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In This Issue
Welcome New Staff!
Samuel Davidson (thanks, Jamie!)

Mary Bonsu
(thanks, Rebekka!)

Beatrice Gawu
(thanks, Rebekka!)

Akua Akyiaah
(thanks, Rebekka!)

Akosa Boafo
(thanks, Rebekka!)

Bianca Torres
(thanks, Liz!)

Joanne Quartey
(thanks, Connie!)

Marcus Boyd
(thanks, Dawn!)

Zeke Obasohan
(thanks, Samuel!)

Sarah Jones

Elderberry Elderberry Extract

This herbal supplement known commercially as "Sambucol", has been proven in many studies to be very effective, especially when taken at the first sign of symptoms of the cold and flu.  It can be taken with other meds as Tylenol, Advil or Tamiflu with no side effects.  It is safe to be given to children. The secret to this liquid's success is its ability to stimulate the immune system through inducing cytokine production.
 

According to Russell Greenfield, M.D., a leading practitioner of integrative medicine, "The speed at which flu patients recover andtheir reduction in symptoms is quite amazing." All employees at Always There Home Care will be provided with Sambucol if they are interested.  It has already helped several staff.  It is harmless, tastes good and it works. And for AT employees, IT'S FREE!!

If a bad cold or the flu strikes,take 2 tsp every 4 hours, for children 1 tsp.  Once you are feeling better, take 2 tsp per day for the duration of flu season.  A strong immune system is key to fighting the serious flu bugs we anticipate this season.  Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, especially fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and getting sunshine and fresh air every day will all help you fight the flu.  Elderberry extract is a small part of this effort.  Give it a try!


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Greetings!

Here at Always There Home Care, we are grateful you are slowing down to read our newsletter full of items that relate to home care, home health care, aging and eldercare, as well as some useful tips for daily living. Please enjoy in the spirit of community and cooperation in which this newsletter was sent.

Featured Article: Flu Season is Here!

FluMany of our caregivers have young children. They are the most common carriers of both the "seasonal flu" as well as the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Since you all care for elderly folks, another at risk population, then it is important to get all the facts on the flu season, and to get vaccinated as early in the season as possible.

To our staff: Please remember that Always There Home Care will pay the cost of any flu vaccine you received. The single best way to protect yourself and others against influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year.

Who should get vaccinated?
In general, all healthy people should get vaccinated. The CDC now recommends that, in addition to other high-risk groups, al health children get a flu vaccination. Flu shots are now recommended for kids 6 months to 5 years old, pregnant women, people 50 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions and people living in nursing homes ad other long term facilities.

When should I get vaccinated?
The CDC recommends you get vaccinated in October or November before flu season peaks. Ideally, you should receive the vaccine as early as possible in the season.

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the flu vaccine?
Yes. People with severe allergies to chicken eggs, those who have had a severe reaction (beyond the 24-48 hours of discomfort) to a flu shot in the past, and children less than 6 months old should avoid getting vaccinated. If you're not sure, talk to your doctor.

Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
The viruses in the flu shot are inactivated (killed), so you can't get the flu from a flu shot. But you can get some minor side effects such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, or low-grade fever and aches.

H1N1 vaccine is in short supply, but will be available to high risk groups soon.  Make sure you and your children receive this vaccine as soon as it is available.

To read this entire article and find out more about the flu and flu season, please click here.
Texting and Driving

TextingWe know how much we all rely on texting.  It is a requirement for working at Always There. It's simple, efficient, can be used in clients' homes occasionally for important questions and is not too intrusive for the clients. It is Kelly's favorite way of communicating.  But there have now been a HUGE number of articles on the dangers of texting while driving, beginning with a piece in Car and Driver Magazine a few months ago then followed by pieces in all major newspapers.

To read this entire article and find out more about the dangers of texting while driving, please click here.
Pets Help the Elderly Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives
 
PetsThere's no disputing animals have always had a positive impact on their owners' lives. Now, evidence suggests four-legged friends are a real health benefit for elderly people, helping them live longer, healthier and happier lives.


Pets Encourage Seniors to Stay Active
The general care associated with a pet can help seniors live more energetic lives. As any pet owner knows, animals need attention and keep us active-whether we want to be or not. Pets help seniors establish routines and get them to do things they might not normally do, such as getting outside and walking their dog or changing their cat's litter box, feeding, grooming or playing with their pet.

To read this entire article and find out more about the benefits of pets and the elderly, please click here.

Kudos from Kelly

This is the first of a regular feature series by Kelly, ATHC's Chief Operating Officer.

"Kudos" are notes to those caregivers who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to our clients, and to whom we want to express our thanks.

This month, special kudos go out to Heidi, Jamie, Rebecca, Dawn, Melissa Reed, Melissa Acker, Tania, Maxine and Maggie.
Agencies We LOVE: Thank You!

heart logoWe are privileged to have received referrals from and be able to coordinate care with many Medicare certified agencies.  Our growth is in large part due to the trust these agencies have put in our caregivers.  We are likewise impressed with them and we are committed to referring to them on a regular basis.


This month we pay special thanks to the following agencies:

Franciscan Home Care and Hospice, Meriden
Vitas Hospice, E. Hartford, Middlebury, Fairfield
Gentiva Home Care, E.Hartford, Trumbull, Farmington, Hartford
Unison Health Services Home Care, Middletown and Watertown
Masonicare Home Care and Hospice, Wallingford
Utopia Home Care, Meriden and Farmington

And a special thank you for the following facilities that refer to us.  It is a privilege to care for your residents!

Kensington Green, Southbury
Coccomo Memorial Health Center, Meriden
Jerome Home, New Britain
Arbor Rose Assisted Living, New Britain
Miller Memorial, Meriden
Wolcott Hall, Torrington
Village of Kensington, Meriden
Fransiscan Home Care and Hospice

Please keep all of these facilities in mind when a friend or family member is in need of placement. We would refer our own families to them and know they will do well by yours.
About Always There Home Care

Always There Home Care provides compassionate, dependable and professional one-on-one care for seniors who need assistance in the comfort of their homes or residential care communities.  Services from highly qualified and trained caregivers range from companionship, meal preparation and incidental transportation to personal care, medication management and RN-directed case management. Available 7 days a week, services range from a few hours a day to 24-hour care.

Always There Home Care understands that every situation is unique and creates individualized care plans to help improve a client's quality of life.  For more information, visit us on the Web at www.AlwaysThereHomeCare-CT.com or call 203-879-6675.
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