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Screenings Best Way to Prevent Colon Cancer

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New Jersey Senior Care News

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer among men and women in the U.S. (after lung cancer).  More than 140,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer were diagnosed in 2010 and more than 50,000 deaths were attributed to these cancers.

And yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 60 percent of these deaths could have been prevented with regular screenings.

The good news is that regular screenings can save lives.  The bad news is that while many in recent years have become aware of the tests to prevent or catch the disease in its early stages, the disease’s high incidence and mortality rates would indicate that many are still avoiding them.

Colorectal cancer usually starts with polyps in the colon or rectum, abnormal but benign growths that if left untreated can turn into cancer. A painless test called a colonoscopy, performed under sedation, can help find and remove the polyps.  In a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and cancer.

The recommended guidelines call for screenings to begin at age 50 and continue every 10 years – as more than 90 percent of people with colorectal cancer are first diagnosed after age 50, with 72 the average age of diagnosis. More frequent tests may be recommended for those with a history of polyps or who have a higher risk for the disease.  This would include those with a family history of colorectal cancer or a genetic disposition, a condition (such as Crohn’s) that causes inflammation of the colon, and cigarette smokers.  Some studies suggest that diets high in fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium, folate and fiber may also increase the risk. Yet, the most effective way to reduce the risk is by following the guidelines and having colonoscopy screenings.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer are often not apparent.  Those that are include blood in or on your stool; persistent stomach aches or cramps; constipation or diarrhea; and loss of weight.

Posted by: David Goodman, President of  Expert Home Care in New Jersey, which provides outstanding, reliable home health care and senior care for the elderly, helping them with their daily activities for 27 years!  Call us at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Ask for your Free Home Care Consultation (a $375 value!).

Home Health Care in New Jersey – Choosing the Right Kind of Care

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The search for a home health care or live in care professional in New Jersey can be a trying experience. It is not because there are few individuals available, far from it, in fact. The process is difficult, though, because it is often up to family members to determine the type of care necessary for their loved one. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to consider whether your loved one is in need of a caregiver or companion that will be able to visit from time to time – or – one that will be available around the clock.

The solution that is correct for one individual may not be correct for another, so it is always important to consider your family member’s needs when choosing a home health care professional. You need to take the time to consider the level of care necessary. A licensed and certified professional that visits from time to time may be helpful for some needs, but other individuals may need a live in care professional to help them around the clock. Determining the level of care necessary for your loved one should be done early, since finding a home health  aide or companion with whom the client feels comfortable may be a process unto itself.

If you have a family member in New Jersey that needs some help, it is important to make sure that they have the right kind of care. Home health care aides and companions that come to the home can be invaluable for those that are unable or unwilling to receive facility care and choosing a qualified, professional caregiver can greatly improve the comfort and health of your loved one. Also remember, the home care agency you choose should always be licensed or certified in New Jersey, which will give you confidence your family member will receive the highest level of care possible.

 

Getting Quality Home Health Care In New Jersey: Ask The Right Questions

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For many New Jersey families the choice of providing live in care for an elderly family member is a much preferred option since home health care provides many obvious benefits for the client as well as the family when compared to a nursing home. The real challenge is choosing an agency who is competent, trustworthy, and caring. This is not a babysitting job, as the client will have very specific medical needs and the caregiver must be ultra-attentive to them. At the very least, this caregiver will need to know how to provide companionship, monitor medications, assist with personal grooming and meal preparation and perform other tasks relating to activities of daily living. Many states require home health care providers to be licensed or certified, but regardless of state requirements, a concerned family member should have very stringent standards when vetting caregivers. Thankfully, there are reputable NJ home care agencies using the best standardized screening procedures available to provide you with these experienced and skilled professionals.

Why Do This All By Yourself When You Do Not Have To?  

Obviously proper screening is essential, but how does one go about it? Even if a prospective caregiver hands over a stack of references and credentials, how do you know if these items are adequate or authentic? You need to have a thorough verification process in place to make sure the person is legitimate and trustworthy, but in reality, most people are not qualified to do this. Even the most resourceful and intelligent person would need some help, especially if this is the first time he or she has ever had to perform this task. Fortunately, there are agencies in New Jersey who specialize in hiring qualified, experienced care providers so that all you have to do is evaluate the company itself.

Now You Need to Choose the Right Company

When choosing a home health care agency, it is important to scrutinize the company’s history and procedures. A truly exceptional agency will only employ Registered Nurse (RN) supervisors and certified aides who pass thorough background screenings and skill assessments, and they will use standardized procedures to ensure that all employees will provide a consistent level of care. Additionally, the agency will handle all of the business management paperwork like payroll and tax forms and bonding. Most importantly, the best home health agencies provide personalized care that fits the client’s needs. This is especially important with patients who suffer from illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease or terminal illnesses because the provider’s skill set should include experience with the specific physical, mental, and emotional features of such conditions.

When you are considering a home health agency, be sure to ask up front about the company’s certifications and licenses and its screening procedures. Make sure that the company requires its nurse supervisors to have state licensing (RN) and that home health aides are supervised by them. The company should also make sure that the providers have appropriate insurance and bonding. Rest assured that your loved one will receive the best possible care if you ask the right questions when evaluating New Jersey home health care agencies.