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Get Advanced Infusion Therapy Services At PCHS

Posted on May, 31, 2017 by admin

When people suffer from illnesses that result from complex diseases, they may not be able to eat or take medications orally. Sometimes, diseases in the stomach and esophagus do not permit medication or it may get destroyed. There are many reasons why medications must be administered in other ways since it is no longer feasible to do it orally. This is why many patients rely on infusion therapy.

What is Infusion Therapy?

This is an alternative to oral treatment by administering medication through the use of a catheter which is inserted into a vein and held in place by a specially trained nurse. Traditionally only used in hospitals, infusion therapy is now often administered in outpatient centers and even your home. These licensed nurses follow strict standards to successfully manage your medication treatment.

What Does it Treat?

This type of therapy is used to treat chronic illnesses and infections that do not allow the administration of oral medications. Some examples of diseases that this type of therapy treats include:

– Different forms of cancer
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Crohn’s disease
– Arthritis
– Multiple sclerosis
– Congestive heart failure
– Immune deficiency disorders

This list is not exclusive and infusion therapy can help treat a wide range of illnesses where intravenous administration is a preferred method.

PCHS Infusion Therapy Services

The professionals at PCHS are experts in infusion therapy and they take extra time to understand all of your treatment needs. They administer infusion therapy in comfortable settings and understand that inpatient care is not always the best option; especially if you require long-term care.

With PCHS, your infusion therapy treatment goes beyond just medical care. Their competent nursing staff will ensure that you are carefully monitored and managed, help improve your safety at home, and help promote an enriched daily life.

An Overview Of Physical Therapy For Seniors

Posted on April, 27, 2017 by admin

Many older people suffer from health problems related to lack of strength, and impeded mobility and balance. All of these issues can be helped by physical therapy for seniors. Medical conditions that often receive this type of therapy include arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.

There are different styles of physical therapy for seniors. Manual therapy is one example, which involves rubbing and manipulating the patients’ muscles and joints. The aim of this therapy is to boost circulation, and bring back mobility that was lost due to disease or injury. This treatment also counteracts pain.

Exercise is another form of geriatric physical therapy. This is classed as physical activity which patients perform, in addition to their normal day to day routine. The aim of this therapy is to improve and sustain flexibility, physical stamina and coordination. Exercises typically include walking, stretching or certain movements focusing on problematic regions of the body. Companies like Premier Choice Health Services (PCHS) will customize the exercises to the particular requirements of patients.

There are lots of hidden dangers in the home that many seniors are unaware of – which can hinder their treatment. PCHS offers guidance to seniors, to help them make the necessary changes to their properties to ensure a speedy and safe recovery. The company provides a range of physical therapy options, including exercise routines that improve coordination and balance, increase strength, manage pain, stimulate the movement of muscles, and enhance motor skills and mobility.

Over the long term, this allows patients to become more independent. Also, physical therapy for seniors can help people to avoid falls. This is vital for this age group, because these incidents can be life threatening. Geriatric rehabilitation does not only safeguard from injuries, it improves people’s self esteem and allows patients to stay active and engaged with their community.

Why You Need First Aid and CPR Training

Posted on March, 31, 2017 by admin

When it comes to useful skills and valuable knowledge, there is so much important information out there. One of the critical things that everyone should know is basic CPR and first aid training. Knowing these things could save someone’s life and even your own life in an emergency. This is one skill worth learning through formal training from certified professionals.

The Power to Protect and Save
The biggest benefit of CPR training and first aid training is that the trained person has the ability to prevent harm, reduce pain and save lives. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in adults in America. Hundreds of thousands of these medical cases occur every year. Trained individuals who immediately start CPR on people experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest may increase the victim’s survival rate by 30 to 40 percent. Bear in mind that every minute that the brain lacks oxygen reduces survival chances by 10 to 20 percent. Thus, someone who can provide CPR to patients who are in dire medical situations can make a difference between life and death.

Personal Empowerment
Becoming certified in CPR and basic first aid will increase confidence and the feeling of empowerment. These people gain a level of self-assurance that will positively impact other areas of their lives at work, home and school. Skill-based medical abilities and knowledge will increase independence and self-reliance. For example, parenting is one the most difficult and rewarding jobs in the world, but little children are prone to wolfing down food and putting small objects in their mouths. Every parent with children should learn how to perform pediatric CPR and basic first aid. Related to this, OSHA recommends that supervisors and leaders who are responsible for staff and volunteers should be formally re-certified in CPR training and basic first aid training every few years.

Simplicity and Affordability
Taking a CPR class and first aid training class has never been easier. The American Heart Association, the American Red Cross and local law enforcement and firefighting organizations usually offer some type of general class. There are also private organizations that offer customized, advanced and on-site CPR and basic first aid certification classes. Either way, most of these classes will be conducted by fully accredited organizations who employ professionals and issue legitimate certifications. These affordable courses may take anywhere between 90 minutes to four hours to complete. The class should provide hands-on training, printed materials and practice work with a CPR dummy.

Reading about CPR and basic first aid isn’t enough. Consider joining a quality training program through a reputable group to learn how to save lives today.

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Who Benefits From Speech Therapy?

Posted on February, 22, 2017 by admin

When people think about “therapy”, they often picture a man or woman laying on a couch and talking to a doctor who listens and adds appropriate interjections as needed. To these folks, the idea of extending the concept into “speech therapy” isn’t one that computes. If you’ve been wondering what speech therapy is and who would benefit from it, then you’ll definitely want to keep reading.

What is Speech Therapy?

By most definitions, speech therapy (also referred to as speech and language therapy) is a comprehensive therapeutic approach designed to aid individuals who have a hard time communicating. Besides the assistance with pronunciation and general speech, speech therapy also offers care to those who have difficulties with swallowing, drinking, or eating.

Who Should Use Speech Therapy?

Given the description, stroke sufferers and young children with speaking difficulties are some of the first potential patients that come to mind. However, speech therapy isn’t just for them. Speech therapy services can be used to treat a number of conditions and individuals.

A few of these would include:

• Individuals who are non-neurotypical
• Deaf individuals
• Individuals with speech impediments
• Delayed speech and related disorders
• Disorders in relation to feeding and swallowing
• Dementia or trauma-induced difficulties with swallowing and communicating
• Development of communication skills in social settings

Premier Choice Health Services (PCHS) provides comprehensive speech therapy services to people of all ages in all walks of life. We offer numerous services such as Aural rehabilitation, evaluation of cognition and cognitive skills, patient education, home language and speech exercise programs, and strategies for swallowing and eating. Whether the issue is a speech impediment or the problem is with encouraging verbal communication with caregivers, we have the most up-to-date and wide-ranging speech therapy plans available. You’ll be glad you chose PCHS to look after the needs of your loved one. Contact us today.

Start your STNA Career off Right

Posted on January, 20, 2017 by admin

After you have completed your STNA courses with PCHS and passed your examination, you will be ready to begin your career as a professional STNA. We know beginning a new career can be intimidating. By following the tips below, however, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and rewarding career.

1. Make a Good Impression

Your first day on the job is of vital importance. This is your chance to make a good first impression on your coworkers, supervisors, and patients. By introducing yourself with a smile and a firm handshake, asking questions, taking notes, and showing that you are eager to learn and to help however you can, you will be sure to make a great impression.

2. Be Prepared

Before your first day, you should take care to learn as much as possible about your new workplace and the duties that will be expected of you. You should also make sure that all of your paperwork is in order and that you arrive a bit early to ensure you are completely prepared when your shift begins.

3. Care for Yourself

You cannot care well for others if you are not caring for yourself. Be sure you eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and follow all safety precautions. In particular, be sure that you practice proper lifting protocols. It may be tempting to take short cuts, but your back will thank you for caring for it properly. Also, be sure to invest in the best shoes you can. You’ll be on your feet all day and good shoes can significantly improve your experience as an STNA.

At PCHS, you’ll get the education you need to enjoy a successful career as an STNA. By following the tips above, you’ll be sure to make a great first impression. We wish you luck and success as you begin this rewarding career!

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Caring for an Aging Population

Posted on January, 20, 2017 by admin

As an STNA, you will likely care for some elderly patients. This is due, in part, to the fact that the United State’s population is getting older each year. In fact, by the year 2060, the number of Americans over aged 65 or older will be more than double what it is today. This means there will be about 96 million individuals aged 65 or older in the United States by the year 2060. When caring for elderly patients, there are a few important tips you should always follow.

1. Be Gentle!

Elderly individuals are often more susceptible to injury than younger individuals. This is primarily because aging leads to brittle bones and thinner, less elastic skin. Our bones become more brittle as we age because they lose the minerals, such as calcium, that keep them hard and strong. Our skin becomes thinner and less elastic as we age because it loses collagen. As a result of their brittle bones and thin skin, elderly patients may be injured by events that would not injure a healthy young person. For example, the removal of medical tape from skin may cause a wound. By taking your time in treating your elderly patients and being as gently as possible, you can help them to stay safe!

2. Speak Up!

If you believe your elderly patient is ignoring you or not paying attention, try speaking up. Many elderly patients suffer from hearing loss. If you detect hearing loss in a patient, you may wish to recommend that he or she see a doctor. Being outfitted with a properly-functioning hearing aide can greatly increase a hard-of-hearing patient’s quality of life.

3. Be Patient!

Everyday tasks that are easy for healthy young people may pose a serious challenge for the elderly. This is because our muscles lose a great deal of their strength once we are over the age of 65. If a patient needs to rest in the middle of a task, be as accommodating as you can be. On a related note, don’t jump right in and take over the task unless you are asked to do so. Taking away a patient’s independence can greatly harm his or her morale. Instead, just be patient and help when asked.

As you care for elderly patients throughout your career, we hope you’ll follow the tips outlined above. Best of luck as you begin your long as successful career as an STNA!

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Managing Your Time As An STNA

Posted on November, 15, 2016 by admin

As a State Tested Nursing Assistant, your time is always at a premium. You’ll be working a high-stress job that most people can’t handle, and you’ll probably be working during hours that would drive others crazy. While the job can be fantastically rewarding, there’s a reason so many people burn out – they just don’t know how to take care of themselves. The secret to being a great STNA is simple – you’ll need to learn how to manage your time and your body. Fortunately, the tips below can help you to do both in a manner that will benefit your career as well as your health.

Staying Healthy Matters

It’s strange, but many in health-related professionals aren’t great at taking care of themselves. Before you can care for a patient, you must first learn to take care of yourself. For most STNAs, this means making the hard choice not to work when they are sick. For others, it means taking the time to go to the doctor, work out, and eat healthy. If you can work towards your own wellness, you can better look out for that of your patients.

Remember the Little Things

While there’s quite a bit on your plate as an STNA, you still need to take some time to do the little things. Make sure to take a night every once in a while and just be yourself – do something you love. Remember to stretch before you go to work, to make small talk with your coworkers and to simply be human whenever you get the chance. All of this will help you to be happier, healthier, and better at being an STNA.

Put Your Foot Down

It’s important to know when to say no as an STNA. It doesn’t matter how many timesavers you use or how good you get at managing time, you still won’t be able to do everything. Look at your contract of employment and only do that at work which is part of your job description. If you can set the right tone for what you will or will not do on the job, you’ll be able to spend more time concentrating on being the best STNA possible.

Learn How to Manage Your Time

One of the most important things you can do is to learn how to manage your time efficiently. During the early days of your employment, pay attention to the processes that impact your job. Is there a way you can do two or more things safely at one time? Can you do paperwork during your lunch break, or deal with personal issues during your commute? Anything that allows you to save a bit of time will give you more time to rest, relax, and get better at your job.

While there are many great tips to being efficient out there, the best is to simply take care of yourself as well as you would a patient. With better mental and physical health comes the ability to be more efficient and be better at your job. Make your first patient yourself and you’ll be pleased with the results.

Becoming an STNA is not difficult if you have a good work ethic, enjoy working with people, and are committed to giving your all during your training program. You will learn both the information and skills you need to succeed as an STNA if you pay attention and apply everything you’ve learned. Good luck!

Are you ready to become an STNA? We’re ready to help you start your career. Register for classes today with Premier Choice Health Services, Ohio’s number 1 STNA training program. Contact us today to get started!

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Prospective Careers For Certified Nursing Assistants

Posted on October, 31, 2016 by admin

CNA training involves learning basic nursing principles and performing supervised, hands-on clinical work. Training can be done at community colleges, vocational colleges and technical schools. A few nursing homes and hospitals also offer this type of training.

If are looking to expand your career beyond the level of a CNA, knowing your options is extremely important. Below are some nursing specialties and other medical support jobs that can be pursued:

Sonography/Radiology

A career as a sonographer or radiologist involves the use of heavy-duty machinery. The machines are used to take images of bones and soft tissues like internal organs. The images are then used by physicians to diagnose injuries and illnesses.

Psychiatric Aide

A psychiatric aide is trained to work in a hospital or mental health ward. Therefore, you will work along with other mental health workers like psychiatrists and psychologists. You will also be able to work with short-term patients in need of acute care or housed patients needing long-term care.

Medical School

If you have an overwhelming desire to practice medicine, pursuing a career as a doctor is one way to go. However, the process can take as much as 12 years of studying; therefore, a career as a CNA can help you to make a living, while working on your medical degree.

Advanced Practice Nursing

This opens up a number of opportunities for CNAs who are seeking career advancement. The niches into which CNAs can move include critical care, gynecology, palliative care and psychiatric nursing.

With the aging population on the increase, the demand for CNAs is quite high. It is also expected that the number of jobs will rapidly increase over the next few years. If you are considering successful career paths within the medical field, becoming a CNA is a remarkable method of gaining experience. While pursuing CNA career advancement opportunities, you will be able to pursue a degree, while earning with your CNA training in variety of medical facilities.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Posted on July, 08, 2016 by admin

Physical therapy is a professional service provided by trained medical professionals to help individuals recovering from illness, injury, or trauma restore their optimal level of physical function and movement. There is no age limit on who can benefit from physical therapy; children, adults, and seniors can all benefit from it. That being said, the benefits that physical therapy presents for seniors are plentiful and should not be overlooked.

Benefits of physical therapy for seniors include:

  • Improved mobility and motion
  • Quicker recovery from injury, illness, and surgery
  • Improved balance and stability
  • Increased strength and coordination
  • Reduced dependence on pain medication
  • In some cases, ability to avoid surgery altogether

Physical therapy utilizes many forms of treatment to help aging adults regain their physical functioning. Some common treatment options include assisted stretching, walking, heat, and cold therapy. Other popular methods of physical therapy for seniors can include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy.

Before beginning a physical therapy regimen, a physical therapist will evaluate each patient’s condition and unique situation to come up with a treatment plan. Once a treatment plan has been established by the physical therapist, physical therapy assistants will help facilitate the treatment.

There are a wide range of conditions that physical therapy can help with. In senior citizens, the most common reasons for seeking physical therapy include:

  • Arthritis
  • Localized or systematic pain
  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Stroke
  • Injury from a fall (broken hip, etc.)
  • Multiple Sclerosis

While these conditions are the most popular reasons for seniors to need physical therapy, this list is by no means exhaustive. There are many more reasons that aging adults might require physical therapy.

All in all, physical therapy is a great way for seniors to regain their physical health, strength, and independence. At Premier Choice Health Services, we provide physical therapy services to our clients to help them regain optimal functioning and improve the quality of their life. Contact us today to learn more about all of our services.

 

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Required Training To Become An STNA

Posted on June, 07, 2016 by admin

If you’re interested in becoming a State Tested Nursing Assistant in the State of Ohio, you’re probably wondering what kind of training is required of you before you can take the exam. Working as an STNA can be a very fulfilling career if you enjoy working with people in a personal way and have a caring heart. It is also a great way to try out the health care field and see if healthcare might be the right fit for you. Some individuals who become STNAs love their career and decide to stick with it, while others choose to move onto other areas such as nursing.

Whether you plan to work as an STNA for the majority of your career or use the position as a stepping stone along your career path, you cannot begin until you get the proper training. Without training, you will not be able to pass the state certification exam and work as an STNA. Wondering what the required training for an STNA looks like? Here’s an overview of what you can expect when you sign up for STNA training classes.

How long is STNA training?

Most STNA training programs provide at least 75 hours of combined classroom, lab, and clinical training. The state of Ohio requires 75 hours minimum, so some programs may require additional hours on top of that. Training programs can typically be completed in 2-8 weeks, depending on your schedule and how often your class meets.

Out of the 75 hours required by the state, 16 hours have to be clinical experience at a skilled nursing facility. This is the hands-on portion of your training that will give you a glimpse into the daily work life of an STNA.

What topics are covered during STNA training?

During your training, you will cover many topics that will help you develop your personal care skills. Learning takes place through theory and practical experiences so that you get a chance to put into practice what you have learned. Some of the topics you will cover include:

  • Nutrition
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Communication Skills
  • Resident Rights
  • Infection Control
  • Body Mechanics
  • Vital Signs
  • Observation & Reporting
  • Human Disease Process
  • Death & Dying

These topics are meant to provide you the most knowledge possible and prepare you to begin your career as an STNA.

Once you’ve completed your STNA training, it will be time to take the state exam. The exam consists of a written portion, as well as a skills evaluation. After you’ve finished your training program you should review everything you’ve learned and then take the exam with confidence.

Becoming an STNA is not difficult if you have a good work ethic, enjoy working with people, and are committed to giving your all during your training program. You will learn both the information and skills you need to succeed as an STNA if you pay attention and apply everything you’ve learned. Good luck!

Are you ready to become an STNA? We’re ready to help you start your career. Register for classes today with Premier Choice Health Services, Ohio’s number 1 STNA training program. Contact us today to get started!