Finding the right licensed home care agency

Sometimes it can become quite difficult to figure out what to do when it is time to get home care services for someone you love. It becomes increasingly more challenging when it is your very first time. Your mind will be running 100 miles per hour in all directions with no signs of it ever coming to an end. Looking for home care services becomes even worse when your loved one is not willing to accept services. So how can one handle such a situation?

At First Care of New York we hear these horror stories all the time. So we have decided to inform you of the home care process.

Follow these simple rules:

1. If your loved one is reluctant to accept care:
   
1. Have a calm dialogue with them
   
2. Be open and honest
   
3. Express all the value of independent living (with home care)

Note:  If one of the parties becomes upset take a break, regroup another time.

2. Select what setting you would like for your loved one to be cared for:
   
   1. Nursing home
      
   2. Home care
      
   3. Assisted living Facility

Note:  When selecting which type of care, you must realize that anything other than the home environment is usually very disturbing to the individual that needs the care and more costly.

3. Arrange for how the care will be paid for:
   
   1. Government program
      
   2. Private Insurance
      
   3. Self pay – out of pocket

Note:  Consider the short term and/or long term possibilities of having to provide coverage.

4. Gather some questions to ask the home care agency:
   
   1. Ask if the agency if they are accredited, licensed, bonded and insured
   2. Inquire about the different types of care that the home care agency can provide
      
   3. Find out how does the company screen the care providers

Note:  Be as clear as possible and make sure you get the home care services you requested.

Granted this is just a Blog and not all questions can be fully answered or explained here; therefore, the best thing to do is pick up the phone and give First Care of New York a call. With our kind and courteous staff, we would be able to answer all of your questions, comments and concerns. At First Care of New York we provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience, a nurse can be scheduled to visit you or your loved one at your home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost to you, as long as they participate in our program. The nurse will also be able to evaluate the home to be aware of any potential hazards that might cause harm to your loved one. We can provide as much care as is needed from a couple of hours a week to 24 hour live-in care and everything in between. We have highly trained home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, and nursing care. We help with bathing, cooking, toileting, grooming, medication reminders, laundry, cleaning services and even help with errands and escorting to/from doctors’ appointments. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all of our clients.

How to boost your immune system

The worst thing that most people think could happen to them is getting sick from the flu or some other form of virus or bacteria. Therefore, people look for different ways to protect themselves from getting sick. Even though there are many great foods, herbs and vitamins that can help boost your immune system; then why is it that people still get sick? The immune system is a very complicated system and it has countless diverse parts that interact with each other through out the body and perform many different functions. Since scientists have not made a “one shot cure all” or some magic pill that prevents you from getting sick; we must rely on the best methods to boost and maintain our immune system at a superior level. At First Care of New York we decided to clear out the clutter and give you the healthy-living solutions that are known to help your immune system.

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
1. Don’t smoke
2. Try to eliminate or reduce your stress level
3. Get adequate sleep
4. Maintain a healthy weight
2. Exercise
1. It boosts your blood circulation
2. Gets your respiratory system functioning more effectively
3. See your doctor for regular check-ups
1. Keep that eye appointment or annual physical
2. Check your prostate (males)
3. Get your mammogram (females)
4. Take your vitamins
1. Vitamin A – It plays a role in regulating the immune system
2. Vitamin B2 – Preventing and treating riboflavin deficiency
3. Vitamin B6 – Responsible for production of healthy red blood cells
4. Vitamin C – It increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells
5. Vitamin D – Plays a role in activating the immune system’s ability to recognize & fight pathogens
6. Vitamin E – Stimulates the production of cells that attack germs & cancer cells
7. Zinc – It increases the production of white blood cells

At First Care of New York we would like you to stay healthy and active. Therefore, remember that before starting or stopping any lifestyle changes such as: an exercise program or diet, it is always best to consult with your primary doctor to see what they recommend.

Seeking OT, PT and ST professionals

We are currently seeking Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist, send us your resume for review at Fax (718) 364-7255 or email us info@1st-care.org . Please forward to all interested parties

Job description:

PHYSICAL THERAPY:

Services are provided to individuals who demonstrate the presence of a functional limitation. Physical therapist’s role is to provide skilled intervention to improve the patient’s level of functioning in self-care, mobility, safety, range of motion, or strength and to establish a safe and effective maintenance program. Examples of therapy services include assessment of needs and development of a therapy program for the patient.  The physical therapist functions also include:

-        Therapeutic exercises;

-        Gait training;

-        Active range of motion exercises;

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: 

The occupational therapist assists patient’s acquire the skills necessary to accomplish Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).  Occupational therapists their interventions on the patient’s upper extremities and on the fine muscle skills needed to perform functional activities, such as eating or dressing.  In addition to assisting patients to develop self-care skills, the therapist is involved in assessing the patient’s home for safety and suggesting modifications to improve the patient’s ability to function independently.  The skilled OT program may include:

-        Selecting and teaching task-oriented therapeutic activities designed to restore physical function;

-        Planning, implementing and supervising therapeutic tasks and activities designed to restore sensory integrative function.

-        Planning, implementing and supervising of individualized therapeutic programs as part of an overall “active treatment” program.

-        Teaching ADLs and instrumental ADLs.

-        Designing, fabricating, and fitting orthotic and self-help devices.

SPEECH THERAPY:

Speech Therapy services are provided to individuals who have speech and language problems, including difficulties or delays in language development. Problems with speech and language may be either expressive or receptive.  In addition, ST services are also helpful with patients who are experiencing dysphasia.  The speech therapist works with patients to improve their ability to carry out independently ADLs related to communication or swallowing, i.e. talking on phone, eating or managing oral secretions. Speech Therapy includes:

-        Assessment; Diagnostic testing and evaluation;

-        Maintenance therapy, Therapeutic services;

-        Aural rehabilitation;

-        Teaching and training.

Let’s Protect Our Family from The Summer Heat

The summer is upon us and we all want to enjoy the summer weather.  As children we all love the summer heat and can’t wait until it is here so we may play, eat ice cream and run outside.  As parents we must try to keep up with our children and run right after them making sure that they are safe, while enjoying a little sun ourselves.  As older adults we do a few different things depending on our health and medical condition. That’s why at First Care of New York we want to take this opportunity to remind you about a few summer safety tips.

Children have little worries when it comes to the heat and the amount of perspiration they produce.  Children can run, jump, climb, and wiggle like a worm all day.  As parents however, we must protect them from the UV rays by applying sun block on them.  Secondly, though they might want to be naked, dressing them appropriately for the weather is another vital component of enjoying the summer weather in a safe manner. Lastly, be sure to carry with you two sets of water.  One is regular drinking water for our children as all that running will dehydrate them.  The second type of water we recommend is to have a water spray bottle. Spraying your child with a mist of water is good to help keep them cool in the summer.

As the adult in the family, we must look after our entire family; from our happy little ones to our sweet loving parents, while remembering that we must protect ourselves the same way we protect our children.  If you think it is too hot for yourself or your children, then it is probably outright dangerous for your seniors.  The summer weather brings a lot of challenges for seniors.  With a few simple things we can help them enjoy the summer in a safe, happy and healthy manner.

Quick facts about seniors

• Over 8,000 Americans have died as a result of heat-related afflictions during the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• The Amount of water retained by the body decreases as we age.
• The results are that seniors are at greater risk of heat related health problems such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration and severe sunburn.

First Care of New York recommends you make a summer survival kit for your seniors.

Most items can be picked up at your local drug store and for around $30 and in 20 minutes you can make sure your parents are safe in the summer.

The Survival Kit

• Keep a copy all prescriptions and health insurance cards.
• Information concerning chronic health problems.
• Sunscreen, to prevent serious burns.  We recommend at least SPF 30 or greater.
• Re-usable water bottle to keep them hydrated.
• Multivitamins to keep the immune system strong – ask a doctor what they recommend.
• Battery operated/hand-held fan in case of a power outages and extreme heat.
• A cell phone with all the emergency contact phone numbers readily available.

Most heat related issues can be avoided with a little planning and precaution.  We must keep our seniors cool so if you don’t have an air conditioner or want to keep your electric bill low; there are plenty of cooling centers throughout New York City.  You can find these cooling centers by calling 311 or checking out the nyc.gov website:  http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/hazards/heat_cooling.shtml.  Or check out the department of aging website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/home/home.shtml

Summer Safety Tips

With the weather getting warmer every day, summer is fast approaching.  The summer can be a great time for relaxing with family and enjoying the nice weather.  But it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.

For senior citizens, this can be a dangerous and even deadly time of the year.  Heat-related illnesses are a direct result of prolonged exposure to the sun.  This includes simple sunburns, heat exhaustion and sometimes even heat stroke.  There are many different ways to prevent these illnesses, some of which are very simple and easy to do.  Here are some of the easiest ways to stay safe from the heat this summer:

Drink plenty of water. That is the easiest way to stay cool.  The heat can dehydrate you quickly.  Drinking plenty of water during the hot summer months is a great way to stay hydrated and safe while out in the sun.  Be aware of the signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dry eyes, lethargy, and dark yellow urine or infrequent urination.

Protect your skin. Use sunscreen when you know you’ll be outside for a prolonged period of time during the day.  It doesn’t take long to apply, and can save you a lot of suffering later.  Wear a hat to lessen sun exposure to the face and neck.  Wear sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.  The skin's ability to repair from sun damage declines with age, which can result in unsightly age marks and increased risk of skin cancer.

Limit strenuous activity and exercise. Your body works hard enough during the hot days.  If you exercise regularly, try it during the early morning or late evenings.  Take regular breaks when possible if you have to work outdoors.

Check on your friends and family. The heat can be especially difficult on young children and the elderly, so make sure to check regularly on your family, friends and neighbors during hot spells.

Watch for the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.  Some signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke are confusion or hallucinations, headache, weakness, profuse sweating or lack of sweating, fainting, rapid breathing or heart rate, and hot, dry skin. If you see any of these signs of heat-related illness, seek medical attention, and take immediate measures to cool off by removing excess clothing, sponging with cool towels, and sipping cool water.

First Care wishes for everyone to have a great summer and stay safe!

MANAGING YOUR PAIN AT HOME

What is Pain?

Pain is defined as whatever the person says it is.  It is the personal experience that influenced the individuals’ thoughts of pain. 

The International Association for Study of Pain (ISAP) defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

 Pain is serious and should be viewed as such; it should be considered as the 5th vital sign.  It is not uncommon for different people to view or perceive pain in different ways or degrees.  All pain should be reported to the doctor or the nurse so it can be addressed and treated.  Caregivers should report all changes with a patients behavior, facial expression, and decrease in mobility related to pain.  All pain medication must be taken as ordered by the physician.  It is very hard to control pain if medications are not taken properly, so don’t confuse controlling pain for addiction.  These misconceptions create a barrier to pain control. 

COMO CONTROLAR EL DOLOR EN EL HOGAR

Que es dolor?

El dolor tiene la definición de lo que la persona afectada diga. La Asociación Internacional para el Estudio del Dolor (ISAP) define al dolor como una experiencia emocional asociada con actual o potencial danos a los tejidos.                                                                           El dolor es algo serio y debe de ser visto como tal; debe de ser visto como el 5to signo vital. No esta fuera de lo común que diferente personas vean o perciban el dolor de diferente maneras o grados. Todo tipo de dolor debe de ser reportado al doctor o la enfermera para que sea tratado. Los cuidadores deben de reportar todo cambio del paciente en cuanto al comportamiento, expresión facial, y disminución de movilidad relacionados con el dolor. Todo medicamento para el dolor debe ser tomado como sea ordenado por el doctor. Es muy difícil controlar el dolor si los medicamentos no se toman apropiadamente, no confundas el control del dolor con la adicción.  Este malo concepto crea una barrera para controlar el dolor.