Aveanna Arizona Family LHA Program

Today, Aveanna observes National Parents' Day, a time to recognize parents, celebrate the teamwork that goes into parenting, and support parenting efforts across the country.

At Aveanna, we are excited to celebrate our team members, patients, and patient family members who are parents. We are passionate about supporting parents in their efforts to provide the best possible care for their loved ones. To learn more about our services in your area, visit
https://pulse.ly/ehg1akb4k2

Today, Aveanna recognizes National Disability Independence Day, an opportunity to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. This historic legislation paved the way for inclusion, accessibility, and advocacy for those with disabilities. As we celebrate its 34th anniversary, Aveanna is proud to recognize how it has changed the lives of so many Americans for the better.

Today is International Self-Care Day, an opportunity for us to raise awareness about the benefits of self-care on mental, emotional, and physical health.

International Self-Care Day is recognized each year on July 24 because maintaining our own health can be practiced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Eating a healthy diet, participating in physical activity, and looking after your mental health are just a few ways to implement self-care into your daily routine.

To learn more about International Self-Care Day and how you can participate, visit https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/06/24/default-calendar/self-care-month-2024 #:~:text=24%20June%20marks%20the%20start,%2F7%20days%20a%20week%E2%80%9D.

Pediatric Feeding Disorder describes a condition in which a child does not consume enough food or liquid to maintain growth or meet nutritional needs. Children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder may also have other developmental delays.

Symptoms of a feeding disorder include but are not limited to:
• Trouble eating, chewing, and swallowing
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Picky eating
• Increased stress during mealtimes

Pediatric Feeding Disorder is treatable by medical and nutritional experts who can help your child restore nutrition, stabilize weight, and improve oral motor skills, among other things. Aveanna is honored to play a role in helping our patients with feeding disorders thrive at home. To learn more about Aveanna’s enteral nutrition services, visit https://pulse.ly/ikubkjlz86

Navigating food allergies with both children and adults is important to ensuring safety and well-being. In some cases, even a mild exposure to some foods can trigger a potentially life-threatening reaction. With children who have special needs, maintaining vigilance is even more important.

Here are a few tips for navigating food allergies with your disabled child:

1. Be an Advocate

Ensure that everyone who works with your child is aware of their allergies. Consider having your child carry an identification card for specific foods that they are allergic to, and educate others on certain ingredients to look for.

2. Make a Plan

Form a procedure in the event that your child consumes or comes in contact with a food that causes an allergic reaction. Make sure those who are around your child often are aware of what to do if an allergic reaction was to occur.

3. Teach Your Child About Allergies

Make an effort to educate your child and community about allergies to raise awareness. The more your child understands their food allergies, the safer they will be. Educating about food allergies can expand to your child’s friends, teachers, coaches, and other individuals in their life. Everyone can look out for your child’s wellbeing and offer support where needed.

Food allergies necessitate clear communication, and we encourage everyone to learn more about this often invisible but important issue. We can all help support those with food allergies by promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Aveanna is proud to partner with families in Arizona as part of the Arizona Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program, which allows parents, relatives, and others who meet the eligibility requirements to care for their loved ones and receive pay for carrying out those duties. With Aveanna, eligible families get a committed partner in Arizona and a national leader in care who can provide support and training to become a Licensed Health Aide.

Care you will provide in this program includes but is not limited to:
• Bathing
• Oral and G-tube feeding
• Range of motion exercises
• Light housekeeping/laundry

Training will include a self-paced course approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing to become a Licensed Health Aide. Our virtual or in-person courses are designed to work with your schedule and at your pace. Once you have completed your course, there is a final skills validation and an orientation.

Aveanna is currently accepting applications for this program. To learn more, visit https://pulse.ly/3r5woqnr7t

Happy Fourth of July! Today, we'd like to thank our caregivers and clinicians who are taking care of our patients and their families. Their devotion helps increase independence and allows patients to thrive in the comfort of their own homes.

“I am honored to receive this award. I’d like to thank all of my team members here at Aveanna and to share this recognition with them. The advocacy work I do would not be possible without our incredible Aveanna team. Thank you all for your dedication, innovation, and compassion. Together, we will continue to advocate for our patients and change countless lives.”

Rachel Witt, RN, BSN
Chief Clinical Officer

July is Disability Pride Month, an opportunity for us to highlight the histories, experiences, achievements, and struggles of those with disabilities. The theme of 2024 for Disability Pride Month is "We Want a Life Like Yours," a reflection of the desire of those in the disability community to be part of life's experiences.

Aveanna champions inclusivity and believes in acceptance and appreciation of every person and their unique abilities. We are committed to doing our part to build a more inclusive world, one that respects the accomplishments, both big and small, made by people with disabilities. To learn more about how you can celebrate Disability Pride Month, visit https://pulse.ly/zl7s2wri1k

“Believing in inclusion means understanding that though people may operate differently from ourselves and one another, we benefit from the diversity of life experiences and skill sets that those individuals bring to the table. Allowing people to show you where they shine creates a healthy working environment.”

Intake Manager Zachry has been part of the Aveanna family for five and a half years. During that time, he has promoted inclusion and encouraged others to embrace their unique perspectives and talents. Learn more about Zachry’s journey today on the Aveanna blog: https://pulse.ly/rtiacoug20

Today, Aveanna joins the nation in recognizing Juneteenth.

Juneteenth honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates the enduring spirit of resilience and freedom. It also reminds us of the progress we have made as a society and the work that still lies ahead to ensure equality and justice for all.

Happy Juneteenth!

As we celebrate Pride Month at Aveanna, we embrace and honor the diversity, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community across the nation. Pride is not just a month; it is a reminder to be compassionate, accepting, and supportive of one another unconditionally.

We stand committed to providing inclusive healthcare services for all. Together, let us celebrate love, equality, and the vibrancy of Pride Month.

This Memorial Day, we remember all of those who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms and principles we cherish most as Americans. Please also remember our own Aveanna heroes who are spending the day providing vital care to our patients and families. We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday.

Today, Aveanna recognizes Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a time to spread awareness and learn about digital equality for the one billion people living in the world with a disability.

Every user deserves the same digital experience, including those with vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities or impairments. Today and every day, we celebrate the power of accessibility and its ability to break down barriers that hinder equal opportunities for all.

To learn more about Global Accessibility Awareness Day, visit https://pulse.ly/2gy28y4tuc

The month of May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month, an opportunity to recognize our Asian American and Pacific Islander community and their invaluable contributions and rich cultural diversity.

Aveanna is proud to celebrate the vibrant traditions, customs, and achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islanders that have shaped our society and the lives of those we serve. Your dedication and expertise have made a difference in the lives of countless individuals, showcasing the power of diversity in fostering innovation and compassion.

To learn more about how you can raise awareness for AAPI Month, visit https://pulse.ly/h6mtjbmrts.

Advocating for your child with autism is a great way to help them reach their fullest potential. Here are a few ways to be an advocate for your child:

1. Inform yourself about your child’s diagnosis and their needs

Gathering information about autism and autism treatments is an effective way to understand how your child sees the world and what obstacles they might encounter. Understanding these factors helps to prioritize how your child’s needs can best be met in different settings both in the home and at school.

2. Communicate clearly

Effective communication is built upon clarity. When talking with professionals, be open to asking questions about acronyms, services, treatments, or other variables that are unclear to you. Be honest and open about your child’s situation, but try not to allow emotion to take over when discussing past circumstances. Maintaining an open and honest dialogue helps to bridge the gap between home and the public sphere.

3. Prioritize inclusion

Encouraging your child to participate in a highly social, verbal environment helps them gain a sense of belonging and community. Inclusion is a right, not a favor, and it’s important for people of all ages to learn acceptance and empathy.

To learn more ways that you can be an effective advocate for your child with autism, visit https://pulse.ly/hffquku8tm

Today is Administrative Professionals’ Day, and we want to recognize our incredible administrative staff at Aveanna! Your hard work and dedication helps us to provide our patients with the best care possible. The contributions you make are valued not only today, but every day. Thank you for all that you do for the Aveanna family.

Happy Earth Day from Aveanna! Today, we reflect on the beauty of our planet and its impact on our health and well-being.

Let's continue to work together to create a greener, healthier world for generations to come.

The Arizona Family Licensed Health Aide (LHA) program allows parents, relatives, and others who meet certain eligibility requirements to care for their loved ones and receive pay for carrying out those duties. Throughout the program, Aveanna will partner with you to provide the support and training you need to become a LHA. The care you provide in this program includes but is not limited to:
• Bathing
• Oral feeding
• G-tube feeding
• Range of motion exercises
• Transfers

Training includes a flexible, self-paced course. Once completed, Aveanna will help you enroll in a final skills validation and an orientation. To learn more about the Arizona Family LHA program, visit https://pulse.ly/kqrbc7btwi

It’s almost Earth Day! This special day provides a great opportunity to explore the beauty of nature. Here are a few adaptive ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family and loved ones:

1. Complete a nature scavenger hunt

Taking a walk in the outdoors is a great way to introduce your child to the array of sights, sounds, and smells of our world. Visit a nearby park or explore your own backyard to find different items like sticks, pinecones, and flowers. Identify different birds or animals you see, and talk about them!

2. Make a nature sensory bin

Creating a sensory bin full of different nature-themed items is a great way to tap into your child’s sense of touch. Consider gathering artificial sticks, leaves, sand, and toys and let your child feel and interact with each item. Describe the texture of each item and its uniqueness! For more ideas on Earth Day sensory bins, visit https://pulse.ly/wixyh2dmfj

3. Complete art projects

Art projects are a great way to showcase your creativity and share the beauty of our world. Art projects can be simple yet effective ways to help your child express their unique perspective of the things around them. Consider using green and blue finger paint to allow your child to paint images of Earth, and use modeling clay to form animal shapes, trees, and other objects they see in nature. Using recyclable materials like paper egg cartons to hold paint or stamp different designs on paper is also an innovative and Earth-friendly idea. For more Earth Day craft ideas, visit https://pulse.ly/ltnnwchqzb

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions that affect individuals’ behaviors, social skills, and communication. Autism affects people in different ways. Some autistic people are non-verbal or have intellectual disabilities, while others can speak and live independently with little supervision.

According to Autism Speaks, the two core autism symptoms are:
• Challenges with social communication and interaction skills
• Restricted and repetitive behaviors

Most children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism by age 5, with signs showing up around ages 2 or 3. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is autistic. To learn more about autism resources, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism.

Today is World Health Day, an opportunity for us to highlight the importance of health issues that affect people across the globe. The annual observance day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948.

This year's theme is "My Health, My Right," which champions the right of everyone to have access to healthcare, education, information, and resources. To learn more about World Health Day and how you can spread awareness, visit https://pulse.ly/6mojx08bai

The month of April is Diversity Month, a chance for us to educate ourselves about the diverse cultures, customs, experiences, and identities in our world.

This month and every month, Aveanna is proud to celebrate diversity and recognize that we are stronger together.

The month of April is National Autism Awareness Month, an opportunity for us to spread awareness about autism and promote acceptance.

It is important to recognize the diversity of those on the spectrum to encourage understanding, support, and acceptance of people with autism.

We are proud of the incredible individuals with autism who are part of the Aveanna family!

Today is National Doctors' Day, an opportunity to celebrate the physicians who make such an incredible impact on our patients' lives every day. We are so thankful for the dedicated, compassionate doctors that we have had the pleasure of working with.

Today and every day, we honor your hard work and the impact you have on the lives of our loved ones. Thank you for everything you do!

Creating a supportive environment for children with developmental disabilities is important to ensure they feel comfortable, confident, and can reach their fullest potential. Developmental disabilities can affect one’s physical, mental, and emotional states, so it is important that care is taken to create places where your loved one feels supported. Here are a few ideas to help you create a supportive environment for your loved ones with developmental disabilities:

1. Modify your home to fit the physical needs of your child

Modifying your home to accommodate your child’s physical needs can be helpful when creating a supportive environment. Make rooms accessible by adding safety features like gates, ramps, and handrails, and try to avoid clutter when possible. For children with sensory sensitivities, creating a sensory room with fidget toys, weighted blankets, and sensory bins might help them channel their sensory needs in a safe way. For more ideas about sensory rooms, visit https://pulse.ly/gcd3eassfr

2. Create a routine

Establishing and sticking to a routine creates an environment that feels more predictable and structured for your child. For some children with developmental disabilities, having a procedure to follow each day when it comes to eating, playing, learning, and socializing helps them feel more in control and can eliminate stress and anxiety.

3. Socialize with others

Finding time for communication and socialization is beneficial to your child’s overall development, and it can help them develop social skills, manners, and self-control. Consider scheduling playdates, outings, and other social activities to allow your child to experience a social atmosphere where they can interact and engage with others.

What are ways you create a supportive environment for your child? Share with us in the comments below!

The Arizona Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program allows parents, relatives, and other individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements to care for their loved ones and receive payment for that care. Care duties include but are not limited to bathing, hair care, oral care, G-tube feeding, and tracheostomy care.

Training will include a flexible, self-paced course that is accredited by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Learn more about the Arizona Family LHA Program and check your family’s eligibility by visiting https://pulse.ly/pzcubdp97o

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a time to raise awareness about Down syndrome, advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome, and celebrate their contributions to our communities and our Aveanna family.

Each year, World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 because those with the condition have a third chromosome on the 21st chromosome pair. Around 1 in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome in the United States, making it the most common trisomy condition.

This year's theme is "End The Stereotypes". To learn more about World Down Syndrome Day and how you can show your support, visit https://pulse.ly/fbrshf1ztn

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to advocate for those with developmental disabilities to promote inclusivity and unity. About one in six children in the U.S. have a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, and more.

This year's theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is "A World of Opportunities," which celebrates teamwork to remove obstacles.

This month and every month, Aveanna is dedicated to supporting our patients with developmental disabilities. To learn more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, visit https://pulse.ly/vurzjkfhf9

I believe that a united team, working together with a single powerful purpose, can do anything. I believe this because I have seen it happen over the course of seven very intense years filled with change, adaptation, compassion, and transformation.

As we venture into March, we are so happy to not only celebrate our anniversary, but also celebrate our Aveanna Family. You have always been the beating heart of our company, and you always will be.

Happy Seventh Anniversary!

Jeff Shaner
CEO
Aveanna Healthcare