July is Healthy Vision Month

July is Healthy Vision Month

July is the perfect time for sun, swimming, and focusing on vision health. This is Healthy Vision Month, meaning it is an opportunity to pay close attention to whether your eyes are as healthy as they can be. In particular, those who care for individuals with visual impairment should be hyper-focused on providing top-notch care. Let’s take a look at a few tips for providing care for individuals in Philadelphia with visual impairment.

It Takes a Healthy Caregiver To Provide Care

If you are not healthy, you will not be able to care for your loved one with a visual impairment or other challenges. Take care of yourself first and you will be in the condition necessary to care for others. In particular, it will help to get your eyes examined at least once per year. Eat a balanced diet with colorful fruits and vegetables, continue to exercise, and get eight hours of sleep each night.

Sweat the Small Stuff To Make Seeing That Much Easier

A subtlety such as adding brightly-colored tape to steps in the home has the potential to prevent a painful and potentially fatal fall down the steps toward the basement, first floor, or elsewhere. Look for additional similar areas throughout the home where you can add light or bright colors to ensure the individual in your life with vision challenges can see as clearly as possible. 

Eliminate Slipping Risks

Eliminate Slipping Risks

Look around the home for anything that might cause your family member with vision limitations to slip or trip. Clean up all clutter. Mop, sweep and dry all hallways. Move cords out of the way. If there are any loose rugs, remove them or ensure they are firmly connected to the floor so the home can be traversed with ease. Buy your loved one a pair of shoes with rubber soles to wear around the house and he or she will have footing with a stronger grip, ultimately reducing the chances of a slip and fall that much more.

Organize the Entirety of the Home

If the home is well-organized, it will be easier for the senior in your life to move around, finding what he or she needs without tripping, slipping, or having to step over clutter. Even if it takes an entire day or two to organize the home so nothing is stepped on, investing the time just might prevent a costly and painful fall. There is even the potential for organizing the living space to saved your loved one’s life. Be thorough with the organization and you just might set the stage for the senior to remember where items are based on touch or memory.

Ameribest Is At Your Service

Our Philadelphia home care services providers are here to help during your time of need or that of your loved one. If you or a family member can benefit from home care, dial 215-925-3313 for more information. You can also contact us by email at info@ameribest.org.

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The Top 3 Rewards of Caregiving

Providing another person with care is inherently rewarding in a number of important ways. Being a caregiver gives one a sense of self-worth and an important role to serve within the Philadelphia community. Professional caregivers also benefit in that they are compensated for their hard work. If you enjoy providing others with care and want to make the world a better place for those battling illness or age-related problems, you should give serious consideration to becoming a caregiver with AmeriBest.

Reward #1: Caregiving Provides a Sense of Purpose

Everyone needs a sense of purpose. If you strictly work to provide for yourself, chances are you will feel a bit empty inside. Alternatively, if you were to provide another person, especially a loved one or another aging member of the Philadelphia community with care, you would feel that much more important and useful. This sense of purpose provides you with motivation to remain healthy and capable of helping your loved ones or others in need. Such a sense of purpose is particularly important for those who do not have anyone else to care for and those who want to be more involved with their community.

Reward #2: Improve Another Person’s Quality of Life

Even if you are not particularly talented or lack advanced college degrees, you can make a considerable difference in another person’s quality of life. Simply providing care for another person who is in need of assistance will dramatically improve his or her well-being. In other words, you have the power to single-handedly enhance the life of one or several other people living in the greater Philadelphia area. Doing so is much more rewarding than anything else you could have done with your time and energy. 

Improve Another Person’s Quality of Life

An added bonus is the fact that working as a care provider with AmeriBest provides a financial compensation. We provide caregivers with opportunities for career growth and additional compensation as experience is gained. If you genuinely care for others and would like to earn money for providing individuals throughout Philadelphia with essential assistance, consider a career with AmeriBest.

Reward #3: A Rewarding Friendship

Providing a loved one or another member of the Philadelphia community with assistance strengthens relationships all the more. This is an opportunity to learn about someone else, develop a friendship and make memories. So be sure to cherish every moment you spend with your patients as you will look back on that time quite fondly in the years ahead. Perhaps more important is the fact that the company you provide to your patients will warm their hearts and give them something to look forward to.

AmeriBest is Here to Help

We are proud to provide home care services to individuals throughout the greater Philadelphia area. If you or a loved one need assistance with daily living, let our team help you live with dignity. We are also interested in hiring caregivers. You can contact our Philadelphia-area home care providers at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org to learn more.

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Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

This month is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. If you do not have a loved one in your family who suffers from Alzheimer’s or another brain-related medical challenge, you are in the minority. Though few know it, the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Facts and Figures report states nearly half of American senior citizens age 85 and older have Alzheimer’s. This is just one of many interesting facts and figures worth highlighting during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.  

Even if you do not have a parent or a grandparent suffering from Alzheimer’s, you can do your part to provide life-changing assistance to those battling dementia.  If you would like to provide care for Philadelphia Alzheimer’s patients, consider becoming a care provider with AmeriBest.  Let’s take a quick look at some facts, figures, and other tidbits related to Alzheimer’s that most people are surprised to learn. 

Alzheimer’s is More Common Amongst Women

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 65% of those who have Alzheimer’s disease are women. This fact comes as a surprise to many people as there is a common misconception that Alzheimer’s disease is primarily a problem suffered by men. Women are more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s at some point in their life simply because they tend to live longer than men. 

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease Start as Early as 30

Most people incorrectly assume Alzheimer’s is a disease that strictly pertains to the elderly. However, upwards of 5% of those who have Alzheimer’s suffer from the type dubbed early-onset. The sad truth is individuals can begin displaying the symptoms of Alzheimer’s as soon as age 30.

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

Caregiving is Becoming Increasingly Important

It is quite shocking to learn more than 16 million individuals are working as caregivers for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Though some Alzheimer’s patients are partially autonomous, the vast majority require considerable assistance. 

You can earn money by providing assistance to the ill, the injured, the elderly, and those with dementia by working for AmeriBest. This is your opportunity to earn a living while improving another’s quality of life, develop new relationships with those in Philadelphia, and also helping relieve pressure from a senior’s family members. 

Alzheimer’s is Becoming an Increasingly Expensive Societal Problem

The aggregate cost of long-term care services and overarching health services for Alzheimer’s care is quickly approaching $300 billion. It is interesting to note about three-quarters of the cost of care was paid through Medicare and Medicaid. The balance was paid out of pocket. The aging baby boomer cohort will spur even more Alzheimer’s spending in the years ahead, creating plenty of jobs for caregivers.

AmeriBest Care is a Phone Call Away

We are proud to provide home care service in and near Philadelphia. If you are interested in working as a care provider for Alzheimer’s patients throughout the greater Philadelphia area or are in need of care, reach out to us today. We can also discuss coordinating care for your aging or ill loved one. You can contact AmeriBest by phone at 215-925-3313.

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High Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer

The Silent Killer That is High Blood Pressure

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, meaning this is the perfect time to delve into this important subject matter. AmeriBest is proud to provide service to individuals in the greater Philadelphia area who suffer from high blood pressure. You might have high blood pressure and not even know it. Below, we provide a look at some helpful tips to determine if you have high blood pressure and also explain how blood pressure is measured.

Blood Pressure Risk Factors

Did you know that simply being African-American hikes your chances of having high blood pressure? African-Americans are also more likely to have blood pressure issues that are that much more severe. Additional risk factors include a family history of high blood pressure and age. The older you get, the greater the chance that you will be saddled with high blood pressure. Though few are aware of it, being a man also boosts the chances of having high blood pressure. Insufficient physical activity, an unhealthy diet, consuming too much alcohol, and being overweight are also high blood pressure risk factors. Finally, those who have kidney disease are also that much more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.

The Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure

There is a common misconception that those who experience difficulty sleeping, regular sweating, nervousness, or facial flushing automatically have high blood pressure. Rather, the truth is high blood pressure is a silent killer in that there are not many signs that indicate it is a problem. Contrary to popular opinion, high blood pressure does not spur nosebleeds or headaches.

The Silent Killer That is High Blood Pressure

However, there are a couple of signs that indicate high blood pressure might occur yet these are not surefire guarantees of high blood pressure. As an example, blood spots in the eyes are particularly common amongst those who have high blood pressure. Dizziness and facial flushing also sometimes indicate high blood pressure.

How to Check Blood Pressure

You have the ability to check blood pressure on your own. However, if you do not feel comfortable doing so, one of our Philadelphia home health aides can check your blood pressure for you. If you would like to test your high blood pressure, you can do so at a local Philadelphia pharmacy or on your own at home with the right equipment.

Be sure to sit peacefully for at least five minutes prior to checking your blood pressure. The reading should be taken in a quiet place while seated in a comfortable chair. Do not consume caffeine, alcohol, or other stimulants prior to performing a reading.

AmeriBest is Here to Help

Whether you have high blood pressure or another health problem, AmeriBest can help you live with dignity. We provide home health aide service, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and skilled nursing services. Contact us today at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org to find out more about our services. You can also reach out to our team through our online contact form and we will be in touch at our earliest convenience.

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Mind Your Mental Health This May

Mind Your Mental Health This May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you are like most people, you have been quarantined in your home for over a year. This isolation has undoubtedly taken a toll on your mental health. In particular, Philadelphia seniors and those who live alone are that much more likely to suffer mental health problems. After all, we are a social species with a yearning to bond with others in-person rather than over screens through videoconferencing.

Tips for Caregivers

If you provide care for someone who is elderly or otherwise isolated, go out of your way to engage them in conversation throughout the entirety of your caregiving sessions. Even if you don’t have much to discuss, you can make small talk about the weather or current events to stimulate the individual you are caring for. Keep in mind, those who have no one to talk to have the potential to lose their phonetic abilities, meaning they will struggle to enunciate words following extended periods of silence. It will also help to engage in shared social activities with the patient such as board games, outings around town, and other group activities.

Even taking the senior citizen or other needy individuals in your life to the park or another social space for a picnic will lift his or her spirit, stimulate conversation and potentially lead to a conversation with Philadelphia community members. If the individual you care for expresses an interest in participating in a community activity such as a book club, a movie club, bingo sessions, or anything else involving others, volunteer to drive them to and from that event. Even if these social experiences only occur once every couple of weeks, they will provide the individual you care for with something to look forward to.

Mind Your Mental Health This May

Mental Health Following the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread loneliness and mental illness in Philadelphia, the United States, and the rest of the world. Studies show one-third of those who contracted the virus suffered mental health or brain health issue. However, even those who did not contract the virus are dealing with social isolation. In particular, those with minimal income and savings have suffered severe mental health problems throughout the pandemic. Though the rich also endured mental health issues during the pandemic, those with less money lack the financial means necessary to obtain assistance from a mental health professional. Furthermore, those lacking in financial resources have also spent comparably more time worrying about paying the rent, buying enough food, and paying for the cost of monthly utilities.

Anxiety and depression amongst Americans have doubled from 20% prior to the pandemic to 40% during the pandemic, making it crystal clear that it will take some time for our collective mental health to return to even a semblance of normal. Ameribest is here to help with the assistance of home health aides and other healthcare professionals who are happy to provide assistance including social and mental stimulation that improves your well-being or that of your loved one.

Ameribest is on Your Side

Our Philadelphia home health aides are here to provide essential assistance including social stimulation. Our team is friendly, talkative, and more than willing to engage you in conversation. If you suspect or know you or a loved one can benefit from the assistance of one of our home health aides, our skilled nurses, our physical therapy, or our occupational therapy, contact us today. Ameribest can be reached by phone at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org.

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COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

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When it comes to the subject of COVID-19 vaccines, there are plenty of mistruths, and even some bald-faced lies. If you don’t invest your time learning about the vaccines used to combat the coronavirus, you will end up underinformed or misinformed. It is time to separate fact from fiction.

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Worthy of Your Trust

There is a common misconception that vaccines developed to stop the spread of coronavirus are unsafe as they were rushed. Though the global scientific community certainly ramped up their efforts to develop vaccines as quickly as possible, this does not mean the end results are in any way unsafe. The bottom line is the world’s top scientists did not take shortcuts when developing coronavirus vaccines.

Though this is the first time messenger RNA or MRNA for short, is being used for a vaccine the general public will receive, this strategy has been carefully developed across the prior three decades with patient safety squarely in mind. So don’t believe those who insist the rush to create vaccines makes them inherently unsafe.

Those Who Have Already Contracted the Virus Should Still Take the Vaccine

It is quite possible natural immunity to the virus lasts a couple of weeks, a full month, several months, or even longer. However, our top scientists are unsure as to exactly how long natural immunity lasts. Sadly, it appears as though it is becoming increasingly common for people to contract the virus several times over. Medical experts in Philadelphia and beyond insist even those who have contracted the virus should still receive the vaccine to ensure they are fully protected.

AmeriBest Home Care - COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

Masks and Social Distancing Must Continue After Receiving the Vaccine

One of the most pervasive myths about the vaccines being dispersed across the world is their implementation eliminates the need to continue social distancing and mask-wearing. The medical community is adamant that everyone who receives the vaccine should continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing their hands with regularity, and proceeding with caution.

Receiving the initial vaccine shot does not immediately make someone immune to coronavirus. It takes upwards of an entire week to 10 days for the human body to start developing antibodies. These antibodies gradually increase across the weeks to come, meaning masks and social distancing will be the norm in Philadelphia and elsewhere until herd immunity is achieved through the widespread dispersal of the vaccine.

Comprehensive Expert Reviews Indicate the Vaccines Are Safe

Though the Russian vaccine administered to its populace did not undergo a thorough review to ensure safety and efficacy, the vaccines provided to those in the United States have undergone comprehensive analysis. The experts who have studied these vaccines insist they are completely safe. As an example, nearly 44,000 people enrolled in Pfizer’s clinical vaccine trial. The results of the trial were studied in-depth by medical experts who concluded the Pfizer vaccine is safe.

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AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia Is Here to Help During This Trying Time

Do you have a family member or friend in the greater Philadelphia area who could benefit from home care assistance? AmeriBest Home Care is available to help your loved one or friend enjoy a dignified and comfortable life. Reach out to AmeriBest Home Care today at (215) 925-3313 to learn more about our services and coordinate home care.

6 Ways Caregivers Can Safely Celebrate this Holiday Season, 2020

AmeriBest Home Care - Ways Caregivers Can Safely Celebrate this Holiday Season

Working closely with elderly and at-risk patients- caregivers this year have to be extremely cautious with their holiday plans.

However, that doesn’t mean that caregivers can’t still celebrate.

Here are 6 safe ways caregivers of the elderly can have fun and enjoy the holiday season this 2020:

1. Shop Online

Instead of fighting through crowds or waiting on extremely long socially-distanced lines, do your holiday shopping on the internet this year. Stores and brands have put almost all their sales online this season, so you won’t be missing out on savings. Not to mention, it’s easier to shop around for the best price when it’s all just on your computer. Write a cute message, send the gift straight to the recipient, and stay safe the all way through.

2. Participate in Mail-in Gift Exchanges

It’s extremely popular nowadays to do gift exchanges amongst friend groups and larger families. Unfortunately, in-person gift exchanges are not highly recommended this year. But, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Conduct your gift exchange this holiday season through the mail! Send your gift with a secret message, and see if your recipient can guess if it’s from you! Getting gifts in the mail is always something different and exciting.

3. Do a Drive-By

Close physical visits may not be so safe for your senior. However, appropriately distanced visits can be okay. A cute way to do this is with a drive-by! Stay in your car and drive by your senior’s house slowly. You can bring fun signs, balloons, costumes- be as creative as you want! A drive-by visit is a great way to show you care and make your senior feel a part of the holiday celebrations.

4. Make Your Parties Virtual

You may not be able to host a big holiday bash, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate with a party! Invite your friends and family to a virtual holiday party. Play games, chat, laugh and have a blast in a setting that’s safe for all. Simply be sure to set up the virtual call for your seniors ahead of time, because they may not be able to join the call by themselves.

5. Use Water on Your Envelopes

This tip is more to protect others than yourself. If you’re sending holiday cards, letters, money gifts- don’t lick the envelope closed. Instead, use a soft sponge and a bit of water to wet the envelope seal. Using water instead of saliva will help protect all those who come in contact with your letter. Just be sure not to put too much water on the envelope or it may have trouble staying sealed.

6. Order in a Holiday Dinner

If you’re eating by yourself this year, or you’re eating with others virtually- spice things up with a fancy restaurant dinner. Order your favorite holiday foods and drinks. You can even have the same foods delivered to your senior’s home and enjoy a quaint virtual dinner together.

Contact AmeriBest Home Care to learn more about what we offer. Many people feel good about our services because they make their loved ones happier!

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month: A Brief Guide

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month

Put your hands together for National Long-Term Care Awareness Month!

For seniors and caregivers alike, this is an incredibly important month. National Long-Term Care Awareness Month brings attention to the emotional hardships, the medical benefits, and the financial advantages of lasting homecare and caregiving.

In honor of the month, we’ve put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about long-term care.

What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care for seniors is centered around individual health and personal care. The goal of long-term care is to help with everyday tasks, enabling seniors to live their best lives stress-free and comfortably.

Long-term care is generally intended for seniors with disabilities, serious injuries, or ongoing medical conditions.

What Does a Long-Term Caregiver Do?

A home health aide providing long-term care usually helps with:

  • Dressing
  • Meal prep
  • Hair, skin, foot, nail, and oral care
  • Laundry
  • Transportation
  • Light housekeeping
  • And more

Trained health care providers can also offer long-term medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing.

A caregiver providing long-term services doesn’t just go through the rote motions of routine but also creates a safe and warm environment for seniors.

How to Get Paid for Caregiving?

The majority of long-term care is done at-home. And, it is mostly done un-paid by family or friends. While providing care for a loved one is an extremely rewarding endeavor, it can also be time-consuming and emotionally draining.

If you or someone you know is providing long-term care, lighten the burden, and get paid to be a caregiver! You can get paid to do the work you’re already doing by simply signing up as a home health aide.

When you sign on to work with a premium home care agency like AmeriBest Home Care, you’ll receive more than just a job,  you’ll receive a lifelong career. AmeriBest provides its caregivers with paid training, competitive pay, flexible hours, medical benefits, career encouragement, and more.

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month

Who Can Get Paid for Caregiving in PA?

Pennsylvania has multiple programs that offer un-paid caregivers a chance to get reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses pertaining to their caregiving. Expenses such as food, medical supplies, health services, and more.

With these programs, many adults acting as primary caregivers can receive compensation for their work, even if they are caregiving for family members or friends.

However, if you’re looking for more than just reimbursement, working as a professional caregiver can provide you with financial security and life satisfaction.

At AmeriBest Home Care, we are committed to providing exceptional home health and personal care services to seniors and members of our community. And, when you join the AmeriBest family, you’re joining a cause. A cause to make sure no senior gets left behind. That every senior, no matter physical ability or financial status, is given a real opportunity to live their very best lives.

What could be more rewarding?

Join the AmeriBest family, and get paid to be a caregiver!

Сall today at (215) 925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE (for PA residents).

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Tips and Advice for New Cancer Caregivers

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As we begin Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to take a moment and help all those new to the caregiving world.

Caregiving is a wonderful and fulfilling role, but it comes with its hardships. That being said, we’ve put together a list of easy tips and helpful advice for new caregivers who will be working closely with patients diagnosed with cancer.

In solidarity with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are 5 tips for new caregivers:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It

Breast cancer is not taboo.

In fact, one of the best ways to help cancer patients, past and future, is to talk about breast cancer and raise awareness. By openly discussing breast cancer, you remove the stigmas that dance around it. You allow men and women to feel comfortable asking questions and getting tested. You give victims and survivors an opportunity to share their stories and emotions. And, you offer knowledge and insight to those who would otherwise go unaware.

In a sense, talking about breast cancer is almost just as important as any treatment could be.

2. Brush up on Your Facts

The medical industry is constantly publishing new research and documentation. Reading these findings and staying up-to-date on the latest breast cancer news can help you better serve your seniors. Knowing the facts will enable you to make informed decisions in regard to your seniors’ health care, as well as allow you to have constructive conversations with your seniors about breast cancer.

It’s also wise to brush up on the basic facts regarding breast cancer (what it is, preventative care, treatment, etc.), so that you can feel comfortable answering your seniors’ questions on the topic.

3. Ask for Guidance When Needed

Sometimes you just need an outside opinion or new perspective. There’s no shame in that. Even the most experienced medical professionals ask advice from one another. Because, at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.

If you’re feeling uncertain or unsure, never be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to other medical professionals in the field, caregivers, or experienced friends for a little advice and guidance.

4. Separate Your Emotions

Make sure you’re taking your own emotional health into account.

As a caregiver, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the emotions of those you care for. And, sometimes those emotions are extremely intense.

For that reason, it’s important to listen to your seniors and understand what they are going through, but do not let their pain become yours. Know where your emotions end and where your seniors’ emotions begin.

Sympathizing without taking on another’s emotions is a skill that often comes with years of practice. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, the best thing to do in the beginning is give yourself a little break – a morning, an afternoon, or a day off. And, be sure to remind yourself of the wonderful work you are doing as a caregiver.

Join our caregivers’ team, contact us today! 215-925-3828