Issue 33.09

When a mentally impaired person’s senses fail, they may see or hear things that are not there, but are real to them.  Sometimes, a person who is somewhat isolated hears voices that they are convinced are real, even though there are not any persons attached to the voices.  If the person is suffering from depressive feelings, the voices might add to their feelings of worthlessness.  Sometimes a disturbed person hears voices that accuse him of terrible deeds.  On the other hand, the voices may be reassuring and grand – discussions with angels or other larger-than-life beings that offer protection or suggestions for actions.

Some impaired people develop jealous delusions, a kind of second cousin to a persecution complex.  With no apparent basis in fact, the person can become fixated on the idea that the relative who cares for them doesn’t pay enough attention or doesn’t love them enough.  If the relative even talks to someone else, they can erupt into a jealous rage.  This delusion does not often respond to reassurances.  Again, the jealous obsession must be understood as a symptom of some underlying anxiety, and they should be treated medically if at all possible.

Sometimes a person, whose sense of smell or taste has changed, becomes convinced that something is being done to their food or that certain gases are being released to harm them.  They may insist that someone is trying to poison them and they may become so fearful that they refuse to eat at all.  Obviously, this behavior requires immediate treatment. 

Occasionally, a person who is afraid of being poisoned might try to protect themselves by hurting the one who they think is harming them.  It is important not to panic in the face of this behavior.  It is usually no more than a gesture.  A calm, reassuring response will probably get the upset person out of the disturbing situation.  It often helps to say something like, “I’m really sorry that you’re so upset.  I’m going to do everything I can to help you feel better.”  Again, the next step is treatment for the relief of these symptoms.

At Dignity Health and Home Care, we specialize in individualized home health care programs to best fit the clients’ needs.  We realize and recognize each individual has their own separate set of circumstances, both physical and financial.  These variances allow our programs and rates to be uniquely designed for each client!

For further information about home health and how to get a free evaluation, call our office at (435) 656-1833.

Issue 25 & 26

Here are four more reasons for you to keep your family members and loved ones home instead of a nursing home or assisted living facility:

5. Home care promotes healing.  There is much scientific evidence that patients heal more quickly at home.

6. Home care represents the best tradition in American health care.  Most health care has always been given in the home.

7. Home care allows a maximum amount of freedom for the individual.  Hospitals and nursing homes are both regimented regulated environments.

8. Home care is personalized care.  It is tailored to the needs of the individual and is delivered one-on-one.

Steps You Can Take To Prevent Over Medication

1. Keep an updated list of medications you are taking.  The list, which should include over-the-counter medication, should include what each drug is for, when each should be taken and in what amounts.

2. Go over the list each year with your primary physician.

3. Discard outdated or leftover medication.

4. Tell your primary physician about any new medicine other physicians prescribe.

5. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter drugs.

6. Always ask your physician or pharmacist what each prescribed drug is for and their possible side effects.

7. If possible, buy medication from the same pharmacy, preferably one where the pharmacist will speak with you and where computerized records are kept of your prescriptions.

At Dignity Health and Home Care, we specialize in tailor-made home health care programs to best fit the clients’ needs.  We realize and recognize each individual has their own separate set of circumstances, both physical and financial.  These variances allow our programs and rates to be uniquely designed for each client!

For further information about home health and how to get a :tree evaluation, call our office at (435) 656-1833.

Look for our July article for 4 more reasons why home care is your best care.

Maureen McArdle is the owner of Dignity Home Care.

Issue 22.09

Care for people at home has been around for centuries.  In fact, care at home was the primary means of care prior to the emergence of large hospitals and skilled care centers.  When the Medicare benefit came into being in 1965, Congress authorized home care as a part of Medicare legislation known as Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.  In the 1980’s, home care emerged as a significant portion of the Medicare budget.  It was widely recognized that home health care was a cost-effective alternative to institutional care, not only for Medicare beneficiaries, but also for younger patients on insurance plans and those eligible for Medicaid.  With the advances in technology making more services available for treatments in home, including intravenous services, advanced wound care treatments and an array of diagnostic and monitoring devices, opportunities for home health care have increased.

In 1995, for the first time, more people died of chronic disease than of acute disease.  This suggests that the future will be about the management of chronic disease and not acute illness.  The number of people going into hospitals will decrease and they will spend less time there.  In addition, the “Baby Boom” generation is beginning to mature to Medicare age and will begin to need care to manage chronic illnesses.  These factors, along with an increased life expectancy, will be the reasons why the demand for home care services will continue to increase.

The National Association of Home Care cites 20 reasons why home care is a popular alternative to institutional care:

1. Home care is delivered at home.  The home is a castle, a refuge from the storm.  When we are happy, we go home to celebrate.  If we are not feeling well, we seek the sanctuary of the home and the comfort of the company of loved ones.

2. Home care keeps families together.  This is particularly important in times of illness.

3. Home care helps the elderly maintain their independence.  With some assistance, seniors can continue to function as important members of society.

4. Home care prevents or postpones institutionalization.  A nursing home is only needed when the person requires total 24-hour care.

At Dignity Health and Home Care, we specialize in tailor-made home health care programs to best fit the clients’ needs.  We realize and recognize each individual has their own separate set of circumstances, both physical and financial.  These variances allow our programs and rates to be uniquely designed for each client!

For further information about home health and how to get a free evaluation, call our office at (435) 656-1833.