Home Health Care

Home Health Care Hospice February 27, 2024

Celebrating Excellence in the Workplace

The value placed on workplace culture has never been higher. It’s important to create a workplace environment where employees feel not just satisfied but truly proud to be a member of the team. Our workplace culture reflects the commitment of our team members and leadership. In 2023, these efforts were celebrated as we proudly received Top Workplace recognition by distinguished publications such as the Chicago Tribune and Detroit Free Press, alongside being acknowledged as a Best Place to Work by the Central Penn Business Journal.

13 Years of Top Workplace Recognition

This acknowledgement represents our unwavering commitment to cultivating a supportive and passionate work culture among our team. Our journey of recognition spans several years, with accolades by the Detroit Free Press since 2011 for our Troy, Michigan Home Health and Hospice programs, and since 2018 for our Lapeer, Michigan Home Health and Hospice programs, showcasing our consistent dedication to our team’s satisfaction. Similarly, our Illinois Home Health and Hospice programs have been recognized as a top workplace by Chicago Tribune for a multitude of years (2018-2019 and 2021-2023).

The Top Workplaces distinction by Chicago Tribue and Detroit Free Press, evaluated solely through employee feedback, measures various aspects of the workplace experience, including values, inclusion, communication, training, benefits, and more. Best Places to Work recognition by the Central Penn Business Journal includes a comprehensive evaluation of workplace policies, practices, demographics, and an insightful employee survey. “This year’s 2023 Best Places to Work in PA winners make sure their teams feel appreciated, engaged and challenged. They foster a positive environment for innovative teams to thrive,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business.

Industry-Leading Employer in Home Health and Hospice

At Residential Healthcare Group, we care where you are, prioritizing that our home health and hospice teams feel valued, respected, and empowered. This is exemplified through our benefits programs, comprehensive onboarding programs, and flexible scheduling opportunities. It’s not just about achieving recognition; it’s about continuously striving to enhance our workplace culture and experiences for all who impactfully contribute to the care of our patients and their families.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care January 31, 2024

Home health care can improve quality of life for individuals with heart failure.

Living with congestive heart failure (CHF) can be challenging, but with the proper home health heart care and support, individuals can effectively manage this chronic heart disease from the comfort of their homes. Home health services not only enhance patients’ quality of life but also reduce the frequency of hospital readmissions. In this article, we explore how home health care can play a pivotal role in managing CHF.

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic heart disease where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup throughout the body. According to Cleveland Clinic, more than 6 million people in the United States have CHF. Heart failure makes daily activities difficult and symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, weight gain, and coughing. Heart failure is classified in four stages – Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D. These stages measure a patient’s heart function and severity of symptoms. Although there is no cure for heart failure, the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of heart failure and manage CHF symptoms.

Benefits of Home Health Care for Heart Failure

Personalized CHF Care Plan

In collaboration with the patient’s doctor, home health professionals design an individualized care plan to manage CHF symptoms. This care plan addresses specific needs of the patient, considering their heart failure stage, medications, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle modifications.

Monitoring of Vital Signs & Heart Failure Symptoms

Home health nurses use state-of-the-art technology to track vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, to manage heart failure symptoms. Real-time monitoring allows for early detection of potential complications, encouraging prompt interventions to actively manage CHF symptoms.

In-Home Cardiac Rehabilitation Support

For patients recovering from cardiac events, home health services offer cardiac rehabilitation programs to aid in recovery and promote a heart-healthy lifestyle in the comfort of their own home. These personalized programs aim to enhance recovery, foster a heart-healthy lifestyle, and address physical and mental health, thereby reducing the risk of future complications.

Medication Management for Heart Failure

Maintaining consistent medication routines is important for effective CHF management. Home health nurses oversee the adherence to prescribed medications, such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. Medication management not only mitigates the risk of complications but also minimizes the likelihood of hospital readmissions.

Education and Guidance for a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Home health care provides comprehensive education on managing heart failure, recognizing symptoms, and making lifestyle adjustments. These resources empower CHF patients and their families with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for a healthier life.

Home health services offer personalized care with the comfort and convenience of home-based care, enabling patients to live a more fulfilling, healthier life. With a customized care plan focused on the patient’s needs, home health allows the patient to navigate the complexities of living with congestive heart failure. At Residential Home Health, we provide specialized home health programs designed for individuals with CHF in the comfort of their home.

This article is not medical advice, please consult with your medical physician to learn if home health is right for you.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care January 15, 2024

Whether you are transitioning home from a hospital stay or choosing to stay indoors during the challenges of winter weather, maintaining a healthy lifestyle while at home is important for a fulfilling and comfortable life.

As a leading home health care agency, we understand the importance of fostering wellness within the home environment. Below are some ways to ensure you stay healthy at home this winter and beyond. Always consult with your medical team before making significant changes to your diet or exercise.

Prioritize Nutrition

Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet while you are at home is essential for your overall well-being. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals is important for a balanced diet. Please consult with your medical team on the best options for your needs. Here are some options to help prioritize nutrition:

Plan your weekly meals
Consume smaller portions
Avoid processed foods
Keep healthy snacks readily available

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is fundamental for overall health and well-being. Ensuring you drink plenty of water throughout the day supports optimal digestion, metabolism, and bodily functions. Here are some hydration tips for your daily routine:

Keep a full water bottle nearby
Set reminders to drink water
Monitor your caffeine and alcohol intake

Regular Physical Activity

Integrating regular exercise into your routine is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle at home, even when faced with challenges like recovery from illness or injury. Staying active promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and improved flexibility. Simple, yet effective activities include:

Walking
Chair exercises
Yoga or stretching

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact your physical and mental well-being, so it’s essential to adapt healthy coping mechanisms while indoors. Embracing stress management techniques for a healthier and happier life include:

Deep breathing
Meditation
Journaling

Quality Sleep

Recognize the important role quality sleep plays in your overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, as deep sleep rejuvenates the mind and contributes to heart health, weight management, and cognitive function. Improve your sleep habits with:

Consistent bedtime routines
Dark, quiet, and cool bedroom environments
Removal of electronic devices from the bedroom
Avoidance of large meals before bedtime

By incorporating these effective habits into your daily routine, you can establish a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life within the comfort of your home. At Residential Home Health & Hospice, we are dedicated to supporting you in achieving your health goals and providing the quality health care you deserve in the comfort of your home.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care Hospice Palliative Care January 20, 2018

When adults teach children about manners, they might remind them to say ‘please’ by prompting, ‘What’s the magic word?’ This is our introduction to ‘please’ — as the gateway to getting anything we want, whenever we want it. But by the time we reach adulthood and better understand politeness, the word loses a bit of its luster, no longer a mystical source of instant gratification.

In the realm of health care and chronic disease management, the word ‘please’ has its limits (although politeness always has its place, of course). No matter how kindly patients ask, how well they are recovering or responding to treatment takes priority over less urgent quality-of-life concerns like lost appetite, insomnia, or unpleasant side effects. What many patients coping with serious disease don’t realize, however, is that there is a magic word to get them the assistance they need, and that is ‘palliative care.’ Read on to learn how palliative care works in tandem with a patient’s existing treatment, but brings comfort and support within reach — you just need to ask. (more…)

Home Health Care

Aging In Place Fall Prevention Home Health Care Home Improvements October 20, 2017

For aging adults who live independently, adjusting their home environment for reasons of safety or accessibility can feel like an admission of defeat. However, putting off such improvements exposes aging individuals to greater risk of even more serious injuries — the kind that threaten the very self-sufficiency they are protecting. Rather than ignoring the changing needs and capabilities that often come with age, the best way to preserve independence and continue aging in place is to welcome these alterations as a way to stay safely at home.

For caregivers looking to improve the safety of a loved one’s home, the bathroom is a smart place to start. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control once named the shower as the number-one location of home injuries. Fortunately, a wide spectrum of improvements can increase accessibility in of one of the most hazardous areas of the home. Read on to learn about DIY options for a range of skill levels.

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Home Health Care

Aging In Place Dementia Home Health Care July 24, 2017

Elderly adults who live alone may be targeted by scams attempting to gain access to their finances. Elder financial exploitation becomes even more common if they are experiencing the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you are caring for an elderly adult, at some point you may find that your loved one is the victim of financial mistreatment. In fact, financial abuse happens to about one in nine elderly adults. Sadly, only about one in 44 cases is ever brought to authorities. Since nearly 90% of abusers are caregivers or family members, you may find yourself in a tough personal position while doing what is best for your loved one. As a caregiver, it is important to be aware of some of the financial scams that can occur and some ideas to keep your loved one safe.

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Home Health Care

Fitness Home Health Care June 25, 2017

Mobility becomes increasingly challenging as we age, and as a result, one in three seniors over the age of 65 experiences a fall causing over two million ER visits each year. Not only does falling pose a risk to our health, but decreased mobility can hinder our ability to do the things we love. At Residential Home Health, we have a mission to keep you on your feet, allowing you to stay active and engaged in your favorite activities.

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Home Health Care

Dementia Home Health Care June 15, 2017

Millions of men and women in the United States are battling dementia and its associated diseases – Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia being the most common – on a day-to-day basis. The idea of losing precious memories and basic thinking skills you’ve had your whole life is alarming to even imagine, and it’s painful to think of forgetting the faces and names of people you love. On the flipside, for the spouses of these men and women with dementia, the prospect of being forgotten or having a loved one change can be challenging and confusing in its own right. (more…)

Home Health Care

Home Health Care Hospice May 25, 2017

Florence Nightingale once wrote that a small pet is ‘an excellent companion for the sick, for long chronic cases especially.’ The emerging field of pet therapy aims to capitalize on this positivity, enhancing recovery and promoting well-being. Patricia Petroulias, Residential Hospice’s director of education as well as an assistant professor at Oakland University, has initiated pet therapy as part of Residential Hospice’s available patient services. The pet therapy program connects hospice patients with volunteers and certified therapy dogs for comforting, furry encounters.

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Home Health Care

Dementia Home Health Care Incontinence Uncategorized May 16, 2017

There are many causes of urinary incontinence, a condition which tends to occur as the bladder muscle weakens and has more difficulty holding urine. Common physical changes resulting from the aging process, like reduced mobility, increase the time that it takes for your loved one to get to the bathroom, creating an additional challenge. Similarly, hospitalizations often increase incontinence due to the patient being restricted to bed.

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