SARA Companion Home Healthcare Services

On Friday, March 6th the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sara Training Center took place in Valley Stream. Sara Companion HomeCare Services is a licensed, bonded and insured home care agency servicing Nassau County and the 5 boroughs of New York (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx). SARA is offering the Department of Health approved Home Health Aide Training Program to interested students who qualify. SARA appreciates the opportunity to give bac...k to the community by providing educational and career opportunities for New Yorkers and the veteran community. The agency is currently working with representatives from Services for the Underserved and the United Veterans Beacon House to create the Heroes Care for Heroes program providing career opportunities for veterans as caregivers to their military brothers and sisters who need assistance. Who better than a veteran to understand the needs of those who served their country? SARA is proud to be producing the next generation of home health aides. The benefits of this program are multi-faceted - they will be providing a community service by educating new home health aides and there will also be job opportunities for graduates who meet the stringent standards of being a SARA (Skilled Attentive Reliable Assistant). Their goal is to produce the highest quality, empathetic and skilled aides in the Home Care industry. By doing so they will be able to continue to provide elite home care in addition to the concierge services of SARA’s in-house team that clients have come to expect from SARA. The SARA Training Center will also offer programs for Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants and HHAs with expired or out-of-state certificates to receive the training they need to become current NYS Certified Home Health Aides. Students who are interested in applying to the HHA Training program should call the SARA offices at 516-837-3388, https://www.saracompanions.com/sara-training-center/ or email [email protected] for complete details. Note: there is a total cost of $100 for materials and logistics for students who take the program.

Happy Veterans Day from SARA. Many of our clients have been veterans and appreciate so much the sacrifices they made during war and peace to protect and serve. "Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace dead or alive although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices." - defense.gov Enjoy tonight's History Channel Special at 10 EST - Variety Salute to Service. ... For veteran's resources please visit our website at https://www.saracompanions.com/veterans-resources-and-home/. And of course to find out more about our home care services, contact SARA at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #veteransresources

In times of crisis, we look for comfort and happiness. And what better way to feel good then to create something. You don't need talent or money to create. For the upcoming holiday season there are so many ways to give to others plus enjoy life at the same time by creating something. > Paint or Draw and share your pictures with the ones you love.... > Find a way to support a charity with a creative fun event online - a mini-talent show, a fund-raising party, an educational session, etc. >Knit a scarf, make a board game for children, string some beads, build something simple. >Create a Tiktok for fun, sing, dance, share memories with your family, put together all those family pictures and create a video. As you create joy for others, you create joy for yourself! For this reason, SARA encourages all our caregivers to engage with our clients' interests. Life is better when you share fun things. For more information about SARA's care services, contact us at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #seniorcreativity

Some positive news about the fight against Alzheimer's disease. According to Alzheimer's & Dementia Weekly a new blood test is now available that detects Alzheimer's. "Blood Test Finally Available to Diagnose Alzheimer's DIAGNOSIS: A highly sensitive blood test has reached the market that can identify whether it is likely a patient has amyloid plaques in the brain, or not. Amyloid plaques are among the strongest pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.... Based on data from 686 patients older than 60 years of age with subjective cognitive impairment or dementia, the PrecivityAD test correctly identified brain amyloid plaque status (as determined by quantitative amyloid PET scans) in 86% of the patients." While a test is not a cure, it is a step in the right direction. If you are currently caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer's or dementia, SARA can help. Many of our caregivers have special training and would be able to assist you with all your home health care needs. Contact SARA at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #alzheimertest

Let go of all of the stress of the week and find some time to get outside and enjoy nature and the simpler things in life. Explore new places and try new hobbies. Relax. If you or a loved need assistance with getting around, one of our kind and compassionate SARA caregivers can help. Contact us at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. ... Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion

Stressed and need to relax. Not everyone likes to meditate so try participating in fun activities. Activities are important for seniors well-being and can help keep minds sharp and fingers nimble plus be a great source of exercise. Seniors living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can especially benefit from activities.... According to Daily Caring, "Being happily engaged in a satisfying activity reduces agitation, anxiety, depression, and anger. It may even reduce challenging behaviors like sundowning or reduce the need for medication....That’s why failure-free activities for people with dementia are so important they’ll always be successful, no matter what." Avoid activities that cause frustration because they are too difficult for seniors with dementia. SARA has always supported senior activities. That is one reason why we encourage our home health aides to participate and help our clients enjoy activities. For more information about our home care services, contact SARA at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #senioractivities

November is National Caregiver Month when we honor family caregivers, home health aides, nurses and all other healthcare professionals who provide care to loved ones. 2020 has certainly been a challenging year for everyone, especially these heroes who provide care and comfort to the most vulnerable population. If you would like to learn more about our home care services, please contact SARA at 516-837-3388 or [email protected].... Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion

The day has come that many Americans have been waiting for - it's your turn to make your voice count. Vote! A little inspiration! "Somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the world." Roald Dahl... "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting." Franklin D. Roosevelt "Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world." Sharon Salzberg "This right to vote is the basic right without which all others are meaningless. It gives people, people as individuals, control over their own destinies." Lyndon B. Johnson If you would like to learn more about SARA's home care services, contact us at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion

What is Shadowing? Angela Lunde, a Mayo Clinic expert on Alzheimer’s Disease, describes shadowing as when the person with dementia attempts to keep his or her caregiver in their sight at all times, following them like a small child would his or her parent. Shadowing can have the Alzheimer’s caregiver feeling smothered and their personal space feeling violated.... It arises from the fear of being alone. Shadowing can be reduced in a number of ways: 1) Make them feel safe and secure 2) Give your loved one a repetitive activity to keep them busy 3) Widen the circle of trusted people 4) Distract and redirect the behavior 5) Help them understand how long you will be gone 6) Make a recording of yourself to keep them company SARA caregivers are trained to handle many issues that arise when taking care of people living with Alzheimer's and dementia. If you need professional home care services for a loved one, contact SARA at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #shadowingalzheimers Photo courtesy Amoon Ra on Unsplash.

Don't forget to change the clocks Saturday night before going to bed for Daylight Savings Time. Be careful while driving since it will get dark one hour earlier. Also, watch out for children running in the street on October 31st between houses.... Finally, SARA hopes you have a wonderful weekend. If you need our help, just reach out to 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion

Happy Birthday to our HR/Compliance Manager, Jessica. Jessica and her team screen all home health aides, make sure that they are compliant by NYS Dept of Health rules and that they meet the high standards needed to qualify as a SARA. Wishing you a wonderful day, Jessica.... _________________________________________________________ For more information about SARA home care services, contact us at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion

MoCA stands for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, not a delicious beverage. According to Daily Caring it is a short "30 point test that takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require the doctor to have any special training. The MoCA usually tests these cognitive areas:... >Ability to process & understand visual information about where objects are >Executive functions ability to manage cognitive processes >Language >Short-term memory recall >Attention >Concentration >Working memory" MoCA is a more sensitive cognitive test than the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) which is more commonly given by doctors to patients showing signs of cognitive impairment when they screen for Alzheimer's disease or dementia. At SARA, many of our home health aides have been trained in the proper methods to care for those people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. For more information, contact us at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #alzheimer #dementia

As the number of coronavirus positives continue to tick up in New York and people are spending more times indoors, safety precautions around the most vulnerable people, our senior population is even more important. Tips on how to stay involved when you can't physically spend time with a loved one: > Drop off essential items at their home... > Surprise them with a special gift that will keep them busy > Deliver their favorite meals > Keep in touch often by "window" visiting, phone calls and technology >Mail cards or letters with photos and mementos >If you have a caregiver in the home, keep in touch to see how Mom or Dad are doing For the sandwich generation with children and parents who need care, keep seniors safe by hiring a dedicated professional home care aide. Did you know that SARA has introduced a SAFE WATCH program for 24/7 care for those who need it? The caregiver can make sure Mom or Dad is safe all week with a dedicated aide in the home. For more information, contact us at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #safewatch

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close it is the perfect time to do a self-exam or schedule your appointment for a mammography. AARP discusses 2 medical breakthroughs for Breast Cancer: > "Aromatase inhibitors (which reduce estrogen), used to prevent recurrence, may prevent breast cancer from developing in the first place.... > An immuno-therapy drug, atezolizumab, is being tested in combination with chemotherapy as a new line of treatment for hard-to-treat "triple negative" cancers." If you or a loved one are recovering from an operation or need some assistance at home due to medical treatments, SARA can provide care at home. Contact us at 516-387-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #breastcancerawareness

Team Sports are great exercise, build friendships and foster co-operation with others. But injuries, especially concussions, can have long term effects leading to motor-skill issues and possible dementia symptoms later in life. "Even when you are symptom-free (from a concussion), your brain may still not be back to normal," says Dr. Maryse Lassonde, a neuropsychologist and the scientific director of the Quebec Nature and Technologies Granting Agency. "That tells you that firs...t of all, concussions lead to attention problems, which we can see using sophisticated techniques such as the EEG," says Lassonde. "This may also lead to motor problems in young athletes." The long-term effects in older former athletes are even more persistent. By studying older athletes who suffered their last concussion 30 years earlier, and comparing them to healthy peers who had not experienced concussions, Lassonde discovered those who had suffered a head trauma had memory and attention deficits and motor problems similar to the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Further testing of these older athletes turned up a thinning of the cortex in the same regions of the brain that Alzheimer's disease usually affects. "This thinning correlated with memory decline and attention decline," Lassonde says. - Alzheimer's/Dementia Weekly SARA's caregivers are trained to work with people with Alzheimer's and dementia. If you need assistance for a loved one, please contact us at 516-837-3388 or [email protected]. Experience the SARA Difference: Client Concierge Services - Elite Home Care Specialists in Alzheimer's/Dementia Care 516-837-3388 https://www.saracompanions.com/ #homecare #saracompanion #concussions Photo courtesy of Chris Chow on Unsplash