UV Safety for Aging Adults

UV safety

As we age, our bodies go through numerous changes, including an increased vulnerability to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV safety is crucial for seniors, as it plays a significant role in their overall health and well-being. As the years go by, the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV damage decreases, making older adults more susceptible to various health issues. In this blog, we will explore the importance of UV safety in relation to seniors and aging, as well as practical steps they can take to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.

UV Safety for Aging Adults

UV radiation is an invisible part of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface and is divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While the ozone layer absorbs most of the harmful UVC radiation, UVA and UVB rays can still reach us, affecting our skin and overall health.

As we age, our skin undergoes natural changes that make it more susceptible to UV damage. The production of collagen and elastin, responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, decreases with age. This leads to thinner and more fragile skin, making it easier for UV rays to penetrate and cause damage. Additionally, the number of melanocytes, cells that produce melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color), decreases, leaving older adults more vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancers.

UV-Related Health Risks for Seniors

Skin Cancer

The most significant risk associated with UV exposure is skin cancer, and seniors are at a higher risk due to the cumulative effect of sun exposure over their lifetimes. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is more prevalent in older adults and can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.

Wrinkles and Age Spots

Prolonged UV exposure can accelerate the aging process, leading to premature wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Seniors who spend significant time outdoors without sun protection are more likely to experience these visible signs of aging.

Eye Problems

UV rays can also cause eye issues, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss. As we continue to mature, the lenses in our eyes become less efficient at filtering UV radiation, making seniors more susceptible to these problems.

UV Safety Tips for Seniors

Seek Shade

Encourage seniors to seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. This will reduce their overall UV exposure and provide a safe haven from the sun’s strongest rays.

Wear Protective Clothing

Seniors should wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. These garments can shield their skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.

Apply Sunscreen

Regularly apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed skin, including the face, hands, and neck. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Regular Skin Checkups

Encourage seniors to undergo regular skin checkups with their healthcare provider or dermatologist. Early detection of skin changes can significantly improve the outcome if skin cancer is detected.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential, especially in hot weather. Hydrated skin is more resilient to sun damage and can better repair itself.

Related Article: Dehydration in Seniors: What to Look For and How to Help

UV safety is a critical aspect of senior health and aging gracefully. As we age, our skin becomes more vulnerable to UV damage, making older adults particularly at risk for skin cancers, eye issues, and premature aging. By taking simple precautions, seniors can safeguard themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation. 

If you or someone you know would benefit from having oversight so that they can stay healthy and independent, reach out to us to see locations near you. Our professional and compassionate caregivers are passionate about the care they provide, and we would be honored to help!

A Place At Home – South Portland Advocates for Inclusion in Healthcare

Jerome Philips, owner of A Place At Home – South Portland, is passionate about keeping seniors in their homes longer, with a better quality of life. That mission means providing his clients with safe and effective care and ensuring that his caregivers have a safe and inclusive environment with which to provide that service.

Over the years, Portland has struggled with racial and cultural disparity within its local healthcare system, making providing safe and quality care difficult. In the past, clients and other customers have had the option to say they don’t want care provided by someone with an accent or from a particular ethnic background. And healthcare agencies have had the option of accommodating those requests.

Cooperating with racially driven requests poses several issues. Inclusion, for one.

The first and most obvious issue is that of racism and discrimination in general. Allowing individuals to turn away caregivers because of their ethnic background perpetuates a cycle of unfounded inequity. It also impacts the quality of care that’s available in general. Caregivers are highly qualified and trained to do their job well, regardless of their background. And, from an employment perspective, it’s a problem.

“It’s a huge issue because it’s preventing those employment opportunities for entire communities.” Jerome shares that as soon as they opened their doors, they wrote policies against discrimination for his employees and clients. Even with those policies in place, it’s been necessary to express to some of his clients that they won’t make accommodations for them that are based on racial discrimination. And for families that are blatantly racist or hostile toward individuals? Jerome discontinues services.

“We do terminate services because we won’t make those accommodations. It’s not fair to our caregivers, and our caregivers know that we have their back, that we support them, and we’re willing to make difficult decisions so that they have a safe working environment.”

Thankfully, more often than not, once a hesitant family accepts a caregiver, they end up becoming attached. In Jerome’s experience, the situation goes from something the client may have found uncomfortable initially to a situation where they’ve formed a bond with that person and find comfort in the quality of care they’re being given. In addition, they find the caregivers are highly trained, efficient, and able to help in an invaluable way.

Jerome’s stance on these issues goes beyond how he operates A Place At Home. He’s committed to seeing a change from a higher level. He’s partnered with the Oregon Healthcare Association (OHCA). Together, they’ve advocated for their caregivers. They’ve had discussions with legislators at a state level expressing their concerns. “We’re talking to them and giving them very real stories because they really don’t understand what it’s like for our employees.”

OHCA has been a strong partnership, especially when it comes to fighting against racism and discrimination.

They’ve been long-time champions of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in long-term care for clients and employees. They push for person-centered care that is personalized and culturally appropriate. They also push for nondiscrimination policies when it comes to hiring and employment practices. The state has a culturally robust population that includes members of nine native tribes and those who identify as Native Alaskans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, Asians, Africans, African Americans, Latin, Hispanic, and Black. The state’s population also includes asylum-seekers, refugees, and DREAMers, to name a few. To push DEI interests, the state has issued new guidelines.

These guidelines require agencies to understand the effect that accommodating racially-driven demands has on the greater community.

Operating under the old paradigm undermines the quality of care available. However, the new guidelines offer hope if other agencies get on board. Jerome believes they will, even if that means they’ll have to decline care to those clients who won’t comply. Most clients, he believes, will realize that they can’t determine their caregivers’ race. So they’re going to have to become comfortable with the idea of inclusion. And he believes that agencies changing their practices when it comes to accommodating discriminating requests will positively change the experience of home care for all parties involved.

“If the whole industry enforces these guidelines, change will come.”

Over the last year, the pandemic has brought the concept of care in the home into even greater focus. As a result, several hospital systems are testing models of delivering care to patients in their homes. The idea is that treating people in familiar surroundings will produce better outcomes from a quality of life perspective. We need a skilled, effective, compassionate, and diverse workforce to provide quality care. Inclusion policies are key. Jerome and A Place At Home – South Portland are here for it.

A Place At Home has a mission to provide compassionate care to seniors where and when they need us. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, we want to speak with you. Reach out to us today to start making an impact.

Practicing Self Care is the Best Way to Care for Others

Whether you’re caring for a loved one or you’re a professional caregiver caring for the loved ones of others, prioritizing your self care should be at the top of your list.

The truth of the matter is that you cannot pour from an empty cup. As a caregiver, this means that you cannot effectively care for others in a genuinely beneficial way without first making sure you’re caring for yourself. The effect on one’s physical and emotional wellbeing can be overwhelming. Often, when a person being cared for is under duress, their caregiver can feel it also. That empathy is what drives many caregivers, but it can also lead to exhaustion and burnout. The mental stress experienced regularly can have a negative effect. It’s true. You cannot care for others properly if you’re not putting your own needs first. It’s imperative not only for yourself but for those under your care.

Fortunately, there are some realistic, easy ways to prioritize your mental health.

  • Journaling – Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to improve long-term stress levels and your overall mood. Writing for just 20 minutes a day can have positive, long-term effects, both mentally and physically. It’s one of the most therapeutic actions you can take, and the you can feel the benefits immediately. You can learn more about journaling and all its benefits here.
  • Meditation – Often, people hear the word meditation and immediately think, “I could never stop my thoughts long enough to meditate.” Here’s the kicker – no one can; it’s impossible. That’s not the point. Sitting with yourself in silence allows you to be aware of your thoughts, and instead of reacting to them, acknowledge them without attachment to the feelings they induce. Even ten minutes a day (sometimes less!) produces benefits such as stress reduction, increased concentration, peace of mind, reduced blood pressure numbers, better sleep, and much more. You can find out more about meditation, how to get started, and its many benefits here.
  • Yoga – Yoga is another fantastic way to prioritize yourself before you start giving to others. As with journaling and meditation, it doesn’t take much time out of your day to produce massive benefits. Just 15 minutes a day has effects such as stress reduction, better sleep, more energy, boosts your immune system, and allows you to communicate with your body and how each part of it feels. This quick, 15-minute routine is easy to follow, and it’s enough to have you feeling real results very soon. 

There are many more ways to put yourself first daily.

The practices listed in this article take less than an hour a day in total, and you’ll find the benefits to be exponential. Caring for yourself first allows you to fully serve those you care for, in the most fulfilling and rewarding way possible, for both you and those in your charge. If you do find yourself caring for a loved one and feeling overwhelmed, reach out and let us help you, care for you.

November 2020: Recognizing Family Caregivers

November is National Family Caregiver Month. This month, we recognize the importance of those that serve as caregivers for their loved ones. 

In 1994, the Caregiver Action Network dubbed November as the month to recognize and honor those Americans that give their time and energy to care for the ones they love. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock,” and for a good reason. 

Of the 53 million adults who identify as a family caregiver, 40% of them live with the person they care for full-time. 

Being a family caregiver is no small feat. Caring for another person can be a full-time job. Given that most Americans require two incomes to support their households, most family caregivers juggle careers, children, and life in general. Whether you’re an adult child caring for a parent, or a spouse caring for your other half, caregiver burnout is a real thing. The pandemic doesn’t make things any easier. The CDC is now recommending that family caregivers be assessed regular mental health assessments in the future. 

Currently, almost 40% of those caring for a loved one are experiencing anxiety and depression directly related to COVID-19.

Some of that anxiety is from the everyday stress of juggling life and caring full-time for another adult. But some of this stress comes from situations we’ve never seen before in our lifetimes. For example, the decision to keep a parent home versus moving them into a senior living community. While the idea of being around one’s peers and having the socialization that communities can offer, the pandemic has many people choosing to keep their loved-ones home, where it’s safer from the risk of infection. For some, their loved ones were living away from home when Covid hit the US. Now, the concern is the isolation that their loved-ones are facing while visitors are no longer allowed into facilities. 

Whatever the situation, family caregivers are facing unparalleled levels of anxiety and stress.

National Family Caregiver Month is an excellent time to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re a family caregiver, you must take care of yourself first, no matter how counterintuitive it may feel in the moments of everyday life. Taking care of yourself looks like getting enough sleep, exercise, and yes, even time away from the person you’re caring for. 

It can be challenging to decide what you can remove from your plate when caring for someone you love. Start with small doses. For example, managing your loved one’s medications can be a daunting task. Have an agency come in and take over this task for you. It takes an hour or less a week, but the weight off of your shoulders is invaluable. You can also hire an agency to provide respite care. Respite can give you the much-needed opportunity to step away and take time for yourself. Having someone you trust to take care of your loved one while you take care of yourself is also invaluable. 

You may feel guilty about taking time for yourself, but having the time to fill your cup will make huge strides in your quality of life. And that will positively impact the quality of time and care that you’re able to provide your parent, spouse, or other family members. If you’re a family caregiver and struggling with caregiver burnout, reach out to us. A Place At Home offers both respite care and medication management, among other services. Our priority is caring for your loved one so that you can care for yourself.  

Caregiver of the Month: Wanda Walker

Caregiver of the month, Wanda Walker, has been a caregiver with A Place At Home for almost four years.

If you were to meet Wanda in person, it would be obvious why the team chose her as caregiver of the month. You can hear her boisterous laughter through walls, and her smile will light up a room. She’s been a favorite among A Place At Home clients over the years, and it’s no wonder.

“She’s always smiling and laughing. She has a great attitude anytime you see her, and she really cares for her clients. She rarely calls out, and she’s always willing to help.” – Rebecca Matthews, Care Coordinator

Wanda has been caring for others since she was nine years old. At the time, her mother was diagnosed with Lymphoma, which ultimately took her from this world. Wanda promised her mother before she passed that she would always help those that need help. It wasn’t an empty promise. Caring for others is something that Wanda holds dear.

“It’s in my heart – like when I cared for my mom, it makes me feel good.”

Wanda’s clients feel the same way about her – she has a profound impact on the lives of the people she cares for. One of her current clients, Mr. Hartwell, expressed his appreciation for Wanda’s time with him. Mr. Hartwell is legally blind and shares that Wanda does outstanding work for him. She takes care of his meals, makes sure his apartment clean, and orders his groceries.

“I can trust her with everything… I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Wanda has a special gift of getting her clients to open up and engage with life. Part of that might have to do with her cooking. Every single client Wanda has cared for has shared their appreciation for Wanda’s cooking. To that, she says, “When I see my clients, there’s a smile on their face, I can get them to open up, and they eat!”

While Wanda has been caring for people since she was a child, she’s been a professional caregiver for 25 years. With all that experience under her belt, the best piece of advice she gives to new caregivers is to treat their clients like they would treat one of their family members. That outlook has served her and her clients well over the years. That, and her love of caring for others, which she says she plans on doing forever. “I enjoyed caring for others when I was younger, I enjoy doing it now, and I’ll do it until my dying day.”

If Wanda’s passion for caring for others resonates with you, apply to work with us today. Experience what it feels like to positively impact the lives of seniors in the metro area!

Pearl Miller – One of a Kind

From War-Torn Liberia to Omaha Nebraska, Pearl Miller is one of a kind.

If you ask Cheryll, who Pearl Miller cares for through A Place At Home, you’ll have no doubt about why she was chosen as Caregiver of the Month for May. Pearl has been caring for Cheryll full time for nine months, and the impact she’s made on Cheryll’s life in that short time is evident.

“I appreciate everything about Pearl. She’s an angel, she looks after you, every little detail. She has a sense of humor. She pushes you when you need to be pushed.”

While Cheryll is the most recent person Pearl has cared for, she is far from the first. Pearl’s experience as a caregiver started when she was a young girl in Liberia. She and her siblings took care of their grandparents, and great aunts and uncles. Helping those that couldn’t do for themselves. “At the time, I didn’t know anything about ‘caregiver’. I was just helping a family member.”

Pearl’s caring nature comes to her honestly; her mother was the town doctor. Pearl shares that her mother went to medical school but didn’t finish. Instead, she used her skillset and knowledge to serve the people in their community. No one at that time could afford to go to a hospital. And when war came to Liberia, at the age of 13, Pearl followed behind her mother, caring for the sick and wounded. It was then Pearl decided what she wanted to do in life.

“From there, I started learning how to care for people when they are hurt, when they are wounded…and so I started thinking, this would be a good thing to do, to help people.”

Pearl came to the US when she was 17, to escape the war. She started her CNA career in Maryland, and started medical school, but didn’t finish. She got married, and gave birth to her son, who is now in his fourth year of college studying cyber security. In Maryland, she worked in a nursing home for years. When she came to Nebraska, she went back to school for phlebotomy, and travelled with the American Red Cross. The traveling was difficult for her son, who was young at the time, so Pearl started working in homes as a CNA.

Pearl has been working with A Place At Home since the first year they opened their doors. While she’s taken time away over the years, they are grateful that she keeps coming back. Pearl says that she’s encouraged working for A Place At Home, because the employers “are very friendly and kind, they talk with me like we are on the same level.”

“They make me feel like I am a part of it. And that plays a major role.”

Pearl says her favorite thing about being a caregiver is seeing the results of her work. She’s worked in all kinds of settings, including caring for people in a mental health facility. And when she sees progress in those individuals, she feels satisfaction. “When I’m working, and I see results, I’m like, okay, I’m doing something.”

Her advice for those just getting into the field? Patience, and empathy. “If you put yourself in their shoes, and you also have patience, you will work forever, and everything will go well for you. I always put myself in the patient’s shoes. And by doing that, we are loving ourselves and taking care of ourselves more.”

For Cheryll, Pearl is definitely producing results. Not just physically, but in a way that means even more: “I consider her a friend, too. She’s one of a kind.”

If Pearl’s advice on patience and empathy strike a chord with you, apply to be a caregiver with A Place At Home today!

 

 

 

 

Touching Lives is Something Different: Patricia Mbianga

Patricia Mbianga is April’s Caregiver of the Month. Patricia’s passion for caregiving stems from her faith. She shares, “I pray every morning before I leave my house – let me make a difference in anybody I meet on my way”.

For her clients at A Place At Home, her prayers have certainly been answered. Being a caregiver for three years with A Place At Home, Patricia has made a difference in numerous lives. She laughs as she talks about one client in particular, whom she no longer provides care for. They run into each other occasionally at the grocery store. She hears her name being yelled across the aisles when she’s spotted, the woman racing across the store in her wheelchair for a hug.

Patricia was in school when her parents passed away, both from cancer. She wasn’t able to be there to care for them. Now she’s compelled to care for other people. When she first came to the US, she started out as a volunteer caring for others. She shares that she treats each of her clients as if they were family. “I take care of them like they are my parents… when I’m with a client, I do it fully, with everything in me.” She says if you can care for others with love and respect, everything flows.

“She’s one of the most committed and dependable caregivers we have” – Kris Perkins, A Place At Home – Omaha’s Executive Director

While Patricia wishes she could stay scheduled with all of her clients permanently, her schedule does require change occasionally. She’s currently working toward her PhD in Microbiology and has a young son who is currently in middle school. Her three older daughters are grown and out of the house. Two of them are in college, and one works in public administration. Patricia says she’s grateful for the flexibility she’s able to have working with A Place At Home.

When she found out she had been chosen as Caregiver of the Month, she says she was shocked. And really happy that her work is appreciated. Patricia likes working for A Place At Home; she appreciates the work that we do.

“I really love A Place At Home, they’ve really given me the opportunity to do what I love doing”.

At A Place At Home, we are grateful to have Patricia who says with a passion that you can see and feel, “it’s not just the money, we can always make money. Touching lives is something different.”

Does Patricia’s story resonate with you? Apply for a job with A Place at Home today and join the ranks of essential personnel that are so desperately needed, where they are needed – in the lives and homes of seniors in the Omaha community! Consider becoming a caregiver and apply to join our team today.

 

Self-Care in the Midst of a Pandemic – Essential Now More Than Ever

Self-Care during pandemic

Self-care has become an often-touted buzz word in the last few years, and for good reason. As the world spins around us, we find ourselves taking care of our children, our jobs, our houses, our parents… the list goes on and on. There is one thing that remains the same as our lives evolve: you cannot effectively care for others if you’re not taking care of yourself. In the year 2020, with the world seemingly tilted on its axis due to the global pandemic that is COVID-19, self-care is even more relevant than before.

All of us have found ourselves at the mercy of the uncertainty of what will come next. Indeed, we are in a situation that few, if any of us, have any familiarity with. Now more than ever, we need to practice self-care. This is true if you’re an essential employee, or an essential family member trying to hold your life, and the lives of your loved ones together. Even in the surrealness of today’s world, there are things you can do to find balance.

 Fuel Your Body

With restaurants across the nation closing their dining rooms, and grocery shopping whittled down to a once-weekly affair, it’s easier than ever to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Much of our mental health is connected directly to the physical health of our bodies. It’s easy to slip into a routine of shopping for non-perishables right now. However, ensuring you and your family are consuming lots of fruits and vegetables keeps your immune system strong and your mind balanced.

Staying active is another great way to fuel your body. You don’t need fancy equipment to stay active; get out and explore your neighborhood with your pet, or a hike in nature.

 Fuel Your Mind and Spirit

Even if you’re considered an essential employee, your time outside of work has likely opened up as recreational and social activities have closed down. Use this time wisely. Dive into all the things you might have complained about not having time for in the past. Read books, learn new recipes, write, get back into an old hobby that you haven’t had time for. The activity itself doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you enjoy it, it fills your cup and keeps your thoughts occupied on something other than COVID-19.

 Fuel Your Relationships

Now isn’t the time to get together with your friends – but you can still stay in touch with them. We have the opportunity now to utilize technology and social media for more than scrolling. Start a weekly group chat and do a virtual “happy hour”, or use zoom to play a virtual game of Pictionary.  Reconnect with those living in your household now that you all have time. You’re in the same place, go for walks together. Take advantage of having nowhere to be and cuddle up on the couch for a movie night.

 The world is far different than it was just a couple of months ago, and it can be easy to let the pandemic and all that comes with it consume your thoughts. Instead, we invite you to turn your TV off, put your phone down, take a breath, and take care of yourself in a way that allows you to focus on all the things you have in your life to be grateful for.

If you’re still finding yourself in need of extra help, there are still ways to make every day life easier. Contact us to set up a free consultation.

Always Room For More: Amy Dirks

Caregiver of the Month

Caregiver of the month, Amy Dirks, has been a caregiver with A Place At Home for almost three years. She was nominated after going the extra mile to ensure shifts were covered. If she couldn’t do it herself, she made arrangements for someone else to cover them.

Amy has been a caregiver for two decades. After leaving a career as a high school teacher to follow her passion for taking care of others. It’s a passion she comes by honestly. Growing up, her mother was an LPN at a nursing home, taking care of the senior residents there, as well as Amy and her seven siblings. When Amy was 15, her mother’s care extended to encompass Amy’s grandparents, also. 

Like her mother before her, Amy has found herself caring for a family member. She spent two years driving over two hours away from her home each weekend to care for her brother, who has recently passed away after his battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It was important to her brother that anyone caring for him was formally trained to do so. It was important for Amy to be able to care for her brother, so she did the training necessary to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. 

Amy’s sense of responsibility to those in her charge is nothing short of remarkable. When she found out that one of her clients needed care overnight on Easter, Amy was quick to step in, sharing that she couldn’t stand the thought of them laying in bed all night without anyone to attend to their care. Never mind that it was a holiday, and last minute. Amy’s response was, “I’m taking this on myself in case something happens. They come before a lot of my personal needs”.

“Amy is an incredible asset to the A Place At Home family. Not only is she always willing to pick up shifts last minute to help out, but she is always a pleasure to work with. Amy treats all her clients like family and perfectly exemplifies our CARE philosophy.” said Kris Perkins, A Place At Home – Omaha’s Executive Director. 

Amy has a similar regard for A Place At Home, her appreciation for the support she receives from her employer even more evident in the midst of a global pandemic. “I have felt comfortable. Anytime I need something they’re willing to meet me to get supplies. Whatever I need, I know I’m taken care of. I feel that I’m in the right place.” 

Make no mistake, events in today’s world have had an impact on Amy. She’s grateful to still be working, sharing, “COVID-19 impacted me 100%. I can’t go into facilities now so I don’t endanger my clients. I have confidence we are all taking the same precautions to not spread it. It takes everyone to get through this.”

We are grateful for Amy’s dedication to her clients, and for her approach to caregiving, which she says comes from a book she read as a child titled, There’s Always Room for One More, the story of a Scottish man who welcomes anyone in need into his heart and home, regardless of how full his house becomes. Amy feels the same way about her role caring for others: “There’s always room for one more person that needs help to bed at night. No matter what the call is, I do it.”

Interested in becoming a caregiver?

Does Amy’s story resonate with you? Apply for a job with A Place at Home today and join the ranks of essential personnel that are so desperately needed, where they are needed – in the lives and homes of seniors in the Omaha community! Consider becoming a caregiver and apply to join our team today.

Caregiver Continues To CARE During Coronavirus Outbreak: Tina Edorh

Caregiver of the Month

Caregiver of the Month, Tina Edorh, continues to fill shifts through the Coronavirus pandemic. While our community takes steps to work from home, Tina understands that our most vulnerable population still needs care.

“I leave my worries behind when I go into a client’s home. I bring a positive attitude and try to help make their day better,” Tina shared. Tina has a very calm presence about her. She said that after her first visit with a client they keep requesting her back.

Tina also provided care when she lived in West Africa nearly a decade ago. She hasn’t seen her family back in Africa since she left, she moved to two different states, learned to speak French and English, earned her CNA and grew her family with two more children since moving to the United States.

Tina started with A Place At Home’s care team back in November 2019. “Tina goes above and beyond for her clients. She’s very responsive to office staff and has had great feedback from all clients that she visits,” said Dani Sloan, HR Director of A Place At Home – Omaha.

A Place At Home’s Coronavirus Prevention Plan

Caregivers are required to thoroughly clean their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water immediately after entering a client’s home. They are given specific training on reducing the risk of illness. This training is revisited and emphasized regularly.

A Place At Home’s prevention plan is available for all caregivers in order to keep clients and themselves healthy. We also encourage all staff to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance for preventing the spread of illness. Handwashing, remaining at home when sick and following all precautions when working with clients who are sick are a priority.

A crisis reveals our character. A Place At Home’s “We are CARE” philosophy is a commitment to our core values. Those values are Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical. We continue to practice those values and our top priority is providing the highest quality care for our clients.