Tag: Teri Bruesehoff

  • Are You Prepared?

    The American Red Cross, featured in this issue of Generations Magazine, is a historic organization that has served our country for more than 134 years. Not only does Red Cross provide assistance during crises, but it also educates the public on disaster preparedness. The question is: are you, as an older individual or as a caregiver to an elderly relative, prepared for an extended emergency?

    If you share your home with an elderly family member, disaster preparedness is paramount. Here are six ways you can prepare your home and your family for emergencies:

    • Take a moment to look up your local shelter: where it is located, what services does it provide.
    • Are home emergency kit batteries sufficient for a disaster? If electricity is critical to the care of your elderly family member, be prepared to transport your loved one to an acute care facility.
    • Put together a “To-Go Bag” with basic care items for your family member. Include extra clothing, diapers, baby wipes, water and medications.
    • Ensure your family member’s medication will last several days. Have at least one refill available.
    • Keep medications in a small cooler filled with reusable ice packs.
    • Plan ahead for civil emergencies, because your home services may be temporarily unavailable.

    Natural disasters and other emergencies are incredibly stressful; add caregiving and meeting the medical needs of loved ones on top, and you can be overwhelmed. But if you are prepared for crisis, you can keep your family protected! Aloha.

    HiHomeCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-356-HELP (4357) | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com
    hihealthcarehawaii.com

    The American Red Cross, featured in this issue of Generations Magazine, is a historic organization that has served our country for more than 134 years. Not only does Red Cross provide assistance during crises, but it also educates the public on disaster preparedness. The question is: are you, as an older individual or as a…

  • Preserving Dignity and Happiness

    Dignity is vital to self worth throughout our lifetime; in the later stages of life, preserving a sense of respect and honoring the individual is especially important. Rarely will anyone argue this point. However, unless careful planning and clear communication is established early on, issues with regard to health, living situation and end of life decisions can often result in family arguments — that could have been avoided.

    It is crucial that we take the time to think about what is truly important to us concerning our health, where we want to live and how we want to die — some simple, straight-forward tips:

    • Family: it’s our greatest asset but their love for us can be the biggest roadblock when it comes to discussing our wishes with them. When facing chronic illness or cancer, it is important that your family thoroughly understand your illness and how it is affecting your well-being. Always allow your family to express their fears, but be firm with your decisions and take the time to explain your decisions and why they’re important to you.
    • Advance Directive: having it is strongly recommended and should be discussed with your doctor. The Advance Directive is a simple form that must be signed by you and your physician. Once established, it provides clear instruction for your doctor should you be unable to speak for yourself during a health crisis. It also removes the pressure for your family on making critical decisions.

    So remember, don’t worry about the things you cannot change, make changes that are needed, then live life to its fullest!

    HiHomeCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-356-HELP (4357) | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com
    hihealthcarehawaii.com

    Dignity is vital to self worth throughout our lifetime; in the later stages of life, preserving a sense of respect and honoring the individual is especially important. Rarely will anyone argue this point. However, unless careful planning and clear communication is established early on, issues with regard to health, living situation and end of life…

  • Tips for Senior Skin Care

    Skin is our body’s largest organ, and it’s exposed to all the elements of our environment and lifestyles. As we age, our skin becomes dryer and thinner, which can lead to skin breakdown, especially with an immobilized person.

    Skin breakdown occurs when there is unrelieved pressure to an area on the body. This pressure impedes the circulation to the skin and causes an ulcer to form. Other factors that can contribute to skin breakdown are poor hydration, poor nutrition and maceration caused by prolonged exposure to wetness.

    Many families with an elderly person at home may rely on a home care agency to provide appropriate care. But here are 5 tips to keep seniors as comfortable as possible throughout the day, whether or not you have a caregiver’s helping hand:

    • Turn and reposition the person at least every 2 hours. Massage pressure points with each turn.
    • If they are incontinent, change the diaper when soiled to prevent maceration of the skin.
    • Clean skin well and use barrier creams with each diaper change.
    • Check all areas of the body daily for early signs of skin breakdown. Early signs include discoloration and redness that doesn’t go away with massage or pressure relief.
    • Offer plenty of fluids and meals with protein.

    Caregivers are trained to observe their clients for skin issues and to report changes to the family and to their agency’s nursing supervisor. The supervisor should assist the family in determining the best plan of action for future care.

    HiHealthCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-534-7815 | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com | hihealthcarehawaii.com

    Skin is our body’s largest organ, and it’s exposed to all the elements of our environment and lifestyles. As we age, our skin becomes dryer and thinner, which can lead to skin breakdown, especially with an immobilized person. Skin breakdown occurs when there is unrelieved pressure to an area on the body. This pressure impedes…

  • Home Care for Stroke Survivors

    Gernations - 2014-12-01 - Homecare for Stroke Survivors - Image 01

    Caring for stroke survivors at home can be overwhelming for anyone. Getting outside help from home care agencies can make a difference in your ability to balance your life with your loved one’s needs.

    Ask the following questions to find a trustworthy company with qualified, reliable caregivers who are also compassionate and dedicated.

    Does the provider send a Registered Nurse (RN) to meet the family and develop a plan of care for the caregivers to follow?

    As part of the admission process, an RN Clinical Manager should meet you and your family at the home, assess the family dynamics, perform a head-to-toe physical assessment, provide a home safety inspection and develop a customized care plan for the caregivers to follow. An RN should be available to you 24/7 to provide support.

    Are caregivers supervised and evaluated by a Registered Nurse?

    On a regular basis an RN should:

    • Perform assessments of the patient and make any changes to the care plan
    • Ensure that the family is satisfied with the caregiver and the services the agency is providing
    • Assure the family that they are there as a resource for all parties

     

    HiHealthCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-534-7815 | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com
    hihealthcarehawaii.com

    Caring for stroke survivors at home can be overwhelming for anyone. Getting outside help from home care agencies can make a difference in your ability to balance your life with your loved one’s needs. Ask the following questions to find a trustworthy company with qualified, reliable caregivers who are also compassionate and dedicated. Does the…

  • Your Health, Your Home, Your Choice!

    It’s only natural to want to stay at home. So being informed about good caregivers and their services can enrich your home experience by making everyday tasks a little easier and safer. The services you need depends on your and health strategies and type of support, as well as your financial and insurance situation.

    Ask the home care agency how they ensure safe, qualified, professional service:

    Q. What types of screenings are performed before hiring a caregiver?

    A. For your safety and health benefits, be sure the caregiver has been pre-screened properly and is qualified. Here is a checklist to help guide a wise decision:

    □ Federal and State Criminal Background Checks

    □ Drug Screening (ten panel)

    □ Sex Offender Check (all 50 states)

    □ Medical Disciplinary Screening

    □ Employment and Education Verification

    □ Professional and Personal Reference Checks

    □ Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

    □ Social Security Check

    □ Adult / Child Protective Services Screening

    □ DMV Motor Vehicle Report

    Q. Are caregivers bonded and insured through the Home Care Agency?

    A. The agency should provide you proof of current professional liability, general liability, workers’compensation and temporary disability insurance.

    Q. Who is the caregiver employed by?

    A. Caregivers should be employees of the agency and not an independent contractor. If they work more than 20 hours a week on a regular basis they are eligible for health care under the Prepaid Health Care Act.

    Never compromise on quality and safety!

    HiHealthCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
    Main (808) 534-7815 | Fax (808) 356-5014
    info@hihealthcarehawaii.com | hihealthcarehawaii.com

    It’s only natural to want to stay at home. So being informed about good caregivers and their services can enrich your home experience by making everyday tasks a little easier and safer. The services you need depends on your and health strategies and type of support, as well as your financial and insurance situation. Ask…