Take a Shot Against the Flu The Homemakers Schedule Public Flu Clinic

While summer is still here, fall and the flu season are right around the corner!

Getting the flu is a miserable experience – fever, sore muscles, nausea and headaches are all part of the package. The flu can flatten you for a week or more and is potentially dangerous for older people.

One of the best ways to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated against it and the nurses at The Homemakers Health Services can help you do just that.

The Homemakers Health Services will be hosting Flu Clinics for the public at its office located at 215 Rochester Hill Road in Rochester on:.

                                                            Saturday, September 29, 2012

9 a.m. to noon

                       

All persons in the community age 18 and older are invited to receive their flu shot for a fee of $35. Persons covered by Medicare must present their Medicare card at the flu clinic in order for The Homemakers to bill Medicare on their behalf.

On-site Flu Clinics for employees of interested area businesses will also be provided for a fee of $35 per injection. On-site flu clinics are a simple way to safeguard a business’s most important asset – its people. For more information or to schedule an on-site flu clinic at your business, contact: Rene´ J. Philpott at (603) 335-1770, ext. 103; rphilpott@thehomemakers.org.

Before receiving the flu shot, the following people must also present The Homemakers with authorization from their physician:

·        People with an allergy to eggs that causes a dangerous reaction if they eat eggs.

·        Persons who have had a serious reaction to a previous influenza vaccination.

·        Anyone who has ever been paralyzed with Guillan-Barre syndrome.

·        Women who may be pregnant.

Whether getting back on your feet after a hospital stay or dealing with difficulties due to aging, or chronic illness, The Homemakers professional staff can provide you the care you need, when you need it. The diverse services and programs offered by The Homemakers include: visiting nurses, physical and occupational therapy, medical social work, home health aides, personal care service providers, homemakers and in-home care providers, Alzheimer’s respite and adult medical day care. For more information call 335-1770 or visit the Agency’s website at www.TheHomemakers.org.

The Homemakers and ServiceLink to host Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes

 “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers; those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” – Rosalyn Carter.

One might think that the human act of caregiving is simple, easy, gratifying - especially if you’re caring for someone you love. However, the demands of caregiving can be overwhelming and result in burnout damaging a caregiver’s physical, mental and financial health.

To provide caregivers with the tools they need to avoid stress and burnout, The Homemakers Health Services in partnership with ServiceLink and Transitions in Caregiving will be hosting Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes.

            “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a six-week educational program, is designed to help caregivers learn how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings and balance life, increase the ability to make tough decisions and local helpful resources.

Classes will be held on consecutive Wednesday mornings beginning September 5th from 10 a.m. to noon at The Homemakers Health Services, located at 215 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester. A fee of $25 is required for the cost of the program materials.

To assist caregivers attending the classes, adult day care services for caregivers loved ones will be provided by The Homemakers Health Services. Following is the schedule for the six week class:

Week 1 – September 5th - “Taking Care of You.”

Week 2 – September 12th - “Identifying and Reducing

                                              

     Stress”

Week 3 – September 19th - “Communicating Feelings, Needs, Concerns”

Week 4 – September 26th - “Communicating in Challenging Situations”

Week 5 – October 3rd  - “Learning from our Emotions”

Week 6 – October 10th - “Mastering Caregiving Decisions”

Registration is limited and preregistration is required for both the class and caregiver assistance. To register for the Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes, persons should contact ServiceLink at 603-332-7398. Those who wish to utilize The Homemakers’ Adult Day services should also contact Linda Howard at 603-335-1770, ext. 126 orlhoward@thehomemakers.org .

OMR Donation to Homemakers

Members of Dover Chapter of One More Referral (OMR) recently presented The Homemakers Health Services with a $100 check in support of the Agency’s home health care programs. The Homemakers, which provides visiting nurse, physical and occupational therapies, home support and adult day care services to adults is the OMR Dover Chapter’s Community Service Partner for 2012. Presenting the check to The Homemakers’ Community Outreach Coordinator Linda Nylund, center, is Melissa Lesniak of OMR and Keller-Williams Coastal Realty. Founded in 2005, the mission of OMR is to provide an environment to develop personal relationships with other business professionals in order to increase and maintain word-of-mouth business

The Homemakers/ServiceLink partner to offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes

            “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers; those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” – Rosalyn Carter.

One might think that the human act of caregiving is simple, easy, gratifying - especially if you’re caring for  someone you love. However, the demands of caregiving can be overwhelming and result in burnout damaging a caregiver’s physical, mental and financial health.

To provide caregivers with the tools they need to avoid stress and burnout, The Homemakers Health Services in partnership with ServiceLink and Transitions in Caregiving will be hosting Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes.

            “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a six-week educational program, is designed to help caregivers learn how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings and balance life, increase the ability to make tough decisions and local helpful resources.

Classes will be held on consecutive Wednesday mornings beginning September 5th from 10 a.m. to noon at The Homemakers Health Services, located at 215 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester. A fee of $25 is required for the cost of the program materials.

To assist caregivers attending the classes, adult day care services for caregivers loved ones will be provided by The Homemakers Health Services. Following is the schedule for the six week class:

Week 1 – September 5th - “Taking Care of You.”

Week 2 – September 12th - “Identifying and Reducing

                                                   Stress”

Week 3 – September 19th - “Communicating Feelings, Needs, Concerns”

Week 4 – September 26th - “Communicating in Challenging Situations”

Week 5 – October 3rd  - “Learning from our Emotions”

Week 6 – October 10th - “Mastering Caregiving Decisions”

Registration is limited and preregistration is required for both the class and caregiver assistance. To register for the Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes, persons should contact ServiceLink at 603-332-7398. Those who wish to utilize The Homemakers’ Adult Day services should also contact Linda Howard at 603-335-1770, ext. 126 orlhoward@thehomemakers.org .

The Homemakers Health Services Day Out September Prize Calendar

 A $50 gas card, gift cards to Walmart, The Holy Grail Restaurant, Weeksie’s Pizza, Smitty’s Cinema, Cabana Hair Salon, Dover Bowl; an Artstream basket of “goodies for her” at Artstream, 18 holes of golf at Nippo Lake Golf Club and Rochester Country Club, as well as cash prizes ranging from $25 to $100 are just some of the prizes featured on The Homemakers Health Services Day Out September Prize Calendar. The one month calendar is on sale now through August 31st to raise funds for The Homemakers Day Out program. During the month of September, participants of the fundraising event will have the opportunity to win a prize a day. Displaying some of the prizes and the calendar are from left to right, Day Out participant Linda Lavertu, Calendar Chair Cheryl Gagnon of The Homemakers Health Services and Day Out participant Pat Mulholland. For more information or to purchase a Day Out Prize Calendar, contact Cheryl Gagnon at The Homemakers, at 335-1770, ext. 106 orcgagnon@thehomemakers.org.

43 Years of Service

43 Years of Service. In recognition of their many years of dedicated service with The Homemakers Health Services, three members of the health care Agency’s Home Health Aide team were recently honored. Receiving special recognition pins from CEO Linda Howard, far right, were from left to right:  Lynn Reckard, 13 years of service; Diane Weeden, 12 years of service and Pat Oxner, 18 years of service.

A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s” Raises Nearly $7,000.

Nearly $7.000 was raised to provide support, education and respite care for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease during The Homemakers Health Services “A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s” Golf Tournament which was held recently at The Oaks Golf Links.

“Today, it seems that nearly everyone is touched in some way by Alzheimer’s disease. Either you know someone who is suffering from this devastating disease itself or you know their caregiver or loved ones,” said René Philpott, community relations director at The Homemakers. “Thanks to all of our generous sponsors, raffle prize donors and participants of this year’s “A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s, The Homemakers will be able to continue to provide support, education and respite care for families who are overwhelmed by this disease.”

Nearly 70 golfers took to the course in support of this year’s event. With a score of 60, taking first place gross honors in The Homemakers “A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s” golf tournament was the Seacoast Redicare team made up of Mike Nye, Bob Belmore, John Nye and Mike White.

Taking first place net honors with a score of 50 was the team of Rob Watson, Don Chandler, Mike Chandler and Steve Schulten; and second place net honors went to the Norway Plains team who shot a 53. Members of that team included Art Nickless, Brianne St. Pierre, Schott Lawler and Dick Robinson

Winning “Most Honest” honors was the team of C. Boyen Thompson, Jane Fall, Debbie Libby and Betty Werner.

Longest drive honors went to Jim Dunn in the male category and to Debbie Libby in the female category; while Wayne Boucher made an 11’4” putt to win the longest put contest. Coming within 6” 3.75” of the pin, Brad Therrien won the closest to the pin in three contest. This year’s putting contest was won by Richard Smith.

Other contest winners included David Bateman who won the Guess the Number of Tees contest, the team of Saucier and Boucher who won the Sponsor Trivia Contest and Mike Nye who won the Vegas Hole contest.

Established in 1974, The Homemakers Health Services provides home health, home support and adult day care services to adults throughout Strafford County as well as portions of Carroll and Rockingham counties. Services include nursing, wound care, IV therapy, physical and occupational therapies, medical social work, case management, home health aide, Alzheimer’s respite, education and support;  homemaker, in-home care provider and adult day care.

For more information about The Homemakers Health Services, call (603) 335-1770 or 1-800-600-1770 or visit the Agency’s websitewww.TheHomemakers.org

Linda Nylund joins The Homemakers Health Services as the new Community Outreach Coordinator

The Homemakers Health Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Nylund as its Community Outreach/Liaison Coordinator for the health care agency.
Nylund, who hold a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State, will serve as a liaison between the health care agency and community members, community resources and referral sources.
Nylund brings 20 years of sales and marketing experienced to The Homemakers Health Services. Prior to her position with The Homemakers, Nylund was employed with New England Emergency Response Systems as a marketing and community relations specialist. She has also served as the district sales and field training manager for Avon and has been employed with the Dover School System as an adaptive physical education specialist.

“We’re pleased and fortunate to have someone with Linda’s education and experience on our marketing team,” says Linda Howard, CEO of The Homemakers Health Services. “She will definitely be an asset to our Agency and the people we serve.”

Established in 1974, The Homemakers Health Services provides visiting nurse, physical and occupational therapies, medical social work, home support and adult day care services to adults throughout Strafford County as well as parts of Carroll and Rockingham Counties.
For more information about the Agency and its services, call (603) 335-1770 or 1-800-600-1770 or visit the Agency’s website www.TheHomemakers.org

The Homemakers “A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s” Golf Tournament

Challenge the Crew at WOKQ and Cumulus Media at The Homemakers “A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s” Golf Tournament, being sponsored by Eastern Propane and Oil on June 11th at The Oaks Golf Links. This 37” HD TV donated by WOKQ and Cumulus is just one of the prizes that participants will have the opportunity win at the tournament. With Donna Chouinard a registered nurse at The Homemakers, center, are members of the WOKQ/Cumulus Media crew and golf team: Aaron Lapierre, Don Briand, Jonathon Smith and Daniel Knowles. Registration is $125 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, golf and the opportunity to win a wide array of prizes. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact René Philpott at 603-335-1770, ext 103, or rphilpott@thehomemakers.org

Alzheimer’s educational seminar for caregivers to be held June 2nd

Today, it seems that nearly everyone is touched in some way by Alzheimer’s disease. Either you know someone who is suffering from this devastating disease itself or you know their caregiver or loved ones,

To provide caregivers of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with the information and support they need, The Homemakers Health Services will be offering an Alzheimer’s Educational seminar on Saturday, June 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at its office located at 215 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester.

The program, which is free and open to the public, will be facilitated by Hanna Jacoby, of The Homemakers Health Services, who has extensive training in the area of Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s been said that taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be like living in a foxhole – at anytime, something can hit. As the disease progresses, new behaviors emerge as old abilities are lost,” says Jacoby. “Yet at each given stage of the disease, there are ways to help make life easier and more pleasant for both the victims of the disease and those who care for them.

“Caregivers are the lifelines to persons with Alzheimer’s disease – a role which is physically and emotionally stressful and demanding,” says Jacoby. “Although there is no exact way to live with Alzheimer’s disease as the experience is different for every caregiver and every person, through this program we offer information about what you can expect throughout the disease process and suggestions on how to live with the changes you experience.”

Highlights of the session will include: an overview of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease, techniques on how to successfully handle problems which arise when caring for persons with the disease, daily living and recreational suggestions, communication techniques and a question and answer period.

As seating is limited, reservations are required and can be made by calling 822-2108.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

An Alzheimer’s Support Group, facilitated by Hanna Jacoby, of The Homemakers Health Services, is held from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Frisbie Hospital Educational Building, 11 Whitehall Road, Rochester.

All interested persons are invited to attend. For more information contact Hanna Jacoby at 822-2108.

Established in 1974, The Homemakers Health Services provides home health, home support, adult medical/social day care and community wellness services to adults throughout Strafford County and parts of Carroll and Rockingham counties. Services include visiting nurses, wound care, IV therapy, rehabilitative therapies, medical social work, case management, home health aide, Alzheimer’s respite, homemaker, in-home care provider and adult day care.

For more information about The Homemakers Health Services, call (603) 335-1770 or 1-800-660-1770 or visit the Agency’s website www.TheHomemakers.org.

A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s Golf Tournament Set for June 11th

“A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s,” a golf tournament hosted by The Homemakers Health Services, will be held June 11th at The Oaks Golf Links in Somersworth.

Sponsored by Eastern Propane and Oil, all proceeds of the tournament will go toward providing home health, home support, education and respite care for families that are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

“Today, it seems that nearly everyone is touched in some way by Alzheimer’s disease. Either you know someone who is suffering from this devastating disease itself or you know their caregiver or loved ones,” says René Philpott, community relations director at The Homemakers. So many families are overwhelmed by this devastating disease and they need our support. There’s several ways you can help - you can register to play in the tournament, become a sponsor or make a gift of a raffle prize.”

Registration is $125 for golfers, which includes 18 holes with a cart, breakfast and lunch and the opportunity to win plenty of prizes including a large screen TV donated by WOKQ. If you golf or know someone who would like to play, donate a raffle prize or sponsor the tournament contact René Philpott at 335-1770, ext. 103 or rphilpott@thehomemakers.org. More information about the tournament can also be found at www.TheHomemakers.org

The Homemakers’ “A Red Carpet Affair for Health Care Auction Raises $9,200

Volunteers Joanne Janelle and Lupe Emmond display one of several quilts which were up for bid at The Homemakers “A Red Carpet Affair for Health Care” Auction sponsored by Eastern Propane and Oil. Thanks to the support of the community, more than $9,200 was raised for the health care services provided by The Homemakers by Celebrity Auctioneers Mark Ericson and Karen Kiley of The Morning Waking Crew at WOKQ.

Thanks to the generous support of the community, more than $9.200 was raised during The Homemakers Health Services “A Red Carpet Affair for Health Care Auction.

“As we at The Homemakers Health Services celebrate our 38th year of caring and building a healthy community, we’d like to thank all of those who joined us in our mission to keep people healthy and in their comfort of their own homes through their active participation in this fundraising event,” said René Philpott, community relations director at The Homemakers Health Services. “Special thanks to our major sponsor Eastern Propane and Oil and to our other sponsors Bernier Insurance, Peach and McPherson, CPAs, Seacoast Redicare and Ross Furniture and our celebrity auctioneers Mark Ericson and Karen Kiley of The Morning Waking Crew at WOKQ 97.5. Special thanks also to Westwind Florist, A Family Affair and all of the businesses and organizations which donated items to ensure our success.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward providing vital home health, home support and adult day care services to people in need.

The Homemakers Health Services is a charitable home health care agency which provides nursing, physical and occupational therapy, medical social work, home health aide, home support and adult day care services.

Feeling the Pressure?

Are you feeling the pressure because you don’t know your numbers? If you don’t know your numbers you should! It could save your life.

“Your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are really important can help you keep your heart healthy,” says Registered Nurse Donna Chouinard, director of clinical services at The Homemakers Health Services. “Consider them to be heart health barometers; if they’re too high, you could get into trouble.

If you don’t know your numbers don’t worry, The Homemakers Health Services will make it really easy for you to find out.

“The Homemakers Health Services has teamed up with NorDx Laboratories to launch our “Feel the Pressure” campaign. We’re gathering up our blood pressure cuffs and our cholesterol capabilities and we’re hitting the road to bring heart health awareness to you,” says LeeAnn Lajoie, community liaison with The Homemakers. “Throughout the month of February – American Heart Health Month – members of The Homemakers professional health care teams will provide free blood pressure checks at select locations throughout Rockingham, Strafford and Carroll counties.”

In addition, NorDx will provide certificates for those participating in the blood pressure clinics to receive a complimentary cholesterol screening at any one of its Seacoast locations. All participants of the blood pressure clinics will also receive a “Know Your Numbers” card from the NH Heart Association as well as informational materials regarding heart health.”

“High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because there are no symptoms associated with it and most people are unaware that they have the condition,” says Chouinard. “It affects one in three adults in the Granite State; and left untreated, high blood pressure along with high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking accounts for 85 percent of our risk of having a heart attack or stroke which are the #1 causes of death in New Hampshire. That’s a pretty concerning statistic and The Homemakers and NorDx Laboratories think it’s time to step up and do something about it.”

“The health of our community is important to us,” says Scott Taggersell, director at NorDx . “We believe that knowledge is power and that good health starts with being informed and taking care of yourself. If you know your numbers then you can make healthy decisions and get the help you need before your well-being is at risk.”

“After all most heart disease and strokes are preventable,” adds Chouinard. “If you know your numbers and you modify a few things in your life, like diet and exercise, it will go a long way towards keeping your heart healthy. This is all about avoiding long term cardiac health issues, debilitating strokes and sad to say, premature death. We feel that people in communities throughout New Hampshire should know their numbers because they deserve to be healthy, they deserve to live long and happy lives.”

According to Lajoie, in conjunction with our “Feel the Pressure” campaign, The Homemakers will be hosting “The Amazing Heart Race” Facebook Contest.

“Each day, on our Facebook page, The Homemakers will post a picture of our “Amazing Heart” with a clue pointing to where we provided blood pressure screenings that day,” says Lajoie. “The person to guess the most correct places The Homemakers’ Amazing Heart has been throughout the month will win a hand-thrown Rock Garden Pottery bowl filled with heart healthy snacks.”

If you’re business or organization would like to host an on-site blood pressure clinic, contact LeeAnn Lajoie at 335-1770, 114 or llajoie@thehomemakers.org.

Alzheimer’s Educational Seminar for Caregivers

Like a thief in the night, Alzheimer’s disease robs the memory of its victims; and the number of Americans with this devastating and heartbreaking disease is growing – and fast.

Today, more than 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. – 5.2 million age 65 and over. It is estimated by the Alzheimer’s Association that by 2050 as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease.

“With Alzheimer’s, it’s not just those who have the disease who suffer, but their caregivers as well,” says Hanna Jacoby, of The Homemakers Health Services, who has extensive training in the area of Alzheimer’s disease.

To provide caregivers of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with the information and support they need, The Homemakers Health Services will be offering an Alzheimer’s Educational seminar on Saturday, February 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at its office located at 215 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester. The program is free and open to the public.

“It’s been said that taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be like living in a foxhole – at anytime, something can hit. As the disease progresses, new behaviors emerge as old abilities are lost,” says Jaboby. “Yet at each given stage of the disease, there are ways to help make life easier and more pleasant for both the victims of the disease and those who care for them.

“Caregivers are the lifelines to persons with Alzheimer’s disease – a role which is physically and emotionally stressful and demanding,” says Jacoby. “Although there is no exact way to live with Alzheimer’s disease as the experience is different for every caregiver and every person, through this program we offer information about what you can expect throughout the disease process and suggestions on how to live with the changes you experience.”

Highlights of the session will include: an overview of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease, techniques on how to successfully handle problems which arise when caring for persons with the disease, daily living and recreational suggestions, communication techniques and a question and answer period.

As seating is limited, reservations are required and can be made by calling 822-2108.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

An Alzheimer’s Support Group, facilitated by Hanna Jacoby, of The Homemakers Health Services, is held from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Frisbie Hospital Educational Building, 11 Whitehall Road, Rochester.

All interested persons are invited to attend. For more information contact Hanna Jacoby at 822-2108.

Established in 1974, The Homemakers Health Services provides home health, home support, adult medical/social day care and community wellness services to adults throughout Strafford County and parts of Carroll and Rockingham counties. Services include visiting nurses, wound care, IV therapy, rehabilitative therapies, medical social work, case management, home health aide, Alzheimer’s respite, homemaker, in-home care provider and adult day care.

President’s Gavel Passes to Susan Reid of Durham

Peter Lester, treasurer; Susan Reid, president, Patty Crothers, secretary and Myles England, vice president.

Stating that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of The Homemakers Health Services’ Board of Directors for the past two years, Jeff Taylor of Rochester recently passed the President’s gavel to Susan Reid of Durham.

Reid has been a member of the Board of Directors for the past several years and also served as the Agency’s medical director. Certified in psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry, until her retirement, she was affiliated with Geriatric Psychiatry Services at Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

Other officers elected to serve on The Homemakers Health Services Board of Directors were Myles England of Somersworth, vice president; Patty Crothers of Durham, secretary; and Peter Lester of Dover, treasurer.

Elected to serve on the Board were: Nancy Boyle, William Colbath and Tina Sawtelle of Dover; Derek Peters and Jeff Taylor, both of Rochester; and William Hartley of Hampton. Serving as the Agency’s medical director is Dr. Tricia Mendoza.

Established in 1974, the mission of The Homemakers Health Services is to provide comprehensive health care and supportive services to enhance the lives of individuals in need so that they may remain safely in their home. Services, which are provided throughout Strafford County as well as parts of Rockingham and Carroll Counties, include visiting nurses, physical therapy, home health aides, medical social work, homemakers, in-home care provider and adult day care services.

For more information about The Homemakers Health Services, call (603) 335-1770 or 1-800-600-1770 or visit the Agency’s website www.TheHomemakers.org

William Colbath Joins The Homemakers Board of Directors

The Homemakers Health Services is pleased to announce the appointment of William C. Colbath of Dover to its Board of Directors.

Colbath has owned and operated W.C. Colbath Electrical Contractors in Dover since 1979, and has served on the Dover Zoning Board of Adjustment in Dover since 1985.

“We’re please and fortunate to have someone with Mr. Colbath’s experience and expertise on our Board,” said Jeff Taylor, president of the Board of Directors. “He will definitely be an asset to our organization.”

Established in 1974, The Homemakers Health Services provides home health, home support, adult medical/social day care and community wellness services to adults throughout Strafford County as well as parts of Carroll and Rockingham counties. Services include nursing, wound care, IV therapy, physical and occupational therapy, medical social work, case management, home health aide, Alzheimer’s respite, homemaker, in-home care provider and adult day care.

For more information about the Agency and its services, call (603) 335-1770 or 1-800-600-1770 or visit the Agency’s website www.TheHomemakers.org.

Even Santa’s Elves Will Find Plenty of Gifts at The Homemakers’ Day Out Craft Fair

Even Santa’s elves will find plenty of gifts at this year’s Day Out Winter Wonderland Craft Fair, which will be held Friday and Saturday, December 2nd and 3rd at The Homemakers Health Services, 215 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester.

The Craft Fair, which is being hosted by participants of The Homemakers’ Day Out program, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2nd and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd. Proceeds will benefit the Day Out program’s Activity Fund.

The Homemaker’s Day Out program is a certified adult medical/social day care program.

Gift to Homemakers Health Services from the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #47 in Rollinsofrd

The holidays will definitely be brighter for older and disabled persons in the community thanks to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #47 in Rollinsford who have made a $300 gift to The Homemakers Health Services Holiday Food and Gift Basket project. Presenting the check to Volunteer Coordinator Carol Fowler, center; are Chaplain Brandon Leavitt, left, and Bill Robinson, both of the Sons of American Legion Squadron #47. The gift was made in memory of a former staff member of The Homemakers, Charlene Paris.

CEO of The Homemakers appointed to Endowment for Health Advisory Council

Linda Howard, chief executive officer of The Homemakers Health Services has been appointed to the Endowment for Health Advisory Council. Members of the Advisory Council serve as community liaisons and advise the Endowment for Health on the existing service needs and community leaders about the foundation and its mission.

The mission of the Endowment for Health is to improve the health and reduce the burden of illness for the people of New Hampshire – especially the vulnerable and underserved. The Endowment for Health Advisory Council is composed of individuals who reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of the State.

Howard had been employed with The Homemakers Health Services since 1985. Prior to becoming chief executive officer of the home health care agency, she served as the director of the Day Out Adult Day program. She holds a BS in social services and an AS in business management.

Make the gift of health care during national Home Care Month

The Homemaker Health Services will join home health care providers across the state and the nation this November to raise awareness about home care during National Home Care Month.

“Home care continues to be the preferred means of receiving quality health care services. Today, more than 11 million Americans receive home-delivered health care services from agencies such as ours,” says Linda Howard, chief executive officer of The Homemakers. “Caring for adults in their homes is a privilege for us because we know we’re making a difference in these peoples’ lives - we make it possible for them to stay in their own homes, regardless of their condition.”

To kick off National Home Care Month, The Homemakers will be asking area residents to help them make a difference in the lives of their friends, family and loved ones by making a gift to the Agency’s Annual Holiday Phonathon.

In today’s modern health care world, people are not being sent home from hospitals totally recuperated and well. Instead patients are being sent home to continue to recover and heal, with the help of home care agencies, says Howard. “For more than 37 years, The Homemakers Health Services has been here in the community to bridge that health care gap between release from the hospital and recovery at home. Our goal is to make the transition from the hospital or a rehabilitation center to home smooth and successful by providing the individual, quality and professional health care services a person needs to complete their recovery at home; as well as to help prevent hospitalization and nursing home placement by providing home support service.

“Our home care nurses, physical and occupational therapist, home health aides, and members of our home support team make it possible for both people who are recovering from surgery or have chronic illnesses to receive care in their homes where they can be surrounded by loved ones and their own precious mementos as they live their best quality of life,” says Howard. “Through our annual Phonathon we hope to raise the funds necessary to provide those desired services to adults in Strafford County who need home care, but can’t afford it or for which there is not adequate reimbursement.”

During this year’s Phonathon, which will be held the evenings of November 7th, 9th and 14th, volunteers will be asking area residents to make a pledge to help The Homemakers continue its mission of keeping people independent and in their own homes by providing a wide range of home health care services.

“Home health care is regarded as the most viable solution for providing long term care to this country’s growing elderly population. Through technological advances, home-delivered health care has grown far beyond basic professional nursing and home health aide services,” said Howard. “Today, agencies such as ours offer a wealth of nursing, physical and occupational therapy, wound care, IV therapy, medical social work, home health aides, and home support services such as Alzheimer’s respite, homemaker and companionship and safety services.

“Our ability to continue to grow and to provide persons who are ill, elderly and/or disabled, as well as their caregivers, the services and the support they need is largely due to the generosity of those people who make financial gifts to our organization,” said Howard, “As you prepare for Thanksgiving and recall the gifts for which you are grateful, we hope you will also remember those in our community whose lives you can change. We hope you will help us to keep them at home where they want to be - where the healing begins – by making a gift to our Annual Phonathon.”