Visit Redeemer Health's Newsroom to learn all about our new doctors and practices, and our recent patient safety awards!
Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper earned a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Cancer, a quality program affiliated with the American College of Surgeons. Qualifying for “Comprehensive Community Cancer Program” accreditation means it meets 34 quality care standards and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.
Accreditation provides focus on quality for cancer prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease, and end-of-life care, explained William Scarlett, DO, Sr. VP of Cancer Care at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper, and Medical Director of Health Care Delivery at Holy Redeemer Hospital. “As an accredited center, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care,” he said.
This achievement also gives patients access to information about clinical trials and new treatments. Included are genetic counseling, psycho-social support, a patient navigation process, and a survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives.
Stroke is a serious and often life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer from a stroke every year, and every 3.5 minutes, one person dies from a stroke.
Approximately 80% of all strokes are caused by lifestyle choices.
Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs and risk factors for stroke, as well as dietary changes and other steps you can take to help reduce your risk.
Know the Warning Signs
Every second counts when it comes to treating a stroke. Early intervention can prevent permanent brain damage and other complications. If you suspect a stroke is happening to you or someone you love, call 911 immediately.
Look at the time of onset and use the B.E.F.A.S.T. test (below) to help remember the warning signs of stroke:
Know the Risk Factors
Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, obesity, physical inactivity, family history of stroke, and age (those over age 55 have a higher risk).
Other factors that may increase the likelihood of stroke include atrial fibrillation, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), certain medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, and the use of certain medications.*
*The benefits of certain medications may outweigh the potential risks. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding medication changes or adjustments.
A Healthy Diet and Physical Activity Can Lower Your Risk
Eating a healthy diet and making healthy choices, such as choosing fruits and vegetables, limiting processed and high-fat foods, and limiting alcohol consumption, can help lower your risk of stroke.
In addition, being active for a minimum of 30 minutes every day can help control blood pressure, increase good cholesterol, and make your heart stronger. Physical activity also makes your blood vessels more flexible and reduces the chance of having a stroke.
Making Small Changes Now is Worth it for a Lifetime of Better Health Later!
Not only during Stroke Awareness Month, but all year long – make your health a priority. A healthy lifestyle not only promotes overall well-being and improves quality of life, but it can also be life-saving.
Talk to your doctor about lifestyle choices that can help prevent stroke from happening in the future.
To find a Redeemer Health family doctor or primary care physician, visit the Redeemer Health website.
MEADOWBROOK, Pa. – May. 3, 2023 – Holy Redeemer Hospital received an “A” grade for hospital safety for the eighth time in a row from the Leapfrog Group. The spring 2023 grade reveals high achievements in staff and leadership working together to prevent errors, communication with nurses, and safe medication administration. The hospital has scored an “A” every semiannual cycle since fall 2019.
According to the Leapfrog Group, Holy Redeemer Hospital is among only 29% of hospitals nationwide to achieve an "A" grade this spring. There were only 59 hospitals to achieve an "A" in Pennsylvania. Scores are based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, infections, and harm prevention.
“At the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “But this hospital received an ‘A’ despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers and clinicians who together made that possible.”
According to William Scarlett, DO, MHCM, FACS, FACOS, Senior Vice President Cancer Care and Health Care Delivery at Redeemer Health, “Maintaining high scores in error prevention and medication administration over a long period of time reflects a culture of safety. This reveals the ongoing commitment made by every teammate in our hospital.”
The Leapfrog Group, an independent national organization, assigns letter grades to hospitals across the country based on more than 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. According to the Leapfrog Group, its hospital safety grade is the only ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. An “A” is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients, according to the Leapfrog Group.
“Our continued success in patient safety is celebrated at Redeemer Health,” said Jeanette Teets, VP and Chief Quality, Safety and Reliability Officer. “This level of high performance is evidence of our focus and responsiveness from everyone, every day.”
Moving into a senior living community apartment is a great way to enjoy the rewards of retirement. From having access to social activities and amenities, to gaining peace of mind knowing there is help nearby if needed, seniors who make the move are often surprised by just how much they love and benefit from their new home.
Enjoying Companionship
Making friends contributes to our well-being. Seniors who live at a senior living community can connect with peers who have similar interests through various fun activities like art, games, and fitness programs.
Boosting Wellness
Senior living communities can help to foster better physical and mental health for residents. On-site medical care is readily accessible, in addition to fitness centers and classes promoting a healthy lifestyle. Residents enjoy staying active, engaged, socializing with peers, and staying independent for longer.
Gaining Peace of Mind
Many senior living communities have secure entrances and staff available day and night. Additional features like emergency call buttons, ramps, elevators, and grab bars provide extra peace of mind for residents and their families. Some communities also offer transportation services to residents for nearby shopping and doctor’s appointments. These features ensure safety and comfort to all residents.
Eliminating Home Maintenance and Its Costs
Senior living communities typically offer fixed monthly fees that include a wide range of services and amenities. This can be a huge relief for seniors who are tired of managing multiple bills and expenses each month. In addition, moving into a senior living community means there are no more home maintenance costs—which can be a large expense for seniors who live in homes that require frequent upkeep and repairs. Residents can enjoy greater security knowing their home is kept up-to-date with no additional effort or cost required!
Enjoying a Worry-free Lifestyle
Moving into a senior living community can be a very rewarding experience. With so much provided under one roof, residents can enjoy more time doing what they love. Additionally, the sense of security and fellowship provided by being part of a larger community is priceless.
Ultimately, a senior living community offers many benefits that can help enhance life during retirement, making it a sensible and worthy choice to consider.
It's All Right Here at Lafayette
A Redeemer Health senior living community, Lafayette offers all of the benefits described in this article—and more!
The community is located in Fox Chase, a neighborhood featuring tree-lined streets and beautiful green spaces. In fact, one of the many perks of living at Lafayette is the stunning views of Pennypack Park that residents can enjoy year-round.
Lafayette offers stylish, newly renovated apartments and a lively social atmosphere with a full calendar of activities, programs, and events. In addition, the community takes care of chores like housekeeping and linen service while offering many on-site conveniences such as a country store, bank, beauty salon/barber shop, and health care services.
Lafayette is perfect for seniors who want a worry-free lifestyle. Learn more today! Schedule a tour or speak with a residential sales coordinator now. Call 215-214-5877 or visit redeemerhealth.org/LafayetteLiving.
The earliest generation of Redeemer Health caregivers were our founding Sisters, who came to America to care, comfort, and heal the sick and poor in their homes. We are still answering that calling today, with nurses, therapists and home health aides following the compassionate example set by the Sisters nearly 100 years ago.
Our skilled professionals bring comfort, compassion, safety, and trust to each family we serve—all in the comforts of your own home. With our services, you will find nurses, therapists, and home health aides who provide skilled nursing, disease and pain management, wound care, and rehabilitative services. The key is knowing what type of home care to ask your doctor about. Here’s a quick tutorial:
Wherever you choose to get your home care services, be sure they focus on your overall health, medical history, abilities, lifestyle, goals, and other factors—all the things that make each patient unique. Now that you’re better informed, do you believe home care or hospice care can help you or a loved one? We’re happy to answer your questions. Please call 888-678-8678 or read more here.
Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in both men and women over 45? Knowing the facts about early diagnosis and treatment, as well having conversations with your family or primary care doctor about screenings, are two important steps you can take to help reduce risk.
Tips to lower your risk
Living a healthy lifestyle can help decrease your chances of developing colorectal cancer. This includes taking steps like:
Additionally, if you have family members diagnosed with colorectal cancer or certain inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (especially over age 45), be aware that this could put you at greater risk - so take extra care!
Know the signs and symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
If you have any of these symptoms that last more than 4 weeks, it is important to consult your family doctor or primary care physician.
Screenings play an important role in the detection of colorectal cancer
Talk with your doctor about which is the best colorectal cancer screening for you. Tests that are used to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum, tests that can detect hidden blood in the stool, or screenings that can identify genetic changes in the cells of the colon could all be possibilities, depending on your age and other individual risk factors.
Take control of your colorectal health
Your family doctor or primary care physician can help you understand your risk factors and what you can do to protect yourself from colorectal cancer. They can also provide guidance on when you should get screened. Don't wait until something is wrong to see your doctor – make sure you stay on top of your colorectal health and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're doing everything you can to protect yourself.
To find a Redeemer Health family doctor or primary care physician, call 800-818-4747 or visit the Redeemer Health website.
Redeemer Health Support at Home received the distinguished 2023 Best of Home Care - Leader in Experience Award from HCP, the leading firm in experience management for home care. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by HCP and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics.
As a Leader in Experience, Redeemer Health Support at Home is now recognized among the 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide HCP Experience Management Program. Both clients and caregivers were interviewed by HCP and they consistently offered high satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, and more.
Visit here to learn more about Redeemer Health Support at Home.
The extraordinary care delivered in the Senior Behavioral Health Unit (SBHU) at Holy Redeemer Hospital resulted in a donation from a grateful family. Their philanthropy, in turn, has brought music to patients' ears. The family of a former patient made it possible to stream music in all SBHU inpatient rooms. Now it's as easy as saying "play Frank Sinatra" and Fly Me to the Moon will fill a patient's room with magical melodies and memories.
Go no further than a quick Google search to find reams of research that support music's therapeutic benefits:
Music's profound effects on us are physical, psychological, cognitive and social. And now it's available in the SBHU space with a simple voice prompt. The goal of the installation was to enhance a patient's ability to be in an environment of their own choice, creating their own experiences and evoking meaningful memories. Said the grateful family about their donation: "(We) wish the music to bring a bit of peace in your soul and to comfort you."
Each patient room has been outfitted with ADA-compliant controls for music selection and volume, as well as integration with patient hearing aids. The common rooms in the unit also now have 60-inch televisions with Bluetooth headphones for patients.
It's often a privilege to care for someone you love. Unfortunately, the challenges of being a primary caregiver can be emotionally taxing. You may feel uncomfortable asking for help. Or you may have to deal with complicated family dynamics surrounding caregiving decisions. Not to mention financial challenges that may accompany the responsibilities of caregiving.
Well, you're not alone. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, about 44 million people in the United States are unpaid caregivers. So, in recognition of National Caregivers Day, on Feb. 17, we're sharing our best tips on coping with the emotional challenges of being a caregiver.
We want you to remain healthy throughout your caregiving journey, and the following nine tips will help you do just that!
Get Regular Exercise
It's no great secret that regular exercise has tremendous benefits. As a caregiver, being physically active will help you manage your weight, reduce disease risk, and strengthen your muscles and bones while improving cognitive function. The key to an effective exercise routine is finding an activity you enjoy and that fits your schedule.
Spend Time in Nature
One way to stay physically active is by spending time in nature. Weather and time permitting, you can try walking in the park, hiking, or biking. Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that spending time in nature helps lower heart disease risk, combat depression, and improve sleep.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Like regular exercise, nutritious food strengthens the body and mind. Eat balanced meals, which include plenty of fruits and veggies, and swap fatty foods with leaner options.
Hydrating is also important. Staying hydrated will help relieve fatigue, control hunger, and maintain cognitive function.
Get Your Sleep
In addition to a nutritious diet and regular exercise, prioritizing sleep will help you function better during the day. But as a caregiver, this may be easier said than done. After all, about 50 to 70 million people living in the U.S. have trouble getting enough sleep, per the NIH.
If sleep is hard to come by, try adopting relaxation techniques in addition to a healthy diet and workout routine. Additionally, you can consult with your doctor on ways to help improve your sleep.
Devote Time Each Day to Relaxation
As a caregiver, carving out time for relaxation is an absolute must.
Do you have a go-to hobby? If not, consider reading, gardening, painting, cooking, learning to play an instrument, doing yoga, hiking, or biking. These are just a few relaxing activities that can greatly reduce stress.
Seek Community with Others
Being a caregiver can sometimes result in unwittingly neglecting the companionship of others.
"Maintaining relationships with others creates a support system that lifts you up," says Tina O'Neill, Personal Care Social Worker at Lafayette, a Redeemer Health senior living community.
Avoid the company of energy vampires or negative people who can emotionally drain you. Joining a caregiving support group can be a great gift as you can share fellowship with others who experience the challenges of being a caregiver.
"Knowing that you're not alone in how you're feeling is just such a relief to most people," says Tina. "If you're really feeling at the end of your rope, meeting people in the same situation through a support group, whether formal or informal, is really important."
You can find support groups by contacting the Alzheimer's Association. Senior community centers and local houses of worship are also good ways to connect with sources that provide support groups for caregivers.
Keep a Journal
Penning a journal can be especially beneficial. You can actively work through challenging emotions while acknowledging and celebrating the golden moments.
"Journaling is also really good because it gives you a chance to put on paper what you might be afraid to say to or about somebody," says Tina.
Plan for the Future
O'Neil suggests planning for the future as far in advance as possible by setting up a living will and having a power of attorney in place. Being properly prepared will ease stress for caregivers, especially in an emergency.
Don't Be So Hard on Yourself
Like many caregivers, you may feel you must do everything yourself – and perfectly. This perfectionist mindset may lead to guilt or frustration when an inevitable mishap occurs. So the best thing you can do is forgive yourself. After all, you're human, and nobody's perfect. Most importantly, you're doing the best you can.
Also, remember that it's always ok to ask for help. Having a healthy support system, be it a support group, friends, or family, can do wonders to alleviate the stress of caregiving.
Help for When You Need a Little More Endurance
Redeemer Health welcomes caregivers to learn about the many services we offer that help soothe the challenges of caregiving.
From short-term recovery to comfort during advanced illness, Redeemer Health Home Care provides compassionate care for patients and their families throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Moreover, our Support at Home services just received the distinguished 2023 Best of Home Care - Leader in Experience Award from HCP, the leading firm in experience management for home care.
Redeemer Health also offers comforting accommodations for personal care (similar to assisted living), memory care and long-term care in our Lafayette or St. Joseph Manor senior living communities.
And, if caregivers should need to be out of town for a few nights, or are planning a well-deserved vacation, the respite care program at our senior living communities provides short-stay lodging and care to those who need assistance with everyday tasks. More information about respite care is available by calling 215-214-2877.
To every caregiver—thank you for all you do. On National Caregivers Day—and every day—we honor and acknowledge the loving and selfless care you provide.
Ask Brandi Michalenicz how she’s doing, and she’ll say, "Livin' the dream."
Her response speaks to the strength and resilience of her spirit. Just a few short months ago, the 33-year-old couldn’t lift her head or move her arms and legs—and it wasn’t clear she ever would again.
She found help from an unexpected source: Little Flower Manor, a skilled nursing facility in Darby, part of Redeemer Health.
A special education teacher at MaST Community Charter School in Northeast Philadelphia, she took students on a field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo on the Thursday before Memorial Day. On Friday, Michalenicz was at home cleaning and doing errands. She sent her one-year-old daughter, Arwen, off to daycare, and by noon, she had cleaned her home and done the grocery shopping. That’s when she noticed it.
“All of a sudden, my legs started feeling very heavy,” she says. “I just thought it was muscle fatigue from walking around the zoo all day.”
Saturday came. Her legs were heavier. So were her arms. She knew this was more than tired muscles. “I teach, so I’m active all day,” she says. “A field trip really should not have exhausted me that much.” By Sunday she couldn’t carry her daughter upstairs for a diaper change.
A Monday visit to urgent care showed only a slightly elevated white blood cell count.
On Tuesday, she didn’t feel safe making the long drive to work from her home in Clifton Heights, Delaware County. It wasn’t getting better. It was actually getting worse. She and her husband made a trip to the ER, and the hospital kept her overnight for observation. Michalenicz was at a loss. “I’m very healthy. I’ve never even had the flu. I don’t get sick.”
The next day, she underwent a nerve conduction study, which measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. The doctor said without hesitation, “You have Guillain-Barre.” Michalenicz’s first question: “What’s Guillain-Barre?” She learned that the myelin sheath around her nerves was coming undone. Guillain-Barre (gee-YAHN-buh-RAY) syndrome is a rare disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves.
That night, Michalenicz was started on intravenous immunotherapy. She would have five nights of treatment at a hospital. “When I woke up Saturday morning, I could not get out of bed,” Michalenicz says. “It was horrifying.” She finished treatment, but her condition continued to worsen. “My arms got to a point where I couldn’t move them,” she says. “I couldn’t lift my neck.”
On the last day of the second round of infusions, Michalenicz woke to find she could shake her foot. “After a month of not being able to move, shaking my foot was astronomical,” she says. “I very slowly started getting better.” Still, she couldn’t go home. The answer: a skilled nursing facility.
When the hospital social worker gave her a list of facilities, she saw that Little Flower Manor is in Darby, only seven minutes from her home. Her husband could easily visit and bring Arwen. And it was among the highest rated on her list. Her decision was made.
In the midst of her ordeal, Michalenicz received additional news: She was pregnant.
Little Flower Manor’s chief administrative officer Rosemary Port, RN, remembers when Michalenicz arrived. “She couldn’t take herself to the bathroom, she couldn’t hold the utensils, everything was so heavy for her,” says Port. “She was so weak, and she was also pregnant. We had two lives we were concerned about.”
Michalenicz wasn’t a typical patient for Little Flower Manor. “You don’t expect somebody so young in a nursing facility,” Port says. “Our average age is 82.” Nonetheless, she says, “We broadened our scope for her, and I’m glad that we did. We had to help.”
Port adds, “Our mission is to take care of people. And Brandi’s from our neighborhood. That’s what community is all about.” While she had concerns about Michalenicz’s condition, she also had confidence in her team. “I had no doubt that, if given the chance, they could get her back with her family,” she says.
She credits the talent of her therapy team. When Michalenicz arrived, they got right to work. The first step was trying to get sensation back in her legs, Port says. They used a machine called a TRAM (transfer and mobility device) that lifts and supports patients while simulating walking. “We couldn’t go very far at first, but she felt elated that she was actually on her feet again,” Port recalls. “She was dressed in her regular clothes and she had sneakers on, and to her that was huge progress. I think just seeing that there was potential gave her hope.”
Once Michalenicz started to progress, there was no turning back. “Every week, she got stronger and stronger,” Port says. “It was amazing. Once she hit her stride and we saw her walk about 50 feet, everything started coming back. Nobody was more determined than Brandi,” she says. “She had a quiet strength about her.”
“They were amazing,” Michalenicz says. “They were so encouraging. When you have somebody else cheering for you, it’s so much easier.”
When she left Little Flower at the end of a month, Michalenicz could walk 150 feet with the help of a walker, dress herself, and get into a car. “She looked great,” Port says. “She was doing wonderfully when she left.”
Michalenicz has continued to progress at home. “I have to plan out how many times I’m going to do the steps in a day. I have difficulty crouching down. I’m not going to be doing any squats anytime soon,” she says. But those minor limitations are eclipsed by enormous milestones like returning to work. “I’m cleaning the whole house,” she says. “I’m going grocery shopping. I’m driving—which was a big thing. I’m lifting Arwen. I remember when I couldn’t lift a piece of paper, and now I’m lifting my 25-pound child.”
She credits faith and prayer with getting her through. She also credits her own fortitude, along with the encouragement and talent she found at Little Flower Manor.
“We got her home,” says Port. “And I can’t tell you what a morale booster it was for us to be able to do that. She just had this quiet courage and strength about her, and we all appreciated that,” Port says. “They looked to her as a role model.” She is somebody we will remember for quite some time. She gave us a lot, maybe even a little bit more than we gave her.”
Call 610-534-6000 or visit here to learn more about Little Flower Manor.