Eat to Reduce Inflammation

Not all chronic pain can be linked to inflammation inside your body, but a lot of it can. You can take anti-inflammatory medications, and you should if prescribed by a doctor. But you should also make dietary changes to reduce inflammation.

First, you need to cut out known causes of inflammation. These sources include fried foods, refined carbs, sugar, red meats, and processed meats. Saying goodbye to french fries, soft drinks, bagels, and steak can help you reduce your pain after your body begins to readjust.

Of course, it’s not just about what you can’t eat; there are also foods that you should eat in your fight against inflammation. Stock up on tomatoes, nuts and fatty fish such as salmon. Eat plenty of berries. Cook your food in olive oil instead of butter or margarine.

Do what you can to lose weight if you are overweight or obese, as “fatty tissue produces chemicals that cause inflammation, and carrying around extra weight can tax your body, increasing pain and discomfort.”

Get Help with Housework

If you suffer from chronic pain, even simple tasks like sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping can cause stress on your muscles and joints, leading to severe discomfort. Give yourself a break and hire some help.

If you can afford it, hire a cleaning service. Even if you can only pay for part-time assistance, you would benefit from the extra hands. Depending on the age of your children, look into either a part-time nanny or daycare services. Consider also hiring a lawn care company to maintain your yard. The cost of lawn care maintenance usually includes mowing, edging, and removing debris. Look for reputable house cleaning and lawn care companies by researching customer reviews and checking ratings.

Of course, some activities like gardening can actually help those with chronic pain, so you might want to do some of your housework yourself. But the moment it becomes clear that your home-making responsibilities are causing you pain, don’t be afraid to seek out help.

Reconfigure Your Bedroom

Unfortunately, sleep issues and chronic pain go together like peanut butter & jelly. If you have one, you usually have the other. Chronic pain can exacerbate sleeping troubles, and not getting enough rest can exacerbate chronic pain. To help get yourself out of this vicious cycle, make some alterations to your sleeping situation.

Turn your bedroom into a no-technology zone. Don’t bring your phone, computer, or even a TV into your bedroom. Don’t check work emails, don’t watch Netflix; in fact, don’t do anything in your bedroom except sleep and have sex. You must train your brain to think “sleep” when you get in bed, or else it will focus on countless tasks.

For some, total quiet is the way to go; for others, that complete quiet makes them focus on the pain. Find what works best for you. If you need some background noise, try a white noise machine, or play quiet, calming music.

Small Changes

While you may want to throw yourself into a host of changes to help fight your chronic pain, it’s important to take it a step at a time. Especially when it comes to new habits. Lifestyle changes are more likely to stick when they’re gradually implemented. So start small, maybe by getting help with housework. Once you have this figured out, turn to addressing your meals. By slowly adapting to these changes, you’re in a better position to really feel the benefits, making it easier to tweak what works and what doesn’t.

Everyone’s chronic pain is different, and much of dealing with it is trial and error. You try something, and it works or it doesn’t, and what works for one person completely fails for the next. However, by tweaking some basic elements in your home life, you can put yourself in a better situation to manage your chronic pain.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

About the Author:

Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she’s not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don’t have to mold themselves to conventionality. 

The post GUEST POST: How to Reduce Chronic Pain at Home first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

Here, No Ordinary Liz offers tips on how to bring it all together.

Wrap Things Up Before You Go

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a budget-friendly getaway is to tie up loose ends before you leave. If you’re managing your own business, it’s important to take some time for yourself, so you shouldn’t feel guilty about getting out of the office and enjoying life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the workload of being a manager, consider investing in online business services to help you tackle everything. You might find that you start taking advantage of these services even when you aren’t planning a getaway. Once you’ve made sure you don’t have any obligations, you can take a breather and enjoy the weekend.

Travel Bargains

Scour the internet for travel deals on flights until you’re sure you’re getting the lowest fare. Also, look for bargains on sites like Priceline and take advantage of weekend specials and savings for sites like Enterprise Rent-A-Car to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. So, look carefully and check back often until you’re sure yours will indeed be a budget-friendly getaway. A diligent last-minute search can often net you airfare for under $100. Websites such as Kayak can even send alerts when a deal is found that fits within your established parameters. One good way to approach it is to look for the best rates for any airline, which increases the likelihood you’ll find something in your price range.

Accommodations

Luxury hotels and high-end B & Bs add a lot to the experience but defeat the purpose of an inexpensive getaway, so make frequent use of coupons and deals for sites like Hotel.com so you can fit this trip into your budget. Focusing on accommodations that offer a continental or complementary full breakfast is also a good way to save on meal cost since you can eat a late breakfast and take a couple of muffins, doughnuts, or some fruit along when you get out and about.

Child Care

This is one hurdle that undoes many a planned getaway. Couples are often forced to give up on their plans or take the kids along, which will certainly add to your tally. If your children are too young to stay by themselves, it’ll be necessary to find a friend or relative (preferably someone with children) to watch your kids while away. It’s an important cost-saving measure because free child care will end up saving you a bundle. 

Getting Behind the Wheel

If your getaway precludes the possibility of air travel, consider getting behind the wheel and driving if you’re within reasonable driving distance (say within eight hours or so) for a weekend getaway. Coupons.com, for example, is a site that provides access to a host of deals for costly expenses to help make this travel fun and budget-friendly.

Cost-Conscious Dining

Few expenses drive up the cost of a weekend getaway like dining out at high-end and touristy restaurants. It’s often easier to get a better feel for a destination by looking for restaurants that are off the beaten path and in older, more historic neighborhoods than the “main drag” where tourist literature tries to convince visitors to congregate. Ask the concierge at your hotel to recommend some of the best moderately priced local places to eat, and always take advantage of a local person’s knowledge when you’re a newcomer. 

A budget-conscious approach to a weekend away will leave you with a lifetime of cherished memories and experiences — and with plenty of money left over in your wallet.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

About the Author:

Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she’s not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don’t have to mold themselves to conventionality. 

The post GUEST POST: Fun on a Budget: Tips for a Cost-Conscious Weekend Getaway first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

One sweet day, I was on Instagram scrolling through my feed when all of a sudden I see that CANDY that I dream of from my childhood days. There.it.was! It was like I had transported into a virtual candy world. Whelp, a few weeks ago, I was invited to take a walk down memory lane and to sample a few of their sweet products! It went something like this…

Do you have a sweet tooth now?

No problem, I can help you fix it!

Sugarwish offers a variety of classic candies, freshly-baked cookies, gourmet popcorn and crunchy snacks to choose from for any occasion (birthdays, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, remote working, virtual team events, etc.) or just because. You get to select your wish size, personalize a message with sweet words, then hit send. But wait, I haven’t shared the SWEETEST part! Your recipient (or yourself) gets to pick out the treats they want directly from their online shop. I believe they have something for everyone! Psst..I heard new sweet flavors are on the way!

So what are you waiting for? Sweet happiness is waiting to be delivered!

Disclaimer: This post is written on behalf of Sugarwish!  All pictures and content were provided by Sugarwish.  I was able to experience their sweetness in exchange for blog and social media posts.   All opinions are my own.

The post No Ordinary Sweets first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

Once you lay eyes on your dream home, you will know that it is the one. However, before starting this search, it is a good idea to make a list of all of your top priorities to serve as a guide. Here are five things to look for in your dream home.

Outdoor Living Space

One of the biggest selling points in today’s modern homes is the availability of an outdoor living space. This has become especially notable as families look to entertain more outside because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Elements to look for in your outdoor living space include a covered patio area, room for comfortable seating, a heating element, and the means to prepare food outdoors. Other desirable elements include proper lighting, a fire pit, and entertainment offerings.

Affordability

All of the features in the world will not make you happy if you are constantly worrying about how you are going to make your mortgage payment each month. For this reason, your dream home should be a house that you can easily afford. If not, you will not be able to enjoy it as much.

Be sure to consider new homes Edmonton Northwest when you are looking for a house that has all of the features you have always dreamed of at a price that will make you feel good about your investment.

Look for Flexibility

One of the most important things to consider when deciding on your dream home is what type of living space flexibility it will provide for you. This is particularly important if you are still growing your family. For example, if you plan on adding to your family, you will need a home that gives you room to grow.

If you plan on retiring in this home, you need to consider that you may have mobility issues as you age. For this reason, many families choose homes with main floor master suites if they plan on staying in the home for the rest of their lives. The more versatile that your home is, the more likely that you will stay in it for the long term.

Consider the Location and Neighborhood

Your home is more than just the structure. It is where you lay down your roots and make a life. Because of this, it is vital that you consider the location and neighborhood when landing on that perfect home.

If you have children, you will clearly make the available schools a top priority. If you are entering your golden years, you are going to want to consider factors such as convenience to the services that you need the most when you age, traffic patterns, and other elements that will contribute to your quality of life.

Practical Lifestyle Considerations

Only you know what will make you the happiest in your home. If your family is the active type, you may enjoy a big yard with room for a sports court or a putting green. If you are a movie buff or sports fan, you will appreciate the enjoyment of a media room to watch your favorite team or the latest blockbuster.

Wine connoisseurs will get a lot of use out of a wine cellar or wet bar. Understanding how you plan to use your home will help you to narrow down what amenities you find most desirable in a house. Be sure to consider how you live and your goals in life when weighing homes against each other.

Finding the house of your dreams may take some time and effort but it will be well worth it in the end.

About the Author:

Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.  Twitter – @LizzieH60862204

The post GUEST POST: 5 Things to Look for in Your Dream Home first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

Finding a new hobby or skill can be hugely beneficial for people of any age, in part because it can help boost your self-esteem, but also because it can reduce stress levels and help your mental (and even physical) health. The key is to find one that engages you, keeps you interested and motivated, and helps you find new sides to yourself as well as build self-confidence.

Keep reading for some tips from No Ordinary Liz on how to find the right hobby for you and how it can help.

Learn a New Language

As The Telegraph explains, learning a new language can help you in multiple ways, from boosting your brain power — it can help you navigate and solve problems — to giving you a leg up when you apply for a job. It can also help strengthen your memory, improve your decision-making skills, and reduce the risk that you will develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia later in life.

Whether you want to take a class or learn online or via an app on your smartphone, there are many options; choose the right one and you could start speaking a new language in as little as a couple of weeks.

Learn to Play an Instrument

Playing an instrument will allow you to boost your self-esteem while keeping you social even if you choose to take a class online. Interacting with other students will give you the confidence you need to start playing in front of an audience — if that’s your goal — and it will help you make and sustain social connections that can last a lifetime. Consider playing a saxophone, clarinet, or trumpet, as these are some of the best instruments for first-timers. There are many music-learning apps you can download.

Get Creative

Getting creative can help you reduce stress and anxiety while allowing you to communicate in a whole new way. Art has actually been used as a therapy for this reason, because those who are battling depression or substance abuse can have quite a bit of success in releasing negative feelings via creativity. Look for an online art class or take a workshop near you. With so many different ways to get creative, from painting to woodworking, you can find something that appeals to you.

Cooking

Cooking and baking can be a challenge, especially if you haven’t done much of either. However, spending time in the kitchen can be therapeutic, and learning to follow recipes can help you get organized in other aspects of your life and take responsibility. Choose a relatively easy recipe to start with, and make sure you have all the materials and tools you’ll need ahead of time, from basic ingredients to the pots, pans, utensils, and safety gear — including but not limited to an apron, pot holders, fire extinguisher, and something to tie back long hair.

Still Want More?

If you’re enjoying your newly developed interests and skills, then it might be time to think about going a little further and earning a degree in that field so you can turn your passion into a career. An online IT degree, for example, is a great way to further your education and career opportunities while being able to maintain a good school-life balance. Some online universities, such as WGU, also offer classes that can be done at your own pace, so there’s no need to stress about work and school clashing. Plus, earning a degree online is a great way to polish your resume for future job opportunities.

Trying a new hobby can be intimidating at first, but once you find your rhythm, it gets much easier. You may even find something you enjoy doing that you can also make extra money with, such as making jewelry or playing music. With a little patience and time, your new hobby will work for you.

Connect with No Ordinary Liz for ideas, inspirations and information that can help your world be anything but ordinary!

About the author: Jennifer Scott is a single mom who writes about the ups and downs of her mental illness on SpiritFinder.org  The blog serves as both a source of information for people with mental illness and a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their experiences.

The post GUEST POST: Fun New Hobbies to Try at Any Age and Their Benefits first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

Change Your Diet, Change Your Life

First things first, it’s time to evaluate your diet. With stores continuing to be out of stock of many essentials, some of us have changed the way we eat, and not for the best. But now is the time to pay close attention to what you put into your body. Consider, for example, going keto. If you’re low on energy, cutting the carbs let’s your body use fat as fuel, meaning there is a bit more pep in your step. And with more energy comes a better mood. Keto can also reduce depression and leave you sleeping soundly.

Social Distancing Doesn’t Mean Cooped Up

One of the saddest misconceptions about social isolation is that it means being holed up in your home with no sunlight. This is actually one of the worst things you could do. And although many outdoor recreation areas remain closed, there are lots of places, including private trials, country roads, and even your local mall parking lot, where you can do things like run, ride bikes, and take a hike. Advanced Neurotherapy further explains that being outside gives you access to fresh air and promotes brain health. Spending time in the sun will help improve your concentration and, perhaps most importantly, reduce stress.

Now Is The Time To Focus On Fitness

While getting outside promotes physical activity, you’ll also want to pay close attention to your fitness routine at home. After all, you probably don’t want to go out on your bike in rain or oppressive heat. If you’re feeling the strain, try developing a new workout regime. Look for ways to get motivated, such as exercising with your family, and then plan to build a home gym that promotes your activities of choice. Garage Gym Reviews offers advice on how to set up the perfect fitness area, even if you have a small space and an even smaller budget.

Cool, Calm, and Collected

In addition to eating well, going outside, and engaging in routine physical activity, you can relieve stress with herbal medicine and other natural remedies. The Cut suggests things like passionflower and chamomile. Each of these has a calming effect and can help soothe your nerves on a bad day.

You may also consider sipping on a CBD-infused beverage. Keep in mind that, despite coming from the cannabis plant, CBD won’t get you high, but it can have calming effects. Look for a recommended CBD drink that’s within your budget, contains a comfortable amount of the chemical, and tastes good enough that you want to consume it.

Unfortunately, the second half of 2020 is shaping up to be just as much of a roller coaster ride as the first. But, that does not mean that you have to let the trials and tribulations of the year get you down. There are many ways to keep the peace in self-isolating households, including eating well and exercising. And the best part is that these new habits will enhance your quality of life now and once you’re ready to rejoin society. (Image via Pexels)

About the Author:

Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she’s not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don’t have to mold themselves to conventionality. 

The post GUEST POST: Tips For Breaking Tension In Self-Isolating Households first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

Photo via Pexels

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many of us to deal with some pretty major life changes. We’ve had to adapt to remote work, learn to homeschool our children, get comfortable exercising outside of the gym, and find ways to fill our free time without leaving the house. By now, we’ve all settled into a new normal. While many states are starting to reopen, many of these changes are bound to stick around. Here are some tips to help you navigate pandemic challenges and cope with the changes in your own life.

Consider a Career Change

If the shutdown affected your ability to work, this could be a great opportunity to make a career change! There are all kinds of fun and fulfilling jobs you can do from home, whether you want to try freelancing or build your very own business. If you’re interested in becoming a freelancer, think about the type of work you would enjoy the most. You can offer nearly any service on a freelance basis, including web design, accounting, writing, translation, and admin support. Use job boards to browse freelance job categories and find the right choice for your remote career!

Maintain a Routine

A good routine is vital to success for anyone working from home. Not only will your routine help you stay on task and avoid household distractions, but it can also ground you to a kind of consistency during this time of unpredictable change. Start by developing a solid morning routine that will get you excited about waking up. Have a cup of coffee on the balcony, take your dog for a walk, or read a book. When you feel ready to start your day, jump into a work routine with scheduled breaks so you can avoid burnout. Finally, maintain a relaxing evening routine that can help you wind down and put those nagging thoughts to bed before your head hits the pillow.

Pick Up a New Hobby

Although lockdown restrictions are loosening, you may still be hesitant to return to all your old hobbies and pastimes. Ensure your days are still full of fulfilling and meaningful activities! Play around with some new hobbies until you find something that you can get really passionate about. Pick up a new instrument, learn another language, try baking bread, play around with crafts, or plant a garden in your backyard. Do something that makes you feel productive every day!

Keep Your Body Healthy

Maintaining your health is more important than ever right now, and not just so you can avoid illness. Long days spent in lockdown are bound to wreak havoc on your overall well being, especially if you’ve let your exercise routine slip or you’ve been snacking on all those tempting treats in the pantry. Keep your health in top shape so you have the energy you need to cope with the changes happening in your life right now. To enjoy optimal physical health, you need to focus on three main things—nutrition, exercise, and sleep. These three pillars support each other, so don’t neglect any one of them!

Protect Your Mental Health

The coronavirus pandemic may have caused you to lose the sense of control that you previously had over your life. As a result, you may be feeling anxious, sad, or even scared. This is completely normal, and many of us are going through the same emotions. Whether you’re worried that someone you love will get sick or you’re concerned about losing your job, these stressors can slowly chip away at your mental well-being.

Verywell Mind recommends keeping your mental health strong and resilient by taking good care of your body, developing healthy stress-reduction strategies, and maintaining your contact with supportive friends and family. It may also be a good idea to limit your exposure to negative news and sensational social media content that can only exacerbate your worries.

Humans are creatures of habit. This is why we hold onto the familiar and are resistant to change—especially when the outcome is wrought with uncertainty. Overcoming the numerous challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic likely means leaving your comfort zone, and you’ll come out of this a stronger person because of it!

About the author: Jennifer Scott is a single mom who writes about the ups and downs of her mental illness on SpiritFinder.org  The blog serves as both a source of information for people with mental illness and a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their experiences.

The post GUEST POST: How to Adapt to Major Life Changes During the Pandemic first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

Have you ever wondered why doctors place so much emphasis on diet for diabetic patients? Do you know how diet affects your insulin levels? If you’re curious about cutting-edge research on the link between diet and living a healthy life with diabetes, read on!

1. Why Do I Need to Be Concerned?

If patients with diabetes don’t take concrete steps to regulate their blood sugar, their symptoms may worsen. Wound healing is of particular concern for diabetics, as elevated levels of blood glucose makes it more difficult for wounds to heal.

What’s more, anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic foot ulcers, whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In fact, 15% of people with diabetes end up developing diabetic foot ulcers, and 85% of those patients end up with lower limb amputations. But don’t panic — those are only in extreme cases, when diabetes is left untreated.

2. What’s the best diet for type 1 diabetes?

You’ve probably heard that processed, sugary foods increase the inflammation associated with diabetes. But there’s even more reason to focus on fresh, high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables. A study from Monash University showed that fruits and vegetables sit for longer in the gut, creating fermentation and increasing your level of beneficial gut bacteria. This in turn reduces the inflammation associated with diabetes, and reduces the chance of pre-diabetic patients developing type 1 diabetes.

More recent studies have also explored the benefits of diets that incorporate some element of fasting. “Cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet and a normal diet essentially reprogrammed non-insulin-producing cells into insulin-producing cells,” says Valter Longo, the director of the Longevity Institute at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. But don’t just start skipping meals — it’s important to ask your physician what method of fasting you should try. There are fasting-mimicking diets that last only a short period of time, as well as special diet plans that allow you to reap the benefits of fasting without getting too hungry.

3. What Foods Should I Avoid?

Sugar is the most obvious culprit, but it’s not just sweets that contain loads of sugar. Anything processed is more likely to have more sugar, so stick with fresh foods wherever possible. High-fat foods can also make blood glucose levels spike — one study showed that pizza affects blood glucose levels for hours after consumption.

4. Besides Diet, What Else Can I Do?

Younger people with type 1 diabetes can also make sure to get a good amount of exercise to manage their symptoms. Studies have also shown that carefully choosing comfortable, cushioned footwear can help prevent diabetic foot ulcers — look out for anything that might chafe or cause a blister. Patients typically only notice these ulcers once they’ve formed a red sore of the bottom of the foot, and they can be quite uncomfortable.

By taking these healthy steps now, you can prepare for a long life of living a relatively symptom-free life with type 1 diabetes.

About the AUTHOR: Tracy Rairigh is a medical, business, and technical writer with a Writing in the Sciences Certificate from the University of Stanford Medical. She is also the owner of Rairigh Writing. With over 150 published articles in wound care, health and wellness and a degree in Engineering, she has a vast array of knowledge to pull from.

The post GUEST POST: Type 1 Diabetes: Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

In Japan, the concept of searching for your life’s purpose is called Ikigai (pronounced EE-key-guy). There isn’t a direct English translation for this concept, but it roughly translates to this journey of self-discovery.

Though your life’s purpose can seem like an abstract concept, the answer actually lies at the intersection of four simple questions:

? What do you love to do?

? What are you good at doing?

? What does the world need?

? What can you be paid for doing?

Once you start to identify your responses to those four questions, you’ll find that it’s easier to identify your Ikigai than you imagined.

It isn’t necessary to jump immediately into your life’s purpose: Ikigai can be applied to our daily lives as well. Ikigai is also the concept of living a more purpose-driven and fulfilling life in general by nurturing our bodies and minds.

Examples of “everyday Ikigai” include eating diverse, healthy meals, checking in with our loved ones, setting time aside to relax and cherishing life’s imperfections instead of beating ourselves up for small failures.

This mindfulness can help shape your mind and mody, and can perhaps even start you down a larger pathway of self discovery.

(Photo provided by Emily Gibson)

If you’ve ever tried this approach and would like to share you purpose with us, comment below! #weallhaveapurpose

Author Bio: Emily Gibson is a content creator for Bestow. When she’s not typing away at a computer, you can find her hiking with her dog or watching live music. 

The post GUEST POST: #NoOrdinaryLifestyle: What Is Ikigai, and How Can It Impact Our Lives? first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

If we look at the number more closely, the home care market is going to more almost triple in five years, due to the growing number of the seniors, and a significant shortage of health workers in the US- amounting to half a million, as predicted by 2025.

Yes, the market is growing steadily, but you cannot work in that field just because it’s lucrative.

Take this seriously: not everyone can deal with the type of stress this job brings. You have to like working with people- not only patients but their families as well. Compassion and empathy have to be your top qualities.

It can also be physically challenging as well. The patients might be confused and disoriented, fearful or depressed, even aggressive. Some days you will only change bedpans. And you’ll also work shifts. Weekends and holidays included.

Senior care- the gist

You’re going to assist people who aren’t able to live on their own, who have a difficult time caring for themselves, typically due to the diseases and chronic illnesses and physical or mental disabilities usually go hand in hand with age.

It’s important to learn skills regarding personal care, nutrition, housekeeping, and home management. Also, you might want to learn about legal issues and ethics. The higher the level of education you have, the higher you’ll be paid. Meaning that the next stage is learning about drug administration.

What is quite different from working in a hospital where you are dedicated to multiple patients, sometimes simultaneously, is a one-on-one approach.

Although it might be easier to have a whole team behind you, with a lot of colleagues that can jump in and offer a quick insight with emergencies, working alone with a single patient means more personal connection, to both the patient and their family. Therefore, it’s way more rewarding.

Also, it means you have to be extremely confident in your capabilities.

We mentioned the family-nurse communication: it’s very important because your business will only grow if your clients feel heard and respected. On top of that, you’ll need to be able to be effective, yet empathetic when talking about your patient’s condition, their disease, and prognosis.

It won’t hurt to repeat: if you’re certain that this highly gratifying, yet stressful and demanding job is the right fit for you, and you love dealing with people and cherish the idea of changing someone’s life while helping them, your altruistic personality is the single most important requirement for success in this field. Then comes trustworthiness. And a cool attitude.

Education

So the first specific step is to get the appropriate education. Usually, it’s a high school diploma, after which you’ll need a certificate. Remember, certificate holders are in for a lot of job opportunities, the demand is truly high nowadays.

Then find a job for training purposes, under the supervision of professional nurses. Get the grips, then apply for a license, for which you’ll need that high school diploma, most likely a certificate, and experience. Check, check, check!

But, what are the specific requirements education-wise?

If you wish to be on the refund list of Medicare or Medicaid, you have to go through formal training, otherwise, you won’t be.

You’ll have to enroll in a one-semester long program preceded by physical and blood tests, and a mandatory background check. Also, you need a CPR certification. There are various aspects covered by the program: you learn how to keep an infectious disease under check, but also some knowledge on how to work with people in need of emotional or other support. When done, the next step is the state competency examination.

After that, just keep up attending different updated courses to stay on top of your game.

Want to be an entrepreneur?

The same criteria apply- altruism and endless patience. “This industry draws people who are driven by compassion and desire to care for their fellow man. It’s a great industry and there is money to be made but you need that drive to help people. If you don’t have that compassion, this is not the business for you”. Also, if you dread technology, move on. This is the area where you’ll need to employ a lot of high-tech devices and apps. Moreover, this job is usually done in isolation, so consider this as well. And long-distance travel.

Ok…Congratulations! You’ve found the niche that not only suits your character, but it’s becoming very profitable, globally. The downside is that you’re going to have a lot of competition, so brace yourself for a thorough market and competition research.

One thing is for sure, people want to be independent, that’s why they’ll choose a live in personal assistant or home care over a hospital, sometimes even over a family member.

This article dissects the steps for starting a home health care business, read it for an in-depth analysis and a lot of useful information and references.

In a nutshell,

1. You’ll need a business plan. “It’s important to have clinical knowledge, but it’s just as important to have business sense because at the end of the day it’s still a business and it must be run like a business to be effective at generating a profit. It requires a balance of skills.” It’ll include a loan, various expenses, including supplies and equipment, and the above-mentioned market research.
2. You’ll also need medicare certification: “In the United States, it can take a year or longer to open a fully licensed and certified business. It can be a long path.” Count in that period.
3. Then, find (the right) staff. Challenging, indeed. They represent you, it’s your walking and talking business.
4. Last one- create a bombshell marketing strategy- from a website and networking to attending trade shows. Get your name stand out for a good reason.

A 97-old lady said that she was lucky to go to home care. That was the first time after a long time for her to not feel afraid. “It was the best feeling”.

Conclusion

Working with people is a highly challenging, yet utterly satisfying job. You get instant feedback. You feel the connection. And you help those people have a chance at a better and more healthy life.

It takes a lot of commitment and a little* learning, but if this is your calling, you are a lucky person to have the opportunity to do what you love while being wildly successful. Just follow the steps and procedures!

AuthorBio: Anne Harris is an HR specialist working for londonlive-incare.com. She eagerly shares her knowledge with her audience on various blogs. When she isn’t writing or attending wellness conferences, she likes to pack her rucksack and ride her day away on her bike or spend time with her friends.

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