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.

Volunteer and Support Services At Salt Lake City's Millcreek Home Health and Hospice

Millcreek Home Health and Hospice prides itself on being an agency that provides services to its client population that exceeds 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

Millcreek Home Health and Hospice’s Salt Lake City Community Outreach Initiatives

If you are interested in donating your time and participating in a highly rewarding experience, please explore Millcreek Home Health and Hospice‘s options for volunteer work. Please give us a call with any questions at 801-463-2478.

Support Group

Millcreek Home Health and Hospice works with care facilities and communities to establish support groups that meet at regular intervals to provide empathetic conversation and discussion of a wide variety of subjects.

If you have any questions about existing support groups, or have interest in organizing one at you or your loved one’s facility, please contact Heather Bittinger, Millcreek Home Health and Hospice’s dedicated Social Worker, for more information on this subject. Millcreek Home Health and Hospice aims to provide ongoing support to our patients, their families, and any community member in need.

Please contact Heather Bittinger, Millcreek Home Health and Hospice Licensed Certified Social Worker at 801-463-2478

15 Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Lake City Home Health & Hospice Care

The decision to initiate home health or hospice care can seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. At Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, we know you have questions, and we want you to know that we have answers.

Read our list of 15 Frequently Asked Questions about Salt Lake City, Utah Home Health and Hospice addresses the most common concerns patients and families have about home health and hospice care. If you have any questions not addressed here, please feel free to call or email a Millcreek Home Health and Hospice Staff Member at info@millcreekhomehealth.com.

Read What Our Patients and Family Members Are Saying About Millcreek Home Health and Hospice

At Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, we believe that quality of care can only be facilitated when quality of life is first considered. We don’t believe that success is measured purely by numbers. At Millcreek Home Health and Hospice, we measure success by one barometer: You.

We provide personal attention and expert professionalism can go hand-in-hand. Read Millcreek Home Health and Hospice Testimonials what our patients and their families have to say:

Everyone gets an A+ from our family. We are indeed grateful for your kindness, care and expertise - not only during Dad's illness but at the time of his passing. Our heartfelt thank you to everyone of you who assisted us. You were wonderful.— Family Member, Utah

We could not have been more satisfied! We coordinated care long distance and the phone calls were as important as the care given. All aspects of our and Dad's care were A+. — Family Member, Utah

My nurse was very professional, caring, reassuring and knowledgeable. She was a tremendous support and helped significantly in my recovery. I appreciated her very much. — Patient, Salt Lake City

My physical therapist gave me excellent instruction and encouragement as I worked to regain my strength. He was very pleasant and professional and I looked forward to his visits. I would not be doing what I am today without his help. — Patient, Salt Lake City

Patient and family feedback is critical to Millcreek Home Health and Hospice’s goal of constantly improving the quality of our care. If you have any input you would like to provide, please feel free to contact us for Home Health or Hospice Care in Salt Lake City, Utah by phone at 801-463-2478.