The Most Important Questions to Ask Potential Living Communities

If you or your loved one has decided now is the time to move to a memory care assisted living community, you will undoubtedly currently be feeling a range of emotions, all the way from frustration to guilt and everything in between. 

Be sure to regularly remind yourself that your decision, which you will have by no means undertaken lightly, will always be motivated and based upon the welfare and physical and mental wellbeing of your loved one. Having made the decision, continue reading to learn the most important questions to ask potential senior living communities.

The Standard of Medical Care Provided

People requiring memory care, a specific type of ongoing medical treatment, should reside in a community that has a significantly sizeable group of memory care trained professionals on-site 24/7. Memory care specific assisted living facilities should focus primarily on 24-hour supervision of the residents, three prepared meals a day, and varying required levels of assistance with daily activities and personal care. 

Ensure the facility you are interested in operates an overall significantly higher level of skilled care and supervision and has special care units, otherwise known as Alzheimer’s care units, with both shared and private living spaces.

The Personality of the Community 

Memory care living facilities are perhaps the most specialized and therefore require a different kind of tone and atmosphere, especially in social situations and communal areas of the residence. The trained medical professionals onsite should be specially trained to work on life skills such as social interaction and should accompany the residents on both indoor and outdoor excursions and special activities. Hobbies and interactive activities are also of high importance for the overall wellbeing of your loved one. 

The Security of the Facility

Ensure you check as to whether the assisted living community you are potentially going to ask for help in caring for your loved one has a sufficiently sized and competently trained security team that resides onsite. Assisted living communities, such as the professional, established, and aesthetically beautiful memory care Brick NJ, implement the highest of safety and security protocols to ensure the residents are able to freely wander the house and grounds safely. 

The Size and Provisions of the Gardens

It is extremely important for your loved one’s mental and physical wellbeing that the memory care assisted living facility you select provides secure access to gardens. Ideally, any outdoor access points should be gated with electronic locks on both the entrances and exits, and the more well-tendered and cultivated the lawns and flower beds, the more indicative of how much importance is given to resident’s access to the outdoors. 

Finally, perhaps the most important thing you can possibly do when considering different living facilities options is to personally and thoroughly tour the community yourself. Never be afraid to ask questions to any of the staff members as they will be very happy and willing to assist you in any way they can. 

This is a guest blog entry!

5 Ways to Cope with Infertility

Millions of people are told that they may not be able to conceive a child naturally every year, but when you are the couple trying to conceive, it can feel like you are the only people in the world who are dealing with the issue. It is important to realize not only that you are not alone but that there is hope in your journey to becoming parents. There are several options available today, from reproductive assistance to adoption, but before you can begin to make a plan, you need to ensure you are coping with the physical and emotional strain that infertility can bring. Here are five ways to cope in the face of infertility and move forward. 

1. Be honest about your feelings

Do not try to ignore your feelings. It is common for people to feel grief and intense despair when faced with the idea that they may never be able to conceive naturally, and denying those emotions will only cause deeper and more prolonged pain. Find a way for both you and your partner to express your emotions honestly and in a healthy way. Click here for tips on communication with your partner. 

2. Understand the options available to you

One of the biggest sources of distress is likely to be confusion about your next steps and feelings of hopelessness. This is why it is so important to understand the options available to you that might help you become parents. When you have a clearer picture of possible futures, you can start to focus on the positives and consider which route could work for you. Whether you choose to consult with the best fertility doctors in St Louis, pursue adoption, or any other outcome, you can start to move forward. 

3. Find a support group and/or counselor 

You may have friends and family members offering advice or words of consolation, but unless they have been through infertility, they are unlikely to understand what you are struggling with. However, there are support groups for women, men, and couples who are facing infertility where you can meet others who share your experiences. Alternatively, an experienced and licensed counselor may be able to help you and your partner work through your emotions in a healthy way and explore your options. 

4. Practice self-care

Dealing with infertility can bring stress, anxiety, disappointment, and bogus feelings of inadequacy. Left to fester, this can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. Take the time to focus on yourself and what helps you to relax or feel more positive. For example, taking walks in nature or writing in a journal can help people to process their thoughts, while other people find exercising, spending time with friends or family, or indulging in a favorite hobby to be a welcome distraction. 

5. Rekindle intimacy and romance with your partner

When you have been trying to conceive a baby for a long time, it can make physical intimacy seem like a practical exercise. When you combine this with the stress and continued disappointment of not being able to conceive, it can create a distance between you and your partner. Try to bring the intimacy back into your relationship that does not involve trying to conceive. This might include sex to express your love for each other, giving each other massages to relieve stress and tension, or organizing romantic dates or a trip, buying them a gift, or simply being more physically affectionate by holding hands or hugging. 

This is a guest blog entry.

Fight Pain Relief With These 10 Natural Remedies

If you're experiencing growing aches and pains throughout the day, it may be time to pick up some natural ingredients for relief without resorting to mass-produced drugs. We've rounded up some of the best natural tips for relieving pain from expert sources, including muscle massages, essential oils, and more.

Essential Oils for Pain Relief

The best essential oils for pain relief include peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, and frankincense. These are extremely helpful for relieving pain, whether you are suffering from headaches or muscle pain.

Peppermint Oil

As a generalist pain reliever, peppermint oil is highly effective. Also, we consider peppermint oil to be a strong antiseptic that may help flush bacteria out of the tissues. People used peppermint oil for centuries as a treatment for colds and flu. This may explain how it is so popular as a natural pain reliever today. Many witnessed this oil stop acute-stage pains within 30 minutes of application with little to no muscle fatigue.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is changing the way people treat pain. It is a type of natural cannabinoid found in cannabis that doesn't have any psychoactive or mood-altering effects. The oil relieves pain, anxiety, and inflammation, and it can also help improve sleep quality. You can use it for everything from headaches to arthritis and even mix it in CBD infused drinks. Its compounds can lessen the feelings of stress, too, which can be particularly useful when you're dealing with chronic pain. The way it works is simple. CBD interacts with receptors in the brain and immune system to reduce inflammation and relax muscles, connective tissue, and nerves.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is extremely effective for over and underdeveloped areas like the shoulders and small joints, which need extra support. Also, due to its antiseptic properties, lemon oil can help reduce inflammation and pain. We have also seen this oil help soothe tired muscles, increase circulation, restore dry skin, and even reduce lightheadedness intensity after strenuous exercise.

Eucalyptus Oil

This oil often helps to reduce inflammation after a heavy workout. You'll want to start this practice soon after a workout for the best results. We know this oil to ease joint pain and improve circulation in the arms and legs.
 

Fresh Fruit

You can use fresh fruit as a natural pain reliever, too. Berries are rich in antioxidants that heal the body (and relieve pain). Berries are particularly effective in relieving aches and pains from repetitive stress. Also, berries like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and tart cherries contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that may help with joint pain.

Epsom Salt

Laceration wounds are a very common reason for pain and discomfort in the body. Luckily, there are many natural ways to help speed the healing process, such as applying a hot bath, soaking in a warm saltwater solution, or soaking in the Epsom salt bath option with a warm bottle of Epsom salt and applying it directly to the wound. The wounds will then warm, and the healing process will proceed faster.

Carrageenan
 

If you have a sunburned rash, inhaling carrageenan, a protein found in anti-inflammatory lotions and foods, can help with recovery. Carrageenan is a component of the French laque, an ancient remedy for inflammation. Apply a few droplets over the affected area and allow the healing process to begin. 

Carrageenan is also an immune system stimulant, so it may help reduce colds, flu symptoms, or other illnesses.

Stretching

A post-workout physical is hugely important to aid recovery. Doing so naturally gives the body time to repair any small injuries, allowing the muscles and tendons to repair themselves. If you don't get up to so much physical activity, it may be hurting your recovery. Give the healing process a shot by taking a few minutes after exercise to stretch.

Massaging Away Pain

To rid pain, you can also try massaging the area with essential oils. Massaging stimulates blood flow and helps the body naturally produce endorphins. Endorphins are your body's natural painkiller. So the next time you're feeling sore, try massaging the area and seeing if the pain goes away.
 

Sleeping Schedule

Feeling pain during or just after sleeping could mean you need to rethink your sleep schedule. Spending much time in bed can ease tension and improve sleep, but there are still plenty of risks associated with sleep problems, including insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and nightmares.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

10 Ways Your Clinic Can Improve Patient Care

Patient care is the number one priority of all medical clinics. Whether you are a dentist, sexual health clinic, physician’s office, or community health center, you want to ensure every single patient leaves feeling well looked after. Most clinics cover the basics, such as treating physical ailments, but it goes beyond that. If you’re looking to increase revenue and create happy (and healthy) patients, here are ten ways to improve patient care. 

1: Focus on Prevention 

Medical clinics are not just for providing treatment; they are also for guiding people in the right direction healthcare-wise. If a person is significantly overweight, for example, a nurse or doctor can provide advice on how to shift some of that weight to ensure it doesn’t lead to any problems down the road, such as heart failure or diabetes. 

To provide more people with access to preventive care, conduct Annual Wellness Visits for those with Medicare plans. That way, many of your patients don’t need a pre-existing condition or medical worry to receive healthcare advice. 

2: Train Your Staff  

The best patient care comes from experienced, well-trained doctors and nurses, so train your staff up as much as possible. Consider each of their positions and what sort of training would improve the way they treat patients. A nurse might be qualified in terms of medical knowledge, for example, but a training course on leadership could improve their skills even further. 

3: Listen to Each Concern 

When a patient comes in with multiple symptoms, it’s crucial to listen to each concern carefully. That might seem like it goes without saying, but doctors can sometimes focus too much on one symptom without fully taking the others into account. Even if a symptom seems minor, do your best to help alleviate it in any way you can. 

4: Provide Emotional Support 

Emotional support is often just as important as physical support. While your main concern is the physical health of a patient, you must also consider how they are feeling. This is especially true when a patient is going through something traumatic, such as a cancer diagnosis or a very sick child. Don’t just be there to perform medical procedures – be there emotionally, too. Sometimes, all it takes is a kind word or a hand on the shoulder. 

5: Speak in a Language They Understand 

Sometimes, simplicity is best, especially when it comes to informing your patients about their health problems and needs. While you and your staff might know the medical terminology that describes illnesses in detail, you need to speak to your patients in a language they understand. Otherwise, they run the risk of leaving your clinic without the knowledge they need. By keeping it as simple as possible, you ensure your patients know exactly what’s wrong and what they need to do, thus improving their care. 

6: Use Up to Date Equipment 

No matter how compassionate or talented your team is, patients will be disappointed if you use out-of-date equipment. Not only will the equipment not work as well as modern models, but it’ll also show your patients that you don’t care enough to invest in their care. If your practice won’t spend money on better equipment, why should patients spend money on your clinic? 

Consider how technology can make it easier for patients to receive care, too. Many patients, especially the younger generation, prefer being able to book appointments on an app, for example. Keep in mind who the majority of your patients are, though – if you work with the elderly, they might not be as accustomed to communicating via the internet. 

7: Keep an Organized Schedule 

Understandably, patients get frustrated when their appointments are pushed back, or they are seen far later than planned. After all, they may have other important obligations that day. To avoid disappointment, make organization a priority. That means scheduling the day properly by taking into account how long each patient will need and extra time for any emergencies. Once you show a patient that you stick to your word in terms of scheduling, they’re more likely to trust you. 

8: Provide a Comfortable Environment 

A clean and comfortable clinic is a must for excellent patient care. No patient wants to walk into a medical clinic to find that the chairs are uncomfortable, the walls are grimy, and that the carpet is outdated and in need of a vacuum. To make your patients feel as comfortable as possible, ensure the clinic is sparkling clean and invest in uplifting décor. Even if the medical care is largely the same, the difference of a positive environment has an enormous impact. 

9: Hire the Best 

While you should hone what you already have, when it’s time to hire new staff, take your time to ensure you only hire the best. That goes for every area of the clinic, including receptionists, nurses, and cleaners. When patients call the clinic for an inquiry or appointment, you want the voice on the other end to be professional, helpful, and polite. If a new patient walks into your clinic, you want them to be dazzled by how well the place is kept. 

A couple of things to look out for when hiring new employees include how much experience they have, how friendly they appear in interviews, and what previous employers say about their work ethic. By making it your mission to fill all positions with talented staff, patient care will improve. 

10: Keep Researching 

The medical world is constantly evolving, and you need to stay up to date if you want to provide your patients with the best care possible. That means you and your team should keep up with any healthcare developments, including new technology and medical discoveries. Read medical news, journals, and blogs to ensure you’re never behind the other clinics when it comes to the best patient care. 

By prioritizing great patient care above all else, you ensure your patients are happy and keep coming back time and time again.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Lowdown on Sinus Infections

In recent months, most of us have focused on the raging health issue of the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, this hasn’t stopped all sorts of other health concerns from causing people problems, whether it’s winter, summer, or another time of year. 

In particular, many of us suffer from pain and pressure and other ill effects from a sinus infection. Medically referred to as rhinosinusitis, this situation arises when nasal cavities become infected, inflamed, and swollen. Here’s what you need to know about sinus issues today. 

Symptoms

There are some commonalities you can be on the lookout for that will suggest an infection of the sinuses. For example, many people suffer from facial pain, tenderness, or pressure. This uncomfortable feeling could be in the sinuses, ears, or teeth. 

You might get a sinus-related headache or notice some facial swelling. You might also find yourself dealing with a fever, sore throat or cough, a runny or stuffy nose, or even bad breath. Plus, you might notice mucus dripping down your throat (postnasal drip) or that you have pus-like nasal discharge or cloudy, discolored nasal draining. 

Causes

You might wonder what leads people to get a sinus infection. There can be a few causes. While many people question, “Are sinus infections contagious, and do they move from person to person?” the reality is that most people don’t spread these types of infections to anyone else. 

Sinus infections can arise due to allergies, chemical or particulate irritation of the sinuses, or various viruses or bacteria. Sinus infections occur when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face. When this fluid builds, germs can more easily grow. 

Risk Factors

Multiple factors can increase your chances of getting an annoying sinus infection. For example, these health issues can arise if you have structural problems within your sinuses, such as nasal polyps or other growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses. Seasonal allergies make you more likely to get an infection, as does a prior cold. Other risk factors include smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke and having a weak immune system. 

Prevention Tips

None of us want to suffer from sinus infections if we can help it. As such, it pays to understand some of the best ways to prevent yourself from suffering from them. The top tip is to stay as healthy as you can. Don’t smoke or spend time around others who are smoking, and avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold or other upper respiratory infection. 

Clean your hands well and often, and use a humidifier in your home and office as needed to moisten the air and support your nasal passages and sinuses. Plus, being vaccinated for the flu and pneumococcal disease should help you stay safer. 

How to Deal with Sinus Infections

If you do get struck down with a sinus infection, though, you’ll want to take some steps to try to nudge it on its way ASAP. Do things that help to relieve pain and pressure in the sinuses and clear them out, such as using a decongestant or saline nasal spray. You might breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or use a shower to get the same result. Also, place a warm compress over your face, targeting your nose and forehead, to get some relief. 

If discomfort persists, see your doctor and let them confirm you have a sinus infection. They might prescribe over-the-counter medicines, general paracetamol, or other painkillers to help you feel better. Usually, antibiotics aren’t required since most systems can clear up sinus infections on their own after a few days. In some cases, though, your health practitioner may give you a script for antibiotics to get made up if you still have symptoms after a while. 

See a doctor if sinus issues last for over ten days without any signs of improvement or if you have an accompanying fever for more than three or four days. Seek medical care if your symptoms get worse, too, rather than improving (or if they improve but then things go downhill again), or if you find yourself with severe facial pain or headaches. Anyone who deals with multiple sinus infections in a year should see a doctor, too. 

Sinus infections are a real pain to deal with, but thankfully many of them only last for a short time, less than four weeks. Some chronic infections can endure for over three months, though, or continue to recur. The better your understanding of these health issues, the easier it will be for you to tell when something is really wrong and when you have to ride the pain out.

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Tips for Optimal Eye Health

Eye health tends to be something that most people neglect. When the eyes start to suffer, it’s not something that the average individual notices right away. It tends to be a slow and steady decline, and when they finally notice that there’s a problem, it might take quite some time to fix.

For example, those who suffer from dry eyes could have gotten the condition from various sources. Some people get the condition from spending too much time in the day staring at a computer screen. Fortunately, accessible dry eye inflammation treatment can solve the issue, but it’s best to take a preventative approach. To help ensure that you don’t have to worry about computer vision syndrome and other potential issues, here are some tips for optimal eye health.

The unorthodox solution to eye problems

First and foremost, ensure that you work toward a healthy weight and eat right. It seems strange that healthy eating can lead to better vision, but there are all sorts of conditions that can lead to poor vision if you let it. It also helps that some of the healthier foods out there such as fish, leafy vegetables and the like can lead to fewer issues with your vision.

The same thing goes with getting enough exercise. It can be quite a challenge for those that aren’t used to a healthier lifestyle to get started, but the trick is to start slow. A healthy lifestyle isn’t something people can achieve overnight. You can get started by pacing yourself and adding more and more to help balance your lifestyle.

The trouble with computers and phones

Smartphones and computers are the most likely culprits when it comes to vision problems. After all, people use computers and smartphones for several hours a day. Some people spend a staggering number of hours on the computer, though not everyone has the luxury of taking big breaks. Some individuals have to sit in front of a computer due to work, which is why it’s best to maintain discipline.
 

For example, taking a five-minute break every hour can lead to clearer vision over time. For most modern devices, there is a means of removing blue light, which is typically the culprit when it comes to eye strain. Maintaining even just a bit of discipline can help you avoid eye problems.

Consulting your ophthalmologist

If you are having trouble getting used to a proper routine with eye care, it might be a good idea to consult your ophthalmologist regarding the best way to take care of your eyesight. For example, some people might be forced to stay in front of a computer for long periods due to their jobs. An ophthalmologist can help provide advice regarding your unique situation and make it easier for you to maintain optimal eye health.

Vision problems are typically the last thing on a person’s mind when they’re trying to handle the many responsibilities life has to offer. Fortunately, it does not take too much effort to care for your eyesight, ensuring that you aren’t blindsided with vision problems.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-knitwear-eyes-face-head-2563491/

This is a guest blog entry.

What is a RAC audit in Medicare?

The word audit strikes fear into the calmest of hearts. It can come from the IRS, your employer, or if you run a Hospice or home healthcare business, you may have an audit from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that is performed by a Recovery Audit Contractor. Any home health care provider who bills fee-for-service programs is subject to such an audit.

As a home health care agency, you have a couple of options for keeping yourself compliant. You can either hire an accountant who specializes in Medicare, or you can use software designed for Medicare compliance.

Why Do They Audit a Business?

The CMS has increased audits of home health care agencies in recent years. The purpose of the Medicare Fee for Service (FFS) Recovery Audit Program is to find illegitimate Medicare payments. An auditor will do this by looking at discrepancies in payments made to Medicare providers or patients. They generally look for over-payments.

The company that does the audit must employ certain people in the medical field so they can properly evaluate the cost of certain medical services. An auditing company will employ therapists, coders, as well as doctors and nurses.

Recovery auditors only review payments that have already been made. They can go back as far as three years from the date of any questionable payments.

How are auditors chosen?

There are only three companies that are authorized to provide audits for Medicare Fee for Service (FFS) Recovery Audit Programs. Each company provides service to a certain region. Illinois is considered Region 2, and services are provided by Cotiviti, LLC.

Who audits the auditors?

Auditors are human too, so they make their fair share of mistakes. All the decisions they make will be reviewed by the CMS. All auditing companies are reviewed once a year for the accuracy of their reports. Auditors charge a contingency fee for each audit that they perform. If an auditing company should end up losing an appeal, they must return the fee.


What Happens When They Find Something Wrong

An auditor may review automatic, semi-automatic, and more complex payments. They should give the home healthcare company the opportunity to discuss any inappropriate payments that they find. If the auditor detects any impropriety, they will request that you send in payment. The healthcare provider for hospice can pay by check, or they can make a payment plan. They can also allow money to be deducted from future payments.

What if the auditor makes an error?

 
According to Rosenblat Law, if you feel that the auditor has made an error, you can appeal their decision. There are five different levels of appeal, and it is important to hire a defense attorney who specializes in these kinds of audits to represent you.

A professional attorney will know how to negotiate with the CMS and what questions to ask auditors. They will be familiar with the auditing protocol, and any common mistakes auditors make.

 It is best to find an attorney who has worked as a prosecutor on Medicare fraud cases. They will know what kinds of challenges to expect and what arguments will work to win your case.

Getting audited is frightening, but it is not always guaranteed that an auditor will find any wrongdoing. It is always a good idea to keep very accurate records and use a software program or an accountant that you can trust for your billing needs.

If you do need to appeal an auditor's decision, a good attorney can help you avoid paying fees and avoid further audits.

Authoritative Sources:

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/audit-tax-inspection-auditor-3929140/

https://www.cms.gov/

This is a guest blog entry.