Press Room

Protecting your eyesight is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your quality of life. Although impaired vision is not normal, it is common.  In fact, forty-five new cases of cataracts are diagnosed every hour in the U.S.

Vision impairments have gained more and more recognition in the senior health industry, with two months of the year, July and August, dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging seniors to care for their eyes.

Eye surgeries to treat vision impairments, like cataracts, are performed on more than half of all Americans before they reach age 80. Jody Guerrieri, RN, Co-Founder of Preferred Care at Home, explains that “confined vision during recovery limits many daily functions and can create a hazardous home environment without assistance. We have made a pledge to assist seniors recovering from eye surgery with tailored services to ease the road to a successful recovery.”

Recovery time for eye surgery lasts between two to four days, in which little activity is recommended. Special considerations for a successful recovery include:

- Avoid driving, and other self-transportation methods

- Wear dark glasses, even while sleeping

- Don’t make sudden movements, strains, or bending

- Avoid contact with water, including showers, baths, and swims

- Follow doctor’s medication and nutrition orders

Preferred Care at Home’s discounted care package starts with transportation to and from surgery, as well as homemaker duties for as many days after surgery as needed, including meal preparation, hygiene assistance, medication reminders and more.

Call Preferred Care at Home at 866.690.7733 or your local office for more information about surgery recovery care, a discounted care offer, and additional tips from senior health experts.

Home Safety Inspection Checklist can Help Seniors Minimize the Risk of Injury

Ask seniors where they feel safest and most will say their own home, as the window to the past, a safe haven for the present, and a legacy for the future. However, unintentional injuries in the home result in nearly 21 million medical visits on average each year.* Preferred Care at Home dedicates the month of June – Home Safety Month – to educate and empower both seniors and their families to take actions to better enjoy the comfort and security of their home.

“We hope to bring attention to the serious problem of preventable home injuries and its leading causes: slips and falls,” says Jody Guerrieri, RN, Co-Founder of Preferred Care at Home. “Just a few simple steps can reduce the risks in most homes and may even make a lifesaving difference.”

Throughout Home Safety Month, Preferred Care at Home encourages the senior community to consider their home’s danger areas and take some simple steps to minimize their risk from potential injuries, or even death. Local Preferred Care at Home offices across the nation will personally walk homeowners through a home safety checklist to safeguard against injury, with a focus on preventing falls.  Briefly, to make your home safe:

• Put grab bars in the tub and next to the toilet.
• Use bright lights in corners, halls, and stairways.
• Clear pathways of clutter and electrical cords.
• Put handrails on both sides of stairs and steps.

Click here for your complimentary home safety inspection checklist, or call your local Preferred Care at Home office for an in-home inspection and additional tips from senior health experts.

National Event Stresses the Importance of Proper Detection and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease though Memory Screenings

Memory screenings are a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory problems could be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions. 

Now in its seventh year, AFA’s National Memory Screening Day coincides with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, which takes place during November. Sites across the country will be participating.

Each November, Preferred Care at Home, a national senior home care company, participates in National Memory Screening Day to offer free, confidential memory screenings, education about successful aging, and follow-up resources. On November 17, Preferred Care at Home will hold memory screenings across the country at participating Preferred Care at Home offices. To find a location near you, visit www.preferhome.com.

Preferred Care at Home strongly believes in preserving a healthy mind through regular activity and early detection. “We are committed to helping the elderly through the diagnosis process and offer supportive services related to Alzheimer’s disease. It has been an emphasis of our services for over 25 years,” explains Frank Guerrieri, President and CEO of Preferred Care at Home.

AFA suggests memory screenings for adults concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness. Screenings also are appropriate for those who do not have a concern right now, but who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons. 

The event features a face-to-face screening, which takes only about five to ten minutes, and consists of a series of questions and tasks. It is administered by a qualified healthcare professional. The results do not represent a diagnosis, and AFA advises those individuals with below-normal scores or those who have normal scores but are still concerned to follow up with a qualified healthcare professional. 

Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and CEO, is urging consumers “to be proactive about brain health.”

“We pay so much attention to the health of our bodies, but we should be equally concerned about the health of our brains,” he said. “National Memory Screening Day offers the opportunity to find out how your memory is now and to learn how to protect it in the future.” 

Warning signs of dementia include forgetting people’s names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills and confusion over daily routines. 

Currently, as many as 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and the incidence is rising in line with the aging population. Age is the greatest known risk factor. 

For more information about National Memory Screening Day, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 1-800-690-7733.

Senior Home Care Company Opens Its Doors to Montgomery, Dickson and Surrounding Counties to Provide Reliable, Compassionate and Affordable Home Care

July 29, 2009 – BRENTWOOD, TN- Preferred Care at Home, a national non-medical home care company specializing in elderly care to celebrate life, dignity and independence, expands to the counties near Nashville to accommodate the growing senior population.

“We are not new to Tennessee, but with the addition of these service areas, we can greatly enhance our service and accommodations to our growing client base in the region,” explains Frank Guerrieri, President and CEO of Preferred Care at Home.

As an affordable alternative during tough economic times, Preferred Care at Home can provide that extra care needed to maintain independence and dignity in the comfort and security of home.

Preferred Care at Home understands that long-term care can be costly and built their reputation on offering quality services at affordable prices. In addition to the popular 24-hour live-in option, services include:

- Homemakers
- Companions
- Personal Support
- Alzheimer Care

Since 1984, the founders of Preferred Care at Home have had the privilege of partnering with thousands of families. Montgomery, Dickson and Surrounding Counties owners Joe and Chris McLaughlin both realize the benefits that home avails through personal experience caring for distant family members. “Perhaps the most difficult part for each of us was trying to provide support to our caregiver parent from 800 miles away. Going through this process, we came to understand how important the home environment is for both the caregiver and the care receiver,” says Joe McLaughlin.

“We are excited that we have found a way to be of service and to provide a positive impact to the lives of the seniors in our area.”

If you or a loved one is in need of home care to maintain their independence, or would like more information on your options, please contact Joe and Chris McLaughlin at 615-377-9959 or visit www.preferhome.com.

Preferred Care at Home Urges Seniors to Reduce Eye Damage that can Lead to Vision Loss from Exposure to the Ultraviolet Rays of the Sun

We all know the importance of using sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but what about protection for our eyes?

July is UV Safety Month, and Preferred Care at Home is urging seniors to protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

“Recent studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the sun’s invisible, high energy ultraviolet rays without protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration,” said Jody Guerrieri. RN, Co-Founder of Preferred Care at Home. “During the summer months the level of ultraviolet radiation is three times greater than in the winter.

Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are the best defense system for your eyes against sunlight and harmful UV rays. To be effective, both must be worn every time you’re outside for prolonged periods of time, even when it’s overcast.

In addition to the damage caused by repeated sun exposure overtime, you need to protect your eyes from acute damage caused by a single day in the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow or pavement can burn the eye’s surface. Similar to sunburns, eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life.

Impaired vision is a major risk factor for many senior falls and injuries in the home. Beyond protecting eyes from UV damage outside, preventative measures taken inside can reduce these risks. Some measures include keeping rooms free of clutter, avoiding use of socks on slick floors, and using at least 100-watt light bulbs. For more preventative measures or for a free in-home safety evaluation contact Preferred Care at Home at 866-690-7733

Eye health care is essential to senior well being. Please contact your ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., who can treat and prevent eye conditions and contact Preferred Care at Home for more tips on senior health.

Allison Lloyd Joins Growing Senior Home Care Company, Preferred Care at Home, as the Director of Public Relations

May 14, 2009—Preferred Care at Home, a national non-medical home care franchise company specializing in elderly care to celebrate life, dignity and independence, added a new member to its executive team in October 2008 to help guide the company’s continued growth.

Allison Lloyd has years of diverse communications experience in the areas of public relations, advertising, marketing and web development. Prior to Preferred Care at Home, she held key positions as an editor and freelance writer, and currently owns and operates a South Florida online publication.

Since joining Preferred Care at Home, Lloyd has managed all communications and public relations developments for the franchise. “Ms. Lloyd’s involvement in the company has lead to multiple benchmarks, including the introduction of a new company website and private franchise Intranet site, the debut of Preferred Care at Home’s quarterly newsletter, and the success of the first nationwide health event,” explain Preferred Care at Home Founders, Frank and Jody Guerrieri.

In addition to promoting the franchise nationwide, she also assists individual franchise offices, introducing innovative ways to reach referral contacts and interact with potential clients. “Allison has done amazing work in promoting my office. I didn’t know that my small business could receive the media’s attention that it has in the last months,” says Anderson and Roane, TN owner, Francesca Robinson.

“Preferred Care at Home stands out as a franchise opportunity because we recognize each franchisee as a business owner in need of professional and unique items. Communities have responded very well to our presence, signaling a filled void in local home care. I am pleased to have joined such a sincere company,” explains Lloyd.

“Lloyd’s expertise and entrepreneurial spirit is a flawless match for our company and our goals. Under her leadership, Preferred Care at Home is positioned to lead the senior home care industry in brand awareness and client satisfaction,” say the Guerrieri’s.

If you would like more information about Preferred Care at Home and the executive team, please visit www.PreferHome.com/press-room.

Jody Guerrieri of Preferred Care at Home’s Senior Home Care Blog Educates and Prepares Seniors and Families for an Easy Transition into Senior Years

BOCA RATON, FL—May 5, 2009—A new senior health blog has been developed to facilitate discussion on key topics related to senior home care and the difficult, but important, topics surrounding it. Preferred Care at Home’s Senior Home Care blog (www.PreferHome.com/senior-home-care-blog/blog) addresses various topics to promote early and late senior health.

Much of the blog’s content is original material generated by Preferred Care at Home, a national home care franchise company dedicated to providing reliable, compassionate and affordable care to improve quality of life while safeguarding independence and dignity in the comfort and security of home.

The key contributor, Jody Guerrieri, R.N., is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Preferred Care at Home. As a Registered Nurse for over 28 years, 25 of those years in home care, Jody understands the factual and emotional sides of the industry. She is passionate about providing the best services and resources for those in need of care.

“The foundation for which Preferred Care at Home is based relies on understanding seniors and providing outstanding care. I have a great, ever-increasing desire to research and develop only the best practices for all Preferred Care at Home owners. Inspiring and motivating Preferred Care at Home to always strive for excellence in care,” says Guerrieri.

America is growing older. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the senior population is “expected to double from 35 million to 70 million over the next 20 years.” By mid-century, older Americans will outnumber younger Americans for the first time in history.

Individuals entering their senior years can find helpful information on topics of interest and interact with a senior health expert. “Although Preferred Care at Home has branched out across the country, I make a priority of mingling with the community. Technology has made it possible for this to take place nationally and potentially globally to assist those needing direction or information on care options. This is a part of who I am and what we stand for as a company,” explains Guerrieri.

If you or a loved one is in need of home care to maintain independence, or would like more information on your options, please contact Preferred Care at Home at 1-866-690-7733 or visit www.preferhome.com.

Senior Home Care Company Opens Its Doors to the North and South Metro Areas of Denver to Provide Reliable, Compassionate and Affordable Home Care

May 11, 2009 – DENVER, CO- Preferred Care at Home, a national non-medical home care franchise company specializing in elderly care to celebrate life, dignity and independence, expands to Metro Denver to accommodate the growing senior population.

As an affordable alternative during tough economic times, Preferred Care at Home can provide the needed care to maintain independence and dignity in the comfort and security of home.

Since 1984, the founders of Preferred Care at Home have had the privilege of serving thousands of families across the country. Metro Denver owners, Rick Roedel, a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and, Tracy Hogan, a Licensed Professional Counselor have had personal experience caring for those in need and realize the benefits that home avails. This strong understanding, as advocates for the elderly, affirmed their commitment to make it possible for aging seniors to live independently.

Both Tracy and Rick are committed to Preferred Care at Home’s ultimate philosophy of caring for others in “Celebrating life, dignity and independence”. They realize, as quoted by Stephen R. Covey, “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, but spiritual beings on a human journey”. Tracy and Rick believe that they are privileged to extend a helping hand to those in need and have the utmost desire to help others to find “joy” in their journey.

Likewise, they understand that long-term care can be costly and are building a reputation for offering quality services at affordable prices. In addition to the popular 24-hour live-in option, services include:
- Homemakers
- Companions
- Personal Support
- Alzheimer Care and much more

If you or a loved one is in need of home care to maintain independence, or would like more information on your options, please contact Rick or Tracy at 303-470-1921 or visit www.preferhome.com.

Since 1984, the founders of Preferred Care at Home have had the privilege of partnering with thousands of families, providing that extra care needed to maintain independence and dignity in the comfort and security of home. Preferred Care at Home understands that long-term care can be costly and built their reputation on offering quality services at affordable prices.

With assisted living rates on the rise, Preferred Care at Home hopes to provide some relief in a time of economic despair. For low as $6.75 per hour, those in need can have an experienced caregiver at their home, or care facility 24 hours a day to meet their needs. Compared to Consumer Health Ratings average prices of assisted living facilities at $36,000 per year, nursing home rates at $210 per day and home health aides at $19 per hour, Preferred Care at Home’s live-in option presents a smart alternative to remain independent.

Live-in services include, but are not limited to, companion and homemaker services, personal support, and Alzheimer and dementia care, provided by trained, insured and bonded caregivers, recruited through a 7-step screening process.

In addition to offering affordable home care services, they can help you find funding for long-term care costs. Frank Guerrieri, President and CEO, explains, “Preferred Care at Home is always looking to meet the community’s needs in a reliable, compassionate, and affordable way”. If you or a loved one is in need of care, or would like more information please contact Preferred Care at Home at 1-866-690-7733 or visit www.preferhome.com.

Senior Home Care Company Opens Its Doors to the North and Southeast Metro Areas of Phoenix to Provide Reliable, Compassionate and Affordable Home Care

March 4, 2009 – PHOENIX, AZ- Preferred Care at Home, a national non-medical home care franchise company specializing in elderly care to celebrate life, dignity and independence, expands to Metro Phoenix to accommodate the growing senior population.

As an affordable alternative during tough economic times, Preferred Care at Home can provide the needed care to maintain independence and dignity in the comfort and security of home.

Since 1984, the founders of Preferred Care at Home have had the privilege of serving thousands of families across the country. Metro Phoenix owners, Jim Daley, C.P.A., and his sister, Mary Daley, B.S.N. R.N., have had personal experience caring for those in need and realize the benefits that home avails. This strong understanding, as advocates for the elderly, affirmed their commitment to make it possible for aging seniors to live independently.

Jim and Mary understand that long-term care can be costly and is building a reputation for their company on offering quality services at affordable prices. In addition to the popular 24-hour live-in option, services include:

- Homemakers
- Companions
- Personal Support
- Alzheimer Care and much more

If you or a loved one is in need of home care to maintain independence, or would like more information on your options, please contact Jim or Mary at 800-971-3244 or visit www.preferhome.com.

Survey Shows Senior Population is Concerned about Tough Economic Times but Remain Hopeful about Obama’s Future as President

Data reveals that senior citizens – age 65 and older –are optimistic about Obama’s presidential term despite their electoral vote, according to a survey conducted by Preferred Care at Home®, a home care company that offers support to the elderly and those needing assistance with daily life.

Affected by important issues like social security and healthcare, senior citizens are a reliable age bracket that votes “at a rate of about 60 percent more than young people,” according to Curtis Gans, director of the nonpartisan Center for the Study of the American Electorate at American University in Washington.

Although seniors gave their majority vote to the losing candidate, McCain (according to a post-election Gallup Poll), they remain positive now with Obama as President.

According to the survey, 63% of respondents said they are happy with Barack Obama, but his plan to stimulate the economy has mixed reviews. 81% of participants said they are concerned about the future of the country’s economic outlook, with 69% saying finances are their greatest fear of 2009.

When asked if there was anything they have changed because of the economy, 45% replied yes, saying they have cut back on their spending. Fewer respondents said there are things they will always continue despite the economy, including maintaining their health and making contributions to their church.

About Preferred Care at Home

Preferred Care at Home is a national non-medical home care franchise company, specializing in affordable elderly care to assist with daily tasks and offer emotional and social companionship. Services are provided in-home or at care facilities and enable clients to celebrate life, dignity and independence. For more information, visit http://www.preferhome.com.

Hunting Event Benefits Disabled Outdoor Enthusiasts, Providing the Opportunity to Enjoy Organized Activities

CROSSVILLE, TN –December 12 –Dianne Rathnow of Preferred Care at Home of Cumberland and Putnam County visits “Wheeling in the Outdoors” hunting event with a Santa bag full of hunting gifts.

The Wheeling in the Outdoors event, an outreach program of the National Wild Turkey Federation, provides people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities. With 56 million disabled individuals across the country, the NWTF encourages them to enjoy the outdoors through local chapter events nationwide.

The East Tennessee Chapter hosted the two-day event, consisting of a steak dinner followed by a day of hunting. The dinner reception welcomed over 200 people, including volunteers, hunters, families and nearly 70 participants.

In addition to presenting affordable ways to receive care with Preferred Care at Home, Rathnow unloaded her Santa bag to the disabled. Dressed as a reindeer, she gave hunting gifts, including flashlights, pocketknives, hunting gloves and shotgun shell huggies. Gander Mountain also contributed 40 hunting caps and $10 Gander Buck cards.

To learn more about “Wheeling in the Outdoors”, visit www.wheelinsportsmen.org.

About Preferred Care at Home

Preferred Care at Home is a national non-medical home care franchise company, specializing in affordable elderly care to assist with daily tasks and offer emotional and social companionship. Services are provided in-home or at care facilities and enable clients to celebrate life, dignity and independence. For more information, visit http://www.preferhome.com.

Contact:

Dianne and Rich Rathnow

931-707-0789

Preferred Care at Home Publishes Book to Lift the Spirit and Health of Elderly Affected by Holiday Depression

BOCA RATON, FL –December 9, 2008 – Preferred Care at Home, a national non-medical home care franchise company specializing in reliable, compassionate and affordable elderly care, helps combat holiday depression with a gift book to help inspire and encourage the elderly population.  

The book, entitled “Inspiration & Encouragement: Words from Caring Hearts”, contains 24 pages of short stories and quotes from Preferred Care at Home franchise owners that have personally motivated them through difficult times. Its result nurtures the human spirit, promoting an enhanced outlook on the quality of life.

The book, entitled “Inspiration & Encouragement: Words from Caring Hearts”, contains 24 pages of short stories and quotes from Preferred Care at Home franchise owners that have personally motivated them through difficult times. Its result nurtures the human spirit, promoting an enhanced outlook on the quality of life.

While Preferred Care at Home provides care and support to those who need help with daily life, they believe the holiday season is full of days that deserve extra attention.

According to the American Geriatrics Society and The Foundation for Health in Aging, “as many as half” of all older people living alone have depression. This number easily increases during the holidays. Factors that may contribute to seasonal depression include:

• Loss of a loved one
• Loss of independence
• Lost traditions

Jody Guerrieri, RN and Co-Founder of Preferred Care at Home, has had a personal account with holiday depression. “It has been about a decade since I started experiencing the holiday blues. Losing both my parents makes it a struggle at times to smile and be joyful during the holiday season; the memories become the strongest at that time of year. The things that help the most are having someone spend sincere time with me, letting me have a good cry, some laughs and hot chocolate.”

“Over the past 24 years, I have watched many of our clients experience heightened depression during the holidays due to loss and loneliness. With some holiday cheer and a special gift, we hope to replace some of that lost joy,” said Guerrieri.

Although slight depression is a normal part of aging, holiday depression can and should be treated. Companionship and open communication can greatly affect one’s attitude and behavior. Family members may try new holiday traditions that they can easily participate in, like baking holiday treats or watching a favorite movie.

Preferred Care at Home franchise owners, throughout the holiday season, will visit those in need that are both home-bound and in care facilities bearing the inspirational holiday gift. In addition, they may also offer holiday decorations, gift-wrapping, or respite care for the permanent caregiver.

To request a free book, while supplies last, or for information about the location nearest you, please contact Preferred Care at Home at 1-866-690-7733.

About Preferred Care at Home

Preferred Care at Home is a national non-medical home care franchise company, specializing in affordable elderly care to assist with daily tasks and offer emotional and social companionship. Services are provided in-home or at care facilities and enable clients to celebrate life, dignity and independence. For more information, visit http://www.preferhome.com.

National Event Stresses the Importance of Proper Detection and Treatment of Dementia though Memory Screenings and Activities

BOCA RATON, FL — October 30, 2008 – Free confidential memory screenings will be available on November 18 as part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) designed to improve overall health maintenance and promote proper detection of memory problems.

AFA encourages adults, including those with memory concerns, a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or a desire to establish a baseline score, to take advantage of the screenings and to pick up educational materials about memory concerns, successful aging and caregiving.

The face-to-face screening takes only about five minutes and consists of a series of questions and tasks administered by a qualified healthcare professional. The results do not represent a diagnosis, and AFA advises those individuals who score poorly or who have normal scores but are still concerned to follow up with their physician.

Now in its sixth year, AFA’s National Memory Screening Day coincides with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, which takes place during November. Sites across the country will be participating in the event.

On November 18, Preferred Care at Home will hold memory screenings nationwide at multiple franchise locations, including Florida, Tennessee, Arizona and Michigan. It will also offer game demonstrations to exercise and maintain an active mind. Take-home game materials will be available. For more information, call (561) 886-8219.
Frank Guerrieri, Preferred Care at Home’s President and CEO, said, “an event like this brings attention to a widespread but often ignored condition.”

 “Every 71 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. What many people don’t realize is that there are many degrees of dementia leading up to Alzheimer’s that are reversible. We can successfully decrease this statistic through a combination of preventative mind exercises and early detection,” Guerrieri said.
Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and CEO, said National Memory Screening Day is an important vehicle “to open up a dialogue about memory concerns.”

 “Checking your brain health is just as critical as checking the health of the rest of your body. If you are experiencing memory problems, it is better to learn the cause earlier rather than later so that you can be pro-active,” Hall said.

A subsequent medical exam may reveal that the person has a reversible condition such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem, or an irreversible disorder like Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Warning signs of dementia include forgetting people’s names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills and confusion over daily routines.    

For more information about National Memory Screening Day, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 866-AFA-8484.

About The Alzheimer’s Foundation

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York and made up of more than 950 member organizations that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional, practical and social needs of families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses.

About Preferred Care at Home

Preferred Care at Home is a national non-medical home care agency franchise, specializing in affordable elderly care to assist with daily tasks and offer emotional and social companionship. Services are provided in-home or at care facilities and enable clients to celebrate life, dignity and independence. For more information, visit http://www.preferhome.com.