5 Key Benefits of Free Senior Care Listings on SeniorsBlueBook.com for Home Health Providers

Understanding the Difference Between Home Health and Private Duty CareOne of the most common questions we receive is, Whats the difference between Home Health and Private Duty care? While both services provide essential support for individuals in need of care at home, they differ significantly in purpose, structure, and funding. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about the best care options for your loved ones.What Is Home Health Care?Home Health Care is a medical service that focuses on helping individuals recover from illness, injury, surgery, or often following a hospital stay. This type of care is typically short-term and is designed to restore or improve a patients ability to function independently.Key Characteristics of Home Health Care1.        Payor Source: Home Health is usually covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. To qualify, a patient must meet specific requirements, including a qualifying event (e.g., hospital discharge or significant change in health status) and a physicians order to initiate services.2.        Goal-Oriented: The primary aim of Home Health is to improve the patients condition within a defined time frame. For example, physical therapy may be provided to help regain mobility after surgery, or a nurse may assist in managing medications during recovery.3.        Medical Focus: Home Health includes skilled medical services such as wound care, injections, monitoring vital signs, and therapy (physical, occupational, or speech).4.        Short-Term Duration: Services typically last a few weeks to a few months depending on the patients progress and medical needs.What Is Private Duty Care?In contrast, Private Duty Care provides non-medical support that is tailored to meet the individuals daily living needs. This care is designed to enhance quality of life and allow individuals to age in place or remain safely at home for as long as possible.Key Characteristics of Private Duty Care1.        Payor Source: Private Duty care is primarily funded out-of-pocket by individuals or families. In some cases, long-term care insurance may cover services, but this varies by policy.2.        Flexible and Personalized: Private Duty care offers tremendous flexibility, accommodating everything from a few hours a week to 24/7 care. Services are customized to the specific needs of the client and their family.3.        Non-Medical Support: Services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, and transportation to appointments.4.        Long-Term Option: Unlike Home Health, Private Duty care can be a long-term solution supporting individuals for months or years as their needs evolve.How They Work TogetherWhile Home Health and Private Duty care serve different purposes, they often complement each other. For instance, a patient may receive Home Health services after surgery to address medical needs but transition to Private Duty care for ongoing support with daily tasks once Home Health ends.Advantages of Danville Private DutyCareAt Danville Support Services, we are proud to offer high-quality Private Duty care tailored to your loved ones needs. Here are some of the unique benefits we provide:1.        Bridging the Gap After Home Health: When Home Health services conclude, families may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving. Our Private Duty caregivers can step in to fill this gap ensuring your loved one continues to receive the support they need.2.        Peace of Mind for Families: Private Duty care allows family caregivers to take a much-needed break. Whether youre planning a vacation, attending work, or managing personal commitments, you can rest assured that your loved one is in capable hands.3.        Long-Term Care Insurance: If your private duty care provider has a home health license, they may take long-term care insurance. With this payment option, the client is reimbursed for the cost of their care by their insurance provider.  4.        Reduced Hospital Readmissions: With consistent care and monitoring, our services help prevent complications that could lead to hospital readmissions.5.        Licensed and Insured: We adhere to the highest standards of care, ensuring all our caregivers are licensed, insured, and well-trained.6.        Continuous Training for Caregivers: Our caregivers undergo regular training to stay up to date with best practices ensuring the highest level of service.7.        Nursing Services Available: In addition to non-medical care, we offer nursing services for clients who require occasional medical oversight in Salt Lake City.8.        Serving Multiple Locations: We proudly serve Salt Lake City, Park City, and St. George, making it convenient for families across these regions to access our care.Why Choose Private Duty Care?Private Duty care provides a holistic approach to caregiving. It not only supports the physical well-being of individuals but also enhances their emotional and social health. Our caregivers provide companionship reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness which are common among older adults.In addition, Private Duty care is an excellent resource for families. The emotional and physical demands of caregiving can be overwhelming leading to burnout. By entrusting us with caregiving responsibilities, families can focus on building meaningful relationships with their loved ones without the stress of day-to-day tasks.Customizing Care for Your Loved OneAt Danville Support Services, we recognize that every individual has unique needs. Thats why we take the time to create personalized care plans for each client. Whether your loved one requires occasional assistance or round-the-clock care, well work with you to design a solution that fits your situation. You can reach us at 801-363-1521. Contact Us TodayIf youre navigating the complexities of Home Health versus Private Duty care, were here to help. Contact Danville Support Services to learn more about how we can support your family and provide the peace of mind you deserve or danvillesupportservices.com.  Check out our Sandy Location List at Danville Support Services, or call us at (801) 363-1521.    

Why You Should Schedule Your Mammogram We had the chance to sit down with Dr. Joyce Alexandar-Hines, our executive director for the North Carolina PACE center, LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines and asked about her experience with breast cancer. She shared why getting the mammogram on the calendar is so important and why she believes her story is meant to help other women. In July 2023, I had my annual mammogram, and they saw something in my left breast. They said they dont think its cancer, but can you come back in six months? Dr. Joyce says of how her story began. She returned in January for another mammogram and said they needed to do an ultrasound. The lady took a while, reaching for Dr. Joyces lymph nodes as she tried to figure out what was going on. The doctor came in shortly and said they had found a cyst, and they saw something black behind the cyst.  Showing the image to Dr. Joyce, she asked how big it was? They said it was very small, about 3 millimeters, saying she never would have felt it. The next step was a biopsy. Dr. Joyce called her surgeon, scheduling the biopsy for February 20. During that appointment, she recalls lying on the table and the doctor saying, I believe this is going to be a good outcome. I thought he would say I did not have cancer. The following Sunday before church an alert came over my phone letting me know there was a new test result in my records. Immediately it came up: You have ductal carcinoma in Situ. I looked at my husband, and I said, I have breast cancer. I felt numb.  Something told Dr. Joyce to look at her results again and she saw that the cancer had not moved. She considers herself very fortunate.  The surgeon said, It is really small, only 3 millimeters. We got this. We will remove it so you will be cancer free. Dr. Joyce scheduled her surgery for early March to remove the cancer. When she went back for her follow-up appointment, and they let her know she was cancer free. They did recommend sending her to radiation and oncology so she could understand her options.  I went over there and never ever thought I would walk in the cancer center as a patient, Dr. Joyce said.  They helped her learn about her cancer, saying that it was made up of nothing but hormones, offering her the option of radiation treatment or a pill to stop the hormones. Dr. Joyce proceeded with the pill and the radiation, leading to exhaustion (in part due to her being anemic). Radiation was only 5 days, 10-15 minutes each day. The week after radiation, I was so tired I could not keep my eyes open, Dr. Joyce said. She went on to say how scared she was at this time.  At one time I questioned my faith and asked God why this was happening to me. It is now clear to hear that God wants her to talk to people about breast cancer and mammograms. Her staff knew she was sick and out of the office, but they did not know what was going on. So, Dr. Joyce had a meeting and shared her story.  Thank God, because two of my staff members said it had been ten years since their last mammograms, and they went to get them scheduled. A similar situation happened at her church where Dr. Joyce talked about her experience and reminded women in her congregation to get mammograms.  Dr. Joyce remembers giving the ultrasound technician a hard time but went on to say that she saved her life. Dr. Joyce got her a card and gift and went to visit her so she could tell her that she saved her life.  My surgeon said she didnt know how the tech found it, that some of these technicians have different techniques, but somehow her technique found it. Dr. Joyce told her surgeon: No, God pointed her instrument to where it needed to be. He wanted me to be here to do more. Pictured above is Dr. Joyce ringing the bell at the cancer center after her last treatment. She mentioned she has gone back for oncology appointments to make sure she is healing and how she is doing with the pill, if any aftereffects from radiation.  God felt that I needed another chance and I got that. Mammograms are important. Please, everybody. If you feel ANY type of lump, even if you had a mammogram two days ago, go back to the doctor. There are so many advances in breast treatment people are living longer and being cured. Its important to put your health as number one, Dr. Joyce advises.  To find out more about the Mercy Life PACE program and the services that they provide, please call Mercy Life of Alabama at 251-287-8420.

Reducing Avoidable Hospitalizations Due to UTIs Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a significant driver of care complications and hospital admissions each year in the United States, especially for older adults. As the second most common type of infection, UTIs are very common in the U.S. In fact, about 10 in 25 women and 3 in 25 men will experience UTI symptoms during their lifetime. In older adults, UTIs are the third leading cause for hospitalization for infection and impact many home health care patients each year. Further complicating the picture for this patient population is the fact that symptoms of a urinary tract infection in older populations often present atypically, especially in those with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. To avoid costly hospital stays, its important to follow current evidence-based practices to identify and manage UTIs in elderly populations. Common UTI SymptomsCommon risk factors for UTI in older adults include previous history of UTI, multiple comorbidities, exposure to infectious pathogens (more common in long-term care facilities), reduced immunity (common with aging) and urinary catheter use. Of identified infections, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common cause. Monitoring for the following signs of UTI in older adults can support proactive diagnosis: Classic UTI SymptomsBecause UTIs affect different parts of the urinary system, symptoms might present differently:          Infection in the kidneys can come with back or side pain         Infection in the bladder can come with pelvic pressure, lower belly discomfort and frequent, painful urination         Infection in the urethra can come with burning during urination and possible discharge         In cases of severe infection, fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and abnormal urine odor can be late symptoms.         For some older adults, these classic symptoms might be harder to recognize because of a suppressed immune response. UTI Symptoms Specific to Older AdultsFor older adults, symptoms might also include: Mental status changes like confusion or unusual behavior         Incontinence         Agitation         Lethargy         Falling         Urinary retention         Decreased mobility         Decreased appetite How to Avoid UTIs in Elderly Populations Late signs of UTI are cause for alarm, with 25% of sepsis cases attributable to UTIs. Some tips for helping prevent UTIs in vulnerable populations include: 1. Understand common risks in older adults.A persons health history can reveal a lot about their likelihood of experiencing a UTI. For example, diabetes can impact the immune systems response to defense against germs. Bladder incontinencecommon in older populationscan also increase the risk of a UTI. 2. Encourage adequate fluid intake.Research supports increasing hydration (if not on a fluid restricted diet) as a strategy for reducing risk of UTI. Staying hydrated can also help improve immune response. 3. Avoid urinary tract irritants.Coffee, alcohol, highly acidic foods and carbonated soft drinks are common urinary tract irritants that should be avoided during a UTI. However, if someone is prone to UTIs, its best practice to avoid these irritants in general. 4. Encourage proper hygiene.In addition to taking daily showers, regularly changing underwear and washing clothes consistently, those who require incontinence briefs should change several times a day. 5. Avoid urinary catheters.Catheter-acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a significant source of infection and related healthcare costs each year in the United States. Initiatives to reduce the use of catheters have shown large reductions in the rate of infection. Reducing Avoidable HospitalizationIf a UTI does occur, partnering with a home health provider that prioritizes a strong evidence-based UTI protocol can help ensure patients avoid hospitalization. At Amedisys, our UTI protocol includes advanced molecular testing for rapid identification of urinary pathogens with more accurate results and targeted treatment recommendations. In addition to proactive management of UTI symptoms, our nurses provide education on proper hygiene, symptoms of UTI to watch for and measures to prevent UTIs. This includes support for coexisting conditions that increase the risk of UTI, with resources like our home health diabetes care program to help patients lead healthier lives.  To help prevent UTIs in your patients, we created a resource highlighting just what you need to know so that you can do your job more efficiently. Download and print out a copy of Reducing Avoidable Hospitalizations Due to UTIs.