Three in ten families caring for their seniors report increased debt. Our agency can walk you through all the financial supports available, including Medicaid, which can decrease your burden substantively if you qualify.

Aging in Place

Aging in place is highly preferred among seniors. They don’t like the idea of moving from their home. Everything there is familiar, including the people. At a facility, many strangers walk the halls, and it’s nowhere near as comfortable. Plus, many families feel guilt over engaging in a nursing home. Using a home healthcare service solves these problems.

Studies show aging in place has an impact on mental health, too. Being at home, a person feels secure, and they also have a sense of autonomy. There’s less stress and more predictability.

You want to make the best choice in home care. At AmeriBest Home Care, we pride ourselves in attentive service and making every effort to maintain the individual’s sense of self-respect. Your professional home caregiver frees you up to focus on personal needs and tasks, many of which have been on the back burner because you simply ran out of time.

What to Expect

As you seek senior care for your loved one in Philadelphia, PA, you might wonder what to expect from services. At AmeriBest Home Care, we will work with you, your loved one and their medical team to come up with a personalized plan of care. Some of the duties of our caregivers include:

Preparing meals
Med minders
Housekeeping
Bathing
Dressing
Organizing schedules
Participation in social events
Driving to physician’s appointments.

AmeriBest: Senior Care in Philadelphia, PA

Our company name says it all. We want the “best” for your entire family. Aging in place doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Everyone needs to have a say and receive essential information as soon as possible. We encourage family advocacy. There are no “cookie-cutter” solutions in our business. The plans we settle on take into consideration family dynamics, your concerns, and your loved one’s feeling.

We are one of the top agencies in Philadelphia, PA, having shown dedication to superior care. As the world of caregiving grows and changes, we remain mindful of best practices in every aspect of our services. In choosing our staff, we seek individuals who show strong compassion, support, and attentiveness. We also scout for people who are dependable and trustworthy.

For more information, please contact us any time!

Call: 215-925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE

Email: info@ameribest.org

Access Quality Home Care in Allentown PA

The day has arrived. You are exhausted, and your loved one needs more help than you can provide. Thus, the search begins to access quality home care in Allentown, PA, which is what AmeriBest Home Care offers. Find out if you’re eligible for home care services and how you and your loved ones can benefit from them if you are!

What Are Home Care Services?

Simply put, home care services professionals offer extra hands and eyes, so your loved one has greater safety and support. Some of the basic services AmeriBest Home Care Allentown, PA, provides include:

Dressing
Bathing
Personal care
Dishes
Laundry
Cooking healthy meals
General house tidiness
Companionship
Respite care,
Med reminders
Transportation to Dr. appointments
And much more.

In addition, certain situations require specialized care. You can get physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and a registered nurse. Under Medicare Part A, these services must be medically necessary for coverage. Your physician must certify your need for coverage. Your case will be reviewed periodically. Medicare reports that in 2019 approximately 5,300,000 people received these types of benefits.

Hiring a Home Health Caregiver in Allentown, PA

You are among many people seeking care for their loved ones. The popularity of home health care in PA grows daily. Seniors prefer “aging in place” rather than going into strange institutions with none of the comforts of home. One of the great benefits of having professional care is the peace of mind it gives you and the socialization it provides for the individual.

So, the question becomes, what do you look for in a company? You don’t want to just close your eyes and pick one out of the phone book. You need to know the people behind the scenes and a company’s culture in making your choice. Signs of a quality home caregiver, like our personnel at AmeriBest, include:

Active, positive references
The company gives all potential staff background checks
The company provides ongoing training about “best practices” in the field
You are treated with respect
You get honest answers to your questions
The agency creates personalized care plans in which you, your loved one, and physicians participate

Questions to Ask

Besides the qualifications discussed previously, there are several great questions to ask potential care coordinators.

What happens if my aide is a no-show or calls off?
Are your aides insured?
Do you have any specialized services, and if so, what are they?
How often do you update care plans?
What if my loved one doesn’t like the aide provided?
Do you periodically evaluate your staff?
What sets you apart from other home care agencies?

You can also evaluate your home and ask about safety concerns. We can help you find resources to get any durable medical equipment you require, like grab bars, a cane, and a wheelchair.

Reach Out

The professionals at AmeriBest Home Care, Allentown, PA, are available to you to answer these questions now and others as they come up in your home. Contact us online HERE. Alternatively, our phone number is 717-545-2920, and our email is info@ameribest.org

Home Care in Harrisburg PA

No matter where you live, you’ve probably come across a family caregiver or a professional home health care aid, like those provided by AmeriBest Home Care in Harrisburg, PA. The sad reality is that (as of this writing) 133 million people have at least one chronic illness. Families are left with difficult decisions. Do they send them to a facility, or do they find a way to keep their loved one in the comfort of their home?

If they choose in-home health services, the family of the said individual may try and become the caregiver, attending to all the needs of their loved one. As you can imagine, the strain is palatable. Effectively they are trying to balance two lives into the time allowance for one.

What is Aging in Place?

But there’s good news. Relief is on the horizon with AmeriBest home care services in Harrisburg, PA. The person involved can “age in place.” The idea is to give seniors a sense of independence while maintaining matters of safety and other supports. The individual has greater self-esteem and a more positive attitude. There is less stress, and an in-home aide helps with socialization, too. For the family, having a professional caregiver is less expensive than facility care.

What About Medicare?

When an individual cannot afford home healthcare, Medicare coverage. Can provide financial help if you qualify. A person has to be homebound, require periodic care, and have a doctor who will prescribe the service. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s Department of Health and Human Services can cover some of the costs involved. If you are not sure if your family makes for a good candidate, call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (215-765-9040) and get some answers. The staff at our AmeriBest home health services can also help guide you through the jumble.

It is worth noting that both Medicare and the Pennsylvania Department of Health Services will allow you to choose an aide. Your children, cousin, aunts, etc., can work in your home and get paid. This takes aging in place to another level of well-being. Now your loved one not only stays home but has a known individual caring for them.

Home Health Care: a Closer Look

A person receiving home health care receives different services than other people. It’s vital they receive individualized care. One person’s needs are not the same as someone else. At AmeriBest, we are committed to tailor-made care plans. Yours might include more than trained aides. Perhaps the person needs physical therapy, for example. That requirement goes into the plan, along with any other specialized necessities.

Basic services include:

Light housekeeping
Meal preparation
Nutritional menus
Socialization
Bathing
Spotting a person with mobility issues

Our compassionate and well-trained aides help individuals achieve self-sufficiency within their limitations. They keep an eye out for changes in a person’s behavior, speech, walking, etc. Any oddity immediately gets communicated to the person’s medical care team.

There are several ways to contact us for further information:

Our online contact form

Phone: 717-545-2920

Email: info@ameribesthomecare.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Supporting Your Elderly Parents With Paid Caregiving

As our parents get older, it can be a challenging and emotional time for everyone involved. As their children, we want to ensure that they are comfortable and well-cared for, but it can take time to figure out what to do and where to begin. However, by being informed and prepared, we can navigate these challenges and celebrate the joys of growing older together. Today, we’ll explore the ways you can support your aging loved ones, including but not limited to paid caregiving, state assistance, and other available support. Let’s dive right in!

Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

There are several alarming signs that may indicate that an older adult needs more help, including:

Difficulty with daily activities: Struggles with tasks such as walking, bathing, dressing, and cooking can indicate that an older person may need assistance with these activities.
Changes in physical appearance: Unexplained weight loss, poor hygiene, and changes in clothing choices can be indicators that an elderly person is struggling and may need help.
Changes in behavior: Sudden mood changes, increased confusion, and disorientation can indicate that an older adult may need more assistance and support.
A decline in cognitive abilities: Difficulty with memory, communication, and decision-making can be early signs of cognitive decline. They may indicate that the elderly need more help.
Safety concerns: Issues with mobility, falls, and medication management can be serious safety concerns for elderly individuals. These red flags may indicate that they need more help at home or in a facility.
Isolation and loneliness: Withdrawing from social activities and relationships can signify depression or a need for social support.
Difficulty with managing finances: Struggles with paying bills, mismanaging money, and frequent calls for assistance can indicate that an older or disabled person may need help with financial management.

It is crucial to identify these signs and provide the necessary support and resources to help elderly individuals live safely and comfortably. This may involve working with family members, professional care providers, or local resources to ensure that the elderly person has the support they need.

How To Start Supporting Your Aging Parents

Start a conversation: Talk to your parents about their preferences and expectations for their future. Ask them what they would like to happen if they need help with day-to-day activities or if they become ill. Find out what their wishes are for medical treatment and end-of-life care.
Get organized: Make a list of their medical information, insurance policies, and other important documents. Consider getting power of attorney so you can make decisions for your parents if they cannot.
Assess their needs: Look for signs that your parents may need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals. Consider hiring in-home care or moving them to a care facility if necessary.
Make time for joy: While it’s essential to take care of practical matters, it’s also important to celebrate the joys of aging together. Plan regular visits and trips, and find activities that they both enjoy.
Stay connected: Even if you live far away, technology can help you stay in touch. Encourage your parents to use video calls and email to stay connected with you and their grandchildren.
Seek support: Taking care of aging parents can be emotionally and physically taxing. Make sure to seek help from friends, family, or a support group. It can also be helpful to speak with a therapist who can provide you with tools and strategies for managing stress.

Aging can be difficult, but we can also make it a time of joy and celebration. Remember to communicate openly, get organized, assess your parents’ needs, make time for joy, stay connected, and seek support. By doing so, you can ensure that your aging parents are comfortable at home.

How Can I Get Paid for Caregiving for My Parents?

Family caregiving can be very demanding and emotionally and physically tolling. It can be a source of stress for many caregivers and significantly impact their health, relationships, and financial well-being.

It’s essential for caregivers to prioritize their well-being and to seek support when they need it. This can include talking to friends and family, joining a support group, or seeking help from professional resources like therapists or respite care services.

There are several ways to get paid for caregiving for your parents in Pennsylvania, including:

Private Pay: You can agree with your parents or their family members to provide care for a fee. This is known as private pay and can be a flexible arrangement that meets the needs of both parties.
Medicaid Waiver Programs: Pennsylvania offers programs that can provide funding to pay for care services in the home. You can check with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging or the local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about these programs and how to apply.
In-Home Support Services: Pennsylvania also offers in-home support services through the Home & Community Based Services. These services can provide support with activities of daily living, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
Long-Term Care Insurance: If your parents have long-term care insurance, they may be eligible to receive benefits to pay for your care services.
Tax Credits: There are also tax credits available for caregivers in Pennsylvania, such as the Caregiver Credit and the Dependent Care Credit. These credits can provide financial relief for caregivers who care for their parents.

Working with a professional is vital to determine the best course of action for you and your family. AmeriBest Home Care can help you navigate the complex regulations and requirements related to paid caregiving. Call 1800-HOMECARE today.

CDPAP: What Is Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program?

When someone you love comes to the point of being unable to wholly care for themselves, the family is faced with the choice between facilities, hiring an aide service, or applying for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPAP) – a program utilized by AmeriBest Home Care in coordination with Medicaid. All three of our offices in Philadelphia, PA, Harrisburg, PA, and Allentown, PA, can assist you in this matter.

The difference between a hired caregiver and someone hired through CDPAP is simple, familiarity. The CDPAP allows close family members of trusted friends to become a caregiver. Note this is a paying position. When you utilize Consumer-Directed Care, you have peace of mind that comes from knowing the person in your home regularly throughout the week. Better still, they’ll likely have some familiarity with your loved one, which makes that person feel more at ease.

Perhaps someone you know has already provided ongoing care freely to give you time away to do other things. AmeriBest can train that person. In this situation, CDPAP maintains continuity of care for the individual in need.

A Closer Look at The CDPAP Program

The Consumer-Directed program is part of Medicaid aimed at decreasing the cost of care among seniors. There are a few rules as to who you can choose as a caregiver, however. A spouse cannot receive compensation under this program with the exceptions of: New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, California, and Washington. Why? Because from a legal standpoint, spouses are already responsible for each other.

A person seeking to utilize the CDPAP program must be eligible for Medicaid. Under Medicaid, they must also meet the criteria for personal care, certified home health care, or private duty nursing. Finally, an individual’s physician must provide an order using designated paperwork. There is yet one more step.

When a person qualifies for CDPAP services, a qualified professional comes to your home, determining the level of need. Afterward, you’ll be notified of how many hours a week your loved one can work and get paid. This is a firm number (no wiggle room).

Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program Benefits

CDPAP provides a level of familiarity and rapport that takes weeks (if not months) to establish with a professional aide. Being part of the family, the caregiver already understands dynamics and the “lingo.” They recognize the people who may arrive at their doorstep.

Once in place, CDPAP permits your friend or family member a flexible schedule. You will coordinate hours with them directly. You can also create an “in-house” plan of care, outlining the expectations of your caregiver (family or not, this is important).

How AmeriBest Home Care Helps

Even the best in-home health care agency doesn’t fit all molds and situations. As the demand for caregivers grows, having someone you already know becomes an ideal solution. Plus, individuals on the CDPAP have a support consultant. They bridge the individual and the program, ensuring ongoing requirements are met. AmeriBest does that, and we also take care of their wage processing.

We are sure you have questions, and our professionals are happy to answer them. You can contact us at any of our three offices:

Philadelphia, PA 215-925-3313

Harrisburg, PA 717-545-2920

Allentown, PA 610-596-9070

Or our online contact form HERE

Email: info@ameribest.org

Boosting Your Immune System Using Supplements

When you begin your search for a home healthcare provider, you want one who keeps up with the latest in best practices for ongoing health. At AmeriBest Home Care – the best home care agency in Philadelphia, we continually update our personnel and train them accordingly.

Supplements are one way of boosting your (or your loved one’s) immune system. None will prevent or cure diseases, but they give you extra tools to defend your body against bacteria, toxins, and viruses. You bolster your resistance even more with healthy eating, exercise, and proper sleep.

The biggest caution with supplements is that not all of them play nicely with current medications! Over the counter or not, you should always check with your primary about any supplement you plan on taking. Certainly, the advertising sounds promising, but keep thinking: safety first.

Potential Immune System Supplements

At AmeriBest, Philadelphia, our team sometimes walks into a home and sees dozens of bottles on the counter. Some are outdated, some are duplicates, and others aren’t necessary. You don’t need 101 supplements, just a few GOOD ones. For example, many people have a Vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps protect you against respiratory infections.

A mineral you can consider for boosting your immune system is zinc, without which it will not function properly. As a result, you are at an increased risk of illness. About 16% of serious respiratory infections have ties to a lack of zinc. In the aging community, over 30% of people are zinc-deficient.

Another well-known supplement for health is Vitamin C. While you may have heard Vitamin C protects against infections and is a powerful antioxidant, it has another role. This Vitamin helps clear out old cells and replace them with new ones.

One of nature’s gifts to the immune system is Elderberry, which has been a prevalent part of the folk healer’s kit since the time of Charlemaign. Elderberry has antiviral and antibacterial properties, particularly useful in staving off the flu. It can also decrease the duration of a cold.

Then too, what about garlic? This spice has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It stimulates white blood cells. Garlic exhibits the potential to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, too. The Greek physician Hippocrates (after which the Hippocratic oath is named) prescribed garlic for various maladies. There is no need to process garlic in any particular way. Just add it to your recipe, and enjoy.

The Bottom Line

AmeriBest Home Care agency in Philadelphia, PA recognizes the benefits of supplements for aging people that boost immune functionality. However, nothing surpasses a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, healthy eating, good sleep habits, and medication management are part of the picture.

When you have a professional aide, they can help your loved one strive toward that goal. Our staff is highly trained to meet daily needs, protect your confidentiality, and focus on the individual’s sense of involvement and dignity.