This week, we dedicate our post to Diabetes, which has three prominent stages Pre-Diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. The different stages represent different resulting physical conditions that in some cases may require the need for homecare. There are different types of homecare that are available for families in need such as: Live in Care, Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides, Companions and Assisted Daily Living.
This November as we think about how to help our loved ones, we are going to give you as much information as possible about Diabetes. A better understanding of the disease can prepare you for the road ahead. First Care of New York is proud to be able to offer its services for those of you who need homecare for your loved ones who are battling this disease. Any and all residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens areas can be served, and we hope to be able to accommodate your every need. What are the differences between the three stages of Diabetes? The information you will read is courtesy of diabetes.org, and will answer those questions and many more.
Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have "Pre-Diabetes"—blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. There are 57 million people in the United States who have Pre-Diabetes. Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during Pre-Diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children with type 1 diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders as well as the aged population.
In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Alzheimer's Blog: Part II
First Care of New York continues to spread the message this month as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, by providing information and material on the debilitating disease. Alzheimer’s is a complex neurological disease that is the most common form of dementia. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s and more than 10 million are caring for a loved one with the disease. There are different types of homecare that are available for families in need such as: Live in Care, Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides, Companions and Assisted Daily Living.
This November as we think about how to help our loved ones, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are going to dedicate our next couple of blogs to give you as much information as possible on Alzheimer’s disease. A better understanding of the disease can prepare you for the road ahead. First Care of New York is proud to be able to offer its services for those of you who need homecare for your loved ones who are battling this disease. Any and all residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens Areas can be served, and we hope to be able to accommodate your every need. What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s? Are there common symptoms that I should be aware of? The information you will read is courtesy of alzinfo.org, and will answer those questions and many more.
• Difficulty performing otherwise familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal, opening a car window or using a household appliance can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Memory loss that affects job skills. It is normal to occasionally forget an assignment or a colleagues phone number, but it is not normal to frequently forget such things or to become so confused that you are unable to concentrate and cannot perform your job functions.
• Problems using language may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Although it is normal to forget words, people with Alzheimer’s disease may become hard to understand and may substitute unusual words or phrases for forgotten ones. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may appear to have become less fluent and may also have difficulty writing coherently.
• Disorientation to time and place. It is normal to sometimes lose track of time or to become lost, but a person with Alzheimer’s can forget what year it is and can become lost on familiar streets and not be able to find their way home.
• Loss of good judgment may also be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This could take the form of wearing inappropriate clothing (e.g. pajamas worn outside in winter) or suddenly giving away large amounts of money.
• Problems with abstract thinking. It is normal to make a mistake balancing a checkbook, but people with Alzheimer’s disease may forget the meaning of numbers or what to do with them.
• Misplacing things. It is normal to misplace things occasionally, but putting things in unusual places, like an iron in the refrigerator or a watch in the sugar bowl are warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Rapid mood swings such as unexplained anger or going from apparent calm to sudden crying can be warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Personality changes. As people age, their personalities may also gradually change, but for a person with Alzheimer’s disease the changes in personality are often sudden and dramatic.
Loss of initiative, sleeping longer than usual, and loss of interest in the usual activities can be signs of depression, but are also warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
This November as we think about how to help our loved ones, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are going to dedicate our next couple of blogs to give you as much information as possible on Alzheimer’s disease. A better understanding of the disease can prepare you for the road ahead. First Care of New York is proud to be able to offer its services for those of you who need homecare for your loved ones who are battling this disease. Any and all residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens Areas can be served, and we hope to be able to accommodate your every need. What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s? Are there common symptoms that I should be aware of? The information you will read is courtesy of alzinfo.org, and will answer those questions and many more.
• Difficulty performing otherwise familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal, opening a car window or using a household appliance can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Memory loss that affects job skills. It is normal to occasionally forget an assignment or a colleagues phone number, but it is not normal to frequently forget such things or to become so confused that you are unable to concentrate and cannot perform your job functions.
• Problems using language may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Although it is normal to forget words, people with Alzheimer’s disease may become hard to understand and may substitute unusual words or phrases for forgotten ones. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may appear to have become less fluent and may also have difficulty writing coherently.
• Disorientation to time and place. It is normal to sometimes lose track of time or to become lost, but a person with Alzheimer’s can forget what year it is and can become lost on familiar streets and not be able to find their way home.
• Loss of good judgment may also be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This could take the form of wearing inappropriate clothing (e.g. pajamas worn outside in winter) or suddenly giving away large amounts of money.
• Problems with abstract thinking. It is normal to make a mistake balancing a checkbook, but people with Alzheimer’s disease may forget the meaning of numbers or what to do with them.
• Misplacing things. It is normal to misplace things occasionally, but putting things in unusual places, like an iron in the refrigerator or a watch in the sugar bowl are warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Rapid mood swings such as unexplained anger or going from apparent calm to sudden crying can be warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Personality changes. As people age, their personalities may also gradually change, but for a person with Alzheimer’s disease the changes in personality are often sudden and dramatic.
Loss of initiative, sleeping longer than usual, and loss of interest in the usual activities can be signs of depression, but are also warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Monday, November 8, 2010
“Alzheimers Awareness Month”
This week, First Care of New York, as part Alzheimer Awareness Month is providing information and material on the debilitating disease. Alzheimer’s is a complex neurological disease that is the most common form of dementia. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s and more than 10 million are caring for a loved one with the disease. There are different types of homecare that are available for families in need such as: Live in Care, Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides, Companions and Assisted Daily Living.
The decisions surrounding the type of long-term care that is needed can be difficult. Dealing with Alzheimer’s is not an easy task and because Alzheimer’s affects each sufferer and caregiver differently, there is never one right way to cope. As we think about how to help our loved ones, this November, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are going to dedicate our next couple of blogs to give you as much information as possible on Alzheimer’s disease. A better understanding of the disease can prepare you for the road ahead. First Care of New York is proud to be able to offer its services for those of you who need homecare for your loved ones who are battling this disease. Any and all residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens counties can be served, and we hope to be able to accommodate your every need. There are several clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease that you want to be aware of. The information you will read is courtesy of alzinfo.org, and for a more complete breakdown of the stages you can visit alzinfo.org.
Stage 1: Normal
At any age, persons may potentially be free of objective or subjective symptoms of cognition and functional decline and also free of associated behavioral and mood changes. We call these mentally healthy persons at any age, stage 1, or normal.
Stage 2: Normal aged forgetfulness
Half or more of the population of persons over the age of 65 experience subjective complaints of cognitive and/or functional difficulties. The nature of these subjective complaints is characteristic. Elderly persons with these symptoms believe they can no longer recall names as well as they could 5 or 10 years previously.
Stage 3: Mild cognitive impairment
Persons at this stage manifest deficits which are subtle, but which are noted by persons who are closely associated with the stage 3 subject. The subtle deficits may become manifest in diverse ways. For example, the person with mild cognitive impairment (MCl) may noticeably repeat queries. The capacity to perform executive functions also becomes compromised.
Stage 4: Mild Alzheimer’s disease
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be made with considerable accuracy in this stage. The most common functioning deficit in these patients is a decreased ability to manage instrumental (complex) activities of daily life. The mean duration of this stage is 2 years.
Stage 5: Moderate Alzheimer’s disease
In this stage, deficits are of sufficient magnitude as to prevent catastrophe-free, independent community survival. The characteristic functional change in this stage is incipient deficits in basic activities of daily life. This is manifest in a decrement in the ability to choose proper clothing to wear for the weather conditions and/or for the daily circumstances (occasions). Some patients begin to wear the same clothing day after day unless reminded to change. The mean duration of this stage is 1.5 years.
Stage 6: Moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease
At this stage, the ability to perform basic activities of daily life becomes compromised. Functionally, five successive substages are identifiable. Initially, in stage 6a, patients, in addition to having lost the ability to choose their clothing without assistance, begin to require assistance in putting on their clothing properly. Unless supervised, patients may put their clothing on backward, they may have difficulty putting their arm in the correct sleeve, or they may dress themselves in the wrong sequence. The total duration of the stage of moderately severe AD (stage 6a through 6e) is approximately 2.5 years.
Stage 6b
Requires assistance adjusting the temperature of the bath water. At approximately the same time as Alzheimer’s patients begin to lose the ability to put on their clothing properly without assistance, but generally just a little bit later in the disease course, patients begin to require assistance in handling the mechanics of bathing. Difficulty adjusting the temperature of the bath water is the classical earliest deficit in bathing capacity in Alzheimer’s disease.
Stages 6c, 6d, 6e
With the further evolution of AD, patients lose the ability to manage independently the mechanics of toileting correctly (stage 6c). Unless supervised, patients may place the toilet tissue in the wrong place. Many patients will forget to flush the toilet properly. As the disease evolves in this stage, patients subsequently become incontinent. Generally, urinary incontinence occurs first (stage 6d), then fecal incontinence occurs (stage 6e). The incontinence can be treated, or even initially prevented entirely in many cases, by frequent toileting. Subsequently, strategies for managing incontinence, including appropriate bedding, absorbent undergarments, etc., become necessary.
The decisions surrounding the type of long-term care that is needed can be difficult. Dealing with Alzheimer’s is not an easy task and because Alzheimer’s affects each sufferer and caregiver differently, there is never one right way to cope. As we think about how to help our loved ones, this November, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are going to dedicate our next couple of blogs to give you as much information as possible on Alzheimer’s disease. A better understanding of the disease can prepare you for the road ahead. First Care of New York is proud to be able to offer its services for those of you who need homecare for your loved ones who are battling this disease. Any and all residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens counties can be served, and we hope to be able to accommodate your every need. There are several clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease that you want to be aware of. The information you will read is courtesy of alzinfo.org, and for a more complete breakdown of the stages you can visit alzinfo.org.
Stage 1: Normal
At any age, persons may potentially be free of objective or subjective symptoms of cognition and functional decline and also free of associated behavioral and mood changes. We call these mentally healthy persons at any age, stage 1, or normal.
Stage 2: Normal aged forgetfulness
Half or more of the population of persons over the age of 65 experience subjective complaints of cognitive and/or functional difficulties. The nature of these subjective complaints is characteristic. Elderly persons with these symptoms believe they can no longer recall names as well as they could 5 or 10 years previously.
Stage 3: Mild cognitive impairment
Persons at this stage manifest deficits which are subtle, but which are noted by persons who are closely associated with the stage 3 subject. The subtle deficits may become manifest in diverse ways. For example, the person with mild cognitive impairment (MCl) may noticeably repeat queries. The capacity to perform executive functions also becomes compromised.
Stage 4: Mild Alzheimer’s disease
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be made with considerable accuracy in this stage. The most common functioning deficit in these patients is a decreased ability to manage instrumental (complex) activities of daily life. The mean duration of this stage is 2 years.
Stage 5: Moderate Alzheimer’s disease
In this stage, deficits are of sufficient magnitude as to prevent catastrophe-free, independent community survival. The characteristic functional change in this stage is incipient deficits in basic activities of daily life. This is manifest in a decrement in the ability to choose proper clothing to wear for the weather conditions and/or for the daily circumstances (occasions). Some patients begin to wear the same clothing day after day unless reminded to change. The mean duration of this stage is 1.5 years.
Stage 6: Moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease
At this stage, the ability to perform basic activities of daily life becomes compromised. Functionally, five successive substages are identifiable. Initially, in stage 6a, patients, in addition to having lost the ability to choose their clothing without assistance, begin to require assistance in putting on their clothing properly. Unless supervised, patients may put their clothing on backward, they may have difficulty putting their arm in the correct sleeve, or they may dress themselves in the wrong sequence. The total duration of the stage of moderately severe AD (stage 6a through 6e) is approximately 2.5 years.
Stage 6b
Requires assistance adjusting the temperature of the bath water. At approximately the same time as Alzheimer’s patients begin to lose the ability to put on their clothing properly without assistance, but generally just a little bit later in the disease course, patients begin to require assistance in handling the mechanics of bathing. Difficulty adjusting the temperature of the bath water is the classical earliest deficit in bathing capacity in Alzheimer’s disease.
Stages 6c, 6d, 6e
With the further evolution of AD, patients lose the ability to manage independently the mechanics of toileting correctly (stage 6c). Unless supervised, patients may place the toilet tissue in the wrong place. Many patients will forget to flush the toilet properly. As the disease evolves in this stage, patients subsequently become incontinent. Generally, urinary incontinence occurs first (stage 6d), then fecal incontinence occurs (stage 6e). The incontinence can be treated, or even initially prevented entirely in many cases, by frequent toileting. Subsequently, strategies for managing incontinence, including appropriate bedding, absorbent undergarments, etc., become necessary.
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Trusted Name in Homecare: First Care of New York
At First Care of New York, we realize the importance of recognizing that we are being trusted with your most prized possession, your family. It is a responsibility that we do not take lightly, many companies simply like to speak about their trustworthiness. At First Care, we have many goals, we aim to provide a wide range of services including: Live in Care, Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides, Companions, Daily Living and Private Duty services. We aim to show our trustworthiness by obtaining licenses and accreditations through the most stringent companies and organizations in our region. Finally, our aim is to reach the residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Kings, Manhattan, New York City, Queens and NY suburbs. Our goal is to not only talk about our quality, but support our claims through accreditations and awards that highlight what we at First Care are all about. This week, we are proud to be associated with the National Private Duty Association (NPDA), this organization is committed to assuring that all agencies within their faction follow the very strict rules and regulations of the state. In addition, the NPDA assures the quality of the service, including the aides and staff of all the member homecare agencies. In achieving this goal, we at First Care take yet another step in assuring you, as part of our extended family, that our agency is first in class, in addition to care.
First Care of New York would like to humbly thank the organizers of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for their recognition of our efforts in joining their wonderful organization in the fight to finally find a cure for Cancer. The award is the latest in a string of awards that have been presented to First Care of New York for our diligence and participation in the many events and charities that occur all over the city. We thank the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center for this prestigious award and look forward to continuing to be just a small part in obtaining the goal of a cure.
First Care of New York would like to humbly thank the organizers of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for their recognition of our efforts in joining their wonderful organization in the fight to finally find a cure for Cancer. The award is the latest in a string of awards that have been presented to First Care of New York for our diligence and participation in the many events and charities that occur all over the city. We thank the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center for this prestigious award and look forward to continuing to be just a small part in obtaining the goal of a cure.
Friday, September 17, 2010
First Care’s new “Face"
First Care of New York continues to build towards getting our word to the masses. We are proud to announce that we can now be found on Facebook. All of our information, blogs, events, and services can be accessed through Facebook.
Our page is dedicated to helping our patients learn about homecare services and the different areas we serve in our community. First Care of New York provides home care services and events in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Kings, Manhattan, New York City, Queens and NY suburbs. We are implementing new techniques and courses that are aimed at elevating the quality of care that is already the standard for homecare services at First Care of New York.
We are always looking for new ways to improve ourselves in all areas of Live in Care, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Companionship, Daily Living and Private Duty services, all with a care and an accessibility all our own. You can find our Facebook fan page at First Care of New York, Inc.
Our page is dedicated to helping our patients learn about homecare services and the different areas we serve in our community. First Care of New York provides home care services and events in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Kings, Manhattan, New York City, Queens and NY suburbs. We are implementing new techniques and courses that are aimed at elevating the quality of care that is already the standard for homecare services at First Care of New York.
We are always looking for new ways to improve ourselves in all areas of Live in Care, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Companionship, Daily Living and Private Duty services, all with a care and an accessibility all our own. You can find our Facebook fan page at First Care of New York, Inc.
Friday, September 10, 2010
First Care in the Community.
Fresh off a wonderful Labor Day Weekend, First Care of New York continues on our never-ending quest to make an impact with the community. This week, First Care of New York participated in the Monthly Clergy Task Force meetings which were hosted by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. The Bronx Clergy Task Force meetings are held to address the questions and concerns of Bronx residents. The theme this month was “A Call to Action” a new initiative put together by the Bronx Clergy to address the concerns of Bronx residents including: Housing, Health and Wellness, Public Safety and Education. First Care of New York was there in support of the initiative as a forward-thinking, solution based company that we are. First Care of New York, was present and spoke with the many leaders of the faith community, answering questions about insurance and the enrollment process. We spoke to community faith members and their leaders about Live in Care, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Companionship, Daily Living and Private Duty services. We broke down the differences and explained to each member about the benefits of being able to provide care to those of us who once cared for us.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
How to obtain Homecare Services?
Step 1: Introductory - Intake
This is the very first step on the road to quality homecare. You have the option of filling out a form online, by mail or calling and speaking to one of our enrollment specialists so we can help you with the homecare process. In order to seamlessly go through the process, you will need to supply the enrollment specialist with the following information: Primary Contact Information (Name, Address and Phone #), Emergency Contact, Insurance Information (Medicaid #, Medicare # or LTC Insurance Policy #), Date of Birth, and Primary Care Physician contact information.
Step 2: Data Entry & Contract Selection
Once the information has been collected it is onto entry and selection. Your confidential and secure information will be transferred to our patient tracking system, where we will strategically arrange the best program possible to meet your needs, based on your insurance coverage. Our goal is to allow you to retain all of the services you are used to and enjoy quality homecare without having to make any sacrifices to other aspects of your life due to insurance coverage. Finally with your approval, we will submit your information to one the following Home Care Programs:
Managed Long Term Care Program
Long Term Home Health Care Program
Hospice Program
Certified Home Health Agency
Managed Long Term Care Program, (MLTC) helps people who are chronically ill or are disabled and require long-term care services, such as home care or adult day care, which allows the patient to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. The MLTC plan arranges and pays for a large selection of health and social services, and provides choice and flexibility in obtaining the necessary services from one place.
Long Term Home Health Care Program, (LTHHCP) is a variety of services that offer medical and non-medical care to people who have a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care helps meet health or personal needs. Most long-term care is to assist people with support services such as activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living or in nursing homes. It is important to remember that you may need long-term care at any age.
Hospice Programs are designed to provide care to people in the final phase of a terminal illness and focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than cure. The goal is to enable patients to be comfortable and free of pain, so that they live each day as fully as possible. Aggressive methods of pain control may be used. Hospice programs generally are home-based, but they sometimes provide services away from home -- in freestanding facilities, in nursing homes, or within hospitals. The philosophy of hospice is to provide support for the patient's emotional, social, and spiritual needs as well as medical symptoms as part of treating the whole person.
Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) provide part-time, intermittent health care and support services to individuals who need intermediate and skilled nursing care. CHHA’s can also provide long-term nursing and home health aide services, can help patients determine the level of services they need, and can either provide or arrange for other services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, medical supplies and equipment, social worker and nutrition services.
Step 3: Contract Intake Form & Submission Once we have determined the contract that will best serve you, we essentially become your advocates. We take your information and fill out all forms that the different programs require to allow us to get you the homecare services you need. We work directly with you throughout the entire process, while keeping you, the patient, up to date on any news and occurrences. We want to make sure you know what is happening at all times, we believe in communication and awareness, which is why we take the time to keep you informed.
Step 4: Pre Approval Nurses’ Assessment
This portion of the process is where we finally get to know about you personally. A Nurse will visit your home at a date and time that is comfortable for you, and will conduct a full physical assessment. During this time, the Nurse will accumulate detailed medical history information in order to develop a Care-plan, which is given to us and serves as the blueprint for the care that you or your loved one will receive.
Final Step: Approval & Admission
At long last you are ready to receive homecare services. A coordinator will be assigned to you and will serve as your personal help-line. The coordinator will call and introduce themselves to you and provide their contact information. A Nurse from First Care of New York will visit you at your home to admit you to the agency which can take up to two and a half hours by performing a full assessment from head to toe, in addition to developing a detailed care plan for the paraprofessional to follow. The process is now complete.
This is the very first step on the road to quality homecare. You have the option of filling out a form online, by mail or calling and speaking to one of our enrollment specialists so we can help you with the homecare process. In order to seamlessly go through the process, you will need to supply the enrollment specialist with the following information: Primary Contact Information (Name, Address and Phone #), Emergency Contact, Insurance Information (Medicaid #, Medicare # or LTC Insurance Policy #), Date of Birth, and Primary Care Physician contact information.
Step 2: Data Entry & Contract Selection
Once the information has been collected it is onto entry and selection. Your confidential and secure information will be transferred to our patient tracking system, where we will strategically arrange the best program possible to meet your needs, based on your insurance coverage. Our goal is to allow you to retain all of the services you are used to and enjoy quality homecare without having to make any sacrifices to other aspects of your life due to insurance coverage. Finally with your approval, we will submit your information to one the following Home Care Programs:
Managed Long Term Care Program
Long Term Home Health Care Program
Hospice Program
Certified Home Health Agency
Managed Long Term Care Program, (MLTC) helps people who are chronically ill or are disabled and require long-term care services, such as home care or adult day care, which allows the patient to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. The MLTC plan arranges and pays for a large selection of health and social services, and provides choice and flexibility in obtaining the necessary services from one place.
Long Term Home Health Care Program, (LTHHCP) is a variety of services that offer medical and non-medical care to people who have a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care helps meet health or personal needs. Most long-term care is to assist people with support services such as activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living or in nursing homes. It is important to remember that you may need long-term care at any age.
Hospice Programs are designed to provide care to people in the final phase of a terminal illness and focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than cure. The goal is to enable patients to be comfortable and free of pain, so that they live each day as fully as possible. Aggressive methods of pain control may be used. Hospice programs generally are home-based, but they sometimes provide services away from home -- in freestanding facilities, in nursing homes, or within hospitals. The philosophy of hospice is to provide support for the patient's emotional, social, and spiritual needs as well as medical symptoms as part of treating the whole person.
Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) provide part-time, intermittent health care and support services to individuals who need intermediate and skilled nursing care. CHHA’s can also provide long-term nursing and home health aide services, can help patients determine the level of services they need, and can either provide or arrange for other services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, medical supplies and equipment, social worker and nutrition services.
Step 3: Contract Intake Form & Submission Once we have determined the contract that will best serve you, we essentially become your advocates. We take your information and fill out all forms that the different programs require to allow us to get you the homecare services you need. We work directly with you throughout the entire process, while keeping you, the patient, up to date on any news and occurrences. We want to make sure you know what is happening at all times, we believe in communication and awareness, which is why we take the time to keep you informed.
Step 4: Pre Approval Nurses’ Assessment
This portion of the process is where we finally get to know about you personally. A Nurse will visit your home at a date and time that is comfortable for you, and will conduct a full physical assessment. During this time, the Nurse will accumulate detailed medical history information in order to develop a Care-plan, which is given to us and serves as the blueprint for the care that you or your loved one will receive.
Final Step: Approval & Admission
At long last you are ready to receive homecare services. A coordinator will be assigned to you and will serve as your personal help-line. The coordinator will call and introduce themselves to you and provide their contact information. A Nurse from First Care of New York will visit you at your home to admit you to the agency which can take up to two and a half hours by performing a full assessment from head to toe, in addition to developing a detailed care plan for the paraprofessional to follow. The process is now complete.
Welcome to the First Care of New York Family.
Friday, August 27, 2010
First Care of New York: A Con-Census Pick!
We are pleased to announce that First Care of New York was awarded a special commendation by the United States Census Bureau for our participation in creating awareness and inspiration for the nationwide 2010 Census that took place earlier this year. First Care of New York continues to make awareness part of our mission, while continuing to expand, revise and innovate. The award given to us is a terrific finale to this summer at First Care, which brought unity, hope, awareness and possibilities to our community and its residents everywhere. A successful summer of great Live in Care, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Companionship, Daily Living and Private Duty services, that will continue to be enhanced as we approach the Fall months.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
First Care is Opening Up!!!
As we draw closer to the end of the summer, we at First Care strive to change with the seasons as well. We understand that the needs of our clients will both change and escalate with the pending weather. We understand that information, support and guidance will not be as accessible for you as it might be during the pleasant spring and summer time. We at First Care understand these concerns and want to assure you that we will continue to provide you with all that you need to have a pleasant experience with us during the difficult weather periods that will come.
As part of this assurance, First Care of New York is currently working on implementing various new features and services that will help both clients and staff coordinate and communicate during the most difficult times. We are consistently educating and improving the techniques our aides have been given to continue to bring you outstanding Live in Care, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Companionship, Daily Living or Private Duty services. The sun may come down earlier, the weather might be cooler, but First Care of New York will keep you feeling comfortable, secure and warm all the way through.
As part of this assurance, First Care of New York is currently working on implementing various new features and services that will help both clients and staff coordinate and communicate during the most difficult times. We are consistently educating and improving the techniques our aides have been given to continue to bring you outstanding Live in Care, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Companionship, Daily Living or Private Duty services. The sun may come down earlier, the weather might be cooler, but First Care of New York will keep you feeling comfortable, secure and warm all the way through.
Monday, August 9, 2010
First Care Thanks You...
Thank You, these 2 simple words, which can say so much with so little effort and time. This phrase that so often becomes the symbol of care, appreciation, help, work and growth are the result of many different types of individual efforts. At First Care, we take the time to show this appreciation to our Team (Employees) for their hard work and diligence in helping to provide residents from the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn with the best in Live in Care, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Companionship, Daily Living or Private Duty care. Naturally, our growth and our ability to expand the quality, quantity and effectiveness of care to our clients would not be possible without you, the client. For that, we at First Care of New York wish to say thank you.
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