January, 2010

Amatulla — 1 Comment
30
Jan 10

How to Choose an Independent Provider for your Loved One

When you find an Independent Provider, how do you evaluate the quality of their services? The very First thing you do is to meet with them personally.

There’s nothing like a face-to-face interview to help you determine a potential Independent Provider for your loved one.

Second, you should check their references and credentials. Everything should be in order no- flaws, no-excuses.

Third, ask other people about the Independent Provider’s performance. Past clients are the best source of information. Finally, trust your instincts, your inner feelings and thoughts. If you feel bad about anything then it probably is bad.

When you begin the evaluation process you can take this check list with you. This check list will make sure that you cover all the important issues.

Don’t be ashamed to thoroughly evaluate the Independent Provider services. Any good Caregiver will appreciate a thorough interview of their services. The caregiver will be impressed that you mean business.

In your evaluation you should cover a quick summary of topics such as:

  1. How long have you been in the area?
  2. What are your customer satisfaction ratings?
  3. Can you guarantee a backup provider?
  4. What are the procedures of addressing complaints or problems?
  5. Were you trained at an accredited institution?
  6. Are you licensed in your profession?
  7. What professional groups or organizations do you belong to?
  8. How long have you been doing this kind of work?
  9. Have you ever been accused or convicted of a crime?

10.  Have you received any awards for your work?

11.  Do you have professional business partners whom you can turn to in short notice, in case an emergency should happen?

In return an excellent Independent Provider/Care Giver should have at least six good qualities.

  1. A professional appearance
  2. Good observational skills
  3. Good communication skills
  4. Quiet self-confidence
  5. An open mind
  6. A sense of Humor

As a Professional Independent Provider at Amatulla’s Home Care Services, I know to expect the unexpected. Clients are often stressed and even Cranky. Accidents happened food gets spilled on the floor, clothes get soiled, and sometimes equipment gets broken.

But you have to understand that is why you are assisting them with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) because they need assistant with everyday living.

Amatulla — 1 Comment
29
Jan 10

How to Choose the Right Adult Family Home For Mom or Dad

AmatullaMaybe it happened without warning, or maybe the signs and symptoms were there for some time now. But the day has defiantly arrived: your loved one just cannot live at home alone anymore. This is a Devastating and Emotional Journey and everyone has a million questions to ask about this change in life.

How do I know if my mother really needs to live in an Adult Family Home?

How can I convince my family that an Adult Family Home is the Right Option?

Where can I find a good Adult Family Home for my spouse?

How do I find the right Adult Family Home for my loved one?

Where will we find the Money to pay for this Adult Family Home?

When someone you Love needs an Adult Family Home to provide care and Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) for them.  Amatulla’s Home Care Services is the 1st and best choice to make.

We are Professional Home Care Providers and we provide care with Dignity and Compassion. Amatulla’s Home Care Services in currently Seeking Ohio Medicaid Waiver clients to live in a Model Suburban Shaker Heights Adult Family Home.

Services Include: Promotes independent living, furnished home, assists with Activities of Daily Living, three meals a day, snacks and refreshments, laundry, monitoring medication, security, cable television, telephone services, close to RTA, rapid routes and shopping, and it has wheelchair accessibility.


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29
Jan 10

Caring for the Elderly with Cancer in Adult Family Homes

CaringAs an Independent Provider at Amatulla’s Home Care Services we provide professional care that is needed for caring for people with Cancer. The role of a Care giver in Cancer Care has very well increased tremendously.

People with Cancer are living much longer, and treatment for Cancer patients that once was done at hospitals are being giving in the comfort of their very own homes or Adult Care Homes of their choice.

Cancer patient may be discharged early from the hospital, most of the time while they are still experiencing a lot of pain, discomfort, and many other side effects from the many different treatments or procedures that were preformed in the hospital.

Caregivers unexpectedly have to perform many different tasks that are usually done by Doctors or Nurses, such as administering medications, monitoring symptoms, and hooking up intravenous antibiotics.

Whether or not the Caregiver is a Spouse, Relative, Adult Child, or even a Good Friend of the Family, this person fills a vital role-one that requires a lot of Humanity, Strength, and Courage, as well as Knowledge about health care issues.

Amatulla’s Home Care Services is an Adult Family Home that provides Professional Health Care for the Elderly, Disabled, and Sick we are a loving family a Home away from Home.

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19
Jan 10

Hoyer Lift Training at Amatulla’s Home Care Services

hoyer lift 2It was a Fantastic day at Amatulla’s Home Care Services Adult Family Home! Today we went over an exciting review on How to Properly use a Hoyer Lift.

Roll the resident completely on their side, then center the Hoyer Sling under the resident with the bottom of the sling directly at the knees. Properly position half of the sling flat under the resident’s back with the other half bunched against the center of the resident’s back. Roll the resident the other way, then straighten out the bunched-up portion of the sling. This procedure places the Hoyer Sling completely flat under the resident without lifting.

(HINT: Right is Tight/Close – Left is Loose/Open)

First you raise the boom of the Hoyer Lift after closing the hydraulic valve. Spread the Hoyer Lift’s legs and roll the legs under the bed so the boom is over the resident.

Release the hydraulic valve control to lower the chains to attach the Hoyer Sling. Gently attach the Hoyer Hooks to the Hoyer Sling. Always attach the shorter chains to the shoulder; on the other hand attach the longer chains to the hooks near the legs.

Close the hydraulic valve control, and then pump the boom up so the resident will be raised up in the air directly over the bed. Make sure the Hoyer Sling is positioned properly under the resident so he/she will not fall. Always have the resident rest their arms on the stomach or inside of the sling.

Maneuver the Hoyer Lift slower away from the bed. While the other caregiver is guiding the resident’s body, with caution maneuver the resident directly over the wheelchair and lock the wheels.

Open the hydraulic valve control with caution and lower the resident into the wheelchair. Always make sure that the patient is completely positioned with the bottom is comfortably sitting completely to the back of the wheelchair. Finally remove the Hoyer Hooks from the Hoyer Sling, which will remain under the resident until the resident goes back to bed, at that time you will reverse this same procedure.

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16
Jan 10

Antidepressants Medications that are used in Adult Family Homes

overdoseAntidepressants are used to treat Depression. Most Antidepressant medication takes about ten days to three weeks to start working. You should not expect your client symptoms of depression to change immediately to the antidepressant medication that the doctor has prescribed him/her.

There are many types of Antidepressant Medications. Most Antidepressant Medications are called Tricyclics, because they have Three-Cycle Structures.

This is a list of some of the Antidepressants Medications Generic Names and their common “Trade Names:”

Amitriptyline, Elavil, Endep; Imipramine, Tofranil, Presamine; Amooxapine, Asendin; Nortipyline, Pamelor, Aventyl; Desipramine, Pamelor, Aventyl; Protripyline, Vivactil, Maprotilene, Ludiomil; Trazodone, Desyrel; Nefazodone, Serzone; Velafaxine, Effexor

It is extremely important to know all the signs of possible overdose if you notice any of the following signs please report to your primary physician immediately.

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15
Jan 10

Different Types of Psychotropic Medications used in Adult Family Homes

drugsThe purposes for Antipsychotic drugs are to treat the sole purpose of Schizophrenia. These medications help to reduce Hallucinations, Delusions, and Illogical Thinking.

There are many types of antipsychotic drugs, and each has different jobs. Some require very low doses to achieve the desired effect, while other antipsychotic medications require large doses.

Some medications work differently than other medications and will depend on many different factors. Each resident’s medication type and dosage have to be individually measured. This may take a lot of time because many types of medications have to be tried before an effective drug and dosage are found.

The type and dose of medications will depend on many factors such as height, weight, activity, diet, physical health, other medications that may be taken at the same time, speed of digestion, body fat etc.

This is a list of some of the Psychotropic Medications and their common “Trade Names:”

Chlorpromazine, Thorazine; Thiothixene, Mellaril; Thiothixene, Navane; Haloperidol, Haldol, Loxapine, Loxitane; Molindone, Moban; Mesoridazine, Serentil; Perphenazine, Trilafon, Trifluoperazine, Stelazine; Chlorprothixane, Taractan; Fluphenazine Hydrochloride Prolixin; Risperidone, Risperdal.

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11
Jan 10

Facts about Psychotropic Medications in Adult Family Homes

psychotropic-drugsPsychotropic medications do not cure mental illness, nor do they solve all symptoms that your resident may have. All psychotropic medications have side effects. All psychotropic medications are very dangerous if taken in too large of a dosage.

Individual residents will vary widely in their side effects to psychotropic medications. Mostly all psychotropic medications have a sedative effect; the medication may make the resident very drowsy.

In fact, your residents must use great caution while taken psychotropic medications, especially if they are using alcohol or are taking any other type of medications which is a sedative. (For example, some cold and cough medications are sedatives).

Any type of change in your resident’s mental or physical status could possibly be side effects of psychotropic medications, or could indicate a withdrawal. Change in mental or physical status could also indicate a toxic level of medication overdose.

When new medications are prescribed be sure to find out all side effects, as well as signs of an overdose. Notify the physician immediately if any of these signs are noticed.

Do your Mom or Dad sleep mostly all day or slur when they speak? What medications are they taken? Did you do your research on your parent’s medications that they are taken? If so what are the side effects? Do these drugs actually help reduce or treat hallucinations, delusions, or illogical thinking?

Please Subscribe to Amatulla’s Home Care Services subscription or give me a comment, I really need your feed back in this matter.

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7
Jan 10

Nutrition Labels for the Elderly

Nutrition Labels for the ElderlyAll foods in the grocery store must have a Nutrition Label on them, and ingredient list.

The Nutrition Label has “Nutrition Facts” at the top. This label will help you make good decisions about the foods you should purchase.

Serving Size- Your Serving Size should be the same as the one on the label. If you eat double the serving size listed on the label, you need to double the nutrient and calorie values.

Calories- The Calories that are listed are calories per serving.

Total Fat- Total Fat is also listed as per serving. A lot of people should cut back on their fat intake.

Saturated Fat- This is a type of fat that is a part of total fat in food. This is an important factor because it will raise your Blood Cholesterol and your risk of Heart Disease. PLEASE EAT LESS!

Cholesterol- Too much Cholesterol may lead to Heart Disease. Try your best to eat less than 300 mg. each day.

Sodium- Please keep your Sodium intake less than 2,000 to 3,000 mg. per day or less. Too much sodium may give you Hypertension.

Carbohydrates- Some Carbohydrates are in foods like breads, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. Please eat these foods often they give you Nutrients and Energy.

Dietary Fiber- Fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, beans and peas are all good sources of fiber and may reduce the risk of Heart Disease and Cancer.

Protein- Lots of people get more protein than they may need. Anywhere there is animal protein, there is also fat and cholesterol. Please eat small servings of lean meat, fish, and poultry. Use low fat milk, yogurt and cheese.

Vitamins and Minerals- Please get 100% of vitamins and minerals every day by eating a wider variety of foods with vitamins and minerals.

Daily Value- Daily Value is listed for people who eat 2,000-2,500 calories each day. If you eat more your daily value is higher than usual. If you eat less, your daily value is lower.

Please choose foods with low percent daily value for Fat, Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium.

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6
Jan 10

Every Adult Family Home Must Have a First Aid Kit

Amatulla’s Home Care Services Comply With the Following First Aid Kit Standard Rules.

first aid kitEvery Adult Family Home must have at least one First Aid Kit, ready and available, on the premises, easy to grab and ready for use in case of an emergency.

The First Aid Kit should include a list of contents it contains. In addition, keep in the First Aid Kit emergency phone numbers such as physicians, and the Regional Poison Control Center. If 911 is not available, include phone numbers for emergency services such as the local police, fire department and ambulance services.

NOTE: The Home Care Provider shall provide a locked area for all medications and information that your clients may have for any life-threatening allergies to food, medications or bee stings, include a list of allergies for each client, as well as all of the medications that your clients use.

In Every First Aid Kit the supplies are as follows:

One two-inch gauze roller bandage

One pair of scissors

One flashlight with good working batteries

One pair of tweezers

One emergency blanket

Antiseptic towelettes

Gauze pads

Adhesive tape

Antiseptic ointment

Disposable gloves

Plastic bags

One cold pack

One breathing barrier

Adhesive bandage strips in assorted sizes

Triangular bandages

All First Aid Kits must be refilled as needed.

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5
Jan 10

Infection Control Precautions in Adult Family Homes

As an Independent Home Care Provider for Amatulla’s Home Care Services we comply with the following Infection Control Precautions.

infection controlHand Washing- Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after caring for a resident, after contact with contaminated items, after removing gloves, before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom.

Gloves- Always use gloves with any contact of bodily fluid and handling soiled linen. Gloves are not necessary with casual contact with a resident. Always use disposable gloves and dispose them after each use with contact of a resident.

Disposal Waste- Place all contaminated trash, waste, tissues, diapers, sanitary napkins and dressings in a plastic bag. Dispose body fluids into the toilet, pouring directly in the toilet to avoid any splashing.

Needles- (For residents who administer their own injections) Be very cautious when disposing all needles in a puncture resistant container. Do not bend, break or recap needles after use.

Cleaning- Household detergents are very good for cleaning the house on the regular basis: floors, furniture, etc. Wash all dishes in hot soapy water.

Cleaning soiled linen that has bodily fluids: Clean with hot, soapy water. Always disinfect with a solution of one (1) part of household bleach to nine (9) parts of waters. (Note: use to clean counters, toilets, and floors).

Laundry- Keep soiled linen in a plastic bag. Add one (1) cup of bleach to hot, soapy water in the washing machine. If caregiver’s clothes are soiled same rule applies.

Masks/Eye Ware- If bodily fluids is likely to splash on the face wear eye protection and masks. (Protecting the mucus membranes of the mouth and eyes is necessary).

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3
Jan 10

Amatulla’s Home Care Services Demonstrates CPR.

CPR in Three Easy Steps: CALL, BLOW, PUMP

New_York_cpr_first_aidCheck the scene to see if it is safe! Check the victim for consciousness. If there is no response, CALL 911 for help and return to the victim. In most situations emergency dispatcher can assist you with CPR instructions.

Tilt the head back and listen for breathing. If there is no breathing, pinch nose with your fingers and cover the mouth with your mouth, then BLOW until you see the chest rise. Give two breaths. Each breath should only take one second.

If the victim is still not breathing regularly, coughing or moving, begin chest compressions. PUSH down on the chest 1½ to 2 inches 30 times right between the nipples. Pump at the rate of 100/minute, faster than once per second.

Continue with 2 breaths and 30 pumps until help arrives. This procedure is the same for one-person or two-person CPR. In two persons CPR the person pumping the chest stops while the other gives mouth-to-mouth breathing.

PLEASE EVERYONE TRY TO ATTEND A CPR CLASS

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3
Jan 10

Alcohol Abuse in the Elderly

elderly-man-with-a-dark-beerAmong the elderly there are three forms of alcoholism: Chronic Alcohol Abusers are people who start drinking very heavy in their early twenties or thirties. As a result of their drinking they may survive to reach middle age while having ongoing medical, social and emotional problems.

Late-Onset Drinkers are people who was not heavy drinkers while they were younger or may not have done any drinking at all. They begin to drink later in their years of life as a result of a great loss or change.

Intermittent Drinkers are people who have been drinking back and forth for many years with no type of major problem. When faced with a problem they revert back to alcohol to try to cover up any problem they may have, but have the potential to progress rapidly into dependency.

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2
Jan 10

Forgetfulness in the Elderly

Dementia 2Most of the time residents know when something is wrong with their memory. When talking with a resident at your Adult Family Home use different techniques to decrease your residents’ anxiety. Use active listening, empathy, and non-verbal skills to show acceptance of the person.

Present only one idea at a time when talking about something to a resident then allow time for a response. Do things one step at a time and plan activities that are repetitive. Encourage your resident to do things for themselves when they are able to do so. And provide reminders of person, place and time.

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2
Jan 10

High Blood Pressure in the Elderly

old-man-cold-climateWhat is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as blood is pumping throughout the body. Blood pressure is recorded in two numbers: Systolic and Diastolic

The first number SYSTOLIC PRESSURE measures the pressures in the arteries when the heart beats or contracts. The second number DIASTOLIC PRESSURE measures the pressure while the heart is resting between beats. For example, 128/90 SYSTOLIC/DIASTOLIC

Changes in Blood Pressure: Normal blood pressure falls within a certain range and varies according to the age of the person. For adults, blood pressure reading should be 120/80. However, blood pressure readings should be less than 140/90 for adults. If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 your doctor may diagnosed you with hypertension.

Blood pressures vary from minute to minute throughout the course of the day. It depends on the activities or situation that the person is involved in. For example, exercise, sleep, and changes in posture (lying, sitting, and standing) will affect the blood pressure of the individual.  Feeling any type of excitement will raise the blood pressure of the individual due to the constriction of arteries. Their blood pressure will return to normal when the person relaxes.

High Blood Pressure affects 55-60 million people in the United States, many are over 50 years of age, and young people may get hypertension also. Hypertension is known as the “Silent Killer” because it usually has no warnings of symptoms.

Most people with hypertension feel good and do not report any sick feelings to their doctor. Although, they may have constant headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and tension.

Rick Factors for Hypertension: There are many risk factors that may increase an individual to developing Hypertension, some you can control and others you can’t control.

Controlled Risk Factors: Being overweight, drinking alcohol (liquor, beer, wine), salt, smoking cigarettes or using tobacco, and stress.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors: Family history, age, race, and diabetes.

Effects Of High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure that is not controlled increases the workload of the heart and arteries. It may weaken the pumping efficiently of the heart and damage artery walls.

If high blood pressure remains uncontrolled or untreated, it may lead to: a heart attack, heart failure, a stroke, kidney damage/failure, eye disorder, decreases life expectancy, and decrease the quality of a person’s life.

At Amatulla’s Home Care Services vital signs are monitored daily.

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2
Jan 10

Ways the Elderly Should Prepare for a Doctor’s Visit in an Adult Family Home.

At Amatulla’s Home Care Services we always prepare for a doctor’s visit.

medications 3All residents, especially the elderly should prepare for the visit to the doctor. It is very important to tell the doctor everything so the doctor can diagnose the problem accurately and prescribe the appropriate medications.

Prepare a list of things to tell and ask the doctor.

Bring all medicines to the doctor visit, or a list of all medicines, including the amount to take and when to take the medicine. Include drugs which don’t require a prescription such as aspirin or laxatives.

Every doctor needs to know this information to avoid duplicating the medicines that are being taken or prescribing medicines that might cause a negative reaction when taken with other medicines.

Bring a written list of all allergies.

Bring a written list of all medications which may have caused a negative reaction.

Every resident should prepare a written list of questions to ask the doctor. The resident should ask someone to assist them with the list if the resident needs help, particularly an Adult Family Home Operator or a family member.

When a new medication is prescribed, residents need to ask the following questions, and be sure they comprehend the answers that the doctor gives them.

What is the name of the drug?

Why am I taking it: What is it for?

How often should I take it?

How long must I take it?

Will there be side effects? What are they?

Are there any side effects I should report to the doctor immediately?

Is there anything special that I should know about taking this medication? For example, should it be taken with food; are there any foods I should avoid; are there other medicines I should not take with it; and should I do if I miss a dose?

Amatulla — 1 Comment
1
Jan 10

Ways to Prevent Infection in Adult Family Homes

Ways to Prevent Infection in Adult Family Homes

hand washing1. Hand Washing: Washing your hands is the best way to stop infection. Individuals working in Adult Family Homes shall wash their hands before beginning work and upon completing work, before and after eating, after using the bathroom, after covering their mouth when sneezing and coughing, before and after providing personal care for a resident when there has been physical contact, after contact, after contact with contaminated materials, before handling food, and at other appropriate times.

As an Independent Home Care Provider for Amatulla’s Home Care Services, there are some methods you can use to prevent the growth and spread of germs. Even if a resident does get an infection, you can keep it from spreading to other residents.

2. Wearing Gloves Always wear gloves when you are providing personal care services which bring you into contact with blood body fluids (such as vomit or soiled tissues), or feces, the rules requires that you must wear disposable latex gloves.

These gloves are to be removed and thrown away before you provide care to another resident. Even if you are wearing gloves, you must still wash your hands before and after providing personal care services.

If you are assisting a resident, and you come into direct contact with blood, body fluids, or feces, you must wash your hands and any other exposed skin surfaces immediately and thoroughly with hot water and soap.

3. Soap Cleaners: All  Adult Family Home’s should have soap, water, and solutions that discourage germ growth.

A. Most germs can be destroyed by disinfection cleaners or a solution if chlorine bleach and water (1 part household bleach to 9 parts water is recommended in ODH’s suggested infection control procedures; 1 part bleach to 10 parts of water is recommend by the American Red Cross and U.S. Public Health Services. (1986)

B. Soap: The chemical properties of soap make it useful in finding the skin and objects of soil/dirt that may contain germs. Germs can be present even though there are no visible stains. Soap also removes these germs.

4. Boiling an Object: Boiling an object in water at least ten to thirty minutes will destroy most germs.

5. Garbage Disposal: If not handled properly, garbage attracts pests such as rats, roaches, and flies. Pests often carry germs. They spread disease when they contact food, and other surfaces. Garbage that is left out in the open attracts these pests. Most of them reproduce rapidly and in great numbers, so they are very difficult to eliminate.

A. Wash garbage cans and wastebaskets every time they are emptied with hot sudsy water to discourage household pests.

B. Wrap Food: for double protection, roll or wrap food waste in paper and place outside in a large, covered can. Paper trash is not a food source for pests, nor does it spoil.

C. Plastic Bags: If possible, use plastic trash bags to line all trash cans and wastebaskets. They help to keep the cans clean, are an extra “barrier” to pests, and make the garbage disposable process much easier.

D. Use Durable Garbage Cans with Lids: The rules require that Adult Family Homes use durable garbage cans which are kept covered by tight-fitting lids at all times (Rule 3701-20-22 (G)(3).

6. Dust: Dust is a problem for any person with breathing conditions such as chronic lung disease. Dust is a good home for mites, bugs, and bacteria.
Mites: Live on plants, animals, and man. They are smaller than most bugs and can only be seen through a microscope.

A. Don’t stir up dust by vigorously shaking bedspreads and bed lined. Roll linens into a ball as you remove it from the bed.

B. Areas that Need Special Attention:

Carpet and flat surfaces, lamps and shelves

Floors watch spills on carpeting and linoleum where germs can grow. Higher textured flooring and carpeting also collect a lot of dust.

Bed and bed frame we all spend about 1/3 of our lives sleeping. It’s important to keep dust from collecting in the bedroom area.