Doctor's Choice Home Health Care

3 Steps to Hiring a Home Health Aide

When a person needs assistance at home, there are a number of in-home options. One of them is a home health aide. A home health aide is responsible for helping patients heal and go through life. They monitor their patients’ conditions, help with activities of daily living and can even assist with cooking, cleaning or running errands. If you think that a home health aide is the right fit for someone close to you, here are some tips for choosing the best fit.

Step 1. Define your needs.

The first thing to do is write down the person’s needs, limitations, levels of assistance, likes and dislikes, etc. This will help you communicate your needs to the agency so they can find the perfect fit. If your family member is covered by long-term insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, you’ll need to get approval from your doctor to ensure the care is covered.

Step 2. Find a home health aide.

You can find a trustworthy home health aide in a number of ways, but we recommend working with an agency. Agencies have pre-screened home health aides that have undergone a background check. You don’t have to pay to do this yourself. And, when you share information on your loved one, the agency will be able to match you to the right person – someone who has experience caring for a person with the same illness or condition as your loved one.

A few other benefits to using an agency are:

Backup care
Upgrades to higher levels of care
No paperwork – pay the agency and that’s it
Liability protection

Step 3. Meet with the home health aide.

You are welcome, and even encouraged, to meet with the home health aide the agency has selected for your loved one. This way, you can see how your family member interacts with them. If you have information you want to share with the home health aide, you can do so at this time. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get on the same page.

Home health aides are an asset to many families, as they know that their loved one is being cared for while remaining in the comfort of home. By following these three steps, you can work with an agency to find a caring, compassionate and qualified home health aide.

Originally posted at https://www.doctorschoicefl.com/3-steps-to-hiring-a-home-health-aide/

October is Lung Awareness Month

The month of October is set aside for lung awareness. Lung health is something that affects all of us, even people who don’t smoke. Certain things in the environment can harm our lungs, such as pollutants, toxins and allergens. Also, as we head into the winter months, people are more likely to experience difficulty breathing. October is a great time to remind ourselves of how important our lungs are and what we can do to take care of them.Below are some of the best ways to keep your lungs healthy, especially if you already have lung disease.

Stop smoking, if you do.

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It narrows the passages, creates chronic inflammation, destroys lung tissue and leads to cancer. It is never too late to stop smoking. Also, given the recent deaths from vaping, it’s important to point out the dangers of e-cigarettes. Vaping is still bad for your health. It’s addictive and has similar effects as nicotine, raising blood pressure and introducing toxins into the blood.

Test your home for radon.

Indoor air can be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air due to contaminants like secondhand smoke and radon. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause or worsen lung disease. Get your home tested. If you have high levels of radon in the home, you can install a radon mitigation system to lower your levels.

Drink plenty of water.

Getting enough water keeps your lungs healthy. The mucosal lining in the lungs stays thin, allowing your breathing organs to function better. If you’re dehydrated, the mucus can thicken and get sticky, slowing down function. Plus, staying hydrated keeps your immune system strong so that it can fight off colds and respiratory infections.

Get 20-30 minutes of exercise every day.

Physical activity is great for the lungs. It improves lung capacity and blood flow, allowing the lungs to deliver more oxygen to the blood. Plus, when you’re active, you also make your heart healthier. Aim for 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each day, such as walking or swimming.

Add some greenery to your home.

Adding plants to the home increases oxygen and air quality thanks to their ability to filter out the air. Plus, they look pretty! Plants are especially important during the winter when people spend more time indoors.

Eat a balanced diet.

A lung-healthy diet is no different from a heart-healthy diet. Fill your plate with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Low levels of certain nutrients have been linked to poor lung health. To keep your respiratory system healthy, make sure your diet consists of vitamins A, C and E, zinc, potassium, selenium and magnesium. For those who already have lung disease, it’s important to take special care of the lungs. There are ways to treat respiratory conditions like emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. To learn more about living with lung disease, check out the pulmonary videos on Doctor’s Choice.

Originally posted at https://www.doctorschoicefl.com/october-is-lung-awareness-month/

Doctor’s Choice Chief Development Officer Meets With Key Lawmakers In Washington, D.C. Regarding Industry Legislation

Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc.’s chief development officer, James De Vriendt, met with several lawmakers in Washington, D.C. regarding the Home Health Payment Innovation Act (H.R. 2573). Introduced by Representative Terri Sewell (AL-07) in May 2019, the bill would significantly impact the home health industry by preserving Medicare recipients’ access to home care services and provide a foundation for expanding the use of these services.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to implement the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), which proposes payment cuts to home health care services. Scheduled for Jan. 1, 2020, the proposed cuts could likely limit access to home health services and would result in an estimated loss of $950 million for home health providers.

The Home Health Payment Innovation Act would prevent CMS from making unwarranted payment cuts by basing adjustments on actual evidence. Further, the bill would provide a phase-in process for necessary rate increases or decreases to limit the risk of disruption in care.

“It was a privilege to be a part of this conversation amongst key lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and it’s encouraging to have their support,” said James De Vriendt, chief development officer, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. “Skilled home health care is the most patient-focused, affordable, and outcome-driven healthcare system in the United States. Therefore, it’s imperative that we fight to preserve access to quality home health care services both in Florida and throughout the country.”

Following Doctor’s Choice’s visit to Capitol Hill, the bill received nine Florida cosponsors. The bipartisan group of lawmakers is committed to protecting the accessibility to home health services for the state’s senior and disabled population.

For more information about Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).

About Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc.

Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. is the largest independent home care agency in the state. Led by an experienced group of clinical leaders and trusted professionals, Doctor’s Choice provides expertise in hospital-to-home transitions, recovery, and the management of chronic illnesses. This approach enables individuals to reach their highest level of health in the comfort of their own home. By embracing a strong set of core values and being steadfast in their dedication to excellence in healthcare, Doctor’s Choice has achieved the highest star rating for patient care from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS): Five Star rating for Quality of Patient Care. For more information, please visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).