Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is observed every year from December 1 to December 7. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn’s and colitis affect an estimated 3.1 million U.S. adults (1.3% of the population) and are risk factors for other chronic conditions.

When severe, Crohn’s and colitis can produce symptoms that may require home health care, such as chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, and ulcers. Here’s more about the importance of Crohn’s and colitis awareness and how home health care can help you manage these conditions.

What Are Crohn’s and Colitis?

Crohn’s disease and colitis are the most common types of IBD.

Crohn’s is the inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. It usually affects the small intestine but may also affect the large intestine and upper gastrointestinal tract.

Colitis, also known as ulcerative colitis, is characterized by inflammation and ulcers (sores) that form along the lining of the large intestine and rectum.

Both diseases produce many of the same symptoms, including:

Abdominal pain
Persistent diarrhea
Bloody stool
Fatigue
Weight loss

Medications and surgery are the most common treatments for Crohn’s and colitis.

Raising Awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis

The inflammation that occurs with Crohn’s and colitis increases the risk for a wide range of serious complications. Managing IBD and knowing how to prevent it is critical to maintaining good health and a high quality of life.

Raising awareness for Crohn’s and colitis could make a huge difference in the lives of your loved ones, especially for those who meet risk factors such as smoking and having a family history of these diseases.

Here are ways to raise awareness about Crohn’s and colitis:

Wear a purple ribbon, which is the official color of awareness for IBD.
Educate friends and family about IBD risk factors.
Coach patients and loved ones on ways to prevent IBD, such as eating healthy foods, managing stress, and not smoking.
Talk to patients and community members about complications of Crohn’s and colitis. Common complications include colon cancer, bowel obstruction, and liver damage, among many others.
Share facts about Crohn’s and colitis on social media.

How Home Health Care Can Help

If you are living with IBD and require regular or around-the-clock medical care, home health care can help you become more independent, improve your symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease.

Here are other ways home health care can help manage Crohn’s and colitis:

Nutrition therapy. IBD may be effectively managed with a high-fiber diet, fermented foods, and a limited amount of alcohol, coffee, and sweets. Nutrition therapy is offered as part of many home healthcare services.
Injections and medication management. Some medications for IBD—such as corticosteroids—are given by injection or IV infusion. Home health care can help you administer and manage your medications.
Help with daily activities. Some complications of IBD can be temporary and permanently debilitating—such as surgery to remove part or all of the colon. Home health care can help you get around and carry out your usual daily activities.
Wound care. Ulcers, fistulas, and fissures are all wounds that are common with IBD and require consistent care. A home healthcare provider can properly care for these wounds to prevent worsened infections.

Contact your healthcare provider to learn more about the benefits of home healthcare for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Handwashing: The Best Way to Prevent the Spread of Germs

National Handwashing Week is celebrated in the United States during the first full week of December. It is a time to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing and to teach people how to wash their hands effectively.

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Germs can be found on all sorts of surfaces, including doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. When we touch these surfaces and then touch our eyes, nose, or mouth, we can transfer germs to our bodies and get sick.

When to Wash

Handwashing with soap and water removes germs from our hands and prevents them from spreading. It is especially important to wash our hands at certain times, such as:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating
After using the toilet
After blowing our nose, coughing, or sneezing
After changing a diaper
After handling animals or animal waste
After touching garbage

Effective Handwashing

To wash our hands effectively, we should follow these five steps:

Wet our hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather our hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of our hands, between our fingers, and under our nails.
Scrub our hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
Rinse our hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
Dry our hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

Teaching Children the Importance of Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and others from getting sick. By following the five steps above, we can all help to keep our communities healthy.

In honor of National Handwashing Week 2023, here are some tips for teaching your children about the importance of handwashing:

Make handwashing a fun activity. Sing a song or play a game while you wash your hands together.
Encourage your children to wash their hands throughout the day, especially at the key times listed above.
Place handwashing reminders in your home, such as a sign near the sink or a sticker on the bathroom mirror.
Make sure your children have access to soap and water at all times.

By teaching your children about the importance of handwashing, you can help them to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Need more tips or assistance with your loved one? We are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: What People Should Know

National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this deadly disease. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. However, early detection and treatment can improve survival rates significantly.

Here are some things you should know about pancreatic cancer:

Symptoms: Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, because the early symptoms are vague and can be mistaken for other conditions. Some common symptoms include upper abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), weight loss, and changes in appetite.
Risk factors: Some risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, diabetes, and chronic pancreatitis.
Diagnosis: Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed using a variety of tests, including imaging tests (such as CT scans and MRIs), blood tests, and biopsy.
Treatment: Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the disease and other factors. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

How Home Health Can Help People with Pancreatic Cancer

Home health care can provide valuable support to people with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers. Home health aides can help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Home health nurses can provide skilled nursing care, such as wound care, pain management, and medication administration. They can also teach patients and caregivers about the disease and how to manage it at home.

Other home health services that may be helpful for people with pancreatic cancer include:

Physical therapy to help patients maintain strength and mobility
Occupational therapy to help patients with activities of daily living and adaptive equipment
Speech therapy to help patients with swallowing difficulties
Nutritional counseling to help patients maintain a healthy weight and get the nutrients they need

How Hospice Can Help People with Pancreatic Cancer

Hospice is a type of care that focuses on providing comfort and support to people with terminal illnesses. Hospice can be provided at home, in a nursing home, or wherever the patient calls home.

Hospice care for people with pancreatic cancer may include:

Pain management
Symptom control
Emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families
Respite care for caregivers

Hospice care can help people with pancreatic cancer live their remaining time as comfortably and fully as possible. Hospice care can also provide support to caregivers during this difficult time.

If you are a patient with pancreatic cancer or a caregiver for someone with pancreatic cancer, please know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you, including home health and hospice care. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today!

Making the Transition to Hospice with Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are progressive diseases that eventually lead to end of life for those suffering. When your loved one reaches more challenging stages of dementia, hospice care is extremely valuable. Hospice is a specialized type of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients who are terminally ill—with a prognosis of six months or less if their disease runs its normal course.

How to Transition to Hospice Care with Ease and Peace of Mind

Transitioning to hospice care can be a difficult decision, but it can also be a relief for both patients and caregivers. Hospice care can provide your loved one with the support and care they need during their final months of life. You do not need to wait until the very end to initiate hospice—which is a common misconception.

To transition to hospice care with ease and peace of mind, here are a few tips:

Talk to your loved one’s Primary Care Physician (PCP).

If your loved one does not have a Primary Care Physician, we can help you obtain an order for hospice care. The PCP will write an order to initiate hospice. This is step one.

Get to know the hospice team.

Once you meet with us, you will be assigned a team of caregivers who will work with you to create a care plan for your loved one. The hospice team will include nurses, social workers, aides, and other professionals who are skilled in caring for people with dementia.

Let us take care of the rest!

We will bring in all necessary supplies and durable medical equipment (DME) that your loved one will need to be safe and comfortable in the place they call home.

More Ways We Can Help…

Our Hospice agency can provide a variety of services to help you and your loved one transition to hospice care. These services may include:

Caregiver support. Hospice offer a variety of support services for caregivers, such as respite care, support groups, and counseling.
Symptom management. Hospice will help manage your loved one’s symptoms, such as pain, nausea, and anxiety.
Spiritual support. Hospice offers spiritual support for patients and their families, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Volunteers. Hospice volunteers are a vital part of our program and offer a variety of services to you and your loved one.

If you are considering hospice care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please contact us today. We make the process simple, letting you focus on what matters most!

National Family Caregivers Month: Celebrating the Heroes without Capes

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate the millions of Americans who provide unpaid care to their loved ones. Caregivers play a vital role in our society, helping people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and age-related impairments live their best lives.

Caregivers provide a wide range of services, from helping with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing to providing emotional support and companionship. They may also manage their loved one’s medications, transportation, and finances.

Caregiving can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Caregivers often report feeling a sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping their loved ones. However, caregiving can also be stressful and demanding, both physically and emotionally.

Recognizing & Supporting Caregivers

That’s why it’s important to recognize and support caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month and throughout the year. There are many ways to do this, such as:

Offering practical help, such as cooking meals, running errands, or providing respite care
Listening to caregivers and offering emotional support
Advocating for policies that support caregivers, such as paid family leave and access to affordable childcare
Supporting organizations that provide services and resources to caregivers

How Caregivers Help Those They Love

Here are some of the ways that caregivers help those they love:

Improve physical and mental health.

Caregivers can help their loved ones stay healthy by managing their medications, providing transportation to medical appointments, and helping them follow their doctor’s recommendations. Caregivers can also help their loved ones cope with stress and anxiety, and maintain a positive outlook on life.

Promote independence.

Caregivers can help their loved ones maintain their independence by assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. Caregivers can also help their loved ones stay connected with their community and participate in activities that they enjoy.

Provide companionship and emotional support.

Caregivers offer their loved ones companionship and emotional support, which can be essential for their well-being. Caregivers can listen to their loved one’s concerns, offer advice and encouragement, and help them to feel loved and valued.

Thank you, Caregivers!

Caregivers are essential to our society, and they deserve our appreciation and support. During National Family Caregivers Month, let’s celebrate the caregivers in our lives and show them how much we care.

If you are a caregiver and would like to know more about the services we provide, please let us know. We would be happy to serve you and your loved one!

How Home Health Can Help with Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

If you have a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you know that it can be a challenging condition to manage. As the disease progresses, it can become increasingly difficult to perform daily tasks and stay safe. Home health care can provide valuable assistance to both people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Home health care is a type of medical care that is provided in the patient’s home. It can be provided by a variety of healthcare professionals, including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists + other disciplines including Social Workers. Home health care services can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient and their caregiver(s).

Here are some of the ways that home health care can help with Alzheimer’s disease:

Provide skilled medical care.

Nurses can provide a variety of skilled medical care services, such as wound care, injections, and medication management.

Help with daily living activities.

Home health aides can help with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and other daily living activities.

Provide companionship and support.

Home health aides can provide companionship and support to people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Teach caregivers new skills.

Home health professionals can teach caregivers new skills, such as how to manage behavioral problems and how to provide safe and effective care.

Here are some of the benefits of home health care for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers:

Allows people with Alzheimer’s to stay in their own homes.

Home health care allows people with Alzheimer’s to remain in their familiar surroundings, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

Provides personalized care.

Home health care services are tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient and their caregiver.

Is flexible and convenient.

Home health care services can be provided on a schedule that works for the patient and their caregiver.

Can be covered by insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans).

Many insurance plans cover home health care services, especially if the patient is homebound and requires skilled medical care.

If you are considering home health care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, talk to us today to learn more about how we can help!

Caring for and Loving Someone with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently, but it eventually leads to severe cognitive impairment and death.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience.

Here are some tips for caring for and loving someone with Alzheimer’s:

Educate yourself about the disease.

The more you know about Alzheimer’s disease, the better equipped you will be to care for your loved one. There are many resources available online and in your community that can provide you with information and support.

Create a safe and supportive environment.

People with Alzheimer’s disease are at risk of falls, wandering, and other accidents. It is important to create a safe and supportive environment for your loved one. This may involve removing tripping hazards, installing locks on doors, and using GPS tracking devices (such as medical alert bracelets or inserting Air Tag-like devices in shoes).

Establish a routine.

People with Alzheimer’s disease often thrive on routine. Establish a regular schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety. (Tip: use colorful plates to help make food easily identifiable).

Be patient and understanding.

Alzheimer’s disease can cause people to behave in ways that are frustrating and confusing. It is important to be patient and understanding. Remember that your loved one is not trying to be difficult. (Try not to raise your voice—rather, use a calming tone as much as possible).

Take care of yourself.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally demanding. It is important to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Make time for activities that you enjoy.

Here are some specific ways to show love and support to someone with Alzheimer’s:

Spend time with your loved one.

Even if your loved one cannot engage in conversations or activities like they used to, they still enjoy spending time with you. Make time to simply sit with your loved one, hold their hand, or listen to music together. (Music therapy has proven to be effective in calming/lessening anxiety + helps with activities such as reminiscing).

Reassure your loved one that you love them.

Tell your loved one that you love them and appreciate them. Let them know that you are there for them and will always support them.

Help your loved one maintain their sense of identity.

Encourage your loved one to continue doing activities that they enjoy. Help them to stay connected with their loved ones and community.

Celebrate your loved one’s accomplishments.

No matter how small, celebrate your loved one’s accomplishments. This will help to boost their self-esteem and confidence.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience. By following the tips above, you can provide your loved one with the care and support they need.

Life is a Journey. We are With You Every Step of The Way!

American Diabetes Month: Managing Diabetes with Home Health Care

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin.

Diabetes can be a serious condition, but it can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and medication.

Here are some general tips on managing diabetes:

Eat a healthy diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats.
Get regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Take your medicines as prescribed. This may include insulin, oral medications, or other medications to manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, or other health conditions.
Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly. This will help you see how your body is responding to your treatment plan and make adjustments as needed.

How Home Health care can help people with Diabetes

Home health care can provide a variety of services to help people with diabetes manage their condition. These services may include:

Education and support: our nurses and therapists can teach people with diabetes about their condition, how to take their medicines, and how to make healthy lifestyle choices. They can also provide support and encouragement.
Medication management: nurses can help people with diabetes take their medicines on time and in the correct dosage. They can also monitor for side effects and complications.
Wound care: nurses can provide wound care for people with diabetes who have foot ulcers or other skin problems.
Nutritional counseling: dietitians can help people with diabetes create a healthy eating plan that meets their individual needs.
Blood glucose monitoring: nurses can help people with diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels and interpret their results.

Benefits of Home Health Care for people with Diabetes

Home health care can offer a number of benefits for people with diabetes, including:

Convenience: our services are provided in the comfort of your own home, which can be especially convenient for people with limited mobility or who have difficulty getting to and from doctor’s appointments.
Personalized care: we develop a care plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Improved quality of life: we can help you manage your diabetes more effectively and improve your overall quality of life.

If you are living with diabetes, talk to us today to learn more about how we can help you live your best life!

Speak with our Care Team Now

Abode Hospice & Home Health supports that our patients have the right to determine their own goals of care during the final stages of their illness. We focus on comfort, support, quality of life, and education.

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