Coping With a Life-Changing Diagnosis

People over the age of 65 are more likely to be readmitted than younger patients, and readmission can be more serious for seniors.Readmission after an illness or injury is a serious health issue for seniors. However, it is important for seniors and their loved ones to remember that in many cases, readmission is avoidable and can be prevented with a thoughtful post-hospital care plan.Nearly one-fifth of all Medicare patients in the United States who are discharged from the hospital end up returning within 30 days.  There are many reasons seniors may need to be readmitted to the hospital, but healthcare agencies are focused on finding ways to reduce these numbers and educate patients about how to have a healthier recovery at home.For many seniors, this means having a quality caregiver that can help them overcome some of the main preventable causes for returning to the hospital. Consider the following:Medication is critical: Some seniors need assistance taking medication in the right amount on the correct schedule. When you consider that, on average, seniors with chronic conditions fill 50 different prescriptions annually, it is not difficult to imagine how someone could get confused when a new medication is added to their regimen. Caregivers can not only remind seniors to take medications as prescribed, but they can also help seniors keep a list of those medications and their dosages so the information is readily available for healthcare professionals. Managing medications is one of the best ways a caregiver can help seniors during their recovery.Follow up visits prevent readmission: A full two-thirds of patients readmitted to the hospital would have avoided that trip if they had seen their physicians within two weeks for follow up. The reasons for not following up vary but can include transportation difficulties and forgetting to make or keep appointments. Hospital staff can aid the senior by setting up appointments for the individual before discharge, but getting to the appointment can still be a challenge. In addition to a host of uplifting care services, caregivers can provide transportation to appointments and keep track of any post-care visits.Discharge plans only work when implemented properly: Having a discharge plan for the patient before he or she leaves the hospital can be crucial for recovery, but it can be difficult for seniors and their family members to focus on the plan during the stress of the illness and discharge. Caregivers can help the senior follow the instructions and will connect with family or other approved individuals when there are problems or change in condition during recovery. They can also help explain the information or ensure that the appropriate person is notified if the older individual has questions about his or her course of treatment. This takes the stress off the family and the patient so he or she can focus on recovery.Having a helping hand during recovery can ensure positive outcomes and a return to an active, engaged life. Family members, friends and neighbors are often willing to serve as a post-hospital recovery caregiver, but there is professional help available for those that dont have someone nearby to assist them. For long-term recovery, those who have the assistance of friends and family can benefit from a professional caregiver to provide respite care and support.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with daily living. And caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.ReferencesRelias. What you need to know about readmission among seniors. Web. 2016.American Hospital Association. Examining the drivers of readmissions and reducing unnecessary readmissions for better patient care 2011 AHA Policy Research. Web. 2011.Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Ten things you should know about care transitions. Web. 2013. 

Plastic Surgery Postoperative CareAre you having plastic surgery in Fort Myers or Cape Coral? If so, you should consider your plastic surgery postoperative care plans. You may need the help and support of a professional caregiver from Abby Services.Plastic surgery postoperative care plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal healing and recovery following surgical procedures. Whether its a facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction, or any other cosmetic surgery, the proper care after the operation significantly impacts the final results. Here are some essential aspects of plastic surgery postoperative care.First and foremost, following the surgeons instructions is paramount. They will provide specific guidelines tailored to the patients procedure and individual needs. These instructions may include details on wound care, medication management, and any restrictions on activities. Adhering to these instructions diligently is essential for promoting proper healing and minimizing complications. When working with a private caregiver it is important to share any plastic surgery postoperative care instructions.Proper wound care is vital in plastic surgery postoperative care. Keeping the incision sites clean and dry is crucial to prevent infections. Patients are often advised to clean the incisions with mild soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment as directed, and cover them with sterile dressings.Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon allow them to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns.Pain management is another critical aspect of postoperative care. Surgeons may prescribe pain medications to alleviate discomfort during the recovery period. Its important for patients to take medications as prescribed and communicate with their doctors about their pain levels.Additionally, applying cold compresses and keeping the surgical areas elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for healing after plastic surgery. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein supports tissue repair and recovery. Staying hydrated aids in flushing out toxins and promotes healthy circulation.Physical activity should be limited as advised by the surgeon. Its crucial to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the initial recovery phase to prevent complications and ensure the incisions heal properly.Finally, emotional support plays a significant role in the postoperative period. Undergoing plastic surgery can be an emotional experience, and patients may benefit from the support of loved ones or even professional counseling if needed.In conclusion, plastic surgery postoperative care is a comprehensive process that involves following the surgeons instructions, maintaining proper wound care, managing pain, practicing good nutrition and hydration, limiting physical activity, and seeking emotional support. By adhering to these guidelines, patients can optimize their recovery and achieve the best possible outcomes from their cosmetic surgery procedures.Do you need Plastic Surgery Postoperative care and assistance?If you are asking yourself if you need plastic surgery postoperative care and support, chances are you do. The best person to ask is your physician. Often the answer is a resounding yes. For many, plastic postoperative care is provided by a spouse, family, or friend. Arrangements for postoperative support should be made well in advance. How much postoperative support do you need?Once again, your physician is the one best suited to answer this question. Typically plastic surgery postoperative care is required for the first 24-48 hours. This is to provide support as needed, monitor for complications, and assist as necessary to avoid injury. What can your caregiver assist with?Your plastic surgery postoperative caregiver can assist with many things. The goal is to help you remain independent after your procedure and help to insure you are supported and safe while recovering from anesthesia, and the procedure itself.Your physician will most likely have standard post-operative instructions. These are important to share with your postoperative caregiver. They will share what to expect, complications to monitor for, activity limitations, when to contact the physician, and other important information.There are limitations to what your postoperative caregiver can assist with. These are often things that require a higher skill level such as an RN. Fortunately, by working together with your physicians office there is often an RN available as a resource.  Abby Services also has an in-house RN to help you plan and guide your postoperative care. Our nurse, Scott Strachan has the experience and training to help families develop a personalized care plan that addresses the unique needs of plastic surgery postoperative patients. With our support and input, you can develop a postoperative care plan that delivers stability, support, and quality of life.Together with postoperative instructions provided by your physician, we can work with you to develop clear expectations and guidelines for your private care provider By considering your specific situation combined with your physicians information, we can help to ensure the in-home caregiver you work with has the tools necessary to be sure you have a safe and speedy recovery.Your caregiver can assist with the following:BathingDressingTransfersFall PreventionLaundryGroomingHomecarelight housekeepingincontinenceTransportationErrandsDo you need short term or extended postoperative caregiver support?Short or long term, Abby Services can help. The caregivers we refer can assist you with all of your in-home caregiver needs short or long-term.Caregivers are available for as little as 4 hours one time, all the way through 24/7, to provide in-home support for as long as you need. Often we simply do not know how much postoperative support we need or for how long. Thats why its important to have the backing of Abby Services to help insure you have access to the best caregivers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.How to arrange for plastic surgery postoperative care.Should you need the support and assistance of a plastic surgery post-operative caregiver you simply need to call Abby Services at 239-590-0861. Our professionals can answer any questions you have and provide you with the resources to get the help you need. All arrangements can be made by email. You will need to complete a service agreement and provide payment. Abby Services accepts all major credit cards, or ACH payment using your checking account.The following are plastic surgeons in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area we are proud to have worked with:Prendiville Facial Plastic Surgery Garramone Plastic Surgery

What do we mean by, In-home care Contracts, Cancellation, and Cash can hurt you?, it seems a little over dramatic. The reality is many seniors and their families seeking in-home care may not fully understand (or may be deceived) by In-home care contracts, an in-home care cancellation policy, or a deposit for in-home care.What does Abby Services know about in-home care contracts, cancellation policies, and deposits?Abby Services has been helping seniors and families seeking in-home caregivers in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas since 1997. In that time we have seen and heard many stories of how unclear contracts, cancellation policies, and deposits have hurt consumers.Our business was started to help connect seniors with the in-home caregivers they need to remain safe and independent at home. What seems simple can become quite complex. We have worked with many family members entrusted to help manage a seniors limited resources. Using our experience and expertise we will try to break down the details below.In-Home Care Contracts: A Necessary EvilWhen seniors and their families are evaluating in-home care options the choices can be overwhelming. This is further clouded by deceptive practices advertising NO CONTRACT.It makes sense that families would desire a no-contract option for in-home care. Typically a no-contract option is presented to families as a way to deceive them into believing they have a limited commitment to an in-home care service.What many families are not aware of is that there is are in fact in-home care contracts in place . Sometimes a service will simply call the contract an agreement caregiver arrangement or any other verbiage other than contract. These arrangements are still contracts that outline important expectations, requirements, and obligations.Other services that advertise No Contract may not have an upfront contract however every time a caregiver visits their loved one, they are asked to sign a contract agreeing to pay. Again this is still a contract.Some Services that do have in-home care contracts, will have long confusing multi-page documents that are filled with legal jargon and confusing provisions and terminology.How Abby Services approaches In-Home Care Contracts.At Abby Services our belief is that an informed consumer is a happy consumer. In the state of Florida, we are required to review specific information with clients. This is included in our in-home care contracts (we sometimes refer to this as a service agreement). Our service agreement is a one page document that clearly and concisely outlines what charges to expect, your cancellation policy, as well as information we are required to provide to clients and their families. Yes there is an contract (as there should be). However, the in-home caregiver contract is clear and concise to avoid misunderstanding and misleading a consumer. We provide this contract freely to the consumer to review and understand.In-Home Care Cancellation PoliciesIn-Home care cancellation policies are important. They clearly define to clients, caregivers, and services like Abby Services what to expect. As discussed above, contracts that include clearly defined cancellation policies are important to avoid misunderstanding. What to watch out for when reviewing cancellation policies.When evaluating In-Home care cancellation policies it is important to ensure that they are clear but also that they are fair and flexible. Unfortunately, the circumstances requiring in-home care can change quickly. Not all cancellation policies recognize this fact. Just recently we spoke with a client who was upset. They signed a contract with a large national franchise that required a 2-week cancellation notice.If you are seeking in-home care in Fort Myers or Cape Coral this is not standard, it is not ok, nor is it acceptable. A 2-week cancellation policy in this clients case would have required a client to lose their 2-week deposit and limited their options and opportunities when seeking care. The client simply wanted to cancel because the large in-home care franchise took away a caregiver the client liked.Abby Services In-Home Caregiver Cancellation PolicyAbby Services has a clearly defined cancellation policy that is fair and flexible. This helps to protect both the clients and caregivers we work with. The section on our agreement reads as follows:Termination of Services: I agree that scheduled shifts may be canceled with at least 4 hours advance notice by calling 239-590-0861. Please leave a message with the details of your call. Failure to cancel within 4 hours, or refusal of scheduled service, may result in billing for 4 hours of service.What this means is that you can cancel at any time with just 4 hours advance notice. This is a courtesy to the caregiver who has made arrangements to provide their services. Cancellation can be made simply by calling our phone number and leaving a message (if after hours).If within the 4-hour time frame, we reserve the right to invoice for just 4 hours of service as a way for you to compensate your caregiver.  In-home care deposits.In-Home care deposits are what we are referring to when we say in-home care cash. Why? Honestly, it seemed like a clever title. The reality is that different in-home care services approach deposits differently. In the example above the service required a 2-week deposit. This combined with the limiting nature of their contract seemed extremely excessive and is why we chose to write this entry.Lets face it. It would be great if we could do everything on a handshake. Like many other businesses, we have had to manage client and family non-payment. A deposit is typically an attempt to balance the risk of non- payment.Abby Services approach to customer depositsAt Abby Services we have identified a great way to handle In-Home Care deposits, we dont take them.Thats right, at Abby Services, we do not require a customer deposit. We are able to accomplish this using a client payment processing platform called Ally. By using this system, clients can be invoiced by their caregivers quickly and efficiently. This minimizes delays in billing and payment and eliminates the need for a deposit.When choosing an in-home care service its important to call Abby Services.When choosing an in-home caregiver service for yourself or a loved one we always encourage families to call around. Dont take our word for it. You should carefully evaluate what others say. Pay close attention to the in-home care contracts you are presented.Hopefully armed with this information you can make an educated choice and understand that No-Contract doesnt exactly mean what customers are sometimes led to believe. You should also pay close attention to deposit and cancellation policies.If you have any questions you can always call Abby Services at 239-590-0861. We are here to help.