Care Advantage, Inc.

Category: Brand Specific

  • COVID-19 Advice for Caring for Sick Elders

    Caring for a loved one during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic can be challenging if you don’t have the proper guidance you need to provide care efficiently and safely. As the CDC has provided expert recommendations for seniors who are already sick, elder care providers at Coastal Home Care are prepared to help your loved one if they require additional care and companionship.

    At Coastal Home Care, our companion care providers are taking the necessary safety precautions and adhering to the CDC, state, and local health guidelines. We understand that we are being faced with difficult times, but our team remains current on the pandemic and is trained to provide the companionship your elder needs at this time.

    Here’s what we recommend if you are caring for a sick elder or are considering additional companionship support:

    Watch for Signs & Symptoms

    The CDC has stated that people with “underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.” If your elder is experiencing the signs below, seek medical assistance immediately:

    • Difficulties breathing
    • Chest pain and/or pressure
    • Confusion
    • Insomnia
    • Bluish lips or face

    Be attentive to your elder and have their primary care doctor’s contact information ready in case of an emergency. Coastal Home Care providers are trained in cases of emergencies so you can trust us to ensure your elder will receive medical attention immediately, especially in emergencies.

    Take Care of His/Her Basic Needs First

    Keeping your senior hydrated with a lot of fluids and having them rest regularly will help their systems function properly. As they consistently receive those essential needs, their body will be strong enough to fight off whatever sickness they may have.

    Be sure to contact their primary physician for instructions for proper care. If they recommend over-the-counter medications, then help your elder take those in a timely manner and refill prescriptions as needed. Our companion care providers not only offer assistance with this, but they provide a real connection with your elder so they are able to find more contentment in their daily lives.

    Assist them with grocery shopping. During the pandemic, grocery shopping has been made more accessible and easy with online shopping apps that are available for people who feel more comfortable staying home. For example, Instacart allows you to choose a grocery store, shop, pay online, and have your groceries picked up or delivered to you.

    Provide pet care as needed. As a companion, taking care of an elder’s pet is often an additional task we are given. Just as much as our companions care for your elder, we care for their beloved pets too. If you are providing elder care, maintain distance between your elder and their pet while they’re sick to ensure your elder is receiving a sufficient amount of rest.

    Keep Yourself Protected

    Considering the on-going pandemic, limiting contact with yourself and your elder is crucial. You might need to eat in separate rooms and avoid sharing common objects or implement increased cleaning and disinfection routines. Making sure you are wearing personal protective equipment is also a requirement our companion care providers adhere to while providing the companionship your elder needs.

    If you are caring for an elder at this time, ensure you are also following standard social distancing, cleaning, and disinfection procedures as necessary.

    Choose Compassionate Companion Care Providers in Sussex County, DE

    At Coastal Home Care, we have the experience and training to provide personalized companion care support for your senior’s needs. We understand that each individual has their own personal needs and will create a customized Plan of Care that’s specific to each individual. Companion care options will vary depending on what the individual’s specific quality of life needs are.

    Let’s discuss your elder’s needs today! Call our companion care team at (866) 687-7307 to schedule a consultation.

  • Connecting Clients With A Home Care Agency

    Connecting Clients With A Home Care Agency

    Most clients don’t want to call a home care agency for assistance. After all, we don’t want to need help as we age. And most of us don’t want to pay for it. More often than not, a match between a client and a home care agency starts with a referral from a professional source (like your doctor), a family member (usually a son or daughter), or a close friend or neighbor. People who are close to the client usually take the first step in researching care options.

    So when do you know if someone close to you would benefit–and even enjoy–having home care?  You educate yourself on key indicators of help. Our Level of Need Calculator looks at some key factors that contribute to someone needing assistance. Being aware of recurring scenarios is also important. Some scenarios that indicate it’s time to acknowledge the need for help are:

    • Frequent falls
    • Frequent doctor appoints
    • Increase in urinary tract infections
    • Forgetfulness
    • Trips to the emergency room
    • Increase in medications

    When these indicators are not acknowledged, health outcomes are usually poor. Ignoring them increases the likelihood of a lifestyle change being forced rather than chosen (i.e., a broken hip from a fall means moving to a a rehab hospital).  If you or your loved one wants to stay home and age in place, it is critical to be alert to these scenarios. Keep in mind that home care doesn’t have to be permanent, invasive, or even from a professional company.

    What do I do if I need help or someone I know needs help?

    1. Call, or email. Even if we’re not the right fit, we’re happy to answer questions and get you connected with the right resources. We can go as fast or slow as you or your loved one needs to go.
    2. Plan. Call an elder law attorney. We have three that we highly recommend. Take a peek here. They can help you protect what you have and plan for the quality of life you want to have. The sooner the better. We recommend this step for any client. For some clients, an elder law attorney will meet with you and you won’t need any services. For others, an elder law attorney can be the difference between staying at home as long as you want to or being forced to leave your primary home and move to a facility.
    3. Take a look at our Resource Center for more information like Payment Options, Veterans Benefits, and Who we Are at Silver Lining.

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  • How COVID-19 is Affecting Your Aging Loved Ones

    How COVID-19 is Affecting Your Aging Loved Ones

    The pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives. Those affected most by these changes, along with the risks in contracting the coronavirus, are the elderly. Limitations have made it difficult for them to perform their normal activities and access the resources they need to live healthily and comfortably.

    At Coastal Home Care, we have taken strides to improve our services in response to the pandemic so that we are able to continue providing the highest quality caregiving services possible. Our nurses are trained to provide personalized post-operative care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and hospice support. Along with our service, we also ensure our caregivers are prepared to follow local and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19.

    Here is what we’ve learned about the potential effects of the pandemic on your elderly loved ones:

    Lack of Physical Activity

    Among the biggest effects the pandemic has is the overall reduction and limitation of physical activity. Most of us, including our elders, end up becoming more sedentary while in quarantine, which can lead to some very detrimental health effects.

    Some of these include:

    • Reduced strength and muscle mass
    • Joint flexibility
    • Bone strength
    • Higher blood pressure
    • Higher risk of stroke and harmful diseases

    While it can be difficult to stay active during these times, it’s best to support your loved ones by ensuring they do what they can. Take them out for a walk through the neighborhood, or help them perform indoor exercises at home with whatever equipment you have, along with some instructional videos you can find online.

    Increased Isolation

    Another effect that can deeply impact your elderly loved ones is the absence of family and friends due to social distancing. For many, this can lead to feelings of isolation, further leading to depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

    According to the CDC, such conditions can result in raising a number of health risks for elders, including an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke.

    To diminish these risks, we recommend making as much contact as possible with your loved ones, whether it be by phone call, or through online video calls such as with programs like Skype or Zoom. Also, depending on your family’s social distancing practices, try meeting outside or for short increments of time.

    Additionally, you can also hire a caregiver from Coastal Home Care, who is trained and equipped to maintain current health and safety standards while assisting with and caring for the needs of elderly patients.

    Insufficient Medical Care

    The availability of healthcare providers has also been affected by the pandemic, with many hospitals and practices maintaining strict holds on non-emergency visits and appointments.

    This is done in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19, as many potential carriers could be mixed in with other patients seeking care for other conditions.

    Although it is good that your loved one avoids any chance of getting sick, they may need medical care at some point during quarantine, and it could put them at risk if they don’t receive it when they need it.

    We recommend having family regularly check on their condition, while also utilizing telemedicine services as a temporary alternative to a direct doctor’s visit.

    Ultimately, if an emergency arises, you can and should seek medical emergency services. Hospitals and practices all take the proper precautions to prevent exposure.

    Coastal Home Care: Qualified Post Operative Care in Wicomico County, MD

    The ongoing pandemic has deeply impacted everyone, and while many of us are able to manage the effects, it’s important to take care of those who are more vulnerable, especially our beloved elders. One way to do this is by hiring a caregiver from Coastal Home Care.

    Our registered nurses are trained in providing high-quality post-operative care, medication management, and many more personalized caregiving services. We provide regular companionship, as well as thorough health monitoring and welfare management.

    Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to schedule an appointment with a professional caregiver.

  • Aging in Place: Living on Your Terms

    Aging in Place: Living on Your Terms

    In the prime of our lives, we can take everyday capabilities for granted: our freedom and hobbies, our ability for self-care, our independence, and our pride of place. But aging does not guarantee the same capacities. Without proper planning, what was once simple and natural might become demanding or unreachable. Research indicates that one’s golden years come with a variety of draining challenges: isolation, financial troubles, and loss of mobility are common concerns.

    However, this foreknowledge has a silver lining: you can plan ahead, create a strategy for aging in place, and retain your quality of life. At Coastal Home Care, we will support your independence. We are trusted with compassionate companion care throughout Wicomico County, MD and much of the DelMarVa peninsula, and have built a reputation for excellence over the past decade.

    Here, we address some questions about aging in place and consider what it could look like for you or your loved one:

    What is Aging in Place?

    “Aging in place” applies to someone that lives in a residence of their choice for as long as they are capable. It includes folks who do so with or without outside support services. Either scenario would be ideal for many people, since most of us want to remain in the place we consider home rather than a nursing facility.

    As mentioned above, aging comes with a variety of challenges, and requires careful planning and a fair bit of imagination. You’ll need to consider how you or your loved one might be limited in the future: will stairs become unmanageable? Can retirement savings last for years (or decades)? Will others be around to check in and visit? These are valid questions for anyone planning to age in place.

    Additional Care and Support

    As you age in place, you are personally deciding on the following:

    • How to spend your retirement
    • How to customize your home layout and design
    • Health care options
    • Types of assistance/support
    • Course of actions during major life events (illness, living transitions, finances, etc)

    While making the following choices above on your own can be challenging, you’ll be able to have more freedom and control over how you live your life as you age. However, it’s important to note that aging in place doesn’t mean you need to take it all on alone.

    At Coastal Home Care, our companion care team can help make living transitions and other life events and decisions much easier. Whatever your wants and needs are, our team is trained to patiently listen to your concerns to ensure we carry out the support you require to live your desired quality of life.

    Companion Care Services That You Can Trust in Wicomico County, MD

    Coastal Home Care is proud to continue offering our personalized companion care service to those in need throughout the Wicomico County, MD area. We understand that times are challenging, but we will work with you each step of the way to ensure your loved one receives the highest level of care possible. With a custom Plan of Care, your loved one can feel comfortable knowing that we treat them like our own and will make sure they are properly cared for no matter what their needs are.

    Call us at (866) 687-7307 or fill out a form to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today!

  • What Is Home Care?

    What Is Home Care?

    Home Care can be confusing.

    What is it? Why would I need it? Why would I want it? Who pays for it? What is the difference between this and going to a facility?

    Here’s the deal. The healthcare system is complex. Every individual is different, which makes generalizations something we just don’t like. Here are some answers to common questions.

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    WHAT IS IT?

    Home care is a broad term that means any medical or non-medical care provided in a primary place of residence. That means you may see home care in a single-family home, at an in-law suite, in an assisted living or at a skilled nursing facility. Home care is generally divided into two main areas: home health and home care. Home health includes medical care like medication management and organization, PEG tube care, trach care, wound care, etc. Home care includes both Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) like dressing, bathing, check-ins, reminders, errands, transportation, cleaning, and cooking. For a peek into the difference between ADL’s (bathing/dressing etc) and IADL’s (cooking/cleaning), take a look at this post.

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    WHY DO OUR CLIENTS NEED IT?

    Two main overarching reasons: acute care (short-term) and chronic care (long-term). The biggest reasons for short-term home care include a hospitalization, wound care, or surgery. The biggest reason for long-term home care include a change to the primary caregiver (i.e. the passing of a spouse), chronic disease management (like diabetes or dementia) or a decline in ability to do things (like cook, clean or drive).

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    WHY WOULD OUR CLIENTS WANT IT?

    Home care exists to make our clients’ life easier and provide him with a better quality of life, keeping him independent at home as long as possible. That doesn’t mean it’s any easier to get older, or for him to feel like he needs help. Home care does allow our client to stay home longer. It lets him continue to do things he wants to do (like go shopping, eat the meals you want to eat) and have control over his environment. It may keep him safer longer. We know we’re caring for our clients in the most private of spaces: their primary residence.

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  • Senior Companion Care During COVID-19

    Senior Companion Care During COVID-19

    In order to avoid putting your elderly loved ones at risk, many family members have forgone or severely limited their visits and activities with them. Physical distancing has left older adults vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, so it’s important for them to maintain a sense of connection throughout these difficult times. Research has shown that loneliness is linked to a higher risk for various physical and mental conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, a weakened immune system, and cognitive decline. One option to limit the effects of isolation on your loved one is with the companionship of a caregiver.

    At Coastal Home Care, we provide senior companion care to clients in Wicomico County, MD with an emphasis on respect and protecting privacy and dignity. As home-based care for seniors is considered an essential service during this time, we are continuing to operate while taking all necessary precautions to protect the health of our staff and clients. See the proactive measures Coastal Home Care has taken to stay safe in accordance with CDC guidelines.

    Below, we discuss the various ways senior caregivers can help your loved one during the COVID-19 climate.

    Wellness Checks

    In addition to completing daily health screenings themselves, our caregivers regularly monitor the health of our elders according to their completed COVID-19 training program. Comprehensive health screenings of clients are performed at every clinical touchpoint.

    Caregivers can also engage in mental check-ins with elders to identify any signs of anxiety or other issues. Fear surrounding the virus combined with social isolation from friends and family can impact a person in different ways, and it’s usually evident in their speech or behavior.

    Enhanced Cleaning

    Maintaining cleanliness and safety in the home has always been a priority for caregivers, who are now following additional protocols including:

    • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces, such as countertops, faucets, cabinets, doorknobs, and light switches.
    • Frequent hand washing before, during, and after visits to the home.
    • Continued and updated training on infection protocol and prevention.

    Continued Activity and Connection

    With visitors restricted or limited in the home, a senior caregiver can ensure that your loved one receives the companionship and assistance they need. Some of the ways caregivers help include:

    • Encouraging the client to avoid boredom with physical and mental activity such as reading, stretching, painting, working on a puzzle, etc.
    • Making sure the client continues with daily activities such as personal hygiene and grooming, grocery shopping, cleaning, as well as cooking and preparing highly-nutritional meals.
    • Assisting older adults with communicating with loved ones virtually via Facetime, Zoom, or with other video applications.
    • Empowering the client by involving them in decision-making over ordering meals, groceries, or prescription medicine online for delivery.

    Coastal Home Care: Professional Senior Companion Care in Wicomico County

    It can be difficult to balance the desire to help your elderly loved one with the recommendation to limit physical contact during this time. At Coastal Home Care, we are continuing to offer senior companion care in Wicomico County, MD, and taking all preventative measures and precautions to protect our elders while providing quality care.

    We begin the process with an assessment by one of our Registered Nurses, who will then create a personalized “Plan of Care” for your loved one, which our Certified Nursing Assistants follow under careful supervision. Our elderly care options are individualized to match your loved one’s needs and preferences, and we offer services to help with a range of daily activities.

    Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to learn more about our compassionate care services, or fill out a form to schedule a consultation today.

  • Best Practices for Post-Operative Home Care

    Best Practices for Post-Operative Home Care

    The rise and spread of COVID-19 over the past several months has affected many aspects of our lives, including how we approach caregiving for the elderly and others whose health is vulnerable. Immunocompromised persons, including those who recently underwent surgery, are at an increased risk and must be protected to limit the spread of COVID-19. In addition to fulfilling basic needs such as administering medication, extra precautions must be taken to minimize the risk of COVID-19 after surgery.

    In order to meet these demands, it may be beneficial to seek professional post-operative care. At Coastal Home Care, our staff of highly-trained and certified nursing assistants provide flexible post-surgical care to fit the needs of your loved one, from companionship and help with everyday tasks to more intensive care such as repositioning and help with physical activity. After nearly 10 years of caring for residents in Worcester County, MD, we have proven to be a leader in home care services.

    Below, we’ve provided best practices for family members or other caregivers to keep patients safe during the recovery process.

    Help with Basic Needs

    Post-operative care begins with providing support and helping with essential needs.

    • Help the patient follow the doctor’s instructions and monitor medication. Ensure the proper dosage of medication and that it is taken regularly.
    • Assist with errands. Help the person with grocery shopping, filling prescriptions, and purchasing other items they may need. If possible, consider using a delivery service to limit contact with others.
    • Take care of their pet(s). It’s advisable to limit contact between the person in recovery and their pet when possible, so assist with caring for the animal’s everyday needs.

    Watch for Symptoms

    It’s important to monitor the patient as well as yourself for symptoms related to COVID-19. If you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, reach out to your primary health care provider for guidance in managing the situation. The CDC’s self-checker tool can also help you determine the right course of action.

    Limit Contact

    COVID-19 spreads between people in close proximity (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets created when people talk, sneeze, or cough. Here are some recommendations to increase prevention:

    • If you are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, do not take on the responsibility of being the primary caregiver. If possible, seek assistance from professionals in post-operative care.
    • Avoid having visitors. Visitors to postoperative patients should be avoided as much as possible. If a family member or friend must visit, screen them for symptoms and check their temperature. Have them wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. They should also wear a clothface covering while limiting contact with the patient and nearby surfaces.
    • Increase ventilation in shared spaces. While it is recommended to have the patient use a separate bedroom and bathroom, there will be occasions where you will be sharing a space. Make sure the room has good ventilation to remove respiratory droplets from the air; open a window or turn on a fan to ensure good airflow.
    • Avoid sharing personal items. Do not share dishes, cups, utensils, or electronics (like a cell phone) with the patient. Also, use gloves when washing dishes, and wash your hands afterward.

    Wash Your Hands Often

    Hand washing is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved one. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

    If soap and water are unavailable, you can use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Make sure to cover the entire surface of your hands and rub them until dry.

    Additionally, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

    Wear a Cloth Face Covering and Gloves

    When leaving the home, wear a cloth face covering and keep a distance of 6 feet from other people. As a caregiver, always wear gloves if you will be coming into contact with the patient’s blood, stool, or any bodily fluids. Dispose of gloves in a lined trash can and cleanse hands afterward.

    Clean and Disinfect

    Make a habit of cleaning and disinfecting “high-touch” surfaces and objects around the house. These include light switches, countertops, doorknobs and hardware, toilets, faucets, and electronics.

    Clean the area or item with soap and water, then use a household disinfectant. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure it’s used effectively. Electronics can be cleaned with wipes or spray with at least 70% alcohol.

    By following these practices above as a caregiver, you can minimize the risk of COVID-19 while supporting your loved one during their post-operative recovery.

    Coastal Home Care: Skilled Post-Operative Care in Worcester County, MD

    With a busy schedule and personal responsibilities, caring for a loved one after an operation can prove challenging. Added to this are concerns regarding COVID-19, which require additional steps to be taken. However, with assistance from Coastal Home Care, the recovery process can be made as safe and efficient as possible. Our caregivers are fully certified and equipped to provide the highest quality post-operative care to every one of their patients, whatever their specific needs may be.

    If you have a loved one planning to undergo an operation, contact us at (866) 687-7307 to schedule a consultation.

  • From The Desk Of Tiffany Rubin, Owner Of Silver Lining Home Healthcare, Re: Covid-19

    From The Desk Of Tiffany Rubin, Owner Of Silver Lining Home Healthcare, Re: Covid-19

    We need and want to keep you up to date on all the information we have regarding the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. On March 12th, we had a meeting with the State of Delaware, and we are staying apprised of all updates through the Delaware Home Care and Hospice Association, the trade associations, the Delaware Office of Health Care Quality, and the Delaware Office of Health and Human Services.

    The Coronavirus (or COVID-19) can have far-reaching impacts, health included. We know that uncertainty causes stress, and that you may have concerns about the virus. Our goal with this blog post is to ensure you are up to date on all the steps we’re taking to keep our team and community safe.

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    We’re going to cover 5 things:

    1. Preparation in the case of the need for self-monitoring or an active virus situation
    2. What to do if you have symptoms
    3. What Silver Lining Home Healthcare is doing for our staff and team, how we’re limiting exposure to you
    4. How to ask questions
    5. Planning for the what is next

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    PREPARATION IN CASE OF THE NEED FOR SELF-MONITORING OR IF YOU GET THE VIRUS

    We recommend preparing just like you already do for an emergency: Purchase and store two weeks worth of medications, food, water and basic supplies. We have included a list of items to make an EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT for your convenience. Ideally, you won’t need to use all your supplies but it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

    We are working on having a solution for those individuals that can’t/don’t want to go out to get the basics (like toiletries, paper towels and food) and will communicate that out to you in the coming weeks, should the need for it arise.

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    WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS:

    Symptoms are very similar to the seasonal flu and include:

    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath

    If you have mild symptoms:

    1. Call your Primary Care Doctor and make them aware; they’ll direct next steps. Be aware that in Delaware, your doctor is NOT allowed to have you come into the office if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and will ask you to remain in your car so as to not contaminate or expose others.
    2. Limit your exposure to others. Do not go anywhere with large crowds and in fact, don’t go out of the home unless you absolutely need to.
    3. Wash your hands frequently.
    4. Use treatment as prescribed. Do not panic
    5. Tell Silver Lining. We need to ensure our staff are ready!

    If you have severe symptoms (difficulty breathing, no ability to catch your breath):

    1. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

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    OUR FOCUS ON WELL-BEING FOR OUR TEAM AND FOR YOU:

    Here are a few ways that we’re limiting exposure.

    • We are educating our team with up-to-date and timely information multiple times per week and holding Q&A sessions so that constant communication and education is a reality.
    • We have set up weekly ongoing scheduled Q&A sessions via Google Hangouts that you can join (more information below).
    • We are preparing for a variety of contingencies. We want this virus to simply go away. Since a chance of that happening is minimal, we are being sure to proactively consider the best ways to continue delivering services.

    The guidelines currently show that treatment for COVID-19 is still administered at home and is mostly symptom management, unless signs and symptoms worsen. And like with any sickness, avoiding large crowds (including hospitals, where more sick people are) is advisable. We can and will still care for you at home if you are diagnosed with COVID-19. We will only stop caring for clients if the State of Delaware mandates it or our staff are unable to physically be present to provide care due to unavailability. Why might unavailability become an issue when we have a stellar record of no missed visits?

    Anyone that exhibits any symptoms has to be tested quickly in order to rule out COVID. In the instance that tests are unavailable to confirm COVID-19, precautions have to exist as if COVID-19 is there, to ensure minimal risk of exposure to others. If we don’t have that practice in place, then we could put you more at risk. We also acknowledge that staff availability may be limited by situations out of our control, such as school and daycare closures, which result in our staff being unable to go to work since they have to care for their family. Additionally, the personal protective equipment that staff need in order to care for our clients in the case of you having the virus is in limited supply, so should the COVID-19 spread in our community, we’ll have to ensure the protective equipment is used for the most urgent of cases.

    Again, please know that we’re having this discussion early to set the expectation of what may happen; at this point, NONE of these hypothetical situations have occured. We’ll continue to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

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    HOW TO ASK QUESTIONS:

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    PLANNING FOR WHAT IS NEXT:

    In the instance that services need to be reduced to protect you, consider what hours can be reduced temporarily. We will keep you up to date if and when the time comes to have this discussion. Because we are constantly aware of the most current recommendations, you do not need to proactively cancel services. If you are an essential services client, we will be actively working on a plan to ensure services go uninterrupted. We’ll continue to send out information as it becomes available to us; you can head to our website and click the “View Information Regarding COVID-19” to for the most up to date information.

    We are in uncharted waters; I can tell you that Allison, Amy, Dorrina, and I are working around the clock (literally) to handle and channel all the information that is coming in and deal with any specific situation that arises. You will ALWAYS get a response to a question, no matter how big or how small. We are here to Make Lives Better through it all.

    For More Information:

    COVID-19: What Does This Mean for You as a Client?

    World Health Organization: Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)

  • A New Way To Weigh: Get More From Your Scale

    A New Way To Weigh: Get More From Your Scale

    Disclaimer: this blog post is focused on achieving wellness and is not meant to replace any suggestions from your physician or healthcare team.

    I struggled with weight during and after both of my pregnancies. It wasn’t until I worked with a registered dietician in Delaware and used a bio-impedance scale that I was able to focus on my overall wellness and take action steps based on my body’s data. After my first pregnancy, I had to go to the dietician’s office to do this. After my second pregnancy, I was able to get my own scale (they’re so affordable now!) and do everything from my own home.

    The right scale gives you real data, empowers you to make the right changes for YOUR body, and gives you actionable information for you and your healthcare team to focus on. Does this sound like your experience with a scale? Probably not. Here’s the issue with normal scales: They give you one single number–a weight. You don’t know if it’s good or bad. You don’t know what your body composition looks like, what part of it is muscle mass or what part is water weight.  What does this mean? It could mean that changes you make may not target the true route you need to take to be healthy! This is why I recommend a scale that has a bio-impedance ability to provide you with more data. It’s non-invasive and sends a small current through your body (no, you don’t feel anything) to get measurements.

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    WHAT IS BIOIMPEDANCE?

    Bioelectrical impedance assessment is a way to measure body fat, muscle mass and a variety of other aspects of body composition.

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    WHY USE THIS KIND OF SCALE?

    • It gives you real data like muscle mass, visceral fat, BMI, and water percentage, This means it’s specific information directly related to YOUR body
    • It gives you actionable information to take to your doctor or Registered Dietician.
    • It gives you empowerment on how to change your lifestyle.
    • It’s convenient! You can send your information via text or email. Create an accountability group with your sister, share with your doctor or just keep it for you

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    A FEW QUICK TIPS:

    • ALWAYS use the scale barefoot, or it won’t be able to do anything but take a general weight (i.e., no additional data).
    • You WILL need a smart phone if you want to share your information directly via text or email.
    • It is NOT difficult. I had mine out of the box and a profile set up in under 5 minutes.
    • You CAN use the same scale for multiple people.

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    WHAT DO I DO IF I GET A SCALE?

    Don’t assume you know what to do with the information. The internet is a beautiful and scary thing, depending how you use it. While degrees don’t make people smart, they DO provide a level of expertise you’re not going to get by searching by yourself on the internet. Request a referral from your doctor for a registered dietician or if you’re in Delaware, contact my gal, Wendy Gibson at Contemporary Nutrition. Don’t be afraid to interview your dietician to be sure they understand what you’re looking for. For instance, it’s important to me that I get real feedback from my dietician on how to adjust my lifestyle for health AND sustainability. I need realistic goals, because I’m going to eat pizza. And who wants to go a lifetime without eating pizza?!

    I wish you the best as you find a new “weigh” to wellness!

  • 5 Reasons You Want To Work At Silver Lining Home Healthcare

    5 Reasons You Want To Work At Silver Lining Home Healthcare

    Kid President‍

    ‍“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.”

    I keep this framed title and quote on my desk. It’s the first thing I see when I start to work (besides my Anne of Green Gables mouse pad). It’s integral to my personal values, and it’s integral to Silver Lining.  When you care about people, you care about all people. At Silver Lining Home Healthcare, the care we deliver to our clients begins and ends every day with how we care for our own. Internally, we make it a priority to create and maintain a supportive culture in which our caregivers can thrive. When they’re at their best, our service to our clients can be at its best.

    You have a lot of options. Why work at Silver Lining Home Healthcare? I’ll give you 5 reasons.

    1. Little Things Make a Big Difference
      You CAN do the little things that make a big difference because we give you the resources to make it happen. From giving stipends so you can pick up a cupcake for your favorite client (who is not diabetic, of course) to empowering you to make a favorite meal and giving you the tools to do it, we want you to help our clients Live Life to the Fullest while we do the same.
    2. 1 on 1 Care
      It’s 1 on 1 care. Not 10 on 1. Not 5 on 1. 1 on 1. A couple might make it 2 to 1. Our caregivers can focus on their clients and provide highly customized care for them to meet their personal preferences.
    3. Autonomy
      It’s not for everyone. In fact, if you require complete structure, this may not be the best environment for you. If you always find ways to improve your work environment, enjoy the ability to affect change, and are proactive, this is a place where you will thrive. Take a look at the 10 Things that require zero talent (a list we talk about regularly and hold our team accountable to).
    4. License Oversight
      In order to renew a CNA license, your ‘worked’ hours have to be supervised by an RN. As a skilled home health agency, we have the certification to supervise, so the hours you work support your license renewal. This isn’t the case if you work at a Program Approved Service Agency (PASA), because you are not overseen by an RN. With a career at Silver Lining Home Healthcare, you only need one job to support your professional CNA license.
    5. Benefits
      We focus on ways you can make a career with us, so we offer a benefits package to help you create one.

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    Pay based on experience IRA Matching
    Full-time and Part-time roles Travel Stipends
    Paid Time Off Sick Time
    2 Holiday per year Commitment (not every other holiday, but a total of 2 holidays per year) Paid Parental Leave (maternity, paternity or primary and secondary, depending on how you structure your life)
    6 Opportunities for Performance-based bonuses throughout the year Retention Bonuses
    Uniform Provision Regular Employee Surveys

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    JOIN OUR TEAM

    The care we give to our team ultimately touches the clients for whom we care, that’s why we’re passionate about supporting and nurturing our family of caregivers. Are you or someone you know a kind, caring individual who wants to make a difference in the life of a senior? Let’s connect! Go online today to start your journey with us.

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