Why In-Home Senior Care Is a Popular Choice in Allentown, PA

Why In-Home Senior Care Is a Popular Choice in Allentown, PA

If your family is navigating the challenges of caring for an aging loved one, you may have considered in-home care. While family caregiving is a blessing, agencies that provide senior care in Allentown, PA, are another beneficial and popular solution. In-home senior care from trained professionals offers a unique combination of personalized support, comfort, and independence, making it a preferred choice for both seniors and their families. 

Companies like AmeriBest Home Care provide compassionate and skilled caregivers trained to meet the needs of seniors and their loved ones.

 

What Is In-Home Senior Care? 

In-home senior care is a service that allows older individuals to remain in their homes while receiving assistance with daily activities, personal care, and companionship. Unlike residential facility settings, in-home care facilitates aging in place. Personalized care plans cater to every individual senior’s preferences and needs, helping them comfortably and safely maintain their lifestyle in familiar surroundings. 

 

Is In-Home Senior Care Right for You?  

How do you choose between an in-home caregiver versus facility-based assisted living? The following points can help you determine which is right for your family.  

Your Loved One Desires Independence and Comfort 

In-home senior care enables individuals to stay in their own homes, surrounded by familiar belongings and memories. This sense of comfort promotes emotional well-being and independence, allowing seniors to age gracefully without the stress of relocation.

You Desire Personalized Attention for Your Loved One 

In-home health aides support seniors one-on-one, offering personalized care plans tailored to each person’s specific needs. Whether it’s assistance with bathing, meal preparation, medication management, or transportation to and from appointments, in-home care ensures seniors receive focused and dedicated attention.

Quality of Life is of the Utmost Importance  

In-home caregivers not only assist with physical tasks but also provide companionship and emotional support. This can include playing games, conversing, or transporting your loved one to the grocery store or community events. This type of companionship can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common challenges among the elderly.

You Are Looking for a Cost-Effective Care Option 

In-home care can often be more affordable than residential care facilities, particularly for families who only need part-time or specialized care. With flexible scheduling options, the ability to personalize care plans, and the option for family members to become paid caregivers, you can choose the level of support that best fits your budget and needs.

 

Why Families in Allentown, PA, Prefer In-Home Senior Care from AmeriBest

 

Why Families in Allentown, PA, Prefer In-Home Senior Care from AmeriBest 

For the reasons listed above,  in-home care is a natural fit for many local families. Seniors can stay close to their loved ones while still receiving professional support, creating the perfect balance between care and connection.

AmeriBest Home Care is a leading provider of in-home senior care in Allentown, PA. Our team of highly trained and compassionate caregivers is dedicated to delivering exceptional care tailored to each client’s unique needs.

From assistance with daily activities to providing emotional support, AmeriBest caregivers go above and beyond to enhance the quality of life for seniors and individuals with special needs. We also offer flexible care plans to accommodate different schedules and levels of care, as well as training and resources for family members to get paid for caregiving, making it easy for families to find the right solution.

In-home senior care combines the best of both worlds: professional support and the comfort of home. If your loved one desires to age with dignity while staying close to the people and places they cherish, AmeriBest Home Care is your destination for in-home senior care. Our dedicated caregivers are ready to help your loved one enjoy a safe, happy, and fulfilling life at home.

The Top Benefits of Personal Care for Seniors in Harrisburg, PA 

The Top Benefits of Personal Care for Seniors in Harrisburg, PA

Has your loved one shown a need for senior care in Harrisburg, PA? If so, they wouldn’t be alone. The need for home care is on the rise as more families recognize the value of tailored in-home support for their aging loved ones. For seniors, aging in place often provides comfort and independence. Meanwhile, personal care services ensure they can maintain their lifestyle safely and with dignity. Whether they need assistance with daily tasks or Companionship, at-home senior care offers many benefits for seniors and their families.

 

What Is Personal Care for Seniors? 

There are many types of in-home care available for seniors. Personal care offers non-medical assistance to seniors right from the comfort of their homes. It can include many tasks and services designed to support aging individuals with challenging daily tasks and activities. These services range from helping with hygiene and meal preparation to offering emotional support and taking care of household chores.

 

Why Seniors Need Personal Care

As your loved one ages, maintaining their independence can become increasingly challenging due to physical, cognitive, or health-related concerns. At-home caregivers bridge this gap by providing seniors the help they need while still allowing them to live comfortably in their own homes.

 

What Are the Benefits of Senior Care in Harrisburg, PA?  

 

Promotes Independence and Dignity 

One of the biggest advantages of in-home caregiving is that it allows seniors to remain in their own homes, a place full of comfort and memories. With the right level of support, they can keep their routines at home and in the community, fostering a sense of independence and dignity.

Better Safety at Home 

Seniors and individuals with chronic conditions can be at risk of falls or accidents, especially when navigating their homes alone. Personal caregivers assist with mobility, monitor home safety, and help reduce the risk of injuries. Should something happen, they are trained to provide care until professional help arrives. 

Provides Companionship 

Loneliness and isolation are common concerns among seniors, especially those living alone. Personal caregivers offer much-needed Companionship, engaging seniors in conversations, activities, and hobbies that improve their mental and emotional well-being. Personal at-home aides can also provide transportation to community social events or even the grocery store, helping older adults stay connected. 

Assistance with Daily Activities 

From bathing and dressing to cooking and light housekeeping, caregivers provide hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This allows seniors’ physical needs to be met without compromising their comfort.

Support of Family Caregivers 

Family members often take on caregiving roles, which can be emotionally and physically draining. While AmeriBest Home Care offers opportunities for family members to become paid caregivers, personal care services can also provide respite for family caregivers. These resources and supports allow their loved ones to receive professional care. At the same time, family members can rest and recharge or make the most of family time with their loved ones. 

 

Why Choose AmeriBest Home Care?

 

Why Choose AmeriBest Home Care? 

For families seeking reliable senior care in Harrisburg, PA, AmeriBest Home Care stands out as a trusted provider. With a team of experienced and compassionate caregivers, AmeriBest is dedicated to delivering tailored care plans that meet each client’s preferences and needs.

Their caregivers do much more than assist with daily tasks—they build meaningful relationships with seniors, ensuring they feel valued and supported at every step. AmeriBest’s commitment to quality and professionalism has made them a go-to choice for families throughout Harrisburg.

If a loved one wants to age comfortably and safely in their homes, AmeriBest Home Care can offer them benefits ranging from improved safety to enhanced emotional well-being; this form of care empowers seniors to live fulfilling lives surrounded by familiarity and comfort.

If you’re seeking exceptional senior care in Harrisburg, PA, contact AmeriBest Home Care today to learn how their personalized care services can benefit your elderly family member. 

The Growing Demand for Personal Care in Philadelphia, PA 

The Growing Demand for Personal Care in Philadelphia, PA

There is a rising need for personal care in Philadelphia, PA. More and more seniors have chosen to age in place. Older individuals or those with chronic conditions have made their preference known to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. This highlights the importance and need for personal care services that help them maintain independence, enhance the quality of their lives, and provide peace of mind to their families. 

Due to an increasing elderly population and a desire for at-home care, the demand for personal care is unlikely to go away anytime soon. 

 

Why Is Personal Care in High Demand?

Personal care services offer a customized approach to helping individuals with daily tasks that they may struggle with due to aging, illness, or disability. This type of care is becoming more sought after due to:

  • Aging population. America’s senior population is growing, with a significant percentage needing in-home support to maintain independence.
  • A preference for aging in place: Many seniors and individuals prefer staying in their own homes rather than moving to an assisted living facility. Personal care services, companionship care, and home health aides make this possible by offering assistance with essential daily tasks and care.
  • Chronic conditions: Unfortunately, chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis are on the rise, which often require consistent, personalized support to maintain quality of life.

 

How Can Personal Care Professionals Help? 

Personal care services through agencies like AmeriBest Home Care focus on helping their clients with tasks that ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being. These can include:

  • Assistance with daily living activities (ADLs). Helping individuals with routine things like bathing, grooming, dressing, and meal preparation.
  • Medication reminders ensure clients take their medications as prescribed by their healthcare professionals, ultimately reducing the risk of missed doses.
  • Mobility assistance: Helping individuals move safely around their homes to prevent falls or injuries. Transportation services to doctors’ appointments and social events can also be provided.
  • Companionship: Providing emotional support, conversation, and social interaction to reduce loneliness and isolation.

These services address individual needs so that seniors and individuals with chronic conditions receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs and preferences.

 

The Benefits of Personal Care Services 

Personal care services can offer several benefits for both clients and their families. For those receiving care, it can enhance their quality of life. Help with daily tasks allows them to focus on enjoying their lives rather than worrying about chores or to-do lists. Home care also provides increased independence, empowering them to remain in their own homes and retain their dignity. 

It can give families peace of mind, reassuring them that their loved ones are in the hands of skilled caregivers. Customized care plans tailored to each recipient’s needs ensure they receive the right level of assistance.  When family visits, this can create more time for bonding and relieve the burden family members may feel of having to take care of household tasks during their time together. 

 

How Can Personal Care Professionals Help?

 

How AmeriBest Home Care is Meeting the Growing Demand 

AmeriBest Home Care is one of the top personal care providers in Philadelphia, PA. With a team of compassionate and experienced caregivers, AmeriBest offers services that prioritize client well-being and independence.

Our agency provides personalized care plans, reliable support, and flexible scheduling to accommodate each client’s unique needs. Our dedication to quality care has made it a trusted choice for families across Philadelphia. As the demand for personal care in Philadelphia, PA, continues to grow, companies like AmeriBest Home Care are committed to offering superior services that enhance the lives of those needing care. We offer caregiving services via their trained staff and opportunities for family members to become paid caregivers for their loved ones. 

If you or a loved one need personal care services, contact AmeriBest Home Care today to learn how they can help you live a happier, healthier, and more independent life.

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

Doctor reviewing multiple brain CT scan images.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. As a home care agency for stroke recovery in Philadelphia, AmeriBest sees the impact of strokes on individuals and families daily. Did you know that, according to the American Heart Association, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States? It can lead to disabilities and death. The good news is that 80% of strokes can be prevented. Keep reading to learn more about stroke reasons, risks, signs, and post-stroke care in Philadelphia.

The Makings of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to some part of the brain becomes blocked. Alternatively, it may happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. When brain cells do not get oxygen-bearing blood, they will die. This creates a medical emergency. The sooner stroke treatments can be administered, the better chances physicians have of allaying some of the potential results. Delays in stroke treatment increase the risks of permanent brain injury or even death. 

Stroke Risks

There are a variety of factors that increase the potential for having a stroke. Some risk factors can be managed by medicine and monitoring, others cannot. If you have:

  • A history of smoking, alcoholism, or using illegal drugs
  • An abnormal heart rhythm
  • Damaged heart valves
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Hight Red Blood Count, Cholesterol, or Lipids. A high red blood count means your blood is thick, increasing the chance of clots. Cholesterol can thicken arteries
  • Obesity
  • TIA (transient ischemic attacks aka a mini-stroke) history

Then you have a higher propensity toward stroke, especially if more than one of these factors is in play. 

While strokes can happen to anyone at any time, people over 55 have twice the chance of having a stroke. Men experience strokes more often than women. One in four people who survive a stroke are at risk for another. 

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

Stroke Signs

The CDC explains the use of the FAST system to recognize the signs of a stroke.

F – Face drooping

A – Arm limp or weak

S – Speach issues, including stuttering

T – Time is of the essence – call 911 immediately.

What Can You Do?

When consulting with families in the AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia, PA caregiver agency circle, we strive to educate everyone on ways to prevent stroke. The most important action is living a healthy lifestyle, including adjusting your meal and snack choices to more fruits and vegetables while avoiding trans fat, cholesterol, and salt. 

It’s also important to watch your weight. Obesity increases stroke risk. The BMI index is one that shows you if your weight is in a healthy range. If you know your weight and height check it here. Hand in hand with your weight comes activity. Movement helps stabilize or even decrease your weight while supporting healthy blood pressure. 

You can learn a lot and make great contacts by participating in a National Stroke Awareness event near you.

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

It can be overwhelming to care for a stroke patient while also attending to your own needs. That’s where home and community-based programs like those at AmeriBest come into the picture. We can provide your loved ones with improved safety, while also focusing on their recovery. Call the AmeriBest Home Care Philadephia office (215) 925-3313; 1-800-HOMECARE for information. You can also email info@ameribest.org, or use our online form for questions.

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

Arthritis Awareness Month

Close-up of a person's hands holding their wrist, showing signs of pain or discomfort.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. This condition causes individuals chronic pain that can affect their ability to enjoy life fully. The swelling in a person’s joints often limits mobility and impacts having a normal lifestyle.

According to the CDC, there is no cure for Arthritis. Some medications along with structured exercise may, however, provide relief and improve joint flexibility with on-going effort. 

Prevalence: 

Arthritis Awareness Month recognizes the growing health problem Arthritis represents. There are over 53 million (or 1 in 4) people in the US at the time of this writing who have the condition. By 2030 that number will likely come close to 67 million. Some of these people will lose their jobs because of pain or the loss of joint functionality, range of motion, or decreased muscle strength for things like lifting and intricate handwork. 

With this in mind, AmeriBest Home Care Services, Philadelphia, PA strives to assist seniors struggling with arthritis in a variety of ways. Our highly trained staff offers home and community-based assistance with daily activities which, in turn, decreases frustration and anxiety. It also provides families with comfort in knowing their loved ones are getting excellent care, especially when they cannot be present for help.

Senior woman doing light weight training with a physical therapist.

Types of Arthritis:

There are three prevalent types of arthritis:

  1. Osteoarthritis: When the cartilage at the end of bones wears down, the bones rub together. This is osteoarthritis, and it’s the most commonly known form.
  2. Psoriatic: This form only happens to people with psoriasis, affecting ligaments, tendons, and joints.
  3. Rheumatoid: Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease. The lining of the joints becomes inflamed, and they begin deteriorating. 

It’s important to remember that while more common in the aging community, arthritis can happen at any age. Also, just because your loved one is talking about joint aches, you need to have them see a physician to conclusively render a diagnosis. Other conditions including lupus, gout, and bursitis cause joint pain. 

Caring for Individuals with Arthritis

Arthritis Awareness Month isn’t just dedicated to raising awareness, but also to education. What can you do to help someone in your life with arthritis? Perhaps most importantly listen. It’s hard to understand the pain someone has radiating from within. You can, however, SEE how they move, when they hesitate or stumble, or when they strain to open jars (for example). 

Now, people have pride. They may not ask for help. So you can open the lines of communication. Approach it from the point of view that you want to learn from them about how arthritis impacts their life. A lot of great ideas will result from that conversation. Just take care to step back when the answer is, “no, let me do this.” A sense of independence is important so long as they are not putting themselves in harm’s way. 

Professional Assistance

When you have an in-home caregiver, that person can keep your loved one as active as possible while still taking safety precautions. Examples of the types of assistance AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia, PA provides include:

  • Bathing
  • Bending/reaching
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
  • Lifting
  • Medication regulation
  • Mobility, and much more. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us on our web form, by email at info@ameribest.org, or by calling our Philadelphia office 215-925-3313; 1-800-HOMECARE (PA only).

Wise Caregiving: ‘Toxic Positivity’ vs Validation

Wise Caregiving Toxic Positivity vs Validation

Ask anyone you know who has been the caregiver for one of their family members about the complexities of their roles. They become a nurse, companion, counselor, errand-runner, and so much more. One of the most difficult aspects of the “job” is knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it when a loved one is struggling with anxiety and negativity.

Toxic Positivity vs. Validation & Hope

While private duty home health care agencies and nursing services receive training on the difference between offering validation and hope vs. going overboard into toxic positivity, most people have no such training. There is no magic switch that turns dark clouds into sunshine. Many people who are home-bound are in situations unlikely to resolve themselves any time soon. So how do you help? How can you be a wise caregiver?

It’s OK to be Sad & Angry

If you’ve ever faced a truly rotten situation, you know how emotions become intense. You might feel outraged and mad at the whole universe. The LAST thing you want to hear at that moment is, “you’ll get over it” or “just be positive.” Such statements come across as trite and dismissive.

Now apply the same idea to caregiving. Your loved one wants to know their feelings have merit. Of course, you don’t want them wallowing in negativity 24-7, but you also have to recognize that a person is ready to change their outlook when THEY want to, not when you want them to. Here are some better responses to an elongated case of the blues:

  • This situation is hard, but I believe in you. I’m here if you need to talk, or just hold space. 
  • I don’t mind hearing how you feel. No judgment!
  • It’s perfectly normal to feel as you do. I’m here for you. How can I help make your day better?

Wise Caregiving Toxic Positivity vs Validation

 

Never offer false hope or reassurances

In effect, toxic positivity sounds impersonal, fake, or even insulting. They’re hollow words that really don’t offer any kind of help. True support happens when you can imagine walking in someone else’s shoes and accepting their reality. This is where trained professionals like our home care team at AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia, can relieve some of your worries about communicating in all the wrong ways. You can observe and listen to the aid or nurse, and mirror their approach. 

The Truth About Support

Let’s use the example of grief. Denial, anger, and grief are all part of the human process. Here you have a person who is, effectively, grieving for the life they once had. It’s common for others to feel uncomfortable with the emotions, and that’s where toxic positivity begins. 

We as a society are not taught how to openly discuss difficult scenarios, so we try to make a person feel better using the first, overused response that comes to mind. One example is, “choose happiness!” When the individual cannot seem to do that, they can begin feeling like something’s terribly wrong with them.  You’re certainly not doing this with any intent to harm. Learning effective validation takes time. 

Getting Help

When you reach a point where you know you simply cannot meet your loved one’s needs effectively, reach out. AmeriBest is a top home care agency located in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, PA. We take great pride in providing superior service, personalized according to your situation. You can contact us HERE, email info@ameribest.org, or call either of our offices:

Philadelphia: 215-925-3313

Harrisburg: 717-545-2920

Wise Caregiving Toxic Positivity vs Validation

The Parkinson’s Caregiver

The Parkinson's Caregiver

Each year April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. As a top in-home caregiver agency in Philadelphia, PA, we at AmeriBest home care encourage people to learn more about Parkinsons and what they can do during April to make a difference.

What is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a nervous system disorder, that primarily affects a person’s movement. The most common symptoms of the disease, which increase over time, include

  • Decreased Facial Expressiveness: Parkinson’s weakens facial muscles, so the person may show no signs of smiling or frowning.
  • Emotional Impact: Depression and behavior changes.
  • Fatigue.
  • Memory Loss. 
  • Muscle Stiffness: A Parkinson’s sufferer’s muscles never relax fully. Over time, this leads to limited motion, which is sometimes painful. 
  • Posture Changes: Over time it becomes difficult for someone with Parkinson’s to stand upright, and they may also experience balance issues.
  • Sleep Disruption
  • Slow Movement: Spontaneous movement becomes difficult with Parkinson’s. People move more slowly, shuffle, lower their speech volume, etc. In some instances, their gait may freeze temporarily.
  • Tremors: Starting as small as one finger or foot, tremors occur usually when the body is at rest. 

Men are at a higher risk for developing Parkinson’s. It usually begins around the age of 60, but sometimes manifests as early as age 50. Some cases of Parkinson’s are hereditary, while others come from a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition. 

Many people dismiss early signs of Parkinson’s thinking of them as an effect of the normal aging process. The signs begin on one side of the body, or in one limb of the body. Eventually, Parkinson’s affects the entire way the body functions.

How to Get Involved

  1. Donate toward further research and community assistance.
  2. If you have noticed worrisome symptoms, make an appointment with a neurologist for yourself (peace of mind is worth it).
  3. Participate in fundraising walks virtually: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/optimism-walks/ 
  4. Put up links on your Facebook Page or personal webpage so people can find webinars and request publications.https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month. 
  5. Visit someone you know with Parkinson’s to offer your support, or volunteer at a facility specializing in the disease. 

The Parkinson's Caregiver

 

Being a Parkinson’s Caregiver

When you discover your loved one has Parkinson’s Disease, you want to do your best to help them. But what does “help” in this situation really mean? It’s a challenging diagnosis with equally challenging daily issues. 

Tips for Effective Home Care

It might be tempting to take over responsibilities for your loved one. It’s a normal, but sometimes unnecessary, reaction. Let them do whatever they are capable of doing, for as long as they can. A sense of ongoing independence and self-sufficiency is important for mental wellbeing. Keep your dialog open to true needs. Have those tough conversations openly and honestly.

This is a complex disease. Learn all you can about Parkinson’s so you know what to expect. Nonprofit organizations like the National Parkinson’s Foundation have educational materials at the ready. Also, ask your health care provider and team for suggestions about community supports. The more you know, the less you’ll feel inadequate for the task ahead.

Going one step further, if your loved one will allow, come with them to each medical appointment. This gives you the opportunity to take notes and gain perspectives. 

Beyond these actions, watch every missive from insurance companies, making sure prescriptions and services are adequately covered, and likewise make sure this individual takes their medications properly. 

Need Help?

As Parkinson’s progresses, you may find you need professional assistance. AmeriBest caregivers are happy to step in and provide superior service for your loved one with Parkinson’s. We have a variety of services, one of which is sure to meet your needs. Our top home care agency offices stand by to review your request for information or reply to your email (info@ameribest.org). You can also call us:

Philadelphia 215-925-3313

Harrisburg 717-545-2929

Toll Free 1-800-HOMECARE

American Heart Month: What is it and How to Observe it?

Concerned wife supporting husband experiencing chest pain.

Every February, AmeriBest Home Care of Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA, joins with many other organizations, physicians, nurses, in-home care workers, and families alike to observe American Heart Month every February. Why? Because over 600,000 people die annually from heart disease in the United States alone. Heart disease shows no preference for age, gender, or ethnicity. However, the following factors impact your risk:

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Inactivity 
  • Poor diet
  • Smoking

If you have been thinking about caring for your loved one at home due to their heart health (combined with other matters), there are ways to give them heart-healthy habits and choices. In addition, you and your family can become advocates for raising awareness about heart disease by first learning about it. This is part of what American Heart Month is all about. 

Heart Disease 101

The term “cardiovascular disease” (CVD) is often used synonymously with “heart disease.” Both are umbrella terms covering everything from congenital heart defects and heart rhythm problems to the most common form of heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries going to the heart, leading to stroke and heart attack. And while all that sounds frightening, the good news is that many deaths can be prevented with proper care. The earlier, the better. 

Signs of Heart Disease

CVD often goes hand in hand with old age. At AmeriBest, we work with seniors, giving them ways of strengthening their circulatory system. The first step is teaching families and individuals the signs of heart disease so prompt medical treatment occurs:

  • Chest pain (or pressure in the chest)
  • Feeling constantly tired or exhausted
  • Nausea and vomiting regularly
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness

Preventing Heart Disease

Home health aid services like those AmeriBest Home Care provides help you monitor heart health, but that’s only one part of the equation. There are great ways to keep a person’s heart in shape. Think of healthy habits like a daily vitamin supporting wellness. 

By making minor changes, you can get on the road to improved heart health. Start with increasing activity levels. Don’t go from zero to one hundred—small, progressive steps matter. About two and a half hours of moderate activity a week is all it takes. If your loved one has physical limitations, AmeriBest’s outstanding caregivers can help develop a safe routine.  

Next, think about diet. Limit saturated fats, salt, and meats with high-fat content. Stress fruits, whole grain, nuts, and vegetables. Look into the Mediterranean diet for ideas.

Monitor yourself or your loved one. When you go for a check-up, talk with the physician about blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. There are medications specifically designed to target these two risk factors. And, people may not have to take them forever if they make suitable lifestyle choices. 

Finally, get more rest and avoid stress factors. Both support your immune system and improve both mental and emotional well-being.

Need Help?

If you’re in the Philadelphia or Harrisburg, PA area and have a loved one who needs more support than you can provide, reach out to us, asking about home care services. As a professional home health care agency, our staff provides compassionate and insightful assistance. Feel free to contact us HERE any time with your questions. 

COVID Mandates for Healthcare and Home Care Workers 

Doctor administering a COVID-19 vaccine to a senior woman wearing a face mask.

Philadelphia senior citizens and residents of other age cohorts will be happy to learn the city has achieved a comparably high vaccination rate for healthcare industry workers. Government officials at the federal level highlight Philadelphia’s vaccine mandate for its elevated vaccination rate. The high rate of vaccination among the city’s medical industry personnel is especially important now that the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus is rearing its ugly head.

About Philadelphia’s Vaccination Mandate

The city of Philadelphia issued a coronavirus vaccine mandate as the summer drew to a close. The mandate has lead to nearly every single hospital employee in the greater Philadelphia area being fully vaccinated against coronavirus. Furthermore, the city’s health department reports more than 95% of the city’s nursing home employees are fully vaccinated against the virus. This statistic is especially striking when juxtaposed with the comparably low 75% vaccination rate of nursing home employees throughout the rest of the country. 

However, it must be noted the definition of “fully vaccinated” has the potential to change as time progresses. It is quite possible only those who receive a booster shot will be considered fully vaccinated by the time winter comes to an end. At the moment, more than 75% of all Philadelphia residents are fully vaccinated, meaning they have at least two vaccine shots. Though this percentage is lower than that of those who work in local hospitals and nursing homes, it is still an encouraging sign. 

Why Philadelphia’s Vaccine Mandate is so Important

Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s highest rates of hospitalization stemming from coronavirus infections. The state’s intensive-care units are struggling to provide care for individuals who require intubation and other forms of assistance. Sadly, nearly 400 individuals were hospitalized in early December in Philadelphia alone. Phila.com’s city data shows the city’s hospitalization trend is moving in the wrong direction as a mere 200 were hospitalized within the city’s limits prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Philadelphia’s high vaccination rate is the elevated employee retention rate. The vast majority of local Philadelphia hospitals and nursing homes retained nearly the entirety of their staff despite the vaccine mandate. The Pennsylvania Health Care Association reports that of the city’s 47 nursing homes, an average of seven individuals departed their posts as a result of the vaccine mandate. 

It is clear that Philadelphians are willing to put their self-interest and political differences aside for the greater good. However, it is slightly disturbing to learn that merely 40% of the hospitals in the United States have vaccine requirements. This low nationwide percentage is a large part of the reason why transmission rates are climbing with no signs of slowing down as the Omicron variant continues to wreak havoc throughout Philadelphia and beyond.

AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia is a Call Away

AmeriBest’s home care team is here to help you and your loved ones live with dignity. If you or a family member need or want home care assistance and you live in the greater Philadelphia area, reach out to us for more information about our service. You can contact our home care team by phone at 1-800-HOMECARE. You can also contact us by email at info@ameribest.org or online through our convenient contact form.

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated September as National Cholesterol Education Month. Cholesterol levels are often neglected as most people don’t want to make the dietary and life changes necessary for optimal health. However, the longer your cholesterol level remains elevated, the greater your chances are of suffering a serious health problem. Let’s take a quick look at why everyone living in and near Philadelphia should do what they can to keep their cholesterol level at a healthy level.

A Brief Explanation of Cholesterol’s Importance and Potential Harm

Cholesterol is a perfectly natural part of biological functionality. If cholesterol were not present, the human body would not be capable of creating healthy cells. However, there is good and bad cholesterol. The good variety, high-density lipoprotein, known by the acronym of HDL, assists in the elimination of the bad cholesterol from the body. Bad cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, referred to with the acronym of LDL, causes plaque to form in the arteries, heightening the chances of vascular problems, heart disease, clots, and even heart attack or stroke.

When Should Cholesterol Be Checked?

In an ideal world, cholesterol will be checked much sooner than it actually is. The average person living in Philadelphia waits until there is a serious health problem to address a cholesterol problem. Some people refuse to go to the doctor, meaning they don’t even know their cholesterol is high.

Adolescents and kids should have their cholesterol levels gauged by a medical professional. Those age 20 on up should have their cholesterol level checked once in every 4-6 years. However, those who have a high risk for cardiovascular disease due to genetics or lifestyle flaws (hamburger and fries, anyone?) should have their cholesterol checked every couple of years or even annually.

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

Cholesterol in the Context of Race

Did you know that African-Americans are much more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than members of other races? In particular, African-American men are likely to have elevated cholesterol. This comparably high level is the result of a unique form of a gene found in African-Americans.

Tips To Keep Your Cholesterol Under Control

The most important thing you can do to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level is practice mindful eating and maintain a healthy diet.

Do not eat mindlessly in front of the TV or computer! Read food ingredient labels when shopping for groceries. Zero in on food products that do not contain trans fats. Trans fats elevate cholesterol and even damage the heart if consumed in excess or at a high frequency.

It will also help to prepare food the right way. Cut the fat and skin off from fish and meat prior to cooking it. This approach maximizes your protein intake while minimizing the amount of fat consumed. Instead of deep fat frying or breading your food, opt to poach, bake or broil it. Choose a healthy cooking method and you will have done your part to minimize your fat consumption, ultimately keeping your cholesterol in check.

Establishing a consistent workout routine also helps to lower your cholesterol. Exercise on most days of the week to feel the difference. Weight management also helps.

Quit smoking – within just one year of quitting, your risk of heart disease will be half that of a smoker!

Drink alcohol in moderation – surprisingly enough, moderate use of alcohol is linked with higher levels of HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.

Healthy foods: salmon, avocado, tofu, lentils, and more.

Get Assistance With AmeriBest Home Care of Philadelphia

We are eager to provide you or your loved one in the greater Philadelphia area with assistance. Our home care services are held in high regard by our local community. Give us a call today at 215-925-3313, reach out to us via email at info@ameribest.org, or contact our team online to find out more about how we can help improve your quality of life with expert home care.

 

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