Not all non-medical caregiving agencies are created equal. There is a significant difference in quality across agencies, and there are significant differences in the qualifications and expertise of individual caregivers.

At RVNAhealth StayWELL non-medical services, caregiving is provided primarily by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs).  “It is absolutely critical to us to offer the highest quality, and most consistent care to our clients,” says Melissa Woodhouse, Director of RVNAhealth StayWELL services. “By hiring trained and licensed caregivers, we know that they have education and experience behind them even before we begin our own screening and orientation processes.” 

In addition to standards of caregiver training and experience, it is also important to understand an agency’s hiring and screening processes when considering hiring a caregiver with that agency. RVNAhealth directly employs its non-medical caregivers, ensuring all are background checked, bonded, and insured.  Additionally, all caregiver work is under the supervision of an RVNAhealth licensed nurse and occupational therapist, who develop and actively manage a client’s plan of care. 

Unlike RVNAhealth, many agencies provide caregivers as independent contractors.  In independent contractor scenarios, caregiving may not be supervised, and families may also assume risk of caregiver wages, taxes, and personal injury. 

There are many decisions to make when considering having a caregiver at home. In a world with vast differences in non-medical caregiver experience levels and agency quality, seek experienced and agency-employed caregivers to ensure quality care for you or your loved ones.

The 2019-nCoV is a novel strain of a common family of viruses called coronaviruses. Coronavirus infections are most prevalent during the winter months and range in severity from the common cold to more virulent strains.

The Coronavirus presents as a mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illness like the common cold. Symptoms may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, headache, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell. 

Coronavirus information and updates are being released up-to-the minute by such global health organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

These sources offer timely, measured information, recommendations for prevention and treatment, information for travelers  and recommendations for action. 

In addition to staying informed, follow standard health and travel safety measures
(with increased rigor), and stay up to date with all recommended vaccines (include flu and travel-related immunizations).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact RVNAhealth Community Nurse Manager, April Rodriguez, RN.

Several years ago, one of the New York City daily papers published the responses of passers-by in response to the question, “What is your New Year’s Resolution?”  Many of the answers were fairly predictable –  better health, more exercise, improved diet – but one stood out.

“Next year, I’m going to daydream more,” answered one woman. It was a notable response because it was less intended toward making oneself “better,” and more intended to make oneself “happier.” What a novel concept!

The good news is that the link between happiness and good health is no secret and ongoing studies continue to support the connection.

Here are some great articles on the matter.

The Health Benefits of Happiness, Psychology Today

Six Ways Happiness is Good for Your Health, Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley

Take a look!

And, as we embark on a new year and a new decade and as you ponder and practice your 2020 Resolutions, we hope you’ll consider your happiness as an important force and guideline for your time and your energy.

Happy 2020!