Flu Vaccinations and Google's Very Cool Flu Map!

Did you know that the flu shot isn’t only important to individual protection it also reduces the likelihood of the flu being spread? When more people get vaccinated against the flu, it

can't spread through that community according to the CDC. This is especially important if you’re caring for someone else, particularly a senior. Given that the vaccine is less effective in seniors, an additional layer of protection is possible if caregivers and loved ones also get vaccinated.

If you’re wondering whether the flu is active in your community, Google’s Flu Map is one way to check: it uses common flu-related search terms as indicators of flu activity in various regions. Whether your region is getting hit by the flu might be a helpful deciding factor in getting a shot this year—though, again, the CDC’s recommendation is for everyone to get a flu shot, even if you’re not in a hard-hit area.  You can find Google’s Flu Map online at this url: http://www.google.org/flutrends/us/#US

We hear from people every year about how they got the flu from flu shots, the shot made them ill, etc.  While medically it’s not possible to get the flu from a flu vaccination,  it is possible to get side effects  that may feel a bit like the flu.  These may include soreness at the injection site, aches, or low-grade fever.  With all questions of this type, you should always consult with your doctor.  It’s important to make informed decisions when dealing with health & well being!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Cutting the VA Benefits Red Tape!

What many veterans and their spouses don’t realize is they may be eligible for up to $24,648 per year of tax-free money to help pay for home care services.  The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Pension with Aid and Attendance Benefit helps to cover medical expenses, including home care services, such as bathing, dressing, feeding and personal hygiene.

In addition to a lack of awareness, many potentially eligible candidates are deterred by the complexity of the application process. Mark Thommarson, of Corsicana, Texas, experienced this when trying to obtain the benefit for his own parents. “The mountain of paperwork for the application process was overwhelming,” Thommarson said. “Although the local VA office tried to be helpful, the paperwork seemed complicated, and I understood the process could take 18 months to two years for approval. So at that point, I gave up and continued to pay for their care out of my own pocket.”
Then two years ago, Home Helpers locations nationwide aligned with St. Louis-based Veterans Care Coordination (VCC), an organization dedicated to helping veterans apply for and obtain the benefit. Despite his initial skepticism, Thommarson gave the process another try with VCC’s assistance.

“I began the application process for Mom and Dad in April 2013. On June 1, we received our authorization for the start of their services through VCC, and in August, we received the award of benefit from the VA,” Thommarson said. “VCC made the process easy and understandable. The $2,000 worth of care that was previously being paid for by me and my siblings is now being paid for by the VA.”

To learn more about the benefit and eligibility requirements, contact a Home Helpers location near you.  Today, and every day, take a moment to thank our nation’s veterans and their loved ones for their dedication to our country.

  Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

The origins of Veterans Day...

World War I, known at the time as “The Great War”, officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars”.


In November of 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. It is intended as a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.  Home Helpers would like to extend our thanks for all veterans for the services they have provided.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!