CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), also referred to as Home Health Aides, have been called the unsung heroes of hospice care. Their role, as part of the hospice team, is crucial. Under the supervision of a RN (Registered Nurse), CNAs and Home Health Aides provide daily care to enhance a patient’s daily life, wellness and dignity – which includes essential and basic tasks, such as:
When caring for patients, care providers are concerned with patients’ physical needs as well as their emotional well-being. One way to improve a patient’s mood is to schedule a visit with a therapy pet. Whether it’s a cat, dog or a different animal altogether, pets can enter a room and immediately make it a brighter, happier place to be. A recent study reported that patients who spent 10 minutes with a therapy dog reported less pain than those getting conventional treatment alone.
As a hospice nurse, you know that you have a challenging and rewarding job. Helping people with quality care in the final stages of life is among the most important jobs of all. Not only can you support the person in need of care, but you can also provide comfort and happiness to friends and family members.
The holidays are about spending time with and appreciating those closest to you, but anyone caring for patients knows that the holidays can also come with their share of grief for patients and caregivers alike. Here are some strategies to help make it through the holidays yourself – while also lifting the spirits of patients and their families.
Occupational therapists are a crucial and effective component of the home health agency team working alongside physical therapists, speech therapists, nurses, home health aids, and social workers to provide strategies to help a patient manage daily activities while reducing their risk of injury or further decline in function. Preserving the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is fundamental for older adults to live an independent life.
Many of you don’t know this, but over 7.6 million people utilize home health care and home health care providers, in contrast to only 1.8 million who live in a nursing home. The convenience of home health care, as well as the feeling of comfort of being at home and with loved ones can’t be matched. What is even more important is the need to the know the difference far enough in advance to prepare financially and with insurance for that time.
Physical therapy for seniors may seem similar to more common sports physical therapy, or accident physical therapy, but due to age and circumstances, there can be stark differences. For example, some medical professionals believe that a majority of people at age 65 may have some arthritis in their spines. However, everyone’s body, no matter where they come from, has musculature as varied as their personality. Physical therapy can have an important role in health care outcomes and is connected with maximizing function, preventing decline, decreasing pain and increasing overall mobility.