A Letter to Millcreek

The best part of our business is knowing that we have a positive effect on the lives of seniors and their families. There isn't anything better than hearing from patients and their families that we have helped them recover, remain independent or be more comfortable in their homes.

So when we received a letter from the family of a patient who recently passed away, we were honored, touched and grateful to them for allowing us the opportunity to spend time a wonderful woman in her final days.

Dear Millcreek,

I would like to extend sincere gratitude for the services you provided for Mom during the end of her time with us, on behalf of her family. You showed great respect for her wishes, and treated the whole family with respect and understanding during an incredibly difficult time.

I would especially like to thank those of you who went above and beyond to get Mom home urgently when we knew she had very little time left, so that she could be in familiar surroundings as she said her goodbye. She would have expressed appreciation for the extra effort shown to anyone in such need, and would be honored if you posted this letter as a testament to your services.

With utmost sincerity and gratitude,

The Family of B. Banks.

It was an honor to care for Mrs. Banks and we are moved to read such thoughtful praise from her family.

Hospice Care in Utah

     There is a great article today in the Salt Lake Tribune about Cancer & Hospice care in Utah. Most notably, the article highlights the high rates of hospice use in Utah. According to Medicare, only 19.3% of Salt Lake City patients died in a hospital, compared to 29% nationally! Why is that important? Because most seniors say they want to remain at home, with their families in their final days.

Check out the article here: Utah Cancer Patients Less Likely to Die in Hospitals.

And learn about the services Millcreek Home Health and Hospice provide to help seniors and their families when they are ready to go on hospice at millcreekhomehealth.com 

Volunteers Wanted!

Millcreek Home Health and Hospice prides itself on being an agency that provides services to its client population that exceed expectations. We are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of excellence in heartfelt, compassionate clinical care. To better support our patients and their families. Millcreek Home Health and Hospice offers the following volunteer services, amongst others:

• Guided Epistolary Letter Writing Workshops
• Guided Creative Writing Workshops
• Reading Groups
• Discussion Forums
• One-On-One Volunteer Meetings

Our greatest need is in the area of one-on-one volunteer meetings. Many of our patients simply want company and will great satisfaction out of having the paper read to them or watching the news together.  You don't have to have any experience or medical training. Our Volunteer Coordinator, John Creapeau, will provide training and help match you with the perfect senior to volunteer with.

For more information, visit the volunteer section at millcreekhomehealth.com

Living With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects approximately 70 million people in the United States. If you or a loved one have osteoarthritis, here are some life style recommendations and tips to help you manage symptoms and lead a full, active life.

Diet and Exercise
With diet and appropriate exercise it is possible to decrease stress on the arthritic joints. Exercise is an important part of any therapy prescribed for those with osteoarthritis. Strengthening exercises and range of motion exercises can help to maintain and improve joint mobility.

When patients work to strengthen the muscles around joints, they experience less stress on those joints and less pain. Walking or riding a stationary bike are great options for improving range of motion and muscle strength. They also help to improve cardiovascular health, decrease fatigue and increate your overall sense of well being. Water programs, such as aqua aerobics or swimming, can be especially helpful for osteoarthritis pain in the hips, knees and feet. Millcreek’s experienced team of Physical Therapists will develop an exercise plan to improve your comfort and well being.

Rest
Resting is very important in managing osteoarthritis. Understand that when you rest, your body heals, so get adequate amounts of sleep every night and supplement with daytime naps. During periods of increased osteoarthritis symptoms, realize that you will require more rest than during periods when pain is under control.

Find Easier Ways to Do Day-to-Day Tasks
There are more adaptive equipment options than ever for those with osteoarthritis. Jar openers, modified writing and kitchen utensils, and special shoehorns are examples of devices that can be helpful to patients with osteoarthritis. There are special shoes, braces and walking aids such as canes, crutches or walkers that can help increase your comfort as you do daily activities.

Simplifying your daily routine can also help manage your osteoarthritis symptoms. When doing your day-to-day tasks, pace yourself and understand your limits. People living with osteoarthritis often find it helpful to strategically store the items needed for activities. While you may store a tool you use every day in your basement, it may provide a lot of relief to store it in a living room closet. When cleaning your house or living area, try to clean just one room a day and consider keeping a set of cleaning solutions and tools on each floor – including separate lightweight vacuum cleaners.

If you have questions about other aspects of osteoarthritis home health care in the Salt Lake City area, please feel free to contact a Millcreek Home Health and Hospice staff member at 801-463-2478 for answers.

What Does a Medical Social Worker Do and How Can They Help Your Family?

As you, your loved one and your family begin hospice care, we know that you’ll have questions. At Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, we know that the transition to hospice care requires a professional hand and a gentle heart. Working with a Medical Social Worker as you prepare for and begin hospice care can make this a more natural transition for your family.

A Medical Social Worker has professional knowledge of social services, principles and practices that relate to hospice care. Medical Social Workers help patients cope with social and emotional needs throughout their medical treatment. Medical Social Workers interact with family members, patients and hospice team members during hospice care and help coordinate communications between all groups so that the goals for patient are met.

When you begin to work with Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, your Medical Social Worker can assist you, your loved one and your family by:

- Providing services as relate to patient/family education, counseling, crisis intervention, financial resource identification, patient/family advocacy and bereavement.

- Help with end of life planning, like creating advance directives.

- Answering questions, offering emotional support, and following through on identified problems for patient and family members.

- Explaining hospice care resources and policies to patients, family and staff.

Understanding the social, cultural and religious variables that contribute to patients' responses to illness and their use of health-care resources. Medical Social Workers are flexible, organized and are trained to help relieve stressful situations. Your Millcreek Home Health and Hospice Medical Social Worker is trained to treat you and your loved one with respect and dignity. If you have any questions about arranging to meet with a Medical Social Worker in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, please contact Millcreek Home Health and Hospice at 801-463-2478.

How to Provide Daily Care for Someone with Dementia

Daily Care Tips for Helping Those With Dementia

Dementia is a health condition that affects mainly people in their latter years. It involves the gradual loss of mental ability, which results in the loss of memory, changes in personality and ultimately a loss of social ability.

There are many conditions that predispose people to dementia especially conditions that bring about a level of damage to thinking, memory, reasoning and language, these include diseases like Alzheimer's or meningitis; things like brain tumors which cause pressure to the brain, or a lack of blood and oxygen supply to the brain caused by conditions like stroke, sustained head injuries, and heavy consumption of alcohol could also lead to dementia latter in life.

When detected early dementia can be slowed down, allowing the patient to slowly adjust and with the help of family and friends the stress and frustration that accompany it would be lighter. Dementia in the elderly can produce difficulty tending to basic self-care needs such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, etc. Dementia also changes in personality and thinking.

Here are some tips that may be helpful for individuals, families and caregivers:

-   Organize medications in a daily pill organizer.

-   Daily phone calls from a familiar person.

-   Millcreek can refer patients to a private caregiver agency can provide a caregiver to stay with the person each day and help out with daily chores.

-   If the person is becoming incontinent, develop a toileting schedule every two to three hours during the day.

-   Provide plenty of physical activities, such as daily walks.

-   Have the person participate in mentally stimulating activities daily, such as board games, card games, and other tasks that require interaction and a bit of problem solving.

-   Allow the person to do as much of their own self-care as possible.

-   Consider joining the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.They are a great resource for the client and family/caregiver.

For more information about providing daily care for someone with dementia in the Salt Lake City area, please contact Millcreek Home Health and Hospice at 801-463-2478.

Salt Lake City Area Residents Can Get Help In Controlling the Effects of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Lymphedema, there are many ways to help control the effects of
Lymphedema such as:

Maintaining Good Nutrition
Include at least two to four servings of fruits and three to five servings of vegetables in your daily meal plan.

Reducing Foods High in Salt and Fat
Use food package labels to help you to make the best selections for a healthy lifestyle.

Exercising Regularly
Always check with your physician first before starting a new exercise program.

Avoiding Infections
Immediately report any signs of infection to your home health nurse or physician.

Planning a treatment program depends on the cause of the lymphedema as well as the stage and the cause of the illness. Your physician may recommend treatments such as bandaging, compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage and a gentle form of stretching or massage.

Your physician may also refer you to a therapist who specializes in managing lymphedema. Lymphedema therapists come to this field from a variety of backgrounds, including nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and massage therapy, among others.

A Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) has a deep understanding of the lymphatic system, plus knowledge and experience in the hands-on skills required to perform the treatments. “The Standards for the Required Training of a Lymphedema Therapist” are published on the National Lymphedema Network website. The lymphedema therapist will assess your condition and develop an individual treatment plan to manage your lymphedema.

If you or a loved one would like to find a qualified lymphedema therapist, you might wish to use the following resources:

-           Millcreek Home Health and Hospice offers three lymphedema therapists to provide therapy.

-           The physician who diagnosed your lymphedema should be able to recommend to you a qualified lymphedema therapist.

-           Insurance companies know where lymphedema is treated. Ask your insurance company for suggestions as to where you can find “in network” treatment.

Lymphedema cannot be cured. However, with proper care and treatment, the affected limb can be restored to a normal size and shape. In addition, lymphedema can be treated and controlled so that it does not progress further. 

If you would like to talk to one of our experts about Lymphedema, contact Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, please feel free to call us at 801-463-2478. 

What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

B12 deficiency is a condition characterized by low levels of the vitamin B12 in the body, either due to inadequate consumption or compromised absorption. B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. While previously believed to be a condition affecting a small percentage of the population, recent research has indicated that a higher proportion of individuals may suffer from B12 deficiency. This increased incidence is even more pronounced in elderly populations. The symptoms of B12 deficiency include:

-          - Fatigue

-          - Weakness

-          - Discoloration of the skin

-          - Soreness/redness of the tongue

-          - Digestive dysfunction

-          - If levels of B12 stay low for long periods of time, it can cause nerve damage

There are many causes of B12 deficiency. Some people don’t eat enough B12-rich foods, while other people have a hard time absorbing the vitamin in their digestive tract. Most people get plenty of B12 from foods like meats, cheese, milk and eggs. However, diets often change to accommodate preference and need, especially as we age. Such changes can lead to a decrease in the amount of B12 present in the body.

Certain medical conditions can also contribute to B12 deficiency, such as:

-          

      - Atrophic gastritis

-          - Celiac disease

-          - Certain forms of achlorhydia

-          - Crohn’s disease

-          - Bariatric surgery

The good news is that B12 deficiency is treatable, either through intramuscular injections or oral supplements. Most individuals who suffer from B12 deficiency are able to manage their symptoms with regular treatment.  For more information about home health and hospice care in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, please call Millcreek Home Health and Hospice at 801-463-2478.

"Everything they did was far and beyond what was expected..."

Millcreek Home Health and Hospice is well known for professional and compassionate home health and hospice care in the Salt Lake City, Utah area.  Here is a glowing review from a patient's family member:

   

“I wanted to let you know what a positive difference you made for my siblings and our parents. Angel, Juan, Tiffany and Ed all took the extra effort and time to make sure that Mom and Dad felt loved, cared for and informed! Everything they did was far and beyond what was expected.... Love and Respect was evident in their touch, their face and in the tone of their voice. Originally we had Millcreek involved just to help out dad with mom's constant care needs. But within 2 short weeks of mom's passing, they were back to take care of dad in his final weeks of life, when an expected tumor became very agressive and ultimately took dad 2 1/2 months after mom's death. Mom had suffered with Diabetes 2 for many years and on several different occasions we have had various different Home Health & Hospice providers for mom. It was my employment that brought me in contact with Millcreek and Tiffany Lee. When mom came back from St. George this past March, she specifically requested that Tiffany be her nurse. And when mom passed, dad did the same. Every morning dad looked forward to Ed and Juan to come and help him get shaved, dressed and cleaned up for the day and guests. We felt such gratitude for the care and expertise, the extra effort to keep us all informed, the willingness to answer our questions and concerns, even after hours. Thank you seems inadequate, but it is all we can say, "THANK YOU!" –Annette”

We are glad to know that our services are providing not only the best care for our patients, but their family's as well. 

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?

The benefits of physical therapy for seniors include increased comfort and safety. Physical therapy as part of hospice or home health care plays an important role in range of motion, flexibility, coordination and restoring or increasing strength. Physical therapy can also be used to help a patient retrain their bodies to do everyday tasks.

As a person ages, there are many health conditions that may affect their ability to comfortably and safely do normal day to day activities. There are different ways to treat the symptoms of diseases. Most often, an elderly person might turn to a medication regimen as the first way of suppressing the symptoms.

Medications can ease the effects of the symptoms of a variety of the conditions; however physical therapy can be a very effective part of a complete health solution. Physical therapists work with each patient on an individual basis, evaluating capabilities and designing programs for education, wellness and exercise. Physical therapists also communicate with a patient’s nurse and primary care physician to coordinate the patient’s care.

Working with a physical therapist can help establish a physical therapy program that will meet the patient’s personal goals, which may range from control of bodily functions to increased independence. Some of the services physical therapists perform are:

-          Improving coordination, flexibility, balance and strength

-          Teaching techniques to support mobility and independence

-          Making suggestions for lifestyle adaptations to fit physical ability of the patient

-          Helping to prevent further deterioration of mobility through exercise and assistive devices

-          Stretching and exercising to eliminate pain and improve overall physical fitness

If you are a senior who is considering physical therapy or if you have a loved one who is considering physical therapy, consult with their primary care physician to see how therapy will benefit health and independence. Millcreek Home Health and Hospice encourages seniors to retain their independence and enjoy a better quality of life through physical therapy treatment. If you have questions about physical therapy for seniors in the Salt Lake City area, contact Millcreek Home Health and Hospice by phone at 801-463-2478 or email.

Do You Have Questions about Home Health Referral?

With Utah’s growing elderly population, more and more people are finding themselves in roles as caregivers. However, many family members are uncertain when professional home health care is appropriate. The truth is, there are a great number of circumstances which may necessitate home health care, and every patient’s condition is unique. A few common causes for referral to home health include:

-          Recovery from an illness or injury

-          Recovery from a fall or acute impact injury

-          Changes in medication, including increases in dosage

-          Debilitating changes in cognition

-          Inability to provide adequate care for oneself

-          Necessity for physical occupational, or speech therapy

-          Increased necessity for care, such as cannot be provided by family

As always, if you feel that your loved-one’s condition may require home health care, the best option is to speak with an experienced Salt Lake City home health professional.  Millcreek Home Health is available seven days a week at 801-463-2478 for consultation to can help you determine whether home health referral is appropriate for you or your loved-one.