posted on July 29, 2010
By Ismari Martinez – HR Associate
It’s that time of year again… festivals, parades, cookouts, outdoor concerts, and sun. Summer is here! And with all the fun that’s happening, this weekend Rochester celebrates the 41st Annual Puerto Rican Festival. Many people don’t know this, but this event is the longest running cultural festival in Monroe County!
One of my fondest memories as a young girl was the honor I received when I was crowned Miss Puerto Rico of Rochester in 1996. It was a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to have the opportunity to represent, and be an ambassador, for the Hispanic Community here in my hometown of Rochester. Not only was I representing my community, but my family and culture as well. It was with great pride that I accepted the role of informing, educating, and representing the entire Hispanic Community with the dignity and the respect it deserves.
Many years have passed since then, and although my pageant days are over, I again have the opportunity to work closely with the Hispanic Community. As a Human Resources Associate with HCR Home Care, I work with more than 220 Hispanic employees, who care for hundreds of people every day in predominantly Hispanic households. HCR’s Hispanic home care program provides our patients with the type of care which recognizes and supports family traditions and religious beliefs. HCR takes pride in the fact that all of our bilingual staff members are highly-skilled and trained to provide expert care.
Here at HCR Home Care, we constantly strive to do the best job possible for the entire community. We are dedicated to serving all of our patients as we would our own family members. A few words that come to mind are love, compassion, kindness, and respect. I personally know each and every HCR Hispanic caregiver and take great comfort knowing that all of HCR’s patients, including those in the Hispanic community, are in their very talented and capable hands.
Written by Ismari Martinez – HR Associate
posted on July 23, 2010
By Philip P. Bonanni, M.D., Medical Director, HCR Home Care
Earlier this year, I accepted the position of Medical Director for HCR Home Care. I’d worked with and admired the work of the agency’s staff for many years - but given my new role, I decided it was time for some first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to deliver home care.
Donna, a community health nurse at HCR, and I met at a downtown high-rise apartment complex to ‘open’ a patient who’d been discharged from the hospital the day before. Donna is an ‘opening’ nurse – a registered nurse with special assessment skills (which were apparent as I watched her carefully and patiently go through all the aspects of this case). However, once the patient was opened, he would be cared for by his regular HCR nurse.
The patient, Pedro, had an osteomyelitis of his foot (an inflammation and likely bacterial infection of the bone), and several other health issues including kidney transplantation, diabetes, hypertension, , and a host of other problems which led to his need for over a dozen medications, some taken two, three, or four times per day. Pedro produced a large plastic bag with at least 30 bottles for Donna to go through. I already knew that medication management was a key area for coordination between the physician, pharmacy, and home care, but this was eye-opening! Donna put the medications Pedro would need for the week in a medication management box, and made sure the others were put away safely. During this process, she discovered that although Pedro thought Vitamin D was to be taken once a month, it had been prescribed for once a week, requiring her to call the doctor’s office. She also found that several of the medications were no longer needed. This is a common problem, which fortunately can be addressed by the opening home care nurse, and reconciled with the physician.
The bandage Pedro had on his foot wound was nearly completely unraveled when we arrived. The appropriate use of the bandage, and how it should be managed to avoid infection and contamination, was something Donna would clearly need to go over WITH WHO?. She examined the foot wound closely to determine if a wound care specialist was needed, or if the care could be handled by his regular nurse.
Donna’s in-depth questioning of Pedro regarding his living situation and family support reminded me of how different the controlled environment of the hospital and uncontrolled environment of the home can be. Pedro doesn’t cook for himself, and relies on his stepdaughter to help him shop and cook. He takes insulin twice a day, and said that he, “checks his sugars daily, and takes more sugar when the sugars are low.” It was unclear what happened when the sugars were high. Donna told me a diabetic educator would be assigned to Pedro, but that the hurdles of overcoming cultural preferences and his past unwillingness to modify his diet may be a problem. Nevertheless, transcultural nursing approaches would be used by HCR’s staff in an effort to negotiate and ‘repattern’ Pedro’s behavior. After all, you can never tell whether this may be the time Pedro will respond, perhaps with the help of his stepdaughter.
Pedro had received home care from HCR before, and asked about his Spanish-speaking nurse, Christina, with whom he’d established a bond. He told us he felt his hospital team was so complex - with so many doctors - that he couldn’t relate to any one of them, but that he could relate to “his” home care nurse. It was clear that in his own home Pedro felt better able to understand what was going on. He was very pleased to learn that Christina would once again be assigned as his nurse and case manager!
As a physician, I was glad to gain some understanding of the environment and situations in which my plans of care sometimes have to be delivered. It will affect my thinking in the future about how to best work with the home care nurse to set goals. Walking alongside Donna gave me a new appreciation of how physicians and home care nurses working closely together can improve patient outcomes.
Written by Philip P. Bonanni, M.D., Medical Director, HCR Home Care
posted on July 16, 2010
By Laura Bartolotti -Office/Facility/Events Manager
Summer is here! This means HCR’s 2010 Employee Family Picnic is just around the corner! This is a great time for all HCR employees and their families to get together and enjoy some great food, entertainment, and each other’s company! Since we are rapidly growing, this is a perfect opportunity to meet new staff and their families, as well as to mingle with some folks we may not necessarily see on a day-to-day basis.
At HCR Home Care, we value our employees, their families, and celebrate our collective cultural heritage. This year, we are jazzing things up a bit and adding a cultural spin on our summer event in recognition of HCR’s Transcultural Care Programs.
There will be a little something for everyone to enjoy! You can totally tantalize your taste buds with a variety of ethnic foods – Latin, Soul, and Ukrainian! Does tapping your toes and dancing sound fun? Great sounds of a Salsa and Gospel band will fill our ears! And, it wouldn’t be an HCR event without our very own choir – HCR Caring Voices will be stopping in to belt out a few tunes! For those bringing little ones, they can have fun playing in the enclosed playground or some games setup just for them.
Summer Fun…We Can Do That!!
Written by Laura Bartolotti -Office/Facility/Events Manager
posted on July 09, 2010
By Jeanette Brown, PT, DPT, MS
Arthritis is a condition which causes pain and loss of movement in joints due to the weakening of cartilage and a reduced capacity to heal when damaged. The prevalence of arthritis in New York State is significant. The latest Center for Disease Control data estimates four million people in New York suffer from arthritis. Of those four million people, approximately one million have the condition to such a degree that it limits some aspect of their lives.
There are many factors which contribute to the development of arthritis. Some people are genetically predisposed, some have previous illness or injury which makes them susceptible, or some may have occupational hazards. Being overweight or obese can also cause arthritis, due to the added pressure on the joints while performing daily activities such as walking.
There are many medical options to treat and manage arthritis. These can include medications, injections, and joint replacement. The cornerstone for the management of arthritis is exercise – and more specifically, strengthening, stretching, and low impact aerobic activities.
The physical therapists at HCR Home Care are trained professionals who can evaluate, treat, and improve your arthritis and arthritic symptoms. During an initial evaluation, the physical therapist will work to determine the root cause of your arthritis and then develop a customized treatment plan. HCR has the ability to develop tailor-made exercise programs suited for your specific needs which can improve your strength, flexibility, range of motion, and pain.
If you or someone you know suffer from arthritis and would like more information on how to get relief, call us at 585-272-1930 or visit us on-line at www.HCRhealth.com.
Written by Jeanette Brown, PT, DPT, MS
posted on July 02, 2010
By Kimberly Joy - Sr. Director Human Resources
I recently joined HCR Home Care as the Director of Human Resources after working many years at a company dedicated to manufacturing high quality health care products. And while both companies were in the health care industry, HCR offers a very different type of ‘product.’ We are in the people business. Dedicated health care providers who care for the aged, ill, and injured in the comfort of their homes.
Being in Human Resources, I get to meet a lot of people interested in joining the HCR Home Care family. HCR provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, social work, and home health aide services to thousands of Rochester-area patients each year. Because the nature of what we do is so important and requires such a high level of trust between us and our patients, HCR is careful to bring people onboard who have a passion for caring for others and who demonstrate a high level of respect toward the needs of our community members.
Careers in Nursing
As part of our selection process, nursing candidates have the opportunity to talk with our nurse management team to learn more about what we do… community health nursing. The majority of our nurses come from acute care settings like hospitals, but the home health environment is a distinctly different and rewarding experience. Nurses who excel at HCR enjoy the flexibility to set their own schedules, manage patient care over the course of treatment, and provide a high degree of education to patients and their families.
We also ask potential new nurse candidates to travel with and observe or “shadow” one of our seasoned community health nurses prior to deciding to join HCR. This valuable shadowing experience allows candidates to clearly understand a typical day for a home care nurse and their role in administering home care.
I recently had a great conversation with a hospital nurse who had just completed her shadowing experience. She remarked that the home health care approach allowed the nurse to provide the dedicated focus and support to patients that many nurses in the hospital wish to provide, but find difficult to do in that environment. It is that opportunity… to have a fundamental and individualized impact in the patients’ preferred environment that defines the true value of home health care.
We’d like to share more with you regarding the benefits of working at HCR Home Care and the joy of home health nursing. To learn more, call me at 585-272-1930, or apply on-line at www.HCRhealth.com via our Employment page. We look forward to hearing from you!
posted on June 25, 2010
By Dave Carro - Marketing Manager
Although Veteran’s Day isn’t until November, HCR Home Care is proud to support, honor, and care for veterans throughout the year. Veterans have served our country in a way only a select few Americans can claim. They’ve fought for our freedoms and interests worldwide, and did it with honor and dignity. The compassionate caregivers at HCR Home Care appreciate the sacrifices these brave men and women have made.
HCR recognizes the unique needs of our distinguished veterans, and has taken the steps necessary to create a veteran-friendly home care environment… one that provides vets with the best quality home care. Our skilled health care professionals offer expert home care to veterans with all types of health-related needs, including medical and surgical care, chronic disease care, and pain management. In addition, HCR provides a full complement of home health aide services. Working under the direction of our nurses and therapists, home health aides assist our veterans with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, laundry, coordinating appointments, running errands, and providing companionship.
In addition, the clinical care coordinators at HCR work in partnership with Veteran’s Administration personnel to maximize VA and Medicare benefits for veterans – ensuring they receive the full range of services to which they are entitled. The close relationship HCR has with the VA and regional VA health centers helps provide peace-of-mind for our veterans, and allows them to focus on improving their wellness.
Home care services are often recommended by VA discharge planners, physicians, or by a social workers at the hospital; these individuals will generally initiate referrals to HCR. However, veterans may contact HCR at any time at 585-272-1930 and ask for assistance in starting services.
Written by Dave Carro - Marketing Manager
posted on June 18, 2010
By Chris Chimenti, MSPT – Dir of Therapeutic Services
This is National Men’s Health Week, and with Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s a good idea to remind ourselves take that extra step toward a healthy lifestyle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a few very simple daily steps can help men lead a healthy life.
1. Healthy Nutrition
A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day. Foods and drinks which are high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol should be consumed in moderation or avoided all together. Food pyramids outline various food groups and food choices that form the foundation of a healthy diet.
2. Regular activity
Recommendations for an active lifestyle include at least 2½ hours of activity each week. Activities that elevate your breathing and heart rates should be included. For moderate endurance exercise, simply walk a little further each time you exercise and gradually increase the pace of your walks as the weeks pass. A very simple trick to get a bit more exercise without even trying is to park your car further away from the entrance to stores, work, etc. rather than looking for the closest spot. As always, check with your physician first before increasing your activity level.
3. Healthy lifestyle
Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher and UVA/UVB protection. The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes, so place sunscreen before you go outside. Wash your hands to stop the spread of germs and avoid getting sick. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.
4. Manage stress
Be sure to maintain a healthy balance between work, home, and recreation. If you encounter periods of stress, reach out to family and friends and ask for their support. Stay positive and take time to relax. Be sure to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
By following these few simple guidelines that can be easily incorporated into any lifestyle, men can do wonders to improve their health!
Written by Chris Chimenti, MSPT – Director of Therapeutic Services
posted on June 11, 2010
By Monal Patel – Assistant Outreach Coordinator
The weather is finally warming up and it’s time to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. However, you have to play it safe. In the United States, more than one million people are diagnosed each year with skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer in the country. So make sure to be safe by following these sun-safety tips. When out in the sun, be sure to:
• Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply often. For children, it’s recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.
• Wear clothing that’s dark and tightly woven.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Keep children six months old or less out of the sun completely.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible.
Remember, it’s never a good idea to use tanning beds.
HCR Home Care wants you to be careful this summer! Practice these simple rules for optimal skin health.
Written by Monal Patel - Assistant Outreach Coordinator
posted on June 04, 2010
By Judy Daniel, MSPT, GCS - Therapeutic Services Program Manager
June is Home Safety Month, and the national not-for-profit Home Safety Council asks Americans, ‘Is your house really safe?’ The Council has pulled together a few simple steps to make your home safer, particularly for seniors. Many are not aware, but the number one cause of preventable injury in seniors in the home is falls, but you don’t have to be the next statistic!
• Secure rugs with two-sided tape to avoid tripping.
• Install hand rails on both sides of a staircase.
• Install night lights in areas of the home where you walk regularly.
• Add reflective, non-skid tape on all non-carpeted steps.
• Install lever-type handles on all doors (these are great for arthritic hands).
• Place a bench or sturdy chair near all entryways into your home. This provides a safe place to rest upon returning home or is a place to place heavy packages.
• Consider use of lighted rocker light switches.
• Consider a raised toilet seat (19” is the standard height for a senior) with nearby grab bars.
An HCR Home Care occupational therapist is the perfect resource to evaluate your home to make it a safer place to be! Call us at 585-272-1930 to find out more.
Written by Judy Daniel, MSPT, GCS - Therapeutic Services Program Manager
posted on May 28, 2010
By Monal Patel – Assistant Outreach Coordinator
The weather is warming up and it’s time for family gatherings and grilling outdoors! Make sure you take special steps to keep your family safe from grilling accidents or injuries. Here are some tips:
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible near your grill area when you begin.
Every year, hundreds of people in the United States suffer painful and sometimes life-threatening burns resulting from the careless use of outdoor grills.
HCR Home Care wants you to be careful this summer! Follow these simple rules for safe grilling and have fun!
Written by Monal Patel - Assistant Outreach Coordinator
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