Bluebird Health

Honored to share this heartfelt testimonial from a family we served. Our entire team, including a special shoutout for Chaplain Tim, provided comfort and companionship, making a meaningful impact during their loved one’s final days. It’s a privilege to support families during these moments. 💙

Thank you so much to Initial Point Family Medicine for hosting Bluebird Health for lunch!! We discussed the ways that our Home Health services can make life easier for patients and their loved ones, and clearly, we also impressed some four-legged friends. 🐶 🩵 We loved all of the pawsitivity! 🐾

This year, our executive director Justin Stenquist was invited to present at the Idaho Health Care Association's 2024 conference. Today we want to share a snippet of some points made in his presentation!

Located in Meridian, Bluebird Health (a Pennant affiliate) offers Home Health, Hospice, Homecare Private-Duty, and Provider Services. We specialize in transitions of care, ensuring patient advocacy and access to care.

Over the last two decades, Justin has worked primarily with Skilled Nursing Facilities in their home-based care programs, both in business development and operations. He has been involved in acquisitions, transitional management, and start-ups across five different states. His journey began as a CNA caring for his grandfather, sparking a passion for serving seniors that continues to shine through in everything he does.

Justin believes there is no magic bullet or specific solution to 'marketing.' Our best resource for growth is our resourcefulness. With the demographic of 85+ seniors doubling over the next decade, growth is inevitable. WHY we grow, how we think bigger, shift our mindset, and creatively find solutions is where we should operate from. Our seniors need us to create quality care programs FOR them and for our staff, not just for our businesses.

Very last minute offer. Bluebird has a foursome available if anyone would like to play tomorrow at the IHCA Keith Halloway Golf Classic.

DM me Justin Stenquist if you want to get out and play! All covered 🫶🏻⛳️

DATE: Monday, July 15th
TIME: 7 am to 7:45am -Registration
8 am shotgun start (please arrive no later than 7:45 am to check-in & claim the pre-purchased Mulligans/Gimme String)
PLACE: Eagle Hills Golf Course
BBQ lunch will follow.
Dress code: Please wear appropriate golfing attire.

Idaho Health Care Association

Partnerships go beyond paperwork or formal affiliations. Building trust, finding common goals, mutual respect, transparency, and real mutually beneficial collaborative solutions are how the best working partnerships succeed.

It was so fun to see friends, those that we have had so many fun and bonding experiences with. Over the last 3+ years Bluebird and I (Justin) have been impacted by the PEOPLE of Cascadia, they have brought such joy to me.

Thankful for you.

🎉🌺 Bluebird Health had an absolute blast at the Cascadia Summit 2024 yesterday! We watched a roasted pig being prepared, learned fun hula moves, and were amazed by the fire-dancers! Shaved ice helped keep us cool and we had so much fun setting up a table full of Hawaiian themed goodies. We can't wait for next year! 🌴🔥🍧 Cascadia of Nampa Cascadia of Boise The Orchards of Cascadia Arbor Valley of Cascadia Caldwell Care of Cascadia Canyon West of Cascadia Cherry Ridge of Cascadia

Bluebird Health had the BEST CNA week celebrating all of our amazing peeps!! We had a chance to snag a pic of our amazing hospice CNA crew after their meeting, check 'em out! 💙 We are so lucky for each and every one of our CNAs that show up in such a positive and caring way. Thank you for your compassion, empathy, and love that you pass on each day. ❤️‍🔥 It's contagious!!

A very happpppy CNA week to all of the incredible CNAs out there!! CNAs do so much to aid in patient care. Their dedication helps our nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, and other clinicians do their jobs more efficiently and with tighter focus.

Things CNAs do to help patients:

Personal Care - Helping with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Emotional Support - Providing comfort and companionship
Mobility Assistance - Helping with exercises and movement
Efficient Workflow - Handling routine tasks to keep things running smoothly
Communication - Keeping the team updated with accurate info

Thank you for all you do. 🩵 You truly are the backbone of our team!!

💙 We believe in taking care of our own, and that includes our patients and their families. This week we learned that one of our families with little ones in the house were struggling to put food on the table. Our team quickly jumped into action reaching out to community partners for support, and food boxes with pantry staples and other donations were picked up all over the Valley. We want to give a special shout out to Simple Bites Meals for donating a box of 12 prepped warm meals for this family! These generous contributions provide immediate relief and comfort during a challenging time, while our team works to help secure a long term solution. Thank you to our partners for showing what community spirit looks like. 💙

🎉 What an incredible time we had celebrating Bluebird Health's third anniversary! A huge thank you to our amazing team, families, and friends who joined us for an evening filled with laughter, tacos, games, and gratitude. Shout out to Walkin Taco for the delicious food (the fried pb&js were unbelievable)!

Each employee received an insulated stainless steel cup, perfectly sized for a cup holder and personalized with their name, to keep them cool as care for our sweet patients this summer. We added more fun with a raffle of cooler bags packed with summer goodies, games like ping pong, ladder toss, giant Jenga and more!

Bluebird Heath is grateful for each and every person who makes our team exemplary. Here's to many more years of providing compassionate care and serving our community. 🩵

Well said, The Hospice Heart 💙

From my friends at The Heartof Hospice.
Hospice is for EVERY human ♥️

When I started doing this work I made a promise that I would never pass judgement or change how I care for someone because their choices, beliefs, or their past might differ from mine.

I care for ALL humans equally, beautifully, and compassionately.

They are The Heart of Hospice and I am The Hospice Heart… together we want to educate, support, and comfort those who are dying in a way that honors them.

We believe ALL humans deserve that.

xo
Gabby
www.thehospiceheart.net

Today Bluebird Health celebrates the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of all cancer patients on National Cancer Survivors Day. 🌿 Your journeys inspire us every day as we provide compassionate hospice and home health care services to the Treasure Valley.

🩵 To all the survivors, families, and caregivers, your stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. We recognize that not everyone makes it through this battle, and our hearts truly go out to those who have lost a loved one. We are committed to offering compassionate care and support during the most challenging times, ensuring dignity and comfort for all of our patients.

Together we stand united in support, admiration, and commitment to a brighter, healthier future. 🦋

Happy National Speech-Language Pathologist Day! 🔊

Today, we celebrate the incredible dedication and expertise of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who make a significant difference in the lives of so many. Did you know that speech therapy is more than just producing the correct sounds? It's a comprehensive field that encompasses a wide range of services essential for improving the quality of life for our patients.

From our very own SLP Carinda Stout, we’ve learned that ST involves assessing cognition in areas such as attention, language, recall, reasoning, organization, executive function, and spatial and temporal orientation. These evaluations are vital for tasks like managing finances, medications, and schedules. They also assess patients' abilities to follow directions, comprehend reading material, write, and sequence tasks, all of which are crucial for daily living activities.

For patients with a history of dementia, our SLP uses tools like the Brief Cognitive Rating Scale and the Global Deterioration Scale to stage cognition and determine new learning potential, similar to the Allen Cognitive Assessment used in occupational therapy. This assessment ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of care and are able to benefit from educational and home exercise programs, as well as the introduction of assistive devices.

Thank you, Carinda, for your commitment to enhancing communication, cognitive function, and overall well-being of our loved patients. Your work is truly inspiring and essential for so many individuals and families!

Bluebird Health wants to close out Nurses Week with a simple, heartfelt last thank you. ✨

🔹 Thank you to the night shift nurses who keep watch while the world sleeps.
🔹 Thank you to home health nurses that bring quality care to doorsteps.
🔹 Thank you to hospice nurses who guide end of life care with expertise and compassion.

We could go on forever - what nurses contribute is invaluable. Thank you 🩵

NURSES WEEK DAY 4

💤 🌑 As many of us are winding down for the evening, night shift nurses are just gearing up. Their diligent efforts guarantee that patient care is continuous and comprehensive around the clock. Night after night, they contribute skill, compassion, and calmness into the quiet halls of healthcare.

Good morning and THANK YOU to night shift nurses! 😊

Celebrating Nurses Week - Day 3 🌟

Today we are shining a spotlight on another one of our incredible team members at Bluebird, the amazing JEN BARTLETT, RN! In honor of Nurse's week, Jen penned a special note to share with you all. Please read her heartfelt message below. 💙 👇

"First off, thank you to ALL of the AMAZING nurses out there, no matter the field you chose to be in. You are all so appreciated and loved! I love being a Nurse at Bluebird! The culture that we have created together as a team is unsurpassed. I often get asked why I became a nurse. The answer is quite simple. I love people. I love chatting with them (sometimes too much 😬), I love simply being around them, and taking care of them—it is very fulfilling to my soul. Why hospice? Hospice holds a special place in my heart because of my experience of walking alongside my mom as she went through her last stage of life with an Amazing Hospice Nurse. I have learned more from my patients in the last year than I ever thought was possible. They have so much still to offer even in their last stage of life. Life is beautiful and it’s meant to be lived to the fullest, but when we accept that it’s our time, I truly believe that dying is the most pure form of beauty."

NURSES WEEK DAY 2!

To celebrate, today we're doing 'Ask A Nurse' here on our socials! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a nurse? Or maybe you have questions about how to pursue a career in nursing? Get an answer straight from a professional.

👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Today we have one of our amazing nurses Cassie here to answer all of your questions! Drop your queries in the comments below, and Cassie will share her insights, experiences, and advice.

Let’s dive into the world of nursing, home health, and hospice care! Ask away 🩵

🔊 Calling all superheroes in scrubs... Happy Nurses Week! 💙 As a token of our appreciation, we've designed special Bluebird sweatshirts customized with each nurse's name, reflective of the personalized care they provide every day in our community. Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do. Let's continue to uplift, support, and celebrate nurses not just this week, but every day. 🩺

This month we want to shine a light on an often-overlooked aspect of mental health: the well-being of our seniors. As we dedicate this May to raising awareness about mental health issues, Bluebird particularly wants to focus on the unique challenges faced by the elderly.

Growing older can bring about significant life changes, from the loss of loved ones to the struggle with physical health issues, all of which can impact mental well-being. It's crucial that we support our seniors by recognizing signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns that can affect them. For resources tailored to our elderly population, check out these links:

🔗 Tailored for veterans: https://rb.gy/zvx05n
🔗 https://rb.gy/auogtd
🔗 https://rb.gy/y3oiyh

👵🏽💙👴🏾 Let's break the stigma associated with mental health in our senior community. Encourage conversations, offer your time, and listen well. Sometimes, a simple chat can make a big difference.

You may have found yourself wondering... What happens to a student loan when the borrower passes away?

Here's something we've learned in our journey of caring: Those federal student loans? They're usually forgiven. This is just one of the niche issues that our Full Circle Aftercare program helps you manage after a loved one's passing. Navigating a death is a difficult enough experience, let us guide you with empathy and knowledge - not just as your hospice team, but as your neighbors who understand.

Today at Bluebird HQ was pawsitively perfect! Our Home Care supervisor Blanca brought in her precious puppies! Spoiler alert, each one of them became an employee... by 5pm every puppy clocked out with their new human. So, so sweet 🐾 Our jobs are the BEST!! 🩵

Let's explore the topic of caregiving together! In this post, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the services we provide and what you can expect from Bluebird Home Care.

What services do your caregivers offer?
Our caregivers are here to assist with anything from aiding with showers, to running errands and accompanying you to appointments. Some examples of services we have provided to clients include organizing storage units, babysitting grandchildren during cherished grandparent time, scribing letters or texts to family members, taking care of pets, and much more.

How much do your caregiving services cost?
Our services are priced between $36 and $42 per hour, depending on the specific tasks and level of care required. We believe in transparent, affordable care, which is why we offer some of the lowest caregiving rates in the Treasure Valley.

Is there a minimum time commitment for each visit?
We understand that every moment counts. That's why we have a minimum engagement of two hours, ensuring that we provide meaningful, impactful assistance with every visit.

How do you match caregivers with clients?
Finding the right caregiver is about more than just skills—it's about compatibility. We take the time to understand your loved one's personality, preferences, and needs, ensuring we match them with a caregiver who's not just qualified, but also a great fit for them personally.

How can I get started with your services?
Starting is as simple as giving us a call at 208-336-9898. We'll discuss your needs, answer any further questions you have, and arrange for a personalized assessment to create a care plan tailored just for your loved one.

In every moment of care, there's an opportunity to touch a life, to offer comfort in times of need, and to bring a sense of warmth and security. Our mission is to walk beside you, offering a hand to hold during the journey, and a shoulder to lean on when the path gets tough.

🎉 This April, Bluebird Health is joining the celebration for Global Volunteer Month!

Our Volunteer Coordinator and Chaplain, Marissa Click, has crafted our volunteer program based on the invaluable insights and methodologies learned from Points of Light - the world's largest organization for volunteer service. From providing companionship at end of life visits, to the creativity and warmth poured into quilting blankets and crafting handmade treasures, our volunteers do it all.

Discover the story of Project 208, a student-led quartet who have enriched our community with their incredible musical talents. These volunteers represent the pinnacle of generosity and compassion, and we are grateful for their service to our patients. THANK YOU Project 208!! 💙

Happy Easter from your friends at Bluebird Health! 🐣 This week we had the privilege of delivering Bluebird eggs and bright smiles all around the Treasure Valley. We can't express enough how grateful we are to be a part of this incredible community. Every smile, every thank you, deeply touches our hearts and inspires us daily to give back to this wonderful community we call home. Here’s a glimpse of just a few of the beautiful moments we shared together this week 💙🩵

🔹 Check out Kona hard at work on this Monday morning!! Like this post when you spot his bestie Freya on Facetime. 🙈 🔹

🌿 Is my loved one ready for hospice services?
Now that we understand the need for early hospice intervention is crucial (see our last post if you missed it!), recognizing when our loved ones require this care is the next important step.

Signs that it might be time to consider hospice include noticeable weight loss, an increase in falls, a decision to stop pursuing aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, frequent hospital visits, and spending much of their time sleeping.

🩺👨‍⚕️ If your loved one may not be immediately ready for hospice but could require it in the near future, please reach out to our provider services at 986-217-7315. We can arrange for our provider and medical assistant to visit your loved one at home, offering primary care and meeting any present needs until hospice becomes the appropriate choice. Our provider can provide orders to our home health department to initiate services like physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy, or skilled nursing, delivered right in the comfort of your home.

Choosing Compassion, the Critical Need for Early Hospice Intervention 🦋

Far too often, the decision to seek hospice care is postponed until the eleventh hour, overshadowing the profound benefits it offers for enhancing the quality of life. Did you know that 50% of hospice patients pass away within 30 days of their admission (Gill, T. M. 2016)? Early admission to hospice care significantly enhances the quality of life, offering specialized management of pain, personalized approaches to alleviate depression and anxiety, prevention of unnecessary hospital visits, among many more advantages. This highlights the need to rethink our cultural approaches to end-of-life care.

Hospice care is dedicated to enriching the quality of life, creating an environment of comfort at home surrounded by loved ones, rather than the impersonal setting of a hospital. Engaging in discussions about hospice care options with healthcare providers at an earlier stage allows for better alignment with the wishes of our loved ones for their concluding days. With extended hospice care, our staff is able to devise customized management plans for pain and symptoms, becoming increasingly attuned to each patient's unique requirements. Such personalized care is indispensable, particularly when patients may find it challenging to express their needs clearly. The choice of hospice care is a pivotal one, necessitating the backing of a proficient team of clinicians and transitional care staff. Opting for Bluebird Hospice means selecting a partner committed to providing unparalleled support and care during these pivotal moments.

Should you need a comforting voice and insights, we're just a phone call away at 208-336-9898. 💙

We're beyond excited to welcome Marlene Olson, NP, a certified wound and foot care specialist, to our Bluebird Health team! Marlene brings her vast expertise from St. Luke's directly to us, enriching our ability to provide top-notch care.

Her certification in wound and foot care sets her apart, and we're eager to witness the positive impact she'll have on our patients. Welcome to the family, Marlene!