Education
At Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, our medical experts are dedicated to staying abreast of current research and developments in a variety of fields.
Patient and caregiver empowerment is a critical step in the treatment process. Millcreek Home Health and Hospice believes that more patients and their families know about health issues, the easier it will be to avoid future deteriorations. Every month, Millcreek Home Health and Hospice will tackle a topic for aging populations and their families.
Our goal is to present a complex issue in simple, understandable language so that patients and caregivers can better understand the process of aging and the administration of home health and hospice care.
Check back soon for updates and the examination of new topics.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?
The benefits of physical therapy for seniors include increased comfort and safety. Physical therapy plays an important role in range of motion, flexibility, coordination and restoring or increasing strength. Physical therapy can also be used to help a patient retrain their bodies to do everyday tasks.
As a person ages, there are many health conditions that may affect their ability to comfortably and safely do normal day to day activities. There are different ways to treat the symptoms of diseases. Most often, an elderly person might turn to a medication regimen as the first way of suppressing the symptoms. Medications can ease the effects of the symptoms of a variety of the conditions; however physical therapy can be a very effective part of a complete health solution.
Physical therapists work with each patient on an individual basis, evaluating capabilities and designing programs for education, wellness and exercise. Physical therapists also communicate with a patient’s nurse and primary care physician to coordinate the patient’s care.
Continue Reading…
Controlling the Effects of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Lymphedema, there are many ways to help control the effects of Lymphedema such as:
Maintaining Good Nutrition
Include at least two to four servings of fruits and three to five servings of vegetables in your daily meal plan.
Reducing Foods High in Salt and Fat
Use food package labels to help you to make the best selections for a healthy lifestyle.
Exercising Regularly
Always check with your physician first before starting a new exercise program.
Avoiding Infections
Immediately report any signs of infection to your home health nurse or physician.
Continue Reading…
How to Provide Daily Care for Someone with Dementia
Dementia is a health condition that affects mainly people in their latter years. It involves the gradual loss of mental ability, which results in the loss of memory, changes in personality and ultimately a loss of social ability.
There are many conditions that predispose people to dementia especially conditions that bring about a level of damage to thinking, memory, reasoning and language, these include diseases like Alzheimer's or meningitis; things like brain tumors which cause pressure to the brain, or a lack of blood and oxygen supply to the brain caused by conditions like stroke, sustained head injuries, and heavy consumption of alcohol could also lead to dementia latter in life.
Continue Reading…
Coumadin: Dietary Restrictions and Special Needs You Should Know
Coumadin® and other anticoagulants slow down the body’s ability to make blood clots. Anticoagulants are also referred to by some as “blood thinners”. Anticoagulants are used to treat or prevent medical conditions such as phlebitis, abnormal heart rhythm, or blockage of a heart artery. The most common anticoagulant is Coumadin, commonly known as Warfarin.
If you or someone you know is taking Coumadin it is important to follow certain daily precautions and dietary recommendations.
Continue Reading…
What Does a Medical Social Worker Do and How Can They Help Your Family?
As you, your loved one and your family begin hospice care, we know that you’ll have questions. At Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, we know that the transition to hospice care requires a professional hand and a gentle heart. Working with a Medical Social Worker as you prepare for and begin hospice care can make this a more natural transition for your family.
Continue Reading…
American Diabetes Association Diet Tips for Diabetes Management
Healthy eating habits and attention to nutrition is important for everyone, however it is even more important that those with diabetes. Diet is the most important way for Diabetics to manage their symptoms. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet provides a nutrition guideline to help a diabetic person eat vitamin and mineral rich foods that a healthy body needs.
Continue Reading…
Home Health Care and Medicare
Navigating Medicare and home health care can be tricky, but Millcreek Home Health and Hospice offers easy, understandable answers to your questions and productive solutions to your home health care needs.
Medicare covers 100% of Home Health care costs for eligible patients. A patient is eligible if they have Medicare as their primary insurance, are at least sixty-five or have Medicare benefits, and are home bound. A representative from any home health care company can help determine the eligibility of you or your loved one.
Continue Reading…
Living With Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects approximately 70 million people in the United States. If you or a loved one have osteoarthritis, here are some life style recommendations and tips to help you manage symptoms and lead a full, active life.
Continue Reading…
Choosing Hospice Care That Is Right For You
Choosing hospice care for your loved one is often an emotionally charged experience, so it is important to find a hospice company that provides a comfortable fit with your family. The philosophy of hospice care is rooted in the patient’s right to accept death as the final stage of their life and their family’s support of that choice. Palliative care can provide emotional and spiritual support, in addition to medical care. Millcreek Home Health and Hospice’s hospice care teams provide comfort care to allow patients to pass in a dignified, painless way, surrounded by loved ones in their home.
Continue Reading…
