Learn how our home care services can help you or your loved one. Contact us today!  

What is Dementia?

The Alzheimer’s Association states that “dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.” Dementia is a decline in mental functioning that is so drastic that it directly interferes with a person’s ability to care for themselves.  

A variety of diseases can cause dementia, and this medical condition can be caused by brain injuries as well. In all dementia cases, a severe decline in thinking abilities is present but exact symptoms will vary from person to person. Some causes of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease are progressive, meaning that symptoms will get worse over time.

Please note that dementia is not a part of the natural aging process. We are bound to forget names or lose items from time to time. Dementia differs from natural aging because it’s a loss of mental functioning that is so severe it prevents people from taking care of themselves and engaging in daily activities.

If you feel you or your loved one may have dementia, it is best to talk to your doctor or reach out to a qualified health professional to receive a diagnosis. 

What Is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often discussed together and it’s easy to think the terms are one and the same. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease. Plaques, bundles of protein, build up in the brain and destroy brain cell connections. The destruction of brain cell connections then causes dementia, specifically, memory loss, problems speaking, confusion, and eventual loss of fine motor skills. The disease’s usual onset occurs in adults over age 65.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and may account for 60-70% of all dementia cases according to the World Health Organization. There are about 6.5 million people in the United States that have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease will have symptoms that get worse over time. This disease is irreversible and a cure does not exist. A caregiver’s role is already important but is amplified even more when helping loved ones with Alzheimer’s due to its progressive nature. People diagnosed with this condition will most certainly need the compassion and daily assistance that effective caregiving provides. Alzheimer’s will never relent, which is why it’s necessary to obtain quality home care services and create a home health care routine.

Types of Progressive Dementia

As mentioned before, dementia is caused by a variety of diseases and brain injuries. The multiple causes of dementia explain why there are also multiple types of dementia. The most common is progressive dementia, which is a type of dementia that becomes worse over time.

Vascular Dementia

This form of dementia is caused by damage to your brain’s blood vessels. Blood vessel damage can occur from a stroke, blood clot, or brain hemorrhage. This type of dementia can include hallucinations, problems with reasoning/planning, and poor judgment. Quitting smoking will lessen your chances of getting this dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Nerve cells in the frontal and temporal regions break down and cause radical changes to a person’s personality and behavior. People suffering from this condition often engage in inappropriate social behavior and may also experience speech and language problems. The onset of this dementia is usually between the ages of 40 and 65.

Lewy Body Dementia

A common form of dementia is caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein. These protein deposits are also known as “Lewy bodies” and cause hallucinations, sleep issues, diminished thinking abilities, issues moving, and the inability to regulate bodily functions such as bladder control. “

Lewy bodies” appear in Parkinson’s disease as well. Parkinson’s disease dementia is also very closely related but is different because problems with movement appear one year prior to cognitive problems whereas thinking issues and movement problems occur at the same time during Lewy body dementia.

Other Types of Dementia

Alcohol-Related Dementia (ARD)

This type of dementia is caused by excessive drinking over a period of years. Symptoms include memory problems occur, struggling to think logically and may have personality changes. If caught early, it’s possible for a person to reduce symptoms or reverse dementia by abstaining from alcohol, improving their diet, and adding thiamine.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

This is caused by repeated blows to the head. Athletes and former athletes of contact sports such as boxing and football are at a higher risk for dementia caused by CTE. CTE causes a wide range of symptoms such as learning problems, driving issues, depression, rage episodes, and movement issues (similar to Parkinson’s disease). Minimizing blows to the head and taking care of oneself after a concussion help prevent dementia.

Dementia Warning Signs To Look Out For

As mentioned earlier, meeting with a qualified healthcare professional is your best course of action for determining if you or your loved one has the condition. Dementia affects people differently, however, there are some common warning signs:

• Repetitive behavior. Asking the same question again and again or retelling the same story about a recent event multiple times.

• Difficulty with familiar tasks. Forgetting how to do everyday tasks like paying for an item in a store or struggling to use a dishwasher can be a symptom of dementia.

• Changes in personality or mood. Personality changes such as a loved one who was once very talkative becomes quiet. Mood changes, depression, or angry outbursts can be symptoms of early dementia.

• Getting lost or confused current location. Examples of this include getting lost while driving or a loved one becoming confused as to how or why they are at their current location or they may be confused about the current time and place.

• Problems communicating or finding the correct words to say. Signs of dementia include difficulties following conversations or struggling to find the right words to say.

• Issues with problem-solving or showing poor judgment. A person may have trouble working on regular tasks or show poor judgment such as mishandling their money.

• Memory loss. Alzheimer’s and other diseases will cause short-term memory loss in early states of dementia.  

Lower your risk of getting dementia

Dementia is difficult to prevent but here are some ways to lower your risk of getting it:

• Exercise daily
• Have a balanced diet
• Get plenty of sleep (7-8 hours)
• Don’t smoke
• Stay socially active and meet with family and friends
• Consume alcohol in moderation
• Get help for high blood pressure

Seeking Dementia Care

Reaching out to a primary care doctor or family physician is an excellent first step towards seeking care. A primary care physician can then refer you or a loved one to a medical professional, such as neurologist, who can determine whether you or your family member has dementia. Qualified medical professionals will work closely with you to create a treatment plan and map out a course of action for living with the disease.

Depending on the severity of the dementia and the type of dementia a person has, home care services will likely be needed. Dementia directly interferes with a person’s ability to live independently. Compassionate care and assistance from WellSpring Home Health will help you and your loved one though this difficult transition. WellSpring Home Health offers at-home skilled services including nursing care, disability care, physical therapy, speech therapy, medical social workers, and home health aides. We aim to provide the best possible care for patients even if 24-hour complex care is required.

WellSpring Home Health also provides non-medical care, known as unskilled home services.

These services include assistance with bathing, meal preparation, transportation, and housekeeping. We offer veteran services and work out of the Anchorage/Wasilla, Alaska regions and Pierce County/Tacoma, Washington.

A dementia diagnosis is a life-changing event for both you and your loved one. Please remember that you are not alone. We want to help you. Our team provides professional and compassionate care. WellSpring Home Health believes that each person is entitled to maximize their potential and enjoy a great quality of life.

Have questions about our services? Please visit our FAQs page or contact us directly!

The post Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: A Guide to Dementia and Care appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

A daily home health care routine has the power to provide balance to both you and the person you are caring for. A daily routine will ensure that a loved one’s needs are met. You will be able to keep track of all the caregiving activities that need to be accomplished and know how to effectively involve home care services. This allows you and a loved one to be on the same page and receive the best care possible. 

Having a daily routine allows you to easily integrate home care services from WellSpring Home Health. We are located in both Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska and have a Tahoma, Washington office as well.  Our personal care services will seamlessly become a part of your loved one’s schedule.

Read this blog and you will find out the power of a daily home health care routine.

Want to learn how our home care services can simplify your life? Contact us today!  

A Daily Home Health Care Routine Simplifies Your Life

Simplicity makes life easier. Knowing when and what you are going to do throughout the day simplifies your life and allows you to fully enjoy being a caregiver. There is no need to live in chaos because a daily home health care routine ensures that your loved one’s needs are consistently addressed. 

Creating a daily home health care routine doesn’t require a computer or smartphone. A daily routine can be made on a piece of notebook paper. What’s important is to consistently follow the daily routine and make sure the daily routine addresses your loved one’s needs. The power comes from simply practicing the routine. 

Creating a Daily Home Health Care Routine

First, to create a daily home health care routine, take note of all the immediate care needs your loved one requires. These are priorities and must be addressed right away due to their importance. For example, eating, sleeping, taking medications, and personal hygiene are all very critical and should be addressed at regular times throughout the day. Make a list of these priorities then write down the times they will occur. Once you have a list of these top priorities and their times, then you are ready to move onto the next step.

Split the Daily Home Health Care Routine into Smaller Time Chunks

Splitting the daily home health care routine into three to four separate time chunks will make the routine easier to follow. This can be as simple as dividing the routine into morning, midday, and evening time chunks. Organizing your time by chunks will also add a rhythm to your day and allow you and your loved one to know what to expect as the day progresses.  

Additionally, smaller time chunks make it easier to know when the time is right to schedule home care services. If the person you are caring for requires services such as physical therapy, nursing care, or speech therapy then WellSpring Home Health’s home care services can easily integrate these personal care services into your daily routine. We are here to help and want to deliver seamless home care that promotes the health and well-being of your loved one. 

Address Specific Needs and Enjoyable Activities

A daily home health care routine is a powerful method for ensuring your loved one’s needs are accounted for and can be met on a daily basis. Your loved one is a unique individual and will most certainly have specific needs that have to be addressed. If your loved one is a child, then helping them get ready for school and assisting them with their homework will have to be a part of the daily home health care routine.  

WellSpring Home Health provides a variety of home care services and can help out with the specific needs your loved one has. We offer services such as disability care, elder care, nursing care, veterans care, medical social work, and more. Please feel free to contact us. You will discover that we offer empathic and trustworthy home health care services. We provide home health care in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska (and surrounding areas) as well as in Pierce County, Washington. A daily home health care routine also becomes even more effective when excellent home health care services are provided. 

As a friendly reminder, please be sure to provide time for enjoyable activities that bring delight and purpose to your loved one. Enjoying the moment makes us human and helps your loved one find meaning in their life while increasing their emotional, mental and physical health.

Everyone deserves enjoyment.  People who receive care, such as seniors, are sure to engage in activities that give them happiness. If the person you’re caring for loves reading then be sure they have some time each day to enjoy the bliss that is reading. Or, if your loved one likes visiting the park in the afternoon, be sure to include a visit in your home health care routine. Connecting with your loved one and allowing them to enjoy themselves is a huge part of providing quality care.

Adapt the Daily Home Health Care Routine

When you create a daily home health care routine, there is a high chance that changes will have to be made because parts of the routine will not work. Embrace this challenge and stay flexible in your thinking. Adapt your daily caregiving routine so you can ensure your loved one’s needs are properly addressed and given the attention they deserve. Likewise, it helps to be flexible when scheduling home care services. Your loved one may require additional home care services on occasion or may receive home care services at alternative times.

Additionally, it’s easy to underestimate the time of activities such as bathing your loved one, cooking a meal, and cleaning their room. Add about 10-15 minutes additional time. More time ensures that you don’t have to rush and that you provide quality care. Another helpful tip is to use a stopwatch to accurately estimate the time needed for caregiving activities. Stay with it. Over time, the routine will naturally develop. Eventually, practicing the daily home health routine and adapting it will become second nature. 

By creating a home health care routine, you may discover that you need some extra help for day-to-day caregiving activities. WellSpring Home Health provides day-to-day home care services such as bathing, meal preparation, and running errands. We focus on providing the care you need to make your loved one’s life safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. Remember you are not alone. Caregiving require a lot of effort and it helps knowing there are home care services available to help your loved one along their journey. The journey of life is precious and we are here to ensure they are cared for like family. 

Leave Time to Adjust to Your New Routine 

Keep your daily routine up-to-date and easily accessible for your loved one. This way they can learn the schedule. You may want to create separate routines for each day of the week. Also, it helps to keep track of appointments on a monthly calendar.

Make time to connect and talk mindfully to your loved one. Listening and talking genuinely is therapeutic and will give both of you a chance to learn from each other. Always remember the purpose is to care for your loved one.

Sometimes we need extra help. It’s okay. Contact us. We want to help.

The post A Guide for Caregivers: How To Create a Home Health Care Routine appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

You need to rest assured that while you’re working or taking care of your home, your child’s needs are also being met. The caregiver for your child needs to be well trained and connect with your family. 

WellSpring Home Health allows both medical and non-medical services for your child. You can have the benefits of home care for them and know that they’re being well taken care of. Here is what you can get from pediatric home care services in Tacoma, Washington, provided by WellSpring Home Health.

Do you want to see if our services are a good fit for your family? Contact us today to learn more! 

What Is Pediatric Home Care?

Pediatric home care services for your child can help your whole family. Providing care for your disabled child can be a full-time job. We understand that it’s not always possible to work, take care of your home, and provide adequate care for your kid. 

We want to make your life easier by allowing our staff to help you. With pediatric home care, they can get help in the comfort of their own home. Whether you need help every day or on occasion, there is a helpful option for you. 

What Is Included In Pediatric Home Care?

Your child can get assistance with daily tasks and medical services. We understand that they may struggle to complete tasks by themselves. Our unskilled services provide a way for caregivers to help with the daily tasks that may come up. 

These activities can include a wide variety of tasks, including: 

• Meal preparation
• Feeding assistance
• Housekeeping
• Running errands
• Mobility
• Transportation
• Bowel and bladder care
• Bathing, showering, or grooming

These home care services allow your child to live comfortably with help if they need it or want it. It can also help you around the house since it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to do everything with little to no help. 

There are also medical services that allow your disabled child to be taken care of at home. You can get various skilled services from WellSpring Home Health, including the following. 

Skilled or Registered Nurse

We have highly compassionate and skilled nurses that can help you on a full-time, part-time, or per visit basis. They’ll work closely with your pediatrician, child, and family to ensure that you receive personalized pediatric care. 

Our skilled nurses can help with: 

• Medication management
• Pain management
• Chronic condition management
• Wound care
• Post-surgical care

Physical Therapy

Our physical therapists develop a unique and personalized physical therapy plan according to your child’s doctor’s orders to regain mobility, reduce pain, restore functionality, and prevent further disability. 

They provide exceptional customer service as they provide treatments and complete documentation. Our physical therapists can help your child with: 

• Movement and joint motion analysis
• Developing therapeutic exercise programs
• Coordination and balance training
• Mobility assistance
• Pain management
• Massage therapy

Speech Therapy

Our speech therapists are passionate about helping your child develop language and speech skills or overcoming feeding and swallowing difficulties. They’re trained in a wide range of physical and learning disabilities that include: 

• Dysphagia
• Autism
• Cleft palates
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Hearing loss
• Auditory processing disorders
• Stroke impairments
• Dementia 

Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapists can help guide and instruct your child in therapeutic self-care. With your physician’s orders, we can help your child with devices such as wheelchairs, braces, splints, prosthetics, and more. 

They’ll also help you and your family learn new skills in your child’s home and school environments to help improve function. Occupational therapists can help with: 

• Home safety awareness education
• Hazard awareness and injury protection
• Training in the use of mobility assistive devices
• Development of specialized exercise programs
• Motor skills rehabilitation
• Fitting for prosthetics
• Correction of posture
• Pain management
• Balance training
• Fall prevention

Are you interested in what our services can do for your child? Contact us today to learn more! 

Home Health Aide or Certified Nurse Assistant (CAN)

Our compassionate, trustworthy, and certified Home Health Aides and CNAs can assist your child in daily activities. They’re trained in all areas of personal care, CPR certified, and have met our strict requirements for employment, including background checks. Your child can benefit from services such as: 

• Personal care and hygiene
• Mobility
• Medication management
• Feeding assistance
• Meal preparation and planning
• Emotional support
• Psychological support

Medical Social Work

Although your child may not receive direct care from our medical social workers, they can help you. It isn’t easy organizing every detail of your child’s overall care. Our medical social workers will help you understand what services are being provided, how to pay for the services, and organize your home care plan. 

They’ll work with your child’s physician to understand what services are needed. Then you can work with them to understand any payment information and paperwork. Lastly, they’ll help ensure that your family receives the emotional support it needs. Our medical social workers are the helping hand that will aid in organizing the crazy life you live in. 

Why Should You Consider Pediatric Home Care?

Choosing pediatric home care can be a big step in helping your entire family. Many benefits can come from home care for your family and your child. With the help at home, you’ll be able to relax knowing that your child is being taken care of while you work or run needed errands. 

It can be a great weight lifted off you, knowing that your child has care for everything that they may need. Your family can feel less stressed and focus on the important moments that you share with your child. 

The services we provide can have the biggest impact on your child. They’ll be able to receive the care that they need from home. That means that their lives don’t need to be regularly interrupted by constant doctor’s visits or prolonged stays in a hospital. 

Your child can be at home and not worry about missing out on big family moments. They can be there enjoying everything along with you. They’ll also benefit from having regular staff to get to know and connect with. 

By choosing home care, you choose an option that will benefit your family’s lives. We’ll work together to ensure that your child receives the adequate care they need in their own home’s comfort and safety. 

Why Should You Choose WellSpring Home Health?

We are there for you and your family. Choosing WellSpring Home Health means choosing an excellent service for your child. 

Our staff will work directly with your child’s doctors to understand the medical services that they may need. But we want your input too. So, we’ll sit down with your whole family to better understand your needs and lifestyle. 

Providing quality care is our priority. We want to provide our excellent services in the comfort of your home. Your family can have the flexibility of an independent life away from a hospital while still receiving great care. 

We love being a part of the Pearce County community in Washington. And no matter what skilled or unskilled services your child may need, we’ll ensure that they’ll get the quality care they deserve in an easy and non-stressful way. 

Do you want to see if we’re the right fit for you? Contact us today so we can start this journey together! 

The post Pediatric Home Care Services In Pearce County, Washington appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

However, home care is an excellent option for people to receive help at home. Many people think that home care only consists of health care assistance. However, you can receive help with daily tasks.

At WellSpring Home Health, you can receive at-home care specialized to you. You can receive both with home care if you have medical or daily needs. So, how can you get help with personal care? In this blog, you’ll learn what kind of services you can receive and how to qualify. 

Are you interested in what services you qualify for? Contact us today to learn more! 

What Is Home Care?

Home care consists of unskilled or skilled services. Unskilled services provide you with personal care that will help you daily. Skilled services include the medical care that someone might need, including: 

• Skilled nurse or registered nurse for help with medication management, pain management, chronic condition management, post-surgical care, and more.
• Physical therapy to help with movement and join analysis, coordination and balance training, mobility assistance, pain management, massage therapy, and more. 
• Speech therapy for people that have difficulty feeding, swallowing, and speaking. 
• Occupational therapy to help you with hazard awareness and injury protection, development of specialized exercise programs, balance training, and more. 
• Medical social work will help you organize what kind of services you may need and how to pay for them. 
• A home health aide or certified nurse assistant (CNA) will help you with personal care and hygiene, mobility, medication management, emotional support, and more. 

Some people who receive skilled services need help with daily tasks. Medical social workers can help you organize which services you need and how to get them. 

How Unskilled Services Can Help You With Personal Care

Unskilled services include nonmedical help. Many people begin to struggle with daily tasks that need to get done or that you need help with. At WellSpring Home Health, there are a few key ways our staff can help you with personal care. 

Meal Preparation and Feeding Assistance

Some may find it hard to cook nutritious foods if they have trouble standing or moving around. With this service, you can get help with preparing your meals. 

We also offer feeding assistance. Sometimes feeding yourself can become difficult if you have trouble chewing or swallowing. It can also become hard to feed yourself if you find it challenging using your hands due to a medical condition. 

Housekeeping and Running Errands

Getting around your house can be hard enough. With our help, you can be happy knowing that your home is clean. With basic clean-up help, you won’t have to worry about getting around and exerting energy. 

It can be just as challenging to get around town to run errands. If you need help with picking up groceries or necessities, you can rely on our staff to help you with that. 

Mobility and Transportation 

Moving around your home can be difficult, so you can get help moving around. Similarly, many older adults may not be able to drive themselves to their needed destinations. 

We offer transportation help so you can get to doctor appointments or to the store without much worry. You won’t need to endanger yourself or others by driving when you can let us help you. 

Bowel and Bladder Care

We will help you if you have trouble going to the bathroom. This can be getting to the bathroom or even having difficulty with going. Our staff will help your bowel and bladder care so you don’t have to worry about how you’ll go to the bathroom. 

Bathing, Showering, or Grooming

Similarly, getting yourself cleaned in a shower or bath can be difficult. Showering can be difficult if you have trouble standing for long periods. While bathing can become hard if you have trouble getting in and out of the bath. Grooming yourself can also become difficult, so our staff can help you with it all. 

Want to know more about how we can pair skilled and unskilled services together? Contact us today to learn more! 

How To Qualify For Home Health

The first step in qualifying for home care is to receive a referral from your primary care physician. This will help us understand what kind of services you need. Once you have that, we’ll speak with your doctor to create a personalized plan for you. 

We also care about your family and your input. So, we will make a home visit and talk with you about the specifics of your at-home needs. 

One of the more significant factors that we consider is if you are “homebound.” This means that you are unable to leave your home without the assistance of another person or unable to leave without considerable and taxing effort that compromises your health. This is when unskilled services are an excellent help for running errands and transportation. 

We will also consider your health history to understand all of your medical conditions better. It will help guide us in choosing which services can greatly benefit you. 

At WellSpring Home Health, we provide services for older adults, pediatrics, veterans, and surviving veteran spouses. 

How To Pay For Home Care Services

Once you’ve been approved for home care services, it’s time to talk to your insurance provider. There are multiple options for covering the costs of your home care. 

At WellSpring Home Health, we work with many insurances providers to get the care you need, including Medicare, Medicaid, Tri-Care, VA/ Tri-West, Workers’ Compensation, and private pay options. If you have Medicare, your skilled services will be 100% covered. Talking with your provider can help you find with benefits you qualify for. 

Each provider has different coverage, so it’s crucial to check your insurance policy to look at your co-pays and deductibles. If you are worried about the paperwork and organizing everything, we have medical social workers that can help you organize your finances, services, and can provide emotional support through the process. You can contact our office if you have any questions about our billing services. 

Why Should You Choose WellSpring Home Health?

Home care is a great way to benefit in the comfort of your own home. You’ll still have the flexibility of an independent life while receiving great help. 

At WellSpring Home Health, we are dedicated to ensuring quality care in the security and comfort of your own home. We offer personalized services in Wasilla, Anchorage, and Tacoma. If you need 24-hour complex care or weekly visits, we’ll work with you to create a schedule that benefits everyone. 

We have two fundamental philosophies that we base our care on. First, each person has innate worth no matter their health, age, race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Second, we believe that each person is entitled to maximize their potential, enjoy the quality of their life, and maximize their potential. We treat each patient like their a part of the family. 

No matter if you or your loved one need skilled or unskilled services, we’ll be there to help. With our several resource options, we’ll ensure that you get the quality care you deserve in an easy and non-stressful way. 

Ready to receive personalized care at home? Contact us to get started today! 

The post What To Do If You Need a Little Help With Personal Care appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

During this challenging time, medical social workers can be a great help in figuring everything out.

At WellSpring Home Health, we offer several services and financial options. However, our medical social worker team is vital for ensuring your loved one’s transition to home care is a success. Here is how they can help and why you should include a medical social worker in your home care journey. 

Are you interested in home care? Call us today!

What is Home Care?

If you or a loved one requires assistance living independently, home care is an excellent option. This option can include both skilled or unskilled services and allows seniors to age in place without leaving the comfort of their own homes. 

Skilled Services

Skilled services can include any medical help that is needed, including:

• Skilled nurses/ registered nurses help with pain management, chronic conditions, and more.
• Physical therapy helps with mobility, coordination, and pain management.
• Speech therapy helps with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Occupational therapy can help with mobility, pain management, fall prevention, and more.
• A home health aide/ certified nurse assistant (CNA) can help with daily activities and psychological support. 

These services can help with seemingly more minor things from medication management to more significant tasks like proper physical therapy plans to maintain mobility and manage pain. Receiving these services from home can be easier for patients who may be “homebound.” And access to medical care in the comfort of your own home will allow you to be at ease and have time for other things, such as hobbies and spending time with family. 

Unskilled Services

Unskilled services will help with daily tasks that may have become difficult, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and more. You can even receive assistance with tasks such as shopping, light housekeeping, running errands, laundry, and other items that will make your life easier. Some work that WellSpring Home Health offers include:

• Meal preparation/ feeding assistance
• Housekeeping/ running errands
• Mobility/ transportation
• Bowel/ bladder care
• Bathing/ showering/ grooming

What Are Medical Social Workers?

Medical social workers can help patients or families cope with illnesses. They can help you understand the illness or condition that has changed your life. Often, they will help with the emotional, financial, or social needs that arise from home care. 

Some medical social workers will advocate for their patients while assuring them that their medical needs are being met. They typically work in hospitals, outpatient centers, hospice centers, rehabilitation facilities, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and home health agencies. These environments allow patients to get help wherever they are. 

What Services Do Medical Service Workers Provide?

Depending on where they work, the services medical service workers provider may be slightly different. However, medical social workers are there to help the patients in any way they need. Some general services that they can help you with include: 

• Reviewing admission documentation and addressing any issues with them
• Assisting in patient discharging 
• Coordinating the care of patients with complex needs that require multiple services or time
• Helping handle any crisis that arises with counseling or therapy
• Aiding in understanding the financial or emotional resources that are available to you

At WellSpring Home Health, our medical social workers can help you cope with the personal, physical, and emotional effects of a disease or disability. They can also help you find and access resources for finances and community assistance programs, like home meal deliveries. 

Do you have more questions about medical social work? Call us today!

Who Can Benefit From a Medical Social Worker?

The short answer is that everyone can benefit from a medical social worker. Since it can be difficult to transition to home care, a social worker can help ensure the process goes smoothly.. However, a few groups of people may need more assistance during their time in home care. 

Elderly Patients

As people age, the likelihood of needing help at home, skilled or unskilled, becomes more prominent. Elderly care can be received in the comfort of your own home. There are many benefits to receiving home care, such as not stressing about receiving care, spending more time doing hobbies and with family, and receiving personalized care. 

Medical social workers can help older adults with paperwork, financial resources, and emotional aid. Sometimes paperwork can be complicated, so having help can be a great way to get the care you need while not stressing how to receive it. 

Pediatric Patients 

Some children may need medical help, and receiving it at home can be a great way to avoid disrupting their life too much. At WellSpring Home health, we provide holistic treatments for children with complex medical issues or developmental disabilities who otherwise may experience frequent or prolonged hospitalizations. 

Medical social workers can be a great help to parents. You’re already stressed with your child needing care, having someone to help with the financial and emotional burden of finding resources can be spared with medical social workers. 

Veterans

Veterans and surviving spouses can receive personalized home care services that will maintain their quality of life and allow them to stay in their homes. Some veterans may not live near VA facilities, and receiving home care may be the best option. 

Having a medical social worker on your home care team can help determine which services you can qualify for. They’ll help you understand the paperwork and how your care is being paid for. 

Why Choose WellSpring Home Health?

WellSpring Home Health is an excellent option for receiving home care and having quality help from our medical social work team. They can help you understand anything challenging to understand. 

Once you’ve qualified for home care, our team can help you coordinate which services you can receive. They’ll also help you with any financial questions that you have, including:

• How do I pay for home care?
• Does my insurance help cover the costs?
• What other financial issues should I know about?

They’ll also help you find which people to talk to about your personalized care plan. With their help on your home care team, the process will be easier and help relieve your stress. 

WellSpring Home Health is dedicated to ensuring quality care in the security and comfort of your own home. We provide services to clients in Wasilla, Anchorage, and Tacoma, whether it’s 24-hour complex care or weekly visits to help with meals and household errands. 

Our work is based on two fundamental philosophies. First, each person has innate worth, regardless of their health, age, race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Second, each person is entitled to maximize their potential, enjoy the quality of life, and maximize their potential. That’s why we treat all our patients like our own family.

Ready to have a medical social worker help you with home care? Contact us today!

The post Medical Social Workers Are a Vital Part of Your Home Care Team appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

Although there are services that provide day-to-day help with things like feeding and washing, various types of medical care can be provided in your home. This can include from physical therapy, speech therapy, and more.

WellSpring Home Health provides at-home care for medical needs. Registered nurses can come to your home and provide you with personal care depending on your health needs. Our skilled home care services allow you to stay in the comfort of your own home while receiving the medical care you need to manage a condition or recover after a procedure or injury. Here is how you can qualify for home care visits from registered visits.

Are you interested in receiving medical services at home? Contact us to learn about our skilled home care services.

What Can a Registered Nurse Do for Me?

While non-medical home care can help with daily tasks that may be hard to do by yourself, many need medical care at home. Some people may be “homebound,” which could require home care. “Homebound” means that you can’t leave your house without the assistance of another person or can’t leave without a taxing effort that could put you in danger or compromise your health. 

Having medical home care allows you to receive help without creating a big hassle of getting to a doctor’s office. WellSpring Home Health has many registered nurses who can help with various problems.

Our compassionate nurses can help with a variety of problems. This can range from chronic condition management to medication management, pain management, wound care, post-surgical care, and more. Skilled nurses can also help with maintaining your health and preventing further injury. 

They will work with you, your physician, your family, and your caregivers to create a personalized plan to help achieve your potential. The nurses help in whatever capacity is needed, ranging from full-time, part-time, or occasional visits. 

Can I Receive Home Care?

Although many people think of only older adults receiving care, children and veterans can receive care at WellSpring Home Health. Elderly care can be provided at home if recommended by their primary doctor.

Children can receive pediatric care if they battle complex medical issues or developmental disabilities who would typically experience frequent and prolonged hospitalizations. With holistic treatments, children can receive care as needed without disrupting life via home visits or telehealth technologies. A comprehensive plan will be created and agreed upon by their medical team, the rest of your family, and other caregivers.

Veterans and surviving spouses can benefit from medical home care designed to retain your life and stay in your home. If you live far from a VA, skilled and unskilled services can be provided. This can range from chronic condition care to pain management. 

How Can I Qualify for Skilled Home Care Services?

The first step in qualifying for home care from a registered nurse is to receive a referral from your primary care physician. Once you have this, you can contact us to speak with your doctor and create a personalized plan for you. We’ll also come to your home to meet you and talk more specifically about your at-home needs.

One of the most significant factors that will be considered is if you are “homebound.” This will help us better understand your situation and the length of your needs. 

Your health history will also be taken into account to understand all of your medical conditions better. This will also allow us to provide more extensive services if needed, like physical therapy. 

How Do I Pay for Home Care from a Registered Nurse?

Once your doctor has recommended you for home care, it’s time to talk with your insurance provider. There are multiple options for covering the costs of your home care. 

WellSpring Home Health can provide services to Medicare, Medicaid, Tri-Care, VA/Tri-West, Workers’ Compensation, and private pay options. Medicare can cover 100% of your skilled services. Talking with your provider can help with knowing which benefits you qualify for and getting help with arranging the paperwork you’ll need for reimbursement. 

Each provider will have different coverage. It’s also a good idea to check your insurance policy to look at your co-pays and deductibles. You can call our office if you have any questions about our billing services. 

Still have questions? Try our FAQs.

What are the Benefits of a Home Care Service?

There are many benefits to receiving home care services. The biggest one is having the advantage of being in the comfort of your own home. It can make the process more relaxing and enjoyable. 

Another benefit is receiving personal care that is catered to you. If you are also receiving nonskilled services like feeding and washing, it can help lift the stress off you to complete those tasks. 

A significant benefit is the ability to keep your family together. You don’t need to be separated and put into an outside care home or facility to receive the  care you need. You can still enjoy the company of your family and friends. 

Additionally, there is more flexibility in your life. With at-home care, you can receive the necessary care while still having time and space to do things you love, like hobbies. It allows more free time and the ability to have a robust support system if needed.

What are Additional Services that I Can Receive?

Besides having a skilled registered nurse taking care of you at home, other medical staff can help you on your path to recovery and improvement. WellSpring Home Health has different medical providers that can aid in many things to keep you healthy.

Physical Therapy

Our physical therapists can work with each patient to build a physical therapy plan that best suits one’s recovery. They can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, restore functionality, and prevent disability. 

Speech Therapy

Our speech therapists can help you develop speech or language skills and overcome feeding and swallowing difficulties. Speech therapists treat a range of physical and learning disabilities, including dysphagia, autism, cleft palates, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, cognitive disorders, stroke impairments, neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and more.

Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapists will fulfill your doctor’s instructions to help you live at home comfortably. They can help you use wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices. They can also help you refine certain functions and learn new skills. 

Medical Social Work

Our medical social workers assist you and your family with coping with the personal, physical, and emotional effects of your disease or disability. They will also help you find and access financial resources and community assistance programs like home meal deliveries.

Home Health Aide/Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Our compassionate Home Health Aides help with daily activities, including personal care and hygiene, mobility, medication management, feeding assistance, meal preparation and planning, and emotional and psychological support. They ensure everything is done correctly to ensure your plan is carried out correctly and give you peace of mind. 

Why Should I Choose WellSpring Home Health?

WellSpring Home Health is dedicated to ensuring quality care in the security and comfort of your own home. Our clients in Wasilla, Anchorage, and Tacoma receive personalized care, whether that’s 24-hour complex care or weekly visits to help with things like meals and household errands.

Our work is based on two fundamental philosophies. First, each person has innate worth, regardless of their health, age, race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Second, each person is entitled to maximize their potential, enjoy the quality of life, and maximize their potential. That’s why we treat all our patients like our own family.

Ready to receive personalized care at home? Contact us to get started.  

The post Home Care: How to Arrange Visits from a Registered Nurse appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

Former military members who live far from VA centers often drive miles to get care at those facilities. However, when they need these services in their homes, the distance can seem like an impassable barrier.

Fortunately, there are ways to get home care veteran services even when you live far from any VA center. Here is how to do it and how Wellspring can help.

Would you like to get the home care services you need in your own home? Contact us at WellSpring Home Health to find out how.

Common Challenges of Aging in Place

Aging can bring incredible challenges for many older adults. Physical limitations can make everyday activities difficult or even impossible without assistance. At this time of life, you might need help with personal activities such as bathing, preparing meals, running errands, and getting where you need to go.

In addition, some veterans have disabilities, illnesses, or injuries that require skilled nursing care. If this describes your situation, home care services to help manage daily medical needs may be a must. You may also need disability care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other types of therapeutic services to live well at home.

Yet, even with all these challenges, it is very rare that older adults look forward to living in nursing homes. In fact, according to the AARP, 90% of people over 65 would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older. The good news is that home care services can help you stay where you want to be – in your home.

How to Get Veteran Home Care Services Where You Are

While you might be aware that home care services exist, you might wonder if they are available to you where you are. As a veteran, you likely know that the VA does provide many services for you at their facilities. But what happens if you don’t live near any VA centers? In that case, getting elder care in your home may seem financially out of reach. Fortunately, there is a program that helps veterans get the personal care and nursing care they need while aging in place.

What Is the VA A&A?

The Veterans Administration offers two programs for older veterans without requiring them to live near a VA center. One is the VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) program, and the other is the Housebound program. Both offer an increase in monthly VA pension amounts to help with daily activities and nursing care.

To qualify for the A&A program, you must be a veteran receiving a pension. You may meet the other criteria if you:

• Need help with daily activities, such as dressing, eating, or bathing.
• Have to stay in bed all or most of the time due to illness.
• Live in a nursing home because of mental or physical disabilities.
• Your corrected vision measures at 5/200 or less, or your visual field is 5 degrees or less.

You may be eligible for the VA Housebound program if you are mostly or completely confined to your home due to a permanent disability.

For either program, you must qualify for a VA pension.

How to Apply for VA A&A

As a veteran, you can apply for these programs to receive an increased pension amount that you can use for home care services. You start by filling out VA Form 21-2680, the Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance.

Your doctor can help you fill it out by completing the examination and information section for you. Add any extra information to help make your case, such as details about how you now try to manage your daily activities or the type of illnesses, injuries, or disabilities that interfere with your ability to do them. Then, mail it to your pension management center.

Approval is not automatic, of course, and it can take time to get through the process. The pension management center might ask for additional information or evidence, for example. However, once you have been approved, the benefit is well worth the time and effort.

VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care

The VA also has a program for veterans who receive VA Standard Medical Benefits. The program is for veterans who have a documented need for help with daily care activities when they cannot perform them due to medical conditions.

How to Apply for the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care Program

If you need the services provided by the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care program, talk to your VA case manager. They can help you with the paperwork and self-assessments required. The VA will evaluate your need for personal care services and decide if you qualify. In some cases, you may need to pay a copay for services, but not all veterans do.

Home-Based Primary Care

Another program offered by the government is the Home-Based Primary Care, or HBPC, program. This program is for all enrolled veterans who have the need for complex home services due to chronic, disabling, progressive medical conditions.

Qualifying for HBPC

To qualify for this program, you must be enrolled to receive VA health services. You also must demonstrate a need for complex care. If you meet the criteria for this program, you receive home care services such as at-home doctor visits, medical social work, rehabilitation services, therapy, nutritional services, and medication. You pay the same copay for these services as you would if you received them at a VA facility.

To apply for the Home-Based Primary Care program, you can speak with your VA case manager or social worker. They can help you complete the Application for Extended Care Benefits, VA Form 10-10EC. When your application is approved, you will be notified of what your copay for services will be, if any.

Types of Services Available for Veteran Home Care

Home care services can include two types of care. The first is provided by skilled professionals, such as registered nurses, specialists in medical social work, and a variety of therapists. They can help you with nursing care and therapy to safeguard your health and improve or maintain your physical and mental abilities. They work with your primary care doctor to ensure all the different services are customized to meet your unique needs and work well together.

The second type of service is offered by all our non-skilled home health providers who assist with nonmedical care. This personal care includes assistance with daily activities such as:

• Bathing and grooming
• Preparing and eating meals
• Running errands
• Housekeeping
• Transportation
• Bowel and/or bladder care

At WellSpring Home Health, we provide these home care services in the Anchorage, Alaska, Wasilla, Washington, and Tacoma areas. Our friendly, helpful staff has the skills, qualifications, and commitment needed to provide a large variety of services for you as a veteran and others seeking to live at home as they age.

Elder care and disability care are our specialties, so we know how to meet your needs for both skilled and non-skilled home care. Our team of providers works together to give you the assistance you need to live your life in the place where you feel most comfortable and at home.

When you rely on Wellspring Home Health for veteran home care services, you can relax and look forward to the time ahead, enjoying the home that means so much to you.  You can remain more independent, connect with your community, and live a life that is more satisfying to you.

Are you a veteran seeking home health services to stay in your home? Reach out to Wellspring to find out how we can help you accomplish your mission!

The post How Veterans Can Get Home Care Without Living Near the VA appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

An important part of caring for someone is making it possible to remain living at home while recovering from surgery or living with a disability or simply aging. We provide the personal support one-on-one in your own home that makes it possible for you or your loved one to remain independent, from registered nurses who help with medical treatments and medications, to physical therapists who help with mobility and rehabilitation, to caregivers who help with bathing and picking up prescriptions. If you are the primary caregiver for someone else, we can also provide respite for you to give you a break when you need to go out for errands or lunch with friends. The key here is to find someone you trust.

You always have peace of mind with Wellspring Home Health because we choose staff members very carefully to ensure they share our values. We evaluate their professional credentials, training, and qualifications; but we also evaluate their character to know they will always care for you and your loved one as they would their own family.

Helping people live with dignity, safety, and comfort in their own homes is our job. But it’s a remarkable one because it gives us the privilege of doing good for others. And to us, that’s not just a job; it’s an act of love.

Whether you’re facing a terminal illness or planning to live in your home for many more years, we always respect your privacy while providing the level of care you need. We hope you will welcome us as part of your family. That’s how we think of you.

Would you like to know more about Wellspring Home Health? Give us a call.

We Love Tacoma!

We know you love living in Tacoma because we love it, too! Tacoma is kind of America’s best-kept secret. It’s not as trendy or talked about as our more-famous neighbors Portland and Seattle, but Tacoma has a lower cost of living and all the same benefits of being in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. Furthermore, we have about the same amount of rainfall as Chicago but warmer winters and cooler summers than New York City. And then – what none of the residents of those places could ever understand – we have the gorgeous scenery, a wonderful world of arts, shopping, restaurants, pleasant walkways, parks, and much, much more.

So, if you’re facing a situation in which you need some help with the needs of daily living, being relocated out of your home to a care facility – especially if it’s in another city or state – is not your only option. We’re here to provide you with the help you need in the home you love, so you can stay here in Tacoma and remain living independently.

What to Look for in a Home Care Provider

One of the great things about Tacoma is we have an abundance of services for just about anything you could want. Home health care is no exception. There are many wonderful providers in Tacoma. So, how can you choose? We suggest evaluating the following criteria when considering any provider who will be coming into your home or your family member’s home.

Are They Licensed and Certified?

First things first, make sure you’re dealing with a licensed, certified company that meets state and federal requirements. Ask if the provider’s employees are licensed and certified in the field of care they will be providing you. You should also ask if anyone who will be entering your home has a criminal history or has been cited for elder negligence or medical malfeasance. Ask how the provider will monitor their staff members who will be entering your home to care for you or your loved one. Also, ask if you can request a different staff member if you realize you’d like to make a change.

All employees of Wellspring Home Health are fully licensed and certified in their fields and have passed background checks. In addition to our rigorous interview and screening process, licensing verification, background checks, and drug screening, Wellspring Home Health closely supervises and evaluates our caregivers to ensure you are always receiving the best quality care and that you are happy with our staff.

Do They Accept Medicare?

Make sure the provider accepts the type of payment you have available.

Wellspring Home Health provides services to Medicare, Medicaid, Tri-Care, VA/TriWest, Workers’ Compensation, private pay, and private insurance clients.

What Care Do They Provide?

Another basic qualification: Does the company provide the type of care you need? A person recovering from surgery needs a very different type of care than an elderly person needs. So, start with knowing what you’re looking for. If you’re not fully certain what type of care you or a loved one needs, ask if the provider offers help with an assessment to determine the best, most appropriate care.

Wellspring Home Health offers a wide range of care services, all performed by specialists who are experts in their field, from medical care to companionship. And we always carefully consult with you to assess your medical condition(s), goals, and requirements before assigning a caregiver.

Are They Specialized? And Do They Have Qualified Personnel?

Many home health care providers may sort of blur the lines between types of care in a sort of “umbrella” care approach. But, as mentioned above, different types of care require very different types of training, education, experience, and approach.

Wellspring Home Health is highly specialized, with certified medical professionals providing our skilled services (such as pain management, wound care, physical therapy, speech therapy, motor skills rehabilitation, and much more) and highly compassionate, patient staff providing our unskilled services (such as meal preparation and feeding assistance, housekeeping, running errands, and much more).

We go even further into care specialization, providing pediatric home care services for children with complex medical issues or developmental disabilities, and veterans home care services for those who bravely served our nation and their loved ones.

Do You Like Them?

Ultimately, if the basic requirements such as licensing are met, it’s a matter of asking if you’re comfortable with a provider and if you believe they will be caring for you or your loved one the way you want.

At Wellspring Home Health, you’re cared for like family. And we would love the opportunity to prove it to you.

Do you think Wellspring Home Health is right for you?

Your trust is very important to us, and our entire team takes great care to deliver friendly and reliable service to you with the highest standards of care. Please give us a call to learn how we can help you stay independent and live in your own home.

Our goal is to make your life at home safer and easier.

The post Choosing a Home Care Agency in Tacoma, Washington appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

Wellspring Home Health is a group of trained medical and physical-health professionals who care about you and come to your home to work with you one-on-one so you can regain your strength and learn safe, easy ways to be on your own when you’re aging or recovering from an injury or surgery, or a combination of factors.

We serve all types of people, including veterans and elders, who live in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska, and Tacoma, Washington. Our experienced, kind therapists provide elder care, nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, and much more.

We understand that even the strongest people may need a helping hand but don’t want to move to a retirement community or care facility. We always treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve, and we bring care to you so you can stay in the home you love.

Let’s take a look at how occupational therapy can help you be independent.

Want to talk to us about staying independent in your home? Contact us about our services.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

The term “occupational” refers to normal activities that “occupy” a person on a regular basis, and “therapy” refers to a treatment intended to remediate a health issue. So, occupational therapists do not simply perform activities for you, but rather, help you develop ways to perform them for yourself. By doing so, you are able to care for yourself and remain living independently.

This includes being able to do routine, daily tasks, like getting dressed, using the toilet, bathing, getting in and out of bed and chairs, using the kitchen, answering the door, managing your medication(s), and everything else that’s involved in being on your own.

Occupational therapy can also help you learn to use therapeutic or support devices on your own, such as getting in and out of a wheelchair, walking with braces, splints, and prosthetic or orthotic devices, and putting them on and taking them off.

Our Medical Occupational Therapists

There are often new realities that come with new medical conditions or simply getting older that you need to learn how to incorporate into your home life. Our skilled occupational therapists are certified medical professionals, such as registered nurses, who work in close coordination with your doctor to help you learn how to perform activities related to your health, including a wide range of activities you may need to do after surgery, such as performing wound care and changing bandages or managing a non-surgical medical condition, such as arthritis.

It’s important to not only recover from a condition or learn new ways to adapt to it but to also have confidence you will be okay living on your own in the future. Our nurses can also help you develop reliable ways to maintain your overall health and prevent further illness or injury. This includes learning how to use mobility devices and simple safety techniques to prevent falls and avoid hazards commonly found in the home.

Virtually all daily activities require you to be able to move, even just getting up and going to the bathroom. Our occupational therapists can help you develop or rehabilitate your motor skills, posture, balance, and strength through exercises. We will also help you learn how to use and move with devices that are new to you, such as prosthetics and orthotics. We can teach you how to put them on and take them off, clean and care for the devices, and get around safely and comfortably with them.

Wellspring Home Health offers you the knowledge and personal care of experienced nurses who have worked with many patients and who understand how important it is for you to remain in your home and on your own. Many of our nurses have extensive experience working in hospitals, emergency rooms, and ICUs with doctors.

Helping You Live Comfortably With Occupational Therapy Services

Our wonderful, caring professionals can come to your home and help you learn or re-learn many non-medical activities involved in living on your own.

When you’re experiencing a medical condition or even just getting older, routine activities can seem more difficult or confusing. Our patient, smiling non-medical occupational therapists can help you just get around the house by yourself, get ready for the day, make meals, sleep soundly at night, and do all the little things that make it possible for you to live in your own home.

We can help you learn safe ways to bathe or shower, shave and do your hair, cook and clean, and even ways to eat with your condition. Some medical conditions require a different way of preparing food or require specific foods, and we’ll help you organize your kitchen and set up an easy routine for meals. We can also help you learn new ways to use the toilet or perform bowel and bladder care. Our therapists understand that some things can seem embarrassing, but we’re here to help you live with dignity.

There are a lot of things every home requires, and together, we can develop safe, easy ways to clean your home, keep ordinary appliances working, charged up, and out of your way. And, of course, you need to leave your home occasionally, even if it’s just to run to the store or see your doctor, and we can help you learn how to do that safely, as well, from getting dressed to packaging medical equipment for travel to figuring out transportation.

Is Wellspring Home Health Right for You?

At Wellspring Home Health, our occupational therapists specialize in helping people like you live at home as safely and comfortably as possible by offering a wide range of unskilled and skilled home care services.

Whether you’ve recently suffered a stroke, are living with arthritis, or are recovering from a recent accident, we’ll come to your home and assist you in adjusting to your new situation by:  

•           Helping you evaluate the safety of your home and educating you on safety awareness

•           Identifying hazards and making adjustments to your surroundings to prevent injuries

•           Training you on how to use mobility assistive devices, such as walking sticks or crutches.

•           Developing personalized exercise programs to help increase your mobility and function

•           Providing motor skills rehabilitation so you can perform daily activities with ease

•           Fitting for prosthetics and helping you adjust to your new prothesis

•           Correcting posture issues through education and strengthening exercises

•           Assisting you with pain management during the rehabilitation process

•           Helping you regain your balance and stability through targeted practices and exercises

•           Developing strategies for helping you avoid falls as you live independently

Our goal is to make your life at home safer and easier. Your trust is very important to us, and our entire team takes great care to look after our clients like family, delivering friendly and reliable service with the highest standards of care.

Do you want to receive the care you deserve? Join our family.

The post Why Occupational Therapy Is a Vital Part of Home Care Services appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.

Speech therapy helps people communicate and overcome feeding and swallowing difficulties. It’s an important part of home care services, especially if you’re experiencing these conditions (traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss, stroke recovery, etc.).

In this blog, we are going to discuss the importance of speech therapy, its benefits, and how to get started.

Interested in speech therapy? Connect with us.

Why Speech Therapy Is Important

If you or your child have a speech impediment or are experiencing issues with eating and swallowing, speech therapy can be a great resource for helping you or your child overcome this. Having a speech impediment can sometimes feel embarrassing because you can’t produce words correctly, you don’t have the ability to carry on a conversation, or maybe you’re having a tough time giving a presentation. Whatever the situation may be, you’ll feel embarrassed and worried about what others may think of you. All these negative thoughts running through your mind may leave you feeling alone and depressed and can lead to an anxiety disorder.

Just because you are unable to formulate words properly does not mean you are any less great than everyone else. Everyone is unique in their own, individual ways, and it’s important we learn to embrace that about ourselves. We are all human beings at the end of the day. We aren’t perfect and if you are trying to overcome a certain disorder, there are tons of tools out there for you to use.

Investing in speech therapy is your first step in the right direction for getting yourself back on track. Every step should be celebrated because you are not only working to improve your speech but you are also doing it to become a better version of yourself. Speech therapy is performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists. These SLPs can really help you regain the ability to formulate words better and help you feel more confident in the way you speak in front of others.

The Benefits of Speech Therapy

Anyone at any age can develop a speech disorder, but luckily there are ways to fix this. There are many benefits of speech therapy. Check them out.

Better Articulation

If you are looking for a way to improve your or your child’s communication abilities, articulation is key. The more people learn to articulate their words, the better they will sound, the more confidence they will have, and their communication skills will improve drastically. Speech therapists will be able to break down certain words you are having difficulties with and identify the best exercises to correct this problem.

Improved Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing can be another key indicator that you may need speech therapy. People with a speech disorder might have a hard time swallowing, which is the term we use for dysphagia. This might mean you have a challenging time swallowing any type of liquid and solids. Or you may take longer to eat and drink because of the process it takes to get it down your esophagus.

Speech therapy is an excellent way to improve this problem. The speech therapist will be able to perform a variety of techniques and different exercises to improve oral intake and flow of air circulation. Learning to relax the tongue and practicing proper swallowing and biting techniques will help improve this condition almost immediately.

Reduced Stuttering

According to the Stuttering Foundation, more than 70 million people worldwide stutter, which is about one percent of the population. That means over 3 million Americans in the United States are struggling with stuttering. When people stutter, it can sometimes make them lose their train of thought or cause them to feel embarrassed because they keep stuttering and cannot seem to speak fluently.

Speech therapists will be able to give your proper techniques that may work to improve stuttering such as:

• Taking deep breaths before beginning a conversation or engaging with someone else.
• Slow down when you talk. This will give your brain time to process the words before they come out.
• If certain words are giving you major trouble and you just can’t seem to pronounce the word properly, find a different word with similar meaning that is easier for you to process.
• If you are a nervous speaker, try to use your hands more often or pace if needed. This will be able to calm any nerves you may have and work to help relax the tongue, making speech more fluent and easier to understand.

Proper Pronunciation for Second Languages

As mentioned previously, speech therapy can help you formulate your words better and allow you the ability to speak more fluently. However, speech therapy can also be used to either get rid of an accent or helping you gain and learn a new one. The first step is understanding the way you sound. The next step is getting into a speech rhythm. Your speech therapist will be able to assist and guide you through the necessary steps to be successful in achieving this goal.

Increased Confidence

When someone develops a speech disorder, it can really take a toll on their mental health and overall well-being. It’s important to feel confident even if you do have a speech impediment. Take ownership of it; there is nothing to be scared or ashamed about. According to ASHA, about 7 percent of Americans have some form of language impairment while about 5 to 10 percent of Americans have a communication disorder.

If you are feeling alone and down, remember that you aren’t the only one with a speech disorder and that speech therapy can help.  

Reduced Anxiety and Stress

Some speech disorders are worsened by social anxiety. This can stem from their peers ridiculing them laughing at them when struggling to pronounce words. This is a common reason for speech issues with children and teenagers. A speech therapist can help children become more confident in their speech and minimize anxiety when talking around others.

Give Speech Therapy a Try With WellSpring Home Health

WellSpring Home Health is located right in Alaska and works to provides quality home care from reliable professionals. Our goal is to help individuals live a full, healthy life regardless of their health, age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. We treat all of our patients like family and work to improve the quality of life for all. Our environment will make you feel welcome and comfortable.

If you are struggling with a speech disorder, WellSpring Home Health offers skilled home care services which include speech therapy. Our speech therapists here will help you develop language and speech skills or overcome swallowing disorders.

Are you ready to get started? Get in touch with our office.

The post Can I Get Professional Speech Therapy With Home Care? appeared first on Wellspring Home Health Center.