Tuesday, October 31, 2017

10 Diabetes Facts


  1. About one-third of all people with diabetes do not know they have the disease.
  2. Type 2 diabetes often does not have any symptoms.
  3. Only about five percent of all people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
  4. If you are at risk, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with moderate weight loss (10–15 pounds) and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) each day.
  5. A meal plan for a person with diabetes isn’t very different than that which is recommended for people without diabetes.
  6. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.
  7. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease than someone without diabetes.
  8. Good control of diabetes significantly reduces the risk of developing complications and prevents complications from getting worse.
  9. Bariatric surgery can reduce the symptoms of diabetes in obese people.
  10. Diabetes costs $174 billion annually, including $116 billion in direct medical expenses.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Caregiver of the Month - Millicent Serebour

Thank you, Millicent!
recommendation letter from patients daughter. 


Recommendation for Millicent Serebour

Millicent (Millie) Serebour worked for my mother for more than two years as her primary caregiver through Personal Touch. She was with her 24/7 and cared for her during the last years of her life. My mother had dementia, which progressed most seriously during the past year. She was not an easy woman to care for, yet Millie was patient, loving and kind to her at all times. My mother was very attached to her

The work was arduous and boring. yet I did not ever hear Millie complain. She loved my mother and showed it in her caring-manner, even when my mother was not kind or pleasant back Millie showed self-restraint and was able to diffuse my mother's anger. She had a beautifully gentle-manner with my mother.

Millie was always willing to take on more work She cleaned up and kept the house looking decent, including my mother's room and possessions. As her memory declined, Millie kept track of her doctor appointments and medications. Since my brother and I live out of town, Millie was critically important to my mother's care. We relied on her to tell us what was happening and to put our mother on the phone when it was possible to talk to her. Millie was always responsible and reliable.

I highly recommend Millie as a caregiver and would be happy to talk to anyone who is looking for a responsible, kind, and caring caregiver.


Sally Gabnel, PhD

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Nursing Excellence - Latosha Dingus




We would like to recognize Latosha Dingus, RN for her outstanding work! 

Latosha began her career with Personal Touch as a CNA several years ago. Back then, we always received feedback about how her patients loved her and her outstanding work ethic. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she went back to school to obtain her nursing degree. After working a short time in the hospital setting, Latosha returned to Personal Touch as an RN. During an interview, a Home Health Aide Supervisor told her hiring manager "No one would work harder for you than Latosha would" 

"And she was right!" her manager says. 

We recently received a huge compliment from an MD with one of our referral sources stating their patient had a difficult wound requiring wound vac therapy and her nurse at PTHC was EXCELLENT! She went on to say that when she expressed her satisfaction to the patient and her husband, they "GUSHED ABOUT THE EXCELLENT CARE FROM PTHC"!

Please join us in congratulating Latosha on a job well done. 

Keep up the good work Latosha! 

We are so glad you chose PTHC as your home and look forward to working with you for many years to come!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Karen Watt Day





Karen has worked with Personal Touch for 18 years as our wavier coordinator and a wonderful RN. Everyone here and all her patients love her. She is a very hard working, determined, and strong-willed lady. She knows her stuff and she knows it well. 

Karen is also fighting breast cancer. She has 8 treatments left and is doing well. But we wanted to show her that she is not alone and that we are all fighting with her - #KarenStrong ! 

We surprised Karen with a party for #KarenWattDay. We had shirts made that say “Fight Like Karen”. We gave her a pink blanket made by another PTHC aide. Karen was surrounded by friends who shared tears, laughter & love with her. 

Thank you Karen for all that you do and all that you are, and for inspiring us to never stop fighting. #FightLikeKaren 

Monday, October 2, 2017

Family Go-Kit - Be Prepared



Family Go-Kit should include:
  • First aid kit
  • Essential prescription and nonprescription items and medical information. 
  • Battery-powered flashlight and radio (or crank radio), extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick. 
  • A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone. 
  • Personal items, ie: eyeglasses, cash in small bills. Important documents in a waterproof container:
  • Drivers’ licenses 
  • Wills 
  • Birth/Marriage certificates 
  • Insurance policies 
  • Deed or Lease 
  • Recent tax returns 
  • Credit card and bank account numbers 
  • Social Security cards 
  • Passport 
  • Home inventory list Special items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs

Patient Success Story - Salvador Rodriguez - Lt. Colonel, USAF -Retired

After undergoing successful back surgery at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, I received in-home care, orientation and instruction ...