Home Care Agency in Rancho Bernardo, CA Supports Immunization Awareness Month

SAN DIEGO - Aug. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Rancho Bernardo, CA 92128 - “One of the biggest concerns for the children of aging parents is keeping their parents healthy,” said Linnea Goodrich, president of Firstat Nursing Services in San Diego, CA.

“It is a big job, and with today’s busy lifestyle it is harder than ever to make sure mom and dad are keeping up with important health issues,” continued Goodrich.  Here are 3 ways home health care helps Seniors stay healthy and happy.

Keep Up With Vaccines - As people age, the importance of getting regular vaccinations against common illnesses such as the flu are increasingly important. We sometimes take normally mild illnesses such as the flu for granted, but the very young, and the very old are especially susceptible to the effects of the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 90 percent of flu-related deaths and hospitalizations involve people over the age of 65.

The best way to prevent the serious consequences of the flu is to get the flu vaccine. Medicare usually covers it, but if the patient forgets to get it, that won’t help at all.

The flu isn’t the only vaccine elderly individuals need to maintain the best health. Keeping up with diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, pneumonia and shingles vaccines can prevent a lot of unnecessary pain.

A visiting nurse can make sure that all of an elderly patient’s vaccines are up to date, as well as checking vital signs and helping their doctor keep up with existing conditions. Visiting home health care professionals will make sure that an elderly parent takes care of regular hygiene needs such as bathing and hair care. The visiting nurse can help prepare meals so that elderly patients eat properly, and take care of any minor wound care necessary during their visit.

Help Seniors Stay Mentally Healthy  - Along with physical health, a home health care provider will help elderly patients stay mentally healthy. By providing assistance in getting to and from outside activities and bringing games and activities in to the home, the health care giver keeps elderly patient’s minds sharp and their emotional well-being strong. Even spending a few minutes just talking with elderly patients helps keep them connected to others and feeling good about themselves.

Playing games and talking with patients may not seem like an important step in keeping elderly people healthy, but according to a study published in The Times, loneliness is a hidden killer in elderly people. It is linked to an increase in heart disease, blood clots, arthritis, osteoporosis and especially depression.

Family First - Home health care providers are registered nurses and CNAs who will also help their elderly patients maintain family relationships by helping them get out to family affairs. They can make sure elderly individuals stay in touch with their friends and keep up with favorite social engagements as well as finding community organizations that offer special events for the elderly, and helping them get to them.

Care is easily adjustable to meet the needs of each individual. For those with active family involvement, or who live with younger members of the family, just a few hours a day may be all that is necessary. For others, full-time, 24 hour a day care is a better option.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com