fbpx
Programs Employer Services About Support JEVS

Tag: JEVS Care at Home

Seniors, Make an Effort to Drink Water. Here’s Why 

Posted on by Erin Giberson

Did you know that we get less thirsty as we age? It’s not that we need fluids less—staying hydrated is essential to good health. We simply don’t feel the sensation of thirst the way we did when we were younger. This is why many seniors get less water than they need. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, “dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among those 65 and over.”

So, if you’re a senior, it’s very important to make an effort to drink enough water.

Signs of Dehydration

If you have any of these signs, you may be dehydrated:

  • dry mouth
  • muscle cramps
  • chills
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • dark or strong-smelling urine
  • dizziness or confusion

You can become dehydrated more quickly if you have certain health conditions, like kidney disease, dementia, or diabetes. Also, medications like laxatives and “water pills” (diuretics) can increase your chance of becoming dehydrated.

Benefits of Hydration 

Staying hydrated is essential to keep our bodies healthy and working properly. Drinking water:

  • Helps us digest the foods we eat
  • Supports brain performance
  • Regulates and even stimulates metabolism
  • Stabilizes blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of falls
  • Regulates body temperature, especially when exercising or in hot weather
  • Helps with weight loss by suppressing appetite and preventing fluid retention
  • Maintains skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and soft lines 

 So how much water do we need? 8 glasses per day is a good goal, says The Mayo Clinic, and some experts recommend between 50 and 67 ounces. That may seem like a lot, but getting enough water each day is actually easier than you think.

Hydration Tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

  • Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
  • Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
  • Choose water over sugary drinks.
  • Drink water when eating out. You’ll also save money and reduce calories.
  • Serve water during meals.
  • Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste.
  • Eating the right foods is also a way to get water. According to the Cleveland Clinic, foods like cucumber, zucchini, and iceberg lettuce are high in water content. Making them part of your diet will help you stay hydrated.

Finally, drink tap water rather than bottled water. Tap water is good water! It is monitored and regulated by The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act.  The Minnesota Department of Health says that “Tap water and bottled water generally have the same quality standards.” That means it’s difficult to justify the cost of buying bottled water, except in an emergency. Also, plastic water bottles are a big threat to the environment. According to one estimate, as many as 85% of plastic water bottles end up as waste. This is concerning because plastic water bottles take a long time to break down. As they do they release harmful chemicals into the soil and water. A reuseable water bottle will help you do your part to protect the environment.

JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) Can Help 

At JCAH we’re committed to delivering the best home care in the industry. If you or someone you love is finding it challenging to prepare food and cook meals, we can help. Contact us today for information about our services, which are available free to those who qualify.    

Healthy Eating on a Budget

Posted on by Erin Giberson

Practicing good nutrition can be a challenge, especially if you need to watch what you spend. Healthy foods like seafood and other lean proteins can be expensive, and cost is a reason why many people choose fast food or junk food over healthier options. But eating better on a budget is not as difficult as you might think. Plenty of delicious foods are both healthy and inexpensive. And if you change some of your eating and shopping habits, you can save a lot of money to put towards better nutrition. To celebrate National Nutrition Month®, here are some ways to eat better and save money.

Eat Out Less

Eating out is a great way to treat yourself, but doing it often, like ordering takeout or buying ready-made meals, can be expensive. Making the same $15 meal at home is much cheaper. You can even prepare multiple meals for the price of one restaurant dish or store-bought items. Cooking at home not only saves money but also lets you control the amount of salt, fat, and sugar in your food. This is important if you’re watching your weight or have health conditions like high blood pressure.

Websites like Eating Well and The Food Hub from the American Diabetes Association have many healthy recipes that are also simple to prepare.

Plan Ahead

When you go shopping, it can be easy to spend more than planned. The Journal of Consumer Research says that shoppers who don’t use a shopping list spend an average of 23% more than those who do. To save money, plan your weekly meals and snacks before you go shopping. Check your pantry and fridge, then make a list of only what you need for your planned recipes.

Shop Smart

Look for supermarket sales in your local newspaper, online, and in-store circulars. Coupons and special discounts can help you save on expensive items like meat. Also, compare markets in your area and you will probably find one that has better everyday prices on the items you buy. Join your favorite store’s rewards or loyalty program to get special discounts and collect points.

Buy Larger Sizes or “In Bulk”

Buy large sizes of things you use regularly so that each meal you make costs less per serving. Nuts, dried fruits, and other healthy snacks can be purchased in bulk, which makes them much cheaper. Also, prepare double batches of your favorite recipes. Use the additional servings for other meals during the week or freeze them in individual containers to use within 3-4 months.

Drink Water

Water is essential for good health. It aids in digestion, helps us retain nutrients, supports cognitive function and healthy skin, and more. And choosing water over soda or other sweetened beverages will help you save money. Drinking tap water also helps protect the environment. Fill a reusable bottle with tap water and some ice and reach for it whenever you’re thirsty!

Buy In-season Fruits and Vegetables

In-season fresh fruits and veggies usually cost less, so plan meals around what is in-season and easy to find in your local markets. If what you want isn’t in season, look for frozen or canned options, which can also be budget-friendly. “Just be sure to compare the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to make sure you’re not getting a product with added ingredients,” says The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Looked for canned fruit that is packed in water or 100% juice. For canned vegetables, look for labels marked “no salt added.”

Choose Store Brands

Most supermarkets carry their own brands of popular items like canned and frozen vegetables, dairy products, and dried pasta, and quality is usually the same as national brands. According to the CDC, buying generic or store brand versions of the foods and ingredients you use regularly can save you 20% to 30% on your grocery bill.

Shop for foods that are in season

In-season fresh fruits and veggies usually cost less, so plan meals around what is in-season and easy to find in your local markets. If what you want isn’t in season, look for frozen or canned options

Look for Low-cost, High-nutrition Foods

Some inexpensive foods are quite nutritious. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, you can stretch your food dollars AND practice good nutrition by cooking recipes with ingredients like “beans, peas, and lentils; sweet or white potatoes; eggs; peanut butter; canned salmon, tuna or crabmeat; [and] grains such as oats, brown rice, barley or quinoa.”

Start Your Own Garden

If you have the space, a garden is an inexpensive way to get the vegetables and fruits that are the backbone of healthy eating. You can find packets of seeds for tomatoes, leafy greens, and more at garden centers, hardware stores and other retailers. Gardening is good exercise, too.

Shop at Farmer’s Markets

If you don’t have a yard or other space for a garden, local farmers markets such as the ones managed by The Food Trust in Philadelphia offer an abundance of veggies and fruits at prices that are often much lower than supermarkets.

These tips are a few ways that you can eat better while saving money. If you or a loved one need help with food preparation or cooking, JEVS Care at Home can help! Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we deliver award-winning care.

Three Ways to Pay for Home Care

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H.

If you or someone you care about needs care at home, you might be wondering, “how can we pay for it?” Fortunately, it’s easier than it may seem.

Many people qualify to receive home care at no cost, and for others the cost is more affordable than expected. Here are three ways to cover the cost of home care.

Medicaid

The first way to pay for home care services is through Medicaid. Medicaid is the government healthcare insurance program for people with low incomes. Medicaid covers 100% of the cost of home care, so if you are on Medicaid currently, you can begin receiving services at no cost. However, you need to be approved. In Pennsylvania, the first step is to complete the application for home care services. This application is managed by The Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB), also known as Maximus. The Maximus application process can be confusing, but JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) has experts who can answer your questions. Contact JCAH to help you or your loved one start the process.

Long-term care insurance

The second way to pay for home care services is by using long-term care insurance. Some insurance policies cover part or all of home care expenses. Yet these policies can be expensive and may have age restrictions. It’s important to purchase them in advance since they might not be an immediate solution. If you’re approaching retirement and considering future needs, talk with a financial professional who can go over the pros and cons of long-term care insurance.

Private Pay or Private Duty

The third way to pay for home care is from personal funds. You may have concern about the cost, but home care is not as expensive as you may think. You also might need only part-time home care. A few hours of home care each week can do a lot to enhance quality of life and support independence at home. Even if you are on a budget, home care can be affordable, and the benefits can far outweigh the cost. 

Contact us today with any questions you have about paying for home care and the benefits of in-home care from JEVS Care at Home. We’ve been serving clients across Pennsylvania for over 40 years, and we’re here to help! 

JEVS Care at Home Receives 2024 Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice Award

Posted on by Erin Giberson

Philadelphia, PA – JEVS Care at Home, one of the leading providers of non-medical home care in the Delaware Valley region, is proud to announce that it has received the 2024 Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice Award from Home Care Pulse (HCP). The Provider of Choice Award is granted only to top-ranking home care providers, based on client satisfaction scores gathered by HCP, an independent satisfaction research firm for post-acute care. JEVS Care at Home is recognized among a select few home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide outstanding care.

“We’re excited to congratulate JEVS Care at Home for their well-deserved achievement on earning the Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice Award,” says Todd Austin, President of HCP. “It’s wonderful to see the hard work that JEVS is putting in to provide high-quality care and employment—their effort isn’t going unnoticed. This award allows them to provide proof of quality to potential new clients and caregivers.”

Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice award-winning providers have contracted with HCP to gather feedback from their clients by conducting live phone interviews with their clients each month. HCP is a third-party company, which collects honest and unbiased feedback.

“JEVS is proud to be a recipient of this prestigious award which demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent in-home care for adults with disabilities and older adults in the Philadelphia area. This honor would not be possible without our dedicated direct support professionals who put their heart into caregiving. Thank you to them, our clients, and partners who make JEVS exceptional,” said Waleska Maldonado, Chief Program Officer of JEVS Human Services.

“At HCP, our mission is to help post-acute care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations,” says Todd Austin, President of HCP. “We are happy to recognize JEVS Care at Home as a Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice and to celebrate their accomplishments as a trusted home care provider.”

###

About JEVS Human Services

JEVS Human Services (parent company of JEVS Care at Home) 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. To find out more about JEVS and its homecare services committed to excellence, please visit http://jevs.org or call (267) 298-1325.

About JEVS Care at Home

JEVS Care at Home , an affiliate of JEVS Human Services, provides non-medical home care services that support seniors and other adults with activities of daily living (ADLS). Our goal aligns with the mission and vision of JEVS Human Services, by providing exceptional, client-centered care that enables individuals to lead full lives and live independently. JCAH has offices in Philadelphia, Allentown, Pittsburgh, and Gettysburg.

About HCP

HCP’s vision is to partner with the long-term and post-acute care industry, providing mission-critical applications to improve outcomes for all stakeholders in the care continuum, enabling the delivery of exceptional experiences. HCP offers RN-developed training, satisfaction surveys, hiring and reputation management tools designed to help you become the best employer and provider in your area—and make sure everyone knows about it. Known industry-wide for its Benchmarking Report and Best of Home Care awards, HCP is redefining the future of post-acute care. For more information, visit https://www.homecarepulse.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Keafer, JEVS, [email protected] 

Helen O. Dickens: Women’s Health Pioneer with Philadelphia Connections

Posted on by Erin Giberson

As we celebrate Black History month, JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) honors Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens. Dr. Dickens blazed a trail for other black women in medicine, and her work led to many advances in the healthcare of women, especially young mothers.

Helping Mothers in Philadelphia 

Dr. Dickens was born in 1909. Her mother was a domestic servant, and her father had been a slave. Dr. Dickens was an excellent student, and her desire to help improve the lives of others led her to enroll in medical school at the University of Illinois. She graduated in 1933, the only black woman in her class. She worked for a time in Chicago and developed a special interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the branch of medicine that is devoted to the care of pregnant women. In 1935, she moved to Philadelphia to work in a clinic that served one of the city’s low-income black communities.

Learning and Leading

Dr. Dickens wanted to continue her education, so she enrolled in a master’s degree program at The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) School of Medicine. After graduating, she took on leadership roles in the Obstetrics and Gynecology departments at two Philadelphia hospitals. In 1965, she began teaching at Penn. Dr. Dickens was dedicated, talented, and driven to change medicine for the better, and her career included several “firsts.” She was the first black woman to become a full professor at Penn and the first black female physician in Philadelphia who became board-certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology. She was also the first black woman admitted to the American College of Surgeons. That meant her fellow physicians viewed her as one of the leading doctors in the country.

Advocating for Women’s Health

Dr. Dicken called for the use of pap smears to detect cervical cancer. She wanted black women to have access to this test, and she personally visited churches in Philadelphia’s black community and performed the test for free. Dr. Dickens’s belief in the pap smear, which was new at the time, had a strong influence on other physicians. Pap smears are credited with saving millions of lives.

Eventually Dr. Dickens rose to an important position at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She founded a clinic where pregnant teenagers and young mothers could receive treatment and get advice about reproductive health. She also increased minority enrollment in the School of Medicine by over 2000% in a few years.

Legacy and Recognition 

Dr. Dickens passed away in 2001, but she left a remarkable legacy. Few physicians have had as much of an impact on improving the healthcare of young women, especially women of color. To honor her achievements, Penn named its women’s health clinic The Helen O. Dickens Center for Women’s Health. A portrait of Dr. Dickens hangs inside Stemmler Hall, Penn’s Medical Education building, inspiring future generations of physicians.

JCAH’s Commitment Today

Like Dr. Dickens, JCAH helps people get the care they need. In 2024, Home Care Pulse (HCP) honored JCAH as a Provider of Choice. This award reflects JCAH’s dedication to improving healthcare access and quality, just as Dr. Dickens did throughout her remarkable career.

Ten Signs That Someone You Love Needs Help with Everyday Tasks 

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H. 

As the people we love get older, it’s important to watch for signs they may need help with everyday tasks. Knowing these signs will help you make sure that your loved one is safe and well. If they do need help, you can arrange for a home health aide or become a Family Caregiver. Getting seniors support with chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry helps them to keep living independently and with dignity. Here are the key signs to look out for:

  1. Changes in Appearance or Grooming Habits: Watch for changes in personal hygiene, such as body odor, unkempt appearance, or re-wearing the same clothes. These changes could mean they’re having trouble with bathing, grooming, or doing laundry.

  2. Trouble Moving Around at Home: If you notice any unexplained bruises or injuries, or if someone seems hesitant to leave their home, it could mean they’re having trouble with moving around safely, which might make them more likely to fall.

  3. Neglected Chores: A once tidy home that suddenly becomes messy, a sink filled with dishes, or unopened mail piled on a table can be signs that someone is struggling with tasks like cleaning, cooking, or managing money.

  4. Losing Weight or Eating Differently: If someone suddenly loses weight, has expired food in the fridge, or starts skipping meals, it could mean they’re having difficulty with things like buying groceries, cooking, or remembering to eat regularly.

  5. Forgetting Things and Feeling Confused: Forgetting appointments, medications, or important dates, and feeling confused about daily routines or familiar places might show that someone is having trouble with their memory or thinking.

  6. Less Time with Others: Spending less time with friends and family, not talking much, or not doing hobbies could mean someone is feeling lonely, sad, or finding it hard to get around.

  7. Problems taking Medicine: Missing doses of medicine, not being sure when or how to take prescriptions, or keeping old medicines might show that someone is having trouble managing their medicines by themselves.

  8. Injuries without a Clear Reason: Bruises, cuts, or burns that can’t be explained might be from accidents or falls. They may be a sign that your loved one is having difficulty moving around or that there are things in the home that aren’t safe.

  9. Changes in Mood or Behavior: When someone is happy one minute and then mad or frustrated the next, or if they are acting in ways that seem different, it could mean they are struggling with the challenges of getting older or finding daily tasks hard to do.

  10. Unopened Mail and Money Issues: Having a lot of mail that hasn’t been opened, not paying bills on time, or making strange money choices might show that someone is having trouble managing their money or could be the victim of scams or fraud.

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to talk with your loved one about how they can get help. It’s important that you talk about any changes you notice with empathy and respect for your loved one’s independence. 

JEVS Care at Home can help you ensure the well-being and quality of life for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our award-winning care and how we help seniors live fully and independently.

JEVS Care at Home Honors Rebecca Lee Crumpler During Black History Month

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H.  

JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) provides in-home support for older adults and people with disabilities. JCAH is different from other home care agencies because we have our own team of nurses who make sure each person’s care plan is right for them. 

To kick off Black History Month, JCAH celebrates Rebecca Lee Crumpler. Born in 1831, Rebecca was a nurse, doctor, and writer. Today she is seen as an important pioneer in American medicine.  

As a girl, Rebecca often helped her aunt, who was a midwife and healer. She was a great student and later became a nurse. She wanted to devote her life to helping others feel better. She went on to study medicine at New England Female Medical College, which is now part of Boston University School of Medicine. In 1864, she made history by becoming the first black woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree. 

After the Civil War, Rebecca went to Virginia to help newly freed slaves who needed medical attention. Her work showed other doctors that many slaves became sick because of poor living conditions. 

Rebecca also wrote what is thought to be the first medical book by a black person, called A Book of Medical Discourses: In Two Parts. It focuses on caring for women and children. 

Rebecca Lee Crumpler continues to inspire nurses and caregivers everywhere.  

Click here to learn more about JEVS Care at Home and opportunities to join our team of outstanding caregivers. 

JEVS Care at Home Best of 2024 Awards

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H.

JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) is proud to receive three special awards by Home Care Pulse (HCP): Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice, and Leader in Experience. Every year, HCP recognizes the nation’s best home care agencies.

The HCP awards are important signs of exceptional care and client trust. They show that JCAH is one of the leading home care agencies in the Philadelphia area.

HCP gives awards based on ratings from phone interviews with people who get home care. To earn a Home Care Pulse award, a provider needs a rating of at least 8.75 out of 10 on quality measures. HCP, an independent company, ensures honest feedback collection.

The Leader in Experience award, the highest honor an agency can receive from HCP, is significant. Only one other agency in Philadelphia and 10 agencies in southeastern Pennsylvania earned this distinction. Four hundred and forty-five agencies received Leader of Experience awards nationwide.

JCAH is also excited to earn HCP’s Employer of Choice award, which is based on employee satisfaction surveys. We’re extremely proud of the positive and supportive culture we’ve built, and the industry-leading benefits and educational opportunities we’re able to offer caregivers.

JEVS Care at Home provides home care services in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.

Click this link to learn more about JEVS Care at Home and current job opportunities.

Tips for Healthy Skin

Posted on by Erin Giberson

By Thomas H. 

JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) is different from other home care agencies in many ways. One key difference is our in-house nursing team. Our nurses train our caregivers and help design the plan of care for each JCAH client, including self-care routines for healthy skin. Our nurses are a big reason why we have won several prestigious awards for the care we deliver! 

Our head nurse, Kim St. Peter, is an expert in the care of older adults, and she shares her knowledge with both caregivers and clients. Many seniors struggle with dry skin and other issues, so Nurse Kim put together some tips for maintaining healthy skin throughout the year. 

Tips for Healthy Skin

Make these tips part of your regular skin care routine.

  • Drink plenty of water. Water helps your skin retain its natural moisture.
  • Avoid showering in water that is too hot. Hot water removes natural oils from your skin and can make dryness worse.
  • Use a moisturizing soap.
  • Put on lotion after bathing, which helps skin absorb moisture better.
  • Use moisturizers with ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, and petroleum jelly.
  • Heal dry skin with Vaseline and Aquaphor, which seal in moisture.
  • Keep lotion and lip balm like Chapstick handy.
  • Brush your lips with a toothbrush to get rid of excess skin.
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom.
  • Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells.
  • Protect your skin from the sun. Use sunblock with a SPF of at least 30
Practice Routine Skin Checks 

Building these tips into your personal care routine will help you keep your skin healthy. Taking care of your skin also means checking regularly for signs of skin cancer, which is common among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), signs of skin cancer include a new growth, a sore that won’t heal, or changes in the shape or size of a mole. If you see any changes at all in your skin, see a dermatologist right way. She or he can perform an examination to identify skin cancer symptoms.

Contact JEVS Care at Home

A JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) caregiver can help manage your personal care. Contact JCAH to learn more about how our aides can support your skincare routine and with other Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Want to Stay Connected with JEVS? Sign Up for Our Updates.

Sign Me Up!
Skip to content