Congrats to our April Employee of the Month winners!

• Home Care Ashtabula: Leanne Neal
• Home Care Dayton/Hospice: Appelonia Frame
• Home Care Dublin: Olivia Sciulli
• Home Care Steubenville/WV: Patricia Mathews-Brown
• Home Care Concierge: Julie Harris

Dayton, OH – Capital Health Home Care, a certified home health service provider in Dayton, Ohio, has achieved a deficiency-free recertification survey from the state of Ohio.

A deficiency-free survey indicates that Capital Health Home Care is providing the highest level of care to its patients by following state and federal regulations. A survey covers patient safety, patient rights, infection control, and state and federal regulations for providing care among many other criteria.

The agency, operated by Capital Health Care Network, is led by Administrator Marie Hughes.

“We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to performing at the highest level of care,” said Hughes. “This achievement represents our team’s focus on the quality of care we provide to our home care patients.”

Capital Health Home Care in Dayton also received a deficiency-free status during the agency’s last survey in 2018. This accomplishment was achieved by less than 50% of the state’s home care agencies that year according to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).¹

“We had no idea what to expect with the survey following the onset of the pandemic and were a bit nervous,” said Lisa Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Home Care, Hospice & Senior Living at Capital Health Care Network. “Marie and her team have done an excellent job getting and keeping the agency survey ready. We couldn’t be prouder of the team’s efforts.”

State surveys are mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) every three years but have been delayed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ODH administers the surveys to check compliance procedures of Medicare health and safety standards for continuing care providers including home care agencies, hospitals, and other facilities serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Capital Health Home Care is a division of Capital Health Care Network, an Ohio-based, family-owned company that provides solutions to help seniors age on their own terms. These solutions include home care, senior living, skilled nursing & rehabilitation care, and hospice.

¹ Ohio Department of Health. (2018). Nursing Home, RCF, and HHA/Hospice Quarterly Report 2018 Q4; Page 17-18. https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/nursing-homes-facilities/resources/nursinghomequarterlyreport2018q4

 

Congrats to our March Employee of the Month winners!

• Home Care Ashtabula: Machelle Emery
• Home Care Dayton/Hospice: Elizabeth Ames
• Home Care Dublin: Julie Harris
• Home Care Steubenville/WV: Necole Hritz

No objective test for PD exists. PD is more common in people age 60+. Talk to your doctor if you have two or more of the following:

1. Tremor – Have you noticed a slight shaking in your finger, thumb, hand, or chin? A tremor while at rest is a common early sign of PD.
2. Small Handwriting – Has your handwriting gotten much smaller than it used to? A change may be a sign of PD.
3. Loss of Smell – Have you noticed you no longer smell certain foods very well? If you have trouble smelling foods like bananas, pickles, or licorice, ask your doctor about PD.
4. Trouble Sleeping – Do you thrash in bed or act out dreams when you are asleep? Sudden movement during sleep may be a sign of PD.
5. Trouble Moving/Walking – Do your body, arms, or legs feel stiff? it doesn’t go away, it can be a PD sign.
6. Constipation – Do you have trouble moving your bowels without straining?
7. Soft/Low Voice – Have others told you that your voice is very soft or that you sound hoarse?
8. Masked Face – Have you been told that you have a serious, depressed, or mad look, even when not in a bad mood? This is called facial masking.
9. Dizziness or Fainting – Do you notice that you often feel dizzy when standing up? Feeling dizzy or fainting can link to PD.
10. Stooping or Hunching Over – Are you not standing as upright as you used to? Stooping, leaning, or slouching when you stand may be a sign of PD.

Early detection helps because it provides a better opportunity to learn how to manage symptoms and maybe even slow progression.

Congrats to our February Employee of the Month winners!

• Home Care Ashtabula: Raechel Jarvis
• Home Care Dayton/Hospice: Tracy Cadwell
• Home Care Dublin: Mimi Filipova
• Home Care Steubenville/WV: Alexandria Kellermier

“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors–in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” – Fred Rogers

Mr. Rogers taught us a great deal about what it means to be a good neighbor.  Please consider being a good neighbor to the seniors and elderly folks that reside in your neighborhood.  Too many seniors live out their golden years in need of attention and assistance.  Some seniors face deteriorating health, loneliness, boredom, isolation, fear, depression, malnutrition, and an array of other challenges.  Being a good neighbor can help.

The trick is to stay vigilant without being intrusive.  While you don’t want to be a pesky neighbor, you might find it necessary to offer to help instead of waiting on your elderly neighbor to ask for help.  It isn’t easy for anyone to ask for help and that is especially true for proud seniors who are used to being self-sufficient.

Being a good neighbor is about building and sustaining relationships we can depend on and trust when a need arises.  It simply requires a willingness to get involved and a commitment to practice kindness.

Please join us in our efforts to promote community and spread goodwill by checking on your elderly neighbors.  

1. Gather and Offer Contact Information.

Ask your elderly neighbor for his or her phone number and maybe even the phone number of their closest friend or family member in the event of an emergency. It would also be nice to offer your own number.  

2. Offer to Help Instead of Waiting to Be Asked.

It isn’t easy for anyone to ask for help and that is especially true for seniors who are used to being self-sufficient. If you can help, offer to and reassure your neighbor that helping is not a burden.  

3. Set Boundaries & Make A Plan.

Your kindness and willingness to get involved can be an extra layer of safety and socialization for your neighbor, but you are not solely responsible for your neighbor’s well-being or happiness. Make sure their emergency contact list is located somewhere prominent in their home.

4. Check on Them During Inclement Weather.

It makes sense to check on them before and after storms or during extended periods of harsh weather. Family and friends may be too far removed to address immediate concerns.  

5. Share a Meal.

There is something very special about eating together. Consider inviting your neighbor over for a meal or delivering the meal to their home. Choosing to share a meal with your neighbor is sure to help foster camaraderie and build a friendship. 

Capital Health Home Care is a vision-based organization that provides solutions to help seniors age on their own terms.

Congrats to our 2021 Employees of the Year winners!

• Home Care Ashtabula: Patty Caskey, LPN
• Home Care Dayton/Hospice: Jeremy “Jay” Knight, RN
• Home Care Dublin: Mindy Powell, RN
• Home Care Steubenville/WV: Kelli Christian

Our 2021 Employees of the Year are a group of amazing, talented, and wonderful individuals who stood out in the impact they had on our patients, their families, and our colleagues.

 

Patty Caskey, LPN

2021 Employee of the Year

Home Care Ashtabula

Patty has been on our Ashtabula team for 10+ years and she is truly a wonderful asset and team member. Patty is friendly and kind to all. She provides exceptional care to her patients, pays close attention to detail, and is a true advocate for her patients. Her hard work does not go unnoticed.

 

Jeremy “Jay” Knight, RN

2021 Employee of the Year

Home Care Dayton

Jay is an RN we can count on to pick up a Start of Care or Visit whenever we ask to ensure our patients promptly receive excellent care. Jay joined our team in Dayton two years ago and has received numerous kudos from his patients, who have said Jay is professional, friendly, and caring. Jay is a military veteran and loves that he can care for fellow veterans and watch them improve.

 

Mindy Powell, RN

2021 Employee of the Year

Home Care Dublin

Mindy is a newer nurse to our team, but she has already received so many kudos from her patients, as well as high praise from a physician for the excellent care she provided. “She is doing a great job in getting the wounds healed,” said the physician.

Our patients regularly give us positive feedback. “Mindy is top-notch,” one patient said. “I always look forward to seeing her.” And another said, “I am very happy with my nurse, Mindy.”

Her patients and Capital Health Home Care staff appreciate Mindy’s personality and smile. She has been a great addition to our already wonderful team. Thank you, Mindy! We are grateful for all you do for us and your patients.

 

Kelli Christian

2021 Employee of the Year

Home Care Steubenville/WV

Kelli is our Intake Referral specialist and has been with us since 2016. Kelli has been a stabilizing force in our office during staff changes. Kelli has a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of experience in her role;
she has even traveled across the state to help train a new intake specialist.

“Kelli has her act together and is a great team player. She is always willing to take on extra tasks when help is needed,” said Kelli’s colleague. She does an exceptional job communicating with family members, MD offices, and staff. Kelli is our go-to girl. Thank you, Kelli. We appreciate you!

Congrats to our December Employee of the Month winners!

• Home Care Ashtabula: Patty Caskey, LPN
• Home Care Dayton/Hospice: Elizabeth Ames
• Home Care Dublin: Courtney Starr
• Home Care Steubenville/WV: Judy Macaluso

Older adults are especially susceptible to hypothermia even after mild exposure to cold temperatures. Hypothermia is a significant and potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, generally defined as having a core body temperature below 95 degrees.

Signs and symptoms may include slow or slurred speech, puffy or swollen face, sleepiness or confusion, shivering, stiffness in the arms and legs, slow reactions, and/or a weak pulse. 

The National Institute on Aging offers the following advice to help older adults avoid hypothermia: 

1. When going outside in the cold, it is important to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens to prevent loss of body heat through your head and hands. 
2. Check with your doctor to see if any of your prescription or over-the-counter medications may increase your risk for hypothermia.
3. Make sure your home is warm. Some experts suggest that, for older people, set the temperature to at least
   68 degrees. 

If you suspect or observe hypothermia, call 911.

Winter has arrived, and it brings added safety concerns for older adults and the elderly. Many elders will suffer a bone fracture of one kind or another this winter, and that fracture has the potential to be life-changing.

The following tips are offered as preventative measures that can help seniors avoid slipping and falling on ice and snow during inclement weather:

1. Wear the right footwear, meaning wear shoes and boots that fit, are not worn out, and still provide good traction.
2. Wear gloves to help you keep your hands warm and out of your pockets, so you can use your hands and arms to catch yourself if you lose your balance.
3. Keep your sidewalks and driveways clear of snow and ice; have someone (hopefully NOT an at-risk senior) blow
   or shovel the snow away as needed. Apply de-icing material to reduce ice buildup on walkways.
4. Take your time as you move from one location to another. Watch your step, be careful, move slowly – especially when you can’t tell if your path is clear and free of ice.
5. Please don’t be too proud to ask for help if you need it. There is no shame in needing help.
6. Be prepared for the possibility of a fall. Consider renting or purchasing an emergency-alert pendant, and be sure to wear it when you get it.
7. Do not check the mail until it is safe to do so.