HOME CARE FOR SPECIFIC HEALTH ISSUES

We provide homecare for patients with a variety of diagnoses. Below are some of the most common health issues that our patients have and how we can help manage those:

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

A loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease or any form of dementia presents one of the most challenging and difficult care situations for family members. In most cases, Alzheimer’s disease is called a family disease, since the stress of watching a loved one slowly decline affects everyone in the family. Home caregiving treatment must therefore address the needs of the entire family, including emotional support, counseling, and educational programs about the disease. And finding the best quality, compassionate assistance from specially trained caregivers is not always easy to do.

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Arthritis - Homecare Support

Coordinated Homecare for Arthritis

Arthritis increases physical limitations, mobility and alters people's lifestyles. We assist people who suffer from arthritis with their activities of daily living. Some of the activities include light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, and laundry. Our company has over 20 years of homecare experience, focusing on the disabled and patients with arthritis. We understand that often arthritis leads to bone density problems, depression, and bone impairment, but our physical therapists focus on joint movements and range of motions as means of treatment. Other therapy includes pacing activities, pain control activities, relaxation techniques, and home safety. The proper kind and amount of this therapy will vary depending upon the underlying cause and upon individual factors that your physician will discuss with you.

It is also important to get enough nourishment and hydration to strengthen bone health. Many of the organizations below offer support groups, counseling and additional information on Arthritis:

• Arthritis Foundation
• National Osteoporosis Foundation
• Arthritis Overview
• Arthritis Research and Therapy
• Arthritis and Rheumatism

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Parkinson's Disease - Homecare Support

Coordinated Homecare for Parkinson's

Homecare for Parkinson's disease requires a well-balanced diet and constant exercise. We can provide physical, occupational or speech therapy that may be required for some patients. Physical therapy and muscle strengthening exercises can be a critical part of managing Parkinson's disease. Our physical therapists can help develop and monitor a home exercise program that will include a good exercise routine. Most exercise routines are strengthening and flexing all limbs, stretching legs and feet, walking, facial and breathing exercises, and specific exercises to gain better control in swallowing. Our occupational therapists can help with walking, talking and completing everyday activities. People with Parkinson's disease lose the ability to automatically move. Our exercise program can help people with PD learn how to think about their movements and to plan their movements one step at a time. By learning how to move and stretch again will help keep the body flexible and keep the blood moving.

Our speech therapists can improve voice volume, quality, and articulation. For example, therapeutic exercises, such as verbalizations and tongue movements, often can make a difference. When speech is severely impaired, a machine or computer generated voice can be used. Our speech therapists can teach families new strategies to help the person communicate. If the person is in a confused state of mind, it may be necessary to use verbal cues to understand or assist.

A well-balanced diet also plays a critical role in keeping a person with Parkinson's healthy, active, and energetic. Choose foods that are soft and easy to chew for people who have difficulty swallowing.

It is also important that people get enough nourishment for the body to function. Our caregivers help people with Parkinson's physically as well as emotionally. Support groups can also be helpful. Many of the organizations below offer support groups, counseling and additional information on PD:

• National Parkinson Foundation
• Parkinson's Disease Webring
• People living with Parkinson's
• People with Parkinson's
• We Move

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Stroke - Homecare Support

Coordinated Homecare for Stroke Patients

Stroke is an injury to the brain caused by an interruption of the brain’s blood supply. Strokes may be caused by thrombosis, a gradual narrowing and blockage of the neck or brain artery; embolism, blockage of the neck or brain artery by a clot; and hemorrhage, a rupture of an artery in the brain or on its surface. When stroke occurs, hospitalization is critical to determine the cause and type of stroke as well as to treat and prevent any complications that may result. Surgery, as well as medications, may be needed to treat a stroke. Once the stroke survivor’s condition is stabilized and neurological deficits no longer appear to be progressing, rehabilitation begins. We treat post-hospitalization patients and stroke survivors with home health services and personal care assistance. Stroke rehabilitation involves movement, balance, perception of space and body, bowel and bladder control, and language.

In addition to these services, we can provide transportation to weekly doctor appointments and follow-up testing. Since stroke patients require attentive treatment, we can offer homecare, advice and informational resources to safeguard health. We can monitor any medication and provide a healthy road to recovery. Contact us now. Below are a few resources to stay informed about stroke:

• National Stroke Association
• American Stroke Association
• American Heart Association
• Brain Attack Coalition
• The Stroke Center

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COPD/CHF Awareness and Care

Symptoms and Possible Related Problems

• Alteration of respiratory function: (may include) dyspnea, rales, rhonchi, wheezing, infection, bronchospasm
• Impaired nutrition due to: (may include) anorexia, nausea, inability to prepare meals
• Fear/anxiety/depression (not primary diagnosis)
• May lack knowledge re: disease process, therapeutic resp. regimen and medication
• Impaired mobility related to: (may include) weakness, poor activity tolerance, dyspnea
• Inability to perform self care
• Difficulty accepting physical limitations and altered lifestyle

Instructions from MD

• Medications
• Care and use of O2 and respiratory equipment
• Nutrition/hydration
• Pathophysiology of disease process
• Respiratory regimen
• Home and personal safety
• Pacing activities
• Energy conservation
• Strategies to facilitate cigarette cessation
• Signs and symptoms to report
• Vital signs every visit and report to M.D.
• Relaxation and stress reduction techniques

Goals – Patient will have:

• no respiratory complications
• knowledge of, and ability to follow therapeutic regimen
• anxiety, depression reduced
• dyspnea, cough controlled
• nutrition/hydration needs met
• coping mechanisms developed

Direct Care and Support:

• Monitor respiration, energy level, mood
• Track medication usage
• Ask about eating habits, self-care

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