In 2019, we realized that some of our patients would benefit from a continuum of care as they transitioned from home health to needing more of a hospice plan of care. It made sense to support the relationships we already had with patients and their families and extend our services to include hospice care. Knowing the needs of our patients and respecting their end of life wishes is crucial in hospice care and we are honored to be a small part of our patients’ journeys.

If you have questions about what hospice care entails or knowing when it’s time to start hospice care, reach out to us. We can provide answers to your questions and guidance for your decisions.

Have you heard? Armonia Home Health & Hospice has partnered with Paws of Love El Paso!

Who can resist the warm fuzzy feeling a pet provides? The sense of having all your troubles fades away as soon as you see them. Thanks to Paws of Love El Paso, many of our patients are feeling just that. This unique therapeutic treatment reduces stress and lifts patient spirits.br>

Olga Rodriguez, CEO, and Administrator for Armonia says, “This special partnership gives the gift of love and healing to our home health and hospice patients. A sense of comfort and relief only animals can provide.”

Paws of Love is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic services that positively affect health, well-being, depression, and quality of life for home health and hospice patients. We are over the moon excited to be providing this service to many of our patients!

Interested in learning more? Contact our volunteer coordinator at 915-584-5272.

About Paws for Love
Paws for Love is a program that provides therapy teams of animals and their handlers to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation and hospice centers. Their mission is to provide patients with a unique way to cope with their health issues. Connect with Paws for Love at pawsforlovetherapypets@hotmail.com.

When you are a caregiver to a loved one it can be very rewarding, but also difficult especially if your loved one has dementia.

There are different types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia, to name a few. Each of these types has its own unique feature however, what they do have in common is the progressive cognitive impairment that makes day-to-day functioning difficult. This is why people with dementia need a caregiver who can assist with everyday tasks.

Here are a few tips to follow when caring for someone with dementia:

Be open and flexible to new ways of communicating.
As your loved one’s dementia progresses it is critical to understand that there may come a time where you will need to adjust how you interact and communicate with your loved ones. This can also help you respond to situations more effectively.

Make a conscious decision to avoid agitation, stress, and conflict.
Take steps to maintain a normal routine as often as possible. Avoid exposing your loved one to situations that may cause stress and agitation.

Know how to recognize situations that may be dangerous.
When caring for someone with dementia certain situations may be more dangerous now than ever. Activities such as driving and cooking may now be more dangerous now but eliminating them may also be detrimental. Finding safe ways to incorporate these is key.

Be proactive, not reactive.
Getting a head start when it comes to your loved one’s legal, financial, and medical matters can alleviate a great deal of stress in the long run. Ensure you take the appropriate steps when assessing your loved ones’ matters.

Ask for help.
When the time comes for transitional care, remind yourself that you don’t have to do this alone.

Have you recently started providing care for a loved one? Or maybe you have been doing it for some time? Either way, providing care for a loved one can cause one’s life to become unstable or imbalanced.

This unfortunately affects nearly all aspects of life, including your health and well-being. Here are a few tips to help restore that balance.:

Talk to someone. A friend, spouse, therapist, or even a support group can help alleviate stress. Remember, it’s ok to feel burned out!
Secure help. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or professional, securing help can alleviate some stress.
Write it down. Unwind by taking a few minutes to write down your feelings, it can sometimes give you back a sense of control.
Schedule some “me time.” Recharge and take time for yourself. Remember, you can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself.

Here at Armonia Home Health and Hospice, our team of professionals provides the utmost level of care and compassion. To learn more about our services contact us at 915-584-5272.

Armonia Home Health & Hospice is committed to the total care of any patient facing a life-limiting illness, care for their family and caregivers, and the conservation of healthcare resources.

Here are four ways hospice care can help:

Care at Home
To be eligible to receive hospice services, a patient must be admitted to the program with a certification provided by the physician, based on certain admission criteria. Hospice care is delivered within a coordinated team approach to reduce or reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment modalities are determined in consultation with the attending physician.

Pain and Symptom Management
Our hospice nurses and physician are well-versed in the latest pain management options and the best delivery modalities to manage pain and control other symptoms. Our nurses are skilled in assessing and managing pain symptoms while also allowing patients to remain as pain-free and alert as possible.

Bereavement Care
Our bereavement program incorporates several resources that have been proven very effective. As part of our hospice care, we offer individual counseling at the time of death, follow-up visits, phone contact, and more, as needed.

Caregiver Tips
At Armonia, we understand that life can get hectic, especially when caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness. Our skilled staff can provide helpful tips on routines and consistency, medications, nutritional needs, and information on what to expect at every stage.

When the time comes, our hospice team will coordinate and provide the individualized services you need. With Armonia, you are never alone.

Determining the best care for a terminally ill loved one can be very taxing on family members. Family dynamics play a significant role in the planning of end-of-life care.

Here are four things that will help you work through the challenging family dynamics that arise when a loved one is terminally ill.

•Plan Ahead. Caregivers and family members should identify responsibilities and who will handle them. For example, hands-on care, financials, living arrangements, funeral planning, etc.
•Seek Assistance. You are not alone. Seek the guidance of your hospice nurses and social workers.
•Keep Open Lines of Communication. Ensure all family members engage in clear communication, active listening, respect, and expectations. Stay open to what others have to say and acknowledge feelings.

At Armonia, we strive to provide medical, emotional, and spiritual care. We also provide grief support to our patients, their families and caregivers during this difficult time. Our staff helps those we serve experience more meaningful moments through exceptional hospice care.

Older adults tend to slow down and spend more time indoors during the winter months. Spring and Summer’s arrival is an opportunity to rejuvenate your overall wellness by getting outside and, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Here are five ways to welcome warmer days back:

Gardening promotes health and quality of life. It aids in physical strength, flexibility, and cognitive skills.

Walk outdoors to improve mood, and feel revitalized and energetic. Outdoor activity reduces tension and depression.

Enjoy seasonal foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables unique to the season. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Volunteer outdoors and spend some time helping others! The warmer weather is energizing and volunteering is a great way to give back.

As we age, our bodies change in many different ways, and the brain is no exception. Research shows that certain parts of the brain shrink, in particular those areas specific to learning and other complex mental activities.

Studies have also shown that regardless of the aging process, the brain can adapt by creating new neural pathways. This is referred to as neuroplasticity and it’s good news for seniors looking to improve brain health. Of course, accessing the full potential of neuroplasticity means focusing on various aspects of your activities that are linked to the brain.

Playing memory games is not only fun, but it also trains the brain. The best thing about mind and memory games is that you can start them any day! Here are five great brain training games for seniors that will keep your loved one’s aging brain sharp:

• Chess
• Jigsaw Puzzles
• Crossword Puzzles
• Sudoko
• Counting Backwards

Valentine’s Day is about love and happiness! If you have a senior loved one you suspect may be feeling a bit lonely this Valentine’s Day, there are many ways to help them find comfort and consolation. A few ways to alleviate your aging relative’s sadness and encourage them to celebrate the occasion are to engage them in fun activities, surprise them with delightful gifts, remind them that they’re loved and appreciated, etc.

Here are a few other V-day activities your loved one will enjoy participating in. They may even spark a few fond memories and fill their day with joy and love:

Make Valentine’s Day Decorations and Cards
Make Valentines Day Cookies and Treats
Create a Scrapbook
Watch a Heartfelt Movie
Go to a Senior Dance with Them

Whether you need help brightening Valentine’s Day for your senior loved one or need home health or hospice services, Armonia Home Health & Hospice is here to help. Whatever the circumstances of your case, if you have an aging parent or family member in the El Paso, area who needs in-home care, we can provide the assistance they need in order to live safely, healthily, and happily in their own home.

Call us at 915-584-5272 for more information about the services we offer.

Home Health Services: Not Only for the Elderly

When people think of in-home care, they assume it is only for the elderly however, it is also an excellent option for young individuals that need assistance following an injury or illness, as well as those with disabilities.

Some home health care benefits for young people include:

• The ability to recover faster at home rather than in a hospital or nursing facility.
• Assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, etc.
• Home health aides can assist when family members are not available.

At Armonia, we offer in-home care for all ages and uniquely tailor care to meet our patient’s needs. Contact us today for more information regarding in-home care for your loved ones.

There are many reasons why families choose hospice care. It allows patients to end their lives as comfortably as possible, surrounded by family and friends. In-home hospice care gives patients and their families a greater sense of control than a hospital. Hospice also places a much greater emphasis on the spiritual and emotional aspects of dying.

Most hospice care is provided where the patient lives, whether it is their private home, a nursing home, or an assisted living complex. Being surrounded by one’s familiar belongings and surroundings is a core tenet of hospice care.

The philosophy of hospice is that everyone has the right to die free of pain and with dignity, and that families should be supported in helping to make this possible. At Armonia, we are equipped to provide quality care to the dying as well as support to their families. Our services can be particularly helpful to family members, who shoulder most of the burden and often must help an aging parent or other relatives.

Here are a few reasons why families choose hospice.
• Hospice Supports the whole family.
• Hospice gives patients and families more control.
• Hospice allows patients to stay at home.

Choosing hospice is not an easy decision and patients and families should never feel compelled to choose between care that extends life and care that provides comfort. However, those who have chosen hospice care should be thinking about hospice sooner rather than later.

Hospice care is a service that we all may need someday – if not for ourselves, for our loved ones. While death is not an option for any of us, we do have choices about the services we use at the end of life.

Hospice offers a variety of benefits, not only to those of us who are dying but also to those we leave behind-making it un undoubtedly the best option in the last months of life.

So, how do you find the most appropriate hospice? Start by:
• Seeking professional opinions.
• Ask around! Friends, families, neighbors, etc.
• Determine if the hospice is accredited.

We also recommend that when you are interviewing a hospice, take notes and ask questions such as:
• What type of care or training will they provide?
• What is the typical response time during or after business hours?
• How quickly can a plan of care be developed?
• What kind of out-of-pocket expenses should you anticipate?
• What type of bereavement support is provided?

Ready to reach out and learn more about Armonia. Let our knowledgeable staff tell you more and walk you through the entire process.

At Armonia Home Health & Hospice, our goal is to reduce hospital visits and limit readmissions. To improve patient outcomes and reduce these visits, Armonia takes much into consideration such as:

• Knowing when our patients are at risk of readmission. Whether in person or remotely, our team closely monitors high-risk patients.

• Ensuring our team members are aware of high-risk patients. Before entering a patient’s home, our staff members have been briefed on whether the patient is at high risk for readmission. This allows us to pay attention to signs of worsening symptoms such as potential infections, pain, and medication compliance.

• Providing patients and family members with the education they need. Educating patients about their care is the key to a successful clinical outcome. Patient education can happen in or outside the home with the use of technology.

• Engaging with patients in between home visits. Our team ensures patient concerns are addressed before a hospital readmission occurs. We connect with patients outside their scheduled visits and address issues before they become detrimental.

At Armonia, we use a variety of effective methods to address and organize patient needs. Our experienced team uses proven, reliable strategies to keep patients healthy and out of the hospital.

The flu is more dangerous for older adults for many reasons. One is that the immune system — which helps our bodies fight infections weakened as we age. Another reason is that older adults are also more prone to have other health conditions, that increase the risk of complications from the flu. The good news is that the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu and of getting seriously ill if you do get sick with the flu. Flu vaccines are especially helpful for those with chronic health issues.

So…how can you prevent the flu?

The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. The vaccine not only makes it less likely that you will get the flu it also reduces your chances of being hospitalized or dying if you do get the flu.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, you can help stop the spread of flu by:
• Washing your hands
• Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Staying home when you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school

In-home physical therapy has many benefits. Physical therapy can help seniors maintain their independence by improving muscle strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Physical therapists are movement experts, helping people recover their mobility after an injury or surgery or manage symptoms of a chronic condition. Decades of studies find physical therapy speeds recovery and helps people regain the highest mobility possible.

Here are 4 benefits of physical therapy for seniors.

Convenience. Ease and accessibility is always the first thing in-home therapy patients point to when discussing why they choose home physical therapy.

One-on-one care. When a patient is receiving in-home PT, they have the undivided attention of the caregiver.

Effective. Many studies have found that home-based physical therapy was just as effective as outpatient therapy services.

Increased Functionality. When the physical therapist is working with a patient in the home, the movements and exercises are immediately more relatable for them.

Considering hospice care as an option for loved ones with a life-limiting illness is a very challenging decision, made by the patients and their families. Being faced with a loved one’s pain and symptoms can be difficult, but by recognizing the signs of hospice, you can avoid the unnecessary discomforts and pains that hospice agencies manage.

Here are 5 signs it may be time to contact us for hospice care.

1. Frequent hospitalizations or trips to the ER
   
2. Rapid decline in health over past six months, even with aggressive medical treatments
   
3. Uncontrolled pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting
   
4. Decreasing alertness, withdrawal, increased sleeping or mental confusion
   
5. Decision to focus on quality of life, instead of aggressive treatments.
   

At Armonia, we offer pain management to alleviate pain and other discomforts. If your loved one is not doing well or displays some of these 5 warning signs, suggest they seek hospice care.

Occupational therapy is designed to treat patients by using daily activities as a therapy to improve hand-eye coordination or fine motor skills. Our occupational therapists (OT) may use self-care activities, like dressing and bathing, or writing to help improve fine motor skills. Occupational therapy is performed by licensed therapists.

So, what can an occupational therapist do to help an aging patient? Here’s how…

1. Overcome the struggles of everyday life. OTs help improve fine motor skills and range of motion through a variety of exercises that can make daily tasks more manageable.
2. Prevent falls. OTs provide balance and muscle-building exercises that can prevent falls.
3. Recommendations for patients with dementia. OTs can make recommendations that can make life easier for patients with dementia.
4. Assist caregivers. An OT can teach healthy coping skills to caregivers and educate them on the patient’s status and any current research regarding the patient’s condition and illness.
5. Life transitions. OTs can help elderly patients deal with life transitions by educating them and providing health coping skills.
6. Vision loss. Elderly patients who suffer from vision loss or eye diseases tend to struggle with performing simple everyday tasks. OTs conduct exercises with elderly patients that improve perceptual vision, pattern detection, and overall visual awareness. Occupational therapists will also commonly suggest changes in the home or workplace to make sure their vision loss does not get in the way of everyday life.
7. Home modifications. OTs will review the layout of the patient’s home and make recommendations to modify the space that promote a safe independent lifestyle.
8. Memory rehabilitation. All elderly people suffer some degree of memory loss. Some activities OTs conduct to assist the patient’s in regaining their memory are puzzles, placement of signs, allowing only a limited number of items for patients that suffer confusion, and more.

So…do you have a family member that is struggling to complete daily tasks on their own? Have many of the strategies you have tried failed? It may be time to enlist the assistance of an occupational therapist. Contact our team today for details on how to secure care.

Families and patients often tell us that they “wish they had called us sooner.” Once people experience the benefits of hospice, they understand that its focus is on comfort and quality of life. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding hospice care. Here are some common myths about hospice and the truth behind its goals and objectives.

Myth: Hospice care is only for the dying.
Fact: Hospice is not about dying, it’s about keeping patients living life to the fullest, with the time they have left. Studies have proved that patients with terminal diagnoses often live longer and have a better quality of life with hospice care.

Myth: Hospice care is expensive.
Fact: Hospice is fully covered by Medicare/Medicaid. It is also covered by many private insurance companies. Most families incur no financial burden from hospice.

Myth: Choosing hospice care is indefinite.
Fact: Patients and families can revoke hospice care at any given time. Instances such as an improvement in condition or a decision to pursue other measures of care lend themselves to the termination of hospice. Patients can reapply for care at any time.

Myth: Hospice and Palliative care are the same.
Fact: While both types of care are offered during serious illness, they are not the same. Hospice begins once the decision to end treatment for a terminal illness is made and palliative care generally begins at diagnosis and happens at the same time as treatment.

Myth: Only doctors can refer patients for hospice care.
Fact: Anyone can make a referral. Family, nurses, clergy, etc.

The principles of hospice care are simply described as those of good clinical practice. Good medical practice integrates a whole range of care –medical, nursing, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual. When it comes to hospice care all aspects are essential no matter the patient’s illness, wherever the patient is under care, whatever his/her social status, creed, culture, or education.

At Armonia, we value our patient’s comfort and well-being, which is why we are dedicated to a group of goals we strive to reach during the provision of hospice care. These include:

• Integrated Teamwork
• Management of Pain and Physical Symptoms
• Holistic Care
• Caring, compassionate, and Skilled Providers
• Timely and Responsive Care
• Patient and Family Preparedness

For more information regarding in-home care, contact us at 915-584-5272.

In-home care provides convenient and professional care to patients recovering from illness or injury. The goal is to help patients regain their independence and quality of life. At Armonia we offer a variety of services that assist patients in reaching their goals. Below are three of the most common types of care we provide.

Skilled Nursing
Our skilled nurses are properly trained and licensed to provide patients with individualized care under the supervision of a medical doctor. Most commonly they treat and manage complex wounds, IV therapy, catheter support, and the monitoring of all vital signs. Our experienced nurses are also available to assist with most medical equipment needs.

Home Health Aide
Home health aides are paraprofessionals that work under the supervision of our skilled nurses. Their role is to regularly monitor any changes in a patient’s physical or mental state. They assist with day-to-day activities that include bathing, dressing, and vital sign checks.

Medical Social Work
Our medical social workers serve as the patient’s educator or advocate. They strive to support and educate patients and their families with necessary information regarding insurance coverage, doctor plans of care, and public assistance programs. In addition, medical social workers maintain in regular communication with patients and their medical providers.

Armonia provides a full range of in-home therapy and rehabilitation services for patients in the El Paso area. Our skilled therapists provided uniquely tailored care that assists patients in reaching a more independent lifestyle and better quality of life.

Physical Therapy
The goal of our physical therapist is to restore a patient’s mobility and balance. Physical therapists focus on recovery from an injury or surgery, chronic conditions, and pain relief. All of our therapists are licensed and undergo extensive training specific to in-home therapy.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists use day-to-day activities to improve and treat hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Self-care activities include dressing, bathing, writing, and more. The focus of this type of care is centered around sensory and cognitive improvement.

Speech Therapy
Speech disorders can result from a variety of issues such as injury, neurological, or brain disorders. Our speech therapists assess the patient’s condition and provide the appropriate treatment to treat functional communication and safe swallowing

Planning for in-home care for yourself or your loved one can seem overwhelming but those who plan ahead may have more available options. From government assistance to Veterans programs, there are a variety of options available to most.

Out-of-Pocket Payments
When planning ahead, there are a few options for out-of-pocket options. Many patients pool together a care budget from multiple financial sources such as annuities, investments, savings, life insurance policies, or borrowing in the form of reverse mortgage or home equity loans.

Government Assistance
Patients may receive assistance for home health care if they don’t have insurance coverage for long-term care and can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket. Original Medicare can cover the total cost of any necessary home health care on a limited basis for those who are unable to leave home without assistance. This may include occupational, physical, or speech therapy and skilled nursing care. Original Medicare will cover routine home care and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and basic medical care that includes the checking of vital signs and dressing wounds. Services are only covered on a part-time or intermittent basis, and only if a doctor orders it.

Veterans Programs
Former service members may qualify for one of many VA programs that assist in paying for in-home care. Some include Aid and Attendance benefits, Housebound benefits, Veteran Direct Care and Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care.

The hospice philosophy accepts death as the final stage of life: it affirms life but does not try to hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person and symptoms of the disease, rather than treating the disease itself.

“You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully but also to live until you die.” - Dame Cicely Saunders, Founder of the first modern hospice

Coordination of Care
Armonia’s compassionate team will coordinate and supervise all care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The team ensures that all services are rendered in a timely fashion. This may include the coordination of doctors, inpatient facilities, pharmacies, and funeral directors. We encourage families to contact us at any time, there is always someone on call.

Family Meetings
Frequent meetings scheduled by our hospice nurse or social worker are intended to keep family members up to date on your loved one’s condition. During these meetings family members have the opportunity to share their feelings, discuss the current situation and learn more about the process of dying. These meetings provide family members with the support they require during this difficult time.

Bereavement Care
The period of mourning after a loss is difficult and requires sufficient time to heal. Our empathetic hospice team works with the family to help them through this grieving process. Armonia can refer family members and caregivers to licensed professionals who specialize in grief and the pain felt when a loved one has been lost.

Palliative Care and Symptom Control
Sometimes referred to as supportive care, Palliative care focuses on symptom management and comfort. This type of care does not treat the disease or cause of death, instead, it treats the symptoms and side effects brought on by them. The focus is on making the patient comfortable by relieving pain and stress. In addition, the management of mental, emotional, social, and spiritual issues are addressed.

Securing hospice care at the right time can provide the patient with the comfort and pain relief they need. So, is it time for hospice? Answering these questions can help you decide whether the time has come to contact our capable staff.

1. Has your loved one been diagnosed with a serious, life-limiting illness?
   
2. Has there been a recent change in their condition? A change that limits their comfort or keeps them confined to a bed or chair.
   
3. Do they need more medical support? More doctor visits, an increase in pain meds, or three or more hospitalizations in the past few months.
   
4. Has your loved one started needing more assistance performing day-to-day activities? Bathing, dressing, walking, eating, etc.
   
5. Has your loved one been given the prognosis of six months or less to live due to the progression of a diagnosis?
   

If you answered yes to some of these questions then the answer is yes, it is time to secure hospice care. At Armonia, we believe that the hospice journey should be loving and comfortable. Our nurses provide thoughtful, emotional, and spiritual support during these difficult times. Contact our experienced staff today, they will carefully walk you through the entire process.

Meet Norma Gonzalez, Office Manager at Armonia. Norma has been part of the Armonia team for seven years and loves helping patients and assisting them with anything they may need. Answering questions and addressing patient concerns are her favorite parts of the job. Referring to the Armonia team as her “other family,” Norma also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Before we know it, the inevitable will happen, cold and flu season will creep in and hospitals will see a surge in patient intake. This seasonal epidemic generally runs from October to March and while most will survive the fever, cough, headache, and other known symptoms, many will not. So how can you avoid getting the flu?

The first step in avoiding the flu is the most obvious, get the flu shot. Flu vaccines vary from year to year but are proven to significantly reduce the severity of the virus. For the immunocompromised, elderly, and pregnant women, the vaccine leads to fewer deaths and hospitalizations.

Should the unfortunate happen and you or a family member present with symptoms it’s recommended that keeping a “survival kit” on hand can help in treating symptoms quickly. Avoid spreading the virus by keeping your supplies on hand. Fluids, fever reducers, cough drops, antiviral treatments, and cold and sinus meds are the most critical. A good thermometer and moisturizing tissues are also a must.

From the first steps of the hospice admissions until the final steps of a patient’s end-of-life journey, the experienced and compassionate care of our hospice nurses is what families will experience with Armonia.

Patient Care
A hospice nurse is responsible for hands-on, care. From administering medications, ongoing wound care, to documenting patient vital signs, hospice nurses play a critical role in guaranteeing their patients are as pain-free and comfortable as possible.

Emotional Support
The patient and nurse bond are not only important but also very special. The trust patients have for their nurses is especially critical as it can ease any fears or concerns a patient may have. A patient may share their fears about death that a hospice nurse or chaplain can help alleviate.

Dying Alone
Hospice is of the belief that no one should die alone which is why coordinating the presence of a nurse during a patient’s final hours is a priority. During a patient’s final hours, hospice nurses provide a caring, and comforting presence while providing soothing care that ensures the patient is free from any discomfort.

Home health care is a very critical and life-changing part of life, it is also a very misunderstood service. As the need for home health care rises many people aren’t sure exactly what this type of care entails or how to secure this type of service. Fortunately, we have debunked a few common misconceptions.

I will lose my Independence
The opposite is actually true in this situation. In many cases, the introduction of an in-home care aid can assist in maintaining one’s independence. Home health can provide consistent support that will make life easier and prolong independence. Additionally, in-home care can help prevent injuries such as falls which the CDC has reported to be the leading cause of injury and death amongst those 65 and older.

I can’t trust a stranger in my home
In-home care staff are put through a vigorous training and screening process ensuring that the team entering your home is qualified and trustworthy. Finding the right person is critical which is why families have the option to request changes to their in-home care staff at any point. It is not uncommon for home health staff to quickly become a valued members of the family.

I need nursing care to have home health
While in-home services do care for people with nursing needs, they also assist patients who may only need physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Assistance with medications and spotting potential threats are also areas where they can support.

Only those recently discharged from a facility qualify
Patients do not have to be in a hospital or facility to receive care. If the patient qualifies for home health, they can often be referred by their doctor. Being diagnosed with a serious illness or those struggling with day-to-day tasks are also elidable.

In-home care gives families the confidence and peace knowing their aging loved ones are comfortable at home and receiving personalized care. In many cases, it is the most rewarding form of senior care and sometimes more affordable than other types of care. There are many reasons for the growing demand for our services, so if you are considering private in-home care such here is what you should be asking.

1. How does the agency train caregivers?
   
2. Does the agency provide continuing education?
   
3. Are the caregivers licensed and insured?
   
4. How closely does the agency’s supervisor evaluate the quality of home care?
   
5. Do the agency’s employees seem friendly and helpful?
   

The knowledgeable staff at Armonia can answer any questions you have as well as guide you through the process of securing assistance for your loved one.

As our loved ones grow older many need extra support to carry on. There are many types of in-home care that can help. Here are some common myths about home health care, and the facts to help you decide if home health could be an option for you.

Home Health Care is Expensive
Home health is covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and many private insurance companies, if you meet the eligibility requirements. Many confuse home health with other types of in-home health services, such as private personal home care, however those are often paid out-of-pocket. These services are different from home health care, which is a very affordable option for at-home health care if you qualify.

Only Bedbound Patients Can Receive Home Health Care
Many individuals confuse Medicare’s homebound requirement with being bedbound. Patients do however have to be homebound for Medicare to reimburse for home health services. Homebound usually means, that you normally are unable to leave your home without assistance, and that, if you can leave for brief periods, it requires a very taxing effort. You do not have to be bedbound (unable to get out of bed) to receive home health care.

Only Very Ill Patients Can Receive In-Home Care
Home health agencies do treat people with serious, chronic illnesses however, they also treat individuals recovering from a surgery, or illness. For example, your doctor might order home health after you are discharged from a hospital or rehab facility. They may also choose to order occupational or physical therapy to assist after hip surgery or a stroke. A home health agency can also teach proper medication management or notice symptoms that can lead to more serious issues later.

Family Can Help, I don’t need an Agency
While home health care providers will not replace family caregivers, they can offer an additional layer of support. For example, nurses are trained medical professionals who can provide wound care, catherization and other services most family members are not qualified to provide. A home health agency also provides support and education for your caregiver, who may be feeling overwhelmed.

Hospice nurses wear many hats such as, helping patients and their family members understand complicated medication regimens and advising them on how to store and safely dispose of them. A recent US Government Accountability Office report found that many hospice medications, particularly opioids, end up in the wrong hands. This is why the federal government has endorsed the hospice industry as a key player in fighting the opioid epidemic. Here is what families can expect and should know when hospice staff are faced with proper disposal of medications.

• Qualified hospice staff are authorized to dispose of patients’ lawfully dispensed controls following death, expiration, or a change in the plan of care that no longer includes the medications.
• Staff are required to train and document the disposing of controls in a secure and responsible manner to discourage abuse, misuse, or diversion.
• Hospice agencies have written policies and procedures regarding the disposal of controls. They provide, effectively communicate, and document the communication of these policies and procedures to the patient, patient representative, and family when controls are first ordered.
• After disposal staff must document in the patient’s clinical record the type of control, dosage, route of administration, and quantity so disposed as well as the time, date, and manner of disposal.

Ensuring that your elderly, ill and/or disabled loved ones receive the best in-home care can at times be difficult to accept and organize. Home health care is designed to meet the family’s needs by offering personalized service in the convenience of a patient’s home. This type of in-home care has many benefits such as peace of mind, safety, and regular preventative care. Here are a few more you may not be aware of.

Reduce Hospitalizations
As individuals age, mobility decreases and isolation and the lack of social integration increases. In-home care assists with immobility and isolation ultimately reducing the odds of being readmitted to the hospital. Personal home care ensures suitable supervision, support movement and assists with daily tasks. A caregiver in the home also supports activities of day-to-day living and provides social interaction that is so essential to quality of life.

Physical and Occupational Therapy
Having surgery will generally require physical or occupational therapy but with in-home care you don’t have to go to a rehabilitation facility. At-home therapy also provides the opportunity to assess the safety and accessibility of the home environment. A therapist’s trained eyes can spot fall hazards or other dangers and provide helpful preventive advice.

Relief from Caring for an Elderly or Ill Loved One
Home Health benefits go beyond the patient and can extend to family members as well. A home health team will educate family members about how to provide follow-up care and assist them with helpful resources. This type of support provides tranquility and protects against caregiver burnout.

Home health and hospice are two options for in-home healthcare but they each provide a very different type of care. Comparing home health and hospice will help you better understand which type of care matches your or your loved ones needs. So, what is the difference between hospice and home health? Some of the key differences between home health and hospice care are determined by the purpose of care, types of services needed, frequency, length of care and more.

Home Health care assists in the recovery from illness, injury or surgery. It also helps people learn to manage chronic health conditions. It is designed to provide care for patients who have an intermittent skilled-nursing need, such as: wound care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, or continued occupational therapy.

Hospice care on the other hand provides pain and symptom management for people with a terminal illness who are not expected to live longer than six months. Hospice can be provided anywhere a patient resides and does not require them to be homebound. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurances, and includes durable medical equipment (DME) and prescriptions that are related to the patient’s diagnosis. Hospice care keeps the patient comfortable, teaches the family to provide care, and offers emotional and spiritual support. Patients on hospice services choose to forgo curative treatment such as chemotherapy and to focus on palliative care.

Regardless of the type of care you or your loved one requires, Armonia’s team of devoted caregivers is here to provide the individualized care tailored to your family’s needs. Contact us today to discuss what treatment options are available to you and your family.

Every three years Armonia Home Health in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a Survey & Certification Group work to review the new and existing Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for Home Health Agencies (HHAs). Agencies across the nation are required to set policies and procedures that ensure patients receive the best possible care.

Over the course of three days CMS representatives reviewed patient files, office plans and protocols, and employee records. In-home patient visits with skilled nursing staff were conducted as well. We are happy to report that Armonia passed the survey with flying colors! At Armonia we ensure all policies and procedures are sound, and our staff provides the highest quality care and service.

*The HHA survey is conducted in accordance with the appropriate protocols and substantive requirements in the statute and regulations to determine whether a citation of non-compliance is appropriate. Deficiencies are based on a violation of the statute or regulations, which, in turn, is to be based on observations of the HHA’s performance or practices.

El Paso is our home and we’re committed to improving the health and wellness of the people in our community. No matter their age or if they need our home health or hospice services, we want to see the people of El Paso living a happy, healthy life. We’ve made volunteering an integral part of our company culture to ensure our team’s focus is on helping others.

Our team does free blood pressure checks at the El Paso Rhinos games and assisted living facilities in the area. And we regularly sponsor or volunteer with local organizations and events that benefit the Child Guidance Center and the Kidney Foundation. This year, in particular, we donated blankets to our local fire department to distribute to the elderly.

In 2019, we realized that some of our patients would benefit from a continuum of care as they transitioned from home health to needing more of a hospice plan of care. It made sense to support the relationships we already had with patients and their families and extend our services to include hospice care. Knowing the needs of our patients and respecting their end of life wishes is crucial in hospice care and we are honored to be a small part of our patients’ journeys.

If you have questions about what hospice care entails or knowing when it’s time to start hospice care, reach out to us. We can provide answers to your questions and guidance for your decisions.