Mid-Michigan's Most Trusted Home Health Care:
A&D Home Health Care
A & D Home Health Care
Phone: 800-884-3335
http://www.a-dhomecare.com/
Why they are an Expert...
Founded in 1985, A&D Health Care Professionals, Inc. is a Medicare/Medicaid certified agency and in 1997 achieved service excellence and quality patient care for the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. (CHAP). A&D Home Health Care, Inc., became operational in 1988, and has provided care for clients requiring additional home health services. The companies hold the unique position in this area of successfully coordinating Medicare services with private duty services.
We are a value-driven organization committed to assisting patients and families in achieving their highest level of independence in the comfort of their homes. Our services will be of the highest quality, provided in a cost-efficient, out-come based manner by our compassionate, caring staff. We have a registered nurse on-call 24 hours a day and seven days a week. No person is denied service or employment based on race, creed, national origin, color, sex, age or handicap.
A&D Home Health Care is owned and managed by a registered nurse with over 30 years of professional service to the community. Local ownership helps to ensure that our bottom line is patient care:
•Our client satisfaction rating is 99.9%
•Our physician satisfaction rating is 100%
•Nursing visits are provided by registered nurses who average 29 years of experience
Most recently answered questions
Q: What is home health care?
A: Home health care is becoming much more common, whether it's for at-home nursing care after a hospital stay or ongoing assistance with daily living. The reasons vary. Patients are being discharged sooner from hospitals and are receiving care in their own home. Thanks to technological advances, many procedures, including dialysis, chemotherapy, intravenous infusion (IV) and wound care, which previously could be performed only in a medical facility, can now be safely and efficiently carried out in a home setting. As time goes on, more and more Americans will be receiving much of their care where they prefer-in the comfort of their own homes. To better understand this term, one must understand that there are different types of home health care: •Skilled, intermittent visits covered by insurance generally for short-term specific needs •Hourly services, generally privately paid, for persons who need help over longer periods of time •Hospice services (not provided by A&D Home Health Care) •Oxygen and related equipment and other types of hospital equipment provided for use in the home called Durable Medical Equipment (not provided by A&D Home Health Care)
Q: Why choose home health care?
A: The benefits of receiving Home Health Care go beyond the obvious ones of comfort and convenience. Home Health Care draws on the resources and support of the family and recognizes these as essential to the healing process. Additionally, many physicians maintain that clients recuperate quicker and more fully in a home environment, among family, friends, pets and familiar settings. One of the most satisfying features of home health care is the one-on-one relationship that clients develop with their nurses, therapists and Home Health Care aides. People usually feel more secure in their own homes. This allows the client/family and caregivers to form a team, and to develop a level of trust and compliance essential for treatment success.
Q: Is home health care expensive?
A: Home health care costs differ depending upon the individual's needs and level of care provided. Costs may be covered by insurance, covered privately by the client or family, or by special government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. If you aren't sure what your insurance policy covers or whether you qualify for financial assistance with your home health costs, contact us for help.
Tip of the month:
The Sandwich Generation
If you know someone who is juggling care needs for an aging parent and their own children, then you know someone in the “Sandwich Generation”. These people are sandwiched between two generations who need regular assistance and supervision. The National Alliance for Caregiving estimates there are 12.9 million members of this sandwich generation. While caring for a family member can be rewarding, the related stress can put a strain on relationships, physical and mental health.
Balance is essential for the caregiver and it is helpful to prioritize and find ways to combine caregiving tasks when possible. Some simple steps might be:
Join a support group
Get adequate sleep
Eat nutritious meals
Exercise daily
Get a massage
These will help the caregiver maintain their energy level and ability to respond to crisis.
The use of Respite Care is another way to balance the caregiver role. Respite Care is short term care that helps the family take a break from the daily caregiving tasks. It can be provided in the client’s home or in a variety of out-of-home settings. A&D offers Respite Care in the client’s home through our A&D Home Care Private Duty Division.
With the added stress of the Holidays it is important that you take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved ones.
MONTHLY:
Fire Extinguisher – check and recharge or replace as necessary.
Sink/Tub Stopper – clean out debris
Garbage Disposal –flush with hot water and
baking soda or a commercial cleaning product.
Water Softener – check and replenish softener
salt as needed.
Forced-Air Heating System – check filter and
replace as required.
FALL:
Roof – inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and
soffits, repair if needed.
Gutters and Downspouts – clean out any debris,
inspect for leaks, check for proper drainage and repair as necessary.
Chimney or Stovepipe – clean flu, repair
crumbling mortar.
Exterior Caulking – inspect and replace any
missing or deteriorating caulking.
Storm Windows and Doors – replace any cracked
or broken glass, repair damaged frames and repaint, replace damaged
hardware, tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
Weather Stripping – inspect, repair or replace
if it is not sealing properly.
Outdoor Faucets – Shut off valves to outdoor
faucets, open spigots, drain and store hoses
If you check on these items this fall you’ll have a safe winter in
your home as well as saving some money. During the winter and spring
we’ll post more home maintenance tips for you’re health and safety.
Dealing with the Dog Days of Summer
Summer's seasonal woes can creep upon us when you least expect them.
Here are some tips to make the rest of the summer easy living.
Heat and humidity can turn a summer day into a medical crisis. Our bodies cool themselves by evaporating our sweat but as the heat and
humidity rise evaporation becomes difficult or impossible. This
trapped body heat can create muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heat
stroke.
Some simple precautions:
*Avoid sunlight if possible, do your outdoor activities early in the day or in the evening.
*Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing.
*Walk instead of jogging or running, take breaks or quit early.
*Exercise in the water or an air-conditioned health club.
*Drink plenty of water.
*Use air conditioning or fans at home.
*Listen to your body – if you experience fatigue, weakness, confusion,
lightheadedness, nausea get into a cool place and drink plenty of water. If you don't improve quickly, seek help.
*Always protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Prevention is the best medicine – now go out and enjoy the rest of the summer!
3. Healthy Hydration
With the summer heat upon us and all the great outdoor activities calling we need to be aware of our hydration.
Water is the most important nutrient for the body. A healthy adult can last only 3-5 days without water. Water covers 70% of the earth and makes up 70%-80% of our own bodies.
Water lubricates joints, regulates body temperature and moistens the lungs for effective breathing. These processes are compromised when the body is dehydrated leading to arthritis, sore muscles, heavy breathing and higher body temperatures. And, over time lack of water causes loss of muscle tone, weight gain, slow metabolism, increased toxicity and even organ failure.
Hydration Tips:
Signals – signs of inadequate fluid intake are dry mouth, headache, light headedness, little or no urination and constipation.
Sip- sip on water throughout the day, even when there are no thirst signals.
Substitutes- water is the best fluid for hydration but other fluids are effective also. These include milk, tea, soup, fruit juice and sports drinks. Warning- avoid caffeine and alcohol which will increase fluid output.
Scale- The minimum amount of water each person needs depends on body weight. A good estimate is 1 ounce of water for every 2 pounds of body weight. The 8 glasses a day rule is still a good benchmark.
Now get outdoors, enjoy our beautiful weather and stay healthy and hydrated!
4. More Winter Safety Tips
What to Wear:
*Dress in more than one layer of clothing. For older babies and children dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Don't forget warm boots, gloves or mittens and a hat.
Hypothermia
*Hypothermia develops when the body temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. It happens in extremely cold weather when not wearing proper clothing or when the clothes get wet. As hypothermia sets in the person may shiver, become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred, the face becomes puffy, and they experience a slow heartbeat and slow shallow breathing.
If you suspect hypothermia call 911 immediately, do not give alcohol or take a hot shower or bath. Until help arrives take the person indoors, remove any wet clothing, wrap in blankets or warm clothing. Do not try to treat this condition at home, a person suffering from hypothermia need to be treated in a hospital.
Winter Safety Tips
With winter all around us here are some tips to help you get through the winter months safely and healthy.
When going outside dress for the weather. Dress in layers, dress warmly, pay special attention to hands, feet, nose and ears.
If clearing snow don't shovel if you're out of shape or have a history of heart disease. Do light warm up exercises before shoveling and take frequent breaks. Push snow in front of you, do not toss it over your shoulder or to the side.
Use rock salt, de-icing compound or sand on sidewalks, driveways and steps.
When walking wear boots with non-skid soles. Wear a bright colored hat or scarf or reflective gear. Walk on sidewalks when possible, if not, walk opposite the traffic flow and as close to the curb as possible. Before you step off the curb make sure all traffic has come to a complete stop.
Look for more winter safety tips in the coming months.