What is different about Millcreek?

     With over 100 Home Health Companies in the Salt Lake Area alone, it is important to demand the highest quality of Home Health and Hospice Care for your loved ones. These are just a few of the things we do at Millcreek to ensure that our patients get the best care possible.

Nursing Driven Care

    Millcreek is nursing driven so that your patients receive comprehensive care that addresses the many facets of any one diagnosis. Many Home Health companies use a nurse staffing service, which means that after working hours, phone calls are answered by an unfamiliar stranger. At Millcreek a staff nurse is available 24-7. All nurses who are on call participate in Case Conference and are familiar with each patient, so that if they receive a phone call at 3am, they can act and help the patient, rather then send them to the hospital or tell them to call back in the morning. Millcreek also has Hospice Certified and Certified Lymphedema Therapists so that we provide the highest quality of care possible.

Therapy

    All patient therapy is overseen by Rob Green, PT, Millcreek’s Director of Therapies. Additionally, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists work hand in hand with our nursing team and Physicians to ensure the highest level of care. Millcreek also has a Physical Therapist who is a Certified Wound Specialist, who treats patients and hosts a bi-weekly wound conference.

Social Work

    Our Medical Social Worker, Heather Bittinger LCSW, is available to prepare advanced directives, long term planning and connect patients to community resources.

Proven Results

Most importantly, Millcreek has a proven track record of providing great care.  Millcreek ranks in the top 500 best home health agencies in the U.S. by OSC HomeCare, 1^st in Salt Lake for patient outcomes by Medicare’s Home Health Compare and in the 97^th percentile nationally for patient outcomes by Medicare’s Home Health Compare.

For more information visit http://www.millcreeehomehealth.com/

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 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.