Whether you’re sheltering in place, getting your kids ready to go back to school, or caring for a loved one, you’ve probably felt the stress created by the uncertainty of the last six months Here are a few ideas to manage stress before it gets overwhelming.

Eat Well And Exercise

These are necessary habits to have anyway, but especially when you feel stressed. A well-balanced diet gives your mind and body the nutrients and energy it needs to keep going. Energy is especially essential when you’re coping with lingering stress.

Exercise is an excellent way to burn off steam and calories, relieve stress, and increase mood-boosting endorphins. Make your daily activity fun. Dance to your favorite music, go for a quick walk, or take a bike ride.

Try Meditation

Meditation is a simple practice that has excellent stress-relieving results when done consistently. Take deep breaths through your nose and release them through your mouth. Change up your routine and take 5-minute breaks throughout the day to pay attention to your breath.

With meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques, you’re teaching your brain to slow down as you lower your heart rate and blood pressure. It’s believed meditation can also alter your neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress.

Get Your Rest

Getting on a consistent sleep schedule can significantly contribute to your stress management. A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, judgment capabilities, energy, and mood. Stress can affect your sleep cycle, so here are a few tips for good sleep habits:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially in the evening
• Avoid blue-light devices like phones, computers, and televisions
• Practice breathing techniques
• Keep your environment quiet and cool

Talk It Out

Build and utilize your social support network. You may be able to slow the stress rolling around in your head by expressing yourself to friends and family. Having a support system provides you with an outlet to vent, and you may gain a new perspective or insight.

Contact Ohioans Home Healthcare to become a new patient or call 855.600.0806 for service information.

Ohioans Home Healthcare created a COVID-19 task force at the beginning of the pandemic to combat the spread of the virus. OHH remains committed to taking precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and patients while the spread of the virus continues to change, and challenges persist.

Receiving quality in-home care methods is of the utmost importance, especially during times of crisis. Our preexisting emergency preparedness plan allowed us to respond to the obstacles created by the pandemic without an interruption in service.

Here are a few ways your OHH nurses are working to keep you safe:

• Nurses who work with COVID-19 patients will only work with symptomatic individuals or households.
• A separate team will attend non-symptomatic patients to avoid the potential spread of the virus.
• OHH staff will employ N95 Envo masks and surgical masks to protect themselves and their patients during their visit.
• OHH encourages all patients to wear masks during visits to protect themselves and the staff.
• All staff regularly inspect masks for tears or holes and will always keep their noses, mouths, and chins covered.

Our emergency preparedness plan has withstood the test of COVID-19, and we will continue to administer to our patients with our signature dedication and care. The task force will also remain in place while the virus runs its course.

Call OHH at 855.600.0806 or contact us online for more information.

The world of home health care offers a change of pace for those nurses who want to grow in their field while building genuine patient relationships. Here are a few reasons why home health nursing might be for you.

Work With Flexibility

Home health care nurses work through an agency and are out in the field, visiting patients at home. You don’t have set work hours, so your daily schedule is flexible and can provide something different every day.

Nurses have some input on their scheduling and patient population preferences. You’ll work on a team while retaining plenty of independence. Agencies offer scheduling options, including:

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Evening shifts
• Weekend schedules

RELATED ARTICLE: Why a Home Healthcare Career is a Worthwhile Opportunity

Develop And Hone New Skills

Nurses can improve their skills through continued education and certification programs. Home health care includes blood draws, ventilator and tracheostomy care, IV set up, and wound care.

This type of work creates a medical center in the patient’s home, so you’ll have the chance to master the skills to meet their complex needs. This work also puts you on the path toward developing lots of new skills. You’ll become a teacher as you train patients on how to care for themselves.

Build Patient Relationships

You’re working in a very intimate environment – the patient’s home. Regular visits mean you’ll be building a working relationship with your patients and their families.

Tending to someone’s medical needs creates a unique bond as you help them regain independence. You’re also helping patients live at home safely – something they are likely grateful to be able to do.

Grow In Your Industry

You can advance in the home health care industry as you build your skills and relationships. You may have the opportunity to grow from a field nurse to a nurse manager and coordinate schedules and services. In this role, your field experience will help you ensure care plans are correctly executed.

Ohioans Home Health Care is committed to providing top-rated training to our employees. Call 855.600.0806 for career information or go online to apply today!

Trying to figure out Medicare and Medicaid can leave your head swimming with questions. What do I qualify for, and what are my coverage options? Ohioans Home Healthcare will help you compare coverage programs and determine which option is best for you.

Medicare vs Medicaid

What is Medicare?

Medicare is an age-based healthcare program funded by the federal government for people 65 and older. People under 65 with particular diseases and disabilities may also qualify. Medicare is paid for by the public, like an income tax. You’re automatically enrolled in Medicare once you turn 65.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is also a publicly funded healthcare program run by both federal and state governments. Medicaid is based on an individual’s income status. Coverage options vary because it is partially regulated by state governments.

Qualifications for Medicare

Medicare is split into Parts A, B, C, and D. To qualify for Parts A and B, you must be 65 or older, or disabled and collecting Social Security for at least two years. Part B is optional, and you must sign up during enrollment periods.
Part C, or Advantage Plans, requires the same criteria as Parts A and B but excludes individuals with renal diseases and those in hospice care.

Medicare Coverage Options

• Part A: Hospital services, part-time skilled nursing care and home health aide services, physical/occupational/speech therapies, and home medical supplies. Does not cover dental or vision.
• Part B: Medical services, like preventative and screening tests, and comes with additional costs. Similar home health care coverage as Part A. Does not cover dental but may cover basic vision tests.
• Part C/Advantage Plans: Similar coverage to Parts A and B and may cover prescription drug expenses. Advantage Plans offer coverage through Medicare-approved insurers and may include dental and vision.
• Part D: Prescription drugs.

Qualifications for Medicaid

The qualifications for Medicaid vary depending on your income, disability, the size of your household, and family status. Applying for Medicaid can take weeks to months and may require medical screening and documentation of past and present financial hardship. Qualified Medicaid applicants include:

• Low-income families and individuals
• Pregnant women
• Teenagers living alone
• Elderly, blind, or disabled
• Parents of sick children
• Those with high medical costs

Medicaid Coverage Options

Medicaid offers mandatory coverage of some services, but states decide which auxiliary services are covered. Coverage includes:

• Dental: Preventative, medical, and surgical dental services for adults, and all dental care for children.
• Vision: Eye exams, glasses, and optometry services
• Medical: Hospitalization/clinic services, labs and X-rays, family planning and midwife services, home healthcare for those eligible for nursing facilities, and doctor and nursing services
• Home health services: Part-time professional medical care, custodial home care, housekeeping services, medical equipment, and transport assistance

Can You Qualify for both Medicare & Medicaid?

You can qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Most healthcare costs are covered if you have dual eligibility, including costs incurred from Medicare Parts A and B. If you qualify for Medicare but cannot afford your monthly premiums and deductibles, Medicaid can typically bridge the coverage gap.

Call 855.600.0806 or contact Ohioans Home Healthcare online to learn more about our skilled nursing services.

To promote healthy living during April’s Medication Management Month, Ohioans Home Healthcare wants to provide you helpful tips to manage your medications safely.

Reading Prescriptions

Following medication, directions are essential to your well-being and safety. Straining to read your medication isn’t good for your eyes and can lead to dosage errors. Make it easy on yourself by:

• Wearing your classes
• Using a magnifier
• Reading in bright lighting
• Requesting large print labels

Ask Questions

Before you start a new medication, check in with your doctor and pharmacist if you have questions.

Questions for your doctor:

• What is the name of your medication, and why are you taking it?
• How long will you take this medication?
• Are there any side effects?

Questions for the pharmacist:

• Should this medication be taken with or without food?
• What other medications, food, or drinks should you avoid while you’re on this medication?
• Are there easy-open caps and large print labels available?

Get In A Routine

You’ll be less likely to forget to take your medication if you set routines in place. Take your medication at the same time every day. Check the instructions to see if there’s an advisable time to take your medication. Weekly pill organizers and timers are also handy options to keep you on schedule.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are not tested for safety and effectiveness by the Federal Drug Administration. Taking supplements with your medication may cause adverse side effects. Consult your doctor before starting any herbal supplements.

Our Services

Ohioans Home Healthcare offers medication management services, so you and your loved ones never have to worry. Our expert staff works with clients to teach active medication self-management while improving medication adherence and drug use education.

Our home care interventions include:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medication reconciliation
• Dosage instruction and scheduling
• Encouraging physician follow-up for medication refills
• Coordinating home delivery
• Creating a system to ensure medication is taken correctly

Ohioans Home Healthcare also encourages our clients to be aware of the Poison Center, which is open 24/7. If you have concerns regarding illness caused by medication side effects, taking the wrong dosage, or accidental chemical exposure, call 1-800-222-1222.

Your medical needs are our top priority, and we strive to create a safe and healthy home for all our clients. Call 855.600.0806 or contact us online for more information.

With the current situation regarding coronavirus disease or COVID-19, it’s essential to know the facts so you can stay healthy and help prevent the spread of disease. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Let’s look at the side effects so you can identify potential symptoms.

How It Spreads

Coronavirus spreads by coming into close contact with an infected individual, usually within six feet. If a person sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets can come into contact with another person’s face or hands.

Symptoms

Coronavirus symptoms manifest anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure and range from mild to severe.

They include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If the following symptoms are present, seek medical assistance immediately:

• Extreme shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or inability to think clearly
• Bluish lips or face

Who’s At Risk?

• Older adults
• Individuals with preexisting conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or HIV
• Pregnant women

How You Can Protect Yourself

The best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect yourself is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not an option, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

Here are some other rules of thumb to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Avoid close contact with other people, like hugging, kissing, or shaking hands
• Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first
• Only wear a facemask if you are sick or caring for a sick individual
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls

What Do You If You Are Sick

If you suspect you have coronavirus, call your primary care physician for medical advice. If you have mild symptoms, your doctor will most likely recommend you stay home to recover. Make sure to designate a sick room in your home to prevent the disease from spreading to others.

Monitor your symptoms and stay in contact with your physician. Call ahead before you good into a medical office to limit spreading the virus.

If you’re sick and isolating at home, you can leave if:

• You test negative for the contagion
• Have not had a fever for 72 hours
• Your cough and shortness of breath improve
• Seven days have passed since the first sign of symptoms

Ohioans Home Healthcare is committed to keeping our clients safe and healthy. If you have questions about our preventative safety measures, call 855.600.0806.

Ohioans Home Healthcare has been named a Top Workplace for the 6th year in a row! As a mid-size company with 277 employees, we’ve also earned the award for “Superior Training” as part of The Blade’s 2020 Top Workplaces.

This award is based on the statement “I get the formal training I want for my career,” based on employee input. We are so thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful team. None of this would be possible without every one of our employees!

If you’re looking for home nursing jobs with an award-winning home healthcare organization that provides the best training options, please visit our HHC Careers page for more information.

When people think of New Year’s resolutions, they typically think of eating more fruits and vegetables or hopping on the treadmill more often. Health is essential, and it’s good to be mindful of your diet and activity, but don’t limit yourself on what you can do to improve your lifestyle.

As with any resolution, be clear and specific about your goals. Vague ideas will only fall to the wayside. Here are some resolutions that will boost your creativity and provide you with plenty of fun memories.

Look For New Experiences

Try a new hobby. It’s always good to learn something new, and acquiring new skills keeps your brain agile. Explore hobbies like:

• Painting
• Learning how to play an instrument
• Cooking

The world is a big place, but you don’t have to roam the globe to find memorable experiences. Exploring is a great way to experience new things, even if it’s just around your hometown or a nearby city. Be strategic, plan where you want to go, decide on a timeline, and set a budget.

Clear The Clutter

Getting your physical space organized can help you accomplish other goals. Reduce clutter or get rid of things you no longer use or want. You’ll be surprised how clearing your home clears your mind as well. Get a daily planner and write down your goals or aspirations so you have a tangible reminder of what you want to accomplish. It will help with procrastination and clear out the mental cobwebs.

Immerse Yourself In Culture

Traveling is an excellent way to learn about a different country, but so is learning a new language. Speaking a different language will keep your brain motivated whether you attend classes or take lessons online. You’ll also learn about cultural customs as you learn to speak a different language.

Make A Mental Note

Sometimes our poor mental habits are more detrimental than a poor diet or lack of exercise. Think about it: are there negative habits that you could kick this year? How do you want to go about improving your mental health?

A good goal is to focus on destressing regularly. Take up meditation or yoga, anything that gives you time to reflect and refresh your mind. Actively work toward managing your stress as it will improve your heart health and blood pressure too.

Ohioans Home Healthcare wants to help you achieve all your resolutions by giving you quality service and assistance so you can live your life to the fullest. Call us at 855.600.0806 or contact us online.

We are excited to announce that Ohioans Home Healthcare has been named among the HomeCare Elite for the fifth year in a row!

We have been recognized among the top 25 percent of home health agencies in the country. All of our branches received the HomeCare Elite Status and our Dayton and Cincinnati branches were ranked among the Top 500 home care agencies in the nation.

Thank you, once again, to our team for their devotion to Ohioans. We would not be recognized without your hard work.

Join Ohioans! Click for information on HHC employment opportunities with Ohioans Home Healthcare.

Many senior citizens reduce their physical activity levels as they age, thinking they’re too old.

Many people of all ages reduce their physical activity levels as winter nears, thinking it’s too cold.

Guess what? Both groups are wrong! Neither getting older or colder has to limit your physical fitness level – it’s usually just used as an excuse. We get it – sitting in your fleece sweatshirt and “comfy pants” outfit while cuddled up near the fireplace is probably more comfortable than exercising. But it’s nowhere near as beneficial to your body.

Ohioans Home Healthcare reminds you that not only is it possible to maintain winter exercise levels as you age – it’s an important part of maintaining your health throughout the year.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly two million people worldwide die each year due to a sedentary lifestyle. Staying active throughout the year can help minimize health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Here are some ways you can help increase your activity levels, no matter the weather:

1. Take breaks to move around: Binging some Netflix during a cold snap? OK, but hit the pause button after each episode to move around a bit. If it’s safe to do so, take a walk around the block. If not, walk in place in your living room or go up the stairs a couple of times to keep the blood flowing and work your muscles. Even doing some quick chores is more active than sitting in your recliner.
2. Swimming: Getting in the pool is a great way to get a low-impact workout. Check with your local YMCA or gym to see if they have one. Recruit a friend to go with you to make it more of a social activity.
3. Get a fitness tracker: Having a fitness tracker on your wrist can help keep you motivated and let you know if you could use some more movement as the day goes along. Many devices have a reminder that informs you if you’re falling behind schedule.
4. Drink plenty of water: Staying properly hydrated – even if you’re not thirsty – will help you feel like moving more and help get the benefits of exercise. Being mindful of your water consumption will help you avoid dehydration, a common risk in older adults with a stunted sense of thirst.
5. It’s good for your brain: Exercising your body is good for your brain, too. Although it’s common for older people to have some levels of brain damage, those who are more active tend to experience fewer mobility restrictions, studies cite.
6. Join Silver Sneakers: This health and fitness program for seniors is included with many Medicare plans. There are more than 16,000 locations across the country participating in Silver Sneakers, which offers adults 65 and older access to classes, certified instructors and gyms, and community centers.

For information on services available at Ohioans Home Healthcare, call 855.600.0806 or contact us online.