Happy August

As we reach the middle of August and the temperatures soar into the 80s, we reflect on how different this summer is than summers in the past. While it is tempting to reminisce and complain about the missed picnics and barbecues, the family reunions that did not happen, postponed weddings, and vacations, it is also important to look around and realize what we do have!

There is plenty of summer fun right in front of us! No picnics? Try moving outside for a meal – enjoy lunch, dinner or even breakfast right on your own porch or patio! No music in the park this year – how about listening to your favorite music at home! Turn the radio up and enjoy the beat of your favorite band. Missing the family reunion? We all are – but our families are still around! There are lots of platforms for online gatherings where you can chat and even see each other, but a simple phone call can do wonders to bridge the physical gap between you and your loved ones! Vacations are fun – but save your money and start planning now for 2021. Sometimes the fun of planning a vacation is almost as much fun as the vacation itself.

Do not forget the simple things – that cost next to nothing but can bring lots of summertime enjoyment. A cold popsicle on a hot day just says “summer”. Turn on the sprinkler or hose in your yard and invite a couple of kids to play in it – or even play yourself! What joy!! Do you have an old ice cream maker? Get some ice and rock salt and make your own homemade ice cream! Nothing tastes better on a 90-degree summer day! Go for a ride or take a drive in our beautiful surroundings. Nearly every community has waterfront access that can be enjoyed from your car!

All of these are safe activities that keep you home, or close to home, and can also be enjoyed with many of our clients. If you are uncertain whether your client can participate in an activity, please check with the nursing supervisor. And remember, while you are enjoying summer, do not forget to maintain Staying Safe at Home practices – wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands! (Masks are always required when you are at work!)

Thank you for sharing this summer with us and our clients! Please feel free to contact us if we can answer questions or assist you in any way.

Highlighting Our Heroes: YOU!

We've had the opportunity this month to both witness and hear about how you, our healthcare heroes, are helping our clients and making a different in their lives. We want to highlight some of their quotes here:

Melissa L. - "It is a wonderful impact on my daily life! Everything is done well and she does whatever I need done."

client, Mrs. S. 

Victoria D. - "Victoria was the only caregiver. She checked to see if he was hungry or if he needed something. She helped with whatever need he had. It enabled me to have free time. It was just wonderful. She was sweet, friendly, and open. She felt like she was a member of the family. I miss her."

MorgAnn M., Lina H., Andrea C. - "My mom really likes her caregivers. She appreciates having intellectual conversations with her caregivers. They are smart."

Connie R. - "My husband really likes the caregiver that he has right now and I like the fact that I have a caregiver that gives me the ability to get out of the home for a little bit."

April S. - "She is very understanding with my dad's personality. She helps him bathe and get his meals. I like the consistency."

Crystal R. - "I like that Advanced Health Care's caregivers are experienced and the supervisors are also very good. The caregiver anticipates what the client needs and she's always busy doing what needs to be done and doesn't have to be told what to do."

Erin F. - "The caregiver has been with us for about five years. She is outstanding. We couldn't survive without her. She helps with everything. Her just being here keeps us safe. She makes sure we take our medications. She shops, cooks, and cleans for us."

Will L. & Toni L. - "I'm always hearing the caregiver (Toni) speak sweetly to the client. She's very calm. Will is one of the kindest and sweetest people I've met. They're patient and understanding."

Elizabeth P. - "Elizabath is a great healthcare worker and caregiver and I appreciates everything that she does.

Yolanda S. - "Yolanda is a wonderful caregiver and I have enjoyed having her take care of me over the years. Yolanda takes initiative and knows exactly what to do to help me. I enjoy my time with her."

Our offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2020 as we observe the Labor Day holiday. If you are working, enjoy your paid time and a half! On-call staffing and nursing will be available, as always, to take your calls. Thank you!

This month's educational topic is on Arthritis - info and learning activity attached in link.

Remember that completing your monthly online training counts toward your annual evaluation points and raise opportunities!

The RN Supervisors are always available to set up in person, 1-on-1 training sessions at your convenience if you want more training in certain areas or to practice things like hoyer lift transfers, end of life care, etc. They are here to help you succeed!

Online Alzheimer's Conference - register today!

This year's Pierce County Alzheimer's & Dementia Conference has gone virtual. Mark your calendars; different topics held every Thursday in September from 1pm-2pm.

Participation is free, but advance registration is required. https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NwDyBXUyTGy6qLMKxRPrhw

See flyer below for more details and to see the weekly topics. One session would count towards your annual education and evaluation points.

Help us spread the word about our jobs here at Advanced Health Care. Homes remain the safest place to be, but unfortunately, we still continue to turn families away who want care in their homes due to the caregiver shortage.

Thank you to caregiver Aiko V. for referring her sister, Angelica C., to us! We are grateful for referrals!

If the employee you refer is hired* you earn a $200 bonus! Easy money - just like that! Contact JoAnne in HR for details*

Thank you for your dedication to the 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Unlike years past, we won’t gather as a large group to walk this year, but we can still walk in our own neighborhoods to raise critical awareness about this disease and the lives it touches. We're all still walking and fundraising for the same thing: a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia! Thank you for continuing the fight to #ENDALZ

Click the link below to join our virtual teams in either Pierce County or South Sound/Olympia.

09/20/2020 for the Olympia area

09/27/2020 for the Tacoma area

Brian K.

Advanced Health Care is honored to have again been voted "Best of 2020" for the home health care category here in Pierce and Thurston County! Thanks to all of you, our community and clients recognize the important work that we do here! Bravo to you all!