Atrio Home Care was created to meet a range of needs, bringing together the best clinical expertise in in-home healthcare and the most compassionate individuals delivering assistance to those aging at home. However, there is often confusion regarding what each entity provides—how they’re different and when to engage each. So, in this blog, we aim to clarify the distinctions so you can better plan for your or a loved one’s care.

Atrio Help at Home provides seniors with the home health aide services they need to live the independent lives they want. Whether helping with daily activities such as meal preparation, shopping, housekeeping, or personal care needs like bathing and dressing, our pre-screened staff provides seniors with a wide range of services and companionship, allowing them to continue living comfortably at home.

Typical clients who might use “Help at Home”

• Older adults or individuals with physical or cognitive impairments needing assistance with daily activities such as:
  • Personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, dressing)
  • Meal preparation and dietary management
  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • Transportation and errands
  • Companionship and social interaction

Atrio Home Health is for clients looking to get back on their feet following an illness, injury, or surgery. In collaboration with their physicians and care team, our nurses, therapists, social workers, and aides create a plan to meet our patient’s goals from the comfort of their own homes.

Home Health Services include:

• Dementia Care
• Skilled nursing care (wound care, medication management, monitoring vitals, disease education)
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Medical social services and care coordination
• Behavioral Health & Dementia Care

Typical clients our Home Health team serve include:

• Those requiring therapy services to regain independence
• Patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery
• Individuals with chronic health conditions 

Understandably, the looming threat of a fall to an aging adult can be quite scary, but while many people believe that falling is just a normal part of aging, this is a misconception. While it’s true that the risk of falling increases with age, falls are not a guaranteed part of aging, and many can be prevented with the proper precautions, foresight, and care. In this blog post, we aim to debunk some common misconceptions surrounding falls, educate readers on how falls can be prevented, and offer solutions for staying safe at home.

Fast Facts

• Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in aging adults 65+
• 1 in 4 adults age 65+ will fall each year
• 1 out of every 5 falls results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone or head trauma
• 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling
• Women fall more often than men, accounting for 75% of all hip fractures
• More than $50 billion is spent each year on costs related to fall

Falls among older adults are often the result of a combination of risk factors, each of which can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident. 

• Physical changes: Ones that come with aging, such as decreased muscle strength, poor balance, and impaired vision, play a critical role—having you or your loved one’s eyes and feet checked regularly at doctor visits is essential. 
• Medications: Medications can have side effects of dizziness or drowsiness. Be sure to talk to a doctor about any you are taking. 
• Environmental hazards: Loose rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways further compound the risk. (A free home risk and safety evaluation from Atrio Home Health can help identify potential problem areas and provide solutions.)

MYTH: Limiting physical activity will reduce the risk of falling. 

TRUTH: Regular physical activity, especially exercises that strengthen muscles and improve balance, can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fall. Staying active is crucial for maintaining stability and strength. 

MYTH: You don’t need to worry about falling if you’ve never fallen before. 

TRUTH: Unfortunately, this belief can lead to complacency. The risk of falling doesn’t disappear when you hit a certain age, even if you’ve been fortunate enough to avoid a fall in the past. It’s important to be proactive about fall prevention regardless of your history.

MYTH: Using mobility aids like walkers or canes means losing your independence. 

TRUTH: These tools actually help maintain independence by providing the support needed to move around safely. Notably, 75% of those who fall are not using their device or walker at the time. 

Home Exercise Programs
Our physical therapists can develop a home exercise program to build muscle, increase flexibility, and improve endurance.

Home Saftey & Risk Evaluation
Through a home risk and safety evaluation, a physical or occupational therapist can help identify risks for falls in the home environment and provide potential home safety solutions that work best for you or your loved one. An evaluation is not meant to change your life or home but to aid in keeping you safe. For example, what is your nighttime routine? Is there a safe path from the bedroom to the bathroom? Is there a rug in the hallway that could be a potential tripping hazard? Could you benefit from some extra lighting in the hallways?

If you or a loved one have limited mobility, cognitive impairments, or a recent injury or illness, contact us today to schedule your home risk and safety evaluation at one of our two locations. Atrio Home Health services can be prescribed by a doctor and paid for by Medicare. 

Atrio Home Health Grand Rapids: (616) 235-4663

Atrio Home Health Lakeshore: (616) 796-3838

At Atrio Home Care, our goal has always been to help aging adults choosing to age in place stay as independent as possible for as long as possible.  With 190,000 people 65+  living with dementia in Michigan (a number that’s expected to increase to 220,000 by 2025), it is becoming more and more important to ensure caregivers and staff have the tools and skills needed to care for people living with dementia. That’s why this past May, staff from both our Help at Home and Home Health teams underwent specialized dementia care training with our partner organization, the Dementia Institute.

Why is specialized dementia care training essential?

Understanding what dementia is, its unique challenges, and how it affects individuals leads to a more empathetic approach to care. Training helps to combat the frustrations and setbacks typically caused by the communication barriers and behavioral changes that often accompany dementia. Through this specialized training, we can:

• Enhance our ability to provide person-centered care
• Improve safety for both caregivers and persons with dementia
• Reduce caregiver stress and burnout

Training Provided at Atrio Home Care

Our partner organization, Dementia Institute, focuses on supporting persons with dementia and the community that surrounds them. Their specialized training utilizes techniques from renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow’s organization, Positive Approach to Care®. Our staff were taken through a range of scenarios, modules, and exercises for a comprehensive training that touched on a number of areas, including:

Comprehensive Education
Understanding dementia and its progression, including training on specific types of dementia and associated symptoms (Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, etc.).

Empathy & Understanding
The Dementia Journey uses sound, vision, and sensory impairments to give participants a better understanding of the difficulty and daily challenges that dementia brings to the lives of those living with the disease.  

Communication Skills
Techniques for effective and compassionate communication and strategies for managing challenging behaviors and agitation.

Practical Caregiving Skills
Personal care routines tailored to individuals with dementia and activities to engage and stimulate cognitive function.

Emotional & Psychological Support
Approaches to reduce anxiety and enhance quality of life for both the caregiver and person with dementia while providing emotional support and fostering a positive environment.

Safety Protocols
Ensuring a safe living environment by managing risks such as wandering and falls.

We’re here to help!

Both our Help at Home and Home Health teams are now uniquely qualified to care for the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of you’re loved one living with dementia. If your loved one could benefit from help from someone who understands how to help them overcome their challenges, contact us to learn more here.

While there might be a perception that becoming empty nesters, retiring, and having time to spend as you wish brings about nothing but bliss, the reality is much different. The unique challenges that come with the aging process—changes in physical health, social dynamics, and lifestyle—contribute to a number of mental health issues for aging adults. So, how can we address mental health and provide strategies and support for combatting them?

Understanding Depression in Older Adults

Research indicates that 25% of those 65+ experience mental health challenges, with conditions such as depression and anxiety being particularly prevalent. Contributing factors include biological changes, chronic health conditions, or the loss of loved ones. Social isolation, boredom, and loneliness are also three of the most detrimental challenges that older adults face as they experience significant lifestyle changes. The stigma associated with mental health concerns often leads to underreporting and underdiagnosis in this demographic, making it crucial to recognize and address these issues proactively.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Some key behavioral changes to be aware of include:

Social Withdrawal: Older adults may withdraw from social activities, preferring isolation over social interaction. They may decline invitations to gatherings or events they previously enjoyed.

Decreased Interest in Hobbies: A noticeable decline in interest or participation in hobbies and activities that once brought joy. Older adults may lose enthusiasm for activities that used to be pleasurable.

Changes in Sleep Patterns: Depression can affect sleep, leading to either insomnia or increased sleep duration. Older individuals may experience difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or find themselves sleeping excessively.

Appetite Changes: Significant changes in appetite, including overeating or loss of appetite, may be observed. This can result in weight gain or weight loss over a short period.

Lack of Energy: Reduced energy levels and increased feelings of fatigue are common symptoms of seasonal depression. Older adults may express constant tiredness and find it challenging to engage in daily activities.

Irritability or Agitation: Mental health issues can manifest as increased irritability or restlessness. Older individuals may become easily agitated, even in situations that wouldn’t typically cause such reactions.

Difficulty Concentrating: Older adults may struggle with concentration and memory. Tasks that were once routine may become more challenging, leading to frustration.

Feelings of Hopelessness: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a general sense of despair can be indicative of a mental health issue. It’s important to note any changes in the emotional well-being of older individuals.

Physical Complaints: Unexplained physical complaints such as headaches, joint pain, or digestive issues may accompany depression in older adults. These symptoms may not have an apparent medical cause.

Neglect of Personal Care: Older adults may neglect personal hygiene and self-care. This can include not keeping up with grooming routines or failing to maintain their living environment.

Creating A Supportive Environment

Perhaps you’ve already noticed some combination of the above symptoms, or maybe you worry that you can’t always be there to recognize these changes. Whatever the case, Atrio Home Care can help implement coping strategies and combat social isolation. Establishing a routine and creating healthy habits to help with self-care, and engaging in physical activity are ways we can collaborate with family and healthcare providers to improve the quality of life for an aging adult. You can always reach out to us for help and support—find more information here.

Advance Directives: Ensuring Your Future Healthcare Wishes

When was the last time you considered your future healthcare plans? The average person probably isn’t thinking about them too often. But it’s an important topic, in fact, that there is a whole day dedicated to it: National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16. Each year, this serves as a reminder to take a proactive approach to healthcare decision-making. We challenge you this year to consider completing your Advance Directives. You can learn more about what this means and how Atrio is here to help you on your healthcare journey below.

Why does an advance care directive matter?

Advance directives empower individuals to express their healthcare preferences and avoid unwanted medical interventions should they be unable to communicate their wants and wishes themselves. Consult your doctor and healthcare team for guidance in completing the form. Your advance directives outline certain treatments you do/don’t want should the time come that you would need them. Having this in place greatly reduces the stress for your loved ones or chosen patient advocate during critical moments.

Communication in Advance Care Planning

It’s important to have an open dialogue with family and healthcare providers. Sorting out your advance directive can help to build understanding with your DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney) and medical team. It’s important to be honest and open during these discussions as your future health care and services will be based on what you communicate and document during these times.

When should you start planning?

It is never too early to express your healthcare wants and wishes. We can never predict when an injury or illness might come our way, and the earlier we start having these conversations, the better. Remember, your advance directive can always change. As you age, experience health issues, or shift your perspectives, you can make changes to your plan to reflect your new wants and wishes.

How Can Atrio Help?

Our team has expertise in navigating the complexities of our healthcare system. Atrio Home Care social workers can help connect you to resources and empower you to make informed decisions, offering ongoing support as your care plans change to reflect evolving needs and wishes. Contact Atrio Home Care for assistance with advance care planning and to learn more about our comprehensive support services.

For even more information…

The Making Choices Michigan offers a number of valuable resources in helping you through your advance care planning. Click the links below for downloadable forms for Advance Directives and Power of Attorney to get started. covers the topic of advance care planning in great detail. Learn more about finding advance directive forms and getting started here.

Advance Directive (Medical POA & Living Will) – eForms

Free Michigan Power Of Attorney Forms | PDF Templates

Navigating Home Care: The Vital Role of Social Workers

Home care social workers play a multi-faceted role in helping clients navigate their complex care needs, offering personalized support, advocacy, and coordination of services. Through their collaborative efforts, they empower clients to access resources, make informed decisions, and maintain their independence and dignity in the comfort of their own homes. Below is a synopsis of the vital role that home care social workers play in helping our clients.

1. Assessment and Care Planning

Home care social workers conduct comprehensive assessments to understand each client’s unique needs and preferences. They then work with clients and their families to develop personalized care plans that address both medical and social health. By identifying strengths and challenges, they arrange the appropriate interventions to promote independence and improve quality of life.

2. Connection to Resources

Based on the assessment findings, home care social workers leverage their knowledge of community resources to provide appropriate referrals. These resources may include healthcare providers, specialists, community organizations, support groups, financial assistance programs, and government agencies. Home care social workers also collaborate closely with other members of the healthcare team, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support and access to the necessary resources.

3. Coordination of Services

As centralized coordinators, home care social workers connect clients to a network of healthcare providers and support services. They liaise with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless continuity of care, coordinating appointments, medications, and therapeutic interventions to alleviate the burden on clients and their families.

4. Advocacy and Support

Advocacy is a cornerstone of the home care social worker’s role as they empower clients to voice their needs and preferences within the healthcare system. They advocate for clients’ rights to access appropriate services, accommodation, and financial assistance, providing emotional support and offering coping strategies for navigating the challenges of illness and aging.

5. Education and Empowerment

By educating clients and their families about their conditions, treatment options, and self-care techniques, home care social workers empower clients to actively participate in their own care with informed decision-making. Through ongoing guidance and encouragement, they foster self-efficacy and resilience, helping clients to manage their health and well-being effectively.

6. Crisis Intervention and Problem-Solving

In times of crisis or unexpected changes in health status, home care social workers provide timely intervention and support. They help clients and their families navigate complex medical decisions, address barriers to care, and access emergency services as needed. Their problem-solving skills enable clients to overcome challenges and adapt to evolving care needs.

Adding A Home Care Social Worker to Your Team

It never hurts to have an extra person in your corner, advocating for your wants and wishes as you overcome an illness, bounce back from injury, or deal with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (616) 235-4663 (Grand Rapids) or (616) 796-3838 (Lakeshore) to get started.