The possibility of a more immediate solution to treat Alzheimer’s was reported in another article from the Daily Mail Reporter in the U.K.   READ DAILY MAIL REPORTER ARTICLE HERE This article reports on findings from researchers at Case Western Reserve University that show that a drug called bexarotene (brand name Targretin) indicated to treat a rare cancer of the immune system that manifests in the skin and liver, has reversed Alzheimer’s disease in mice.  This finding raises hope that it may have the same effect in humans.

Targretin was used in mice with brains engineered to show Alzheimer’s symptoms such as forgetfulness and rapid cell death.  Immediately after taking the drug, the mice in the study performed better in tests and displayed better memory retention and sociability.  Mice also recovered their sense of smell which is commonly lost in Alzheimer’s patients.  The reason for the amazing results is that the drug stimulates the removal of beta-amyloid, a brain substance (similar to plaque) that can lead to Alzheimer’s.

Patients and their families are desperately trying to get the drug (which costs $1,200/month and is not expected to be covered by insurance), but researchers warn against humans trying Targretin ‘off-label’ until conclusive studies can be done on humans.  A four-month safety-trial of the drug is being tested on human’s with Alzheimer’s starting in March which will reveal very preliminary findings in human use, but getting FDA approval for use in Alzheimer’s patients could take years.

Given the vast number of Alzheimer’s sufferers and the destructive nature of the disease, do you think:

In addition to further expanding the size of Accredited’s nursing and care giving staff, the acquisition of these assets provides AHS with entry into the market of private-duty nursing.  The impetus for the acquisition came from client requests to provide nursing that offers an advanced level of care.  AHS will now have the ability to care for individuals of all ages needing complex medical care such as wound care, ventilator and tracheotomy care, medication administration, nutritional support via a gastrostomy tube, and education.  Adding the private-duty component to AHS’ service gives patients the full continuum of care that enables them to stay in the comfort of their homes longer.

“This acquisition not only lets us offer greater continuity of care as patients’ needs change over time, but it also makes it possible to keep patients living at home longer, instead of moving to a skilled nursing facility as healthcare demands increase,” explained Melissa Eschert, President of Accredited Health Services.  “It is a strategic move that directly addresses the needs of our patients and their families while minimizing pressure on the strained healthcare infrastructure that is prevalent from coast to coast and is certainly evident in New Jersey.”

As part of the acquisition, Midpoint’s  regional director, Irma Camaligan, RN, is joining the AHS senior management team as Vice President in charge of among other things, private-duty nursing.  “We are all excited about joining the AHS team,” said Camaligan.  “Together, we can meet the full continuum of home care needs in New Jersey with greater efficiency and efficacy.  It’s a match that serves patients, and their families, and the caregiving staff of AHS and Midpoint well.”

Visitors to the Accredited website will find the Blog as a dropdown box under the About Us tab. ]]> http://www.accreditedhs.com/accredited-health-services-launches-blog-on-company-website/feed/ 0 http://www.accreditedhs.com/emotions-and-homecare-2/ http://www.accreditedhs.com/emotions-and-homecare-2/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:03:11 +0000 peter http://www.accreditedhs.com/?p=621 At Accredited Health Services we’ve found that emotions can run wild when it comes to homecare and is often the most overlooked part of the homecare equation.  With over 30 years of homecare experience in the state of New Jersey, we believe we’re the New Jersey homecare agency who fully understands the challenges families face when dealing with in home care.

It’s one of the reasons our certified home health aides and New Jersey companions receive special homecare training before they go into a families home. Our home health aides and companions learn about the physical and practical challenges of homecare as well as the emotional issues. When families are confronted with the need for homecare for the very first time, many family members, including the loved one who needs care, go through a period of denial.  “Dad is okay.  He just had a bad day” is a common phrase we’ve heard over and over again.  Unfortunately, this is often not the case.  It’s difficult for family members to accept that their parent is no longer the head of the family to go to for advice. It’s a role that all parents have but at some point in time have to relinquish.  Recognizing that mom or dad needs a little help can take some family members time to accept.  In fact, we’ve found that homecare can at times tear a family apart, as some family members will steadfastly deny the facts and hold out longer than others in their acceptance.  That’s why Accredited Health Services has been scheduling presentations throughout New Jersey titled Homecare:  The Transition From Natural Independence to Assisted Independence.

We have found that seniors and their children should be aware of the emotional challenges that come about with homecare before they actually require senior care.  We don’t believe any parent would ever want their need for homecare to tear up a family, so letting them know about potential issues before they arise lets families discuss homecare issues before they ever develop.

Help Finding a Safe, Warm Place to Weather the Storm

Hackensack, NJ, October 3, 2011 –Accredited Health Services recently celebrated the dedication, foresight and resourcefulness of its home health aides in preparing for Hurricane Irene, and providing uninterrupted care and calm, consistent services to clients during and after the storm.

On Making a Smooth Transition from Natural Independence to Assisted Independence

At the New Providence, NJ Senior Center

Hackensack, NJ, August 18, 2011 – Accredited Health Services conducted a special public service presentation at the New Providence, NJ Senior Center on August 10^th called Homecare: The Transition from Natural Independence to Assisted Independence. More than 75 area residents attended the event to get information and insight about the practical, physical and emotional issues that need to be considered when thinking about homecare for themselves or aging loved ones.

Homecare:  The Transition from Natural Independence to Assisted Independence, and the workbook that goes with it, offered insight and information on all elements of the homecare issue including the mechanics of determining if homecare is a good solution for your family.  The presentation walked people through the evaluation and decision-making process, identified issues that are likely to come up and offered real-world advice about how to work through it so all involved benefit.  The families were given ideas for formulating a gameplan that will work for their unique set of circumstances so the loved one in need of more care has their needs attended to without delays, setbacks, or missteps that can put them at risk, and all are given a sense of relief and comfort in having expert advice in handling an emotionally-charged, difficult transition in life.

New Providence Senior Center Q&A

After the presentation, the audience asked several questions about homecare.  These questions, and the answers given by the presenter, Melissa Eschert, president of Accredited Health Services, included:

What kind of training do caregivers receive?

• All of Accredited Health Services’ caregivers are certified
• They receive training to work with patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury (includes stroke), diabetes and hospice care
• A select group of AHS’ caregivers (roughly 200) receive advanced training that incorporates dealing with cultural customs, appropriate decorum in a variety of social settings, etiquette, and problem solving.

Does Medicare cover homecare?

• Medicare covers homecare when the triggering event necessitating homecare is caused by a stay in the hospital.  Coverage depends on what the triggering event was, and the approximate time needed to get the patient back on their feet.  For example, if the triggering event were a broken hip, Medicare would cover the cost of an aide during the initial 60-day period of at-home convalescence while the patient is healing.  Once the hip is healed, the coverage would end.

Does AHS accept long-term care insurance?

• Yes. Every long-term care policy is different.  It is important to review your policy to know what coverage you have.  Many policies have a 100-day waiting period before long-term care insurance coverage kicks in.

Can patients have the same caregiver everyday?

• AHS has more than 800 home aides.  After meeting with a prospective client, we assess their needs, personality and preferences and match it with a potential caregiver to get the right fit.  Usually, we’re successful at creating good patient/caregiver pairings, but if a client wants to try another caregiver, we make that happen until the client is happy.

Is there a price difference between an aide who drives and one who doesn’t?

• No, not necessarily.  AHS creates a plan of care after understanding the needs of the prospective client.  The cost is determined once the needs are assessed and the hours needed are determined.