7 Day Home Care - LOGO


Call the Most Responsive Team in Home Care Today

This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.
7dayhomecare

Providing the Same Level

 of Care We Expect for

 Our Own Family

This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.
Blog Layout

4 Practical Strategies for Navigating Healthcare Literacy

7 Day Home Care • May 15, 2023

Healthcare literacy, the ability to understand and effectively use health-related information, plays a crucial role in promoting individuals' well-being and enabling them to make informed decisions about their health. At 7 Day Home Care, we recognize the significance of healthcare literacy in empowering our clients and their families to navigate the complexities of healthcare. In this article, we will delve into the challenges and risks associated with limited healthcare literacy and provide practical strategies to enhance healthcare understanding and advocacy.

Challenges of Healthcare Literacy

  1. Complex Medical Terminology:

Medical jargon and complex terminology can be intimidating and challenging for individuals with limited healthcare literacy. Understanding medical documents, prescriptions, and treatment options may become overwhelming, leading to confusion and misinformation.

    2.  Limited Access to Health Information:

Limited access to reliable health information can hinder individuals from staying informed about their health conditions, preventive measures, and available resources. Inaccurate or misleading information from unreliable sources can further exacerbate healthcare challenges.

  • According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, nearly nine out of ten adults in the United States have difficulty using everyday health information. (Source: National Assessment of Adult Literacy, https://nces.ed.gov/naal/)

Risks of Limited Healthcare Literacy

  1. Poor Health Outcomes:

Individuals with low healthcare literacy may struggle to manage chronic conditions, adhere to treatment plans, and engage in preventive health practices. This can lead to a higher risk of medical complications and poorer health outcomes.

    2.  Increased Healthcare Costs:

Limited healthcare literacy can result in unnecessary emergency room visits, hospital readmissions, and avoidable medical procedures. This drives up healthcare costs and puts financial strain on individuals and the healthcare system.

  • The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) estimates that low healthcare literacy is associated with healthcare costs of $106 to $238 billion annually in the United States. (Source: AHRQ, https://www.ahrq.gov/)

Practical Strategies to Enhance Healthcare Literacy

  1. Clear and Simplified Communication:

Healthcare providers should adopt plain language and avoid jargon when communicating with patients and their families. Providing written materials in clear and easy-to-understand language can improve comprehension and empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocates for the use of plain language to enhance health communication and promote healthcare literacy. (Source: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/)

    2.  Utilize Visual Aids and Technology:

Visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, and videos, can enhance understanding and make complex medical concepts more accessible. Utilizing healthcare apps and online resources can also empower individuals to access reliable health information conveniently.

  • A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that interactive digital tools and mobile apps positively impact healthcare literacy and engagement. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research, https://www.jmir.org/)

    3.  Encourage Questions and Active Participation:

Encouraging patients to ask questions and actively participate in their healthcare decision-making can foster a sense of empowerment and improve healthcare outcomes. Healthcare providers should create a supportive environment that welcomes patient inquiries.

  • The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) emphasizes the importance of patient engagement and shared decision-making to improve healthcare literacy. (Source: AAFP, https://www.aafp.org/)

    4.  Enhance Family and Caregiver Involvement:

Family members and caregivers play a vital role in advocating for their loved ones' health. By actively involving family members in healthcare discussions and decisions, patients with limited healthcare literacy can receive additional support and understanding.

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance underscores the significance of family involvement in healthcare management to improve patient outcomes. (Source: Family Caregiver Alliance, https://www.caregiver.org/)

Healthcare literacy is a fundamental aspect of achieving optimal health outcomes and ensuring patient empowerment. By addressing the challenges and risks associated with limited healthcare literacy, healthcare providers can implement practical strategies to enhance patient understanding and engagement. At 7 Day Home Care, we are committed to supporting our clients and their families in navigating healthcare complexities, promoting healthcare literacy, and empowering informed decision-making.

If you or your loved one requires in-home care services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, or Suffolk County, New York, consider 7 Day Home Care as your trusted partner. Our compassionate caregivers and comprehensive care services are dedicated to improving the lives of our clients while promoting healthcare literacy and advocacy.

To learn more about our in-home care services, visit https://www.7dayhomecare.com/request-a-free-consultation-form. We are here to support your unique needs and provide high-quality care with a focus on patient well-being and empowerment.

Brian Callahan

7 Day Home Care

early signs of lewy body dementia

Early Signs of Lewy Body Dementia

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 16 May, 2024
Early Signs of Lewy Body Dementia Mayo Clinic explains "Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Protein deposits called Lewy bodies develop in nerve cells in the brain. The protein deposits affect brain regions involved in thinking, memory and movement. This condition is also known as dementia with Lewy bodies. Lewy body dementia causes a decline in mental abilities that gradually gets worse over time. People with Lewy body dementia might see things that aren't there. This is known as visual hallucinations. They also may have changes in alertness and attention. People with Lewy body dementia might experience Parkinson's disease symptoms. These symptoms may include rigid muscles, slow movement, trouble walking and tremors."
Home Health Aide duties

What are the Duties of a Home Health Aide?

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 13 May, 2024
What are the Duties of a Home Health Aide? It's paramount for clients, patients, and their families to grasp the full scope of a home health aides' duties to establish clear expectations and foster a strong, trusting relationship. Understanding the responsibilities of a home health aide enables clients and their families to communicate their needs effectively, ensuring that care is tailored to meet individual preferences and requirements. Moreover, a transparent understanding of the aide's duties promotes collaboration and cooperation between all parties involved, facilitating a positive caregiving experience for everyone. By recognizing the pivotal role that home health aides play in supporting their loved ones, clients and families can cultivate a sense of appreciation and respect, further enhancing the quality of care provided. Clear communication and mutual understanding lay the foundation for a harmonious and effective partnership between home health aides and those they serve, ultimately promoting better outcomes and overall satisfaction with the caregiving experience.

20 Benefits of Staying Home and Aging in Place

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 10 May, 2024
20 Benefits of Staying Home and Aging in Place
7 Day Home Care can help with a Spouse that Has Dementia at Home

My Spouse Has Dementia: Is a Home Health Care Agency an Option?

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 06 May, 2024
My Spouse Has Dementia: Is a Home Health Care Agency an Option? Johns Hopkins Medicine explains "of the 5.8 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia , the majority live in their own homes over the course of their illness—even in those in more advanced stages and at end-of life. And home care isn’t always easier — meeting the complex and ever-changing care needs for people with dementia can be challenging and caregiving often falls on the shoulders of family members and friends. And while caregiving can be rewarding, caregivers can burn out and experience greater health problems themselves, physical and emotional burden, as well as financial strains from lost time at work or from paying out of pocket for care or services, experts warn."
7 Day Home Care is the best home care agency near you in preventing infection

Reduce the Risk of Infection through a Home Care Agency Near You

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 02 May, 2024
Reduce the Risk of Infection through a Home Care Agency Near You The risk of infection is significantly heightened in hospitals, rehabs, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and nursing homes compared to receiving care at home with a dedicated home health aide. In institutional settings, the close proximity of patients with varying health conditions, coupled with the constant influx of visitors and healthcare personnel, creates environments ripe for the spread of infectious agents. Moreover, the necessity for communal spaces and shared amenities in these facilities further increases the likelihood of transmission. In contrast, the controlled environment of one's home, coupled with personalized care provided by a home health aide, minimizes exposure to pathogens. By focusing on individualized attention and implementing stringent infection control measures, including proper sanitation and hygiene practices, home-based care significantly reduces the risk of acquiring infections commonly associated with institutional settings.
Managing Anxiety: Relaxation Techniques for Seniors in Home Care

Managing Anxiety: Relaxation Techniques for Seniors in Home Care

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 29 Apr, 2024
Managing Anxiety: Relaxation Techniques for Senior In-Home Care When an elderly loved one grapples with anxiety, finding reliable support becomes paramount for their well-being. At our leading home care agency, located conveniently near you, we understand the importance of providing compassionate and highly trained home health aides to assist with in-home care. Whether it's offering a listening ear, implementing relaxation techniques, or providing practical support with daily activities, our experienced caregivers are dedicated to easing the burden of anxiety and fostering a sense of calm and security for your loved one. With personalized care plans tailored to individual needs and a commitment to excellence in dementia care, we strive to be a trusted partner in enhancing the quality of life for seniors in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island, New York.
sensory garden for elderly with dementia

Enhancing Dementia Care: Creating a Sensory Garden for Seniors

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 26 Apr, 2024
Enhancing Dementia Care: Creating a Sensory Garden for Seniors In navigating the complex landscape of dementia care, the importance of engaging a home care agency near you that specializes in this field cannot be overstated. Entrusting the well-being of a loved one with dementia to highly trained and experienced home health aides is essential for ensuring the highest quality of care and support. Dementia presents unique challenges that require a nuanced understanding, specialized skills, and a compassionate approach, all of which are hallmark qualities of caregivers who have received extensive training in dementia care. By partnering with a home care agency that prioritizes dementia care expertise, families can rest assured that their loved one will receive personalized, attentive care tailored to their individual needs, fostering comfort, dignity, and an enhanced quality of life.
What stage of dementia is sundowning?

What Stage of Dementia is Sundowning?

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 23 Apr, 2024
What Stage of Dementia is Sundowning? According to Mayo Clinic "the term "sundowning" refers to a state of confusion that occurs in the late afternoon and lasts into the night. Sundowning can cause various behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning also can lead to pacing or wandering. Sundowning isn't a disease. It's a group of symptoms that occurs at a specific time of the day. These symptoms may affect people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. The exact cause of sundowning is not known."
Differences Between Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Facilities

Differences Between Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Facilities

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 19 Apr, 2024
Differences Between Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Facilities Understanding the distinctions between nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities is crucial for making informed decisions about long-term care options. While nursing homes offer round-the-clock medical care and assistance with daily activities for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, assisted living facilities provide a less intensive level of care, promoting independence while offering support services. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities focus on rehabilitative therapies and medical treatments for those recovering from acute medical conditions. Despite these differences, individuals residing in any of these facilities may benefit from additional care and support provided by a reputable home care agency like ours. Whether it's offering companionship, assistance with personal care tasks, or specialized medical care, our agency can complement the existing services in these facilities, optimizing the overall well-being and quality of life for residents. With our tailored approach and compassionate caregivers, we strive to ensure that individuals receive the personalized attention they deserve, enhancing their comfort and dignity in any care setting.

Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, and Home Health Care Services

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • 18 Apr, 2024
Pneumonia: Cause, Symptoms, Risks, and Home Health Care Services According to Cleveland Clinic "pneumonia is inflammation and fluid in your lungs caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It makes it difficult to breathe and can cause a fever and cough with yellow, green or bloody mucus. The flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease are common causes of pneumonia. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of pneumonia."  Johns Hopkins adds "treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Most of the time, pneumonia is treated at home, but severe cases may be treated in the hospital. Antibiotics are used for bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics may also speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia and some special cases. Most viral pneumonias don’t have specific treatment. They usually get better on their own. Other treatment may include eating well, increasing fluid intake, getting rest, oxygen therapy, pain medicine, fever control, and maybe cough-relief medicine if cough is severe."
More Posts
Share by: