A Place at Home Awarded 2019 Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice

OMAHA, NE – A Place at Home has received the 2019 Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award from Home Care Pulse. The Employer of Choice Award is granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on caregiver satisfaction scores gathered by Home Care Pulse, an independent satisfaction research firm for home care. A Place at Home is ranked among the best employers of in-home caregivers in the region.

“We congratulate A Place at Home on earning the Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award,” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. “Since this award is based on employee feedback, it shows the dedication A Place at Home has to provide their employees with great working experience while ensuring clients have well-trained, compassionate caregivers.”

Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice award-winning providers work with Home Care Pulse to gather feedback from their caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because Home Care Pulse is an independent company, it is able to collect honest and unbiased feedback.

“We are honored to receive the Employer of Choice award for the fourth year in a row. Our caregivers are the backbone of our company, which is why they are our number one priority. We ensure they have the tools and support they need to succeed in providing top-notch service to our clients,” says Dustin Distefano, CEO & Co-Founder of A Place at Home.

In addition to receiving Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice for the fourth year in a row, A Place at Home also recently won the Best of Omaha 2019 award in the Non-Medical Home Health category.

“Our goal at Home Care Pulse is to empower home care businesses to provide the best home care possible,” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. “We are happy to recognize A Place at Home as a Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice, and we celebrate their accomplishments in building a team of happy, qualified caregivers to care for their clients.”

About A Place at Home

Co-founded in 2012 by Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich, A Place at Home saught to improve 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, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing for the senior community. If you are looking for services for you or a loved one, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today!

When Clients Become Family: Katy Curlis

Katy Curlis has been named A Place at Home’s December Caregiver of the Month. For the past three years, she has dedicated her life to being a caregiver.

Katy always knew that she wanted to make a difference in her community, but had originally pursued a career in Early Childhood Development.

“I was close to getting my degree in early childhood development when I did some work with seniors. I loved hearing their stories, and just really connected with them. After that, I made the decision to switch over from child development to senior care,” Katy expressed.

During her time with A Place at Home, Katy formed an unbreakable bond with her client, Bill. After three years of working with Bill, he and his family became like family to Katy.

Katy and Bill had fun little rituals like going to get ice cream. She loved seeing how happy it made him. And when he struggled to get out of the house, she would bring him his favorite ice cream.

“I just loved making his day even with just a small gesture like getting ice cream. It’s the little things that make a big difference,” Katy said.

Katy’s close relationship with Bill made it even more difficult when she received the news of his passing.

“The family called me to tell me, ‘he’s passing, come quickly’,” Katy said. “Afterwards, it was really hard. I had prepared myself. I knew that he was going downhill, and in senior care, it’s unfortunately inevitable that clients may eventually pass away, but that didn’t make it any easier [losing him].”

To this day, Katy still keeps in contact with Bill’s family. “They will have always have a special place in my heart,” Katy expressed.

While Katy has worked for a few other in-home care agencies, she says that A Place at Home is by far her favorite.

“A Place at Home just has a better set-up. I get along with the office staff, they are easy to talk to and very supportive. And most of all, compatibility is super important to them. They do a great job pairing clients with the right caregivers,” said Katy.

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.

Caregivers: Here’s How to Lighten Your Load in the New Year

It’s an irrefutable fact: you cannot be a caregiver for others unless you first take care of yourself. To ensure that next year brings you and your elderly loved ones true happiness, resolve to incorporate self-care into your daily lives. Staying healthy is one of the best gifts you can give your family, because it allows you to be a better, stronger and more supportive, spouse, sibling, parent and/or child, to those you love, including your senior parents.

Become a Stronger, More Capable Caregiver–by Prioritizing Self Care

Keep energy-sapping stress in check with these self-care tips:   

Guard Your Health

You need to be resilient to deal with life’s challenges successfully. So make it a priority to deal with any health concerns you may be struggling with, both physical and emotional/mental. See your physician if you haven’t lately, and address issues like pre-diabetes, extra weight, high cholesterol or poor eating habits. Similarly, seek care for depression or other mental health challenges in your life.

You may need to take an exercise class (for shaping up with peer support) or start walking to a chosen local landmark every day. You may need to look for alternative foods to improve your health, such as those lower in fat or sugar. Write down the necessary steps and schedule time to work towards health goals daily. Simply work towards a better you, for a short while each day. If you walk solo, listen to an audio book or your favorite music as you walk. Consider this an important meeting, or a date with yourself/for yourself, so your new habits won’t fall by the wayside.

Sleep Well and Deeply

Sleep hygiene can help you feel more rested, calm and ready for any caregiver issues that come your way. Sleep in a comfortable bed, in a dark, quiet room. Don’t eat, drink coffee or do computer work within four hours of bedtime. Consider creating a pre-bedtime ritual to wind down daily. Like drinking a cup of chamomile tea and/or reading a (not too exciting) book before bed. Getting a bit more exercise each day can make getting to sleep at night easier.

Journal (write down) your problems, and then literally close the book on them, so you can sleep peacefully without ruminating. Note at least one thing you’re grateful for each day. (You need not do this right before bed.) Go to bed at the same time (and wake at the same time) all week to establish a routine.

Indulge Yourself a Little Each Day

Taking some “me time” can do wonders for your overall energy level, helping you to feel calm and in control, so you can bounce back from adversity, make the most of opportunities and be a stellar caregiver. Schedule a few minutes daily, a few hours weekly, a day now and then, and a week-long vacation (or stay-cation) a few times per year. Take a yoga class, learn to meditate, go for massages or mani-pedis, play tennis or squash—do what you enjoy on a regular basis! Go solo or include a supportive, fun friend or spouse. Go to a museum, movie, play, art class. fishing, playing cards—anything to relax and expand your horizons in a care-free way.

Enjoy Time with Elderly Parents or Senior Relatives

If you normally spend most of your time with these folks dealing with serious issues or being the caregiver, set some of that aside. Make sure some of your get-togethers are just for fun. Enjoy your time together and make memories. In fact, you can forge an even better relationship with your parent(s) than you had in the past if you take time for fun shared activities and/or real conversations. Do some of the “indulge yourself” activities with mom or dad!

Caring Heart: Chikodili Enendu

Chikodili Enendu has been named A Place at Home’s November 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.

While Chiko has only been with A Place at Home a short time, she is no stranger to caring for others. She dedicated a large portion of her childhood serving as a family caregiver to her senior relatives.

“While my mom was at work, I would step in and take care of my elderly relatives—bringing them to doctors appointments, walking with them, doing chores and laundry for them,” Chiko said.

Caring for her elders blossomed her passion for helping others, which led to her pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human services at the University of Baltimore. 

Working as a caregiver for A Place at Home has allowed Chiko the ability to expand her skills. 

“I am always looking to sharpen my skills so that I can take everything I learn as a caregiver and apply it to my future endeavors,” Chiko said. 

Chiko is currently working towards a masters degree in social work. “I would love to do clinical social work—working in the hospital. I want to counsel them and ultimately discover better ways to serve patients,” Chiko expressed.

Chiko also aspires to eventually own her own business in the human services field. We are certain that with all of Chiko’s drive and ambitions, she will continue to serve the community for years to come with her caring heart.

Become A Caregiver

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.

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.

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 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.

 

 

 

 

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.

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

What is the difference between Palliative Care and Hospice?

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.