For more information about the author, click to view their website: BrightStar Care
BrightStar Care Infusion Nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) who specialize in giving medicine and fluids to patients through injection or infusion at home. They require additional training and knowledge of the techniques to perform and monitor an infusion, including the equipment and the often highly specialized medications they infuse. They monitor patients for their reaction to the medication being administered, manage their tubing and pumps, maintain arterial catheters, and stay aware of potential drug complications. Infusion Nurses work in many locations, including hospitals, long-term care centers, clinics, and home health agencies.
The aging of America, the advance of new medical technologies, and the focus on reducing costs are fueling the demand for home infusion nurses. Home infusion is now one of the most sought-after treatments at home, and home infusion therapy is expected to receive more focus as in-home health care expands. With more Americans living longer and living with chronic illnesses, their treatment therapies can be done more efficiently at home. Home health care now includes IV care for newer medications injected or infused by a specially trained professional in the privacy of a patient's home.
Examples of conditions for which medication is injected or infused include certain autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, Chron's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions like heart disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Our Infusion Registered Nurse will be responsible for providing home health clinical services in the patient's own home. The Infusion Registered Nurse is accountable for the quality and adequacy of services provided and may supervise staff. They are responsible for ensuring that care is delivered appropriately and the quality standards are adhered to. They are enthusiastic team members and are always described as "caring, compassionate, and cheerful."
BrightStar Care of Boulder - Broomfield provides 24/7 RN Care and hourly Private Duty Home Health Care and Medical Staffing.
We offer support around the clock to patients, providing a full continuum of medical and non-medical services, including special needs care and medication management like IVs and injections. We proudly serve the greater Boulder, Westminster, Longmont, Denver, Thornton, and Brighton areas.
For more information on how BrightStar Care supports Boulder - Broomfield families and businesses and learn about our local team of caregivers, nurses, and skilled healthcare professionals – please Click Here.
Pickleball, the highly addictive sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is friendlier on the body than most other sports. However, like any other sport, there is a risk of injury that comes along with playing the game.Its estimated that pickleball-related injuries cost Americans nearly $400 million in healthcare last year.To avoid injuries on the pickleball court, follow these tips from Dr. Justin McCoy, a sports medicine specialist with Intermountain Health in Grand Junction, Colorado.Stretch and warm up your bodyPrior to pickleball play, spend 10 minutes getting your body ready. Spend five minutes warming up (try a brisk walk) and then five minutes stretching.Be aware of your playing areaNot all pickleball courts are created equal. Be aware of obstacles and avoid back pedaling during play.Never play on a wet courtWet pickleball courts are slick and can lead to dangerous falls. To test a court surface, press your toe down firmly and make a twisting motion. If you see water rise or move, the court is unsafe for play.Wear proper court shoesInvest in footwear that is designed for court sports and will support your feet. Sneakers and running shoes do not provide the right kind of support for the side-to-side motions in pickleball.Know your limitsDont try to make plays that are beyond your abilities. Age, experience, physical condition, and athletic ability will impact the level of your game.Stay hydratedA balance of food, water, and electrolytes and appropriate snacks are needed to prevent dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and fainting.Learn from a proYes, there are professional pickleball coaches. A pickleball coach can help you maintain good form, fundamentals, and habits, which will help you avoid injuries on the pickleball court. Dr. McCoy says the most important piece of advice he can give picklers is to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Take time away from the court if you need to rest or recover. By not listening to your body, you could get an injury that will keep sidelined you for an even longer period.
Primary care is an important part of living your healthiest life possible, which is why we work hard at Intermountain Health to explain the benefits to everyone.Its also important to make sure that people in minority communities have the same access to health care as everyone else.Thats why Intermountain Health has providers who are LGBTQ+ clinically competent.This means certain providers are specifically trained on how to provide the best care to people who identify as LGBTQ+.For context, a 2024 poll by Gallup found that 7.6% of all U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, with one in five of those being from Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012).One of the many reasons why its important to make sure that people in the LGBTQ+ community have access to primary care is because it can be the starting point for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.Dr. Kara Chaudhary, the Interim Medical Director of LGBTQ+ Health at Intermountain Health said, For me, its important to provide good care to LGBTQ+ patients in the community because its a community that Im a part of myself and its one that is disproportionately impacted by a lot of health care needs. LGBTQ+ patients face higher rates of chronic illnesses and are known to die earlier as a result of these conditions.This is why the LGBTQ+ Health team at Intermountain Health is continually working to change this by removing potential roadblocks to care for this community.A lot of patients within the LGBTQ+ community face unique barriers to care and have faced discrimination from previous providers, which can turn them away from receiving health care [] when a patient comes here, they know theyre going to have someone who understands their health needs, said Dr. Chaudhary.Its one thats very important to me personally to help people, because this is a preventable thing that we can be helping people live longer and healthier lives and its something thats so easy to do well if we just do our best at it.Intermountain has an LGBTQ+ health specific clinic at the Salt Lake Clinic, which mainly focuses on providing primary care.This includes vaccinations, routine screenings and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and yearly preventative health exams.Having an LGBTQ+ competent provider will ensure youre screened and treated appropriately to keep you as healthy as possible.Dr. Chaudhary said, The MPOX vaccine was something that was more prevalent in the past but also, its a possibility that we get another wave this summer so its still something that were encouraging for patients.Something the LGBTQ+ Health team has been working on is expanding access to PrEP and PEP for HIV.The way that were planning on doing this is by launching a website that patients can go to where they can fill out a form, speak with a pharmacist, and get the PrEP mailed to them in their own home without having to deal with an office visit, or co-pays, or a lot of the barriers that prevent patients from being able to get that care, said Dr. Chaudhary.The Interim Medical Director also said that anyone who is sexually active and is having partners who dont know their HIV status, or could potentially be positive, would potentially benefit from being on PrEP or having access to PEP.Some Intermountain Health providers who are LGBTQ+ clinically competent also offer video visits which can provide access to primary care for people who live in more remote areas.Primary care providers can also be the first step towards accessing mental health care that fits the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people.Dr. Chaudhary said, In the primary care setting we offer treatment for depression, anxiety, lots of common mental health conditions. For more advanced conditions, we have a number of psychologists and psychiatrists we can refer you to.
Stay Safe and Celebrate: 6 Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors This Holiday SeasonThe holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and togetherness. But for many seniors, they can also bring unexpected hazards. From slick winter sidewalks to crowded, decoration-filled spaces, its important to prioritize safety so you can enjoy the season to the fullest. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your home safe and festive.At Seniors Helping Seniors, were here to help make your holiday season both merry and secure. Whether you need a hand with decorating, organizing, or just navigating the winter months, weve got you covered. Here are our top fall prevention tips to keep your holidays safe and bright.Why Holidays Bring Extra Risks for SeniorsWinter weather already introduces challenges like slippery sidewalks and damp entryways. Add holiday decorations, gatherings, and extra clutter, and even a familiar home can become tricky to navigate. But the good news? Small adjustments and a bit of planning can make a world of difference.Our caregivers at Seniors Helping Seniors specialize in spotting risks and creating safer environments. With their support and a few proactive steps, you can enjoy the season without worry.6 Fall Prevention Tips for a Safe and Joyful Holiday1. Declutter and OrganizeHoliday decorations and seasonal items can easily pile up, creating tripping hazards. Take a moment to clear hallways and high-traffic areas. Need help tidying or rearranging? A caregiver can assist with storing decorations safely and keeping your home accessible.2. Choose Simple, Safe DecorationsOversized holiday decorations might be beautiful, but they can block walkways and create obstacles. Stick to smaller, manageable decor that stays out of paths. A caregiver can help you set up decorations in a way thats festive yet safe.3. Opt for Steady LightingTwinkling lights may look magical, but they can make it harder to spot potential hazards. Consider steady, bright lighting to illuminate your space without causing distractions. A Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can help place lights where theyre most needed.4. Tame Those Extension CordsExtension cords are a holiday staple, but loose cords can be dangerous. Keep them along walls or secure them with tape or cord clips to prevent trips. Let your caregiver handle the setup so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.5. Skip the LaddersHanging decorations or adjusting lights often means pulling out a stepstool or ladderbut these can pose serious risks. Instead, ask a family member or caregiver for help. Its a great opportunity to catch up while staying safe.6. Create a Toy ZoneWhen grandchildren visit, toys can quickly scatter everywhere. Designate a specific play area to keep toys contained and reduce tripping hazards. Caregivers can help tidy up so everyone can focus on celebrating together.Celebrate Safely and ConfidentlyThe holidays are a time to connect with loved ones and create cherished memories. By clearing clutter, simplifying your decorations, and asking for help when needed, you can ensure your home is a safe space to celebrate.At Seniors Helping Seniors, were here to lend a handwhether its decorating, organizing, or just providing companionship. Together, lets make this holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons.Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday season!