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Supporting the Family in the Last Days of Life
The simple gestures are the ones that Chris Krebs still remembers. The back rubs and gentle words from Carroll Hospice’s staff as they positioned her mother each hour. The Big Band CDs at Dove House that she was able to play for her father. The respite care that allowed her to recharge and sleep in her own bed.
Farmers Markets
With the arrival of warmer weather comes the influx of late spring and summer fruits and vegetables.
Next Thursday, June 22, marks the opening of the Carroll Hospital Farmers Market, so stop by from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. to stock up on fresh veggies!
Why shop at a farmers market?
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Watermelon is a delicious, healthful choice for summer, and its sweet taste can satisfy any sweet tooth. Watermelon is 92 percent water and has less than 50 calories per cup. It’s a source of vitamin A for eye health and vitamin C for the immune system support. Choose a watermelon without a flat side and that sounds hollow when you knock on it. Look for a melon with a dull (not shiny) rind free of soft spots, gashes or blemishes.
Introducing Care Solutions
Melissa Jones-Holley, D.N.P., director of disease management and population health at Carroll Hospital, explains a new program designed to help patients living with chronic conditions.
What is the Care Solutions program? Why was it created?
Care Solutions is a disease management program that provides patients, health care providers and the community with resources to assist in the care of patients with chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the program is to improve the patients’ quality of life and reduce unnecessary hospital stays through a series of coordinated health care interventions, such as education about their conditions and how to manage them, care coordination and improved access to care.
How do patients benefit?
Care Solutions offers patients an individualized care plan while working in collaboration with their health care providers.
As a part of the program, patients can receive follow-up care once discharged from the hospital, assistance with scheduling provider visits, education on their conditions, and assistance with understanding and managing their treatment plans including medications, referrals to health care and community resources, and telemonitoring services if needed.
Who is eligible for Care Solutions?
The Care Solutions program is available to patients with chronic conditions such as CHF, COPD and diabetes. Many patients are referred to our program from providers, case managers, nurse health navigators and community agencies, such as home health agencies and Access Carroll.
How is telemonitoring used?
Telemonitoring is one of the ways the Care Solutions program is helping patients understand and manage their chronic conditions at home. We are currently offering patients with CHF and COPD a chronic care management program that includes telemonitoring services. In this program, patients are provided with Bluetooth-enabled equipment that allows patients to obtain and record their vital signs each day, such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygenation and weight, for use in their home. With this program, we are able to quickly identify and address abnormal patient vital signs and connect patients with a nurse or health care provider 24/7 for early intervention as needed. Patients who could benefit from telemonitoring are being recommended to the program during a hospital stay or by their primary care provider, cardiologist or pulmonologist.
Learn more about the Care Solutions program by calling 410-871-7000.
White Bean, Tomato and Green Bean Salad
Navy beans are a low fat, protein-rich starchy vegetable, full of vitamins, minerals and an excellent source of dietary fiber. Both navy beans and green beans are good sources of antioxidants, which may protect against chronic disease.
Protect Your Bones from Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects nearly 54 million Americans today. All adults are at risk of developing this disorder, which causes the gradual loss of bone density and strength, as they get older. Osteoporosis can easily lead to broken bones and, since you can’t feel your bones weakening, it is known as a silent disease.
Chunky Cucumber Salsa
Salsa is a tasty way to eat your fruits and vegetables. Trying making your own tortilla chips with whole wheat tortillas. This saves fat, calories and salt. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tortillas on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season to taste. Cut into wedges and bake 8 to 10 minutes until crispy.