Does a friend, loved one or someone you know have difficulty remembering things? We all do at some point, but with certain age-related diseases, forgetfulness may become a part of daily life. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help with forgetfulness and help maintain independence as long as possible. (Remember, the primary factor when considering how long to remain independent is SAFETY.)
1) Manage medication – Medication non-compliance is a common occurrence and very often the reason people go to the hospital, are readmitted, or have complications. A few ideas:
a) Pill Planners – Better than a pill bottle, pill planners allow your loved one to see what they must take and when they must take it. Pill planners should be filled before the beginning of each week by a licensed professional agency, family member or friend.
b) Pill Packing – Get medications pill packed. Pill packing is useful when medications are taken on a regular and consistent basis. Pills are packaged according to day and time with this information printed on each package. Check with your local pharmacy to see if this service is available or consider using a company like PillPack.
c) Medication Alarm Clock – Get a ring, a ding, or a buzz from a medication alarm clock reminding you or your loved one that it’s time for meds. You’ll find a large selection of medication alarm clocks on-line using a Google search or browsing on Amazon. From simple to sophisticated, there are many designs and functions from which to choose.
d) Medication Reminder Apps – Cell phones and/or tablets can become alarm clocks with a medication reminder app. Search Google Play or iTunes for many options.
e) Alarm.com Wellness – Among the many services that Alarm.com offers, subscribers can program auto-phone calls to serve as medication reminders.
f) Phone Calls – An oldie but goodie, a friendly phone call from you or a neighbor can also get the job done.
2) Turn off the gas/electric to the stove – If your loved one still loves to cook, have a volunteer or friend come over regularly to be present when they do so. While this may seem like it inhibits independence, it allows your loved one to stay independent at home LONGER because they’ll be safer.
3) Have daily checklists to remind a loved one what needs to be done! Completing a daily checklist also nurtures one’s desire to be productive, giving our loved ones a sense of purpose at the beginning of each day and a sense of accomplishment at the end. No task is too small for the list! A few ideas:
a) Water plants
b) Make bed
c) Eat breakfast/lunch/dinner
d) Do stretches and/or exercises
e) Make a grocery list
f) Organize a drawer
4) Always have a plan for doctor appointments – Missed doctor appointments are another contributing factor in the decline of many people. Troubleshoot this right away by creating a transportation plan well in advance of the appointments.
5) Locate important documents – Now is the time to get copies of them (i.e., wills, power of attorneys, health care directives, etc.)! Don’t risk important documents being lost or forgotten by your loved one. Make copies and/or put originals in a safe deposit box for safekeeping.
Forgetfulness or confusion isn’t always just absentmindedness; knowing the difference can be tough. It’s difficult to transition from “come on, you know the answer” to “I’ll take care of it for you”, but it’s an important transition that makes your loved one more comfortable and safe and leaves you less frustrated.
For information on our Medication Management program or Club Membership (where we help you remember appointments!), pop in on our website silverlininghealthcare.com.
With CNAs being in high demand in today’s job market, we thought it a perfect time to explore the vital role they play on health care teams. Are you or is someone you know considering entering the healthcare profession? Are you exploring options for a career change? Becoming a CNA might be just what you’re looking for. Read on!
WHAT DOES A CNA DO?
While you will find CNAs in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors offices, and on home health care teams, the duties and responsibilities are generally similar. They include:
Assisting patients to wash and dress themselves
Assisting patients to maintain their own hygiene needs
Assisting patients to maintain their own nutritional intake
Documentation of care and interventions
Monitoring medications
Taking patient observations including blood pressures, respirations and temperature
General housework and cleaning duties
Providing emotional, social and physical support
How do I become a CNA?
In the state of Delaware, there are 3 basic requirements to become a CNA:
1. Complete a CNA training program approved by the Department of Health and Social Services.
a. The DELMARVA American Red Cross offers a free, fast-paced CNA training program. Students are out in the workforce in just four or five weeks. Click here for more information.
b. For a list of other approved training programs in the state of Delaware, click here.
2. Take and pass a written competency test.
3. Take and pass a clinical competency test.
SILVER LINING TALKS ABOUT BEING A CNA:
Dorrina Langiu, Director of Passionista Happiness – CNA:
“I enjoy being a CNA because I get the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life, big or small. It is a satisfying feeling to know you can help someone who, most often, is at the most vulnerable point in their life. A tip from me: always put yourself in the client or family member’s shoes. They probably never expected to need the help that they are requesting and it can be overwhelming sometimes. Another tip, always be patient. No matter what the situation is, patience is truly a virtue and always appreciated. Being a CNA is not for the faint of heart. You are the front-line caregivers for these people; you will laugh with them, cry with them, feel for them. You will get attached to them, which to me is the hardest part of being a CNA, but at the same time the most rewarding part. To know you made a difference in someone’s life when it mattered most is something I treasure every day.”
Shawna Cohen – Full Time CNA
“I love being a CNA because I love helping people who can no longer do things for themselves. I get tremendous satisfaction from knowing I can put a smile on a client’s face. I am not only helping the client but also the family. They can rest easy knowing I am there and that their loved one is getting the best care.”
Crystal Wright – Full Time CNA
“I love being a CNA! I love helping people, especially the elderly because they often can’t help themselves at this point in their lives. It is rewarding to bring a smile to their faces and know that I am making them–and their families–happy. I also enjoy the challenge of juggling different tasks every day.”
Tiffany Rubin, CEO – RN:
“My eyes light up when I talk to someone who is considering becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant. Why? It was the first step I took in my healthcare career and in hindsight I didn’t know how important it would be. Yes, it was the step that set me on my path to become a registered nurse. Yes, it was the step that led me to become CEO of Silver Lining Home Healthcare. But even more importantly, it was the step that helped me realize how much I truly enjoy caring for others. It was the step that sparked my passion for helping people bring joy and happiness back to their daily lives. So when someone asks about taking the first step toward becoming a CNA, I am excited for them because what awaits them can far exceed what they ever expected.”
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
We’d love to talk to you! Whether you are already working as a CNA or are considering becoming one, we’d be happy to share our experiences, our stories, and our passion with you. Give us a call at 302-359-5661 or pop over to our page to apply and ask questions!
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.Tip toe if you must, but take the step.”
The use of exercise and manual therapy for pain relief dates back as early as 460 B.C., but it was in the early 1920’s when physical therapy (PT) really found its footing. The demand for its skilled work force rose dramatically to address the physical needs of individuals affected by the polio outbreak. In 1921, Mary McMillan, known as the “Mother of Physical Therapy” founded the Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association; today we know it as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
PHYSICAL THERAPY TODAY
Since the humble beginnings of PT, the industry has grown in its demand, diversity of skills, and conditions of which it treats. According to the APTA, there are over 204,000 licensed physical therapists in the United States today. Physical therapists have also grown from being under direct supervision of physicians (literally providing care in the same space), to relatively autonomous healthcare professionals who work with physicians. Together they help to ensure recovery from surgery and illness and provide rehabilitation for any number of conditions that affect one’s activities of daily living (ADLs).
BECOMING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST
The APTA defines physical therapists to be: “highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.” Physical therapists generally achieve either a Masters or Doctorate Degree in the Science of Physical Therapy. They are required to pass a board licensure exam, complete several internships successfully, and complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to ensure they are up to date on the latest research-based care. There are also special postgraduate certifications– such as Geriatric Specialist or Lymphedema Specialist –that physical therapists can achieve through extensive continuing education, clinical case work, and board exams.
HOW CAN YOU ACCESS PHYSICAL THERAPY?
There are usually two different ways one can initiate physical therapy care. The first way is through a prescription from your physician, which can be your primary care physician (PCP), your cardiologist, or any other medical doctor (MD), nurse practitioner (NP, FNP), or physician assistant (PA). Your physician can fax the prescription or you may take it to any physical therapy company you wish to use. The second way is through self-referral. A self-referral simply means you are the one determining that you would like to receive PT care for a specific condition and you are the one either calling your physician to initiate it or calling the PT company directly to have them initiate care. Either way is acceptable practice.
It is important to note that, as a consumer of healthcare, you have the right to choose any company you prefer to administer PT care. Your physician may make suggestions of which company to use, but ultimately it is up to you. Another thing to remember is if you are unsatisfied with the PT provider you have chosen, you can call your physician and switch providers to another company of your choice. In certain states (of which Delaware is one), there is “Direct Access” to physical therapy services. This means that a patient can be seen by a physical therapist for 30 calendar days before needing a prescription from a physician. Direct Access was instituted to improve access to care even when a person does not have a physician, which may happen, for example, if someone moves to the state and hasn’t gotten in to see a new physician yet but needs PT services immediately.
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PT
Physical therapy services are generally covered by insurance, but it is necessary to confirm this with the PT company you choose as your provider. Here are a few guidelines to help you understand what your insurance may cover:
· For those on Medicare, by law, physical therapists cannot charge out-of-pocket for services that Medicare would cover unless their Medicare PT benefits have been exhausted for that year.
· For outpatient PT practices (Medicare Part B), Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. Secondary insurances (supplemental insurance to Medicare) will cover the remaining 20% of the cost most of the time. Private insurance coverage varies greatly and therefore patients may incur more out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays and deductibles.
· Home Health Care Agencies (Medicare Part A) that administer physical therapy services to those with Medicare do not charge out-of-pocket costs to patients, but they are restricted to seeing patients that are strictly “homebound” (unable to get out of the home without considerable difficulty). Once a patient is no longer homebound, Medicare Part A will not cover these in-home services.
· There are some companies that are Medicare Part B (outpatient companies) that can administer PT in the home, and because they are Medicare Part B, are not restricted by homebound status. The best way to find out which one you are using or can use is to simply ask your current healthcare provider.
THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy has many benefits for people of all ages. Here are a few ways a physical therapist can help you:
1. Pain relief – Physical therapists are educated in specific manual techniques, modalities (like electrical stimulation and ultrasound), and even more specialized areas such as dry needling, to address pain non-pharmaceutically. As our opioid-addiction epidemic has exploded—and prescriptions for narcotics are becoming fewer—there is going to be a flood of patients who are looking for other methods to relieve pain. Exercise has been found to be an excellent pain reliever, as well, in most cases. Exercise has been clinically proven time and time again to be the most beneficial thing for the human body for every system. Physical therapists are experts in rehabilitative exercise and getting patients back to their prior level of functioning or better.
2. Maintain mobility and independence as you age – Physical therapists can help clients to maintain flexibility and muscle, keeping daily activities easy and injury-free. And that in turn promotes an independent lifestyle, a goal for many aging adults.
3. Empowerment – Make sure your physical therapist is communicating to you what a treatment plan is accomplishing in your body and how to maintain the gains made in PT. Through education physical therapists empower their clients to be more in control of their health and wellness; a better quality of life then ensues.
Need a PT in the area? Reach out to us (lots of contact info on our website) or by emailing: [email protected].
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt “thank you” to our friend, Kathryn Cieniewicz, from Aging in Place Specialists, LLC for being our guest contributor to this month’s blog topic of physical therapy.Kathryn attended Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, achieving her degree, Masters in Science of Physical Therapy, in 2003. Kathryn gained professional experience at one of the then top rated sub-acute hospitals in the country at Kessler Institute, now called Select Medical, in New Jersey. Since moving to Delaware in 2006, she has become an integral part of the rehabilitation community here in Sussex County. Kathryn is also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC), directing her professional ambition in senior care fall prevention and independent living through provision of in-home Physical Therapy and home modification services. She is the CEO of Aging in Place Specialists, a company with the mission of empowering and equipping senior individuals with the services, knowledge, assistive technology, and home modifications needed to live well at home more safely and independently. Kathryn has been a speaker and discussion panelist at the Annual LIFE Conference in Dover Delaware, in the field of aging in place and accessibility. Kathryn and her company have also been published in “PT in Motion,” a national publication of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 2016. Kathryn’s goal is to pioneer the pathway to successful aging in place in Delaware—improving quality of life, enabling independent living, and collaborating efforts to decrease the likelihood of the aged entering long term care facilities. Kathryn resides in Lewes Delaware with her husband, Mark, and two sons, Landon and Noah.
As you probably know there is no short or easy answer to this question. While many insurance providers will pay for certain home care services, the specifics vary from plan to plan. What you may not know is that many insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines when it comes to coverage for home care. For that reason, we have found that understanding Medicare coverage is a great help in understanding insurance coverage in general.
So let’s talk Medicare. And while we’re at it, let’s look at Medicaid too, because the two are often confused.
The Different “Parts” of Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). Medicare is age or diagnosis based, not income-based. There are four different “parts” to Medicare benefits—A, B, C, and D. Let’s have a look at each:
PART
COMMONLY KNOWN AS
WHAT IT COVERS
A
Hospital Insurance. With Part B referred to as “Original Medicare.”
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
B
Medical Insurance. With Part A, referred to as “Original Medicare.”
Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
C
Medicare Advantage Plans or MA Plans
A type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, most Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.
D
Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
WHEN CAN I USE MEDICARE BENEFITS FOR HOME CARE?
Medicare Part A covers home care WHEN:
A client is homebound AND
Has a skilled need. A skilled need is considered something that requires a nurse or a physical therapist.
Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST) and Home Health Aide (HHA) cannot be provided as stand-alone, in-home services; they can be provided only in conjunction with other care that meets the above criteria. If the client qualifies with these two criteria (homebound and has a skilled need), THEN OT, ST, and HHA services can be covered only for that episode of care. As soon as the skilled need is no longer present, all care must cease.
For example: Mr. Smythe broke his hip and underwent hip surgery. He is finally home but needs dressing changes, physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). Mr. Smythe qualifies for in-home care as long as he needs the nurse or PT and is homebound. Once he can go to outpatient therapy, Medicare will no longer cover any services. Silver Lining Home Healthcare is uniquely positioned to not only care for Mr. Smyth in his home, but also to assist him in the transition from Medicare-covered services to sustained quality of life by picking up where Medicare drops off.
Medicare Part B views therapy differently than Medicare Part A.
Part B can provide PT and/or OT in the home even when a client is NOT homebound, and has more flexibility when it comes to maintenance therapy.
This is an important distinction. Even if you or your loved one do not meet the 2 criteria above, Medicare Part B may be able to help.
For example: Joan has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although she is still able to be out and about, she is experiencing a worsening of her symptoms and her family is concerned for her safety in the home. Under Part B, a PT company can assist Joan with a home evaluation, home modification recommendations, and provide services. Silver Lining Home Healthcare partners with Aging in Place Specialists (AIPS) who does just that; they offer in-home outpatient physical therapy, as well as home accessibility consulting and modification services. AIPS bills Medicare Part B. When you or a loved one is facing a situation like Joan’s, ask a potential provider if they bill Medicare Part B.
To summarize: For Medicare to cover in-home services under Medicare Part A, the client must have a skilled need AND be homebound. When they meet those qualifications, they can then also receive OT, ST and HHA during that episode of care. For Medicare to cover in-home services under Medicare Part B, the client must have a “medically-necessary” need as defined by the therapist or physician.
MEDICAID
Medicaid is a jointly funded, federal-state health insurance program for low-income and needy people. It covers children, the aged, blind, and/or disabled and other people who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments. Medicaid is income-based health insurance and uses the Federal Poverty Level Table (FPL) to set income criteria.
WHAT DOES MEDICAID COVER?
Medicaid is more complicated because each state is run differently with different pools of money for different types of in-home care. For Delaware, we have Medicaid (regular) which is run exactly like the Medicare Part A provided the income eligibility requirement is met. Medicaid will cover a certain level of home care services, usually in short term situations.
For long term care, Delaware also has a Medicaid managed care model (formerly a waiver model) which allows persons with limited funds to apply for covered services in home care, assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Because the financial requirements for Medicaid and Medicaid managed care are different, a person can often receive Medicaid managed care services before they become eligible for Medicaid itself. Medicaid managed care will then cover much more extensive long term care services, and the persons who administer these services are home care providers like Silver Lining Home Healthcare.
SUMMARY
If you’re looking to understand how insurance plans determine eligibility for in-home care, the Medicare guidelines are a great place to start. Most insurance plans design their policies based on the Medicare model. Use your insurance to its fullest capability, then supplement with a private duty agency for a well-rounded program of care. Home care, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are all options as we age. The biggest factors in choosing care are: (1) goals of care (i.e. do you want 1:1 care, do you want to stay at home?) and (2) financial ability.
If you’re confused at all or want to chat, head over to our website and book a phone consult! silverlininghealthcare.com
We get a lot of questions about Long Term Care Insurance (LTC Insurance). It’s no surprise; understanding insurance of any kind can seem daunting. That’s why we’d like to take the mystery out of LTC Insurance and answer some of the most common questions we receive. Grab a cup of coffee—or whatever beverage you fancy—and read on.
Frequently Asked Questions About LTC Insurance
Why do I need it?
When I have it, when can I use it?
How can I use it?
Can I Stay at Home and Receive LTC Insurance benefits?
How does reimbursement work on LTC Insurance plans?
What is the ideal age to invest in LTC Insurance?
#1 Why Do I Need It?
We have insurance for our cars, our homes, even our pets. People are living longer, so the probability of needing Long Term Care Insurance is very likely. Why wouldn’t we want to prepare for a time in our lives when the benefit of assisted care will be most needed? “When developing a retirement strategy, it is important to plan for the expected and prepare for the unexpected.” Edward Jones
#2 When I have it, when can I use it?
Although all policies are slightly different, insurance companies use Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to measure an individual’s level of functioning and, in turn, determine whether benefits should commence. There are six generally recognized ADLs:
Bathing
Dressing
Eating
Transferring – Being able to either walk or move oneself from a bed to a wheelchair and back again.
Toileting – The ability to get on and off the toilet.
Continence – The ability to control one’s bladder and bowel functions.
Needing assistance with two or more ADLs will typically be the trigger to qualify for benefits. Most policies carry an exemption period ranging from 0 to 120 days that is selected when choosing a plan. During the exemption period the insured is responsible for the cost of care out-of-pocket until the exemption period is over.
#3 How Can I Use It?
Find a provider, like Silver Lining Home Healthcare, that takes LTC Insurance. Here are some resources to help you:
Delaware Aging & Disability Resource Center – The Delaware Office of Health Licensing and Certification oversees all licensed facilities/companies in Delaware. If you don’t live in Delaware, search and see if you have a licensing/overseeing body.
For a list of skilled licensed agencies in Delaware, visit Delaware Health and Social Services.
Caring.com – A resource site offering a vast amount of information pertaining to senior care. Find services across the country, connect with a support group, or read reviews of agencies.
For an understanding of the different types of home care licensure, watch our video,What Is Home Care?
#5 How Does Reimbursement Work on LTC Insurance Plans?
At Silver Lining Home Healthcare, we’ve streamlined the process for our clients. A client simply submits the initial claim and afterward, we submit all documentation and invoicing monthly on their behalf. Our client pays us and is reimbursed by their insurance company.
#6 What Is the Ideal Age to Invest in LTC Insurance?
While everyone’s circumstances are different, usually the best time to buy LTC Insurance is in your mid-50s. Consulting with a financial advisor is the best first step you can take in determining what is right for you and your circumstances. Christopher Smith of Edward Jones in Dover, DE is a local Certified Financial Planner who helps individuals with questions like this. His focus areas include Saving for Retirement and Insurance Needs. You can “virtually” meet Chris here: Christopher Smith, CFP®, AAMS®
“A Woman’s Perspective on Long-term Care”– Edward Jones
How do you feel when you hear the words “You need to talk to an elder law attorney.”? We surveyed some people on that question and it made them feel, in one word, old. BUT WAIT! You don’t have to be old to care about elder law, because planning helps YOU be where you want to be financially, physically, and emotionally in the years ahead. Who doesn’t want to be happy in those three areas? (If you don’t want to be, don’t answer that; it’s a rhetorical question!)
A Case in Point
A typical scenario we see every day at Silver Lining Home Healthcare looks something like this:
We receive a phone call from Laurie Christmas. Her dad passed away two years ago, and her mom has been living at home alone. Mom had a fall two weeks ago, and Laurie isn’t sure she’s taking all her medications properly. Silver Lining Home Healthcare visits Mrs. Christmas, performs a caring consult, and creates a customized care plan; however, finances are tight. Laurie has no idea what mom’s finances look like and mom doesn’t want to pay. Enter an elder law attorney. Would it have been nice to have one two years ago? Absolutely. Is it too late? Definitely not.
What is Elder Law?
Elder law is a specialized area of legal planning meant to guide any adult through lifetime planning, end of life planning, and asset protection planning. At the root of elder law is estate planning.
What is Estate Planning?
For many, the concept of estate planning may seem limited to signing a series of lengthy, legal documents to meet the goals of providing for loved ones, reducing tax liability, and avoiding probate. A true estate plan encompasses much more than executing the right documents, and encourages reflection on both the brevity of life and the client’s unique family dynamics.
Planning for the future can evoke overwhelming feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and the desire to avoid the topic all together. Working with the right team of professionals, engaging in productive communication, and taking the process one step at a time can help ensure a positive and goal-oriented outcome while making these necessary arrangements. Additionally, the sooner a family takes these steps, the more legal planning opportunities they may have to succeed in meeting their goals.
How do we identify the best legal professionals in this specialty of law?
Consider the questions below. The Elder Law firm that can answer these questions without hesitation may prove to be a great fit for your needs.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Elder Law Attorney
Does your firm focus only on this area of the law?
Are you a solo practice or do you have a team of professionals working on my case? What steps/process will I follow? Who will be my point of contact?
Do you offer educational events in my local community?
What steps do you take to remain up-to-date on current state and federal law, and Medicaid rules?
What kinds of planning strategies do you use to shelter assets?
What protections are offered to the healthy spouse?
What is the likely outcome of my case based on the facts I have shared with you?
Are fees computed on a flat or hourly rate and how often does the attorney bill? Does the pricing I have been quoted include the funding of my Trust?
What is your success rate of avoiding probate when a client passes?
Do you offer an Estate Planning Maintenance Program?
When is the best time to talk with an elder law attorney?
Let’s consider this: Isn’t it great to have shredded cheese BEFORE you want nachos? Otherwise, you must buy it when you’re deep in the throes of a nacho craving, so you end up buying it at the closest store and at the highest price because you’re in a hurry. If that’s not bad enough, now you have to wait longer to enjoy your nachos.
And so it goes with talking to an elder law attorney. The best time to have a conversation with an elder law attorney is BEFORE you need them. The next best time? Now. If you think it might be too late, don’t! Meeting with an elder law attorney is valuable at any time because it may end up saving you time and money.
Thank You!
We’d like to extend a big shout out to our friends at Procino-Wells & Woodland for being our guest contributors and local experts on this topic.
Michele Procino-Wells, Esquire
Mrs. Procino-Wells has been practicing law in Delaware since 1995. She holds a B.A. from Penn State University, a law degree (J.D.) from Widener University School of Law, and a graduate master of laws degree in taxation (LL.M) from Villanova University School of Law.
Amber B. Woodland, Esquire
Mrs. Woodland has been practicing law in Delaware since 2010. She was admitted to the Delaware Bar on the exact same day as Michele, fifteen years later. She holds a B.A. from Flagler College and a J.D. from Regent University School of Law.
Leslie Case DiPietro, Esquire
Mrs. DiPietro has been practicing law in Delaware since 2006. She holds a B.A. from the University of Maryland, a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law and a Certificate in Estate Planning from Beasley School of Law at Temple University.Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC is a local Elder Law firm with offices in Seaford and Lewes, DE, and practicing in both Delaware and Maryland. Michele Procino-Wells, Amber B. Woodland, and Leslie Case DiPietro specialize in only this area of the law and take great measures to travel the country every year to remain well versed in the newest planning opportunities and changes to state and federal laws. Their staff of eleven take a team approach to each client’s case under direct advisement of the firm’s attorneys. Clients can expect flat-fee billing that is proposed upfront during an initial consultation and accompanies a specific scope of work for the services that will accomplish that client’s goals. You may learn more about Procino-Wells & Woodland by visiting www.pwwlaw.com. Be sure to click on the News & Events tab to learn about the firm’s free community educational events.
Welcome to Silver Lining Home Healthcare! We are so happy you have found us. Besides being caregivers, we have been where many of you are right now—as daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, extended family members and friends—searching for the best care for loved ones. We want to be a resource for you as you navigate your way through the maze of senior care options. Our blog is a great starting place!
Brand Promise
Your quality of life is our passion. We care about you as a whole person, not just as a diagnosis. We show up on time and are responsive. Healthcare and your health isn’t always easy, so let us be your outlet and advocate. We promise clear expectations, expert education, and always following through with what we say we are going to do.
Introducing Our Hearts and Hands
At Silver Lining Home Healthcare, you’ll find compassionate hearts and skilled hands that work in tandem to infuse happiness and skilled care into the lives of our clients. We currently employ over 140 licensed professionals caring for clients throughout Delaware.
Meet Tiffany Rubin, our CEO
Tiffany has been in healthcare for over 16 years, first as a Certified Nursing Assistant then a Registered Nurse. She started Silver Lining Home Healthcare in 2013 as a skilled medical Home Health Agency. She excels at process development and identifying new opportunities, which has propelled Silver Lining to redefine what home care looks like. In 2020, new client offerings and expanded services are transforming what quality of life looks like at home.
Meet Allison Brooks, our Executive Director
Allison has been in healthcare for over 13 years, and excels at people management. She stepped into her role at Silver Lining Home Healthcare in October of 2015, elevating the team to the next level with her perspective and ability to care. Allison is the first point of contact, caring for our new clients with phone and in-person consults. She quickly relates to her clients, being a Daughter, a Mom and a sister.
Meet Amy Clark, our Clinical Director
Amy Clark is a Registered Nurse who began her journey with Silver Lining in 2014 in a variety of client-focused roles. She has been a nurse since 2008, with experience in long-term care, neurology and rehabilitation nursing. Amy practiced as an Licensed Practical Nurse before becoming a Registered Nurse with her Bachelor’s degree,receiving her certifications/degrees from Poly tech Adult Education and Wesley College, respectively. In June 2018, Amy joined the Heart Team as Director of Nursing. Personally, Amy was and continues to be a business owner, with experience in managing a team. She has been a floral designer since she was 16 and continues to design flowers for weddings and special events. In addition to her nursing education, Amy has a Bachelor’s of Science in Plant Science from the University of Delaware and loves to garden. She enjoys traveling to England to visit her stepchildren and traveling to new places.
Meet Dorrina Lilley, our Director of Human Resources and Compliance
A dedicated, reliable and upbeat professional who loves making lives better; she is motivated by finding a better way and learning new things. Having been a Certified Nursing Assistant herself, this individual has the front-line experience to relate to the people she coaches and guides on their own path to success. Her heart extends beyond her job as shown by her activity in volunteer organizations such as Charitable Dames and Caring Hearts Helping Hands, as well as the Corrections Officers Association of Delaware. As a member of the LCD (Leadership Central Delaware) Class of 2017, she continues to develop relationships in the community and show her immense desire to learn and grow. Her great work performance paired with her coach ability exceeds expectations. She received her Front Line Management Certification from Polytech Adult Education in 2016 and was selected as the class’s Top Performer and she plans to take the Professional in Human Resources exam in 2019. Dorrina was a finalist for DBT Human Resources Emerging Leader award 2018.
Let us do the caring. And then some.
We strive to be far more than a health care agency. The state of Delaware has three different levels of home care agencies —Personal Assistance Service Agencies, Non-skilled Home Health Agencies, and Skilled Home Health Agencies. Silver Lining Home Healthcare is the latter, a Skilled Home Health Agency. From companionship to skilled nursing and therapy, we can offer your loved one the most comprehensive and customized care necessary to allow him/her to stay in their home for as long as they wish. We’re a one-stop shop; transitioning to another agency for a higher level of care won’t be necessary. And for many people, simply being at home is the best step toward their well-being.
A little about our name
Silver Lining Home Healthcare – Every cloud has a silver lining. We acknowledge that the cloud still exists, and some clouds are part of a major storm system. We always find that silver lining, that small part of the situation that we can focus on to create a better quality of life in the moment for each client and employee.
Positioning Statement: Home care re imagined: everything you need to stay happy at home.
Core Purpose: Life to the Fullest
Core Values:
Improve Every Day – We improve and optimize constantly.
Care Courageously – We are passionate about enhancing the lives of those around us.
People First – We focus on doing the next right thing for everyone.
Deliver Expertise – We’ll find any resource and have any conversation on our journey to be an advocate for you.
Education
We’re committed to educating our community. If there is ever any question you need answered or video tutorial you need, let us know! We have a specialty training Institute that allows us to create expert content.
Join Us
Thank you for spending some time with us. We hope you’ll follow along on our blog as we explore a variety of topics and issues concerning aging in place. If you haven’t already, follow us on Facebook. And lastly, if you have any questions you’d like to see answered on the blog (or even more immediately), please send them to [email protected] (Silver Lining Healthcare Institute).
