Call : 888-311-1142
  Local : 718-989-1555 Request a Job Application

All Posts Tagged: health

Talking About Home Care with Your Family

Coming to Terms with Your Health

Most of us have a strong sense of privacy when it comes to our health care. Sometimes we may feel uncomfortable sharing our health conditions with family and close friends and certainly don’t like admitting to the fact that we may need some extra help when our health is poor. It’s hard for us to talk about the challenges we face when illness strikes because we fear losing our sense of independence.

Home health care, the in-home medical support service that help patients live independently, can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss for some. However, home health care is vital to help maintain one’s health and an important subject to talk about with your family members, as they will often be your support system when taking care of your health.

The Role of a Home Care Agency

The purpose of home care agencies, such as Edison Home Health Care, is to enhance each client’s overall health and well-being by offering quality care by providing patients with helpful services, allowing them to live independently.  By assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, light housekeeping, providing clinical supervision such as checking vital signs, giving injections, and drawing blood, and by offering other medical services like wound care, home care agencies create a client environment that fosters healing without requiring the constant attention of a doctor’s oversight.

Getting your family Involved in Your Health

For those of us used to being independent, powerful, and in control of their life, being open with family members and turning to them for help can feel embarrassing. It’s important to realize that taking steps to get the care you need demonstrates determination, responsibility, and strength. Nothing will reassure your spouse or children more than seeing you take responsibility for your own safety by sharing and entrusting your health in them. Talking honestly with the people who care about you about getting the help you need is a way to comfort the both of you. If you are on the same page about your health, neither you or your loved will be worried or concerned about whether you’re getting the care you need.

Having a few extra pair of eyes can see things that you may  personally overlook. Your family’s suggestions and input will be valuable as you put your plan together with your Doctor and home care agency.  Your family is an essential part of your support system in when it comes to your health, comfort, and overall well-being and they deserve to know that you are getting the care you need. Although it can be hard at first, being open with your family about your health will benefit you immensely. When your health needs are properly being managed, and taken care of, you can both focus your attention on the parts of your relationship that bring you the most joy.

If you have any home care questions and want to learn more Medicaid home care services, or are curious about what types of services will be best for you or a loved one, contact Edison Home Health Care. Start a conversation with your family and take control of your health care together.

Read More

Know the Symptoms: Infectious Arthritis

shutterstock_171517076

Arthritis is a disease of the joints that affects as many as 50 million Americans each year. Its symptoms include pain, swelling, and compromised mobility in the affected joints, and can range from mild to debilitating. Although it is most common in older adults, people of all ages can develop arthritis. There are many different kinds of arthritis, each with its own causes and symptoms. Those who suffer from arthritis should work with their health care provider to find the most suitable treatments.

The underlying causes of symptoms vary between individuals. If joint symptoms are accompanied by fever, chills, or fatigue, or if severe joint pain appears very suddenly, they could be the result of infectious arthritis. Infectious arthritis occurs when an infectious agent (usually bacteria, but could also be a virus or  fungus) enters a joint through the blood stream. Infectious arthritis is an acute disease, meaning that it progresses rapidly which is quite different from other forms of chronic arthritis that develop slowly over time. It is most common in elderly adults, young children, and people with open wounds, such as those recovering from surgery.

Due to the swiftness of the infectious arthritis, it can quickly become a serious health issue if not treated promptly. Antibiotics are often prescribed in combination with procedures to remove fluid from the affected joint. Early detection is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and preserve the integrity of the joint. If joint pain, swelling, and loss of mobility is sudden and severe with fever like symptoms, contact primary physician immediately.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Arthritis problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Arthritis Home Care New York

Read More

Understanding the Types and Symptoms of Arthritis

shutterstock_181676285

Arthritis is the name given to a group of chronic disorders whose symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in one or more joints. Arthritis can effect anyone but is most common in older adults. Arthritis may result from trauma, aging, infection, an auto-immune disease, genetics, or occupational injuries. Treatment options for arthritis include medication, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery. Understanding the various types of arthritis and the symptoms that accompany them can help you communicate with your health care professional to find the best treatment.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by the wearing away of cartilage around the joint, causing bones in the joint to rub together. Although almost everyone will experience some degree of osteoarthritis after the age of 70, people who work in certain physically demanding jobs or play some sports are more susceptible. Osteoarthritis sufferers often experience stiffness (particularly in the morning) and loss of range of motion in addition to pain that is more severe after physical activity or certain types of movement.

Another  common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks healthy cells. Symptoms are usually experienced in the same joint on both sides of the body. The joints most often affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet. Pain, swelling, and compromised movement are all common in rheumatoid arthritis, as well as eventual deformity of the affected joints in more severe cases. More women than men have rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs primarily in the joint at the base of the big toe, although it can also occur in the wrists, fingers, knees, and heel. It is cause by excess uric acid in the blood, which is then deposited in joints and surrounding tissues in the form of uric acid crystals. Gout can have various causes, including genetics and trauma, but is often associated with frequent consumption of alcohol and meat. Gout is more prevalent in men than women.

There are many other forms of arthritis, including autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis and scleroderma, and those resulting from infection, like gonococcal arthritis. Although different types of arthritis can be differentiated on the basis of their symptoms, medical testing is usually necessary to conclusively determine the underlying cause.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Arthritis problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Arthritis Home Care New York

Read More

Pursuing a Healthy and Meaningful Lifestyle with Dementia

grandmother

Dementia not only affects the memory, speech and personality of those who suffer from it, but also their ability to function independently. It can be challenging for patients, family members, friends and caregivers to cope with the changes caused by Alzheimer’s. In addition to finding a suitable medical provider, treatment options and caregiving assistance, individuals with dementia must take steps to maintain quality of life and alleviate the difficult aspects of the disease.

Self-care is an essential part of any Alzheimer’s care plan as there are many things people suffering from Alzheimer’s can do to help themselves. Encouraging Alzheimer’s patients to be proactive when it comes to their health and wellbeing can slow the progression of the disease and prolong their ability to function with a measure of independence. It starts with physical health: eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and learning new information to stimulate the brain can help improve mood, lead to better sleep, and increase blood and oxygen flow to brain cells.

Emotional and psychological health is also vital for patients. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can trigger a range of emotions including anxiety, anger, fear and sadness. Discussing feelings with a confidant is a great way of coping with the disease and prevent depression. In addition, one can connect with others living with the disease and maintain close relationships for emotional support and to stay socially engaged. Participating in activities such as reading, listening to music, creating art, playing games, spending time with family and attending religious services all help foster a sense of meaning and purpose to one’s life. The most important aspect one can gain from taking these measures is developing and preserving a strong sense of personal worth.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Dementia problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Dementia Home Care New York

Read More

Image Post Format

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Read More