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
January 31, 2023
What happens when a hospital is ready to discharge a patient who still needs ongoing clinical care? Typically they’re transferred to a nursing home or nursing and rehabilitation center. Most people would rather be sent home (or wherever they call home) so they can continue living in their own space. Fortunately, clients who choose Wellspring ... Read More
December 21, 2022
After more than 40 years of working with patients who have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Dr. Steve Fox has become a trusted expert witness for Chicago-area courts. As Wellspring’s Medical Director, Dr. Fox assesses all new clients and directs their plan of care, in coordination with the client’s doctors. Dr. Fox has been ... Read More
November 22, 2022
In last month’s blog post, we talked about how consumers would be better served if home care agencies were required to use levels of care, similar to how hospitals treat their patients. You can read about that here. This month, we want to look at another idea that, if used consistently by the home care ... Read More
October 20, 2022
When someone is admitted to a hospital, they are assigned to a certain level of care depending on their condition. Someone with an acute problem, such as a heart attack, will be put into the intensive care unit. After they’re stabilized they may be transferred to the medical/surgical unit or a “step-down” unit. These levels ... Read More
September 19, 2022
We know what you’re going through. You or your loved one need in-home care—perhaps urgently—and you have a lot of choices. With so many home-care agencies available, you may wonder how to evaluate and choose one. We’d like to help ease the process for you by sharing some of the key factors that separate Wellspring ... Read More
August 18, 2022
Voters need to talk to their lawmakers about keeping home care affordable and available. But it’s not always easy to get in touch with members of Congress. Fortunately, a program called “Bring the Vote Home” is helping connect lawmakers directly with voters on this topic. Created by the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA), Bring ... Read More