Each year, millions of older adults over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, some sustaining serious injuries that impact their quality of life, mobility, and function. Understanding how certain health conditions can increase your fall risk is key to avoiding the most likely causes of falling. According to the National Institute on Aging, 6 out of every 10 falls happen in the home. Taking steps to hazard-proof your home can help eliminate risks and make it a safer environment for you and your loved ones.

Discover the Cause

If you feel unsteady on your feet or are experiencing balance issues, schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss any health conditions that may be increasing your risk of falling. Discuss your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Some may cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase falls. Be prepared to talk with your doctor about certain health conditions that may affect your balance. For example, do you experience joint pain, numbness in your legs or feet, or shortness of breath? Certain ear and eye conditions (such as cataracts or glaucoma), may also increase your chance of falling. Get an annual vision exam and update your prescriptions as needed.

Staying physically and mentally active is linked to improved cognition, stability, balance, and strong muscles. Tai chi and yoga are particularly beneficial mind-body exercises that can help prevent falls in older adults. Talk with your doctor about the amount and type of physical activity you should incorporate into your daily routine.

Create a Safe Home Environment

Keeping your home hazard-free is one of the best ways to prevent falls, and there are easy ways to make your home safer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a Home Fall Prevention Checklist, and its items include:

• Removing clutter, electrical cords, and below-eye-level furniture (such as coffee tables) from your walking path to avoid tripping.
• Making sure furniture is at the right height to avoid overreaching and placing items easily within reach.
• Keeping your home brightly lit and make lighting easily accessible. Place a lamp within arm’s reach of your bed. Turn on lights before going up or downstairs, and install nightlights in your bedroom, bathrooms, and hallways. 
• Avoid slipping by securing loose rugs, using nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower, and cleaning up spills immediately. 
• Add handrails on the stairs and grab bars in the bath and shower. 

When to Consider Assistive Devices and Rehabilitation Services

If you’re at an increased risk of falling, your doctor may recommend assistive devices to keep you mobile and maintain your balance. Canes and walkers increase stability when you walk, while bathroom items such as a raised toilet seat and bath seat for showering make these activities safer when standing is a challenge. Handrails on both sides of the stairs and grabbers for items on shelves and floors are other beneficial assistive devices to help maintain independence. Your doctor may recommend occupational therapy or physical therapy in the home to ensure preventative measures are in place and to create a program to improve your mobility. 

Your physician may also prescribe occupational and/or physical therapy. These therapists will evaluate your needs and develop a customized program to fit your goals and abilities. Occupational therapy helps patients achieve and maintain independence in daily activities. Physical therapy improves and restores mobility, movement, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. 

Redeemer Health Home Care offers a full range of rehabilitation programs and services that care for patients at every stage along their health care journey. Providing an assessment within your home offers greater insight into your needs within your own environment. Our team of clinicians can help patients implement preventative strategies to reduce the risk of falling and develop a customized plan to safely manage daily activities. 

If you have questions about Redeemer Health Home Care, please visit our website, redeemerhealth.org/homecare, or call 888-678-8678.
 

Doylestown Health and Redeemer Health are pleased to announce a new joint venture: Doylestown Health Cardiology at Rockledge in Partnership with Redeemer Health, effective August 1, 2021. The new partnership expands the reach of the nationally recognized Doylestown Health Cardiology program within the region. Cardiology patients will benefit from access to two health systems and affordable, high-quality cardiovascular care closer to home.

“We are thrilled to expand our cardiology presence in this region and partner with Redeemer Health. The ability to provide high-quality care to patients, in an accessible and convenient location, is our goal,” said Adam Edelson, Vice President of Ambulatory Services and Networking Development for Doylestown Health.

 
“Redeemer Health is committed to create affiliations that add value to the communities we serve,” said Ryan Mee, Vice President, Redeemer Health Ambulatory Services.  “Through the partnership with Doylestown Health Cardiology our patients will continue to have access to comprehensive, high-quality cardiology services combined with the warm, patient-centered care Redeemer Health is known for.”

Doylestown Health Cardiology at Rockledge in Partnership with Redeemer Health is located at 821 Huntingdon Pike, Meadowbrook, PA. The office phone number is 267-627-6715. The practice emphasizes patient education, advanced technology, and personalized treatment for exceptional cardiovascular outcomes.

About Doylestown Health

Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of all members of the local and regional community. Doylestown Hospital, the flagship to Doylestown Health has 271 beds and a Medical Staff of more than 435 physicians in over 50 specialties. An independent nonprofit health system, Doylestown Health is dedicated to providing innovative, patient-centered care for all ages.

About Redeemer Health

With an emphasis on providing a continuum of care, Redeemer Health remains true to the Mission to Care, Comfort and Heal that its Founders, the Sisters of the Redeemer, began in our region in 1924 – to provide high quality, compassionate care. A Catholic healthcare provider, Redeemer offers a wide range of healthcare and health-related services, including an acute care hospital, home health and hospice services, three skilled nursing facilities, personal care, a retirement community, low-income housing, an independent living community, transitional housing program for homeless families, and multiple homes for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. With corporate offices in Huntingdon Valley, PA, Redeemer Health serves southeastern Pennsylvania and 11 counties in New Jersey, from Union County south to Cape May County.
 

Jaime Schmitt, RDMS, RVT, Ultrasound/X-ray Supervisor at Redeemer Health, recently received the Clinical Educator Award from Thomas Jefferson University (TJU). Jaime was recognized for her dedication to educate, encourage, and instruct TJU general and vascular sonography students.

Redeemer Health and Thomas Jefferson University have partnered for over 10 years to offer a program to help educate and train sonography students. Vascular sonography uses ultrasound machines to produce images of patients’ veins and arteries using high-frequency sound waves. The process helps physicians use images to diagnose and treat various conditions.

“I am honored to receive this award, and it is great seeing my students excel in their skill. Redeemer is a known clinical site, and when students leave here, they have the confidence and ability to produce high-quality ultrasound scans and excel in their job,” says Jaime.

Selected by students working in the program and Maria Stanczak, Assistant Professor and Vascular Sonography Clinical Coordinator at TJU, Jaime was chosen because of her tireless efforts to helping her students excel and giving them valuable feedback to strengthen their skills. Maria explains that “Jaime is proactive in getting the students to where they need to be and adapts individual plans for our students, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Jaime prepares students to be general and vascular sonography technologists, teaches them how to scan a patients’ arteries and veins to recognize clots and plaque, as well as educates them on how to help prevent patients from having any long-term effects, such as strokes. Students can work with Jaime and the Redeemer Health ultrasound department for six months up to two years.

If you, a family member, or a loved one needs a diagnostic test, contact us today to get the compassionate care you deserve. Call 215-938-5700 with questions, or to learn more about the imaging and lab services offered at Redeemer Health, visit https://www.redeemerhealth.org/services/health-care/lab-imaging-services.

Redeemer Health provides lab and imaging services convenient to Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, and Montgomery County.

The Olympic games is not only a fierce sports competition, but it also celebrates nations coming together and showing pride for their countries. Residents at Redeemer Lafayette, a Redeemer Health Life Care community, participated in their own version of the summer Olympics.

Residents celebrated the Olympics with physically and mentally engaging games, such as corn hole, bowling, hula hoop, disc golf, and trivia. Throughout each of the activities, gold, silver, and bronze medals were given out to the participating residents.

Residents also indulged in food inspired by participating countries, including Greek gyros and pita, Chinese pot stickers and meatballs, and an American picnic-style-themed lunch.

At Redeemer Lafayette, Recreation Therapist and Recreation Therapy Department Supervisor Nicole Ritorto worked with the nursing and recreation teams to decorate an entire floor with international flags and materials featuring geographic and cultural information from around the world.

“Our goal for hosting an Olympic-themed program was to engage our residents in an exciting way and to help support and promote their emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being,” says Nicole. “Recreational activities have an immense impact on our residents, and we want to see our residents laughing, smiling, and interacting with one another.”

There also was a passing of the torch ceremony, where residents listened to Japan’s and America’s national anthems and watched a documentary on Japan’s art and culture.

Resident Council President at Redeemer Lafayette, Anita S., shares “how excited the residents were and how beautiful the event was.” Dorothy P., another resident from Redeemer Lafayette, expresses how “it has been hard to find a group activity for us to all enjoy, but this was perfect bringing the community together.”

This special Olympic-themed program is just one of many life-enriching activities that Redeemer Life Care communities make available for residents. For more information about our Life Care communities, visit RedeemerHealth.org/lifecare.

With four children under the age of eight, Liz Daly juggles an active calendar—but throughout her busy life one constant has endured: Redeemer Health has been at the side of her family over multiple generations.

On May 8th, Liz delivered her son Teddy at Holy Redeemer Hospital, broadening the legacy established by her mother-in-law, who delivered all five of her children at the Hospital, including Liz’s husband Austin.

It’s remarkable in and of itself to share in a family’s growth as Redeemer Health has been able to do, but the Daly family connection runs even deeper. During his lifetime, Austin’s father, who sadly passed away in 1998, was a member of the Redeemer Health family as a practicing urologist.

Not unlike his father, Austin himself is a physician, although his specialty is oral and maxillofacial surgery. After completing a surgical residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, both he and Liz were overjoyed they were able to move back to this area and plant roots in the Philadelphia suburbs.  

This fortunate turn of events may never have happened if not for a serendipitous conversation that occurred between Austin’s uncle and Dr. Michael Dachowski, a leader in oral and maxillofacial surgery who heads a practice that serves as the oral surgery group for Holy Redeemer Hospital.

During the conversation, it became clear that Austin’s father and Dr. Dachowski had been former colleagues. In fact, their offices had been across the hall from one another! Eventually, Dr. Dachowski asked Austin to join his practice, The Oral Surgery Group, located in the Redeemer Health Medical Office Building, as well as several other sites throughout the Philadelphia area. Liz too joined the practice and serves as its marketing director.

“We’re so grateful to Dr. Dachowski for taking us in and treating us like family. It was a great relief to know Austin had a job waiting for him and where we’d be moving, especially since we’d be back with loved ones again,” says Liz.

Coming Full Circle

Upon joining The Oral Surgery Group, Austin was delighted that, like his father, he was able to care for Redeemer patients. Yet, while Liz and Austin celebrated, even more happy news was in the offing. The two learned they were soon to be parents and, not surprisingly, Liz immediately aligned with Redeemer Health’s vibrant Redeemer Baby community. “I thought it would be nice, now that we were home, for me to deliver in the same place where Austin had been born and where we had so many connections.”

Liz says that she immediately felt comfortable at Redeemer Health throughout her pregnancy and both before and after her delivery. “I love that I was in a Catholic hospital. Seeing the cross on the wall after Teddy was born made me feel deeply connected and grateful for all that’s been given to us.”

“It was like a kind of homecoming and so comforting to be able to relax and enjoy this baby with our family close by. This whole journey has been a very emotional and rewarding experience.”

A Lifelong Health Partner

In addition to baby Teddy, Austin and Liz are the proud parents of three other children: seven-year-old Billy, five-year-old Claire, and three-year-old Olivia. Redeemer Health is honored to be such an important partner in the lives of Liz, Austin, and their children.

As with the Dalys, our caring and compassionate Redeemer family often has the privilege to nurture the health and well-being of generations of parents and children. We want to hear your story! Tell us how Redeemer Health has provided care and comfort to you and your family over the years.

William Scarlett, DO, MHCM, FACS, FACOS, has been named Executive Director of Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. 

In this role, effective as of March 2021, Dr. Scarlett provides administrative and strategic leadership for the entire cancer program at Redeemer Health and is responsible for overseeing daily management and coordination of the operations, including the provision of cancer-related services within all designated ambulatory sites. 

"Dr. Scarlett has a longstanding history of delivering quality care and using his expertise to humbly serve our community in key leadership roles," says Redeemer Health President and CEO Michael B. Laign. "We look forward to his continued contributions as the leader of our new cancer program - Redeemer Health in partnership with                  MD Anderson at Cooper."

Earlier this year, Redeemer Health and Cooper University Health Care announced a new partnership creating an integrated cancer program at Holy Redeemer Hospital that is overseen by MD Anderson at Cooper. The recently established cancer program allows Dr. Scarlett and other physicians to extend their outreach to more patients.

Currently, Dr. Scarlett serves as the Medical Director for Restorative Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Director of Surgical Services, and previously served as the Chair of Surgery at Holy Redeemer Hospital. Dr. Scarlett's many years of physician leadership experience and his passion for healthcare will benefit him in his new role.

Dr. Scarlett is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a general surgical residency at Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, and fellowship training in Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently received a master's degree in Healthcare Management from Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in May 2021.

About Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper 
In February 2021, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper and Redeemer Health formed a partnership to create an integrated cancer program at Holy Redeemer Hospital. Through this partnership, patients in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties have access to expert physicians, innovative cancer treatment, and clinical research from one of the region's leading cancer programs.

Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper takes a multidisciplinary, disease-site approach to cancer care, where experts from every area of cancer medicine work together to ensure each patient receives personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Clinical excellence, compassionate care, and a collaborative, disease-site-specific approach are the hallmarks of the program. In addition, we offer advanced care options, including teams specializing in breast, lung, gynecological, and gastrointestinal cancers.

For more information about our cancer program, visit redeemerhealth.org/MDAndersonatCooper or call 215-938-3555. 

The Signs and Symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease  is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily impacts dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Since there are no diagnostic tests available and symptoms develop slowly over years, Parkinson’s is difficult to diagnose early. In fact, physicians may not diagnose until the later stages, when symptoms become more apparent. Signs and symptoms may vary, but patients or their families often notice these common characteristics:

• Tremor or an involuntary shaking of a hand or foot when resting that often stops when active or moving
• Smaller handwriting
• Slow movement in the limbs, face, walking, or overall body, known as bradykinesia
• Limb rigidity, marked by stiffness in the arms, legs, or trunk that doesn’t go away as you move
• Posture instability that can cause gait or balance issues
• Trouble swallowing
• Speaking in a low or soft voice
• Feeling dizzy when you stand up

Parkinson ’s disease may also present non-motor symptoms, sometimes before motor or movement-related symptoms. These early signs may include:  

• Unexplained anxiety or depression
• Memory loss
• Ongoing constipation
• Sleep disorders or disturbances
• Loss of sense of smell

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms and have not yet been diagnosed with Parkinson ’s disease, talk to your primary care physician about your concerns and request a referral for a neurological exam.

Living with Parkinson’s Disease

While needs and disease progression vary from person to person, learning to manage symptoms when they arise will help you adapt and maintain your quality of life.  The most commonly asked questions from those newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease center around what to do next and how to prepare for the future. If you are a caregiver, you may be looking for advice and how to best assist your loved one.

Make Lifestyle Changes

Research suggests that exercise can help prevent or slow the progression of Parkinson’s. It can also help improve symptoms such as stiffness and balance problems. Exercise is also proven to reduce stress, and group activities can help you avoid feeling isolated. Having a diet with a variety of healthy food choices that include whole grains, high fiber, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables is beneficial for your overall health. Limit processed foods, sugar and your sodium intake. Work with your medical team and keep them apprised of any health changes.

Find Resources

Support from family and friends can be beneficial to help process your emotions and provide assistance with modifications you may need.  Support groups for patients and caregivers can help reduce stress, provide information on resources and be a source of encouragement. Find organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation that can provide information and connect you with resources.  

Prepare for the Future

In many cases, Parkinson’s disease can be managed with medications, and mobility won’t be an issue for many years. However, having the foresight to think about potential future needs will make situations easier when they arise. For example, is your bathroom accessible, can you install grab bars? Are there trip hazards in your home? Will your house accommodate a ramp?

When to Consider Home Care Services

The progression of Parkinson’s is different for each individual and as care needs change you should continually reevaluate your need for help. In late-stage Parkinson’s, many people need assistance with their own movements or activities of daily living. Home health aides can help with daily activities, however should symptoms become more limiting your physician may recommend skilled care in the home; nurses and physical therapists to help manage symptoms and improve mobility.

Redeemer Health Home Care specializes in helping patients and caregivers  manage complex and chronic diseases. Our team of clinicians can help Parkinson’s patients with symptom management and mobility.

If you have questions about  Redeemer Health Home Care please visit our website, redeemerhealth.org/homecare or call 888-678-8678.

As a service to the members of our Redeemer Health family who are military veterans, we are passing along information recently received from an advisory put out by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

First and foremost, the DMVA has found that veterans can be a target for scammers who are looking to profit from “helping” vets apply for benefits. In light of this danger, it’s important to know that free and safe assistance is available from any accredited Veteran Services Officer (VSO) to help veterans and their beneficiaries apply for veteran benefits.

There are over 200 accredited VSOs positioned across the commonwealth of PA which include:

• County Office of Veterans Affairs in all 67 counties
• Veteran Service Organizations that include The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and American Veterans PA
• PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

There are also claims agents and attorneys who are VA-accredited to file claims for federal benefits. If you wonder whether someone is VA-accredited, search their name at https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.

Finally, if you or someone you know suspects or has experienced a scam or fraud attempt related to any veteran benefit, report it immediately to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Military and Veterans Affairs section at (717) 783-1944, or by email to PAvets@attorneygeneral.gov, or online at www.attorneygeneral.gov.

Visit here for more information.

The English philosopher Francis Bacon once said, “Gardening is the purest of human pleasures.”

Now, researchers the world over can actually put science behind Bacon’s words uttered five centuries ago. Modern studies continue to find that gardening improves mood and self-esteem, fosters fellowship, and offers a respite from stress.

The recreation teams that organize leisure programs in the Redeemer Health Life Care communities of St. Joseph Manor and Lafayette, truly understand the essence of Bacon’s words and the validity of contemporary studies. Time and again, they see the priceless joy and connection that gardening brings to their residents. 

At St. Joseph Manor, residents can exercise their green thumb in a full-size, residential greenhouse that is attached to the community, as well as container gardens that adorn St. Joseph Manor’s beautiful courtyard. “It is lovely to see our residents tend to the plants and several of our gardens while enjoying the exercise that comes with gardening,” says Luljeta Muskaj, an activities coordinator at St. Joseph Manor.

While friendship and laughter blossoms in the greenhouse, so also does a cornucopia of good, wholesome food. “Residents have planted and grown eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, basil, parsley, and more. Once the vegetables grow, the residents get to enjoy the fruits of their labor by cooking the vegetables in dishes. In fact, they recently made eggplant parmesan,” enthusiastically declares Luljeta.

At Lafayette, residents cherish a thriving community garden that sits on the beautiful grounds of the community, which is surrounded by Pennypack Park. “Gardening, whether planting or just enjoying the atmosphere, cultivates a sense of community. The experience reminds a lot of our residents of fond gardening memories when they lived in their own homes, connecting their past to their present,” says Jillian Lockton, Manager of Wellness and Recreation at Lafayette.

Gardening is just one of the many life-enriching activities that Redeemer Life Care communities make available for residents. For more information about our Life Care communities, visit RedeemerHealth.org/lifecare.

As a registered nurse and leader of Redeemer Health Home Care, and as a child of parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia, Monica Castaño acutely understands how difficult it can be for underserved populations to access critical services and resources, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Nursing has always been my true calling, specifically in making a difference in underserved communities due to my own experience as an immigrant born to deaf parents,” says Monica. During the pandemic, her determination to help protect vulnerable populations led her to join forces with the NJ Medical Reserve Corps, a network of volunteers that provides critical support and services when a public health emergency occurs.

As a member of the Corps, Monica has been able to bring incredible peace of mind to people who otherwise may give up on vaccination due to inadequate childcare, lack of transportation, or competing time commitments. “With the tremendous pain and hurt caused by the pandemic, I was moved to see the outpouring of interest of those looking to be vaccinated in Trenton and how I have been able to help vaccinate the Hispanic population” she says.

Monica’s calling to help at-risk populations is truly an inspiration to her team. But it is not only they who recognize her kindness and compassion. Recently, Thomas Edison State University, where she is currently pursuing a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), honored Monica with a full-length feature about her humanitarianism and accomplished scholarship in its magazine, Invention.

Through it all, Monica remains humbled and appreciative. The well-being of her patients and the dedication of her team are never far from her heart. “What inspires me most is seeing the level of commitment my fellow Redeemer Health Home Care and Hospice colleagues have to delivering quality, safe care to our patients and members of our communities.”

For more information about Redeemer Health Home Care, visit RedeemerHealth.org.