Donate Life!

April is National Donate Life Month! This years’ theme is: “Life is a beautiful ride”, and the bicycle has been chosen as its symbol to represent the cyclical journey of organ donation and renewed life.

Home Health and Hospice providers, see firsthand the tremendous need there is for organ donation, and how many lives can be saved through a single lifesaving gift. For many Home Health and Hospice patients suffering from advanced kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure, the only hope for recovery an organ transplant. The need for more donors is staggering. According to national statistics:

  • Approximately 114,000 men, women, and children are on the national transplant waiting list.

  • Every 10 minutes another person is added to the national waiting list.

  • 22 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time.

  • 82% of patients waiting are in need of a kidney.

  • 95% of Americans are in favor of organ donation, but only 58% are registered.

  • One person can donate up to 8 lifesaving organs.

How you can get involved:

  • Spread the word about donation through your social media outlets. Check current organ donor data before posting: https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/data/

  • Sponsor a registration drive at local colleges in your service area.

  • Offer to speak at local churches on the importance of donation. Provide disease specific information like kidney, liver, heart, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that describe the support Home Health and Hospice can provide to patients and their families.

  • Partner with your referral network on Friday April 12th, Blue and Green Day, and organize a bike ride to raise awareness for organ donation.

  • Visit UNOS* to learn the facts and see how you can make a difference.

  • Register to be an organ donor: www.organdonor.gov    

 Visit Tagwebstore.com for your Home Health and Hospice patient education materials.

*United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the private, non-profit organization that manages the nation’s organ transplant system under contract with the federal government.

Manage your Stress ... be Healthier

Living with a chronic illness certainly takes a toll on a person’s physical wellbeing, but it also does a number on their mental wellbeing. The activities of daily living (ADL) can become overwhelming obstacles for those suffering with chronic illness. The mental effect of needing assistance with the basic activities of daily living, coupled with the demands it makes on family members, can be a major source of stress for everyone involved. Finding ways to relieve that stress will not only improve the body’s responsiveness to medical treatment, but will improve quality of life. Here are some relaxation techniques you might consider:

  • Meditate

  • Perform visualization

  • Practice deep breathing

  • Have a go at yoga

  • Listen to music

  • Go for a walk

  • Try aromatherapy

  • Get a massage  

  • Take up a hobby

  • Read a book

  • Visit the Spa

Spend time with friends (especially those that make you laugh)

A good first step to help patients reduce stress and improve their quality of life is to refer to home health and hospice.  Patients receive high quality care in the serenity and comfort of their homes, which reduces both apprehension and stress.

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Maximize your marketing throughout the month by emphasizing the comfort and convenience of home care.  

Spread the word:

  • Post about stress management and relaxation techniques on your social media outlets throughout the month.

  • Visit your referral sources and provide information on coping with chronic illness they can share with their patients.

  • Make life a little easier for the clinicians in your service area by distributing discharge planner brochures with solutions for post hospital care.

  • Partner with local alternative healers in your community and host a mini fair at senior centers throughout your community. Have your PTs and OTs demonstrate safe exercises that can help with mobility and in turn reduce stress.

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