November 17, 2023
Medicare, as a crucial component of the American healthcare system, provides significant protections for senior citizens, ensuring they are not discharged prematurely from hospitals or nursing homes. By covering extended stays in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, Medicare ensures that seniors receive the comprehensive care they need. This is particularly important for those recovering from ... Read More
October 30, 2023
In the fall of 2022, the Illinois HomeCare and Hospice Council (IHHC) convened a committee, chaired by Sheila McMackin, LCSW, to explore the concept of applying levels of care to in-home health care. (To learn about levels of care, see our blog post, “Like Hospitals, Home Care Agencies Should Have Levels of Care.”) The Levels ... Read More
September 27, 2023
At Wellspring, some of the individuals we provide in-home care for have court-appointed guardians to ensure their safety and wellness. Guardianship is a legal process designed to protect individuals who cannot make or communicate sound decisions about their person and/or property. When someone is declared “adjudicated disabled” in Illinois, it means the court has determined ... Read More
August 10, 2023
When parents start needing help around the house, the responsibility often falls on adult children to provide care and support. This can be both a privilege and a burden, depending on the situation and the family relationships. Caregiving can become more complicated if several siblings are involved, each with their unique perspectives and needs. Here ... Read More
July 28, 2023
Aishling Kelly is more than just a name in Illinois’s healthcare industry. She’s an advocate, a mentor, and a passionate force who is driving change in a sector that’s craving transformation. At the heart of her initiative lies the Aishling Care Academy, an Illinois state-certified training program she founded to arm aspiring certified nursing assistants ... Read More
June 21, 2023
At Wellspring, some of our clients’ spouses have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The diagnosis, of course, is life changing for everyone involved. Caring for a spouse who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenging and emotionally demanding role. It requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to the changing needs of ... Read More
May 22, 2023
Seniors are coping with a “loneliness epidemic,” according to various news reports over the last few years. Loneliness is a problem at any age. Numerous studies have shown that it can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, among other effects. Above: Wellspring’s Sheila McMackin, left, with Sean Martin, board president ... Read More
April 18, 2023
We were honored to receive this letter from a client recently. The client is overseeing care for his parents and gave us permission to share their photo (above) and his name. Steve wrote to Sheila McMackin, owner, and Edwin Nunez, director of nursing, about the excellent care and service his family are receiving from our ... Read More
March 21, 2023
What makes Wellspring stand out from other in-home care providers? Our skill in caring for high-acuity, chronically ill patients in the home is a major plus for our clients. Home care agencies that provide only housekeeping and companionship are not licensed to do that. In addition, we provide nurse-managed care, which means each client’s care ... Read More
February 15, 2023
Did you know that in Illinois, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can now administer medications to their home nursing clients? Previously, CNAs who come into the home were only allowed to provide medication reminders to their clients. This change makes it easier for patients who live alone to continue receiving in-home care. Family caregivers can also ... Read More