For more information about the author, click to view their website: Mercy Life of Alabama
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 don’t think it’s 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. Joyce’s 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 didn’t 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. It’s 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.
Many families may be reluctant to hire home care partners because of widely held, but frequently untrue impressions of what home caregiving services are like based on things theyve heard. But the truth is, much of that talk is inaccurate. The truth is home caregiving services often improve quality of life for both seniors and their families. Lets separate fact from fiction with these four myths about home caregiving services, debunked.1. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Are Too ExpensiveOften, families are reluctant to use home caregiving services because they believe it would be too expensive. And they are often unaware that insurance covers many necessary home caregiving services. In reality, home caregiving services are far less expensive than nursing home care. Comparatively, it makes good financial sense to opt for home caregiving services. Plus, home caregiving services allow your beloved senior to stay in a familiar place surrounded by people who love them, and that has so many benefits in terms of comfort and ease for your loved one.2. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Are Inferior to Assisted Living or Nursing Home CareAnother common myth about home caregiving services is that they are inferior to assisted living or nursing home care. As a result, families often believe that their loved one will receive better or more consistent care in a nursing home. But this isnt the case. Indeed, home caregiving services allow you to be involved and aware of the services your loved one receives in a way that is different if your beloved senior resides in a facility. Furthermore, home caregiving staff are fully trained, certified and bonded and have extensive qualifications. And importantly, your senior loved one will receive undivided attention rather than being one of many patients in a facility. 3. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Place Seniors at RiskFamilies often worry that choosing home caregiving services will place their beloved seniors at risk. In reality, however, home caregiving services can often be safer than assisted living or nursing home options. Since you are in charge of the staff you select, you can fully screen them and choose a person that best fits your loved ones needs, personality and expectations. Your loved one isnt exposed to the same risks as they would be in communal living. The COVID-19 pandemic was a tragic example of just how unsafe assisted living and nursing home facilities can be. Indeed, when seniors live in large groups and often without adequate numbers of staff, it can be foster an environment where communal diseases spread. Thats something your senior loved one is far less likely to experience when living in their own home.4. Myth: I Should Do All Caregiving MyselfCare partners too often place a heavy burden on themselves by attempting to do 100% of the care their senior loved one needs. This leads to burnout and can strain family relationships at a time when both you and your senior loved one would prefer to enjoy quality time together. And often, this is a result of believing the myth that your senior loved one wont be comfortable or safe with anyone else. However, this isnt the case. In fact, home caregiving services give both you and your senior loved one a much-needed break. And because you choose your care partner, you can ensure that both you and your beloved senior are comfortable with the person providing their care. At Celtic Angels, Inc., we take your beloved seniors safety and comfort seriously. Thats why we fully vet and train each of our care partners, and we always tailor care to your unique situation. If you are interested in exploring home caregiving services for your senior loved one, we encourage you to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation meeting with our care partners in your home. Please visit us at www.celticangelsinc.com
Making decisions about your future or that of a senior loved one is often daunting. All the what ifs keep you up at night, and its hard to know whats best. Most people would prefer to age in place, but how do you know whether thats right for you or your senior loved one? Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about home health, answered. 1. Is In-Home Health Care Safe?Naturally, one of the first questions many people have is whether in-home health care is safe. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Care partners from reputable agencies, like Celtic Angels, are fully trained, certified, and thoroughly screened. 2. Will I/My Senior Loved One Receive Quality Care?Absolutely! Home health care partners are skilled in their jobs, so you can trust that you/your senior loved one will receive quality care. Plus, one of the best things about in-home health care is family members are able to monitor the type of care their senior loved one receives much more closely than they would if their loved one was in assisted living or a nursing home.3. Would My Senior Loved One Be Better Off in a Nursing Home?Most seniors prefer to age in place rather than in a nursing home, and families should feel confident knowing thats an excellent choice. In fact, a recent study found that in-home health care offers a variety of benefits to seniors and their families and that many seniors in nursing homes dont have a medical need to be there. Plus, in-home health care keeps your senior loved one from being exposed to the risks of communal living, which were sadly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.4. Is Home Health Expensive?In-home health can be more affordable than you may realize. Indeed, the same study mentioned above found that on average, in-home health care cost approximately $25,000 less per year than nursing home care. 5. What Services Are Available Through Home Health?A multitude of services are available through in-home health care. For example, at Celtic Angels, we offer everything from homemaking services to skilled nursing. You can read more about the many services we provide at www.celticangelsinc.com 6. Can I Choose My Care Partner?Of course! Its imperative that you and your senior loved one feel comfortable with your care partner. Thats why Celtic Angels always schedules a no-cost, no-obligation initial meeting in your home, during which you have the opportunity to discuss a custom-tailored care program for you or your loved one. 7. How Do I Know Which Home Health Agency to Choose?Choosing the right in-home health care agency is an important decision. We recommend checking to see whether the agency is fully bonded, licensed, and insured. You should also ask about what certifications and training their CNAs and HHAs have and how they conduct background checks for care partners. Its always a good idea to ask for references, as well. Would you like to learn more about home health or set up a meeting to see if Celtic Angels is the right fit for you/your senior loved one? Contact us today to begin!
Moving can be one of lifes most challenging experiences, especially for seniors. As we transition into new chapters, its essential to create environments that are not only functional but also warm and inviting. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that a successful move goes beyond packing and unpacking; it's about thoughtfully curating a new space that fosters comfort, connection, and joy. In this blog, well explore how to facilitate a smooth transition for seniors while preserving cherished memories and relationships.The Emotional Landscape of Moving for SeniorsMoving can evoke a whirlwind of emotions, including nostalgia, anxiety, and even excitement. For seniors, it often involves leaving behind a home filled with memories. Recognizing this emotional landscape is critical to ensuring a positive experience. Here are some strategies to create a supportive atmosphere during this transition.Acknowledge the Importance of MemoriesWhen helping seniors move, it's vital to acknowledge their emotional ties to their belongings. Encourage them to take time to reflect on the items that hold sentimental value. This process can serve as a beautiful trip down memory lane and allows them to decide what they wish to keep or let go.Create a Memory Book: Before packing, set aside time to create a memory book. Encourage seniors to write down their favorite stories associated with significant items. This can not only help in the decluttering process but will also preserve those memories for future generations.Invite Family Participation: Engage family members in the process. When loved ones join in, it not only provides emotional support but can also help in making decisions about what stays and what goes. Sharing stories about the past can strengthen family bonds and create a sense of togetherness.Celebrate Transition with Meaning: Instead of framing the move as a loss, frame it as a new beginning. Host a small farewell gathering where friends and family can share their favorite memories about the home and celebrate the individual's new journey.Creating a Warm and Inviting New SpaceOnce the decision to move has been made, its time to think about how to infuse warmth and familiarity into the new environment. Creating a comfortable and inviting space is crucial for helping seniors feel settled and at ease.Thoughtful Organizing and DesignPersonalize the New Space: As professional organizers, we emphasize the importance of making a new space feel personal. Encourage seniors to bring their most cherished itemsphotos, artwork, or heirloomsto decorate their new environment. This will provide a sense of continuity and comfort.Focus on Functionality: Think about the daily routines of seniors and how their new space can best accommodate them. Arrange furniture for ease of movement, and keep frequently used items easily accessible. Consider integrating features like illuminated pathways to avoid falls and make the space more user-friendly.Incorporate Familiar Colors and Textures: Use familiar colors or textures that evoke pleasant memories. A favorite blanket or a well-loved chair can spark comfort and familiarity, making the new space feel like home.Create Cozy Gathering Spots: Ensure there are comfortable areas to gather with family and friends. Whether its a well-placed recliner, a cozy reading nook, or a dining table for family dinners, having inviting spaces encourages connection and warmth.A Thoughtful Transition Made SimpleAt A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that every move, no matter how difficult, can lead to a beautiful new chapter. By acknowledging the emotional ties seniors have to their belongings and creating thoughtful, inviting spaces, we are committed to supporting seniors and preserving family bonds through every transition.As we head into 2025, remember that moving doesnt have to be a daunting task; it can be an opportunity for connection, love, and growth. Together, lets ensure that every senior move is filled with warmth and joy as they embark on their new journey. For more support, tips, and guidance, reach out to us. Were here to help make every transition seamless and heartfelt.
Mercy LIFE of Alabama gives seniors the support they need to live in their own home or with family. We help keep LIFE simple and safe. Getting older and staying independent is not always easy. You may have trouble with daily activities like getting to primary care provider's appointments, bathing, and getting dressed. Mercy LIFE of Alabama can help you do all of these things while living safely at home, and your team of healthcare providers at LIFE will help you live as healthy as possible.Eligibility Requirements:You may qualify for LIFE services if you: Are age 55 or older Live in one of the service area zip codes Have been assessed by the state as needing nursing home care Are able to live safely at home with services provided by Mercy LIFE of AlabamaTo learn more about Mercy LIFE of Alabama, please contact us. Mercy LIFE of Alabama services are typically free to seniors who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only. For participants who do not qualify for Medicaid, there is a flat monthly fee.Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
Mercy LIFE of Alabama gives seniors the support they need to live in their own home or with family. We help keep LIFE simple and safe. Getting older and staying independent is not always easy. You may have trouble with daily activities like getting to primary care provider's appointments, bathing, and getting dressed. Mercy LIFE of Alabama can help you do all of these things while living safely at home, and your team of healthcare providers at LIFE will help you live as healthy as possible.Eligibility Requirements:You may qualify for LIFE services if you: Are age 55 or older Live in one of the service area zip codes Have been assessed by the state as needing nursing home care Are able to live safely at home with services provided by Mercy LIFE of AlabamaTo learn more about Mercy LIFE of Alabama, please contact us. Mercy LIFE of Alabama services are typically free to seniors who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only. For participants who do not qualify for Medicaid, there is a flat monthly fee.Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
Mercy LIFE of Alabama gives seniors the support they need to live in their own home or with family. We help keep LIFE simple and safe. Getting older and staying independent is not always easy. You may have trouble with daily activities like getting to primary care provider's appointments, bathing, and getting dressed. Mercy LIFE of Alabama can help you do all of these things while living safely at home, and your team of healthcare providers at LIFE will help you live as healthy as possible.Eligibility Requirements:You may qualify for LIFE services if you: Are age 55 or older Live in one of the service area zip codes Have been assessed by the state as needing nursing home care Are able to live safely at home with services provided by Mercy LIFE of AlabamaTo learn more about Mercy LIFE of Alabama, please contact us. Mercy LIFE of Alabama services are typically free to seniors who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only. For participants who do not qualify for Medicaid, there is a flat monthly fee.Click here for Frequently Asked Questions