Franklin County Home Health Agency, Inc.

Home Health Care – Good for the Bottom line and for People

January 9, 2012 by fchha

Adapted from a syndicated article by John Arthur written for Australia’s LINC Healthcare.

Home health care repeatedly comes up as an effective option for many reasons. In this season of debate, one big reason is cost savings. According to “Economic Analysis of Hospital in the Home,” a 2011 study commissioned by the Hospital in the Home Society of Australasia Ltd, “The home care model … costs 22% less than hospital care for six specific common health conditions: cellulitis, venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, respiratory infection/inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and knee replacement.”

Home health care can be part of the solution of rising health costs. But it also is proven better not only for the bottom line, but for the people who need care and their families. In addition to the financial benefit – lower health care costs that use fewer resources – home health care gives people independence, comfort, security, dignity, peace of mind and high quality care. Home helath care also gives the family a role in helping the person heal or live as comfortably as possible through the end of their days. How?

People are more comfortable and secure and less stressed at home than in a hospital.
By continuing their daily routines, they keep control over their day-to-day activities.
Home health care also provides individualized care for each person’s specific medical needs.
They and their families have more control over the type of care programs.
Families and friends can be actively involved in their care.
Families can keep together while patient is recuperating.
When surrounded with the warmth, support and love of family and friends, rather than being confined within the cold walls of an institution, people heal faster.

Home care services allow more flexibility for patients and their families. As our elderly population continues to increase, so does the need and demand for home care services. Whether people need rehabilitative or palliative care, or are chronically ill or disabled, home care services offer them a better environment for recovery, continued medication, or clinical assistance.

Franklin County Home Health Agency provides home health care and services, including hospice, to the residents of Franklin County, Vermont. Our programs range from childbirth education to end-of-life care and support. Visit our website, www.fchha.org, for more information.

Posted in home health, visiting nurse, franklin county vermont, health, hospice, palliative care | Tagged Health, Home care, Home Health, Health care, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Hospital, Home | Leave a Comment »

How Seniors Can Avoid the Holiday Blues

December 23, 2011 by fchha

This post is adapted from an article by Jennifer Hughes of Barnabas Home Health Care:

The holidays should be a time of happiness, but many people — especially senior citizens — experience the holiday blues during this time of the year.

“Older adults can have an especially difficult time with the holidays for many reasons,” said Patricia Toglia, Vice President of Barnabas Health Home Health Care, which supports JerseyCare Home Health and Medical Center Health Care Services, both in West Orange.

“The recent loss of an important person or the memory of a traumatic event, such as a serious illness, can dampen holiday spirits,” said Toglia a Master’s Degree trained RN. “The inability to perform everyday tasks and holiday traditions, such as preparing a large holiday meal, can make the upcoming events difficult to handle and may cause the person to focus on what they used to do.”

“Others may feel isolated or forgotten as the season reminds them of more enjoyable past celebrations,” Toglia continued. “For others, just getting together with family members can be stressful or depressing.”

But Toglia said there are ways that seniors and their caregivers can deal with the stresses of the holidays:

Keep your expectations reasonable. The holidays do not have the power to magically turn sadness into joy. Don’t be disappointed if the holidays are not like they used to be. Life brings changes. Each holiday season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way.
Take some time for yourself. Allow yourself some time during the holidays to do things that you enjoy, such as taking a walk or listening to music. Give others the same space as well. Having time alone allows you to think about your feelings.
Don’t overdo it. Avoid overeating and excessive alcohol consumption when feeling depressed.
Make plans. If you expect to be home alone during the holidays, consider doing volunteer work at a local hospital or shelter, or make plans with a friend who will also be spending the time alone. Helping others will make you feel better about yourself.

Posted in grief, health, home health | Tagged Christmas and holiday season, Health, Home care, Home Health, Senior citizen, Service Providers, United States | Leave a Comment »

Nine Tips to Help Someone Grieving During the Holidays

November 21, 2011 by fchha

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, and Christmas, Hannukah and New Year‘s only weeks away, many of us are looking for ways to help people through these special times of the year, especially those who have lost someone and may be facing the first major holiday with an empty seat at the table.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization recently released a list of tips from hospice professionals on how to act or what to say to help friends and family members of those affected by a loss.

Be supportive of the way the person chooses to handle the holidays. Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to avoid customs of the past and do something new. It’s okay to do things differently.
Offer to help the person with decorating or holiday baking. Both tasks can be overwhelming for someone who is grieving.
Offer to help with holiday shopping. Share catalogs or online shopping sites that may be helpful.
Invite the person to join you or your family during the holidays. You might invite them to join you for a religious service or at a holiday meal where they are a guest.
Ask the person if he or she is interested in volunteering with you during the holidays. Doing something for someone else, such as helping at a soup kitchen or working with children, may help your loved one feel better about the holidays.
Donate a gift or money in memory of the person’s loved one. Remind the person that his or her loved one is not forgotten.
Never tell someone that he or she should be “over it.” Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again.
Be willing to listen. Active listening from friends and family is an important step to helping some cope with grief and heal.
Remind the person you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died. Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch.