Celebrating National Home Care Month

 

Friends, As we welcome November and the first signs of winter, it's hard not to feel some worry or sadness over the difficult circumstances that this season brings: coronavirus rates are rising, social distancing measures are still in place, and it's unlikely that the holidays this year will look like years past. But despite our shared struggle, there is so much to be grateful for: friends and family; good health; a roof over our heads. Here at Americare, we're grateful for our amazing caregivers, who care for thousands with so much dedication and compassion. In honor of National Home Care & Hospice Month, we're devoting this newsletter to the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers across the country who have made a positive impact on someone's life.  Americare has remained open and fully functional to care for our clients. We will always prioritize delivering exceptional service to our patients while also looking out for the safety and needs of our staff. To read more about Americare's response to COVID-19, click here. And as always, we are here to support you during this time. Our lines at 1-800-704-4341 remain open to you 24/7.  Stay safe, be well, and keep wearing your mask, Elly Kleinman President & CEO The Americare Companies

Study Shows Covid-19 Antibodies Waning Over Time, Suggesting Immunity Might Wear Off—Doctors don't yet know whether antibodies can provide effective immunity against Covid-19, but a substantive English survey published last Monday indicates it's unlikely that the virus will confer long-lasting immunity from future infection—meaning herd immunity may be hard to achieve. FDA Advisers Meet to Define Guidelines for Vaccine Approvals—In an important milestone for vaccine development, a panel of outside experts met last week to advise the FDA on the complexities that will come with a Covid-19 vaccine approval. The meeting signifies "a new chapter in the unprecedented battle against the pathogen," while reassuring the public that "science, not politics, will dictate when shots are cleared." Wikipedia and W.H.O. Join to Combat Covid Misinformation—The health agency and online encyclopedia announced a collaboration that will allow much of W.H.O.'s published information, graphics, and videos onto the Wikipedia "commons," meaning it can be reproduced or retranslated anywhere in the world without needing permission. “Equitable access to trusted health information is critical to keeping people safe and informed,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director general. You Might Also Want to Read—If We Truly Want to Give Thanks to Our Loved Ones This Thanksgiving, it Might Be Best Not to See Them And CDC Changes Guidance on Close Contacts, Emphasizes Importance of Wearing Mask

We are so grateful for our incredible Americare staff, from caregivers to physical therapists to language pathologists. The compassion and devotion you have for your patients does not go unnoticed, especially in recent months as we've all experienced greater emotional, physical, and financial stress. Below are just a few highlights from stories of appreciation by our wonderful patients and caregivers.

"I'm writing this letter to say thank you for the wonderful care Americare is giving to my husband. His aide, Ramon, is warm, caring, and compassionate. He very responsibly ensures the wellbeing of my husband in a kind and safe manner. He encourages him to walk while assisting him. He is a professional caregiver who takes care of my husband's needs in a quiet and unassuming way to assure his safety. His professionalism puts us all at ease, so thank you again Americare for a job beautifully done."—Americare client family member "Every day, I am inspired to do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else will think to do it, despite everything we are all going through. The PPE hasn't changed my passion to advocate, comfort, or provide hope for my patients. Compassion, dedication, and selflessness define me, and here I am embracing and celebrating the good and bad days. I will keep challenging myself to step up for those who have been ill with COVID-19."—Lizbeth Velez Cruz, Americare nurse & leader in initiating home care services in Queens "[Americare Speech Language Pathologist Cecil Gunraj] is so compassionate in the care he provides to my father. My father comes out of his shell, becoming more conversational on the days when he and Cecil have worked together!"—Americare client family member "I have had many therapists and nurses from many different home care companies, but I've never had a therapist and nurse with the compassion, knowledge, respect, and overall caring demeanor that Kristine and Efa have shown me. Your caregivers are communicators; they are patient advocates and decision makers. Kristine and Efa held my hand when I needed support; they were my voice of reason. I was very concerned due to this current pandemic. If I needed to talk with my two angels about any of my concerns, they were always there to calm my spirits. To me—and I am sure many of their patients—they are guardian angels."—Americare patient Daniel