Acne Skin Care

December 5, 2008 at 5:04 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

Acne Skin Care

Writen by Alison Cole
Acne is the scourge of the teenage years and a source of great distress and embarrassment at an age when young people are most conscious of their appearance. Almost no teenager, or adult for that matter, is spared a prolonged period of acne problems.

Pubescent girls are generally affected to a more serious degree because of the hormonal upsurges associated with the onset of menstruation. Basically, acne is the result of increased hormonal activity, which causes excess oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Unfortunately, the areas most affected by acne are those which are almost constantly visible with today’s youthful fashion trends.

In extreme and far from rare cases, acne can lead to extensive and permanent scarring. Because of the emotional trauma attached to this disorder, it has assumed top priority status among problems that must be avoided at all costs, but this is easier said than done.

It has now been proved that oil-saturated foods, chocolate, poor skin hygiene and emotional upset actually play no role in acne occurrence at all, so there go a number of time-honored prevention targets. In fact, the most widely employed means of addressing the problem of acne – camouflaging cosmetics – are actually among the main acne aggravators. Many of them cause subtle skin changes that exacerbate acne occurrence. They can also cause the obstruction of the sebaceous glands, thereby preventing the free drainage of excessive oils. Often, this even applies to some of the so-called acne-prevention compounds.

While there is apparently very little an individual can do to prevent acne, there are now effective methods of treating it medically. However, for optimal results, these must necessarily be employed before serious disfigurement can take place. Since these treatments may involve hormone manipulation, they must take place under strict medical supervision.

Acne Care provides detailed information about acne care, acne care skin tips, acne skin care centers, and more. Acne Care is affiliated with Acne Skin Care.

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Acne Treatment Options

December 3, 2008 at 4:05 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

Acne Treatment Options

Writen by Stein Ove Stien
It is presumed that around seventy percent of all teenagers and young adults suffer from some forms of acne. However, men and women in their mid ages can also suffer from acne. Though the exact cause of acne remains unclear, more is known about how the spots and blemishes which are part of acne form. Of late, there are innumerable numbers treatments to help deal with this distressing condition.

Acne is not a common complaint; it is known to be a source of considerable emotional distress and social embarrassment. How ever, there are a large numbers of acne treatment options to tackle this problem.

Home treatment option is the most common among the most households; acne treatment method being very simple and mostly improvised over experience gained over years. Always try to keep the spot-prone areas very clean, so wash the affected area twice a day with a un perfumed and non oily cleanser. Antibacterial face washes and soaps specifically for greasy skins are also available. How ever, your skin needs a minimum amount of oil in your skin to maintain its natural condition. Thus it is required to avoid aggressive washing action with hard soaps.

Never pick at spots; over squeezing can cause permanent scarring. During summer months, acne tends to be less problematic as the sunshine helps to dry the skin. How ever, no home treatment will start working immediately; it can take weeks, if not months, to observe any noticeable healing results.
Non prescription remedies though over-the-counter remedies are also used to treat acne. Lotions with Benzoyl peroxide have the tendency to dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. Benzoyl peroxide also displays an antibacterial action. Cumulatively, these combined effects make it harder for oily pores to become blocked and for infection to develop. Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling, especially during the initial stages. How ever, this tends to settle down within a few days.

To get acne treatment, if you consult your physician, you will be prescribed, some times, to start treatment with a preparation containing Benzoyl peroxide. If these options do not work for you, then there are a range of other treatment options which can either be rubbed onto the skin (topical) or taken in tablet form (oral).

Several topical treatments are available for you to try and test. Azelaic acid, an alternative to Benzoyl peroxide, may cause less skin soreness. Topical Retinoids, medicines based on vitamin A, can be rubbed into the skin once or twice a day. Retinoids work by stimulating the outer layer of skin to flake off, and may cause irritation and skin peeling at the start of treatment. How ever, sun light may make your skin more sensitive with this treatment. Topical anti bacterial solutions may reduce the intensity of the problem. Treatment should be continued for at least six months. Preparations that combine an antibiotic with other acne medication are available.

For treating Acne, more revolutionary methods have been introduced recently, which recommend the use of oral tablets and preparations. Oral antibiotics (tablets), taken daily for around 3 months, is prescribed for inflammatory type of acne. This causes to kill off the bacteria infecting the skin. Many strains of bacteria tend to become resistant to oral medications. The treatment period may extend to 6 months and Benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time.
For women, prescription with a standard combined oral contraceptive pill (containing an oestrogen and a progestogen) can improve acne symptoms. How ever, this treatment may not work for all women.

Isotretinoin is a powerful medicine known as an oral retinoid – which also usually exists in topical form. It is prescribed to be used in severe forms of acne that have proved too resistant to other treatments. It works efficiently by drying up oily secretions, which emanates from skin pores. This medication is associated with serious side effects which are highly adverse to patients. It can also damage an unborn baby if taken by a pregnant woman. This medication is prescribed only by your physician.

Acne treatment is known to be very tricky, as the patient infected, faces serious emotional distress during the treatment. Acne treatment is usually prescribed by qualified professionals and their guidance is absolutely necessary.

Acne Treatment

Stein Ove Stien is the author of Natural Health with Natural Health Guides, Articles and Recources.

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Acne and Vitamin Supplements

December 1, 2008 at 4:02 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

Acne and Vitamin Supplements

Writen by Greg Podsakoff
For years, scientists, doctors, biologists, dermatologists, and dieticians have searched for and studied all of the various causes of acne. Since the majority of the worlds population suffer from acne at some point in their lives, there is no surprise that such efforts are invested in finding out how to it. While there have been some definitive answers on whether acne is hormonally induced (yes), and what can be done to prevent it (prescription drugs, certain herbal remedies, etc), there are still many unknown factors that cause acne.

However, of all the many acne questions that science is yet to find answers to, the most controversial is whether or not diet has an effect on acne.

Historically, diet was thought to be linked to acne. Doctors and housewives alike believed that a high fat content in ones diet would cause an oilier complexion, and this in turn would create acne breakouts.

However, as time went on, science found no directly link between a diet high in lipids (fat), and acne. Since acne is caused by a bacterial growth in sebum trapped in clogged pores, there is no such thing as “extra oil secretion”. So, for at least the last 15 years, western medicine has claimed there is no connection between diet and acne.

However, a study conducted in 1997 has rekindled the flame in the “diet causes acne” argument, and this time, with a bit more heat.

This study, conducted by Dr. Lit Hung Leung, states that Acne breakouts are because the body cannot create enough of Coenzyme A to break down the fatty acids that create sebum. The reason is, Coenzyme A is probably the single most needed enzyme in the body. This Coenzyme-A is what synthesizes sex hormones, and what breaks down fatty acids.

The only part of Coenzyme-A that the body does not produce itself is vitamin B5. So, if there is a shortage of B5, there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A. And if there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A, the body will use it to synthesize sex hormones, not break down fatty acids.

So, you can see where this is going…more fatty acids, more sebum production, more acne.

Now, the interesting thing is that Dr. Lit Hung Leung substantiated this claim by testing it on 100 people. The group took 10 grams or more per day of pantothenic acid ( B5 ), and used a B5 topical cream of 20% by weight. After 2-3, sebum production was reduced, and many people with acne noticed a reduction. For those with more extreme acne, a higher dosage of B5 was used (approx. 15-20 grams per day), and treatment was prolonged to see an effect, sometimes up to 6 months.

So, while one study does not definitively prove whether B5 can prevent or reduce acne, it may well be worth considering, particularly for those who want a natural or herbal cure for acne, and do not want to use chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, or other prescription acne treatments.

As with any medical treatment, it is best to consult a doctor before trying a B5 regimine.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and is the editor of acne treatments website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

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7 Beauty Tips for Looking Younger

November 30, 2008 at 4:01 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

7 Beauty Tips for Looking Younger

Writen by Jill Miller
Ever since Eve took that first bite of the apple, the human race has been obessed with beauty.

The truth is we begin the aging process just as soon as we pop out of the womb. Every day of our lives our bodies slough off and regenerate new cells. The speed at which that process takes place when we are children is vastly different as we get older.

Every day you are bombarded daily with commercial messages and beauty tips that attempt to lure you into believing that the most recent miracle drug is just what you need to fight off the ravages of Mother Nature.

We are living longer as a whole. Singularly, that can be a curse or a blessing, depending on your perspective.
The best route to natural beauty and healthy skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? The truth is that your skin takes a beating from the environment every single day. Here are some of our favorite beauty tips for keeping your skin fresh and healthy:

1: Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of water! That does not mean soda, caffeine or any other type of liquid, even if it is low cal. Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need fluid that will hydrate and flush your body free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day!

2: Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The truth is you can poison yourself with too much sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that isn’t bad enough it causes your skin to age faster than it should, contributing to unsightly wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make certain you are using an adequate sun screen. Don’t leave home without it!

3: Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth. Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do more harm than good if you do.

4: The best cure for wrinkles is to never have them in the first place! If you are like most of us, you didn’t listen to your Mom when she tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand up straight and stop squinting!

5: Eat healthy. Knowing how and what to eat, can make a huge difference in how you feel. Improper eating habits can cause depression, weight gain, illness and an overall lethargy.

Weight gain causes your skin to stretch. As you get older, it loses it’s elasticity and you’re left with sagging skin.
The best solution to this is to maintain a proper weight.

A rule of thumb for eating habits are…don’t eat more calories than you consume. Don’t go one single day without doing something extra and physical for at least 30 minutes per day. This can be three ten minute walks. Or 30 minutes of vigorous aerobics, or 12 minutes of weight lifting and 18 minutes of walking.

6: Don’t worry, be happy. A happy outlook appears to trigger the release of endorphins. Endorphins relax the cardiovascular system and cytokines which alert the immune system to pay attention in detecting abnormalities like cancer cells. Listen carefully to yourself. If you have put yourself down since childhood, over a lifetime, negative subliminal messages can take their toll by turning you into a pessimist. Spend one week writing down the phrases you use in your “self talk.” Chances are you will find that you repeat a dozen or so phrases over and over again that reinforce that negative image. If you know about them, you can change them. Outer beauty and inner joy go hand in hand.

Here are a few quick tips for increasing joy, hope and optimism that will work no matter what your age:

Make a list of at least 50 great things that happen to you every day.

Laugh a lot. You’ll heal your body and your mind.

Discover a new challenge each month.

Try meditating for just five minutes each day.

7: Sex After 50 – Ha! How many of you jumped ahead to this section?

The importance of physical intimacy actually depends on the couple. An alarming number of men used to give up on sex after 60 and many women used to feel that their sex life ended with menopause. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.

Sex at middle age can actually become better and more satisfying than ever before. Maturity gives a couple more experience in lovemaking. The children are usually grown and left home. The pressures of building a career and day to day life are usually less stressful than in younger years.

Is beauty really skin deep?

The answer is yes and no. It’s a paradox, isn’t it? True beauty begins from the inside out. Don’t you wish there was some way to “wriggle your nose” and regain that soft skin you had as a child? Well, until someone comes up with the true “Fountain of Youth” we are stuck with what we have.

Just remember that getting older doesn’t have to mean getting old.

Jill Miller is the founder of the Fit4Life Club.
Discover the timeless secrets of everlasting youth and beauty. Go here to find out how.
Timeless Beauty Tips

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5 Common Myths About Acne

November 29, 2008 at 4:01 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

5 Common Myths About Acne

Writen by John Lenaghan
In spite of the fact that the scientific knowledge about acne and its causes has progressed in the last few years, there are still many myths that continue to be held as truth.

The following are five of the most common myths about acne:

1. Acne is caused by poor hygiene

Skin infections are associated with acne, and this may be what has led to this myth. The combination of sebum and dead skin cells that lead to acne actually occurs beneath the skin’s surface, where is can’t be washed away.

2. Acne is caused by certain foods

It has long been thought that chocolate and greasy foods cause pimples. There is no evidence to prove that this is true. These foods are not very healthy so eating to much of them can cause other health problems, which can aggravate problems with acne.

Some of the foods that do seem to aggravate acne when it is already present include milk and foods with high levels of iodine. Iodine is commonly found in seafood, so it’s a good idea to limit your milk and seafood intake if you’re suffering from acne.

3. Acne has to run its course

It’s commonly thought that the only way to deal with acne is to let it run its course. This is no longer the case – there are many treatments available to deal with acne. If you’re suffering with it, talk to a dermatologist to see if any treatments are available that could help.

4. Acne is a teenage condition

While most teenagers deal with acne to some degree, it is by no means limited to them. Most people’s acne clears up by the time they reach their 20’s, but there are others who continue to have problems in adulthood. Some people even experience it for the first time in their 30’s and 40’s.

5. Sun is good for acne

Sun exposure is not a good way to deal with acne. It can help to dry out excess oils from the skin so it does have a short-term benefit but the skin gets used to the change quickly and the benefit is lost. Plus, sun can seriously damage the skin and lead to skin cancer, so the risk is greater than the benefit.

John Lenaghan writes about natural acne treatment and other acne related topics on the Acne Squad website. For more information visit http://www.acnesquad.com.

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4 Steps To Quitting Smoking

November 28, 2008 at 4:00 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

4 Steps To Quitting Smoking

Writen by Stan Johnson
First off, I would like to congratulate you. Since you are reading this you have taken your first vital step in quitting smoking. And taking that decision is very important and took a lot of courage. But wanting to stop the habit is just the start. There are really only four steps you will need to take to kick the habit each with sub-steps of their own. Only 4 steps you may say, that sounds easy. Well it isn’t but with some hard work and dedication you will be successful.

So what are these steps? Well you have to decide to quit. Deciding isn’t the same as wanting, and trust me; this is the most important point in the whole project. Next you have to get yourself ready to kick the tobacco. After that comes the actual process of quitting. Lastly are the things you will need to do once you have quit.

So how do you make the decision? First thing you should do is sit down and think of think of the reasons you want to quit smoking and write them down. Then read them aloud to yourself a few times. And be sure to keep this list so you can refer to it later. This will help you visualize your goal. Tell your family, friends, and co-workers about your decision. Having their support will be a great help, plus will it will re-enforce your decision.

Next you need to get yourself prepared to quit. Put the list of the reasons you want to quit someplace where you will see it all the time, like the refrigerator door. You could also take a copy of it to work with you. Take up a hobby, this will be a great way to take your mind off the weed when you actually quit. And be sure you instil in your own mind that this is going to be a tough task that needs to be taken seriously. And now that you have taken the decision and are ready don’t procrastinate. Start quitting NOW.

Now for the actual quitting process. The hardest part is actually the simplest, just STOP SMOKING. That’s right quit right now. Don’t try and cut down, or switch to low tar and nicotine smokes, it does not work period. Now I know how that sounds and you are correct, it isn’t that simple, but it really is. The actual action of quitting is not hard it is the anxiety and withdrawal symptoms which are difficult. But there are ways to alleviate these. Eat healthy snack foods such as raw vegetables or fruit when you feel the urge to smoke. Or take a walk, or listen to some music. Reading also another great way to take your mind off the craving. Also re-read the list you wrote during the decision stage.

If you feel you need help there are medical aids such as the patch as well as hypnotism, plus some excellent books you can read to give you more ammunition against the smoking habit. Don’t feel bad if you need help, everybody needs help sometimes.

Now that you have quit you will need to keep it up. Cigarettes are a strong habit and you will need to keep that habit at bay. I mentioned taking up a hobby in the decision phase. That will really help you keep off of the weed. Take up exercising. I find that first thing in the morning is the perfect time for a quick work-out. I always really wanted that first smoke in the morning and doing a bit of exercise instead put the smokes right out of my mind. And realize how much better you feel now, how much better food tastes, how wonderful all the scents you couldn’t smell before are.

In closing I would like to congratulate you on wanting to quit smoking and wish you the best of health and happiness.

Stan Johnson got fed up with smoking a few years ago. He now wants to help others do the same. Visit his site at: Quit Smoking Secrets

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4 Keys to Weight Loss

November 27, 2008 at 3:59 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

4 Keys to Weight Loss

Writen by Chad Anderson
First off, let me start by saying this list is by no means exhaustive. However, if you can manage these 4 important components of a weight loss program, you will be on your way to a slimmer body.

Build the Foundation

Many people begin a weight loss program with their basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the amount of energy (calories) your body uses in a resting state, in the gutter. The key then is to increase your BMR so that you are burning more calories throughout the day, every day. Increase the amount of calories you burn, increase the amount of fat you lose. Makes sense, yes? The best way to increase your BMR is through adding muscle tissue. Females often shudder at the idea of adding muscle due to their fear of becoming “bulky.” Relax babe! It’s a little harder to add that kind of muscle mass than you think. Besides, a little muscle mass goes a long way toward achieving a leaner body. And this is what you want, right?

Specificity of Program

Not just any exercise program will do for weight loss. Simply burning calories is not good enough. The program must be designed to elicit specific hormonal responses that are conducive to weight loss. I’ll give you a hint…hours and hours of cardio is NOT the answer!

Consistency

This one pretty much speaks for itself. Have you ever achieved anything great with an inconsistent effort? Unless you consider failure a great achievement, you probably haven’t. You must exercise consistently to get the results you want! It amazes me how many people put so little effort into their exercise program and complain about not seeing results. Even the most well designed programs are useless if they are not adhered to on a consistent basis.

Diet

Again, this one goes without saying. You can’t expect to achieve a leaner body by continuing your unhealthy eating habits. This isn’t to say that you should drop everything in your diet immediately and exchange it for “healthy” food. You would end up miserable and revert back to your old habits within a month. Instead, practice moderation and don’t overindulge. Also, phase certain unhealthy foods out of your diet while introducing healthier foods. The transition will be easier to make and a lot easier to maintain.

About The Author

Chad Anderson, CSCS operates an online fitness programming and in-home personal training service. He holds a BS degree in exercise science with a minor in nutrition and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. You can visit his website at www.afitsolutions.com.

chad@afitsolutions.com

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3 Steps to Clear Skin

November 26, 2008 at 3:58 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged

3 Steps to Clear Skin

Writen by Ryan Edwards
The bath isle at any store is teeming with ‘maximum strength’ acne treatments. Each claims to have a magic ingredient to aid in your skin problems. But what is the truth behind this rhetoric? There are three steps to any skin care routine.

First off, you should perform your acne treatment routine twice a day, morning and before bed. There are three components in any good regimen: a cleanser, a toner or medication, and a moisturizer.

A cleanser’s in the acne treatment process is to lift away dirt and oils on the surface of the skin. A toner or medication will work on the bacteria deeper in the pores, and moisturizers replace what cleansing and toning have removed, so your skin does not get over-dried or damaged. Together this completes a good acne treatment.

I’m going to focus on your cleanser right now. It must be gentle, nothing containing any kind of ‘grit’- from pumice to walnut shells. Best to look at the packaging, only consider buying one that is safe for the skin around the eyes (it will be marked). That skin is the most delicate and the rest of your skin should be treated the same. A cleanser is either a bar or liquid soap only, anything labeled a ‘Scrub’ (as in ‘apricot scrub’) should not even be considered for your acne treatment.

Ironically, most cleansers labeled ‘acne treatments’ should be avoided too, they contain acids and oxides. Your cleanser’s role in acne treatment is only to remove dirt, not medicating, that is the job of your toner or medication, and will damage your skin. Some of the best cleansers for acne treatment are Purpose brand Gentle Cleansing Wash (there is also a bar soap version), and more expensive- Neutrogena brand Extra Gentle Cleanser the Proactiv brand regimen works well too. ‘Extra gentle” you say. I know that we tend to think one zit calls for the heavy artillery of acne treatments, but anything marked ‘extra strength’ marketing to just such a mind set, and will damage your skin.

Now you can wash your face! And guess what? First you wash your hands. Then you start on your acne treatment. Moisten your face with water that is around body temperature, not hot or cold, as these affect the pores badly. Use only your fingers; even a wash cloth is too rough. Thoroughly wash your face, till you can feel no oil in areas like the creases around your nose. And then pat it dry with a clean towel, rubbing will cause any dirt on the towel or left on your face to go right back into your pores and clog them… again. Re-clogging your pores is no kind of acne treatment at all!

Acne is a problem for millions of Americans every day. A good acne treatment routine will help with the majority of cases though. Now that you know how to smartly select your cleanser, and wash without causing further damage, it is time to move on to toners/ medications and moisturizers.

Written by Ryan Edwards, UK dermatologist specialist. Author of Best Acne Cream website at http://www.bestacnecream.com. This article may be reproduced without prior permission but must include this author box.

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Aligning Six Sigma and Healthcare

September 5, 2008 at 8:13 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged , , , ,

Aligning Six Sigma and Healthcare
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski]Tony Jacowski

Technological developments are happening at a brisk pace, overtaking existing systems and educational developments.

The ever-increasing demand in this sector has had negative impact, leading to overcrowding of hospitals and customer complaints.

Main Objectives

The Six Sigma methodology aligned with the healthcare sector is a very good option to bring about process improvements with quick results. Improvements are required in common areas such as cost management, service provision and quality of clinical services in healthcare organizations.

The major objectives of quality healthcare relate to safety of patients, quality services for patient happiness and reduced turnover of staff by providing good working conditions. Sufficient operating margins are also a main goal.

For example, in critical areas, such as the operating room and the entire process of surgery, there may be issues such as pre-op delays, unavailability of surgeons, anesthetists and even some equipment. In these cases, a Six Sigma project that applies the lean concept to pre-op process can bring about major improvements.

The safer and more efficient the emergency department is, the more patient satisfaction will increase.

Using Kaizen events to monitor equipment or replenish supplies and staffing schedules for medical staff are some of the tools of Six Sigma that can be very useful. In some cases, problems regarding the availability of rooms and support staff at hospitals arise.

In this scenario, scheduling processes done using the Six Sigma methodology can prove effective. It helps by reducing defects and medical and prescription errors.

Training, Commitment and Leadership

In the healthcare environment, the management of processes and information is challenging. There is a lack of usage of data in a meaningful way. With lives on the line, hospital administrators tend to concentrate on finding urgent solutions – and the real issues or causes of problems may be forgotten or ignored.

Six Sigma defines formal goals for healthcare organizations and the timeline to bring them into force. Well-defined goals are connected to organizations’ performance measures.

For a successful implementation of Six Sigma projects in health care organizations, commitment of management and Six Sigma training, coupled with a long-term vision, are necessary. The commitment of top-level management has to be communicated to the lowest levels of the organization and Six Sigma training imparted to the members. The cost of Six Sigma training is justified when the results of the first projects show breakthrough results.

In this way, process effectiveness improves, and the reduction in defects and waste brings about savings for the organization as well. Frequent communication of performance helps ensure that everyone connects to the overall goals, be it nursing, housekeeping, billing, administration or any other area.

Six Sigma initiatives help increase patient care and satisfaction, physicians’ satisfaction and bring about cost savings that leads to stronger growth of the organization. Each healthcare organization has its own set of distinct requirements, so there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for the healthcare sector.

Healthcare organizations can learn from the best practices of the other organizations and use the appropriate Six Sigma approach that fits their specific culture and concerns. They can then live up to their commitment to provide the best services to the community.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions – Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski http://EzineArticles.com/?Aligning-Six-Sigma-and-Healthcare&id=1354408

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How to Find the Right Home Health Care Agency

September 1, 2008 at 8:13 am · Filed under Health Care ·Tagged , , ,

How to Find the Right Home Health Care Agency
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marlo_Sollitto]Marlo Sollitto

Marilyn is a 72-year-old widow who recently underwent heart angioplasty surgery. She is preparing to leave the hospital soon. But recovering from open-heart surgery is a long process, and her family knows she will need continued medical assistance once she gets home. The family must find a reputable home health care agency that can provide licensed nurses as well as aides to tend to Marilyn on a daily basis.

Finding the right agency can be a daunting task, but not impossible, says Tilly Gambill, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the American Association for Homecare.

“People often receive home health services following a hospitalization or care in other care settings. Often the hospital discharge planner or social worker provides information on home health agencies,” Gambill says. “Ask the hospital for a list of home health care agencies in your community. In some communities, there may fewer available agencies. Physicians, friends, and family can recommend home health agencies, as well.”

The family got 2 references from the hospital and one from a family friend whose father with hypertension and diabetes receives home care services weekly.

To help them select the right provider, the National Association for Home Care suggests asking the following questions:

Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider

What are the qualifications and experience?

How long has the agency been in business?

Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation Program?

Is the agency licensed by the state?

Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.

How does the agency protect client confidentiality?

Is the agency inspected by any outside organization? May I see the results of the last inspection?

Does the agency perform a customer satisfaction survey? May I see the results of the last survey?

Questions About Caregivers

What are the credentials of the caregivers who work for the agency?

How does the agency select and train caregivers?

Do caregivers work directly for the agency? How are they supervised?

Are caregivers subject to criminal background checks?

Will the same caregiver be sent to my home for each visit?

Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs?

If so, what does this entail?

Do they consult the patient’s physicians and family members?

Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each caregiver?

Will the agency schedule care at any time of the day or night that my physician says is necessary?

Can the agency provide me with written information about the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients and caregivers?

Whom should I call with questions or complaints? How will the agency respond?

Questions About Services Provided

Can the agency provide me with written information about the services available?

Is there a written plan of care for each patient?

Does the agency involve the patient and caregivers in designing this plan and educate them about the care provided?

How does the agency respond to emergencies? How long does it take to respond to calls?

Will the agency help me find other community services such as Meals on Wheels or homemakers services, or help find medical equipment I may need?

Questions About Financials

Is the agency certified by Medicare?

Is the agency approved or accepted by my insurance plan or supplemental insurance?

How does the agency handle expenses and billing?

Does the agency provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?

What resources does the agency provide to help me get financial assistance, if needed?

For more articles on caring for your agents parents, visit http://www.agingcare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marlo_Sollitto http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Find-the-Right-Home-Health-Care-Agency&id=1358008

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