National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring the Anniversary of the Attack, the Lives Lost, and Dorie Miller

President Roosevelt proclaimed December 7th to honor the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the lives lost that day. 

The attack on Pearl Harbor ushered in the United States’ active involvement in World War II. The attack itself lasted just a bit over an hour but killed a total of 2,403 US citizens, 68 of whom were civilians. This day is relevant, not only because of its historical significance. 

Dorie Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross – the highest award given in the Navy.

During the attack, Dorie attended to his wounded captain, moving him to safer cover, and broke racially motivated protocol at the time to man a machine gun, taking down two Japanese aircraft. After the attack, Dorie was one of the last men to leave his ship as it went down. He spent this time pulling injured sailors out of the water and to safety. In 2019, the Navy began building a supercarrier, christened the “USS Dorie Miller.”

Dorie’s actions exemplify what it truly means to honor your country, despite the odds against you. 

A Place At Home honors all veterans, whether they served during wartime or not. All across the country, our caregivers are helping veterans stay in their homes safely and independently. It’s the least we can do to thank them for their time and service. 

Veterans spend their careers serving so we can stay safely in our homes; we are honored to do the same for them when the time comes.

For veterans specifically, there are financial resources available to help pay for in-home care, should the need arise. These benefits can cover homemaker services as well as personal care. Veterans need only speak with their team at the VA. Their physician can write an order for up to nine hours a week of care, with no out-of-pocket expense for the vet. As well, a benefit called Aid and Attendance exists for not only veterans but their surviving spouses. This particular benefit has eligibility guidelines but will pay for care either in the home or in a senior living community, up to $27,195 per year.

We are proud to ensure these American heroes have the care and security they need when they need it most. If you are a veteran or know someone who is, reach out to us today. We will help you navigate the options and benefits available.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring the Anniversary of the Attack, the Lives Lost, and Dorie Miller

President Roosevelt proclaimed December 7th to honor the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the lives lost that day. 

The attack on Pearl Harbor ushered in the United States’ active involvement in World War II. The attack itself lasted just a bit over an hour but killed a total of 2,403 US citizens, 68 of whom were civilians. This day is relevant, not only because of its historical significance. 

Dorie Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross – the highest award given in the Navy.

During the attack, Dorie attended to his wounded captain, moving him to safer cover, and broke racially motivated protocol at the time to man a machine gun, taking down two Japanese aircraft. After the attack, Dorie was one of the last men to leave his ship as it went down. He spent this time pulling injured sailors out of the water and to safety. In 2019, the Navy began building a supercarrier, christened the “USS Dorie Miller.”

Dorie’s actions exemplify what it truly means to honor your country, despite the odds against you. 

A Place At Home honors all veterans, whether they served during wartime or not. All across the country, our caregivers are helping veterans stay in their homes safely and independently. It’s the least we can do to thank them for their time and service. 

Veterans spend their careers serving so we can stay safely in our homes; we are honored to do the same for them when the time comes.

For veterans specifically, there are financial resources available to help pay for in-home care, should the need arise. These benefits can cover homemaker services as well as personal care. Veterans need only speak with their team at the VA. Their physician can write an order for up to nine hours a week of care, with no out-of-pocket expense for the vet. As well, a benefit called Aid and Attendance exists for not only veterans but their surviving spouses. This particular benefit has eligibility guidelines but will pay for care either in the home or in a senior living community, up to $27,195 per year.

We are proud to ensure these American heroes have the care and security they need when they need it most. If you are a veteran or know someone who is, reach out to us today. We will help you navigate the options and benefits available.

Home Care Prices – Knowing What You Need Saves Big Bucks

Home Care Pricing – The Devil Is In The Details

Do you need to find home care services for yourself or a family member? Are you trying to find home cares prices you can afford? Whether a family member or the client does the looking, the terminology in the home care industry is confusing and frustrating. Choose the wrong type of home care services and you’ll pay hundreds of dollars more in senior care costs. Here are some quick, easy pointers to help you navigate these services like a Pro.

Home Health Is Not The Same As Home Care

Home Health is what the name implies…health care in the home or senior living community where the Client lives. An example would be physical therapy at home after an accident. These folks work through insurance programs like Medicare or VA most of the time and prices are provided. This also means Home Health Agencies will not accept companion or homemaker service requests under normal circumstances. Home Health services are often assigned by the hospital, nursing facility or rehab center the client is leaving. Regardless, patients DO have the right to make this choice themselves.

Home Care: Companion Care vs. Private Duty Home Care

Home Care services are centered around non-medical assistance that allows the Client to age more safely while living in the comfort of their own home, family member’s home or senior living community. Home Care gets broken into two service levels in most states. These service levels are Companion Care and Private Duty. Prices vary significantly between them. Here are brief descriptions of their services and differences.

Private Duty

These providers perform a range of personal care tasks called ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). ADLs include bathing, toileting and dressing patients unable to perform these activities for themselves. While they are also able to perform Companion Care services, these providers often require a minimum number of hours and are generally more expensive. Hourly base rates often range from $23-$35+ on average. Add-ons drive the costs even higher. If you need a more hands-on care approach, Private Duty is what you’re looking for. However, many folks seeking basic services hear these rates and go no further. Yet, there is still another option. This alternative to Private Duty is Companion Care.

Companion Care

These providers offer the level of care most families seek. These families want someone to help with IADLs (Independent Activities of Daily Living) while the Client is home alone. This list of services allows for basic companionship, light housekeeping, fixing a meal, medication reminders, grocery shopping, etc. The Caregivers offered by these providers are usually a mix of CNAs, Home Health Aides and independent Caregivers. They provide the majority of the services Private Duty providers perform at a lower cost per hour. As a result of the reduced level of care needed, prices for these services average just $20-$27 per hour based on the number of days and hours being requested.

Agencies vs. Registries

It is also important to be aware of the differences between Home Care Agencies and Home Care Registries. While both may provide Private Duty services or specialize in Companion Care duties, the way they operate is quite different.

Registries (or Nurse Registries)

Registries generally do not employ the Caregivers they represent. They act more like a staffing agency for Independent Caregivers. Many of these Caregivers do not carry health insurance, general liability coverage, a professional liability policy or Workers Compensation insurances. Should an uninsured Caregiver get hurt, injure the Client or even take/break a valuable item in the Client’s home, the Client would be responsible for the expenses resulting from the incident.

Home Care Agencies (like A Place At Home)

Agencies are required by the State of Florida to fully employ their Caregivers. In addition, all Caregivers working for an Agency must undergo a Level II background check by the State to protect our seniors. Our franchisor takes the level of protection  even further by requiring all of those insurances listed previously. Our Agency also requires initial drug testing and random drug testing throughout employment. We protect both our Clients and Caregivers from unfortunate situations where feasible.

This quick explanation will aid you in your efforts to provide the appropriate level of care for yourself or loved one. Choosing the right services and level of care you or your loved one needs early in the search will also save you time, money and hopefully keep your blood pressure at a safe level.

My Team and I are always available to you should you have any questions. Please feel free to call our offices at 407-565-7600 anytime. You can also send an email to stephen.sherbin@aplaceathome.com if you have a question, comment or need assistance.

Have A Blessed Day!

Steve Sr.

Other Resources:
Home Care Association Of Florida:
https://www.homecarefla.org/general/custom.asp?page=whatishomecare
Agency For Home Care Administration
https://ahca.myflorida.com/
The information in this article is based on personal experiences in the State of Florida. Information will vary from State to State. We strongly advise readers to learn and follow the specific guidelines and laws in their own States and municipalities. The opinions expressed here are for entertainment purposes only. They are the personal opinion of the author and not necessarily the views or opinions of A Place At Home. We do not seek to provide legal or financial advice and always strongly recommend engaging an attorney or financial advisor who specializes in the desired services. All content is the trademarked property of the author and may not be printed or reproduced without the author’s express written consent.

We Stand Greater Than Diabetes

November is American Diabetes Month. As declared by the American Diabetes Association, this year’s theme is “We Stand Greater Than Diabetes.” The association chose this theme to highlight that when we stand together to support the research efforts, legislation, and a healthy lifestyle, we can be greater than the threat of diabetes.

There are three main types of diabetes: Gestational, Type I, and Type II. Type I and II are the most common. Most of the time, patients can successfully manage their diabetes, no matter which kind. Managing this condition can be done through diet and exercise, and in some cases (always, in the case of Type I), medication.

But what is the difference between Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes?

  • Type I Diabetes: With this type, the body doesn’t produce insulin at all. This type cannot be prevented but can be addressed with medication and insulin therapy. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage Type I as well.
  • Type II Diabetes: Though Type II is preventable, it is the most common type. It often occurs in aging adults. Someone who has Type II diabetes can produce insulin, but their body doesn’t use it properly. One can manage this type successfully with diet and exercise, but in some cases does require medication.

While there’s no cure for diabetes, managing the disease can ensure most people diagnosed will live long, healthy lives. However, complications from the disease can arise if it is not taken care of properly. If left unchecked, this disease can lead to underlying conditions that cause further complications and stress on the body.

Some of these complications are seen frequently in older adults and can require regular medical attention and care.

When diabetes is not managed appropriately, neuropathy (a condition affecting the nerves that can cause a loss of feeling and weakness in the area affected) and poor circulation can occur. This can quickly lead to diabetic wounds and ulcers, often seen on the feet and lower extremities. Not only that, but uncontrolled diabetes can cause other, severe conditions. Examples are heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, issues with vision, and some skin conditions. And of course, some of these can require frequent hospitalizations and multiple new medications.

If you have diabetes, there are things you can do to prevent further complications.

 You must keep track of any prescribed medications or insulin therapies. Ensure you’re tracking your blood sugar regularly, if necessary. And of course, maintain a healthy diet and get as much exercise as possible. If your diabetes has already caused complications, it might be a good idea to reach out to an in-home care company that can help you manage a healthier lifestyle. Having caregivers in your home can help ensure that you’re following a proper diet, can help with medication reminders, and, in some cases, medication management. You can also have the peace of mind of having oversight to address any further complications that might emerge.

If you’re an aging adult with diabetes or know someone who could use assistance managing the disease process, reach out to us today. Our professional and trained caregivers can help.