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While homecare services are available for patients of all ages, most in-home care clients are elderly individuals. More often than not, seniors need some sort of assistance ranging from simple tasks like getting dressed to more complicated errands such as buying groceries.¹ In-home caregivers can not only assist with these tasks that have become more difficult with age, but they also provide the companionship and support needed to allow your loved one to remain in the comfort of home. 

Regardless of the situation, most seniors prefer to stay in the familiar surroundings of home. Homecare services are an excellent option for seniors who need non-medical assistance with daily activities or even skilled medical attention, but would rather receive this care in the comfort of home.  

Arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading causes of activity limitations among older people.² Ailments like these not only inhibit the everyday activities of older individuals, but they sometimes lead to more serious conditions where skilled nursing care is needed.  In-home care is beneficial because it can be customized to meet your loved one’s individual needs as they change. 

Homecare is a great option for daily living assistance, but if your loved one needs a higher level of medical care or skilled treatment, homecare is still an option.  Most home healthcare agencies also provide skilled nursing assistance.  In-home skilled nursing care is administered by a RN or LPN/LVN and can include the following services:

• Ventilator and tracheotomy care
• Care for chronic illnesses and injuries
• Brain and spinal cord injury care
• Orthopedic disorder care
• Diabetes management and care
• COPD management and care
• Respiratory disorder management and care
• Implementing a clinical care plan
• Coordinating home medical equipment, pharmacy, and supplies
• Monitoring vitals
• Measuring height and weight
• Controlling infections
• Preventing pressure ulcers
• Palliative care
• Wound care
• Pain management

Maxim Healthcare Services understands that the decision to use outside help to care for a loved one can be difficult and confusing at times.  We invite you to use the following resources to help you in your decision making process:

• How to Pick a Homecare Agency
• Questions to Consider When Choosing a Homecare Agency  
• Getting Started: Evaluating Your Loved One's Needs
• Planning for Long-Term Care

If you feel that homecare is right for your loved one and would like more information on Maxim’s services, please visit us online at www.maximhomecare.com or call your local office to learn more. 

1 http://www.workingcaregiver.com/articles/senior-living-options/seniors-age-at-home
² http://www.seniorcaremarketer.com/seniorcare_statistics.htm

Leukemia and lymphoma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or in lymphatic tissues. They are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origins, ultimately interfering with the body's production of healthy blood cells, making it unable to protect itself against infections.

People who have recently received a diagnosis of a blood cancer often have questions about the disease, the prognosis, and the treatments available. September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month, making it more important than ever for you and your loved ones to take some time to increase your understanding of these diseases, including their prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer up to date information throughout the year.

Did you know…

·         Every four minutes, one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer.¹

·         New cases of leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma will account for 9.5 percent of the nearly 1.5 million new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States this year.²

·         Every 10 minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer. This statistic represents nearly 146 people each day, or more than six people every hour.³

·         Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20.⁴

A blood cancer diagnosis can dramatically affect the lives of families and all others who have a relationship with the patient on an emotional, physical and, possibly, even a financial level. It is likely that daily activities and schedules will need to be rearranged to some degree as well, which can be difficult for all involved.

If you or a loved one is living with one of these forms of cancer, access to current, in-depth treatment information can help you choose optimal care. Staying informed is also an important step to reducing your risk of developing leukemia or lymphoma.  Find some tips and helpful resources below:

• The signs and symptoms of blood cancers may be similar to those of other more common and less severe conditions. Learn how to recognize early symptoms of leukemia and lymphoma  today.
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has a number of programs available to support patients and their families, including live online chats, educational programs, online support groups and more. Visit the support section of their Web site to learn more.
• If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed, taking an active role in making treatment decisions can have a positive effect on your health and quality of life. Use the LLS’s Healthcare Question Guides to learn what to ask and help you in making decisions after diagnosis.
• Show your support and help to create awareness for these diseases by volunteering, participating in events, or donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This organization is committed to finding cures for leukemia and related diseases and improving the lives of those affected by these diseases.
• To find expanded information on the prevention, screening, and treatment of leukemia and lymphoma, to stay up to date with the latest news, or to join leukemia and lymphoma cancer communities, visit the Leukemia Information Center and Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Information Centers.

If you or a loved one is coping with the daily stresses, challenges, physical, and emotional effects of cancer, Maxim Healthcare Services can help. Contact your local Maxim office today for more information.

For many, the challenges of caring for a loved one are a part of everyday life. Caregiving can be a demanding, strenuous job and no one should have to handle it alone.  Seeking support and maintaining your health before you become exhausted, isolated, or overwhelmed is essential for your loved one.  

Respite care is a critical part of the overall support that families may need to keep their child, parent, or loved one with a disability or chronic illness at home. Respite care comes in many forms; however, it is essentially sharing the responsibility for caregiving while also getting support for yourself in the process. As the name implies, it provides short term breaks or periods of ‘respite’ from your daily responsibilities that help to relieve stress, restore energy, and promote balance in your life. 

Respite services are typically offered through community organizations, homecare agencies, such as Maxim Healthcare Services, or residential care facilities. The most common respite care services are in-home care and adult or child day centers.  Some of the services that are typically offered in our out-of-home include:

In-home respite

• Informal family support and relief
• Online caregiver communities and video workshops
• Volunteer or paid companionship
• Personal care or skilled health assistance
• Homemaker services to help with laundry, shopping, and preparing meals

Out-of-home respite

• Adult or child day programs
• Residential respite care
• Caregiver support groups
• Caregiver retreats or respite camps

Regardless of the type of respite program you choose, the emphasis should be on gearing services toward the specific needs of your loved one.  Assessing your loved one and family’s needs for the type, skills, frequency, and location of respite services is critical to your success.  Maxim Healthcare Services offers checklists and resources that can assist you in this process. While finding and successfully implementing respite care may seem like a lot of work, relief is not just important for you, it benefits all involved in the caregiving process.

For additional resources and information regarding respite care, you may want to contact state or local government agencies such as the State Department of Mental Retardation, Departments of Health and Human Services, or Social Services. You may also find disability or support groups such as The Arc, Autism Society of America , your local Area Agency on Aging , or the Brain Injury Association of America to be helpful in your search as well.

Respite care is not a luxury. It is necessary for the well-being of both you and your loved one. Contact your local Maxim office today to learn more.

Sources used:

 http://helpguide.org/elder/respite_care.htm

http://www.autism-pdd.net/respite.html

http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_respite_care.asp

http://www.caring.com

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For people who have arthritis, the word is often synonymous with pain, swelling, redness, and heat that may be caused by tissue injury or disease in the joint. With more than 100 different types of arthritis, many of them also affect the areas and structures surrounding joints, ultimately interfering with your ability to do the things that you enjoy, from cooking a meal to writing a letter or playing golf.

The number of people with arthritis is astounding. In 2005, 66 million adults in the United States, nearly one in three, had either been diagnosed with arthritis or were living with undiagnosed chronic joint pain and other symptoms.¹ While the risk of some types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, does increase with age, more than half of those affected by all types of arthritis are younger than 65. In fact, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in Americans older than 15.²

Everyday activities can be a hassle when joints are tender and stiff. If you or a loved one has arthritis, Maxim Healthcare Services  can help. There are steps you can take to help protect your joints, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Exactly what those steps are will depend on the type of arthritis you have, but for most people, there are some simple things you can do to make life easier so you can prevent pain and save energy.

1. Moist Heat- Hot packs and moist/dry heating pads applied to your joints can help relieve pain, though homemade hot packs using a warm, damp towel can work just as well.  In order to avoid potential burns, it is important to always test the heat source first before applying to a joint. It should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
2. Take a Bath- Soaking for 15-20 minutes in a warm bath exposes your body to warmth and will allow the weight-bearing muscles to relax.
3. Ice- Cold can have painkilling effects similar to those of heat. Using an ice pack on the joint, especially after an injury, helps to relieve pain. Ice packs should only be applied for 15–20 minutes at a time and can be reapplied hourly or as needed. You may also try coolant sprays which are available from most pharmacies. Keep in mind that cooling is a temporary pain relief measure; too much may cause muscle stiffness and painful circulatory problems.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight- Extra weight will only increase the stress on your joints. To maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and eat a diet high in vegetables and lean proteins and low in saturated and trans fats. Before starting any new diet or exercise program it is important to consult your physician to make sure you’re taking the right actions.
5. Consider Supplements and Omega 3’s- Some early studies have shown that glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and shea triterpenes may strengthen and improve joint function.³ There is also some evidence that omega-3 fats, found in fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel, may help to reduce inflammation.  Supplements may not be right for everyone- speak to your doctor before adding them to or altering your diet for your arthritis regimen.
6. Range of Motion Exercises- The goal of this form of exercise is to increase the mobility and flexibility of your joints. These exercises can be done any time, even when your joints are painful or swollen, as long as you do them gently. The key is to know your limits. Understand the range of motion available to you and don’t push past that limit or you can end up increasing joint pain.
7. Strengthen Your Muscles- Provide aching and sore joints with more support by strengthening the muscles surrounding them. While strength exercises use resistance in order to build muscles, they should be avoided during arthritis flare-ups.
8. Aerobic Activity- Increase your endurance and overall health by building your heart and lung function through aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, and bicycling. Be careful to pick activities with low impact on your joints. If your symptoms are flaring up or aggravated, wait until they subside before doing any endurance exercises.
9. Simplify Household Chores- There are some simple things you can do around the home to help ease the burden of your household chores and minimize joint pain. In the kitchen, use electric can or jar openers and mixers. Cut down on scrubbing in the bathroom by using automatic toilet bowl cleaners and spray-on mildew remover in your showers and bathtubs. Reorganize your closets and cabinets so that those items you need most often are within easy reach.
10. Make Your Home Safe- Take steps to protect yourself from fall-related injuries in and around your home. Installing grab bars near your bathtub and placing a bathing stool in the tub or shower is a good idea for people who have joint pain in the lower extremities. For more information or recommendations on how to prevent falls, download a copy of Maxim’s easy to use Tips for Preventing Falls checklist.

Don't just suffer through or ignore joint pain- early diagnosis is key to preventing further damage to your joints. If you think you or your loved one may have some form of arthritis, take the first step to gaining a better understanding of the condition by contacting your physician today.

The information contained within this article is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or Nutritionist who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.

If you're like most people, you enjoy spending time outdoors and feeling the heat of the sun on your skin. The sun’s rays make us feel good, but exposure to the sun can be very dangerous. Intense ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.¹ As the summer months approach, most people want to spend more time outside enjoying the warm weather and sunshine, but it is important to remember that without proper precautions, the summer sun can be very hazardous to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous and UV rays are the greatest during the late spring and early summer.²  At Maxim Healthcare Services, we care about the health and safety of you and your loved ones and want to help you stay protected from the harmful effects the summer sun can have on your skin.

Nothing can completely undo sun damage, but it's never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun. The CDC recommends five easy options for sun protection:.³

Use Sunscreen. Sun damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes if your skin is not properly protected.⁴ That’s why the CDC, The Skin Cancer Foundation, and other organizations recommend applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin.⁵ It is also recommended to use a sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 with both UVA and UVB protection. Because sunscreens wear off, it is important to reapply liberally and often especially after swimming or doing things that might make you sweat.      

Protective Clothing. Clothing is a key element for sun protection.  Even during hot summer months it is important to wear clothing that protects as much skin as possible.  The CDC recommends loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric as the best protection from the sun's UV rays. Additionally, darker colored clothing may offer more protection than lighter colors.⁶ The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that the easiest way to test if a fabric can protect your skin is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through it, then UV radiation can penetrate it – and your skin.⁷

Hats and Sunglasses. The best defense against sunlight and harmful UV rays for your face, ears, neck, eyes, and the tender skin around your eyes is to wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and a wide brim hat. Studies show that prolonged exposure to UV rays without proper protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as cataracts and other age-related macular degeneration.  Studies also show that impaired vision is a major risk factor for many senior falls and injuries in the home.⁸

Find the Shade.  Seeking shade under an awning, tree, umbrella, or other shelter can aid in your efforts to reduce the damaging effects of the sun, but according to the CDC UV rays can still reach you on cloudy and hazy days, so your best bet is to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing whenever you are outside, even in the shade. 

The information contained within this article is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or Nutritionist who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.

Sources:

http://www.edocamerica.com/healthtip/Archive/eDocAmerica%20-%20Summer%20Sun%20Safety.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/sun-safety-tips

http://www.retirementhomes.com/library/health-and-wellness/health-guide/summer-safety-tips-for-seniors-who-want-to-enjoy-the-sun-20090722766.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunscreen/sn00044

Every June, the Home Safety Council (HSC), the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries, works to educate and motivate families to take actions that will increase the safety of their homes. According to the HSC, 58,000 people are injured and need medical care every day in homes across America.¹ Research also shows that falls are the leading cause of injury and deaths at home for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that, each year in the United States, nearly one-third of older adults (age 65 and over) experience a fall and about one out of ten falls among older adults result in a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury that requires hospitalization.² Unfortunately, many older adults, as well as their family members and caregivers, are unaware of factors or behaviors that put them at risk of falling, and are also unaware of what actions they can take to reduce their risk.

The CDC recommends four simple steps to prevent falls in the home: exercise regularly, review medications with your healthcare provider, have your vision checked, and make your home safer. 

Exercise Regularly.  AARP President, Jennie Chin Hansen was quoted in an AARP Bulletin Today article written by Cathie Gandel, saying that “studies show that exercise and activity, specifically those that help in strengthening, flexibility, and balance, can make a significant difference in minimizing one’s chance of falling”.³ Exercises that help improve overall strength, flexibility, and balance include walking, water workouts, and tai chi. Before beginning any new exercise program, you should always consult with your physician. He or she will be able to give you a personalized exercise program or even refer you to a physical therapist to help improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and gait. 

Review Medications with Your Healthcare Provider.  According to the CDC, approximately 1,800 people living in nursing homes die from falls each year. The CDC goes on to say: “Medications can increase the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs are of particular concern.”⁴

To prevent your loved one from falling, make an appointment with his/her doctor in order to come up with a fall-prevention strategy. The Mayo Clinic advises the following actions:

1. Bring all medications in their original containers or a list of them, including dosages and times. The doctor may decide to wean the patient off of certain medications, particularly if they are for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia.
2. Compile a list with your loved one of any falls or near-falls, including time, date, and what caused the fall and bring this to the doctor.
3. Encourage conversation between the doctor and your loved one about any dizziness, joint or muscle pain, eye or ear problems, numbness, or shortness of breath that he or she may be experiencing.⁵

Also, be sure to check out our Guide to Proper Medication Use and Storage.

Have Your Vision Checked. As we age, we are more susceptible to vision loss, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. These problems can contribute to falls by causing blind spots, loss of depth perception, and the ability to maintain balance. If your loved one is showing any signs of poor vision, such as hesitating when reaching for objects, frequently stumbling, having trouble writing, or having difficulty recognizing colors, then encourage him or her to go with you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist so that any problems can be diagnosed and prescription glasses or contact lenses can be properly updated.⁶

Make Your Home Safer.  The Home Safety Council has a fun, interactive tool available on their website where you can take a tour of a virtual home and learn about potential safety hazards and how to protect your home from them. As the virtual tour points out, there are plenty of features that all homes should have, as well as age-specific ways to safety-proof your home for your loved ones.

For seniors:

• Make sure rugs and shower mats are non-skid and that the corners will not easily be overturned.
• Install grab bars in the shower, tub, and around the toilet.
• Place nightlights around the bedroom, bathroom, and hallway.
• Install lights at the top and bottom of the stairs and make sure the stairs are clear with handrails on both sides. The same applies outside with walkways and steps.

For young children:

• Install window guards on all upper floor windows.
• Place safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.

At Maxim Healthcare Services, we care about the health and safety of you and your loved ones, and we want you to be secure in your home. For further tips on safety-proofing your home and to download our checklist, click here.

The information contained within this article is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or Nutritionist who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.