2×2 Health would like to congratulate one of our amazing team members, Alex Groszko, for being selected as a 40 under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader!

Wendy and Beth said it best in their nomination form for Alex Groszko for 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award, “She is a true example of the provision of excellent medical care outside the walls of typical healthcare settings. She understands that the unexpected can happen anywhere at any time and always jumps in to assist others!”

Congratulations again Alex! We are so proud of you!

 

 

 

Two years ago, Beth Myers started a Health Care Coordination and Concierge Company; 2×2 Health. A Registered Nurse, Beth founded 2×2 Health because she saw patients and families overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn or how to navigate through the complicated healthcare system. She has always partnered with individuals, families, and their medical teams so that informed decisions can be made with expertise, support, and peace of mind.

I sat down with Beth, and we talked about why she created 2×2 Health and some of the highlights:

Wendy: What inspired you to start the company 2×2 Health: Private Health Concierge?

Beth: As a nurse, I have worked with countless talented medical professionals. But even with excellent health care teams, I noticed that patients and their families are often overwhelmed and nervous when it comes to their health and decisions involving healthcare. They sometimes didn’t know what to do next, what to ask, or what to do if there were delays or any snags in the plan. When my niece was diagnosed with Leukemia, even with the support of healthcare professionals in the family, it was a frightening and anxious experience for the entire family. I witnessed how there can be inadvertent gaps when patients don’t know what to do next or who to call when multiple diagnostic tests and specialists are involved. My goal was to create a team of compassionate experts who would help individuals and their families navigate and manage the healthcare experience in collaboration with their medical teams.

Wendy: What have you learned along the way?

Beth: So many things!

First, we learn so much by networking and meeting with key leaders within and outside the healthcare industry. Every time we describe the core of our business at 2×2 Health, we hear how necessary these services are and how helpful they would be for someone’s spouse, parent, child, or themselves. In a perfect world, no one would need us, but when and if you do, it is important to know that we are here and available to help support you and your family through this journey.

Second, when we partner with clients and their families, the collaboration with the medical team helps everyone understand the options and plan going forward. I can’t tell you the number of physicians and nurses who tell us how grateful they were that we all worked together so that the patient’s goal is at the front and center and that the patient truly understands what is currently going on and is informed and empowered throughout the plan.

Third, every individual and their family are unique. A specific way that 2×2 Health has helped families is that we are can take care of many of the frustrating details and further open the lines of communication so that family members can get back to being supportive and reassuring instead of “managing” the healthcare maze. We don’t just manage the health care experience; we help manage your level of stress.

 

Wendy: How do you see the future of 2×2 Health unfolding?

Beth: I love that we’ve built an incredible team of individuals with varied backgrounds: nursing of various specialties, therapy, pharmacy, social work, nutrition, and gerontology. I’m proud that we’ve grown and been agile enough to adapt to our clients’ ever-changing needs. Our clients and their families continue to motivate us and they continually educate others about our highly personalized services. I strongly believe in our mission: “We guide individuals with complex healthcare issues with our compassionate experts who possess invaluable knowledge, experience, and relationships.” Whether it is now, next month, or in two years from now, we are here for you when you need us.

 

Wendy: Thank you, Beth, I appreciate it and absolutely love being a member of the 2×2 Health Team!

Beth: My pleasure! I really love our team too and wanted to wrap up with a portion of one of my favorite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “…to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

 

It is common to feel like we don’t have enough time in our day with the hustle and bustle of everyday priorities. But when a complex medical issue occurs for ourselves or our loved ones, the added pressure can often leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Being someone who provides care can be stressful, and the number of caregivers is only increasing. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, “Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.] At 2×2 Health, when we partner with clients and their families, a common concern is how the family caregivers can effectively manage the components of everyday life with that of a complicated medical journey.

I connected with an expert in this area, Dr. Janine Gauthier Mullady, Owner and President of Life Reset Solutions. Before starting her company five years ago, Dr. Gautheir Mullady was the Cancer Integrative Medicine and Psychosocial Oncology Medical Director at Rush University Medical Center for over a decade.   I feel honored to know her personally; she is truly a compassionate person and professional who specializes in working with individuals and their families with Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, and Post traumatic stress disorders.

Wendy: When we use the term “caregiver” who does this include?

Janine: The term “caregiver” is becoming more and more common. When we discuss “Who Caregivers Include” a quote from Rosalyn Carter comes to mind:

“There are only four kinds of people in this world—

• Those who have been caregivers
• Those who are currently caregivers
• Those who will be caregivers, and
• Those who will need caregivers”

Wendy: In your practice, what are some common themes you see with Caregivers?

Janine: Caregiving is a labor of love and a supportive way of taking care of your loved ones, but it can definitely take a toll. More than 4 out of 10 of Caregivers report that caregiving decreased their own physical health and 40-70% of Caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression. It is a critical time when it is more important than ever to focus on your health and well-being.

Wendy: What are some essential strategies that Caregivers can do take care of themselves?

Janine: There are several important ways that we can care for our mind, body, and spirit:

1. Make time for yourself—this includes getting back to activities that you enjoy: working in the yard, going for a walk, reading a book, keeping up a hobby that you are interested in
2. Find ways for other to help you—this can positively affect the care you provide others as well as your health. We all have limits to our strength and endurance
3. Connect with friends and other loved ones— letting go, relaxing, laughing and/or crying can help relieve stress and can reinvigorate our energy levels
4. Self-care is important— Jo Horne, author of Caregiving: Helping an Aging Loved One, created the Caregiver’s Bill of Rights. The first one is: “I have the right to take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capacity to take better care of my relative.” The complete list can be located at the Family Caregiver Alliance website: https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver%e2%80%99s-bill-rights
5. Care for your body by eating healthy and relaxing—studies have shown that yoga and relaxation for caregiver groups have demonstrated improved mental health and less depression
6. Commit to Laughter—first of all, it is FUN to laugh! Secondly, research has shown us again and again that laughter and humor positively impacts immune functioning—our endorphins and immune system. So, get together with friends or watch a show or movie that makes you feel good and laugh!

Wendy: These strategies are great! What if this isn’t quite enough for someone?

Janine: Even those who try every possible strategy can need additional support. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, but if you notice signs like feeling tired or irritable most of the time, sleeping too much or too little, or you lose interest in activities you used to enjoy, it is time to reach out to a professional. I can help patients and/or their family members gain a sense of well-being and to promote healing.

Wendy: Janine, thank you so much for sharing this important information with us, I’m so glad that you are available to help those who need you!

At 2×2 Health, if you or a loved one is dealing with a current or potential health issue, we are here for you. We partner with experts, like Dr. Janine Gauthier Mullady to support our clients and their families during their journey towards recovery. We are your allies; we support you and help you manage the healthcare experience. If you have specific questions or simply want to brainstorm about options, just contact us, we are happy to help. Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

Research shows that taking breaks and living in the moment is a healthier way to live our lives. Whether you’re caring for a family member who has health concerns, a parent of young children, or a college student, we all need and deserve some dedicated time to step away and recharge. What better time to be reminded of this important advice than in the summer? Six of our favorite quotes to help us kick into summer relaxation are:

 

 

• “Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
  ― Charles Bowden

• “The summer night is like the perfection of thought.”
  ― Wallace Stevens, “The House Was Quiet and The World Was Calm”

• “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
  ― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

• “It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine … it’s summertime!”
  ― Kenny Chesney

• “Come with me,’ Mom says. To the library. Books and summertime go together.”
  ― Lisa Schroeder, I Heart You, You Haunt Me

• “One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
  ― Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

Whether this summer is a relaxing one or a season of transition, at 2×2 Health, we are here for you. We partner with you, your loved ones, and your medical team to help you manage the healthcare experience. If you need assistance with checking in on a family member, setting up and attending medical appointments, or brainstorming your treatment options with one of our expert nurses, we are here to assist you. Healthcare can be complex and overwhelming; our clinicians work closely with you and your medical team so the very best outcomes can be achieved with you and your goals at the center. Feel free to contact us to see how we can help you and your loved ones.

Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

 

Last week, Beth Myers and Wendy Benson attended the 2^nd Annual Patient Advocacy Symposium. The event was hosted by the Greater Chicago Advocates and took place in the new Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. A huge shout out goes to Cybele Japczyk the 2017 Symposium Chair and L. Bradly Schwartz, the Greater Chicago Advocates President. There were a number of industry experts spoke including: Joseph Monahan, JD, MSW, ACSW, Lyn Franklin, Rick Tivers, LCSW, CGP, Karen Curtiss, Trisha Torrey, and Stephanie Johnson.

Several of the key points from the conference:

1. Joseph T. Monahan provided lots of information on understanding informed consent, issues of capacity affecting patient interaction, and understanding the importance of discharge planning. In our experience, these issues can be overwhelming and be concerning for clients, and to learn the specifics from an expert is educational and empowering.
2. Lynne Franklin described the neuroscience behind how at times of stress we may only use the “survival” portion of our brain (only one-third of it) when in a crises situation. Based on numerous client and family interactions, it is understandable that many individuals are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and in survival mode when they are faced with complex health issues.
3. Rick Tivers discussed his insights into difficulties that many healthcare professionals deal with and how important it is to respond appropriately. He highlighted how critical it is to “notice” and “pay attention” to the specific needs of the individual.   Rick also described several personality disorders and effective ways of communicating based on their preferences and styles.
4. Karen Curtiss talked about preventing harm in healthcare environments and shared specific strategies for safeguarding care. She also discussed healing the “cracks in care.” Karen has many roles and offered insight from her family’s experiences in hospital care. We share her passion for safe, quality care. Karen shared a quote that really resonated with us, “To the world, you are just one person. But to one person, you could mean the world.”
5. Trisha Torrey identified trends and needs in the healthcare environment. She is also an accomplished author and a passionate supporter of patients’ rights and focuses on empowerment.

What a powerfully, educational and inspirational symposium!

At 2×2 Health, if you or a loved one is dealing with a current or potential health issue, we are here for you. We manage the healthcare experience for improved outcomes. Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.  I reached out to the experts in this area: Anna Dowd and Danielle Arends from Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Experts. Anna and Danielle are Advanced Practice Nurses who have over 30 years of combined experience in providing personalized guidance for patients with all forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. They believe in a holistic approach to care and help both individuals as well as their families.

What are some of the common concerns you often hear about from families who are affected by Alzheimer’s?

• Many families feel overwhelmed, yet also wonder if they are doing everything that can to help
• It is common for friends or family members to say that he/she “Is doing great” or that they “Can’t even tell that there is a problem.” This lack of understanding can be difficult to navigate and manage.
• Depending on the stage of illness, there may be periods of mild or advanced forgetfulness, both of which are challenging
• Concerns with whether a loved one should continue to drive and stay home alone, especially because there can be changes that build over time.
• Advanced care planning and access to finances can often be a smoother transition when addressed early in the process

  

When families are concerned about Short Term Memory Loss, what are some helpful strategies they can use?

1. Visible calendars with large numbers can be helpful to identify the day and date. Reminder signs that label the location of commonly used items or necessary steps to take when getting ready for bed can also be helpful.
2. When the time of day is a common question, an analog clock instead of a digital can be beneficial. Many people grew up telling time on a clock face and can better understand where the number are than the actual numbers themselves
3. Keeping a scheduling log of meals, activities, medications, etc. can be helpful, both for the individual and for the family members
4. Everyone is different, but there can be better “times of the day” for each person. If your family member does better in the morning, it might be easier to try to tackle tasks like bathing, physician appointments, and running errands at that time.
5. Seek support wherever you can feel reassurance. It is simply not possible to do it all, all of the time. Short term memory loss can be challenging and frightening for the person as well as their families. There are a number of support groups that cater to both the individual and their loved ones.

At Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Experts, what services do you provide?

We perform in-home assessments, prescribe medications or medication recommendations. We also collaborate with healthcare providers and can assist with advanced care planning and referrals. Also, we lead support groups and educate professional groups and the public about Memory Disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Care Giving. www.adcareexperts.com

Thank you for the valuable information and helpful strategies!

At 2×2 Health, if you or a loved one is dealing with a complex medical health issue, we are here for you. We pride ourselves on partnering and collaborating with experts, like Anna and Danielle from Alzheimer’s & Dementia Experts, for those who may be appropriate.

Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

With warmer and sunnier weather around the corner, it is exciting to think about spending more time outside! Whether you enjoy taking walks, lounging outside with a book, or watching your favorite major or little leaguer play a baseball game, there are lots of ways to enjoy being outside. When thinking of and planning for summer activities, we thought it would be helpful to hear from an expert on the most critical ways we can keep our skin safe throughout the summer months.

I reached out to Dr. Sheetal Mehta, who is a board-certified Dermatologist at Rush University Medical Center. She specializes in Head and Neck Skin

Cancers and Cosmetics and is the director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery and assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology. May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month and she said now is the ideal time to review the basics of skin care and sun protection. Healthy skin is her passion and she emphasized five helpful hints of caring for our skin.

1. Skin protection from the sun
   1. Use skin care lotion with protection of at least 30 SPF with titanium or zinc, reapply every two hours and after swimming or perspiring
   2. Wear wide brim hats and clothing to cover skin
2. Use Retin A
   1. This product is appropriate for those over 30 years of age; it can help with the anti-aging process and fine lines
3. Vitamin C
   1. The use Vitamin C products in the morning can help protect our skin from pollution, sun, and wind damage
4. Wash face before going to sleep
   1. Use a gentle facial cleanser before bedtime to rid our face of pollutants and products, a non-abrasive hand head brush can be beneficial
5. Self-examination
   1. It is important to regularly self-examine our skin, nails, and mucous membranes for a sore that isn’t healing, a red bump or scaling patch, or a changing mole or freckle.

Thank you, Dr. Mehta, we really appreciate your expert advice! So, let’s all enjoy some outside time this summer, and keep our skin safe while doing it.

At 2×2 Health, we hope your summer months are filled with joy and relaxation. If you or a loved one is dealing with a complex medical health issue, we are here for you. We’re a team of experts with clinical and caregiving backgrounds who believe in collaboration, knowledge sharing, and communication. From managing appointments to ensuring the understanding of a diagnosis to navigating a treatment plan, we proactively empower individuals to make informed, personalized decisions. If you have a lot of questions for your healthcare team, or don’t even know the questions to ask o where to start, we are here for you.

Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.Wndy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

Alex (Alexandra Groszko) loves being a Registered Nurse.  The clients at 2×2 Health often share with us how talented she is, not only with her care but also with her ability to genuinely relate to others. Alex’s family and friends tell her that nursing is the perfect job for her and we definitely can see why.   Alex lights up when she’s talking about the medical and science components of her profession, yet is equally motivated to learn about and apply what is important to each client. Whether it is a medical issue/concern or ensuring someone has their favorite pair of slippers, Alex is passionate in all the aspects of caring for others.

I decided to sit down with Alex to learn more about her journey to nursing and 2×2 Health.

Why did you become a nurse?

Most people choose the healthcare field because they want to help people. That is true for me as well, I’ll take it a step further—I love spending time with people. When you think about the world of health care, who spends time with patients? …. the nurses do. I really love to take the time to learn about each person, to establish rapport and build trust, so that each person can be listened to, understood, and successfully overcome individual challenges.

What do you notice when you start working with a client?

First and foremost, almost everyone is at least a little apprehensive. People do not fully know what to expect. Many of our clients are dealing with complex medical issues and may not understand or have all of the information yet. Some of them are nervous to ask questions or don’t even know the questions to ask. In my role, I can take the time to truly listen and discuss what’s going on and ensure each client understands medical terms, options, and potential next steps. This significantly increases their comfort level and confidence. I provide support and reassurance, in addition to my medical background, for a comprehensive perspective, both as a nurse and as a caring individual. I make a difference in helping people understand that “we will get through this” and it significantly increases their comfort level and confidence.   That means a lot to me!

Why do you like working with 2×2 Health?

The biggest theme that jumps to my mind is “time.” When I work with individuals, I am not rushed. I am taking the time to truly be there and learn more about them, their needs, and preferences. I pay attention and provide very individualized care. I am proactive and am prepared if anything unforeseen arises. At 2×2 Health, we help our clients develop goals that meet not only their medical needs but also their lifestyle interests and passions. When partnering with 2×2 Health, we don’t pepper you with questions, and we have continued conversations with you to ensure you are involved and aware every step of the way. We spend time and establish a partnership with you.   You will be heard, we will address any ongoing issues, all so that you can get back to the priorities in your life.

So many of our clients have complimented your abilities to care for them, and about them.

Thank you, I really appreciate it! I take a great deal of pride in my clinical skills, and I feel honored to provide care and support to our clients and be brought into their lives. I love celebrating our clients’ many achievements, I have no doubt that this is absolutely the perfect career for me, and I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with!

Thanks for meeting with me Alex!

Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. The signs tend to appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.   The Autism Society states that ASD is defined by a specific set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently in varying degrees.   Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities.

For many people dealing with complex health care conditions, care coordination can make a significant, positive impact. According to the Autism Society of Indiana, “Care Coordination involves listening to the needs of the child and family and developing goals to access services to meet those needs.”   A key to developing goals is regular and open communication between the family and caregiving team. This communication helps ensure the family feels supported and has the knowledge needed to make decisions about their child’s education, medical care, therapy, or anything else the child needs. A caregiving team may include health professionals and teachers, all of who should be involved in any communication.

One of our clients stated that with the help of 2×2 Health, there is a much better understanding of the way his son communicates. Creating an open discussion about his son’s care plan and goals has created a supporting environment, where everyone feels equipped to communicate and help him thrive. The coordination of all the involved parties has encouraged consistency with follow through and the enhancement of his son’s developmental growth in both his school and home environment.

Perhaps you or a family member is dealing with a potential or new diagnosis. Or, maybe you have a child who is transitioning into adulthood and potential supported employment or living opportunities. Either way, it is important to know that there are care coordination experts who can help with the following:

• Assist with scheduling of appointments with appropriate specialists
• Help to identify questions to ask before and during the appointments regarding diagnosis, treatment planning, diagnostic testing, medications, therapy, etc.
• Ensure that all the care providers are on the same page
• Identify gaps in service and assist with access
• Coordinate and communicate with various areas including school, medical home, employment source, family for optimal outcomes

At 2×2 Health, when you or a family member needs us—

whatever your healthcare needs are, we are here for you.

Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

Reference: Autism Society, Autism Society of Indiana