We've written about hospital infection rates before, indicating that sepsis and pneumonia killed 48,000 patients and added $8.1 billion to heath care costs in 2006 alone. And a current news story about famous 93-year-old Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor making headlines illustrates this tragic circumstance we see all too often, as she has developed an infection while in the hospital after having surgery on a broken hip.
Medicare data shows that nearly 1 in 5 patients who leave the hospital are re-admitted within the next month and that even more than 75% of these re-admissions are preventable. The top reasons for 30-day hospital re-admissions?
- 78% non-compliance with lifestyle recommendations
- 73% failure to take their medications correctly, given regimen changes
- 68% patient not properly directed to home health services
- 66% lack of follow-through on care/tests from shift to shift
- 57% failure of doctors to encourage home health
And while you can't always control whether or not you or your loved one must remain the hospital, there are things you can do to ensure hospital re-admittance is mitigated with these simple rules of thumb:
- Ensure that you or your loved one is following your medication plan
- Make transportation available so that you or your loved one is able to attend follow-up appointments, therapy, tests, etc.
- Make sure lifestyle changes are being reinforced
- 24/7 contact between physician, caregiver and patient
- Good communication - make sure your needs or the needs of your loved one are being met
The need for homecare is growing, and so are the number of questions people have about it. In a recent blog entry, we faced five common misconceptions about home health care head-on, and now we're topping it off with five more because, when it comes to your health or that of a loved one, there is no room for compromise.
- If I get home health care, I have no say in who my caregiver should be. Caregiver compatibility is imperative due to the personal nature of homecare. When you arrange for a care professional to come into your home, you must ensure that you find someone you can trust. Each family should be matched with a caregiver with whom they are comfortable, which is why family members should must identify what they would like in a caregiver and be upfront about this with your homecare provider.
- I may need homecare, but it is unsafe to invite a stranger into my home. From a security standpoint, if you are dealing with a qualified, reputable agency, you should feel safe in arranging for help in the home. From a medical standpoint, studies show that the home can be a safer than the alternatives and not only because of the one-on-one care. One study indicated that half of infections could be linked directly to hospital care. Another study reported that, given they are seeking the appropriate treatment for their condition, patients with chronic heart disease fare better at home versus the hospital. And, ultimately, remaining home can be less stressful because it is familiar, which can foster a sense of calmness and comfort for patients.
- I only need help with basic hygiene care, so I don't qualify for homecare. However basic your needs, there should be no limit for a homecare provider to assist you. Be sure to find a home health care agency that can provide the full range of homecare, from basic peer-level companionship and hygiene assistance to highly skilled nursing and therapy.
- We had an emergency at 3 a.m., but we'll just have to wait until normal business hours to get help at home. When you and your family face an urgent situation, the last thing you want to do is wait around. Read these first time parents' story about finding newborn care at 3 a.m. Find a provider that can provide 24/7 customer service and assistance.
- Until I know exactly what we need, I don't need in-home care. You don't need to know, that's what qualified homecare professionals are here for. Just make sure any agency you turn to offers R.N. oversight on every case to ensure all of your loved one's needs (from safety, health and everything in between) are accounted for. Take this case from one of our homecare agencies as an example:
An elderly woman who was looking for basic bathing and shopping assistance was found to have been suffering from cellulitis unbeknownst to the woman's daughter and hidden under her sock - all because an R.N. is required to perform an assessment on every case, no matter what kind of assistance is being provided.
Are we missing anything, or do you have a question about home health care? Ask us, or post a comment now!
According to the AARP, 82% of people said that they would prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible. So it's no wonder that an increasing number of families face the challenge of arranging home health care for loved ones every day. And more often than not, this is the first time they've ever even thought about homecare and, naturally, they have a lot of questions. Where do I start? Who can I trust? What do we need? How often do we need it?
There's a lot of great information out there and, as is common in most things in life, there is an almost equal amount of misinformation too. When you or a loved one needs care, regardless of whether you're looking for senior transportation and peer-level companionship or highly skilled adult home care, there is too much at stake to risk being misinformed.
When it comes to your health or that of a loved one, there is no room for compromise. That's why we're cutting through the noise and de-bunking common myths about home health care.
- You don't need homecare if you can't meet a 4-hour minimum. If you need care, whether it's for one hour or 24, you should be able to get what you need. Everyone's situation is unique and different people have different needs. Make sure that you find a provider that recognizes this and has a no-minimum policy.
- If my family is already helping, there is no need for additional care. People who are emotionally and physically exhausted or guilt-ridden cannot provide good care. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, as a caregiver, you should neither expect-nor try-to be on-call 24 hours a day. Every caregiver needs respite and relief.
- There are added health risks for receiving medical care at home. No qualified care professional will administer a plan of care in the home unless it is deemed safe and medically sound (check with providers you are evaluating to ensure each care plan is overseen by an RN).
- If I can't do my own shopping and housework, I just shouldn't do these activities anymore. Everyday tasks, like vacuuming or rearranging the basement, can be tedious for a senior with arthritis. Organizing a closet can be extremely tiring for a cancer patient. They're never ending and, if they become more difficult during post-op, or due to treatment or age-related conditions, they can take precious time away from an already very busy schedule. When even the most basic daily tasks become overwhelming, or you just need a helping hand, a qualified care provider can help you to.
- Homecare is just for seniors. Home health care is often associated with, but not limited to elder care. Homecare can be a great solution to provide newborn care for new parents with a new baby or even multiples as well as additional support for children and adults enduring chemotherapy, people recovering post-op (from cosmetic procedures to hip replacement surgery) and more. A good home health care solution for your family can be whatever you need it to be.
This concludes the first half of our 10-myth list. Want more? Be sure to tune in to the
final installment! In the meantime, are we missing anything? What misconceptions about homecare have you seen? Share them now!
If you go to any of our locations and ask them to share client stories, they will undoubtedly have many, different tales to tell. But there may be a few similarities across the board. One thing that never changes is that those who come to us for home care, whether it's basic respite care and sitter services or highly skilled nursing care and physical therapy, didn't plan for it. People don't typically think about these types of considerations for the future and, even if they do, often times, it's not in much detail.
But one thing that is certain is that, no matter who you are, as soon as you're born, you are aging. And once we or our loved ones get to an age when additional assistance may be needed, it's good to have at least thought through a few things. That's why we've come up with five ways families can start thinking about the future (without having an anxiety attack) by engaging in some self-reflection that can help your decision-making later in life. Go through these considerations yourself and then pass them along to a loved one:
- When you need help, do you prefer to solve problems yourself or do you like working in a team? Do you know know your limits and when to ask for help? Do you enjoy making new friends? Are you a social butterfly, or more of an introvert? Be sure to consider these things, as they may help your family to determine a living arrangement everyone can feel good about down the road.
- First, think about what you value most in the people you work with: work ethic? A team player? Do you like to be left alone? Now, think about what you value most in the people you spend recreational time with: humor? A good cook? Someone who calls often, or not at all? Are they spiritual? One day when you or a loved one needs a caregiver, compatibility will be imperative, so it's important to identify characteristics you like and others not so much.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? Think both physically and mentally. For example, are you a worrier? Try to establish a fitness routine to manage your stress that you can adapt as you age. Another example: if you're 35 and your eyesight is already poor, consider your needs down the road if it progressively worsens. Or maybe you've got an existing medical condition that you manage - talk to your doctor about ways to manage it as you age.
- Where do your close family and friends reside? Are they far away or right next door, and do you see that changing in the future? How important is it to you that you are within driving distance to those who mean the most? Do you have a career that requires that you or your partner/spouse to remain in a certain geographic area? Be realistic with yourself about what is most important to you.
- And finally, what do you enjoy doing? What gives your life meaning and purpose? Exercise? Cooking? Going to the movies? Gardening? Sports? Fishing? Whatever it is, hold on to these things, and make sure that, no matter where you are in life or whatever your abilities are, you are able to keep them up as long as you can. Even if you need assistance someday, be sure to find a provider that will help you to see this through.
Being prepared doesn't need to be a daunting task, but rather a journey of truly understanding yourself and your loved ones so as to make the best, most educated decisions possible.
And for those who are already facing the challenge of finding homecare for a loved one, we've got you covered. We've developed a free Homecare Prep Kit to provide additional guidance and empower families with helpful, tactical tips. Click here for the free kit!
BrightStar Memphis homecare providers, Dr. Daron and Tyna Merryman, have taken a team approach to serving those in need in their community. As a physician, Daron realized there was a huge need to fill in providing care to people of all ages and, specifically, in providing senior home care to help the elderly in the Memphis area maintain their independence whenever possible.
"When I was in my geriatric fellowship, that was the crux of everything," Merryman said. "What seniors told us overwhelmingly, what they wanted more than anything, was to protect their independence. What they feared the most was the loss of that independence."
A recent feature on the Memphis "care-giving" duo profiled their journey together and how they came to join the BrightStar family.
"What I felt was lacking in care was an outstanding provider," Merryman said. "When I saw the commitment that BrightStar was doing as a national brand to try to make sure that they were going to be the Mercedes of home care, that's what I wanted to be a part of."
Read the full article.
Meet Henry. Henry is the newest addition to one
Minnesota BrightStar office. Rick Gass,
Maple Grove homecare provider, has added Henry to their medical staffing team. A certified pet therapy dog, Henry is a Golden-Doodle (or as they like to call him, "The Dood") that can provide a wide range of care, from childcare to elder care, for clients ranging in needs and abilities.
Recently, the Maple Grove homecare provider showcased Henry at the "Meeting of the Minds Conference" in St. Paul. He was a huge hit with all of the attendees. Specifically, many people struggling with Alzheimer's or dementia who have had to downsize their lives and give up beloved pets said it was wonderful to have a dog around, even if for just a short time. He is currently spending time with a young boy who has Autism and neuromuscular disease. Henry is a great companion to the boy, and can sense when anxiety is on the rise. He is able to help the child in re-directing his emotions and de-escalate situations.
Henry also visits Memory Care facilities. He enjoys all of the ear rubs and "handshakes" that the residents have to offer. What makes Henry so wonderful is his soft coat and friendly eyes. The residents enjoy his antics and those with disabilities appreciate that he is wheelchair height and accessible to them. Henry is looking forward to expanding his career and finding new clients to amuse, as he enjoys wearing his BrightStar Cape, and greeting everyone with a swish of the tail. Be sure to keep an eye on BrightStar Maple Grove's Website, as they plan to continue sharing more of Henry's adventures. Stay tuned!
We've all heard those sayings - "Home is where the heart is" and the like. Judy Garland even proclaimed this sentiment in the classic movie The Wizard of Oz ("There's no place like..." well, you know the rest). Despite these common adages, when something goes wrong with our health, there is something about hospitals that seems to make us feel safe and secure (and for good reason). Hospitals are often necessary when we face challenges with our health, but what does homecare potentially have on hospital stays?
According to a Wall Street Journal article, a recently published study indicates that sepsis and pneumonia, two infections that can often be prevented with tight infection control practices in hospitals, killed 48,000 patients and added $8.1 billion to heath care costs in 2006 alone. The article goes on to say that researchers analyzed 69 million discharge records from hospitals in 40 states between 1998 and 2006; the length of stay and mortality rates for the infections didn't change substantially over time, the study found, and high infection rates persist. Click here to read more.
When families face the challenge of obtaining care for a loved one, or even when family members assume the caregiver role themselves, aside from ensuring the person providing care is qualified, there is nothing more important than compatibility. Especially as the patient's condition progresses and more time must be spent with a caregiver. See how it impacted Marilyn's mother, Carol:
We blog about the "sandwich generation" phenomenon and the growing prevalence of adult children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews taking on the responsibility of caring for their aging loved ones. And as the first group of baby boomers turns 65 in 2011, this phenomenon will undoubtedly continue to grow at staggering rates. So much, in fact, that many speculate that the country is not prepared for the increased need for accessible living and quality care.
So often, you hear about patient-centered care, but the inexperience of many family caregivers coupled with the challenges they face (and will continue to face) adds a new dynamic to the traditional doctor-patient model of care. Dr. Arthur Kleinman, a professor of medical anthropology and psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and now a family caregiver himself, describes this very thing in a recent NY Times column: "We've had outstanding diagnoses and very careful attention to defining the problem. But once the problem is defined and the limited pharmacological interventions prescribed, there has been neither interest nor knowledge about the rest of the aftercare, even in the most simple parts like finding a home health aide or getting a needs assessment by a social worker."
This month, the American College of Physicians, the country's leading professional organization of internal medicine physicians, issued its first position paper on working with caregivers. Endorsed by almost a dozen other professional medical organizations, the paper, published in The Journal of General Internal Medicine, highlights the challenges that can arise from the complex interaction among patient, doctor and caregiver and offers guidelines for providing the best care. Long overdue, this new three dimensional view of caregiving poses to extend a helping hand to caregivers while bringing patient care full circle.
Are you a caregiver, whether by trade or for a family member? What is your take on this new doctor-patient-caregiver care model? Weigh in now!
We recently published the results of a survey conducted by BrightStar owner Lynn Berberich indicating that more than 40 percent of hospital case managers may only provide information regarding private duty in-home care services if it is requested by the patient at discharge. Now, two-thirds of seniors will need some form of long-term care at some point in their lives, according to this study, and in-home care is a viable option.
Elizabeth E. Hogue, attorney and author of a recent article, Private Duty Home Care Services and Patients' Right to Freedom of Choice of Providers, weighs in: "From a legal point of view, discharge planners/case managers must comply with Conditions of Participation (COP'S) that govern hospitals. Specifically, discharge planners/case managers are required to develop appropriate discharge plans, if necessary, for all patients. Development of appropriate discharge plans undoubtedly includes private duty home care services for patients who may benefit from them."
And many patients are benefiting from them. U.S and World Report indicates that an estimated five million North Americans suffer from the heart disease. According to a recent study, given they are seeking the appropriate treatment for their condition, patients with chronic heart disease fare better in the home. Remaining in the comfort and familiarity of your own home can also help to alleviate stress and loneliness that can occur when moving to a new environment.