Programs JEVS Care at Home About Support JEVS

Author: Rossella Alla

When you have so many options for home care, why choose JEVS Care at Home?

Posted on by Rossella Alla

By Thomas H.

Choosing a home care provider can be a difficult decision. According to one source there are over 1300 providers operating in Pennsylvania, with hundreds operating in Philadelphia alone. With numbers like that and advertisements for home care services everywhere you turn, how do you know which provider you can trust to offer the best care for you or your loved ones?  

In a crowded field of providers, JEVS Care at Home stands out. Here’s why: 

A Mission-Driven Nonprofit 

JEVS Care at Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are mission-driven to help seniors and adults with disabilities live fully and independently. This mission keeps our focus squarely on the needs of our clients. 

Experience and Expertise 

JCAH is a program of JEVS Human Services, which has been serving the SE Pennsylvania community for over 80 years. We’ve been providing home care services since 2012, and we are consistently recognized as an industry leader. Most recently, we earned the 2024 Provider of Choice, Leader in Experience, and Employer of Choice awards from Home Care Pulse, a consumer satisfaction research firm that specializes in home care. JCAH is also fully accredited by CARF, a non-profit accreditor of health and human services organizations.  

Medicaid Expertise and Family Caregiver Program 

We have long experience working with qualified Medicaid recipients. We are experts in navigating the application process for free services through the various Medicaid “waiver” programs. Also, our Family Caregiver Program allows Medicaid clients to choose a family member or friend as their caregiver. This option provides comfort and familiarity while ensuring professional-level care.  

Serving Our Veterans 

We proudly support Pennsylvania veterans who are eligible for free services through the VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program. Our team is highly experienced in coordinating care through the VA system. If you’re a veteran looking to switch from another agency, we’ll make the transition smooth and hassle-free. 

Our In-house Nursing Team: Personalized Care and Highly Trained Caregivers 

Not many home care agencies have staff nurses. Our in-house nursing team plays a critical role in making sure we deliver the best care possible. This begins with the personalized Plan of Care that our nurses create for each client. The Plan of Care ensures that our caregivers deliver consistent care that perfect matches the client’s unique situation and needs. Our nurses also train our caregivers, from basic skills to CPR to advanced training in Dementia Capable Care. These are just two of the ways that our in-house nursing team helps us deliver industry-leading care.  

Flexibility and Affordability 

For those who self-pay for home care services, we offer flexible scheduling options. We can provide support for as few as 4 hours per week, and we offer Respite Care for family members who serve as the primary caregiver for loved ones. We also pride ourselves on our affordable rates, making quality care accessible to more people in our community. 

Choose JEVS Care at Home 

Selecting a home care provider is a big decision, and we’re confident that we provide the highest-quality home care available. From our nonprofit status and decades of experience to our expertise with Medicaid and VA services, personalized care plans, trained caregivers, flexible options, and award-winning service – we’re a partner you can trust to help you or your loved ones live independently and comfortably at home. 

JCAH serves clients in Greater Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the Lehigh Valley, and Gettysburg. For more information about our services for seniors and adults with disabilities, contact us today: https://www.jevshumanservices.org/jevs-care-at-home-form/

Orleans Technical College Commemorates 50th Anniversary with 1.3 Million Dollar Facelift

Posted on by Rossella Alla

The renovation project, funded in part by RACP, is currently underway and slated to be completed in the fall.

Philadelphia, PA (August 6, 2024) — Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), is undergoing a 1.3-million-dollar improvement project at its Northeast Philadelphia location. The renovations which began this week, are funded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) by the PA Office of the Budget.

Renderings of the million-dollar improvement project at Orleans Technical College which is underway. Credit: FIFTEEN Architecture + Design

Over the next few months, INTECH Construction LLC. will be upgrading the college’s atrium and student lounge to provide new security features, and a place for students, staff, community, and board members to convene.

These renovations come as Orleans Technical College celebrates its 50th anniversary. The institution has a rich 5-decade history of teaching in-demand skills and providing industry-

recognized credentials. Orleans Technical College provides a vital service to the Greater Philadelphia community through preparing and connecting students to well-paying, family sustaining wage jobs across the Delaware Valley.

“We are thrilled to begin this renovation project, which will greatly benefit our students, faculty, and surrounding communities,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, JEVS President & CEO. “With the support of RACP, these upgrades will enhance the physical infrastructure of Orleans Technical College, which will in turn strengthen JEVS mission to deliver high-quality, in-demand education and training that helps individuals create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. We anticipate sharing our updated, modern, state of the art space with the community at large in the fall.”

JEVS was awarded a $500,000 RACP grant in 2023, with the support of Senator Jimmy Dillon and Representative Martina White. Funding is awarded to improvement projects with multijurisdictional impact, which will generate substantial increases in employment, tax revenues or other economic activity. The RACP funding, a critical component in making this project possible, underscores the importance of investing in educational institutions that provide essential skills and training. Renovations are expected to be completed by the fall. All classes and services provided at the Orleans Technical College campus will continue during the construction. Signage has been translated into Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Ukranian to help assist program participants in navigating around the construction. This initiative ensures that all members of the diverse community that Orleans Technical College serves can easily find their way around the building.

 

ABOUT JEVS

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has an 80+ year history in working with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. JEVS’ vision is to help every person achieve personal independence and fulfillment. Our mission and vision reflect JEVS’ long-standing history of helping people connect to opportunity and cultivate independence.

Orleans Technical College, operated by JEVS Human Services, is an accredited, non-profit career training school. It prepares adults for careers in building trades and healthcare. Since 1974, Orleans Technical College has helped students move toward one common goal: learning new skills to enhance their success in the workforce. Orleans Technical College offers job training programs in building trades and healthcare

From Haiti to Philadelphia: A JEVS Center for New Americans Story

Posted on by Rossella Alla

By Miguenson N. 

In Haiti, James M. worked as a police officer. This job involved many challenges and risks that put civilians and officers in dangerous situations.

In search of a stable and secure life, James M. and his wife left Haiti. They lived in Chile for a while, where their son was born. Then they traveled to Mexico and eventually arrived in the United States. James M. and his family faced daily challenges, including how to provide for his family’s basic needs.

The Philadelphia County Assistance Office referred James to JEVS Human Services in February 2024. He applied for training and employment services. I enrolled James M. in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and started looking for a job for him. He applied to Amazon where he completed the drug test and background check and was offered a job.

Today, James M. is happy and is grateful for the support and help from JEVS Center for New Americans (CNA).

The JCAH Difference: The Importance of the Plan of Care | JEVS Care at Home 

Posted on by Rossella Alla

By: Thomas H.

JCAH Plan of care

The JCAH Difference: The Importance of The Plan of Care

JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) differs from other home care providers in several important ways. For one, we have our own team of nurses who play an essential role in making sure our clients receive the best care possible.

One of their responsibilities is creating a Plan of Care (POC) for each client. You might think of the POC as the map that our caregivers follow every time they work with a client. The Plan of Care helps ensure that our caregivers consistently deliver care that meets each client’s unique needs.  Here is an overview of the POC and how it helps us deliver award-winning home care.

What is The Plan of Care?

The Plan of Care is a document that summarizes a client’s health conditions and outlines the services they will receive to help them live independently in their home. The Plan of Care is a living document. It can be updated as needed so that we continue to provide the care the client needs.

Creating the Plan of Care

The first step in creating the Plan of Care is a conversation between a new client and one of our Community Engagement Specialists (CES). The CES asks some general questions about the client’s health, their home, their need for home care services, and their support network of family and friends. The CES shares this information with our nursing team who provide the initial approval to move forward with our client intake process.

Next, the CES visits the client at home. The CES will confirm the accuracy of the information already collected and take a detailed health history. This history covers all aspects of the client’s health status, including past and current medical conditions and injuries, ongoing treatment, prescription medications, and more.

Our nursing team reviews this detailed information and uses it to draft a working Plan of Care. The Plan of Care is then finalized following a visit to the client. The Plan of Care becomes part of the client’s record, which is stored in the system we use to coordinate care with other professionals who play a role in the client’s healthcare, for example, insurance providers.  

A Living Document

JCAH caregivers follow the client’s Plan of Care closely. Our Client Care Managers check in with caregivers regularly to review the Plan of Care and make sure it still meets the client’s needs. Sometimes, a caregiver will report a change in the client’s health status. This change could be due to a new diagnosis or a medical emergency like a fall. Changes in the client’s health status may require us to adjust the Plan of Care or create a new one.  Our nursing team will get in touch with the client to discuss any change in health status and review the client’s needs. If the client’s needs have changed, we will update the Plan of Care accordingly. If the client’s needs have changed so much that they require care beyond what we can provide, our nursing team will make an appropriate recommendation or referral.

Creating a unique Plan of Care for every client is just one of the steps we take to deliver industry-leading care. For more information about our services for seniors and adults with disabilities, contact us today at https://www.jevshumanservices.org/jevs-care-at-home-form/

For 25 years, the Franklin C. Ash Internship Program has connected college students to nonprofit work

Posted on by Rossella Alla

The Franklin C. Ash Internship program began in 1999 to help connect college students to nonprofit organizations through a paid internship operated by JEVS Humans Services (JEVS). During that time, 332 interns from 107 different colleges and universities have had real life work experiences at Philadelphia area nonprofits.

Alan Raisman, a 2008 intern, says “The Ash internship was an incredible opportunity to get involved in the nonprofit sector, build incredible connections, and keep lifelong friends. I’m now celebrating 13 years in the nonprofit sector.”

The program was championed by Frank Ash, who, for 25 years, has funded the program. On July 30, 2024, alumni and current interns gathered for a celebratory luncheon with Mr. Ash, who says, “Firsthand exposure to the programs can be a real inflection point for young adults who may not have awareness of people and places and social issues outside of their known circle of friends and family.”

The Franklin C. Ash Internship Program builds awareness about needs in the community where they could contribute and find career paths, often impacting career choices. Noa Seligsohn, a 2017 intern says, “Since completing the internship, I have been pursuing a Master of Science degree at Columbia School of Social Work in New York City. The Ash internship program served as my first introduction to the social work profession and non-profit world. The experience and professional skills I gained during my internship at the Mitzvah Food Program have been instrumental in my development as a future social worker.”

The program runs for seven weeks each summer and gives college students a chance to learn about jobs in non-profit organizations and gain real world experience. This year, 20 students are in the program. It is the largest cohort to date.

Meet Our Team: Megan Miller 

Posted on by Rossella Alla

By Thomas H.

Megan Miller, Area Director at our JEVS Care At Home (JCAH) Philadelphia office, shared about her role in delivering outstanding client care.  

Tell us a little bit about your professional background and how you came to work at JCAH. 

I worked in the home care field for 18 years, prior to coming to JCAH. I took a period of time in my career to explore other roles and I even changed industries for a short period of time.  I realized, however, that I was missing the healthcare field. It is where I belong professionally. I had been scrolling through LinkedIn and noticed a repost from a previous colleague who was working for JCAH. In the inquiry process, I quickly found that there were more familiar connections at JEVS. This provided comfort in applying, and I’m happy that they chose me to be part of the team.  

What are your responsibilities as an Area Director for JCAH? 

My responsibilities include partnering with all support teams to enhance and develop the operations team. One goal is to be extraordinary in everything that we do. Creating an extraordinary experience for clients creates an extraordinary work experience. 

What aspect of your work do you find most fulfilling? 

I enjoy playing a role in providing care to our client population, assisting in development of work processes, and helping to develop individuals and teams. I believe in “Being the change you want to see” and leading by example. 

How would you explain “The JCAH Difference” to a potential client or partner organization? 

We create exceptional relationships, hire quality staff, and we expect and provide a superior level of care. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

I enjoy listening to music, snuggling with my senior cats and spending time with family and friends. 

If you could have one “superpower,” what would it be? 

I would like to have the superpower of telepathy. I could have a little fun with that in my personal and professional life.  

Tell us one amazing or little-known fact about yourself. 

Two of our cats have unique names: Stamps – named because my partner works for the USPS– and Mumble, who got her name because when she opens her mouth and tries to meow, she cannot. A tiny mumble sound comes out.  

JEVS Care at Home Misson Moment with Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA)

Posted on by Rossella Alla

By Thomas H.

The Pennsylvania Homecare Association selected JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) Area Director (AD) Heather Fotopoulos to star in a Mission Moment video.  Mission moments are brief, memorable stories that are told to inspire and motivate others. Non-profit organizations often use mission moments to strengthen connections and build relationships between members of the same team or people who work in the same profession. They help highlight and reinforce an organization’s goals and values and show how an organization is making a real impact in the communities they serve.    

JCAH is mission-driven to help seniors and adults with disabilities lead full and independent lives, and Heather is an excellent choice to present a mission moment. In Heather’s role as AD, she manages the delivery of services in our Allentown office and oversees and supports our teams in Pittsburgh and Gettysburg. Heather has over 27 years of experience in home care/home health care and has provided services to clients of all ages, from newborn to 97.  

Speaking about what she finds most satisfying about her work at JCAH, Heather says it’s the people: “I love meeting clients. And we have amazing caregivers! Our office teams are excellent in their roles, too. The supportive environment we’ve built and teamwork we show every day has a huge impact on clients and caregivers.”  

To see the complete video of Heather’s Mission Moment and learn about an important event in her career that keeps inspiring her to deliver award-winning home care, click here: PHA Mission Moments – Heather Fotopoulos (youtube.com)

Celebrating 25 Years of the Franklin C. Ash Summer Internship Program

Posted on by Rossella Alla

By Sage A.

The Franklin C. Ash Internship Program celebrates its 25th anniversary in Summer 2024.

This program runs for seven weeks and gives college students a chance to learn about jobs in non-profit organizations and gain real world experience. This year, 20 students are in the program, which is the largest group yet!

Students are matched with a company that best fits their interests and professional goals. They work at their placement from Tuesday to Friday and complete 28 hours of work every week. Every Monday, all the interns meet for activities like improving resumes, practicing job interviews, volunteering, talking about salaries, and more.

In this internship, the interns spend less than 10% of their time doing office work, so they learn about how a company works instead of just doing paperwork.

Every year Mr. Ash picks a day to have breakfast with the interns where he shares about his past, why he started this program, and how much he enjoys meeting the interns.

After the seven weeks, there is a special closing ceremony where Mr. Ash says goodbye to the interns. The students give speeches about what they learned and get to celebrate their hard work with their bosses, friends, and family. This program sets its participants up for success and helps them explore their interests.

Body Mechanics and Safety Tips for Caregivers: Prevent Injuries and Stay Healthy 

Posted on by Rossella Alla

Being a caregiver can be physically demanding. Whether you’re assisting a client with mobility, doing household chores, spending long hours on your feet or sitting in a chair, using proper body mechanics is important. Proper body mechanics help prevent injuries so that you can continue providing high-quality care. Here are some tips for maintaining body safety while sitting, standing, lifting, transferring clients, and performing household tasks. 

Understanding Body Mechanics 

“Body mechanics” means the way you move your body. By using correct body mechanics, you can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, which are common in caregiving. Here are some basic principles of body mechanics: 

  • Maintain Neutral Spine Alignment: Keep your spine in a neutral position, with the natural curves of your neck, upper back, and lower back maintained. 
  • Engage Your Core: Use the muscles in your abdomen and lower back to support your movements. 
  • Use Your Legs: When lifting or lowering objects, bend your knees and use the strength of your legs rather than your back. 
  • Keep Objects Close: Hold items close to your body to reduce strain on your back and arms. 
  • Avoid Twisting: Turn your whole body by moving your feet instead of twisting your spine. 

Sitting and Standing for Long Periods 

Sitting or standing for extended periods can lead to discomfort and long-term issues like back pain or varicose veins. Here are some tips to stay safe: 

When Sitting: 

  • Choose the Right Chair: Use a chair with good lumbar support. When you are seated, your feet should be flat on the floor, and your knees should be at a right angle. 
  • Adjust Your Position: Change your sitting position every 30 minutes. Shift your weight, stand up, stretch, and take short walks if possible. 
  • Use a Footrest: If your feet don’t reach the floor, use a footrest to keep your knees level with your hips. 
  • Support Your Lower Back: Use a small pillow or lumbar roll to maintain the natural curve of your lower back. 

When Standing: 

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: Choose supportive, non-slip shoes to reduce foot and leg fatigue. 
  • Shift Your Weight: Avoid standing in one position for too long. Shift your weight from one foot to the other or place one foot on a low stool and alternate. 
  • Take Breaks: Incorporate regular breaks to sit down, stretch, and move around. 

Lifting and Transferring Clients 

Lifting and transferring clients are physically demanding tasks. Proper technique is essential to prevent injuries: 

  • Plan Ahead: Assess the situation before you lift or transfer a client. Make sure you have enough space and remove any obstacles. 
  • Get Close: Stand close to the client, facing them with your feet shoulder-width apart. 
  • Bend Your Knees: Squat down by bending your knees, keeping your back straight, and using your core muscles. 
  • Use a Gait Belt: If the client is able, use a gait belt to provide additional support and control during the transfer. 
  • Lift with Your Legs: Push through your heels and use the strength of your legs to lift. Avoid using your back. 
  • Communicate: Explain the process to the client and encourage them to assist as much as possible. 
  • Use Assistive Devices: If the client has an order in place, you may use mechanical lift devices to assist with transfers. This reduces the physical strain on both you and the client.   
  • Team Lifting: If the client is heavy or the situation is challenging, ask for help. Lifting with a partner can be safer and more effective. 

Completing Household Chores 

Household chores like cleaning and laundry can also pose physical risks. Here’s how to perform these tasks safely: 

Cleaning: 

  • Avoid Overreaching: Use tools with long handles to avoid bending and stretching excessively. 
  • Kneel on a Pad: When cleaning low areas, kneel on a padded surface to protect your knees. 
  • Use Proper Tools: Choose lightweight, ergonomic cleaning tools that are easy to handle. 
  • Maintain Neutral Spine: Keep your back straight and avoid twisting while cleaning. Move your whole body to face the task. 

Laundry: 

  • Lift Properly: Use proper lifting techniques when handling laundry baskets. Bend your knees and lift with your legs. 
  • Avoid Overloading: Don’t overfill laundry baskets or washing machines. Multiple trips with lighter loads are safer. 
  • Use a Stool: When transferring clothes from the washer to the dryer, use a small stool to avoid bending over repeatedly. 
  • Elevate the Task: If possible, raise the height of your laundry machines to reduce the need for bending. 

General Tips for Body Safety 

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your muscles and joints lubricated. 
  • Stretch Regularly: Incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine to maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tension. 
  • Practice Good Posture: Whether sitting, standing, or moving, maintain good posture to prevent strain on your body. 
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of fatigue and discomfort. Take breaks and rest when needed. 
  • Seek Training: Participate in training sessions on body mechanics and safe handling techniques provided by JCAH staff. 

By following these practical tips and maintaining awareness of your body mechanics, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your clients. Stay safe and stay healthy! 

Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services, announces new Hybrid Construction Management Associate Degree Program

Posted on by Rossella Alla

The 15-month program beginning this Fall, will train the Philadelphia region’s next generation of construction managers, putting them on track to earn a six-figure salary in the fastest-growing occupation 

Philadelphia, PA (July 9, 2024) Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), has announced the launch of a new Associate Degree in Specialized Business (ASB) – Construction Management program. Through the help of JEVS strong partnerships, this program will help connect individuals in the Greater Philadelphia region to high-paying jobs with economic mobility, within a little over a year. This extends upon Orleans Technical College and JEVS commitment to promoting economic stability in the region through expanding offerings for high-demand careers, including Orleans Technical College’s recent healthcare expansion.  

The courses will be hybrid with technical courses held at Orleans Technical College, located in Northeast Philadelphia, and general education courses held online. Over 15 months, students will study blueprint reading, estimating, business law, and more. They will be prepared to plan and supervise construction projects, from start to finish. This program is an essential asset to the region, as the demand for construction managers is increasing faster than any other jobs by 2032 at 5% each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In recent years, state and federal lawmakers have invested millions of dollars into repairs for roads, bridges, and infrastructure projects, making these jobs abundant and appealing for trades workers looking to upscale their careers without a 4-year degree. Students can graduate from this program and make upwards of $87,000 and eventually average 6 figures a year at around $130,000. This means construction work can help move Philadelphians from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to middle-class wages. The new ASB program will help create growth opportunities for individuals in our region and the overall construction industry.  

Orleans Technical College’s new ASB program will provide training for Philadelphians and surrounding county residents to enter the workforce prepared to handle the full process of delivering a construction project to completion and boost their careers. Graduates of this program will be equipped to begin careers as construction managers, construction estimators, site inspectors, surveyors, and more.  

“Orleans Technical College, of JEVS Human Services, is proud to launch this new ASB program, which solidifies our position as a leader in fueling a diverse pipeline for trades jobs that provide a career path for growth and economic mobility,” said JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia Figueroa.”  “This program will be a game changer in the Greater Philadelphia region for years to come, through dually empowering the lives of individuals and filling in-demand careers in the construction industry. JEVS is proud to continue our mission in creating opportunities and paving the way to sustainable career paths to independence and economic security.” 

Enrollment for the program is now open, with classes beginning in the fall. For more information visit the Orleans Technical College website.  

 

ABOUT JEVS  

JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has an 80+ year history in working with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. JEVS’ vision is to help every person achieve personal independence and fulfillment. Our mission and vision reflect JEVS’ long-standing history of helping people connect to opportunity and cultivate independence.   

Orleans Technical College, operated by JEVS Human Services, is an accredited, non-profit career training school. It prepares adults for careers in building trades and healthcare. Since 1974, Orleans Technical College has helped students move toward one common goal: learning new skills to enhance their success in the workforce. Orleans Technical College offers job training programs in building trades and healthcare. 

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