Making ‘The Longest Day’ Count
- By Horizon Health Services
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- 11 Jun, 2018
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June 21, 2018 is the summer solstice: the longest day of the year.
At Horizon Health Inc., we’re taking the day to spread light and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease, which affects more than 5 million Americans. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
Alzheimer’s can affect anyone. It is one of the most common types of dementia.
Depending on the person, it can look like memory changes, misplacing items and confusion with the time and place, among other symptoms.
The Alzheimer’s Association is celebrating The Longest Day nationwide, through activities, sports and hobbies to help raise money for research.
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. And chances are, you or someone you know is one of an estimated 16.1 million family and friends who provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States.
That kind of responsibility can come with many challenges. But we’re here to help you out.
Horizon Health Inc. provides training for caregivers, health care workers, and patients of dementia. This month, we are including an eight-hour dementia training class for caregivers, as well as a state-mandated course for health care workers.
With each course, students learn how to make a positive difference in the lives of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including understanding the brain and the types of dementia, strategies for communication and positive physical approaches.
The number of people living with dementia worldwide is set to skyrocket to 75 million by 2030. The Alzheimer’s Association calls it a “global epidemic.” But with advanced research and education, we’re together in the fight.
It is important to us at Horizon Health that we highlight our dedicated employees and help you learn more about the people who make our services great. In this edition of employee spotlight, you will meet Angie Athman, a licensed social worker for our hospice care, and Kelsey Benson, the care coordinator with Horizon Health.
All About Angie
With 12 years as a social worker under her belt, the last 6 of which have been spent working in hospice at Horizon Health, Angie Athman is a valued employee. Nevertheless, she is humble about her position. Angie says her favorite part of her job is the peace it brings her. She says working to serve the aging population is an honor and brings into perspective how precious life really is. While she does think working with end of life patients can be hard, Angie says she is grateful for Horizon’s supportive workplace where her coworkers are like family and the inspirational stories she hears from her elderly patients. When asked if there is anything she feels needs to be known about her position, Angie says that besides her job duties, she runs two caregiver support groups and provides community support to those nearing a hospice situation with a loved one. Angie invites anyone who could use her help to reach out to Horizon Health Hospice at 320-468-2788.
Keeping Up With Kelsey
Also a licensed social worker, our care coordinator Kelsey has done a fabulous job since starting at Horizon Health. Kelsey previously worked in a nursing home and enjoyed serving the elderly population. This led her to pursue social work at Horizon Health. She says her favorite part of her job is connecting families to resources they might not have otherwise had that make their lives easier. The rewarding part is making connections and helping people with compassion and a helpful heart. Kelsey says she really knows her elderly patients on a personal level and values building those relationships!
These two wonderful women make our hospice care more empathetic, more effective, and more supportive for our patients and their families. We are proud to shine a spotlight on Angie and Kelsey!
