Category: Home Health Care

3 Qualities to Achieve Excellence in Home Health Care

More and more adults are choosing to stay in their homes, so they can age in place without the disruption of relocation. Health and safety challenges make this course of action impossible without help, and many people prefer to work with seasoned, trustworthy professionals to make sure their care is appropriate. When selecting home health care, an important balance of factors needs to be considered to make sure the experience is truly supportive. At CarePlus, we believe that quality home health care is made up of multiple factors, and we believe these three are essential.

Expertise

In the area of home health care, two types of experience are critical: health and hospitality. Geriatric health is a particular concentration in the medical field, and you want to make sure your caretakers know this area well. It also takes an extra level of compassion, care, and quality to go into a home and seamlessly become a part of daily living for an aging adult. Understanding how to make a home hospitable for an aging homeowner is a key to a successful relationship in home health care. Based on his years of experience in the hospitality industry, CarePlus Founder, Tom Najjar, recognizes the importance of a high level of quality care combined with customer service.

Dignity

As people age, their health may gradually decline, or in some instances, experience rapid changes in their health. Adapting to these changes with the help of home health care allows adults to maintain a sense of independence within their limits. With the ability to continue to make lifestyle choices and flexibility with support, as needs increase, adults can feel empowered to live their best lives. CarePlus recognizes these situations and is respectful and fully prepared to provide needed support.

Comfort

Whether it’s medication, groceries, a doctor visit or another service, a key to quality home health care is the comfort of the client as well as family and friends, who are concerned about the client’s well-being. Comfort comes in many forms. It can be a knowledgeable, experienced caretaker’s ability to help with medication and the activities of daily living. In addition, it may be the compassionate attitude of a caretaker who truly cares. Being a resource to the family, may also add peace of mind.

At CarePlus Home Health we stand by our mission to deliver better care for a better life. We understand the trust being placed in our hands when our clients allow us to help them with their needs as they age. We look forward to the opportunity to bring Expertise, Dignity and Comfort to your home or the home of a loved one. For more information about our services, please contact us today.

August 12, 2021
Enhanced Senior Living Community Services

At CarePlus, we are experts in home care services for older adults. When “home” is an independent living community, we offer individualized services to residents as well as community-wide programs that round out the experience of living in a safe, supported environment. By establishing a presence within a community, we are better able to meet needs by a customized approach to our clients and their families.

Independent Living

For seniors who want to maintain an active, independent lifestyle as long as possible, independent living communities are an excellent option. Catering exclusively to older adults, everything from the design of individual residences to a range of additional amenities like leisure activities, meal programs and healthcare facilities assure a healthy lifestyle in a supportive environment. According to SeniorHomes.com, there are 45 independent living communities in Montgomery County.

Where CarePlus Fits In

As people age, their ability to manage some activities and tasks becomes more of a challenge. CarePlus supports independent living communities with a variety of offerings:

Flex Care Services: We provide flexible care hours to residents at senior living communities. We can help with sheets/laundry, food prep, grocery shopping and housekeeping so residents can live independently and securely. We can be there for the small tasks. Residents can schedule as little as 30 minutes of assistance that can happen daily, weekly or occasionally. Whatever the need — we will be there.

Wellness Center Program: CarePlus can set up a permanent wellness center on the premises or an “on the go” wellness pop up center according to need. We can do Blood Pressure checks, Zoom Lunch & Learns, Zoom health activities and much more. We also are able to support residents in crisis management, transitioning from hospital to home and supporting independent living.

Care Coordination Program:

We offer an onsite CarePlus coordinator to help support logistical needs of residents living in communities. In addition, we provide services for out of town families including transitions from hospital to home, rehabilitation and other logistical needs.

Personal Assistant Services/CarePlus Concierge: CarePlus offers specialty services to clients who need additional oversight and services. Groceries, supplies and other shopping needs can be done by our team independently or assisting a resident. We can schedule and attend doctor’s appointments, coordinate with multiple providers, and assist with insurance matters.

Create Your Own Independent Living Community

Through our Care Share program, we can help people to age in place in their neighborhood. By working with neighbors, older people can obtain some of the services we offer to independent living communities without having to move. These can include pop-up clinics, lunch and learn programs, and other activities that benefit a group.

CarePlus is committed to being a partner in aging in safety and dignity. We strive to bring the most customized and useful range of services to our clients and communities. To learn more about our Flex Care options email info@CarePlusInc.com.

July 15, 2021
Home Health Care: Five Things to Look for in a Provider
It’s a difficult topic to discuss with your family and loved ones: the choice of a home health care provider. However, it is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

So, in order to help guide the decision-making process for a home health care provider, here are five considerations:
1. Is the staff experienced and licensed? : Thorough screening of prospective caregivers is a priority as you are ensuring the safety of your loved one in their care. Caregivers must have all the up-to-date, certifications, and licenses for the specific care that you require. Your caregiver should be experienced, professional, and compassionate.
2. How many years have they been in business? Every business has to start at some point in time yet a caregiver from a reputable company with years of experience is a plus when seeking care for your loved one. In-home health, companies that have been in business for numerous years may have higher retention rates and more experienced caregivers. In addition, established companies tend to have excellent training programs in place to retain compassionate caregivers and grow referrals.
3. What services do they offer? : If you are looking for nursing or supportive services, a comprehensive home healthcare provider should be able to deliver a wide variety of services. Among those services may be hourly and live-in home care services either at home or at an assisted living facility or nursing home. Care Plus provides both in-home care and nursing home services. Our services are customized to meet the needs of the patient and their families. It may be a short-term or long-term plan. Avoid “cookie-cutter” or “one size fits all” service providers. Each patient is unique and deserves a customized plan that will meet their unique needs.
4. What do the reviews say? : Reviews are a reliable resource that can be quite helpful to you as you weigh the different caregiving choices. Home health care providers that have been in business over the years, should have an extensive list of online reviews. You can visit the www.caring.com, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google My Business, and Facebook should have client reviews posted on their pages. The caregiver website should have testimonials posted, too. We also recommend that you call the caregiver and ask for references.
5. What do they provide for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients? Make sure the caregiver offers services for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. As older adults age this may be a need and having an In-Home Healthcare provider who is attuned to early signs of dementia is imperative. Check with the company to verify that the caregivers have specialized training in these health conditions.
It will give you peace of mind knowing that they have the best care available. These five tips will prepare you for your next steps. If you should have any questions feel free to reach out.

CarePlus Home Health, Inc. has experienced and compassionate home health caregivers. Call us at (301) 740-8870 for a consultation. We offer home care in the Montgomery County, MD area.
August 31, 2020
May is National Stroke Awareness Month
According to the National Institutes of Health, “Each year in the United States, there are more than 800,000 strokes.”

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, according the Centers for Disease Control. More than any other disease a stroke can cause serious, long-term disabilities. The American Heart Association Stroke Council (ASC) says that stroke victims are vulnerable to repeat strokes.

CarePlus Home Health would like to offer you a few tips on how to recognize stoke-like symptoms and the necessary steps to take to reduce the risk of having a stroke.

What is a Stroke?

When a major blood vessel in the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts, a portion of the brain cannot get the blood it needs, causing brain cells to die.

This is a stroke.

What Causes a Stroke?

The two-most common types of strokes are hemorrhagic and ischemic.
- A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures. High blood pressure is the most common cause of a hemorrhagic stroke.
- An Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. According to the ASC, ischemic strokes account for 87% of all strokes.
When a person has a stroke, depending on where in the brain the stroke occurs, the part of the body controlled by that part of the brain cannot function. Short of death, strokes can cause paralysis, loss of vision, memory loss as well as other possible outcomes – some of which are irreversible.

Remember to ACT FAST!

Medical intervention is needed as quickly as possible when experiencing stroke symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, an ischemic stroke requires specific pharmaceuticals to break up the clot in the brain; medication should be administered “within 4.5 hours from when symptoms first started if given intravenously.

The sooner a stroke patient is treated with medication, the better. Quick medical treatment may not only improve a stroke victim’s chances of survival, additional medical complications may be avoided.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the acronym F-A-S-T can help you remember stroke symptoms.

F = Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?

A = Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are their words slurred?

T = Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Stroke treatment can begin in the ambulance.

Additional stroke symptoms include dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; trouble walking; problems seeing out of one or both eyes; severe headache; numbness of the face; and sudden confusion or trouble understanding others.

Keeping in mind the FAST signs (see above), it is imperative to contact emergency services as soon as possible if you or someone else displays any stroke symptoms.

Do NOT Let COVID-19 Prevent You From Seeking Treatment

Millions of Americans are rightfully following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines with respect to COVID-19; however, these social distancing measures should not prevent you from getting emergency medical attention should you experience stroke-like symptoms.

Call 911!

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are trained to assess your condition and take immediate steps to hospitalize someone having a stroke. The risks associated with not obtaining treatment for a stroke far outweigh the potential exposure to COVID-19, particularly when healthcare professionals involved – from the EMT to the treating doctors and nurses – are made aware of any underlying health concerns (e.g., a compromised immune system).

Take Care of Yourself!

The CDC offers the following stroke prevention guidelines:
- Eat a healthy, low-sodium diet; include plenty of fruits and vegetables;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Be physically active.
- Do not smoke;
- Avoid secondhand smoke;
- Limit your alcohol use;
- Prevent or manage your other health conditions, especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
Some contributing strokes factors – age, race and gender, for example – are outside of your control. Living a healthy lifestyle, however, can help prevent you or your loved one from having a stroke.
May 21, 2020
Home Health Care: High Standards and Quality of Care

The famous “Baby Boom” that began in 1946 and ended in 1964, brought to the country a generation of citizens who led the way in technology, medicine, manufacturing, civil rights, culture and the arts. This generation made historic progress that has benefited the world. Now, millions of these same citizens are senior citizens. After a lifetime of work and raising a family, they are a generation that is living longer and aging in place.

That has brought another boom: A trend in home health care.

According to www.seniorliving.org, there are 78 million baby boomers who now need some form of basic home health care. They want to age in place but may require some assistance. Ninety percent, “90% of seniors want to stay in their homes as long as possible”. There is comfort in aging in place and having routines as well as the emotional security. However, physical limitations and some accommodations need to be made to safely age in place. There are many resources in the community, training programs and associations that provide support for agencies and families. The Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) whose mission, “enhances the strength and professionalism of private duty home care providers through education and best practices.”. Tom Najjar, Founder of CarePlus had the opportunity to experience and be part of the Home Care Association of America Congressional Lobby Day visiting our local Senators and Congressmen to raise awareness regarding senior issues. By working collaboratively, we can educate, motivate and provide excellence in care to the aging community.

Other great resources worth mentioning are the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA), a National Center on Caregiving. There are also local organizations such as GROWS , a Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors. Montgomery County also provides resources on their senior site. Check it out- we are on page 59. There are so many wonderful resources out there providing support for families and caregivers.

The baby boomer generation contributed greatly to our society and we now have the opportunity to give back by providing the highest quality care as they age in place.

Quality home health care is an essential component for an elder care agency. Other attributes including patience, compassion, flexibility, and trust will make a difference as well.

We are proud to announce that Care Plus Home Health, Inc. is the recipient of the “Trusted Provider Award” from Home Care Pulse, in October 2018. This award is in recognition of our “dedication to maintaining the highest standard of quality care the home care industry has to offer.” We are proud to receive this prestigious award in the home health care industry.

Care Plus, Inc. has an experienced and licensed home health care team that provides compassionate, efficient, patient-centered services. Please contact our professional support team for more information or a consultation. Our Gaithersburg, MD team can be reached at (301) 740-8870 or info@careplusinc.com.

October 17, 2018
Home Health Care: A Celebration of Independence
Summer fun in July continues… and as we reflect on how we kicked off the month celebrating America and independence. This also gives us a moment to remember our history and how important the 4^th of July is to our nation and ourselves.

Independence. The 4^th of July celebrates the independence that those who live here enjoy –and protect. Living independently is a cherished part of that celebration. And, as we age, living independently can become a bit of a challenge. The desire to age in place safely has inspired not only many conversations in the community among family and friends, but a great deal of innovation as well. Anyone can age in place—but it takes a bit of forward thinking to age in place successfully.

How do you help increase the likelihood that staying in your home will provide a successful and safe experience? The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institute of Health, identifies a key component:planning ahead.

According to the NIA thinking about future needs is a must. Will you be living alone? With a significant other? Close family or friends? Will you have health challenges? What kind of transportation will you need? The questions are endless.

Consider both the big and little details—and then make a plan. According to the NIA here are a few things to consider:
1. Daily Care: showering, dressing, general grooming.
2. Home Maintenance: cleaning, laundry, yard maintenance, shoveling snow.
3. Meals: shopping, preparing, food safety.
4. Finances: bill paying, insurance, investments, banking, credit/debit cards.
5. General Healthcare: doctor’s appointments, medication compliance, medical emergencies.
6. Getting around: driving, public transportation, ride sharing.
We recommend that Home Health Care be a consideration as well.

Aging independently –and in your own home or in the community– is a wonderful way to continue your independence. Successful independence comes with thoughtful planning—planning that keeps you connected with the community that you love, and safe in your home. There is no doubt that your needs will change as you age. Planning ahead for changing needs is the best gift you can give yourself, and your family.

Home Health Care may promote independent living for family member or loved one. We can help! Get started and request a “Care Package,” a quick assessment with tips and resources for your family.
July 10, 2018