SYNERGYHomeCare.com Fall 2017
JOHNNA H.
BEST THINGS ABOUT GROWING OLD BEATING BOREDOM!
CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR
JOHNNA H. SYNERGY HOMECARE 2017 CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR
H
er mama always told her she was special. After all, she was born with a silver streak in her hair and a smile on her face.
These trademarks belong to Johnna H. — SYNERGY HomeCare’s 2017 Caregiver of the Year.
From the moment she walked in the door, the team at SYNERGY HomeCare of Daphne, Alabama, knew Johnna was unlike any caregiver they had ever met. Within the first two months of her employment, they knew they were looking at the Caregiver of the Year.
“Johnna is a rare gem, and certainly one of a kind” says Andy Luedecke, co-owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of Daphne, Alabama. Johnna’s very first client was a man whose home had seen a revolving door of caregivers, because he had a lot of diverse challenges. After Johnna arrived, that door stopped revolving and Johnna has been by this client’s side ever since. Johnna has helped this man through some tough times and significantly improved the quality of his life. Johnna has a contagious energy of optimism that is far reaching and inspiring. Without a doubt caring for others is Johnna’s calling, and is her purpose in life. Caregiving comes easy for Johnna, it is a role she says she was born to do. When her mother passed, Johnna felt alone and empty, she needed to fulfill what she says is her God given purpose, and that is to help people. Johnna now fills the void of her mother’s loss with SYNERGY HomeCare where she says her clients are now her family. “I treat the people I’m caring for like my flesh and blood. I put my whole heart into my job. I think about how I would want someone to treat me If I needed care and that is how I treat my clients.” says Johnna. SYNERGY HomeCare is privileged to have Johnna as part of our family. It is because of caregivers like Johnna that we have established such a positive reputation, of employing only the best caregivers.
Congratulations Johnna - SYNERGY HomeCare’s 2017 Caregiver of the Year!
We celebrate and acknowledge these stellar caregivers, as they are the heart of SYNERGY HomeCare. We have thousands of amazing caregivers, who provide care for our SYNERGY HomeCare clients. Please check out our Facebook page, facebook.com/synergyhomecare, to learn about their beautiful stories of selflessness and compassion.
DEANNA B.
JAYN B.
LOIS B.
NORWOOD, MA
BEAVERTON, OR
RICHMOND, IN
SAM C.
SHAUNA C.
YOLANDA C.
SHELBOURNE VT
PRESCOTT, AZ
BILLINGS, MT
GREENFIELD, WI
APRIL D.
LOVEJOY D.
DEB H.
ERIN M.
JULIE M.
ARLINGTON, VA
CARLISLE, PA
BLOOMINGTON, IL
WAUPACA, WI
FLOR R.
REINA R.
JAMIE T.
LISA T.
SAN MATEO, CA
PISCATAWAY, NJ
LAKEWOOD, CO
EVERETT, WA
MADELINE T.
JACQUUELINE W.
HUDA Y.
MARYJANE Z.
SCHAUMBURG, IL
ASHLAND VA
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
TUCSON, AZ
FALL 2017 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com
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BEATING BOREDOM! “I’m bored!”
We’re used to hearing that phrase from children and teenagers, not from older adults with plenty of life experience. However, the older generations often find themselves with too much time on their hands.
Activities to beat boredom should: • Challenge the mind • Keep Seniors Socially Engaged • Give Older Adults a Sense of Purpose
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11
million people aged 65 and older live alone.
Living alone can lead to depression, but an active lifestyle can defeat the boredom, improve health, and increase well-being. The National Institutes of Health identified regular stimulation as a major factor in quality of life. Any activity which captures a senior’s interest can strengthen their mental and emotional state. For example, an 80-year old client of SYNERGY HomeCare of Bloomington, Illinois recently started learning Italian. And in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a group of 70 to 80-year-old women created a coloring club where they meet once a week to color in the lines and tell off-color jokes. Family members can help older loved ones stay active by suggesting ideas and encouraging efforts that increase activity.
Seniors at all age levels, physical and mental abilities can find new, stimulating activities – whether through brain games, physical movement, or social interaction.
If your loved one needs more opportunities for social and mental stimulation, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Contact your local SYNERGY HomeCare office for more information. 877.432.2692
DRUMS NOT HUMDRUMS
S
eniors can move beyond bingo and card games to overcome boredom. Drum circles are a fun and unique way to, literally, beat boredom while gaining amazing health benefits at the same time!
Drumming improves circulation in the hands and body, loosens up stiff joints, and stimulates the mind. Seniors can also drum “stick” to relive stress by taking out any tension on the drum itself. Research also indicates that drumming might help heal the brain. Michael Thaut, director of Colorado State University’s Center for Biomedical Research in Music says the rhythm of drumming permeates the whole brain, possibly repairing neurological pathways that were damaged
after a traumatic injury or stroke. Negar Jahanbin, owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of Main Line, introduced drum circles to seniors in the Philadelphia area more than a year ago.
At first, most seniors are a little skeptical about drumming. But once they get the sticks in their hands and start banging out a beat, most love it!
interactive activity can be performed sitting so even those who are not mobile can participate. So grab a drumstick, bang out a rhythm, and beat your boredom today! Check with your local SYNERGY HomeCare or senior center to find out if there are any fun activities offered in your area.
says Jahanbin.
Drum circles are normally done in a group setting, allowing seniors to socialize. The highly
THE BEST THINGS ABOUT GROWING OLD W
hether it’s talk about an aching back or graying hair, many people focus on the negative aspects about growing old. But it turns out, getting older can lead to some amazing things.
We asked a group of seniors for their thoughts on the best things about growing old.
You become comfortable in Senior discounts and a social security checks! your own skin. Cookie, 79, Rockford, Illinois Traveling without worrying about using up vacations days. Every day is a vacation day! Roberta, 76, Brooklyn, New York
Beverly, 73, WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania
Grandchildren. The relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild is so special.
Nancy, 83, Wolcott, Growing old is better than Connecticut the alternative. The grass You have lots of free is definitely greener on time to enjoy family this side. and friends. Carolyn, 75, Sally, 76, Catskills, Harpersville, NY New York
Sure, aging has its challenges, but don’t forget about the amazing advantages that comes with a long life.
FALL 2017 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com
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WHY SENIORS SHOULD GET THE FLU VACCINE:
BY THE NUMBERS 151 to 166 million - Number of doses expected to be available this flu season
The time it takes for the body to develop antibodies after vaccination 6 Feet - The distance someone can spread the flu virus
INFLUENZA/PNEUMONIA 67.2% of adults ages 65 and over received an influenza vaccination during the past 12 months Risk of going to the doctor for flu illness is reduced by 45% for people 65+ who get the flu vaccine.
According to the CDC, 35,000 illnesses and 3,200 hospitalizations would be prevented if 5% more seniors got vaccinated.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaxsupply.htm | https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/how-long-do-bacteria-and-viruses-live-outside-the-body.aspx https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/flu.htm | https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/seniors/65-and-older-matte.pdf
PROTECTION AND PREVENTION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS FLU SEASON
T
he aches, the pains, the sore throats, fevers, and chills…all signs of another flu season. More than a nuisance, the flu has become a leading cause of death among seniors 65 and older whose immune systems weaken as they age, making them more susceptible to the deadly viruses.
PROTECT The flu season is a long one, October through May, with the hardest hitting months being January and February. The first line of defense in protecting yourself is getting a flu vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all seniors get vaccinated by the end of October to cut their risk of getting the flu by almost half. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to start working, so the sooner you receive it, the better protected you will be.
This year, the CDC is strongly recommending an injectable vaccine and advising against the nasal spray vaccine. Seniors also have additional options to the standard flu vaccine. They can receive a “high dose” flu shot or an adjuvanted flu vaccine — both designed to promote a stronger immune response and specifically designed for people 65 and older. While flu vaccinations among seniors continue to rise, there are still about 11 million seniors that go unvaccinated every year, leaving an at-risk age group even more vulnerable to illness, hospitalization or death.
PREVENT Seniors are wise enough to know what an ounce of prevention can do. Here are some commonsense reminders that can help get you through the season flu-free.
WASH YOUR HANDS Often with soap and water.
DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE This is the easiest way for germs to get into your body.
LIMIT CONTACT WITH OTHERS Especially those who may be sick.
For added benefit, focus on boosting your immune system by eating right, getting plenty of rest, exercise, and, oh yes, smile more! Studies show it’s good for your mood and your immune system. FALL 2017 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com
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Care for Everyone Call anytime 877.432.2692 or visit www.synergyhomecare.com Proudly Independently Owned & Operated