Mental Health Minute: Improve your family’s mental health-Englewood Hospital newsletter

Posted on June 29, 2018 by jwatrel

Mental Health Minute: Improving your family’s mental health

Englewood Hospital Newsletter

Building relationships with your family members can help promote good mental health. There are a number of activities families can do together that will not only boost mental wellness but can also help to relieve daily stress. Here are a few you may want to consider:

*Eat Dinner Together: have you ever heard of the saying, “A family that east together stays together”? We are often times so busy with work and daily chores that we tend to forget the simple things in life. Eating dinner together as a family gives each family member an opportunity to visit with one another. This is also a great time for parents to lend an ear to their children.

*Go for a walk: A little daily exercise is good for your physical and mental health. Walking together as a family is a simple thing to do. A quick 10 minute walk is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and doesn’t cost a cent.

*Get enough rest: If you and your family are not getting the adequate rest your body needs it will have a negative affect on physical and mental well being. Sleep specialists highly recommend at least seven to eight of sleep a night for optimal health.

Turn the television off: Some of us are a little too familiar with the sofas in our home. Do other things while indoors that stimulate the mind. For example, you might want to play a board game with your family or read a book together.

*Take a family vacation: A quick getaway is always refreshing. Make sure to include all family members in the planning process. Allowing each family member to be part of the planning process will not only help them feel important but will also help to insure there are activities that will please everyone.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Mental Health Minute newsletter. Please see the Englewood Hospital for more information.

Posted in Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Services, Bergen County NJ Programs, Child Program Services, Depression Programming, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Children's Programs, New Jersey Senior Programming, New York Children's Program, Relationship Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mental Health Minute: Heart Disease and Depression-Englewood Hospital

Posted on June 29, 2018 by jwatrel

Mental Health Minute: Heart Disease and Depression-Englewood Hospital

Credited to Ilene Scalzi, CEM II

http://www.nimh.nih.gov

People who develop cancer, diabetes or in particular, heart disease are at higher risk for developing depression as well. Depression’s link to cardiac medication and post-cardiac surgery has been the topic of many articles in healthcare journals. Approximately 40 to 65 percent of post-cardiac surgery patients suffer from depression (source NIMH).

There are many reasons why depression goes undetected in people with cardiac conditions. Most people-including patients and their doctors-expect a person who has had a heart attack to be sad or depressed. So depression is often dismissed as a natural reaction to illness.

Another reason why depression is often missed is because some cardiac medications have side effects that can make people lose their appetite, have trouble sleeping or feel run down. Therefore, it’s hard to determine what a medication side-effect is and what a depressive symptom is.

Be on the lookout for symptoms of depression:

*Feelings of sadness and helplessness

*Worried restless and anxious

*Lack of energy

*Difficulty concentrating

*Sleeping too little or too much

*Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed

*Thoughts of death or suicide

If you feel you have any of these symptoms, ask your doctor for a depression screening. For the most part, depression is effectively treated with medication and counseling.

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Mental Health Minute newsletter from Englewood Hospital. Please check their website for more information.

Posted in Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Services, Bergen County NJ Programs, Depression Programming, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Synergy Home Care

Posted on June 29, 2018 by jwatrel

Synergy Home Care

http://www.synergyhomecare.com

Promoting independence: live the life you and your family deserve. Let us handle the details while you concentrate on the important things. We’re working hard so you don’t have to.

Your trusted resource for care and comfort:

Our Care Team believes that everyone deserves personalized care, without obligation. We believe in “No Contracts, Just Care.”

Our Care Team caregivers provide high quality, compassionate care no matter where you may call home. We’ll come to you, whenever, wherever.

Someone there who truly cares:

More than just a companion, Synergy HomeCare caregivers are compassionate and help you or your loved one enjoy daily life. Everyone needs a little help now and then, that’s what we’re here for.

Our services may include the following but are not limited to:

*Personal Care

*Companionship

*Meal Preparation

*Light Housekeeping

*Medication Reminders

*Escort for shopping & errands

*Respite Care for family members

*Maintaining a clean & healthy home

We are dedicated to the training and education of our Care Team members to ensure that seniors are able to enjoy their independence with dignity and control.

Our Care Team:

Our caregivers are the “heart” of our Care Team. Through our extensive screening process at Synergy Homecare, we match the skills of our caregivers with the needs of our clients.

Our Care Team Caregivers:

*Trained & Experienced

*Insured & Bonded for added peace of mind

*Pass a national criminal background check

Building trust and providing care:

Find more time to spend with you family, maintain your exercise routine, travel, visit friends and simply enjoy all of the things that bring balance to your life. You can relax, knowing that we have you covered.

Always ready to provide support:

Our Community Relations Representative will be able to assist you and your family with the care and support you deserve. Whether for just a few hours a day or 23 hours a day, your time with your caregiver will be worry-free. Call your local Synergy HomeCare office for a Free, no obligation Care Assessment today!

Helping you stay connected: Peace of mind

Synergy HomeCare services are available for loved ones of all ages. Children, adults and seniors all receive the highest standard of care. Even if you have both young children and elderly parents at home, you’ll never have to choose between work and family again.

You are not alone:

*You can rest assured knowing your loved ones are being cared for while you’re away.

*Your parent’s health, care and comfort is our first priority.

*We’re there when you need us.

For more information about customized service plans and rates, please call us today!

Synergy HomeCare

Call today for your no obligation care assessment

(201) 833-1500

1029 Teaneck Road, Suite 3D

Teaneck, NJ  07666

infonj17@synergyhomecare.com HPO256900

http://www.synergyhomecare.com

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Synergy HomeCare pamphlet and I give them full credit on it. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion either yes or no to how good it is. Please call the above numbers or email them for more information.

 

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Mental Health Minute: Normal Aging versus Dementia-Englewood Hospital

Posted on June 29, 2018 by jwatrel

Mental Health Minute: Normal Aging versus Dementia-Englewood Hospital

This information was taken from AHCPR Clinical Practice Guidelines NO. 19 Publication.

As we age are brains go through changes as well. It is normal to forget where you parked your car in a crowded parking lot or where you placed your car keys. However, it’s not normal to forget that you drove your car to the busy shopping center or what your keys are used for. Below are some differences in what is considered normal and what may be signs of dementia. For more information please visit the Alzheimer’s  Association Web site, http://www.alz.org.

Normal Aging:

*Complains of memory loss but able to provide considerable detail regarding incidents of forgetfulness.

*Recent memory for important events, affairs, conversations are not impaired.

*Occasional word-finding difficulties

*Does not get lost in familiar territory; may have to pause momentarily to remember the way.

*Maintains prior level of interpersonal skills.

Dementia:

*May complain of memory problems only if specifically asked: unable to recall instances where memory loss was noticed.

*Notable decline in memory for recent events and ability to converse.

*Frequent word-finding pauses and substitutions.

*Gets lost in familiar territory while walking or driving may take hours to eventually return home.

*Exhibits loss of interest in social activities; exhibits socially inappropriate behaviors.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Mental Health Minute newsletter from Englewood Hospital. I give them full credit on it.

 

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Mental Health Minute: Englewood Hospital-Nursing Home Residents and Depression

Posted on June 29, 2018 by jwatrel

Mental Health Minute-Englewood Hospital-Nursing Home Residents and Depression

Taken from their monthly newsletter:

Nursing Home Residents and Depression

It is determined that as many as half of all older people living in nursing homes suffer from depression severe enough to effect their functioning and quality of life. Although common among older people, it is not a normal part of getting older. Depression in older people, including those living in nursing homes, often is not recognized because of other medical illnesses involved. Some signs and symptoms of depression include:

*Agitation or irritability

*Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

*Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

*Weight loss or gain

*Lack of energy

*Trouble concentrating or making decisions

*Thoughts of death or suicide

Sometimes, depression is mistaken for dementia, because both conditions can affect the older person’s ability to concentrate and remember things. It is very important that an accurate diagnosis is made. When diagnosing depression using ‘screening’ tests to diagnose depression and determine how severe it is. Some signs of depression can also be signs of a medical concern. In general, if no medical cause is found for the nursing home resident’s changes in behavior and if the signs have been present for two weeks or more, depression may be diagnosed.

Facts about screening for depression among nursing home residents:

*Nursing home residents should be screened for depression 2 to 4 weeks after they are admitted to the nursing home.

*Nursing home residents should be screened for depression every 6 months.

*Tools that health care providers can use include the “Geriatric Depression Scale” the “Beck Depression Inventory” and the “Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia”.

*Nursing home residents who have ideas of suicide should be referred immediately to a mental health professional.

What can be done to help the nursing home residents with depression?

*Help staff to identify activities that bring meaning and joy to the nursing home resident. Let the staff know what specific activities have been important to a loved one in the past.

*Talk to the nursing home staff about what you are seeing. Ask the nursing assistants and nurses about behaviors they are seeing.

*Contact the social worker for additional help. Contract a clergy person or chaplain if appropriate.

*Tell the nursing home staff immediately if your loved one talks about committing suicide.

*Look around at the environment of the nursing home. Plants, pets and other touches like family photos may help make it feel like home. Regular family visits can help too.

*Help the staff to monitor the effect of the treatments. Watch for improvements or negative changes.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Englewood Hospital newsletter and I give them full credit for it. For more information, please refer to the hospital’s website.

 

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Heart Failure Program

Posted on June 29, 2018 by jwatrel

Heart Failure Program

Passport Rehabilitation Your Way Home

Reducing the Risk:

Decreasing the need for re-hospitalization

According to the American Heart Association CHF affects approximately five million people in the United States and over 500,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in people over 65 years old and causes more than 12 million doctor visits per year.

These findings highlight the complexity of treating patients with CHF and stress the importance of developing comprehensive and coordination care within the healthcare continuum. Our goal is to work closely together to avoid costly rehospitalization by providing education and treatment in a post-acute setting and evaluating the many intricacies of CHF including underlying causes, medications and necessary lifestyle modifications.

Program Goals”

*Jointly manage patient’s exacerbation of CHF over time

*Improve value based purchasing metrics across care settings

*Decrease hospital re-admission

*Provide education to patients and families

Program Objectives:

*Coordinated effort and establishment of working communication between all involved parties including hospital, practitioner, skilled nursing facility and home health.

*Consistent education for patients and families using shared materials and key learning components including management of medications, diet, exercise and heart healthy lifestyle choices.

*Knowledgeable staff at our facilities with enhanced education and training

*Post discharge follow-up

Specialized Staff & Advanced Training:

*Pathophsiology of the syndrome at an advanced practical level

*Adherence and understanding of the American Heart Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure in adults

*Onsite AED to address any emergency needs

*Interdisciplinary approach to disease management

*Cardiologist on staff/Consult

*Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

For more information, visit us at http://www.PassportRehab.com

In New Jersey:

Maywood Center for Health and Rehabilitation

100 West Magnolia Avenue

Maywood, NJ  07607

(201) 843-8411

http://www.MaywoodCenter.com

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Passport Rehabilitation pamphlet. I give them full credit for the information given. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion on it either good or bad. Please call them for more information.

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, High Blood Pressure programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Keys to Healthy Living: Friendship and Purpose: Changes in lifestyle and outlook can affect longevity by Jo Ann Jenkins

Posted on June 28, 2018 by jwatrel

The Keys to Healthy Living: Friendship and Purpose: Changes in lifestyle and outlook can affect longevity.

By Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO AARP

I found this article in the recent issue of AARP Bulletin and I thought it was very important to you readers. Please really think about this article and your loved ones.

As we think about the prospect of the living longer, millions of us are taking more responsibility for our own health. We’ re realizing that the choices we make each day are more important than an occasional visit to the doctor’s office.

As a result, we’re seeking more and better information to help us make healthier decisions and tools for lifestyle changes that lead us toward physical and mental fitness and enhance our well-being, not just treat our ailments.

But we also need to focus on things like building strong social connections and reducing loneliness and social isolation, realizing a sense of purpose and developing a more positive, optimistic outlook on aging.

Social connections are important to your health. People with close friends are more  likely to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, maintain peace of mind and have less stress, engage in brain health activities and take on new challenges or hobbies.

Loneliness is the new smoking-according to one researcher, it is equally as bad for you as inhaling 15 cigarettes a day. Studies show that loneliness can shave eight years off life expectancy, that it has a big negative effect on quality of life and that it’s the single largest predictor of dissatisfaction with health care. The morality risk for loneliness is greater than that of obesity. Social isolation of older adults is associated with an estimated $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending annually.

Social isolation has become such a problem in Great Britan that Prime Minister Theresa May appointed a ‘minister of loneliness’ to measure it, determine its impact and develop a strategy to address it. Here in the United States, CareMore, based in California, became the first U.S. health care provider group to hire a “chief togetherness officer” to directly address loneliness and its impact on health.

Having a purpose in life is also important to health as we get older and is a key factor in aging successfully. A sense of purpose for many is more important than making money and it’s associated with a wide range of better health outcomes including reduced risk of mortality, stroke, heart attack and Alzheimer’s disease. People with a sense of purpose also get better sleep, have few nights of hospital admission and go to the doctor less often. And they are more likely to take care of their health-to eat healthy, exercise more, avoid abusing drugs and alcohol and seek out better preventative health services.

Evidence also show that optimism about aging had an impact on our health, adding 7.5 years to our lives. Those with an upbeat view of aging are more likely to fully recover from a severe disability, have a larger hippocampus (a part of the brain that affects memory) show less anatomical evidence of Alzheimer’s on an MRI and have up to an 80 percent lower risk of a cardiovascular event.

We’re discovering that changes in lifestyle and medical advances can increase our life-span and shrink the number of years spent with a disability. But it’s also vital that we have something to get us up in the morning and someone to share our lives with- and that we approach each day with a smile.

Disclaimer: This article was taken from the June 2018 AARP Bulletin by CEO Jo Ann Jenkins and I give her full credit on this article. I think it is important to share this with everyone as we all need someone!

 

 

Posted in AARP Programming, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Services, Health and Life Support Services, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Williams Lift Company: Wheelchair ramps & Stairway Lifts

Posted on June 26, 2018 by jwatrel

Williams Lift Company: Wheelchair ramps & Stairway Lifts: Going Up!

Celebrating their 70th Year!

Sales-Rentals-Repairs

We offer rentals and sales of:

*Acorn and Bruno lifts

*Indoor straight stair lifts

*Custom stair lifts for curved stairways (sale only)

*Modular wheelchair ramps

*Portable & threshold ramps

Williams Lift Company offers you independence and freedom to access every part of your home without any obstacles.

Our stair lift come in a variety of models to ensure that your comfort and budget needs are met.

Contact us today for a free home evaluation.

The stair lifts we offer are easy to use and have many helpful features:

*Seat swivel at top

*Folding arms, seat and footrest

*Wireless remote controls at top and bottom

*Safety sensors

Come visit out showroom!

Why Choose Williams?

*Family owned and operated for 3 generations since 1947. We trust our customers like family.

*We are the first stair lift provider in New Jersey. Our first lift was installed in 1965.

*We have a staff of factory trained technicians with over 50 years of combined experience.

*We offer on call 24/7 service, guaranteed. We service what we sell.

*We offer a convenient central NJ showroom location with 5 working stair lifts, a modular ramp and several reclining lift chairs on display for you to try.

*Standard models always in stock for immediate installations (24-48 hours).

*We buy back stair lifts when you no longer need them.

Our mission is to help our customers lead more free and independent lives because of the products we sell, install and service.

The values that guide us are: Excellence in all we do ethical and moral conduct at all times in all our relationships and a total commitment to provide the best service possible to our customers.

Call for your FREE estimate: Toll Free: 1-800-287-1793/ 908-322-7070

Please visit http://www.williamsslifts.com for detailed information. While you are there, please read some of our recent reviews to see how our customers feel about our service.

NJ HIC License# 13VH04221500

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Williams Lift Company pamphlet and I give them full credit of the information. I have never used the service before and I have no opinion on it either yes or no of the service. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

 

 

Posted in Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Broadway Respite & Home Care

Posted on June 23, 2018 by jwatrel

Broadway Respite & Home Care

Adult Respite Services

Where the caring is all about you.

1-855-565-5554

http://www.broadwayrespiteandhomecare.com

Saturday Program

Provides opportunities to connect with you surrounding community.

Activities include:

*Trips to the theater

*Sporting events

*Cultural events

*Museums and aquariums

*Parks and nature centers

*The Jersey Shore

*New York City

*Restaurants and more!

Offers opportunities to practice:

*Money skills

*Social Skills

*Community safety skills

*Communication skills

*Travel training

*Decision making skills

Individual Support Services:

Provides:

*A 1:1 staff person who will provide individualized attention to your family member.

*Transportation to appointments, social gatherings (ect).

*Help learning new skills so they can become more independent.

*Services according to a schedule that makes sense to you and your family.

In-Center Respite:

Provides:

*Hours of operation between 9:00am-2:00pm at a low hourly rate.

*Recreational and social activities in a group setting.

*Assistance with ADL’s as needed.

Certified Home Health Aide Services:

*A Medicaid funded program.

*Provides a certified home health aide to assist with personal care needs, light housekeeping, light meal preparation, laundry, feeding, transferring, ect.

*Services are provided according to a schedule that meets your needs.

*Live-in services are available.

Who we Serve:

Adults over the age of 18 years old who are diagnosed with a developmental disability, have a need for respite care and meet the eligibility criteria to receive services.

Funding & Getting Started:

Funding differs depending on the type of respite services that are needed. In order to learn more about our different respite service options or to ask how our respite services are funded, please call 1-855-565-5554.

Call us Today! One of our experienced representatives will be happy to assist you.

Broadway Respite & Home Care

1-855-565-5554

http://www.broadwayrespiteandhomecare.com

Disclaimer:  This information came directly from the Broadway Respite & Home Care pamphlet so I give them full credit for the information. I have never used the service so I have no opinion either good or bad. Please call them or email the above numbers for more information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Home Care Programs, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New York City Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Breast Density: Breast Cancer Screening

Posted on June 23, 2018 by jwatrel

Breast Density: Breast Cancer

Not Sure if you have dense breasts? Why does it matter? Ask your doctor which breast cancer screening options are right for you.

What is breast density?

Breasts are made up of a mixture of fibrous and glandular tissue and fatty tissue. Your breasts are considered dense if  you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue but not much fat. Density may decrease with age, but there is little. If any, change in most women.

How do I know if I have dense breasts?

Breast density is determined by the radiologist who reads your mammogram. There are four categories of mammographic density. The radiologist assigns each mammogram to one of the categories. Your doctor should be able to tell you whether you have dense breasts based on where you fall on the density scale.

Breast density in the U.S.

*10% of women have almost entirely fatty breasts.

*10% have extremely dense breasts.

*80% are classified into one of two middle categories.

Extremely dense breasts: 10%

Heterogeneously dense breasts: 40%

Almost entirely fatty breasts: 10%

Scattered areas of fibroglandular density in breasts: 40%

Why is breast density important?

Having dense breast tissue may increase your risk of getting breast cancer. Dense breasts also make it more difficult for doctors to spot cancer on mammograms. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram. Lumps, both benign and cancerous, also appear white. So, mammograms can be less accurate in women with dense breasts.

If I have dense breasts, do I still need a mammogram?

Yes. A mammogram is the only medical imaging screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. Many cancers are seen on mammograms even if you have dense breast tissue.

Are there any tests that are better than a mammogram for dense breasts?

In breasts that are dense, cancer can be hard to see on a mammogram. Studies have shown that ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help find breast cancers that can’t be seen on a mammogram. However, both MRI and ultrasound, show more findings that are not cancer, which can result in added testing and unnecessary biopsies. Also, the cost of ultrasound and MRI may not be covered by insurance.

What should I do if I have dense breasts? What is I don’t?

If you have dense breasts, please talk to your doctor. Together, you can decide which, if any, additional screening exams are right for you.

If your breasts are not dense, other factors may still place you at increased risk for breast cancer-including a family history of the disease, previous  chest radiation treatment for cancer and previous breast biopsies that show you are high risk. Talk to your doctor and discuss your history.

Even if you are at low risk and entirely fatty breasts, you should still get an annual mammogram starting at age 40.

The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, among others, recommend that all women have yearly mammograms beginning at age 40. Women at high risk may benefit from starting earlier.

Resources:

For more information on breast cancer screening, visit MammographySavesLives.org or Radiologyinfo.org.

acr.org/1-800-227-5463

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the credit for the work is given to them. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

 

 

 

Posted in Cancer Programming, Disability Programming, Health and Life Support Services, High Blood Pressure programming, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Disability Programming, Senior Services, Skin Cancer and Treatment Programs, Support Services for Seniors, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment