How Are YOU? Caregiver Self-Assessment

AmeriBest Home Care

Being a caregiver is rewarding but often exhausting. If you are the friend or loved one of an individual in need of home health care in Harrisburg, PA, trying to go it alone, it’s a good idea to do a self-check from time to time. After all, you cannot help others when you are drained and out of sorts. So, how are YOU?

The American Medical Association created a measuring tool. Physicians use it to assess anxiety and stress among family caregivers. There are yes and no questions. Depending on the results, the physician may suggest in-home health care services that AmeriBest proudly provides in Harrisburg, PA.

An example question would be, “During the past week, have you felt completely overwhelmed?” That inquiry could be followed by, “Have you felt torn between your family, work, and caring for your loved one?” The idea is to get a general feel of the caregiver’s stress levels. When the rankings are particularly high, it’s worth looking for support, including getting in touch with a professional aide who takes some of the work off your hands. At AmeriBest Home Care, we take pride in our staff’s ability to effectively work with a wide range of people.

AmeriBest Home Care

At first, you might feel hesitant about both the assessment and reaching out to a professional service. That’s perfectly normal. Family caregivers represent a majority of support for aging loved ones with chronic problems or functionality limits. We all want to be able to help successfully, feeling that, as a family, we’re best suited to knowing and meeting our loved one’s requirements.

But there are challenges to providing help to your loved one. You play many roles beyond your family station (son, daughter, cousin, etc.). You are the cook, maid, nurse, and driver, just to name a few. With all that responsibility, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. They fall into a backdrop of activity until a day arrives when you’re sick, worn out, frustrated, and ready to give up. It’s a terrible moment for anyone.

Remember, you are “only human.” There are limits as to what each of us can handle. This is why so many families turn to agencies like AmeriBest Home Health Care of Harrisburg, PA. They want a trustworthy company with high professional standards. Our staff receives ongoing training to keep them informed of “best practices” in the ever-changing home caregiving industry.

More importantly, our aides focus on the family as a unit. While they come to your home to help your loved one, the entire household has input on many matters, including answering questions about the individual’s favorite foods, tv shows, and activities. The integrated social nature of proficient caregiving is incredibly important. Depression and anxiety can run high in families who have done everything alone.

home health care harrisburg pa

If you’d like to learn more about what AmeriBest can off you, you can reach out to us anytime.

Use our online form HERE. Alternatively, you can call our office at 717-545-2920 or email info@ameribest.org

Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Amusement in Philly for Your Entire Family

Home Care Services Philadelphia PA

Holidays redirect our focus to home and family. Celebrations abound. You may wonder what amusing and engaging holiday activities in Philadelphia you can enjoy with seniors. Then, you start thinking about how to take care of them, particularly in public areas. That’s where Home Care Services Philadelphia come into play.

Light Displays

Our aides can help you plan your entertainment, prepare for it, and assist you during fun and games. Philadelphia has numerous activities in which you can participate. There are also breathtaking light displays like Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo and the drive-through Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm (ideal for individuals with mobility issues). You can find other light show options HERE.

For a shorter excursion, go to City Hall on December 1 for the tree lighting celebration. Your aide from our home care service in Philadelphia can spot your loved one so everyone can enjoy the view.

Shopping

Then there’s shopping. Seniors love looking for treasures for their families. From November 18 – January 15, the Peddler’s Village hosts over 60 specialty shops. 1 million lights surround the shopping area. Don’t miss the Gingerbread display.

You can find more vendors in the Christmas Village, 110 all told. Gifts from local artists and international crafters abound. You’ll find seasonal delights throughout the area, including hot apple cider. This event has wheelchair accessibility. Let your AmeriBest caregiver push along at a pace everyone can enjoy comfortably.

Ballet

What about attending The Nutcracker, taking place from December 9-28? It takes place at the Academy of Music. As a classic holiday event, seniors will find themselves humming to the music with delight.

At Home

There are times when you don’t want to leave the house. Thankfully there are a lot of activities you can enjoy with your loved one in the comfort of your home. And your AmeriBest caregiver can assist or guide them.  Examples include:

  • Digital Greeting Cards. Have the individual create a list of people they want to whom they want to send holiday wishes. There are tons of E-card companies from which to choose. Just Google it!
  • Fireside Gathering: Set a day at the hearth for sharing family stories over hot cocoa. Your chat can become a holiday tradition.
  •      Movie Binging: Have your aide help you gather a list of nostalgic classics for the day. Prepare a snack tray and beverages. Create your movie theater by closing the curtains. Watch for as long as your individual desires.
  • Remote Shopping: If your senior has mobility issues, shopping in stores may prove difficult. So, why not have your caregiver sit down with that person with catalogs and a computer at the ready? Go through gift ideas one-by-one, so your loved one feels wholly involved.

There’s also scrapbooking, putting up holiday decorations, making cookies, and wrapping presents.

Home Care Services Philadelphia PA

In-Home Care Services Philadelphia

The holidays get hectic, but having professional caregivers on hand releases a lot of stress and worry. You can go out and take care of your holiday errands with one of AmeriBest Home Care aides taking wonderful care of your loved ones.

By the way, our services aren’t just for the holiday season. We can help your family year-round. Contact us to learn more. Our Philadelphia office number is 215-925-3313.

Or email info@ameribest.org

 

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA?

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA

If you’re facing a short-term recovery with assistance or a long-term plan for your health and well-being, you may ask yourself, “Do I qualify for in-home care services in Harrisburg, PA?”. Or perhaps you’re looking into this option for a loved one. You are not alone. Many people seek out highly qualified caregivers, like those provided by AmeriBest Home Care, as an alternative to respite or nursing homes. It’s far more comfortable and soothing. You know where everything is and everyone who enters your door.

Of course, not all caregiving services are created equal. When you care for a vulnerable individual with physical, intellectual, or emotional challenges, you are left in the unenviable position of making responsible choices in their stead. Nonetheless, there are certain qualifying factors for getting aide services at an affordable price.

Insurance

A significant determining factor is insurance. Each carrier has its definitions of the individual’s condition and what type of care they can receive at home. You’ll see the term “medically necessary” frequently. Most often, a physician has to delineate the present needs and the means required to keep the individual safe.

Age

Age is also a factor. Medicare is designed for people over 65, but it also covers people who become disabled before that. So, a 50-year-old individual who becomes disabled can qualify for having at least part of their home care costs covered. The beauty of medicare is consistency. Regular insurance companies don’t have that.

AmeriBest Home Healthcare Provider Harrisburg, PA 

The basic qualifications for in-home care services in Harrisburg PA are:

  • Attestation by a physician as to your specific needs (like physical therapy or skilled nursing)
  • Having a provider that is properly registered in your state (like AmeriBest).
  • Having a plan of care reviewed and updated regularly by your health team.

So, Where Do You Begin?

Pennsylvania has a “one-stop” resource for information, including home health agency licensure qualifications. The Department of Aging offers Medicare counseling and a program called Options. You qualify for this program if you’re 60 or older, a Pennsylvania resident, a legal US citizen, and have unmet needs regarding daily functionality.

Documentation

Be prepared to gather various types of paperwork as proof of qualification. Examples include a driver’s license, social security card, and proof of insurance; If there is a spouse or family member assisting, they may need a Power of Attorney to ask questions about you over the phone.

It’s expected that the State of Pennsylvania will review services regularly due to the rapidly growing elderly population. When you use a home care health provider like AmeriBest, they keep abreast of these changes and guide you through any that affect your care or that of a loved one.

AmeriBest: Home Healthcare Provider in Harrisburg, PA

Our agency prides itself on the quality of services offered, professionalism, and caring staff. Your situation, or that of your loved one, is wholly unique. Personalization is a big key to the overall happiness of our clients.

We also gladly train family caregivers to provide proper care and get paid for it!

You can use our online contact form HERE

You can also email us at info@ameribest.org

Our Harrisburg office number is 717-545-2920; you can also call 1800-HOMECARE

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg PA?

 

Private Duty Home Care in Philadelphia, PA

Private Duty Home Care in Philadelphia, PA

As someone grows older, they may become chronically ill or have mental limitations due to age. Only some families are prepared for this situation. They have busy lives and cannot provide their loved ones with the kind of care that would provide peace of mind. When you think about your options, you may have heard about private duty home care in Philadelphia, PA.

Think of how much more comfort an individual has in their home vs. a facility. A house is a place filled with a person’s memories, their favorite chair, and the perfect bed! Private duty home care resolves this issue. The team at AmeriBest allows a person to stay in their own house while receiving excellent care.

What, Exactly, Is Private Duty Caregiving?

When we talk about caregiving, questions remain as to what services you can receive from private duty home health agencies in Philadelphia. The list is impressive:

  • Professional Assistance, including vocational, supportive, medical, and psychological help. Medically there are nursing services and speech therapy. Psychological services include cognitive treatments and counseling.
  • Personal Assistance includes offering an individual an extra hand with things like showering, dressing, hair and skin care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and, most importantly, medication monitoring.
  • Companionship: Studies show that having socialization decreases the chance of someone becoming depressed and anxious. At the heart of it all, people really do need people.
  • Family Relief: with a private duty home care aide in place, you have more freedom to take care of business and family. Aides help you avoid burnout. Knowing you have knowledgeable professionals (like those at AmeriBest Philadelphia, PA) with your loved one helps you focus and have peace of mind.

Caregiver Guide to Home Healthcare Philadelphia, PA

What Benefits Can You Expect from a Private Duty Home Care Assistance?

One of the beauties of private duty caregiving is the knowledge professionals provide. You not only have someone close at hand for answers to nagging questions, but you also have our office where you can get further information. At AmeriBest, we aim to create a smooth interaction between physicians, families, and our services.

This is not a paint-by-numbers operation. Personalized care plans are at the heart of our initial intake. You and your loved one are always involved. As the client’s needs change, so does the plan.

Finally, there’s the gift of knowing your loved one is taking the right medications at the right time. Three-quarters of all people over 50 have at least one daily prescription.

When you have pain or suffer from cognitive decline, it’s easy to get things wrong. Having private duty home care deters errors that could prove deadly.

Taking The Next Step

As a Private Duty Home Care Philadelphia PA, AmeriBest wants to answer your questions. Healthcare paperwork and processes can be overwhelming. Having an agency helping you navigate these waters makes things So. Much. Simpler.

There are three ways to contact us:

Call: 215-925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE

Email: info@ameribest.org, and

Use our online contact form.

We look forward to assisting you and your family with this transition.

Potential Career Paths for Family Caregivers

Home Care Jobs Philadelphia, PA

Caring for others takes a particular person. Empathy and compassion cannot develop from a training class. Truth be told, many people who are now HHAs, DCWs, PCAs, and CNAs, started with caring for a family member or a friend. Knowing how much you are helping a family can be incredibly fulfilling, and home care jobs are always available.

The demand for home care services grows daily. At AmeriBest Homecare, we always hire and offer our staff add-on, ongoing training. We know you have choices to make in terms of your potential career paths as a caregiver. Example options include

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Gerontology
  • Home Health Aide
  • Nutritionist
  • Personal Caregiver
  • Private Duty Nurse
  • Social Worker

And much more.

Specializations allow you to follow your interests and passions. For example, you might train to help patients with dementia. When clients have unique circumstances that go beyond typical home care assistance, education like that which AmeriBest provides gives you the knowledge. In turn, you can serve a wider range of individuals.

Nursing acts as a bridge between doctors and the family. They can take care of things like medication administration and taking vitals. Some nurses work in an office and also act as home caregivers. Nursing requires specialized schooling for certification.

A Certified Nursing Assistant might be a perfect alternative if you cannot attend college. If you take the training for being a CNA (typically a program certified by the state), you can work in the home and become part of medical facilities.

A fast-growing potential career path as a caregiver in Philadelphia, PA, is Gerontology. Because people are living longer lives, there are more elders in need of assistance. Sadly, a long life does not always equate to a healthy one. A Gerontology certification course can focus on one or more issues. Possibilities include psychology, mobility, and dentistry.

Then too, there’s becoming a Home Health Aide. At AmeriBest, we have jobs at home and community-based programs for which you can apply. The need is great. In this capacity, you help people with everyday living challenges, including

  • Bathing
  • Housework
  • Med management
  • Oral hygiene
  • Traveling to and from appointments
  • Socialization

The Home Health Aide comes to know the individual. Everything is personalized. You work with the family to help them better understand the care their loved one needs. You also alert the family and physicians to potential problems.

Home Care Jobs for Family Caregivers in Philadelphia, PA

If you’d like to become a member of a caring company with a holistic culture, reach out to us and start your application. We offer some of the industry’s best benefits, including

  • 7 paid holidays; time and a half for working those days
  • Medical, Vision, and Basic dental covered at 100%
  • 15,000 life insurance at no cost for full-time workers
  • 5 days of paid maternity leave

Among others. Read more about our benefits HERE.

AmeriBest values its staff, knowing you are essential to client satisfaction. We aim to keep good people by showing them the support and respect they deserve.

There are three ways to contact us about your potential career path as a caregiver in Philadelphia, PA:

    1. Our online contact form
    2. Telephone 1800-HOMECARE
    3. And e-mail: info@ameribest.org

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg, PA

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg PA

Most adults have no idea how to sign up for home health aide programs. If you are looking for home health aide programs in Harrisburg, PA, AmeriBest Home Care can answer your questions and offer guidance. Make a list of everything you’d like to know, at least right now. Inevitably, with all the paperwork involved in hiring a home caregiver, more issues arise.

One resource where you can find professional in-home caregivers in Harrisburg, PA, is Medicaid. Medicaid pays for in-home care (to one degree or another) in all 50 states. There are financial considerations and the need for a physician’s recommendation, but it offers relief. But more than that, Medicaid certifies agencies like AmeriBest Home Care. A company must abide by rules to work cooperatively with Medicaid for payments. Those rules protect you, as Medicaid will do regular surveys to ensure the regulations are met.

It doesn’t stop there. The State itself offers many senior services. They can coordinate things like durable medical systems and emergency response systems.

Getting Started

Individuals who are 65 or older and have a disability can apply for help from Medicare and Medicaid. Your disability must be a “qualifying” one. Medicare and Medicaid are secondary to any personal insurance you have. Many health insurers do offer in-home caregiving, like the services AmeriBest provides, but it may have a deductible and hour limit. For example, a person recovering from surgery has some personal insurance but must contribute $15 per 4-hour visit.

If you haven’t already signed up for Social Security, do so. Once you are enrolled, Social Security automatically signs you up for Medicaid. This applies to regular Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), depending on your circumstances. By way of illustration, a man of 54 becomes disabled due to surgery. He, his loved ones, or the hospital social worker, can apply for SSDI, through which they can receive in-home aide services.

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg PA

A Closer Look

Remember, Medicare only covers in-home services when they are deemed medically necessary. Your case will be reviewed annually and signed off again by a physician who provides a plan of care. This is not necessarily a bad thing. If problems have worsened, you may qualify for more aide hours.

Pennsylvania participates in the Home and Community-Based Service Plan, funded by the federal government. It proves support beyond what you need for your health. There are 12 HCBS services for which you can apply currently, each with different types of eligibility.

Don’t forget to check to see if you have a long-term insurance policy through your place of employment. Usually, people sign up for these at hiring and then forget about them because any costs come right out of their paycheck. If you have it, keep it. The older you are, the harder it becomes to get this type of insurance.

AmeriBest Home Aide Programs in Harrisburg, PA

The face of caregiving is constantly undergoing a lift or a tuck of some type. It’s AmeriBest’s responsibility to remain aware of those changes and the benchmark for best practices. Our trained staff will review your options with you so you can make informed choices.

To contact us for more information, use our online contact form, email info@ameribest.org, or call 717-545-2920 or 1800-HOMECARE

Home Care for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

Home Care Assistance for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

As time rolls on, medical knowledge grows. Recently there’s been research on how air pollution harms the brains of older adults. This in turn contributes to issues like dementia. The actual “reason” hasn’t been nailed down yet, but the correlation remains, according to the National Institute on Aging. In fact, a person who lives where air quality is better can have an extended time before signs of dementia hit, averaging 1.5 years.

There are two types of air pollution that seem to be the main culprits:

  • Fine Particulate Matter: Tiny solids and liquids in the air (dirt, dust, soot, etc.)
  • Nitrogen dioxide is a byproduct of vehicle emissions, industrial sources, and certain natural events like wildfires.

These pollutants may also impact heart health, which is vital to brain health, too. Over time, the effects accumulate, increasing the risk of mental deterioration. In fact, in 2020 the Lancet’s Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care added air pollution as a risk factor.

 

The Caregiver’s Role

A family caregiver or a home health aide (like those AmeriBest trains and hires), cannot undo the damage that’s already been done, but they can help with the aftermath.

Assistance with daily living, making sure a person remembers their medication, keeping track of important contact information, and knowing the location of everything in someone’s home are examples. You do not want to keep a person indoors 100% of the time. That’s not healthy and often leads to depression, but you can make their life within the home much simpler and more content.

Tip: To check the quality of air in your region, use AirNow.gov for information. This can help you determine if it’s a particularly bad day for taking seniors out for long hours.

Home Care for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

Dementia Home Care Harrisburg PA

At first, some families have reservations about home care, but it is one of the best ways to make your loved one comfortable and at ease, especially with mental impairments. They need familiarity and consistency, but children, grandchildren, or friends may simply not be in a position to provide the level of care necessary for health and safety.

Once you hire a professional team, like the personnel AmeriBest has to offer, you have peace of mind. Aides are trained for both home and community-based assistance. They become part of the family matrix, with two extra eyes and hands so you can take time for handling your own matters with peace of mind.

Our services include personalized care coordination so that your loved one’s entire medical team is on board and regularly informed of any changes that occur. We can answer many of those nagging questions, including about air pollution, while also educating the whole family on how best to keep the individual happy, peaceful, and maintaining their dignity all at the same time.

If you’d like more information about dementia home care Harrisburg PA, don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions or concerns. You can contact AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, PA office in one of three ways:

Call: 1800-HOMECARE or 717-545-2920

Email: info@ameribest.org, or

Use our online contact form HERE.

High Blood Pressure Results in Bone Aging, May Accelerate Osteoporosis

High Blood Pressure Results in Bone Aging, May Accelerate Osteoporosis

As people live longer lives, that doesn’t mean the extra time is always healthy. For example, research indicates that high blood pressure can increase the risk of osteoporosis. In turn, it’s reasonable to check for osteoporosis in older patients with hypertension.

What is Osteoporosis?

Over 200 million people worldwide have osteoporosis, with women developing it more frequently than men. Osteoporosis is recognizable by the lessening of bone mass and density. In turn, this reduces a person’s bone strength, creating a greater risk of breaks. The leading cause of hip, spine, or wrist fractures in older men and women is osteoporosis, which many people do not even realize they have until after an accident. Having agency home health aides in Philadelphia can prevent these situations by monitoring an individual and helping with safe movement as needed.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Besides high blood pressure, other factors contribute to a person’s risk for developing osteoporosis:

  • Alcoholism
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Genetics
  • Lack of Vitamin D
  • Medications (steroids and anti-epileptics)
  • Smoking

How Does High Blood Pressure Contribute to Osteoporosis?

The most likely explanation is that changes in blood pressure alter the blood supply to the bones. This may stimulate an inflammatory reaction. A 2021 study indicates when coupled with age-related issues, high blood pressure has a negative impact on bone health.

How to Decrease the Risk of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is not an assured outcome as people grow older. It’s not a “normal” part of the aging process. You have the means of improving your bone health or that of a loved one.

High Blood Pressure Results in Bone Aging, May Accelerate Osteoporosis

There are ways people can reduce their risk of osteoporosis, including

  • Limited Alcohol consumption
  • Eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D
  • Staying physically active

You can also keep an eye on your blood pressure. If you are unable to do so, hiring a reliable agency for home health aids in Philadelphia is one step toward ongoing vitality. AmeriBest ranks among the best companies in the area because of our diligence and constant awareness of a person’s changing medical status.

Home Healthcare for Individuals with Fragile Bones

Once Osteoporosis sets in, it can become dangerous. Fragile bones are prone to everything from hairline cracks to full fractures with far less pressure or impact than one might expect. It’s vital that a home care provider, like AmeriBest Home Care in Philadelphia, create a care plan, coordinating with the individual’s medical team.

Many agencies offer physical therapists that can come into the home, making the client more comfortable. A well-trained aide can educate the family and client both on safety issues and awareness. They can do light housekeeping, clear all walkways, help with daily exercise protocols, and prepare healthy meals. Offering services that contribute to injury prevention is an essential goal.

If you’re looking for an agency that can help meet the needs of a loved one with osteoporosis, look no further. AmeriBest has professionals at the ready, as we are one of the best agencies for home health aides in Philadelphia.

There are various ways you can reach out with your questions:

Use our online CONTACT FORM

Call: 1800-HOMECARE or 215-925-3313

Emai: info@ameribest.org

We look forward to being of service!

High Blood Pressure Results in Bone Aging, May Accelerate Osteoporosis

The Best Agency for Home Health Aides in Philadelphia

We are now hiring HHAs in Philadelphia.

Why AmeriBest? We invest in our employees through great benefits, continuous training, constant support, and healthy company culture. Join us today!

The First (EVER) National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers

caregiver home health aide in harrisburg pa

If you’ve been looking for a caregiver home health aide (Harrisburg, PA), you are not alone and you may face hurdles. Throughout the US there is a shortage of family caregivers. As a result, the Health and Human Services Administration has created a National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

The strategy includes 150 actions focused on the private sector aimed at supplemental assistance with resources, particularly in long-term care. The RAISE Family Caregiving Act’s advisory panel joined in the effort, along with the public and professionals in the universe of home health care.

Caregivers, be they family members or trained professionals like AmeriBest Home Care Caregivers in Harrisburg, PA, have a critical role in the health and well-being of homebound individuals. Everyone ages and many of us will face a moment when we need assistance. It’s a difficult moment, challenging a person’s sense of individuality and pride. We all need somebody in our corner, and non-skilled caregivers do just that. They keep the company, assist with daily activities that are challenging for the care recipient, and provide invaluable support.

caregiver home health aide in harrisburg pa

Who’s In? And Who’s Affected?

In this, the ACL (Administration for Community Living) joins in the 2022 strategy by presenting a vision and recommendations to help caregivers. They are gathering contributions and commitments from as many sectors both private and public as possible.

Consider that there are over 50 million people annually who require health assistance to maintain their quality of life. Of those, 70% utilizing home care are aged 65 or over. Many adults would not otherwise have the financial resources needed to maintain physical, emotional, and mental support without efforts such as this.

It is understandable that families WANT to help their aging loved ones, but it’s simply not always practical, or possible! For one, the family rarely has training in handling their loved one’s needs effectively. For another, the busy nature of life means that non-professional caregiving becomes spotty.

Home Care Assistance for Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

Most people caring for someone 50 or over have minimally part-time jobs, and their own core families to care for.

The average number of years family members contribute to caregiving is 5. It’s easy to burn out! This is where a dedicated home health aide agency like AmeriBest steps in as a helpmate. When you don’t want to consign an individual to a nursing home, trained aides in the home are a great solution!

While cost may concern you, Medicare, Medicaid, and various health insurance marketplaces have coverage for home and community-based services, provided by a caregiver home health aide in Harrisburg PA. There are some requirements for coverage, including personal resources and income, which is why it’s wise to work with a navigator who can walk you through the red tape. They make the process easier, as can an agency representative!

The Next Step

When you know your loved one wants to remain in their own house, and you know you cannot give them the time and attention they need for well-being, reach out to AmeriBest Home Care for Services in Harrisburg, PA.

There are several ways to reach us to get your all-important questions answered.

Call us at 1800-HOMECARE or 717-545-2920

Email us at info@ameribest.org

Use our contact page HERE.

Would you like to become a paid family caregiver home health aide in Harrisburg PA?

Please submit your application HERE.

Home Care Assistance Against Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

Home Care Assistance for Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

In determining the best agency home care near Philadelphia, PA, one major consideration is whether or not your loved one belongs to a minority with unique needs. Studies show that racial and ethnic minorities experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, especially during the pandemic. With this in mind, it’s important for mindful home care agencies like AmeriBest to create a supportive environment to allay worries, loneliness, and any sense of isolation. The after-effects of the pandemic aren’t going away any time soon.

Isn’t Depression Normal?

People think that it’s normal for the aging community to feel depressed. It’s not. Rather aging adults are at higher risks for depression, and minorities even more so.

Signs of Depression

You may think of depression as being like a case of the blues. It’s far different. Depression ties into chemical imbalance and brain wiring. It’s treatable. But it’s easy to miss the signs. That’s where the best agency home care professionals are trained to watch for certain things including:

  • Intense pessimism
  • Feeling guilty for no reason or hopeless
  • Ongoing irritability and restlessness
  • Being tired all the time
  • Having no interest in beloved activities
  • Mental distraction
  • Sleeplessness
  • Digestive troubles

Older minority adults usually have one chronic health issue (80%). So, there’s the assumption their melancholy stems from not feeling good. This is why depression and anxiety often go untreated. Even the individuals themselves think their mental state has to do with illness, so they may not seek treatment.

The Role of Socialization

The CDC reports that social isolation greatly affects depression among marginalized aging adults. Feeling alone is not pleasant. But when you hire a home health care aide, there is another presence in your loved one’s life-someone on whom they can depend and who will be around regularly. The difference this makes is substantive.

Home Care Assistance for Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

Best Agency Home Care Near Philadelphia

AmeriBest Philadelphia is here to help you with your questions and concerns about finding the right assistance for your loved one. Our results are why AmeriBest Home Care is one of the top agencies in Philadelphia. Caregiving is challenging and often puts a strain on family relationships. Reach out for help before you feel overwhelmed.

AmeriBest knows how important it is to keep the lines of communication open. We work with the entire family (or those who wish to be involved). We also work with your loved one’s entire healthcare team so everyone is on the same page.

Our staff provides individualized services. There are no “cookie cutter” solutions with home care, and we aim to personalize care plans attentively. Your home care team will always remain up to date on best industry practices for maintaining high-quality services, including:

  • Care coordination
  • Familly education and awareness
  • Housekeeping
  • Meal preparation and nutritional monitoring
  • Med minders (and monitoring)
  • One-on-one interaction
  • Personal care and hygiene assistance
  • RNs
  • Social workers
  • Therapists
  • Transportation to medical appointments

You can contact us in several ways:

  • AmeriBest Home Care’s online information form HERE
  • By phone: 1800-HOMECARE or 215-925-3313
  • Email: Info@ameribest.org

We look forward to answering your questions and helping with your journey.