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

What exactly is a question? A question is an expression that is used to request information. When we have concerns about our health and wellness, sometimes the questions to ask come easily to us and sometimes we may not be sure where to start.  Even those who feel comfortable asking questions to friends and colleagues may feel intimated to ask their doctors questions.   Some of our clients have shared that they don’t want to seem like they are “questioning” the expertise of their physicians or are concerned that the answers won’t be in in language that they can understand.  Regardless, it is important to ask questions, even if it is simply to confirm that everyone understands the current status and the plan going forward.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Asking questions about your diagnosis, treatments, and medicines can improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of your healthcare. A simple question can help you feel better, let you take better care of yourself, or save your life.”

Five questions that can be a helpful starting point:

1. What is my diagnosis?
2. What are my options for treatment?
3. Will there be tests? What are they and are there preparations that I need to do? When and how will the results be shared with me?
4. If medication is being prescribed, what is it, what are the potential side effects, and are there special instructions? How long do you estimate I will need to be on the medication/s?
5. How might my diagnosis and treatments affect my life/family/job/hobbies?

One way that our clients feel empowered is to talk through the questions in advance of a visit with their doctor. Many find it helpful to write the questions down so that they do not have to try to remember them while listening to what is being discussed.   It is also beneficial to have a family member, friend, and/or nurse care coordinator at the appointments with you as additional support to help with remembering questions to ask and information shared from the doctors and their team members.

At 2×2 Health, we inspire confidence, navigate complexity, and provide expert care in a genuinely compassionate manner. Our specialization includes partnering with various medical providers and specialists, and clients of all ages. We excel at facilitating smooth transitions of care and enhancing communication with healthcare providers and family members. We’ll be there to help navigate the increasingly complex healthcare system—as an extra set up eyes and ears to improve communication, help with the understanding of treatment options, prepare and answer questions, and are always available when needed. When we are there for you and your family members, you can support them in ways that you feel best equipped: to hold their hand, be a comforting shoulder for them to lean on, or to simply listen and reassure them because we do a great deal of the heavy lifting when it comes to healthcare interpretation and navigation. We help with formulating questions, getting answers to your questions, and providing an environment of knowledge and support. We are here for you, and we are in your corner.

Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

Reference: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

It can be challenging when we are concerned about the health and well-being of ourselves or our family members. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, or at least a little off-balance, when we are juggling an illness or other healthcare concern on top of our day-to-day life activities and responsibilities. It can be even more daunting when we feel like we just landed in a different galaxy with medical terminology for conditions, body parts, and diagnostic tests, that are not easy to understand.

Most of us did not go to medical school and we certainly cannot be expected to understand intimidating, unfamiliar medical jargon. According to The Washington Post, Marvin M. Lipman, Consumer Reports’ chief medical adviser, “Doctors’ use of medical terminology can leave patients poorly informed.” When we are already nervous about a healthcare condition, not completely understanding the words our care providers are using can leave us feeling even more anxious and unsure about our current situation. If we don’t even understand that, how are we able identify the best questions to ask, and then prepare for the next steps?

Our clients share with us that this is one of the primary reasons they find support and comfort with having a clinical team member from 2×2 Health with them at their doctors’ appointments. Everyone has a different level of understanding when it comes to medical terminology, although no matter the level, it is reassuring to have a nurse by your side. We collaborate with you and your medical team to ensure that everyone is informed and understands what is said. Our clients often tell us that before they partnered with us, they didn’t know what to do…. or what to do next.

The 2×2 Health team helps individuals and their families with:

• Helping to prepare questions in advance of appointments
• Describing and explaining the various diagnostic tests, conditions, medications, side effects, etc.
• Clarifying the information that is being said in layman’s terms to be sure that everyone understands
• Coordinating a summary after each visit for individuals and family members
• Identifying and communicating options and next steps

We have been told that it is OK to ask questions, but when you have a clinical resource by your side, it can be easier, reassuring, and empowering. With 2×2 Health, we are right there with you, as an extra set of eyes and ears, each step of the way. When you make informed personalized healthcare decisions, it can significantly reduce your level of stress and give you real peace of mind. Healthcare with you. Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

 

References: Institute of Medicine, American Nurses Association, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports.org/health

Many of us may be familiar with the term “sandwich generation” and know the potential challenges associated with this.  It is natural to feel concerned.  Dorothy A. Miller, MSSW, the author of the article, the ‘sandwich generation: adult children of the aging’ stated, “Adult children of the elderly, who are ‘sandwiched’ between their aging parents and their own maturing children, are subjected to a great deal of stress.”  With the desire and need to care for multiple responsibilities at the same time, it can be comforting to know that you do not have to do this alone.

The sandwich generation includes adults who are actively responsible for an aging parent in addition to raising their own children.   The number of individuals who fall into this category is increasing along with the common feelings of increased responsibility and pressure.   According to the Pew Research Center, just over 1 of every 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent, in addition to between 7 to 10 million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance.  Even if we live next door to our elderly parent, the challenges with assisting and supporting older parents’ needs as well as the needs of our children can be daunting.   Every day logistics of work, transportation, financial and household responsibilities, as well as education costs and preparation can be a lot to manage and juggle.  When we or a loved one has a health concern that is added to the equation, it is natural to feel concerned and overwhelmed.

According to Beth Myers, Registered Nurse and Chief Executive and Founder of 2×2 Health, “We hear from a number of our clients that a healthcare issue with a parent, child, or ourselves, is a significant, frightening experience that can tip the scales in an already challenging balancing act.”    She continued, “It can be reassuring to reach out to others for assistance, even if it is simply to accept offers from friends and neighbors to assist with the car pool or grocery store runs.”  She has also witnessed success with clients reaching out to experts for assistance with everything from financial planning to counseling services.   Another way to support yourself and your family, is to partner with an organization like 2×2 Health for Care Coordination.   According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Care Coordination involves deliberately organizing patient care activities and sharing information among all of the participants concerned with a patient’s care to achieve safer and more effective care.”  2×2 Health can assist by accompanying your loved one to a doctor visit, by helping prepare questions and a follow-up plan, by accessing a specialist and coordinating medical records, and by providing reassurance.  You won’t need to continually ask yourself, “Is there anything additional that I can do about this?”

At times, an extra set of eyes and ears can help reset the balance in our lives.  At 2×2 Health, we inspire confidence, navigate complexity, and provide expert care in a genuinely compassionate manner.  We are there to help navigate the increasingly complex healthcare system.  Whether your loved one lives across the country, across the street, or lives under the same roof, it can be reassuring to have a clinical resource who listens to your needs, provides support and guidance, and partners with you and your medical team to provide you real peace of mind.

Healthcare with you.  Healthcare for you.

Wendy Benson, MBA, OTR/L

References: Dorothy A. Miller, MSSW, Pew Research Center, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.