Thank you again to all for your continued support in keeping everyone safe and doing your part not to spread the virus!!!
If you have gotten vaccinated please provide a copy of your vaccination card to put in your personal file.
JOIN US IN OUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS!
Maximum Care Inc. Culture, a place where….
Even the smallest of ideas are encouraged to be born, shared, and shaped into achievement.
We foster an environment of listening to and learning from each other and discover something new each day, whether it be industry buzz, a new system, a new skill, a new function, a new perspective.
We respect one’s downtime, lunch, flex time, or even vacation. Know that everyone needs and deserves a break. But when we work, we work.
We can brainstorm and implement ways to become a proactive company rather than just a reactive one.
Unfortunately, criticism and negativity inevitably hail from the outside but should never strike from within.
We strive to be our best self, the best company we can be, and better than our competition instead of competing to be better than one another internally.
Devoid of unwarranted fault-finding and finger-pointing. Mistakes will happen. We will own them when they do, discuss them for solutions, work swiftly to resolve them and then move on.
We need not feel afraid to identify weaknesses or ask for help because we are made to feel secure in knowing we can depend on each other’s strengths to deepen our own.
We recognize failure to know what needs to improve, but we take time to announce success, congratulate each other, and celebrate achievements.
Smile and laugh. Smile AT each other. Laugh WITH one another. Dance, move, shake it off, breathe, stretch. Let’s keep toxicity out of the office and help one another keep it out of our bodies and minds.
We remain POLITE, PROFESSIONAL, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE & POWERFUL.
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The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. – Lao Tzu
Life is a Journey, Not a Destination
Life is a Journey filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joys, celebrations, and memorable moments that will ultimately lead us to our purpose in life.
Your life's journey is made up of both—the goals you plan for and the experiences you don't. So be a big believer in crafting a vision for your life and pursuit setting accordingly. At the same time, it's important to recognize we can't plan for every detail or anticipate every detour.
Why the Journey, Not the Destination define Life
Do any of us know the destination we're headed to?
So many of us reach similar destinations in life. Careers, relationships, finding fulfillment, loss, grieving. But how we get to those destinations is always unique, and it's those journeys that ultimately shape what the destination will look like, how we'll engage with the destination, and what the response to that destination is.
Destinations Are Service Stations
If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things. – Henry Miller
A service station is a place that sells things for vehicles such as gas, oil, and spare parts. In addition, service stations often sell food, drinks, and other products.
I've learned that destinations aren't destinations. Instead, they are service stations on the journey of life. Marker points on this ongoing unraveling mystery which are our life stories.
Therefore, a service station is a place where you regain energy, make repairs to your spirit, make a left instead of a right, re-look at the road ahead, make right on the wrongs. It's a place to gather your thought and continue on your journey.
The beautiful part of journeys is that you can take different directions. It cannot only be about the destination. If you feel there is only one way to get there, you may miss your authentic journey. Different views, different lessons, different experiences, different surroundings, different people never met.
The point of life is the journey.
The point is living a great story and embracing conflicts and challenges, making difficult choices. And in that sense, I get to control the destination somehow, even though I don't know what it is yet.
Kierkegaard said:
"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced."
Problems are solved with solutions — destinations. They require no experience, no risk, no mystery. Instead, experiences are what make up our journey, the stories we tell, the unknown, the yet to come.
What will you choose?
There have been moments in life in which I wished I could go back in time and tell my teenage self some things.
To quote an overused saying:
"I wished I had known then what I know now."
But honestly, there are also times that I'm glad I didn't know what I know now because of a considerable part of living in the process of learning and figuring it all out.
That's why life is a journey. It's not a destination. We never really arrive.
If you stop and think about it, we don't ever really figure it ALL out, do we?
Nope. Not completely.
Even when we hit goals and reach our biggest dreams, we ultimately end up wanting more.
Because we crave growth, we are wired for it.
Even when we overcome obstacles and figure out our problems, we're not done because there is always more work to do.
What is the meaning of "Life is a Journey?"
This is what I think it means: Life is about LIVING.
Make Voyages. Attempt them. There’s nothing else. – Tennessee Williams
We can't know what is coming, and we need to enjoy every day instead of trying to "arrive." We should enjoy the unfolding and the process. See life as a gift of a box inside a box. Never knowing what to expect.
When can I buy the next house? When I get married? When I get promoted? When I have a baby? When will I figure this $@*% out?
And while there isn't anything wrong with wanting things in your life or having aspirations, sometimes those goals and dreams distract us from the beauty in the daily moments.
There might be times when you will not focus on the journey or the destination, where you will let the world spin around you, letting life just happen. I want you to know that this is not living either (I know this all too well).
Finally, at 45, I got it. Something clicked. Call it an epiphany, light bulb, spiritual revelation, whatever guides you. I want to live!!! Live for me. Many people through the years kept telling me I needed to live more.
I looked back and realized what happens and want to take a moment to share. It might help you. I lived for my family throughout my life, always putting everyone first!!! We tend to do so and forget that we exist. We start by being the best sibling we can or the best child we can. You are always worried about your family. Give some of you to them. Then you give yourself to your first love, give a little of you. Then you have kids, and you practically lose yourself to your family. You go to your kid's school, and you even lose your name. You end up being, "Jen's mom."
Point is you start losing yourself. Then, finally, when you are in your 40's and your kids are practically grown. You are either finally settled in the relationship you are in or single. Either way, all of a sudden, you have time to re-find yourself.
I am now 45. I got married and have discovered 3 things in the past year. In part thanks to Covid, thanks to my wife, my childhood experience, and my kids all being grown. I love hiking, ice skating, and rock climbing. Because of this, I have decided that I have to start a journey on getting fit, which has guided me to strength training and 3mile walks. This journey now has taken me to want to train to run because I want to do the 13 K Rocky run in Philly, obstacle course 5 k races, and much more.
If you asked me 5 years ago, even 2 years ago, if this would be my journey? my path? I would have said not in a million years. However, I decided to live life again, to walk through the journey I found when I stopped at the service station. Imagine, I will be 46 and I am working on becoming the best me and living my best life. I have fibromyalgia, and even so, I will be in the best shape I have ever been. Who would have thought? I would have never experienced it if I had never made a different turn at the service station.
This will be hard, I Promise but take the time to always do something for yourself. Something you love. A walk in the park, a coloring book, scrapbooking, it doesn't matter how small, how big, how silly. I have a "thing to-do list" on notes on my phone. Depending on the budget, I often look at the list and decide what I am doing next. But, hey, hiking is free for the most part. So the list tells me where I am going next. Love road trips with my wife.
The destination matters, but the journey makes it all worthwhile.
I've often thought about the insights I would share with my younger self.
If I made a list, what would be on it?
These things are just some that I would tell myself about enjoying life's journey:
Life is a Journey, so…
Stop caring about what other people think. They aren't thinking about you nearly as you as much as you think they are. Not even close.
Whatever is mortifying you right now won't matter when you're grown. If it's embarrassing you, it's probably building character. The kind of character that you'll need later in life.
Just be yourself. Truly, yourself.
Take more shots. You can't score if you don't shoot the ball.
What inspires you? What are you curious about? Do more of that! If you want to try art, but you don't have any friends in art, take art anyway.
Stop following the crowd. At some point or another, you will be led astray. Do what you think is right; what you think you should do.
Be kind. Always.
These Are Life Lessons. Are You Listening?
Branch out. Make friends with the people who are different from you. Soon you'll find out you are just as "different" as they are. You are also very much the same.
At some time or another, we all feel insecure. Yes, even the cool kids that look perfect. Even only if it's occasional or fleeting, everyone has insecurities.
For the love of Pete, have more confidence, please.
Trust your gut.
It's OK to let some of those friendships go. That's life.
There are some friendships that you will wish you wouldn't have let go of. That's also life.
Keep a journal. You'll forget so much of these years. Right now, you think you want to forget. In 20 years, you'll want to remember.
Don't worry about being alone. Being alone is not as bad as it seems. Being alone gives you more time to learn about yourself and most of all you learn how to love yourself. What you truly love and what you really deserve. Not settle for anything else.
Because you are constantly growing and changing and learning and evolving, remember everyone is in the same process.
There Must Be Growth
The journey is about growth. It's about living. And learning.
And while I wouldn't go back and give myself answers, I would give myself advice:
Enjoy the Journey. Don't worry about the destination. Things work out. Be yourself. Love more.
Life is a journey, not a destination.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.
– St. Augustine
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Take Time to Know and Respect The Elderly
Definition of Respect
A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
Due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.
Admire (someone or something) deeply as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
Take the time to know and respect the elderly. Last month we talked about working with the elderly. Please take a few minutes and read it.
An important part is that you take the time to know them. Let them tell you their life stories!
The more you know them, the more you will appreciate them and learn to respect them. Not only because they are older but because of the lives, they have lived. The journey they have gone through, the different destinations they have stopped at. Who knows, we may learn a few things ourselves!
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New things will be posted and a New Journey will begin at Maximum Care. Stay Tune!!!!
Where will this new journey take you!
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We have implemented new steps!
When the app fails to work correctly, the new EVV Policy and Procedure will guide you step by step on what steps to take. We have sent the new EVV Policy and Procedure Revised and a Self-Monitoring Acknowledgement form policy via DocuSign. It will be your responsibility to read, sign and adhere to the new policy as it may affect/delay your payment. If you are having any problems understanding the current policy, call Yenica “Jen” to review.
We have also emailed a copy to everyone separate from the DocuSign.
Make sure that you are putting the duties being done at the end of every shift. Including when calling from the client’s home. If you need instructions on how and a duties list, please contact the agency. It can be mailed, emailed, or text to you.
If you fail to put in the duties performed, it can affect your payments.
If you are having any problems with the system, call the agency for assistance.
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Make sure to check out our:
page!!!! All you have to do is go to the homepage at maximumcare.online and click on our f (Facebook)!! you are welcome to like our page. You can also let me know if you like the Information I am putting out through the website. Feedback is always welcomed. You can even send me a personal message.
Get involved, have a voice!
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Incentives
Activities:
Help us come up with creative things to do with our elderly! What do you do for your clients?
We would like the caregivers to take 20 min of their shift if possible, to do creative things with their clients. We are the first and maybe the last person our clients see in the day or even week. Loneliness is a big part of their lives. Let’s take some time to show them that we are not just personal care or home care but show them that they are not alone and we really do care.
Creative Based Incentive Contest:
1. Come up with a creative and fun activity to do with your client
2. Call, text or email Yenica with the activity (610-264-2353, 484-781-4603, or yenicamaximumcare@gmail.com)
3. The office staff will vote
4. Winner will receive a gift card
Refer a caregiver to Maximum Care Inc.:
You will receive $50 after 100 hrs. worked. (At least within 2 months).
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Reminder:
At this time due to the use of the EVV system, we understand that documenting is difficult. Call the agency with any concerns you may have that you would like to be documented. Especially if a client is refusing personal care or assistance of any kind. Call the agency if you need guidance with a client or have any questions about the care that you are providing or feel that needs to be provided.
Maximum Care has also developed a form that is recommended to DCW to fill out when taking any kind of payment for items from clients. Call and request the form to be mailed to you or come into the office to get the form.
GPS
Maximum Care Inc is under state regulations to follow strict guidelines to pay DCW and to bill for all visits.
Maximum Care’s Inc's responsibilities are to make sure that everyone is using EVV properly, pay all DCW properly, and bill for the properly authorized hours allotted to the participant. We also supervise all clock in & clock out within the range and schedule time.
The system alerts Maximum Care if you clock in or out when you are not within GPS range. For example, you cannot clock in from the LV Mall when you are supposed to be in the client’s home. It will alert us and show us an address and map of your location when you clock in or out. If you are out of range this may cause a delay in payment. If for any reason you need to clock in or out of range due to a participant, you must call the agency and make us aware. For example: If participants have therapy, Dr appointments, dropping them off or picking them up from a program, etc. Call Maximum Care for special instructions to ensure contractual permission.
It is your responsibility to inform the office, it is not Maximum Care Inc responsibility to call and confirm the “Why’s”. Maximum Care can reject the visit until further investigation is done which will delay your payment.
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STAFFING REMINDER:
Make sure you communicate with the Staffing Department of any changes that need to be made to your schedule, availability, address, email, phone number, etc. It is important to keep all parties informed and the lines of communication remain open.
PAYROLL REMINDER:
EVV system must be used to make sure that there is no interruptions, delays, or problem with direct deposit. In the future, your pay will not be able to be processed if you are not using the system.
If your schedule changes for any reason it is your responsibility to call it in. This way we can fix any discrepancy to your schedule without any delays to your pay.
SAFETY TRAINING
Read the Fire Safety Training Monthly Newsletter to develop safety at the forefront of client/employee daily activities.
Keep an eye open for the Direct Care Worker (DCW) Safety Implementation Form. The form is mailed out to the DCW to give us an honest assessment of the clients they service. Remember you are our eyes and ears; with your assistance, we can continue to keep everyone safe.
COMPLIANCE REMINDER:
Make sure that your employment file is within compliance to continue employment with Maximum Care. Compliance is no longer waived with all the contracts. Examples of things that must be up to date are: all car information, CNA license, annual TB, annual physical. If any concerns or questions re: your file please contact Yenica “Jen” Buskirk at 610-264-2353 or yenicamaximumcare@gmail.com.
Maximum Care Inc has written a self-monitoring acknowledgment form that all Direct Care Worker is expected to read and sign off on it. The form must be returned to Yenica “Jen”.
If you are vaccinated, make your client aware. Ask your client if they wish you to wear a mask while servicing them. If they decide that you need to wear a mask while providing care, make sure to honor their request. It should be on a case-by-case basis.
If you are not vaccinated, we ask that you continue to use a mask while providing care to your clients.
If you need PPE, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Continue to be Safe at required times:
Continue to use social distance (6ft), from clients when possible, public.
Increase sanitation methods.
Monitor yourself and client. Keep an eye on family members that come in contact with the client and yourself.
If clients are in need of masks call the office and we will send it to them or you may pick up the mask for clients.
DO NOT DROP YOUR GUARD!!!!!
Travel Recommendations:
The Pa Dept of Health has recommended that if anyone travels you quarantine. Due to the daily changes from CDC and Pa Dept. Of Health, call into Maximum Care for instructions in regards to your travel plans and the impact that it may have.
Maximum Care Inc is following the recommendations at this time. If any changes come up, we will be posting our training/communications on the website Maximumcare.online. It is your responsibility to make staffing aware if there are any clients that will need to be covered while you are out either in quarantine or vacation.
Follow the following steps to request any time of:
Give us as much notice as possible.
Either request “The time off request form” or your letter for time off should include the following: Name of Cl, day of service, and time. State where you will be going and for how long.
Email or mail the requested time off. Take note that we must put everything in the new system, even if time passes, we need everything in writing.
If is due to quarantine call the office immediately and inform the office of why you will be in quarantine and how long will you be in quarantine.