A Place at Home Awarded Best of Omaha

Omaha, NE, November 8, 2018: A Place at Home, a company that specializes in many different areas of home-based senior care and assistance with alternative living options, has won the Best of Omaha 2019 award in the “Non-Medical Home Health” category.

The Best of Omaha award is an annual contest hosted by Omaha Magazine. Since 1992, Best of Omaha evaluates locally based businesses in over 300 categories, involving individual voters as opposed to advertisers. Every year, more than 900 businesses are nominated, with over 25,000 individual ballots casted. The vote count totals over 637,400 every year.

As a provider of comprehensive senior care services in Omaha and surrounding areas, A Place At Home makes it easier for seniors to age gracefully at home and to make any necessary transitions to assisted living. The company works closely with families, seniors, and medical providers to develop the best plan for aging seniors. From providing in-home care to discussing senior living alternatives, A Place at Home reduces the uncertainty, anxiety, and stress associated with senior care.

“Here at A Place at Home we live by the statement We are CARE – Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical, this award shows that we have a great care team and office staff that truly is passionate about their everyday job. This is all about them,” said Dustin Distefano, APAH CEO & Co-Founder.

The competitive Home Health Care category contained other quality senior care providers, but voters recognized the compassion, accountability, and attention to detail that A Place At Home provides to every person they work with. Because of these qualities, the company has also won the Employer Choice Award by Home Care Pulse for three years in a row.

“We attribute this success to the various caregivers, as well as the clients and their families who work with us every day,” Nick Bohunis, Staffing Services Coordinator. It is this individual attention to the needs of their clients that makes A Place at Home truly stand out.

Today, the company provides a wide range of services related to senior living and home-based care. From providing staffing options for assisted living homes to coordinating in-home services for the elderly, the company specializes in easing the burden of care planning for seniors and their families.

A Place at Home is proud to have won the 2019 Best of Omaha Award in the Home Health Agency category. The award will serve to motivate the staff, management, and clients of the company as they strive to become even better in the future.

About A Place at Home

Co-founded in 2012 by Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich, the company had the original goal of improving senior-focused care. Both Distefano and Evanich had personal experiences with their own loved ones, and they understand first-hand how challenging it can be to provide quality care without proper planning and necessary resources.

Over a lunch meeting, the two co-founders developed the initial concept for A Place at Home; a service designed to promote independence and adapt to the needs of seniors and their families. Today, A Place at Home provides home-based care, medical administration, medical appointments, and professional care planning for seniors.

ClearCare: Protecting Our Clients Sensitive Information

In the senior care industry, business owners and franchisees must manage a significant amount of sensitive client data. This sensitive information can include everything from payment information to confidential health records, which must be rigorously maintained according to HIPAA standards. Our industry-leading data security solution, ClearCare Online, makes it simple to keep confidential details under wraps.

What is ClearCare Online?

ClearCare provides a secure and user-friendly online platform and mobile framework for storing sensitive information, including confidential PHI (protected health information). This enterprise level, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution has been adopted by thousands of home care businesses–and now forms an integral part of A Place at Home’s daily risk-management and secure data storage operations. This online info-security tool enables us to input, update, securely share and track client information, and analyze/refer to the data as needed, all while carefully controlling access and ensuring data security.

How We Use ClearCare

ClearCare offers online software that powers our secure daily operations as a senior care agency. ClearCare’s caregiver portal helps facilitate communication among members of the patient/client’s care team. ClearCare securely stores data and allows us to run reports for insight into customer behavior, client needs and other forms of crucial business intelligence. Data analysis helps us run our business efficiently, reveals trends, helps establish best practices, and allows for business planning.

Why We Selected ClearCare to Manage Sensitive Information

The trusted ClearCare Online platform is widely used and proven data security technology, customized for the senior care industry. In addition, ClearCare has recently earned CSF (Common Security Framework) certification from the HITRUST (Health Information Trust) Alliance, which evaluates information protection practices in detail; including access controls, password management and much more.

This certification indicates that the platform successfully meets stringent government privacy regulations and industry record-keeping requirements, and that its software properly protects sensitive information. ClearCare’s feature set also makes it a great solution for risk management. The platform enables us to securely connect with healthcare teams and payers, in accordance with industry cyber security norms that will withstand independent audits.

A Place at Home Securely Conducts Business with ClearCare

The secure ClearCare platform makes running your franchise business, and handling sensitive information, simpler on a daily basis. In accordance with our core mission, A Place at Home is dedicated to guarding client privacy, as an integral part of serving their senior care needs. To learn more, contact A Place at Home franchise today.

Keeping Seniors Active This Winter

For seniors, managing to find the time or energy to exercise on a daily basis can be hard enough. But when the wind is blowing and the snow is falling, low temperatures and icy conditions can prevent everyone young and old from getting active during the dreaded winter months.

Remember, physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body. Staying active is important for your whole body, including your brain. Performing a minimal amount of daily physical movement and exercise can even help to prolong some of the memory loss and cognitive decline associated with aging.

Focus on Realistic Goals

The key to finding the appropriate activity and exercise for you or your aging loved ones is to focus on realistic goals. What do you want to accomplish through the pursuit of a particular workout?
For older adults, exercises should help to target important skills and abilities that will keep them safe in their daily routines.

Improve Fall Prevention

Each year, one-third of Americans age 65 or older experience an accidental fall that could end their lives. For seniors, living in fear of falling should not have to be a part of the daily routine. Aging adults can mitigate both fear and risk by dedicating a small window of time towards working on balance each day.

For a comprehensive list of movements geared towards fall prevention, check out Medline Plus’ entry on balance exercises. The workouts are easy enough to perform from the comfort of your own home or at work with little space. Examples of appropriate balance exercises include standing on one foot or using a chair to perform leg raises.

Choose Low Impact Activities

Looking for an excuse to adventure away from your usual spot at home or work? Don’t underestimate the value of walking for your strength training. If the sidewalks are plowed and the temperature is bearable, then take a stroll around the block. If winter conditions are discouraging, visit a large store or indoor mall and get your exercise done while shopping for groceries or new clothes. Stairs within your home or office can also provide the necessary challenge for a quick,
effective workout.

As an alternative, many adults with joint pain and arthritis will turn to water aerobics or other similar exercises that can be done in the pool as their outlet for physical activity. Water provides a kind of low-impact resistance training capable of targeting your joints and muscles.

Retain Your Flexibility

Don’t forget to incorporate a simple stretching warm-up into your normal exercise routine. As we age, our muscles become shorter and lose their elasticity causing a
decreased range of motion.

For seniors, stretching is essential for staying limber and flexible enough to perform the basic activities needed to get through the day. Yoga can provide the necessary movements and kind of low impact workout needed to increase flexibility as we age. Retaining good flexibility and range of motion through stretching can be even more
important when wearing layers to combat cold temperatures.

Don’t Give Up

If these exercises feel overwhelming at first, don’t simply quit. It can take your body weeks to adjust to a new routine of physical activity. Be sure to start with reasonable and realistic goals based on your current abilities and limitations.

Caregiver of the Month: Scott Collier

Caregiver of the Month Scott Collier has dedicated nearly two decades to caring for others – as both a CNA and Medication Aide. He began in the early 2000’s caring for patients in nursing homes and at the hospital to now being a caregiver with A Place at Home. “Being a caregiver isn’t a paycheck for me, it’s my passion, it’s my calling,” Scott expressed. When Scott first began at A Place at Home over three years ago, he primarily worked with facilities. Until one day he filled in a shift taking care of veteran and stroke survivor, Ron. “I had been working at facilities, but after working with Ron – I knew that I wanted to continue to care for him full-time. He was just great. It allowed me more one-on-one time and truly being able to give my all as a caregiver versus trying to care for multiple patients at once,” Scott recalled. Ron’s wife, Deb instantly took to Scott from the very first time he cared for her husband and even requested that Scott become his regular caregiver. “From the very beginning, it was apparent just how much Scott genuinely cared for Ron. He is very attentive, dependable and incredibly trustworthy. He closely monitors changes in Ron both physically and emotionally,” Deb said. “For me, it’s key that whoever cares for Ron is someone that I can trust. And I trust Scott. If I have to run errands, I know that Ron will be taken care of very well. Scott isn’t just our caregiver, he is a part of our family.” Deb first discovered A Place at Home while Ron was at a rehab facility after experiencing a massive stroke back in September 2015, which ultimately affected his ability to move and talk. “The stroke was very devastating for our family, but even more so for Ron. He was no longer able to do basic tasks on his own. It was difficult, but I wanted to make sure that he was able to stay home. We’re blessed to have the support we’ve had to make it possible for him to be home. We don’t know what we’d do without Scott,” Deb expressed. Deb reiterates that it hasn’t been an easy road, but that she just feels blessed to still have Ron here, alive and well. “I can’t believe it’s been three years since his stroke. I have learned so much, but the most important lesson has been learning to cherish each day because you have no idea what could happen at any minute,” Deb said.

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 contact us to inquire about becoming a caregiver with us.

Caregiver of the Month: Scott Collier

Caregiver of the Month Scott Collier has dedicated nearly two decades to caring for others – as both a CNA and Medication Aide. He began in the early 2000’s caring for patients in nursing homes and at the hospital to now being a caregiver with A Place at Home.

“Being a caregiver isn’t a paycheck for me, it’s my passion, it’s my calling,” Scott expressed.

When Scott first began at A Place at Home over three years ago, he primarily worked with facilities. Until one day he filled in a shift taking care of veteran and stroke survivor, Ron Poe.

“I had been working at facilities, but after working with Ron – I knew that I wanted to continue to care for him full-time. He was just great. It allowed me more one-on-one time and truly being able to give my all as a caregiver versus trying to care for multiple patients at once,” Scott recalled.

Ron’s wife, Deb Poe instantly took to Scott from the very first time he cared for her husband, and even requested that Scott become his regular caregiver.

“From the very beginning, it was apparent just how much Scott genuinely cared for Ron. He is very attentive, dependable and incredibly trustworthy. He closely monitors changes in Ron both physically and emotionally,” Deb said. “For me, it’s key that whoever cares for Ron is someone that I can trust. And I trust Scott. If I have to run errands, I know that Ron will be taken care of very well. Scott isn’t just our caregiver, he is a part of our family.”

Deb first discovered A Place at Home while Ron was at a rehab facility after experiencing a massive stroke back in September 2015, which ultimately affected his ability to move and talk.

“The stroke was very devastating for our family, but even more so for Ron. He was no longer able to do basic tasks on his own. It was difficult, but I wanted to make sure that he was able to stay home. We’re blessed to have the support we’ve had to make it possible for him to be home. We don’t know what we’d do without Scott,” Deb expressed.

Deb reiterates that it hasn’t been an easy road, but that she just feels blessed to still have Ron here, alive and well.

“I can’t believe it’s been three years since his stroke. I have learned so much, but the most important lesson has been learning to cherish each day because you have no idea what could happen at any minute,” Deb said.

 

 

 

 

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

caregiver, senior care
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 contact us to inquire about becoming a caregiver with us.

Operation CARE: Spreading Senior Smiles for Miles

seniors

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:

  1. Like A Place At Home – Omaha and A Place at Home, a NorEast Franchise Group Company 
  2. Tag four friends that you want to complete the CAREQuest.
  3. 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.

letter, senior reading

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.