You may feel uncertain about your first in-home physical therapy session, and that’s okay. Understanding what to expect can ease any anxiety or anticipation you may feel. Your first appointment is mostly about collecting information, conducting assessments, establishing a prognosis and creating a plan for future sessions.

Comprehensive Health Evaluation

Once your physical therapist arrives at your home, they’ll begin with a thorough review of your medical history, health status and specific issues or injuries. It’s helpful to have a list of your medical conditions, history of problems and medications to give the therapist a complete picture of your current condition.

You’ll discuss your lifestyle and activity level to determine where you’re at and how you want to progress. It’s also important to talk about any pain you experience, including the intensity and location.

Personalized Assessment

The physical therapist will conduct a series of assessments and measurements to evaluate your symptoms and see how your joints and muscles move. You’ll need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow free movement and can be moved and adjusted.

Functional assessments are used to review your:

• Range of motion
• Posture
• Strength
• Balance
• Endurance
• Gait
• Joint flexibility

Physical therapists also check palpation to identify tenderness and abnormalities that could cause discomfort. A pain evaluation is another important component of your in-home therapy assessment. You’ll need to describe your pain on a scale and characterize the intensity.

Goal Setting

Reviewing your goals allows your physical therapist to develop an appropriate treatment plan to help you achieve them. That may include pain relief, increased mobility, better coordination and enhanced independence. Understanding your goals also helps your physical therapist establish a monitoring system to track your progress and adjust as needed.

This portion of your first physical therapy session is also a time to set expectations. Your therapist will talk about what you can achieve through therapy and detail a potential timeline for reaching your goals.

Customized Treatment Plan

The exercises in your physical therapy plan will address your specific condition and rehab goals based on your assessment.

They may include:

Strength training: Working on muscle groups supports your joints and improves your balance.

Flexibility exercises: Stretching is good for joint mobility and can reduce stiffness.

Balance exercises: Your therapist can help you improve your coordination to reduce your risk of falls and further injury.

Functional movements: This type of training helps you learn how to move safely while performing daily functions, such as sitting, bending and lifting.

Posture correction: Practicing good posture while seated or standing can help alleviate pain and body strain, especially if you have a spinal injury.

Daily living exercises: Techniques like gait training can help you learn to walk and climb stairs comfortably. You’ll also work on daily activities such as dressing and cooking.

Education on Condition and Therapy

A physical therapist can teach you how to move safely in your home environment. They also provide patient and caregiver education to ensure you and your loved ones can practice between appointments. That begins with a clear understanding of your therapy plan to ensure you know what needs to be addressed. Learning about your diagnosis and the healing process can help you reach long-term success and achieve your wellness goals.

Safety and Comfort Measures

Your physical therapist will review safety measures during your first session. You may not get to the exercises during that appointment as some therapists focus the time solely on evaluation and education.

It’s important to begin slowly and gradually introduce resistance, intensity and complexity to your routine to avoid unnecessary strain. You’ll undergo supervised movement assessments. Your therapist can also use a gait belt to assist you if necessary. They will set up an open space so you have plenty of room to conduct your therapy session.

Use of Therapy Equipment

Physical therapists can employ assistive equipment such as canes, walkers and braces to help you during training. You may also require supportive devices like cushions, stretch bands and pillows to complete certain exercises or movements. Using therapy equipment can help you ease into your program and regain strength and mobility.

In-Home Physical Therapy from Ohioans Home Healthcare

Home is where the heart is. That’s why Ohioans Home Healthcare brings comprehensive skilled nursing care to your doorstep. Our expert team can help you recover from illness, injury and surgery and assist in managing chronic conditions. Contact us to learn more about our in-home physical therapy services.

Good nutrition is essential for healthy aging. Getting the right vitamins and minerals supports physical and cognitive wellness and reduces your risk for chronic health issues.

As you age, your body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients changes, and you may not know which foods to eat to support your dietary needs. Nutrition counseling can help identify nutrient deficiencies and create healthy meal plans.

Who Provides Nutrition Counseling?

Nutrition counseling is provided by a registered dietitian or a registered dietitian nutritionist. Those professionals work in hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities and private residences. A registered dietitian must complete extensive training and meet certification guidelines provided by the Commission for Dietetic Registration.

What to Expect During Nutrition Counseling

Nutrition counseling is available as an in-home health service. A registered dietitian can come to your home and assess your medical history, eating habits and lifestyle factors.

That may include:

• Food allergies
• Digestive issues
• Chronic conditions
• Medication and supplements

A dietitian will explain the basics of good nutrition and can teach you to read food labels, assess serving sizes and make mindful meal choices. Nutrition counseling also addresses behavioral factors that can lead to nutrition troubles, such as a lack of exercise, compulsive eating and unsafe dieting.

During your assessment, a dietitian will also ask if you experience symptoms like hair loss and muscle cramps as those are signs of nutrient deficiencies.

Your dietitian will work with you to create a meal plan that accommodates your budget, medical needs and food preferences. They can provide sample meal plans and recipe ideas that simplify cooking. Changes are implemented over time to track which strategies are effective and whether more steps need to be taken.

Benefits of Nutrition Counseling for Seniors

Prevent or manage chronic diseases: Poor nutrition can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and stroke. It can also worsen your symptoms if you live with those conditions. Nutrition counseling teaches you to identify the nutrients your body needs, allowing you to make healthy choices and lower your likelihood of chronic illness.

Reach a healthy weight: Obesity can affect your cardiac and respiratory health and strain your joints. Conversely, being underweight can weaken your immune system, decrease bone mass and slow the healing process. Working with a registered dietitian provides you with essential insight so you can develop a customized meal plan. Eating a balanced diet can help you shed pounds or put on weight, depending on your wellness goals. You’ll also learn strategies to maintain long-term weight management success.

Improve overall wellness: Feeding your body the nutrients it needs can improve your quality of life. Good nutrition boosts your energy levels, strengthens your immune system and improves your cognitive function.

Develop long-term healthy habits: Take advantage of nutrition counseling to identify obstacles to good nutrition and find ways to mitigate them. A dietitian can provide you with resources and information to support long-term dietary wellness.

How Can Seniors Receive Nutrition Counseling?

Consult your primary care physician if you’re interested in receiving nutrition counseling. They can provide you with information on local services to help you get started. Senior and community health centers may also have educational sessions and resources on nutrition counseling to help you find a registered dietitian.

Nutrition Services from Ohioans Home Healthcare

Nutritious meals can support strength and independence, allowing your loved one to stay in the comfort of their home. Ohioans Home Healthcare offers comprehensive in-home care and therapy to optimize a well-balanced diet with clinical support. Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation.

June marks National Safety Month—a crucial time to prioritize the safety of your senior loved ones by assessing and addressing hidden risks in their home. Ensuring a safe living environment is key to maintaining their health, well-being and independence.

Why Are Seniors More Likely to Sustain Injuries at Home?

Physical and mental abilities change with age, including:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Strength
• Balance
• Cognition
• Memory recall

Activities of daily living that were once simple may be more difficult for your senior. They may overestimate their abilities and hurt themselves.

According to the CDC, 14 million older adults fall every year. About 37% of those falls resulted in an injury that required medical treatment or restricted activity.

Recovery also alters with age. A minor cut or burn could take longer to heal and pose an increased threat of infection. A hip fracture from a fall could have long-term implications for your loved one’s mobility.

Home Safety Tips by Room

Living Room or Den

Clutter: Remove items that could pose a fall risk, such as pillows, blankets, clothing, shoes and other personal items. Clear coffee tables and entertainment consoles so your loved one doesn’t knock objects over.

Furniture: Move armchairs and couches against walls to prevent your loved one from bumping into furniture and getting bruised or falling. Opt for smaller pieces of furniture to open up the living space.

Rugs: Secure rugs with non-slip backing. Get rid of worn rugs with holes or frays so your loved one’s feet don’t get tangled or stuck.

Electrical cords: Keep electrical cords out of walkways to limit tripping hazards. Check them for fraying as well to avoid electrical fires.

Kitchen

Appliances: Move appliances away from the sink and other water sources. Label the on/off switch for easy use.

Cutlery: If your loved one struggles with fine motor skills, consider getting them a dicing or chopping tool to simplify cutting foods. Keep carving knives covered or stored in a drawer.

Lighting: Install bright lighting in the kitchen so your loved one can read labels and prepare and cook food safely.

Floor mats: Lay mats in front of the sink and refrigerator to reduce the likelihood of slipping if there’s a spill.

Meal prep: Label and date food in the fridge so your loved one knows when to throw it away. That helps lower their risk of food poisoning.

Hallways and Entryways

Lighting: Well-lit hallways and entryways allow your loved one to navigate their home safely. Swap soft lighting with brighter bulbs, especially if your parent has vision impairments.

Stairs: Steep stairs pose a particular fall risk if your senior lives in a multi-story house. Make sure there are sturdy railings and non-skid mats to create traction. Consider placing ramps over porch steps and in rooms with different elevations to ease movement.

Handrails: Grab bars will help your loved one move down hallways safely, especially if they don’t use a walker or cane. They also provide something to grab if your loved one needs to pull themselves up.

Bathroom

Bathtub and shower: Getting in and out of the shower or tub can be tricky if your loved one has mobility issues. A shower seat and grab bars can help your senior move around. Installing a walk-in tub or shower is another option.

Medication: Improper medication management could lead to illness or hospitalization. Write reminders and use a pill organizer to remind your loved one to take their medication. Keep the bathroom well-lit for reading dosage and directions.

Toilet: Raised toilet seats ease the transition from seated to standing. Some also have armrests that allow your loved one even more leverage.

Non-slip flooring: Place rubber mats in the shower or tub and bath mats on the floor to keep your senior steady.

Comprehensive In-Home Healthcare from Ohioans

Be proactive about your loved one’s safety. Our dedicated team provides in-home assessments to help you and your loved one identify and mitigate potential safety issues. Call 855.600.0806 to learn about our services and schedule a consultation.

It’s important to consider your physical, emotional and mental health when optimizing your stroke recovery process. Paying attention to your mind and body will help you improve your quality of life after a stroke.

The Importance of Consistency

Your brain can rewire and reorganize itself following a stroke. That ability is known as neuroplasticity and allows your brain to continue to create new neural pathways. Your brain relearns skills through repetition and requires stimulation to recover. The more consistent you are with physical and mental rehabilitation, the better your chances of recouping lost skills because of a stroke.

6 Stroke Recovery Tips

#1: Eat Healthy

Your body needs a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals to support cell regeneration and function. Eating well helps you manage your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, which reduces your risk for another stroke. Focus on eating whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean and plant-based protein, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

Here are some brain foods to include in your diet:

• Avocadoes
• Eggs
• Quinoa
• Legumes
• Blueberries
• Pomegranates
• Citrus fruits
• Apples
• Salmon

#2: Move Often

A stroke can cause paralysis or weakness and affect your coordination and mobility. Implementing a consistent exercise routine helps you regain strength and balance as well as improve your respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Exercise also enhances neuroplasticity as your brain relearns movements and lost skills. Aerobic exercises get your heart pumping and oxygenate your cells. Go at your own pace and start slowly, increasing the intensity and duration of your routine over time.

Here are some cardio exercises to try:

• Walking
• Jogging
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Cycling
• Yoga

#3: Interact with Others

Socializing reduces your risk of isolation, anxiety and depression. Spending time with your family and friends also provides a much-needed mood boost if you feel frustrated with your recovery.

Engaging with others provides your brain with visual and auditory stimulation, which contributes to cognitive recovery following a stroke. Your loved ones can help you through your rehabilitation process and offer essential emotional support, too.

#4: Keep Your Brain Active

Mental rehabilitation can prevent cognitive decline, maintain emotional well-being and improve long-term brain health. As with any other type of injury, it’s important to keep your brain active to maintain its agility.

Mental exercises that include problem-solving, memorization and reasoning skills that engage different parts of your brain. Board games, crossword puzzles and brain training apps keep your mind active. Reading, learning new skills and practicing a hobby are also effective cognitive exercises.

#5: Get Enough Sleep

A good night’s sleep allows your body to eliminate toxins that negatively affect your brain. Your brain undergoes processes that promote regeneration and memory formation during REM cycles. Information moves from your cerebral cortex to your hippocampus where it remains before becoming a long-term memory. Sleep eases the effects of stress associated with stroke recovery, too.

Consider these tips:

• Go to bed at the same time each night.
• Limit exposure to screens and blue light.
• Keep your environment dark and cool.
• Limit naps in the evening.

#6: Schedule Regular Health Checkups

Your doctors and specialists will track your progress as you recover from a stroke. They will monitor for adverse symptoms and provide recommendations to improve your rehabilitation.

Your physician may also assist with medication management and prescribe prescriptions to help you manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.

In-Home Rehabilitative Services from Ohioans Home Healthcare & Hospice

If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, Ohioans Home Healthcare & Hospice can help. Our comprehensive in-home physical, occupational and speech therapies are designed to optimize your physical and cognitive abilities. We strive to provide personalized care plans that enhance your quality of life. Learn more about our services, and call 855-600-0806 to schedule a consultation.

You may feel apprehensive about using digital technology if you don’t have much experience with it, but it can provide several lifestyle benefits. Smart devices allow you to connect with your loved ones, stay safe and access a wide variety of entertainment.

Social Engagement

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 25% of adults 65 and older are at risk for social isolation which can increase the chance of cognitive decline, memory loss, dementia and depression.

Make video calls and phone calls on your computer, phone or tablet to connect with your friends and family. That technology is especially helpful if you have limitations with mobility or transportation.

And you can use social platforms like Facebook and X to stay up to date on your loved ones’ lives and interact with their posts.

Access News

Set up alerts on your smartphone or tablet to receive news updates as they happen. You can filter your content for local or world headlines, politics and trending topics. Stream from a tablet or phone to watch the news from your bed, in your kitchen or on your patio while you unwind.

Entertainment and Hobbies

Download and play games, listen to music and watch videos, sports and movies on a smartphone or tablet.

There are brain teasers, games and puzzles available online and through the app store on your device. The mental stimulation they provide can help you maintain your cognitive skills by keeping your brain challenged.

Are you considering a new hobby or maybe picking up an old one? You’re likely to find tutorials and how-to guides online that can help you get started.

Health Monitoring

Tracking your vitals allows you to identify changes that could negatively impact your health. Smartwatches and fitness trackers can monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen levels. You can also set reminders for medication management.

Your doctor can address concerns and make necessary changes to your care plan with the information collected by health monitoring technology. You can even schedule remote medical appointments and talk with your doctor from the comfort of your home at your convenience.

Safety and Emergency Systems

Safety technology can help you feel more comfortable living on your own. For example, a video doorbell will send an alert to your mobile device allowing you to see who’s outside without opening the door.

Some smart home systems let you adjust your thermostat, turn lights on and off and open curtains with a voice command. That gives you the freedom to manage your home regardless of your mobility.

Fall detection systems are wearable devices that send notifications to your loved ones and emergency services if you fall. That can improve response times and reduce your likelihood of sustaining serious injuries.

Home Health Care Services from Ohioans

Ohioans Home Healthcare and Hospice is committed to helping you feel safe and comfortable in your home. We offer a variety of in-home skilled nursing and therapy services designed to suit your unique medical needs. Call 855-600-0806 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Social workers are trained to coordinate home healthcare. They’re experts in navigating the healthcare system and finding resources to optimize your at-home treatment.

They’re well-versed in the details of managing home healthcare, so you can focus on your wellness and quality of life.

What Does a Home Health Social Worker Do?

They provide you and your loved ones with emotional, mental and psychosocial support to ensure your needs are met. Social workers function as case managers to guide you through finding and scheduling home health services. They’re someone you can lean on to help you through the emotions that accompany living with chronic illness or recovering from injury or surgery.

Types of Social Services

Social workers offer a variety of services, including:

• Assessment and planning
• Community resource referrals
• Assistance with paperwork and insurance coverage
• Financial counseling
• Identifying preventative care to support independence
• Crisis planning and prevention
• Care advocacy
• Emotional and relationship counseling

What to Expect from Your Social Worker

You can meet with a social worker at home, if you’re in recovery, at a hospital or clinic. Your case manager reviews your preferences, health goals and routines and recommends appropriate skilled home healthcare.

After your assessment, your social worker contacts your physician, nurses, aides and other specialists to coordinate your care schedule. They visit periodically over the first few months of care to ensure you receive the support you need.

Benefits of Partnering with a Social Worker

Care Coordination

Social workers know the ins and outs of the healthcare system and excel at looking at the big picture. They maintain communication between your doctors and nurses to establish consistent care.

You’ll continue to meet with your social worker periodically so they can make necessary adjustments to your care plan. That might mean adding new services or cutting back on others you no longer require.

Access to Community Resources

There’s a wealth of community resources to enhance your treatment. It can be challenging to process all that information, especially if you’re recovering from an illness or injury or managing a chronic disease.

Social workers are knowledgeable about local services and programs, such as:

• Meal delivery
• Mental health support
• Transportation
• Social programs

Advocacy

A home health social worker is a part of your support system and advocates for your needs. If you have issues with the quality of your care, your social worker will elevate your concerns and ensure changes are made. They can also help you apply for Medicare or Medicaid to pay for services.

Social Services from Ohioans Home Healthcare and Hospice

Enjoy friendly, personalized care from social service professionals who are committed to creating successful clinical outcomes. Call 855-600-0806 to learn more about social services at Ohioans Home Healthcare and Hospice.

February is American Heart Month. It’s a good reminder to review the habits and traits that could increase your risk for a heart attack and then mitigate any negative influences to improve your heart health.

Controllable Risk Factors

Various lifestyle choices can affect your heart health, including your diet, exercise routine, stress management and substance use.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure damages the arteries that supply blood to your heart. It can also cause your heart muscle to thicken, which affects its ability to pump. High blood pressure may exacerbate other conditions like high cholesterol that contribute to your heart attack risk.

How to address high blood pressure:

• Use stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation and journaling.
• Avoid foods high in sodium, like canned soups, processed meats, pickles and salted nuts.
• Take blood pressure medication as directed by your doctor if you require it to manage your condition.

High Cholesterol

Lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol can narrow your arteries, reducing the amount of blood flow to your heart. Plaque buildup can cause artery ruptures that may result in blood clots.

How to address high cholesterol:

• Swap red meat for poultry and fish.
• Avoid high-fat dairy products, shellfish and egg yolks.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Physical Activity

Exercising boosts your cardiovascular system and reduces your risk of a heart attack. Aerobic exercise gets your heart pumping, improving blood flow and oxygenation. Your blood vessels dilate during exercise, which reduces the strain of high blood pressure on your heart.

Staying physically active also allows you to manage your weight and reduce your risk of obesity. Being overweight can place more strain on your cardiovascular system and increase your chance of having a heart attack.

Tips for getting more exercise:

• Take short 10 or 15-minute walks throughout your day, especially if you sit for long periods.
• Try home workout routines like yoga or Pilates.
• Participate in an active hobby, such as hiking or dancing.
• Walk or ride your bike to run errands or get to work.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure, plaque buildup and an irregular heartbeat.

Nicotine restricts your blood vessels and increases your blood pressure. Using tobacco products also decreases your blood oxygen level, so your heart has to work harder to oxygenate your body. You’re also at greater risk of developing blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Tips for reducing tobacco and alcohol use:

• The CDC recommends that men limit alcohol consumption to two drinks per day and women to one drink.
• Drink beverages with a lower alcohol content.
• Create a timeline to ween off tobacco use.
• Identify and avoid triggers that may contribute to substance use.
• Try nicotine gum or patches.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

Age: Women 55 and older and men 45 and older are at an increased risk for a heart attack.

Gender: Men are more likely to have a heart attack than women, though it’s still the leading cause of death for both genders in the United States.

Genetics: Cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease and arrhythmic disorders can be hereditary.

Ethnicity: People of African, South Asian and Latino descent are at greater risk for developing heart diseases that can contribute to a heart attack.

Chronic health conditions: Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases have been linked to an increased risk for heart attacks.

Personalized Services from Ohioans Home Health Care

Our dedicated team of nurses and aides is committed to providing you with the clinical services you need in the comfort of your own home. Contact us to learn about our services and schedule a consultation.

Winter’s icy conditions, high winds and reduced daylight hours can increase your chance of slipping and falling. So, it’s important to be extra vigilant, even while doing simple tasks such as getting your mail or walking to your car. Here are some tips to prevent slips.

Take Your Time

Rushing to get out the door only increases the likelihood of missing a step or stepping on an icy path. So, give yourself extra time to complete chores or get on the road to reduce your chances of a slip-and-fall incident.

Here are some tips to remember:

• The floor near your door may be wet from melting snow or cluttered with boots, so take extra care in that area of your home.
• Be mindful that your feet don’t get tangled in long scarves and coats.
• When exiting a vehicle, swing both legs out of the door and stand on two feet for extra stability.

Pay Attention

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings. You can’t pay enough attention if you’re looking at your phone or carrying an armload of groceries. Make sure you have a clear view of your path and enough lighting to see clearly.

Take stairs one at a time, stepping straight up or down to maintain your balance. Check for ice while you’re walking outside by tapping your foot on a surface to see if it cracks.

Wear Proper Footwear

Rubber or rough-soled shoes with low, wide heels provide traction on ice and snow. To decrease your risk of tripping, wear shoes with laces that fit snuggly, instead of loose-fitting footwear. Consider changing your shoes when you come indoors to keep from tracking in snow.

Clear Walkways

Make your home safe for winter with these tips:

Indoor walkways: Remove loose cords and furniture from high-traffic walkways. Secure or move rugs that could be a tripping hazard. Keep a towel handy to soak up melting snow on your floors.

Outdoor walkways: Shovel snow regularly or ask a loved one to assist you. Lay down rock salt to break up ice on your porch, sidewalks and driveway. You can also use kitty litter for traction, but it won’t melt ice.

Take Small Steps

Walking the right walk can help you avoid falls. Bend at your knees and lean forward slightly to control your center of gravity. Take smaller steps and move slowly whether you’re inside or outside. You may need to shuffle or take gliding strides if you’re moving over ice and snow.

Dress Appropriately

Maintaining your body temperature and circulation keeps your muscles relaxed and your joints limber. Put on several light layers of clothing to allow air to circulate. If you wear gloves or mittens, you can keep your hands out of your pockets. That allows you to extend your arms to help with balance. Your hands will also be free to help you brace yourself if you do fall.

Use Handrails

Use railings to balance yourself when going up and down stairs and on sloping walkways. You can also install handrails by your toilet or in your shower to help you stay upright in the bathroom.

What To Do If You Fall

1. Tuck your chin and use your hands and arms to protect your head.
2. Evaluate yourself for injuries before trying to stand up.
3. If you’re hurt, call for help or use a medical alert system to get assistance.
4. If you’re uninjured and able to move, roll slowly onto your side to position your hands and knees under your body. Push yourself up onto all fours and crawl to a piece of furniture or handrail to pull yourself up.
5. Contact your doctor for medical advice.

Signs of an injury after a fall:

• Pain or swelling that lasts several days
• Lacerations
• Substantial bruising
• Persistent headaches
• Blurred or tunnel vision
• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Loss of feeling in your limbs

Comprehensive In-Home Care from Ohioans Home Healthcare

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. We’re committed to providing you with the services you need for a quality living experience. Contact us to learn about our services and schedule a consultation.

The number of flu and cold cases peaks from December to February. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults contract a cold or flu two to three times per year. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to lower your risk of getting the flu.

Get a Flu Shot

It protects against influenza viruses and there are different types of flu vaccines for various age groups. The flu virus mutates, so it’s important to get an updated vaccine yearly to lower your risk of getting sick and minimize potential symptoms.

The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine if you’re 65 and older, immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to build up resistance, so it’s important to get your shot as soon as possible.

Wash Your Hands

You touch dozens of surfaces that are covered in bacteria every day. That’s why good handwashing techniques are essential to preventing the flu. Wash your hands after you’ve been out in public or come into contact with commonly touched surfaces around your house.

Use an antibacterial soap and scrub your palms, fingers, wrists and under your nails for 20 seconds. You can use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol if you don’t have access to soap and water.

Avoid Touching Your Face and Biting Your Nails

Even if you wash your hands regularly, you shouldn’t bite your nails or touch your face. Those are easy ways to spread germs to your eyes, nose and mouth, which are common entry points for germs.

Cover Your Sneeze or Cough

Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. You should turn your head to cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue. Make sure to wash or sanitize your hands each time to avoid spreading germs by touching a surface or person.

Stay Home and Avoid Close Contact

Staying away from crowds reduces your risk of exposure to the flu virus. You should avoid people who are sick or presenting flu symptoms. Maintain your distance from others if you’re at a gathering or out in public as germs pass easily from one person to another, especially from a hug or handshake.

Clean and Disinfect High Traffic Surfaces

Use disinfectant wipes or sprays to clean:

• Countertops
• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Sinks
• Drawer handles
• Remote controls
• Keys
• Phones

Germs also cling to soft surfaces, including your clothes, furniture, carpet, pillows and blankets. Wash removable items like pillowcases and sheets if they’ve been used by a sick individual. Apply a disinfectant spray to furniture and other soft surfaces that can’t go through the laundry.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Your body releases cytokines while you sleep, and those proteins fight infections. A lack of sleep not only lowers your cytokine levels but your antibodies as well. Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Practicing stress management techniques can also help you fall and stay asleep.

Eat Well and Exercise

Improving your eating habits is an important step in preventing the flu. Vitamin C, Vitamin D and zinc boost your immune system, help you fend off infection and shorten the duration of flu symptoms.

You’ll find those vitamins and minerals in the following foods:

• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes
• Vitamin D: Salmon, tuna fish, fortified dairy products and egg yolks
• Zinc: Red meat, shellfish, nuts and whole grains

You can also add dietary supplements to increase your nutrient intake.

Staying active supports your immune health, too. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to increase your white blood cell count.

Receive Quality In-Home Healthcare from Ohioans

Our dedicated team of home healthcare nurses strives to provide personalized services. We will work with you to address your concerns and create a healthcare plan to suit your needs. Contact us to learn more about our services.

It’s a type of in-home healthcare provided by a skilled nurse or aide who administers medical treatments. Your nurse or aide will visit your home on a regular basis to tend to your health needs.

Home healthcare is available for people of all ages. These services can help you recover from an illness or injury and retain your independence.

Types of Skilled Home Healthcare Services

Home healthcare addresses various medical and clinical needs. Your physician or healthcare provider must prescribe in-home skilled nursing, which is why it’s important to discuss home healthcare with your doctor.

Skilled home healthcare services include:

• Medication management
• Pain management
• Wound care
• Physical, occupational and speech therapies
• IV therapy
• Injections
• Nutrition counseling
• Respiratory assessment
• Cardiac care
• Disease education
• Caregiver education

Home healthcare isn’t the same as home care, which includes assistance with activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, toileting and household chores.

What to Expect from Skilled Home Healthcare

Your physician will determine if you require at-home healthcare. They can refer you to an agency and establish contact.

The home healthcare agency determines which nurse has the personality and experience to tend to your needs. That nurse schedules an appointment at your home and assesses your physical and mental well-being and health goals.

Your nurse also discusses your medical history with your doctor to create an appropriate care plan. You will work together to make a schedule based on your doctor’s information and your preferences.

Your skilled nurse or aide may visit you a few times a week or once a day, depending on your condition and needs.

Benefits of Skilled Home Healthcare

Aging in place: Home healthcare helps you maintain your physical abilities and protect your mental health so you can live independently. You’ll get the skilled medical assistance you need and have access to the comforts of home.

Lower risk of readmittance: Your nurse will adhere to discharge orders and mitigate issues that could negatively impact your recovery.

Consistent care: You can rely on your nurse to deliver high-quality, personalized medical care. They’re available to discuss concerns, answer questions about your treatment and make adjustments promptly.

Care coordination: Your nurse stays in constant communication with your doctor and other specialists to update them on your progress and eliminate obstacles to your care. That coordination also supports consistency.

Reduce isolation: It’s common for patients to become close with their nurse, especially if they spend lots of time together. Socialization is important for your mental and emotional well-being and interacting with your nurse can lower your risk of depression and isolation.

Skilled Nursing from Ohioans Home Healthcare

You’ll find a dedicated team of skilled nurses at Ohioans Home Healthcare who are committed to helping you achieve your health goals. We work closely with you to establish a routine that addresses your medical requirements and personal preferences.

Contact us to learn more about our services.