Residential Health Group

Home Health Care July 18, 2025

If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition, you know it can affect more than just your body. Ongoing symptoms, daily limitations, and emotional stress can make it difficult to maintain your independence and overall quality of life. While managing a chronic illness comes with its challenges, finding the right care shouldn’t be one of them. For many individuals with chronic conditions, home health care provides meaningful support – helping manage symptoms, enhance safety, and maintain routines at home.

How Chronic Diseases Affect Daily Life

Chronic diseases can impact nearly every part of daily life, from the ability to move comfortably to managing medications. Tasks that were once taken for granted, like bathing, cooking, or walking, may become difficult or even unsafe without support. Many people also experience fatigue, pain, or emotional distress when managing the conditions caused by chronic illness. These challenges can add up quickly, making it harder to stay active, social, and engaged. That’s where home health care can make a meaningful difference. Home health care not only manages symptoms, but it also helps individuals live more fully and safely each day.

Benefits of Home Health Care for Chronic Diseases

<p> Home health care brings medical treatments and emotional support to you in the comfort of your own home, so you can receive ongoing support in a familiar environment. Some of the key benefits include:

Access to a skilled care team, including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers
Personalized care plans tailored to the patient’s unique needs
Improved safety at home, especially for patients at risk of falls, medication management, or hospital readmission
Education for caregivers, empowering families with guidance and support

Chronic Diseases Treated with Home Health Care

At Residential Home Health, we support patients with a wide range of chronic conditions through personalized programs. Here are some of the most common conditions we help manage:

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can take a toll on both the patient and their family. Our home health team can help establish daily routines, reduce confusion, and manage behavioral symptoms in the comfort of home. We also offer resources and support for family caregivers, helping them feel supported and prepared.

Stroke Recovery

Recovering from a stroke often requires a collaborative approach to healing. Home health provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help patients regain strength, mobility, and communication. We also focus on fall prevention and medication management to support recovery.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Breathing difficulties caused by COPD can limit daily activities and quality of life, but home health care can help. We provide respiratory care, oxygen support, and pulmonary rehab exercises to improve lung function and reduce flare-ups.

Heart Disease

Managing heart conditions often involves close monitoring and ongoing education. Our nurses support patients with medication management, symptom tracking, and lifestyle changes that help prevent hospital readmission. With the right tools, patients can feel more in control of their health.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease can affect movement, coordination, and daily activities. Our therapists and nurses work together to help patients reduce their risk of falling, manage tremors, and improve their balance. Support at home can make a meaningful difference in maintaining quality of life and independence.

Home Health Care for Chronic Diseases

If you or someone you care for is living with a chronic condition, home health care may be a helpful way to support independence and improve quality of life. Many patients find it beneficial after a hospital stay, when symptoms become harder to manage, or when everyday tasks start to feel overwhelming.

At Residential Home Health, our team delivers exceptional care in the comfort and safety of the home. With personalized plans, experienced clinicians, and compassionate care, we’re here to help patients and families navigate chronic illnesses at any stage of life.

Residential Health Group

Dementia Home Health Care

Dementia affects millions of people and their families every year, bringing challenges that impact memory, communication, daily functioning, and emotional well-being. Having the option to receive dementia care at home can improve the patient’s quality of life. Residential Home Health offers tailored support to help patients with dementia stay safe, engaged, and independent for as long as possible, while also giving caregivers the tools and guidance they need.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interrupt daily activities. It’s not a specific disease but a group of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulty with communication, problem-solving challenges, and changes in mood or behavior. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are several other types, including vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia (LBD).

What Home Health Care Looks Like for Dementia Patients

Home health care for dementia patients is designed to bring comfort, safety, and support into a familiar environment. At Residential Home Health, our dementia care team creates a personalized plan that adapts to the patient’s cognitive, physical, and emotional needs as their condition progresses. Skilled nurses, therapists, and aides provide medication management and mobility support to help with daily routines like bathing, dressing, and meals. Just as important, we offer guidance and respite for caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of dementia with confidence and compassion. Dementia care at home allows patients to stay where they feel most secure while receiving expert care that prioritizes dignity, safety, and quality of life.

Home-Based Activities for Patients with Dementia

Engaging in meaningful activities can help patients with dementia maintain cognitive skills, boost mood, and reduce feelings of frustration or isolation. Activities should be simple, enjoyable, and tailored to the individual’s abilities and interests. Some home-based activities include:

Music and Singing: Playing familiar songs can spark memories and reduce anxiety.
Arts and Crafts: Creative activities like painting, coloring, or simple DIY projects can offer a sense of purpose, stimulate the mind, and spark joy.
Gentle Exercise: Chair yoga, walking, or stretching can improve mobility and circulation.
Puzzles and Sorting Games: Simple puzzles, matching cards, or sorting objects by color or shape can help maintain focus and coordination.

Tips for Dementia Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be deeply meaningful, but it can also come with emotional and physical challenges. Here are several tips that can make a difference for caregivers. . Establishing a consistent routine can bring comfort and reduce stress for both the patient and caregiver. Simple tools like visual cues and gentle reminders can help guide daily tasks and foster a sense of independence. Patience is essential. Take your time, offer reassurance, and try to see the world through your loved one’s eyes. Most importantly, know that you don’t have to do it all alone. Asking for help or taking a break is an important step to continue providing the compassionate care your loved one deserves.

Memory Care at Home

The best way to care for someone with dementia is to stay informed, seek support, and lead with compassion. In-home dementia care allows patients to stay in familiar surroundings, which can help reduce confusion and support cognitive well-being. At the same time, it gives families access to trained professionals who can provide expert care, monitor changes, and offer peace of mind.

If your loved one is showing signs of dementia or you’re struggling to manage care at home, Residential Home Health is here to help. Our compassionate team delivers personalized dementia care at home, supporting both patients and families every step of the way.

Residential Health Group

Home Health Care Stroke

A stroke can change life in an instant, not just for the person affected but for their entire family. The path to recovery can feel overwhelming, but healing doesn’t have to happen in a hospital or rehab facility. With the right care team of skilled home health professionals, individuals who have experienced a stroke can begin rebuilding strength, speech, mobility, and independence all in the comfort of their own home. In this blog, we’ll explore how home health care supports stroke recovery through personalized therapy, nursing care, and emotional support, delivering expert care right where you are.

What is Stroke Rehabilitation?

Stroke treatment and rehabilitation are critical parts of recovery that provide different types of therapies designed to help patients relearn skills after a stroke. Because symptoms can vary based on the parts of the brain affected by the stroke, rehabilitation needs to be customized to meet each person’s unique challenges and goals. Residential Home Health offers personalized care plans, empowering patients to regain independence and improve their quality of life. This support can include:

Occupational therapy: Focusing on improving daily activities, such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing
Speech therapy: Helping patients improve speech, swallowing, and language
Physical therapy: Using exercise to improve flexibility, range of motion, leg and arm strength, coordination, and balance
Nurses: Managing medications and regimens and identifying safety challenges in collaboration with physicians
Social Workers: Providing resources and emotional support to caregivers and families

Vestibular Rehabilitation at Home

Some stroke patients can experience dizziness or imbalance, which can increase their fear of falling. These symptoms may be a sign of a vestibular disorder, a condition that affects the inner ear and balance system. BMC Med states that vestibular rehab can positively improve balance and gait in patients recovering from a stroke. Vestibular rehabilitation with Residential Home Health aims to improve balance, orientation, and reduce dizziness, all while helping patients manage these symptoms safely at home. This program is developed by a Certified Vestibular Specialist and helps minimize symptoms, with the most common vestibular dysfunction being cured in 1 – 2 visits.

Why Choose Stroke Recovery at Home?

Recovering at home offers several key advantages over facility-based rehabilitation, especially for stroke patients. Being in a familiar, comfortable environment can reduce stress and promote healing, allowing patients to stay close to loved ones and their daily routines. Home health care also provides personalized, one-on-one care tailored to each individual’s goals and pace. There’s no need to arrange transportation or navigate outpatient schedules; care is delivered directly to the home. And because our care team works closely together, patients benefit from support that encourages long-term recovery and independence. Most importantly, home health empowers patients to reclaim independence in the very environment where they want to thrive.

Is Home-Based Stroke Rehab Right for You or Your Loved One?

If you or someone you love is recovering from a stroke, home health care may be a safe and supportive option. It’s especially helpful for individuals who:

Have limited mobility or difficulty leaving the house
Need help with speech, balance, or daily activities
Are experiencing dizziness or fear of falling
Want to recover in a familiar, low-stress environment

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

Stroke recovery is a journey, and you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right care team and tools, healing at home is not only possible but often preferred. At Residential Home Health, we’re here to support you with expert care, tailored plans, and a compassionate team.

Contact our care team today to learn more about our home health care services or to schedule an in-home assessment.

Residential Health Group

Home Health Care April 15, 2025

Home health care has become an increasingly essential option for individuals seeking personalized care for various conditions. Home health care offers a range of benefits that help patients maintain independence, avoid hospitalizations, and receive specialized care in the comfortable and familiar environment of their own home.

What is Home Health Care?

Home health care involves a range of healthcare services that can be provided to patients in the comfort of their own home. Also known as “skilled care”, home health is designed to help patients gain independence and remain safe at home.

Home health care can help with:

Transitioning home from a hospital or nursing facility
Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, CHG or COPD
Rehabilitation after joint replacement or other surgery
Adapting to new mobility challenges, focusing on home safety and falling hazards
Caregiver support for individuals with cognitive decline

Home Health Care Services

Home health care services vary based on the unique needs of the patient. Some common services include:

Chronic Disease Management: Home health offers the ability to provide comprehensive care plans for individuals with chronic conditions to manage their symptoms effectively.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation services in the home enable physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to modify exercises and protocols for the environment that the patient lives in.
Mobility Assistance: For individuals who’ve recently experienced a fall or find themselves unsteady on their feet, home health providers can evaluate the patient’s home and make recommendations for eliminating trip hazards.
Symptom Monitoring and Control: Home health nurses assess patient symptoms regularly to ensure steady improvement and reduce complications.
Medication Management: Home visits help ensure that a patient’s medications are taken at the right time and in the right amounts.

Benefits of Home Health Care

Choosing home health care for yourself or a loved one offers a variety of benefits that improve a patient’s well-being and quality of life, including:

Personalized Care: Home health care services are tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient to ensure that they receive the right level of care and support.
Comfort and Familiarity: Administering care in the patient’s home can reduce stress and improve recovery time while also improving their emotional well-being.
Reduced Risk of Hospitalization: Offering the necessary care and treatment at home reduces the patient’s risk of hospital readmission, leading to fewer medical complications.
Independence and Autonomy: Home health care encourages patients to be actively involved in their own care, helping them maintain a sense of independence and dignity.
Cost-Effective: Compared to the average extended hospital stay or the cost of a nursing home, home health care is often a more affordable option, making it a viable option for many families.

Home Health vs Hospital Stay: What’s the Difference?

While both hospital care and home health care provide important medical treatment, they differ in several key ways. Hospitals often have a sterile, impersonal atmosphere, which can feel isolating for patients, while home health care allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar faces and loved ones. Hospitals typically offer intensive, 24/7 care for acute conditions, while home health care focuses on long-term recovery, rehabilitation, and the management of chronic illnesses.

Is Home Health Care Right for You or Your Loved One?

If any of following identifying factors sounds familiar, you or your loved one might benefit from home health:

New diagnosis or recent difficulty with a chronic illness
Trouble completing routine tasks for disease management
New medications, or juggling 3 or more medications
Recent fall or fear of falling
Feeling weaker than before or less able to do daily tasks
Pain that interferes with daily activities
Difficulty leaving your home

If you or a loved one are facing any of these challenges, we recommend completing an online home health assessment to determine if home health care can provide the right support and resources for your needs.

Home Health Care Services with Residential Healthcare Group

Residential Healthcare Group provides comprehensive home health care services across multiple states, including Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Our experienced clinicians work with patients, their families, and their physicians to develop customized care plans to address specific challenges and goals. Home health care services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing services, and more, ensuring patients receive the support they need to thrive at home.

Residential Health Group

Home Health Care Hospice March 24, 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that affects an estimated 35.5 million adults in the United States, according to National Kidney Foundation. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and excess fluids from our blood, regulating blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes. When the kidneys begin to lose their ability to perform these necessary functions, it can lead to kidney disease. In this article, we’ll review the stages of kidney disease, symptoms of each stage, and what you can do to manage and slow progression of CKD.

What is Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), commonly referred to as kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer efficiently filter blood, ultimately leading to kidney failure over time. CKD typically develops gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which makes early detection and treatment essential. While diabetes and high blood pressure are the primary causes, other factors can also contribute to the development of kidney disease.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is generally classified into five stages based on the level of kidney function. As kidney function declines, the stage of kidney disease progresses. Here’s a breakdown of each stage of CKD:

Stage 1: Normal Kidney Function

At stage 1 of kidney disease, the kidneys are still functioning normally or nearly normally. However, there may be mild kidney damage, such as protein in the urine or other markers of kidney dysfunction. Most people in this stage do not experience symptoms, and kidney disease may not yet be apparent.

During stage 1 of kidney disease, it’s important to regularly monitor kidney function with blood tests, adopt healthy lifestyle changes (hydration, balanced diet, exercise) and manage underlying conditions that can lead to further kidney damage, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Stage 2: Mild Kidney Damage

During stage 2, kidney function is mildly reduced but most individuals still do not show noticeable symptoms. It is still important to monitor kidney function closely, as this stage can progress to become more severe if not managed properly. Continue to monitor kidney function, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and control blood pressure and blood sugar to mitigate further damage.

Stage 3: Moderate Kidney Damage

At this stage, kidney function has declined moderately, and you may start to notice symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination. The kidneys are no longer able to efficiently filter waste, which can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the blood. During stage 3 of chronic kidney disease, you should consult a nephrologist for personalized care, track your kidney function regularly, continue to treat underlying health conditions, and make dietary changes, including limiting sodium and protein consumption.

Stage 4: Severe Kidney Damage

Kidney function is severely reduced during stage 4 of chronic kidney disease, and the kidneys can no longer perform their job effectively. Symptoms may become more evident, including swelling in the legs or ankles, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be discussed with your healthcare provider during stage 4. You should prepare for dialysis or a kidney transplant if necessary, follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and continue monitoring kidney function if diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease.

Stage 5: Kidney Failure

Stage 5, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), indicates that the kidneys can no longer function adequately to meet the body’s needs. At this point, kidney failure is inevitable, and survival depends on dialysis or a kidney transplant. During this stage, the focus shifts to improving quality of life. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to explore options like dialysis or a kidney transplant, as well as consider hospice care to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

How to Prevent and Slow Progression of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can be managed especially in the early stages to slow progression. Here are some key strategies to protect your kidneys and minimize the risk of kidney disease:

Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and keep it under control with medications and lifestyle changes.
Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, regularly manage and monitor your blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause significant kidney damage over time, resulting in kidney failure.
Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sodium and processed foods that can strain the kidneys.
Exercise Regularly: Staying active with physical exercise helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall health, which can protect kidney function and minimize a risk of kidney failure.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking can worsen kidney disease and increase the risk of other health complications.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps the kidneys flush out waste and maintain proper function. If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, consult your doctor about how much water you should be drinking.

Hospice Care for Kidney Disease

Hospice care offers compassionate support and comfort to individuals in the advanced stages of kidney disease. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life by managing symptoms and addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of both patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families. Residential Hospice provides in-home care for patients with end-stage kidney disease in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Find hospice care services in your area.

Residential Health Group

Bereavement December 19, 2024

Although the holiday season is often filled with joy, celebration, and togetherness, it can feel overwhelming and lonely for those grieving the loss of a loved one. If you’re struggling with grief during the holidays, know you’re not alone. Our bereavement team has gathered some strategies to help you navigate grief during the holiday season.

Why Holiday Are Difficult for Individuals Who Are Grieving

The holidays can be especially challenging for individuals who have recently lost a loved one for several reasons, including:

Traditions and Memories
Social Obligations
Sense of Loneliness
Disruption of Daily Routine

Tips for Coping with Grief During the Holiday Season

Grieving during the holidays can be difficult but there are ways to take care of yourself and find comfort during this time. Here are some ways to help cope with grief during this season:

Plan Ahead: Plan your holiday activities ahead to know where you will be and how you’ll spend your time. This can reduce stress and help you set realistic expectations, allowing you to prioritize self-care and avoid feeling overwhelmed by social obligations.
Light a Candle in Memory of Your Loved One: Lighting a candle in memory of your loved one can be a simple yet meaningful gesture. Place the candle in a special place and light it at a time that feels significant to you during the holiday season.
Write a Letter to Your Loved One: Writing a letter to your lost loved one can be a therapeutic way to express your feelings. You can keep the letter in a special place or even bring it to their memorial site to honor their memory.
Decorate Their Memorial Site: Consider decorating your loved one’s memorial site with holiday decorations like flowers, garlands, ribbons, evergreen branches, or a wreath. This can be a beautiful way to celebrate their life and bring some warmth to the season.
Make a Donation in Their Memory: Donating to a cause or charity that was important to your loved one, like a hospice foundation, is a meaningful way to honor their life. This act of giving can bring comfort and provide a sense of purpose during the holiday season.
Read a Book: Reading about grief can offer valuable insight, comfort, and a sense of validation. Find books or articles that resonate with your emotions and provide helpful guidance as you navigate your journey of healing.
Practice Self-Care: Grief can take a toll on both your emotional and physical well-being. Be sure to practice self-care by taking time for yourself. Engage in activities that bring you comfort, such as meditation, taking a warm bath, or spending time in nature.

Holiday Grief Reading Resources

Reading can be a valuable tool for coping. Here are some resources to help guide you through this difficult time:

Find Comfort and Healing During the Holidays with Residential Hospice

The holiday season can be difficult when you’re grieving, but it’s important to remember that healing is a process, and it’s okay to feel the weight of your emotions. By acknowledging your grief and finding ways to honor your loved one, you can create space for both mourning and moments of peace. Lean on others and seek support when you need it. You’re not alone in this journey. If you need someone to talk to, the Residential Hospice bereavement team is here to offer support and resources.

Residential Health Group

Hospice December 11, 2024

The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. While you may be focused on purchasing gifts for family and friends, one of the most meaningful ways to give a gift this holiday season is by contributing to a cause that makes a difference in the community. Consider donating to the Residential Hospice Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to individuals and families facing terminal illnesses. Read about how your donation to the Residential Hospice Foundation can make a lasting impact in your community, especially during this season of giving.

What is Residential Hospice Foundation?

Residential Hospice Foundation was founded in response to many appreciative hospice families who asked how they could “pass it on” and help other families facing life-limiting illness. Residential Hospice Foundation increases access to hospice care, helps people understand the truth about hospice care, and provides financial assistance to hospice patients and caregivers. They provide support for basic needs, funeral and burial expenses, grief and bereavement assistance, and hospice education.

Why Donate to Residential Hospice Foundation

Hospice care provides comfort, dignity, and compassionate support for individuals at the end of their lives. By donating to Residential Hospice Foundation, you can directly contribute to improving the lives of those individuals and their families. Here’s how your donation can make a difference:

Provide financial support to families in need: Many families struggle financially when a loved one faces the end of their life. Donations to Residential Hospice Foundation can help cover basic needs for these families. Your gift ensures that families can focus on spending quality time with their loved one rather than worrying about financial burdens.
Offer grief and bereavement support: Losing a loved one can be emotionally overwhelming. Residential Hospice Foundation provides grief and bereavement assistance to help families cope with their loss. Grief and bereavement services include counseling services, support groups, and other resources to help navigate this difficult time.
Promote hospice awareness and education: Many individuals and families are unaware of the benefits of hospice care until they are impacted by it directly. Donations allow Residential Hospice Foundation to provide education and raise awareness about the role of hospice care. By sharing research and information, more families can access the comfort and support they need.

How to Contribute to Residential Hospice Foundation

Donating to Residential Hospice Foundation is possible in a few ways:

Monetary Donation: You can make an immediate impact with a direct financial gift through the online payment portal or via check.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts: Honor the memory of a loved one or celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or the holiday season by making a gift in their name.

Matching Gifts: Matching gifts can double or triple your contribution and help even more! Ask your employer whether the organization you work for participates in a matching gift program.

Planned Giving: Pre-planning enables you to donate a larger amount in the event of your death than you could while alive. Make an estate plan today to ensure that your support for Residential Hospice Foundation is part of your personal legacy.

Give the Gift of Compassion This Holiday Season

As you reflect on the spirit of giving this holiday season, consider making a donation to the Residential Hospice Foundation. Your generosity can help provide comfort, support, and hope to those who need it most. There’s no better way to make a difference than by giving the gift of compassion. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the families who need it most.

Residential Health Group

Home Health Care November 14, 2024

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but it also brings seasonal illnesses such as the cold, flu, and COVID-19, causing challenges for maintaining your health and potential hospitalizations. Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays and winter season at home.

7 Ways to Reduce Seasonal Illnesses This Winter

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Holiday meals are often filled with rich foods and sugary desserts. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying these treats to keep your energy levels high and immune system strong. Incorporate plenty of vegetables and proteins into your meals. Consider preparing and bringing a healthy dish to your holiday gatherings for everyone to enjoy.
Prioritize Exercise: With many social events and family gatherings, it can be difficult to find time to exercise during the holiday season. However, physical activity is crucial for both your physical and mental health. This can be as simple as walking in your neighborhood. Staying active helps reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your immune system.
Stay Hydrated: Hydration is vital to reducing the risk of illness during the winter because dehydration can lead to fatigue and a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to winter illnesses. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to maintain your energy and overall health.
Manage Stress Effectively: Although meant to be a joyful time of year, the holiday season can bring added stress as well. From planning meals, buying gifts and balancing social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you prefer reading a book, taking a warm bath, or simply enjoying some quiet time, it’s vital to prioritize self-care and find moments to relax and unwind this season.
Get Adequate Sleep: Amid all the festivities, prioritize quality sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your immune system, mood, and energy levels. Try to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off illness and handle the demands of the holiday season.
Wash Your Hands: A simple yet effective way to protect yourself from germs is washing your hands often with soap and water. Cold and flu viruses spread easily through contact with surfaces and people, so keeping your hands clean can reduce your risk of getting sick.
Avoid Contact with People Who Are Sick: Take precautions and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Seasonal illnesses like the flu, cold and COVID-19 spread quickly in social settings, and close contact with individuals who are sick can increase your chances of contracting an illness. Maintain a safe distance from anyone showing symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose.

Don’t let sickness put a damper on your holiday season. Follow these simple tips so you can enjoy the festivities with your family and friends. If you’re already feeling under the weather this season, consider home health care services to avoid hospitalization and recover stress-free in the comfort of your home.

Home Health Care with Residential Healthcare Group

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Hospice Lung Disease October 24, 2024

Navigating the complexities of lung disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), can be overwhelming, especially if treatments are no longer effective. For many patients and families, understanding when to consider hospice for lung disease is a difficult discussion. This guide will help you recognize the signs that indicate hospice may be the right choice.

What is End-Stage Lung Disease?

End-stage lung disease refers to the most severe form of lung disease, resulting from chronic conditions such as COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or progressive diseases like cystic fibrosis. A diagnosis of end-stage lung disease occurs when the lungs can no longer effectively remove carbon dioxide or supply sufficient oxygen to meet the body’s basic needs.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Hospice for Lung Disease

When curative treatments for lung disease, including COPD, are limited or no longer desired, hospice care may be a suitable option. Some signs that it may be time to consider hospice care include:

Shortness of breath at rest that is poorly responsive to bronchodilators resulting in decreased functional capacity (ex. bed to chair existence, extreme fatigue, and cough)

Requiring use of supplemental oxygen most or all the time

Frequent hospitalizations due to shortness of breath or respiratory infections

Curative treatment options are limited or no longer desired

Weight loss associated with decreased appetite

Requiring more assistance with daily activities

Weakness and recent falls

Multiple changes to medications due to ineffectiveness

Benefits of Hospice Care for Patients with Lung Disease

At Residential Hospice, our expert care team works together to determine the appropriate care plan for patients with lung disease through our Alleviating Dyspnea and Pain with Treatment (ADAPT) program. Hospice care and the ADAPT program offer multiple benefits including:

Physical Comfort: Using a variety of medical and non-medical interventions for addressing dyspnea and pain, hospice care utilizes state-of-the-art medication delivery methods for effective symptom control.
Emotional Support: Hospice care incorporates specialty therapies, like music and massage therapy, aromatherapy, legacy projects and guided virtual reality experiences.
End-of-Life Planning: Meeting practice needs like estate planning and spiritual needs like making peace with others can help patients and families face difficult decisions that need to be made during hospice care.
Companionship: Visits from volunteers, including hospice doulas, offer comfort and support, helping patients feel less isolated during their hospice journey.

Residential Hospice for Patients with Lung Disease

Residential Hospice’s program for patients with lung disease and COPD, the ADAPT program, addresses the multiple complex issues that can accompany lung disease, including shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and more. This specialized hospice care program ensures hospice patients who have lung disease receive comfortable care throughout their end-of-life journey. Residential Hospice offers in-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Residential Health Group

Hospice October 10, 2024

Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly 7 million people in the United States. As Alzheimer’s disease advances, families often face difficult healthcare decisions. Our hospice care professionals support many families in making the decision about when to consider hospice for patients with Alzheimer’s.

Signs That It May Be Time for Hospice Care

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia comes with cognitive decline, memory loss, and loss of independence. As this disease progresses, patients may require more support and care, impacting the quality of life for both patients and their families. Signs that it may be time for hospice care include:

Significant cognitive decline

Frequent hospitalizations

Weight loss and poor nutrition

Dependence on caregivers

Pain and discomfort

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients

To be eligible for hospice benefits, patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia must identify with the following qualifiers:

Dependence on others for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL)

Inability to walk without assistance

Speaking only a few words and phrases

Continuous anxiety and stress

Falls

Multiple hospitalizations, ER trips

Infections

Eating problems

Incontinence

Benefits of Hospice Care for Alzheimer’s Patients

Hospice care is designed to provide comprehensive care for individuals during the end of their life. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Hospice can provide various benefits for individuals who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Benefits of hospice care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease include:

Pain & symptom management

Emotional & spiritual support

Specialized therapy (aromatherapy, massage therapy, music therapy, and pet therapy)

Caregiver relief

Grief & bereavement services

Residential Hospice for Alzheimer’s Patients

Residential Hospice’s program for Alzheimer’s patients, PEACE (Program for Easing Anxiety and Cultivating Engagement) helps alleviate distressing symptoms and enhance quality of life for both hospice patients and their families. Residential Hospice offers at-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.