Author: A Place At Home

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This program is part of an effort to offer a safe and easy way to responsibly dispose of prescription medications. If you have any prescription medication that you no longer need, or which have passed their expiration date, this is the perfect time to bring them to an authorized location for proper disposal.

How Prescription Medications Can Be Dangerous

Drugs are prescribed by doctors for various reasons to treat many different conditions and diseases. These prescription drugs cause certain chemical reactions within our body, which can do wonderful things, such as reduce our level of pain, manage levels of hormones or other substances, kill dangerous microbes or viruses, and a number of other things.

However, this very chemically altering nature of prescription drugs is also what can make them dangerous. Here are just a handful of ways that prescription medications can be dangerous to a person:

If taken in the wrong dosage or at the wrong times
When mixed with certain other drugs or foods (known as “interactions”)
After the drug expires, since deterioration can change its chemical properties
If taken by someone who does not have the condition treated by the drug

Sadly, far too many people suffer from the ill effects of taking prescription drugs in a dangerous way – sometimes due to ignorance, and other times due to addiction. We can point to the ongoing opioid crisis as just one example of the importance of proper prescription disposal. The best way to prevent this from happening to you or one of your loved ones is to dispose of any leftover prescription drugs, so that they don’t become the cause of an accidental or intentional problem.

Disposing of Prescription Drugs Responsibly

The prevention of drug abuse and misuse is the primary reasons that the DEA established National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Sponsored by the agency’s Diversion Control Division – which is tasked with preventing, detecting, and investigating the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals from legitimate sources – this day allows anyone to bring their prescription drugs to an authorized take-back location, where the drugs will then be properly disposed of.

Prescription drugs can be brought to DEA-authorized locations between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on October 27, 2018.

What If I Miss Take-Back Day?

If you miss the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, you still can safely dispose of prescription medications by following certain steps established by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Follow any disposal instructions on prescription drug labels. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless the label specifically says you may do so.
Look for a year-round DEA-authorized prescription drug collection point.
If you cannot take your prescription drugs to an authorized collection point, remove them from their original packaging and mix them with dirt, used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or other undesirable substance. Then put them in an baggie and throw them away in your garbage.

When in doubt, you can also ask your local pharmacist how to properly dispose of prescription drugs. He or she will be able to direct you appropriately.

Staffing with CARE

A Place at Home is willing to share our Certified Nursing Assistants to health care offices in need of a little extra help.

Staffing Solutions

A fully staffed office or community is critical to the overall care of the patients or residents and to the proper functioning of a facility. Our service provides CNAs and CMAs to senior communities and health offices to fill in when there are staff shortages for short- or long-term needs. The availability of a certified staff member to step in and understand how to care for clients, be it checking vitals, running medication carts, clothing or bedding changes, dementia care, or bathing, gives peace of mind to families and the facility managers.

Caregiver’s Plight with Grandparents Unveils Passion for Helping Others – Maribel’s Story

Maribel Tobias-Ortiz, 20, has been named A Place at Home’s August Caregiver of the Month. She recently became a caregiver with A Place at Home a few months back, but in that time, she has gone above and beyond to give her clients the best care possible. “Maribel has only been with us for a couple of months and has already made a great impression with her clients. She is one of our top caregivers and we appreciate her being with A Place at Home,” said Nick Bohunis, Staffing Services Coordinator. Taking care of others isn’t something new for Maribel. From caring for her niece to assisting both of her grandpa’s during their end of life stages; she has always been passionate about helping those around her. One of Maribel’s grandparents battled with cancer for a few years, which ultimately led to him losing his eyesight, and eventually his life. Her other grandpa struggled with daily personal care, and while she did her best to help out, he ultimately took his own life after battling with depression for some time. While it was difficult to watch her grandparents health disintegrate, these experiences are what shaped her. It was these encounters which led her to unearth her life’s purpose. “I discovered my calling when I was a caregiver for both of my grandpa’s. It made me realize just how important the role of a caregiver truly is when someone is struggling to take care of themselves. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career where I could have a genuine impact on the lives of others,” Maribel expressed. Maribel has found A Place at Home to be an incredible stepping stone to acquire the skills necessary for her future as a nurse. “Through their training and understanding, A Place at Home has armed me with the tools and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a nurse,” Maribel said. Her client, Tag, and his wife Susie are incredibly thankful to have Maribel as a caregiver. “She is proactive, passionate, reliable, and very positive. If anyone deserves it, she definitely deserves to be the caregiver of the month,” Tag’s wife, Susie said. Congratulations Maribel and thanks for always showing A Place at Home seniors the CARE they deserve.

A Place at Home: Trust Us for Compassionate Senior Care

At A Place at Home senior care, we know that our in-home caregivers make us great. Our careful hiring practices and high standards ensure that seniors receive compassionate, reliable assistance with the activities of daily life. Our senior support services are planned around elderly individuals’ specific needs – and designed to maintain their dignity and independence. A Place at Home caregivers genuinely enjoy caring for others. Together, we work to provide each senior the opportunity to live their best life. Apply now or c ontact us to inquire about becoming a caregiver with us.

Operation CARE: Spreading Senior Smiles for Miles

Aging Seniors Face Loneliness and Depression

Many elders experience loneliness and depression, either as a result of living alone or due to a lack of close family ties and support. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that elderly depression is not only widespread but “a serious public health concern.” Recent research suggests that as many as 15% of elders – that’s 6.5 million Americans – suffer from depression.

Spreading Senior Smiles for Miles

Just as with anyone else, seniors need human interaction and connection. They need a community of people that gives them a sense of belonging. To help combat senior depression, we have launched Operation CARE – a mission committed to making a difference in the lives of seniors all across the nation. Help us achieve our mission by carrying out CAREQuests every week. CARE Quests are small acts of kindness which encourage quality time with seniors. From dancing with a senior to calling an aging loved one, CAREQuests only take a few minutes out of your day.

CAREQuest of the Week

Join us every Monday at 12 p.m. CST as we release the CAREQuest of the week via Facebook and LinkedIn.

To reward you for helping us carry out Operation CARE, we are also giving out a $50 Amazon gift card! Simply follow the rules listed below for the chance to win.

Operation CARE Challenge Rules:

Like A Place At Home – Omaha and A Place at Home, a NorEast Franchise Group Company
Tag four friends that you want to complete the CAREQuest.
Take a picture or video of you completing the CAREQuest and share via Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Thanks for helping us spread senior smiles for miles!

Week 1 – Game With A Senior

Stimulate a seniors mind by playing your favorite games.

Week 2 – Dance With A Senior

Turn up the tunes and shimmy, cut a rug, jive, salsa the day away.

Week 3 – Call A Senior

Take a few minutes out of your day to give a senior loved one a call.

Week 4 – Send A Senior A Letter

Let an aging loved one know you care with a sweet message.

Veterans Hope Restored During Battle With MS – Jeff’s Story

Over a year ago, veteran Jeff Wesson began experiencing the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the central nervous system. His physical health quickly decelerated and he was soon unable to walk or move his arms.

“My body was completely stiff. I suddenly didn’t have control over my own body and I just felt completely helpless,” Wesson expressed. “I had dedicated my career to helping others and now I could barely help myself.”

According to WebMD, multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a long-lasting disease which disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions.

As his life was seemingly falling apart, Wesson found refuge in A Place at Home. “I couldn’t perform basic tasks, I needed consistent help and that’s when A Place at Home stepped in. They provided me with the care and support I needed to be able to stay home,” Wesson said.

Due to Wesson’s debilitating condition, he needed daily assistance but he quickly found himself trapped in a corner when he was unsure how he would continue to afford in-home care. “I absolutely loved the services I was receiving from A Place at Home, but I didn’t know how I was going pay for it all. It just wasn’t something I could sustain for very long without assistance.”

Wesson expressed his concerns with his caregiver, William Chamberlain (now Senior Service Coordinator), who is also a veteran. Having experienced disability himself, Chamberlain knew that Veteran Affairs could help pay for Wesson’s care.

This conversation spurred into A Place at Home’s Client Service Coordinator, Aubre Philips (now Director) reaching out to the MS Foundation and Veteran Affairs which ultimately led to grants and government assistance aiding Wesson in paying for his care.

“Aubre went above and beyond to help me out. I didn’t have to do anything. She just genuinely cared and she did everything she could to ensure I could continue to receive the care that I needed,” Wesson expressed with gratitude.

Since he was able to continue his care, Wesson made major progressions over a six-month time frame. “When we first got Jeff, he was unable to stand or walk – he couldn’t even move his arms,” Chamberlain exclaimed. “But through physical therapy, he not only regained movement in his arms, but, with assistance, he was able to walk again.”

While there is no cure for MS, treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms.

“They helped me achieve things I never thought I would be able to do again. Without A Place At Home, I wouldn’t be able to move the way I can now. They helped me get movement back, but more importantly, they restored my hope,” Wesson said.

A Place at Home is dedicated to providing a continuum of care for seniors across the nation. Our clients are more than clients – they are family. If you or a loved one need assistance, contact us today so that we can help ease the aging process.

A Place at Home: Strongly Rooted, Dedicated to CARE

family tree, tree of life, a place at home, senior care

Trees hold significant symbolism which represents our strong dedication to compassionate care for seniors in our community. The Tree of Life concept spans multiple schools of thought, running through art, religion, and literature.

In essence, the Tree of Life represents the intertwining of all living things. At A Place at Home, we believe in extending our branches to the senior community – giving them a continuum of loving care throughout the aging process.

Our Mission: Caring for the Family Tree of Life

Like others, we see beautiful, enduring trees as a symbol of the vitality of life, connecting those that came before us, and those that will carry on after we are gone. The tree brings to mind the idea of generations of families and ancestors. It stands for strength, stability, and nourishment.

The term family tree is so appropriate—like natural trees, its branches grow and extend. The leaves rustling in the wind appear similar, yet each has its own uniqueness and texture. Deep roots keep the tree stable and extract nutrients from the earth, helping it to develop, grow, repair and renew. We are devoted to developing the best care plan for our seniors and renewing hope for families.

For A Place at Home Senior Care, Trees Carry Powerful Meaning

The care that we provide to families and seniors in need are the roots supporting the family system–at a time when the added strength is most needed. For us, dedicated senior care is a means to help nourish the lives of loved ones, assisting families when they can’t do it all themselves. We believe that caring, above all else, is the path to ensuring generations can live on, through past, present and future, with hope and happiness.

From Symbolism to Imagery: Our Tree Logo and Living Memorials

The A Place At Home tree represents our commitment to improving the lives of all that we serve. Our devotion to the seniors we care for continues even after they have passed away. In their loving memory and honor, we plant a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation. The newly planted tree memorializes the family’s loved one forever, living on to provide future generations an enduring symbol of lasting peace and comfort.

A Place at Home is rooted in CARE.

Join us in expanding our roots by becoming a franchise partner.

2018 International Nurse Day

Nurses are an integral part of our lives in general and here at A Place at Home, but often we don’t think about them until it’s an immediate need. In the moment of an emergency, we rely on nurses to care for us, answer questions, and provide us with compassionate care. How often are we thinking of our nurses outside of those emergency situations?

International Nurse Day – A Day to Celebrate all the great nurses in our lives

Sure, we thank them in the moment, but do they receive our thanks the rest of the year? May 12th is International Nurse Day; a reminder to show our appreciation for the care they provide. International Nurse Day became recognized by the White House in 1974; 21 years after the idea was initially proposed. The date of observance was chosen to commemorate Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the founder of modern nursing.

Nursing is of course a career that these professionals voluntarily chose, but what a compassionate profession to choose! It takes a special person to give their all to care for people every day, and these people deserve to be commended.

Here are some ways you can show your appreciation:

A simple ‘Thank You’ goes a long way! Especially if it’s out of the blue
Omaha business owner? Offer a discount for those hard-working nurses that use your services!
Drop off Starbucks cards at your local hospital or nursing home for a little pick-me-up during the 12-hour shifts
Crafty kids? Handmade crafts or drawings can put a smile on any nurse’s face
Volunteer at your local senior care facility or nursing home. Have the residents make cookies and distribute to the nurses
Send catered lunch to the hospital. Short on cash? Bring extra veggies from your garden for an afternoon shift break
Don’t forget about nurses in home care; they deserve special thanks as well!

There are plenty ways to show these individuals your appreciation. For more info about International Nurse Day, visit www.nursingworld.org.

What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice? How to Know What’s Best for Your Loved Ones

We’re fortunate to live in a time when we have several late-in-life care options. In home care services can help our loved ones maintain their independence and remain in their homes longer. For many families, as their loved ones reach the end of their lives, they are faced with a difficult choice between hospice care or palliative care.

Hospice care and palliative care are similar when it comes to the most important issue for people in the end stage of life, they both provide compassionate care.

Let’s explore these two options in order to help you to make the best choice for your loved ones at this difficult and emotional time.

Hospice Care

Hospice programs outnumber palliative care programs. Enrollment in a hospice program begins with a referral from the patient’s primary care doctor, and care is typically administered as a component of in home care services. Care is overseen by a hospice professional, and is provided in the patient’s home. Day-to-day, both the family caregiver and a visiting hospice nurse provide treatment. While hospice can provide around-the-clock care in a nursing home, a hospice facility, or occasionally in a hospital, it is typically provided as in home care services.

Palliative Care

Palliative teams consist of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals often provided at the facility or hospital where your loved one will first receive treatment. This team administers the care that ongoing comfort-care patients will receive. Palliative care can be administered in the patient’s home, but it is typically provided in a palliative care facility like a hospital, nursing home, or extended care facility where the team practices.

Other Considerations…

To be eligible for hospice care, your loved one’s condition must be terminal, or they must be within 6 months of death. There are no time restrictions with palliative care, whether terminally ill or not.
Hospice programs focus on the comfort of the patient rather than aggressive treatment. Because there are no time limits for palliative care, patients can receive comfort and treatment at any stage of disease, whether terminal or chronic.

Costs and the services provided can vary, so you should consult your insurance before making a final decision. Both hospice and palliative care can make your loved ones comfortable at the end of their lives. The final decision rests on the needs of both the patient and their family.

Is My Mom Safe at Home? Five Things to Look for When Determining if Your Parents are Safe

Is my mom safe at home? In Home Senior Care

As parents age, we naturally become concerned about their home safety. At some point, the senior(s) you love may need to move to assisted living care. But how do you know when it’s time to consider such a step? Let our Omaha senior care experts help you make a wise decision about assisted living for your loved one.

How You Got Here: Safety Steps for Senior Care

Over the years, you may have made improvements or accommodations at your loved one’s home to help them stay safe. These include things like grab bars in the bathroom, accessibility ramps for the front porch and more. You may have also arranged for senior home care assistance, or provided it yourself, so your senior could live independently, or reside in your home. Now, you may be worried that these home safety upgrades and part-time senior care are no longer enough to keep your elderly loved one safe. Retirement home living may be the next step in keeping mom safe and improving her quality of life.

When Should We Consider Moving Mom to Assisted Living?

If you notice the following signs, your elderly mother may need more senior care at home–or it may be time to move to an assisted senior care facility. Signs of unsafe home living conditions for your senior parent or loved one include:

Missed meals, or weight loss not otherwise explained.
Unkempt appearance.
Suffering falls or accidents.
Wandering, getting lost or forgetting medications.
Seeming out of touch or becoming isolated.*

*Seniors who spend most of their time alone can become depressed, which affects their physical health and longevity. Seniors with limited awareness, inability to follow instructions, or those diagnosed with dementia may be unable to call for help, or evacuate their home, in an emergency.

Understanding Your Options for Senior Assisted Living

If you think it may be time for an assisted or supervised senior living arrangement, our expert team provides elder care resources that help with your decision. If assisted living is needed, we can help you find senior living facilities that match your needs. We can also help you understand financing and senior care benefits.

When you need help with senior care, A Place At Home Omaha offers you no-charge help understanding all your senior care options, including assisted living. Reach out to our senior living advisors at A Place At Home for free assistance. Contact us today.

Wearable Technology Helps Seniors Age in Place

Technology is revolutionizing and streamlining many industries and walks of life and home health care or in home care for seniors is no exception. Today, there are many high-tech ways to treat and monitor health conditions remotely, with wearable tech and other portable and/or Internet-connected devices. This technology reduces the need for hospital monitoring, and could eliminate or postpone the need for seniors to move to unappealing nursing homes for these types of services.

With less need to see each patient personally, today’s overwhelmed medical services (doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc.) will be relieved of some duties. This new, evolving medical technology also means that, with dedicated in home care for seniors, older individuals can age in place and enjoy an independent life at home well into their old age.

Wearable Devices for Remote Health Monitoring and In Home Care

In-home sensor networks, wearable or implanted biosensor devices include sophisticated vital sign monitoring devices and apps for:

Pulse (heart rate) monitoring
Body temperature measurement and management
Blood pressure readings
Respiration rate
Blood oxygen level and oxygen therapy devices
Blood glucose monitoring for diabetics
Insulin devices
Cardiac monitoring (EKG or electrocardiogram) and CRM (heart rhythm management)
Electronic/digital stethoscopes
Sleep pattern analysis
Walking pace (speed)
Automated reminders to take medications, exercise, see your doctor, etc.
Alerts when irregularities are detected
And more…

In Home Care for Heart Conditions, Diabetes and More

At-home, non-invasive detection and managing of diabetes and heart conditions, in particular, are quickly gaining acceptance due to effective and accurate remote/wearable monitors. Using these high-tech tools, patients and caregivers are effectively managing many serious, chronic conditions at home, outside medical clinic settings.

If adverse/abnormal readings are found, wearable health monitoring devices typically send emergency alerts to medical staff, family or caregivers. In some cases, the devices can then provide corrective action–treating cardiac rhythm problems, for example.