Author Archives: Pyxiscare Management

Winter Healthcare Planning Guide for Aging Parents

Winter is a beautiful season, but it can also be tough on aging parents. Cold weather brings extra health risks, and staying safe and healthy takes some planning. This winter healthcare planning guide for aging parents is here to make things easier. With simple steps, you can help your loved ones stay comfortable and healthy throughout the chilly months.

Check Their Health Needs

Winter is flu season, so it’s essential to ensure your parents are protected. Make sure their vaccines are up to date, especially for flu and pneumonia. If they take medications for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, confirm they have enough supplies and stay on schedule with doctor appointments.

Talk to their doctor about ways to boost their immunity. Adding more vitamin-rich foods to their diet or considering supplements can help keep them strong during the colder months.

Make Their Home Safe and Cozy

A warm, safe home is essential for senior winter healthcare. Check the heating system to ensure it works properly and seal any drafts to keep the house warm. Make sure your parents have plenty of warm clothes and blankets to stay comfortable indoors.

Winter can also bring slippery sidewalks and icy steps, increasing the risk of falls. Ensure they have sturdy, non-slip shoes for going outside. Adding handrails, non-slip mats, or even hiring someone to shovel snow can make a big difference. Inside the home, keep floors clear of clutter and use bright lighting to prevent trips and falls.

Focus on Nutrition and Staying Hydrated

Eating well and staying hydrated are key parts of cold weather health. Make sure your parents eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to keep their immune systems strong. Foods like oranges, spinach, and chicken soup can be both nutritious and comforting during the winter.

Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Encourage them to drink plenty of water and warm drinks like herbal teas. If cooking becomes difficult, consider a meal delivery service to make things easier for them.

Keep Them Active and Social

Winter can feel isolating, but staying connected is important for both physical and mental health. Help your parents stay in touch with friends and family through phone calls or video chats. If possible, arrange visits or explore senior centers with indoor activities.

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can be a concern during shorter days. A light therapy lamp can brighten their mood and help them feel better. Keeping their minds and bodies active can make a big difference in their overall well-being.

Plan for Winter Emergencies

Winter weather can cause unexpected problems like power outages or snowstorms. Prepare an emergency kit for your parents with essentials like flashlights, batteries, extra blankets, medications, and non-perishable food.

Check in with them regularly, especially during extreme weather. If you live far away, consider hiring a local caregiver or asking a trusted neighbor to check on them. Emergency contacts should always be easy to find in case of any urgent situation.

Get Professional Help

Caring for aging parents during winter can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At PyxisCare, we help families find personalized healthcare solutions that work. From coordinating medical care to finding in-home support, we’re here to make things easier for you and your loved ones.

By following this winter healthcare planning guide for aging parents, you can help your parents stay healthy, safe, and comfortable throughout the season. A little preparation now can make a big difference in their health and happiness this winter.

Your Guide to Managing Healthcare Needs During Winter Travel

Traveling during winter can be an exciting time, whether you’re reuniting with loved ones or exploring a new destination. But winter travel can bring extra challenges, especially when it comes to staying healthy and prepared. Your guide to managing healthcare needs during winter travel is here to help you plan ahead, pack smart, and enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

Plan Ahead for Winter Travel

Good planning is the key to smooth and stress-free winter travel healthcare. Before you leave, make sure you have enough medication to last the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Keep your prescriptions in their original containers and pack them in your carry-on to avoid any mishaps with checked luggage.

If you’re traveling far, take some time for medical travel planning by researching nearby pharmacies or clinics at your destination. For international trips, consider getting travel health insurance to cover unexpected medical needs. It’s also helpful to keep a small list of your current medications, allergies, and your doctor’s contact details in case of emergencies.

Pack Wisely for the Cold

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so packing the right items will keep you comfortable and safe. Bring warm clothing like gloves, scarves, and coats, and dress in layers to adjust easily to changing temperatures.

A small first aid kit can also be a lifesaver, especially during long trips. Include essentials like pain relievers, band-aids, and any over-the-counter meds you use regularly. If you use a medical device like a CPAP machine or an insulin pump, make sure it’s approved for travel and packed securely.

Stay Healthy on the Go

Winter is the season for colds and the flu, but a few precautions can help you avoid getting sick while traveling. First, ensure your vaccinations are up to date, including your flu shot. Carry hand sanitizer to use in crowded places and wipe down high-touch surfaces like plane trays and doorknobs.

Don’t forget to eat well and drink plenty of water during your trip. Staying hydrated and fueling your body with healthy snacks can boost your immune system and keep you feeling your best. When planning meals, look for foods rich in vitamins to help fight off seasonal illnesses.

Prepare for Delays and Emergencies

Winter travel often comes with weather delays, so flexibility is important. Pack extra medication, snacks, and warm clothing in your carry-on in case you’re stuck waiting. If you’re traveling with elderly loved ones or kids, think about their specific needs, such as blankets or special snacks to keep them comfortable.

It’s also smart to have a backup plan for accommodations or transportation in case of cancellations. Knowing where the nearest healthcare facilities are at your destination can also provide peace of mind.

Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Winter Trip

At PyxisCare, we understand that travel health management can feel like a big task, but with some planning and the right support, you can make it simple. Whether you need help with medical preparation, finding care options at your destination, or creating a travel health checklist, we’re here to support you.

If you’re ready to learn more about how PyxisCare can make a difference for you or your loved ones, give us a call. We’re here to help you find a smoother path to better health for you or your loved ones with a team that cares about your well-being as much as you do. By following your guide to managing healthcare needs during winter travel, you can stay healthy, prepared, and ready for whatever adventures winter brings your way. With just a little planning, you can make this winter travel season your best one yet!

Meet The Team, PyxisCare’s Meagan P.

“It’s hard to facilitate when you don’t know what you don’t know. With PyxisCare, that’s exactly what we do: bridge the gap of knowledge. And I really enjoy helping people navigate that piece.”

— Meagan P., PyxisCare Relationship Manager

Meagan has always been driven by a desire to help and connect with others. Initially envisioning a career in nursing, she spent five years as a teacher before realizing her passion for the healthcare industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meagan worked at an assisted living facility and found the experience incredibly rewarding, sparking a renewed interest in pursuing a career that combines her love for helping others with her skills in relationship-building.

How did you find your way to a healthcare position?

After her time in teaching, Meagan transitioned into account management within the freight industry. Although she excelled in the role, it lacked the fulfillment she sought. When she learned about the opportunity at PyxisCare, which allowed her to combine her love for helping others with her account management skills, she knew it was the perfect fit.

What is your role at PyxisCare?

As a Relationship Manager at PyxisCare, Meagan is responsible for developing new client relationships and staying in close touch with existing customers to ensure they receive the best support. She coordinates with the PyxisCare team to deliver optimal health and well-being outcomes for each client, focusing on building strong relationships and providing personalized support.

What unique skills do you bring to PyxisCare?

Meagan’s compassion, perseverance, accountability, and strong communication skills make her a valuable asset to PyxisCare. Her background in teaching and account management has honed her ability to bridge knowledge gaps and help clients navigate complex healthcare challenges. She excels at making clients feel understood and supported throughout their journey with PyxisCare.

Why did you choose PyxisCare?

Meagan’s drive to help others and build meaningful connections drew her to PyxisCare. “It’s hard to facilitate when you don’t know what you don’t know. And so with this company, that’s exactly what we do: bridge the gap of knowledge. And I really enjoy helping people navigate that piece.”

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Care Management for a Client

Working closely with your client over time provides unique insights into how they are aging and managing their overall health and well-being. However, this deeper connection also means recognizing signs of decline and often arriving at a point where you begin to question whether it’s time to explore additional support options. Care management can be a crucial resource in these moments, offering guidance, support, and a path to better health and peace of mind. Here are some key signs that it might be time to consider professional care management, with support from a trusted provider like PyxisCare Management.

Noticing Changes in Physical Health or Mobility

Physical changes can happen gradually, and it’s often easy to adapt without realizing how significant these shifts may be. If you are starting to see your client struggling with mobility—whether it’s walking, getting in and out of the car, or climbing stairs—it might be time to explore additional support. PyxisCare’s team can coordinate solutions like physical therapy, home modifications, and other services that ease daily life and improve safety.

Signs of Increased Forgetfulness or Confusion

It’s natural to occasionally forget things, but if you notice your client is missing doctor appointments, forgetting medications, or becoming disoriented in familiar places, these could be indicators of a larger concern. At this stage, bringing in a care manager can be invaluable. PyxisCare Management specializes in helping families establish routines and connect with specialists as needed, ensuring that cognitive challenges are managed with compassion and structure.

Difficulty with Medication Management

Managing multiple medications can be a demanding task, and even minor errors can have serious health consequences. If your client is taking several medications and finds it hard to keep up with schedules, doses, or refills, this is a clear sign that support might be beneficial. PyxisCare Management can step in to streamline medication schedules, coordinate with pharmacies, and ensure that these essential details are consistently managed.

Struggling with Household Tasks

If your client is having difficulty with routine tasks like cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry, this might be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed. Reduced physical stamina or even a decline in motivation can make managing a home feel like an enormous challenge. Care managers, like those at PyxisCare, can arrange in-home support and develop a plan that meets these daily needs without diminishing a person’s sense of independence.

Experiencing Caregiver Burnout

Many clients we see, are also primary caregivers, balancing multiple responsibilities. If they are feeling exhausted, stretched too thin, or even resentful, it’s not an indication of failure. It’s a natural response to a very demanding role. Burnout is a sign that they, too, could benefit from a support system. By bringing in a care manager, you can regain balance, knowing that your client’s needs are in experienced hands.

Remember: Getting Help is a Sign of Strength

Deciding to bring in care management isn’t about stepping back; it’s about stepping up to ensure your client receives the care they need while they maintain balance in their own life. At PyxisCare Management, compassionate care management professionals provide expertise and a structured plan to support both the individual and their family.

Next Steps

If you are beginning to recognize these signs in your client, consider reaching out to PyxisCare Management to discuss options. Together, we can develop a thoughtful, personalized approach that gives your client the best possible support for a healthy and fulfilling future.

Understanding Care Management Through a Financial Lens: PyxisCare’s Comprehensive Approach

Managing healthcare goes beyond addressing medical needs—it requires navigating a broad range of complex choices, with one of the most crucial being informed financial decisions to support a loved one’s long-term well-being. With rising healthcare costs and complex care requirements, care management plays a critical role in balancing financial resources and health outcomes. At PyxisCare Management, we understand that providing quality care involves careful planning, budgeting, and resource coordination. Our approach to care management is designed to help families manage many aspects of healthcare including financial well-being, empowering them to make sound decisions with clarity and confidence.

What is Care Management?

Care management is a collaborative service that combines healthcare expertise with deep insights to help families and individuals manage their health and resources effectively. Care managers work to coordinate medical and non-medical services, create tailored care plans, and advocate for clients within the healthcare system, all while considering the financial implications. PyxisCare Management is committed to helping families navigate the healthcare landscape in a way that preserves both well-being and financial stability.

Key Financial Components of Care Management

At PyxisCare, we know that effective care management requires a balance of compassionate healthcare support and responsible financial planning. Here’s how we integrate both into our services:

Comprehensive Assessment with Financial Considerations
The first step in our process is understanding each client’s unique health needs, medical history, and financial situation. Our care managers assess not only the physical, emotional, and social needs of our clients but also their financial resources, budget constraints, and coverage options. This holistic approach allows us to create a care plan that maximizes available resources without compromising on quality of care.
Personalized Care Planning Aligned with Financial Goals
Based on the assessment, we develop a care plan that outlines essential necessary services, treatments, and resources. PyxisCare’s team works closely with families to optimize for insurance coverage and long-term budgeting. As the client’s needs evolve, we do work to match care to financial resources.
Cost-Effective Coordination of Services
Managing various healthcare services can be expensive, especially when multiple providers and treatments are involved. PyxisCare’s care managers act as central coordinators, streamlining services and reducing redundancy. We communicate with physicians, therapists, and caregivers to ensure that care is efficient and cost-effective. This coordination minimizes unnecessary expenses and helps families avoid costly overlaps in services, allowing them to focus resources on essential care.

Who Can Benefit from Financially Minded Care Management?

Care management with a financial lens is especially valuable for:

Older adults who need assistance managing healthcare costs along with multiple medical conditions.
Individuals with chronic illnesses requiring ongoing treatment, for whom cost-effective care coordination can prevent financial depletion.
Families managing a loved one’s care who want to ensure that resources are spent wisely without compromising quality of life.

Why Choose PyxisCare Management?

We believe that effective care doesn’t just mean better health—it means using all available resources wisely. We are committed to a balanced approach that takes both healthcare needs and financial considerations into account. By partnering with PyxisCare Management, you gain a team dedicated to simplifying complex healthcare decisions, maximizing financial resources, and providing compassionate, reliable support.

Reach Out Today

If you’re considering care management with a focus on both health and financial well-being, PyxisCare is here to help. Contact us today to learn how our unique approach can support you and your loved one, providing peace of mind that both care needs and financial priorities are being met.

Meet The Team, PyxisCare’s Yolanda R.

“The PyxisCare team examines the medical, psychological, and spiritual needs of every client and family member, and I’m grateful to bring my experience as a certified rehab nurse to the team..”

— Yolanda R., PyxisCare Nurse Client Advocate, CRRN, Nurse Client Advocate

Supporting her mom with diabetes care inspired Yolanda to learn everything she could about the disease, and her mother’s wellness plan. As an adult, she has earned multiple degrees and certificates in the healthcare field. Now she brings her experience of helping others, with a specialty in rehab services, to the PyxisCare team as a Nurse Client Advocate (NCA) based in the Houston area.

How did you chose nursing as your career path?
My mom was diagnosed with diabetes when I was a child, and I helped by giving her insulin injections. This sparked my curiosity and I researched how insulin works and how diabetes affects the body. With this knowledge, I taught my mom how to inject herself by the time I graduated from high school. After high school, I attended college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and another degree in nursing. Studying sociology helped me understand how our healthcare system affects people of different socioeconomic backgrounds, and with my nursing degree I put this knowledge to use taking care of patients. Since then, I have earned a master’s in nursing leadership and management.

After college I worked at a rehab facility caring for patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, and other complex medical conditions. Additionally, I served as a clinical rehab liaison where I evaluated patients in acute hospital settings to determine if they were ready to go home or needed to transfer to a rehab facility. For rehab, the patient needs to tolerate three hours of therapy a day. Going home requires an understanding of how their medical condition affects their daily living. Will they need a heart monitor or oxygen? Will the patient have incontinence issues and how can they be supported? Does the patient require 24-hour supervision and how will this be provided?

At PyxisCare, I’m very fortunate to employ all the skills I’ve gained over my clinical career. We examine and make recommendations for the medical, psychological and spiritual needs of every client and family member. I’m grateful to bring my experience to this team.

What is your role at PyxisCare?
As an NCA, I am the first face our clients see. I partner with the talented PyxisCare team to provide integrated care coordination and health care solutions. Many of our clients and families struggle with complicated, multifaced medical situations. For example, I recently worked with a grandmother who was the sole provider for her grandson with a medically complex condition. Our team helped find respite care for the grandmother, transportation to and from appointments, and worked with the child’s school so that they were compliant with their responsibilities regarding the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What unique skills do you bring to PyxisCare?
As a certified rehab nurse, I have years of experience supporting clients with many conditions. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with clients facing bladder dysfunction and incontinence. This is a sensitive topic that must be handled with delicacy and compassion. I educate clients facing this challenge with professionalism and kindness. I am grateful to be a resource for other PyxisCare team members with clients facing these issues.

Why did you choose PyxisCare?
When PyxisCare was expanding their team in Houston and central Texas, I thought, “Wow, this would be a great fit for me because I love advocating for patients and families.” I enjoy being part of a team that provides expertise, personalized service, and an integrated approach to managing the complexities of healthcare challenges. The team is very supportive, and we work well together.

Meet The Team, PyxisCare’s Alisa M.

“As an advocate, we give voice to the client to ensure they are heard. We stand with the client in their greatest times of need, coordinating all the complex details surrounding their care challenges. My job is to help, and it’s the only job I’ve ever wanted to do.”

— Alisa M., PyxisCare Nurse Client Advocate, BSN, MSN, RN

My career has spanned more than twenty years of experience as a nursing professional with a variety of roles in clinical, compliance, regulatory, managerial, and risk management areas of nursing expertise.

My greatest motivation has always been helping and connecting with people. At PyxisCare, we have a unique opportunity to combine every aspect learned in our professional and personal lives and help clients navigate a complex system.

I started my career in the military, with six years of active duty and two in the reserve. Once I left the military, I knew my next step was nursing school. I grew up in a family of nurses with my mother and aunt as my most impressive role models. Nursing felt like a natural progression in my life as I wanted to make an impact on people’s lives and help the most I could. I quickly found that behavioral health was the area I wanted to focus on because of the direct effect I could have on a patient.

At the core of who I am, I lead with compassion. I aim to be a person who serves in her community to make a difference for as many as possible. PyxisCare has given an opportunity for me to do that on a daily basis and I am excited to be a nurse client advocate (NCA).

Through my experience, I am able to understand the complexities of the healthcare system and provide a bridge for clients to better take charge of their needs without the worry of being misunderstood or misguided. Ultimately, my job is to help and that is the only job I have ever wanted to do.

Meet The Team, PyxisCare’s Shannon H.

“Students and families deserve an equitable education. It’s my goal to
ensure each student has every opportunity to succeed.”

— Shannon H., PyxisCare Special Education Advocate

Shannon Howell has a comprehensive background in education and advocacy, with a focus on special education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation studies and a master’s degree in special education, with an emphasis on emotional and behavioral disorders. With over 22 years of experience, she’s worked extensively as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and school counselor across various educational levels. Currently, she serves as a district specialist, providing support to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and overseeing compliance with the 504 programs.

Shannon’s decision to pursue advocacy aligns with her lifelong commitment to
supporting students with special needs. Recognizing the importance of ensuring educational
equity, she emphasizes the legal and ethical obligations schools have to provide services
outlined in IEPs and 504 plans. Drawing from personal experiences and familial connections to
special education, she highlights the necessity of leveling the playing field for all students,
regardless of their challenges or disabilities. Her expertise and passion drive her advocacy
efforts, aiming to bridge the gap between policy mandates and practical implementation in
educational settings.

Shannon underscores the critical role advocates play in navigating the complexities of
special education systems. She stresses the significance of advocacy in holding schools
accountable for meeting legal obligations and ensuring that students receive appropriate
support and accommodations. Shannon explains “Students and families deserve an equitable
education. It’s my goal to ensure each student has every opportunity to succeed.” Through her
work, she aims to empower parents by providing them with the necessary knowledge and
support to advocate effectively for their children. Her dedication to staying informed about
evolving laws and regulations reflects her commitment to advocating for the rights of students
with special needs. Overall, her tireless efforts contribute significantly to improving the
educational experiences and outcomes of students with disabilities.

MEET THE TEAM, Anna C.

“Healthcare is such an important part of people’s lives, but with that, it can be an incredibly overwhelming time. Our team ensures that unparalleled care is provided for all individuals and their families; my job is to help ease the burden so that clients can focus on healing.”

–Anna C., Relationship Manager

Anna Crone is a dedicated and dynamic professional serving as a Relationship Manager for PyxisCare Management. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Texas Christian University, Anna brings a unique blend of marketing acumen and a passion for healthcare to her role. Her journey with PyxisCare Management began in May 2023 when she joined as an intern, and she has since made a seamless transition into the realm of customer management.

Driven by the belief that healthcare is a vital aspect of people’s lives, Anna is committed to alleviating the complex challenges individuals and their families face during such critical times. She succinctly captures her mission with the quote, “Healthcare is such an important part of people’s lives, but with that, it can be an incredibly overwhelming time. Our team ensures that unparalleled care is provided for all individuals and their families; my job is to help ease the burden so that clients can focus on getting better.”

In her role as a Relationship Manager, Anna serves as the linchpin between individual clients and the dedicated team of licensed nurses and care coordinators at PyxisCare Management. Her responsibilities include guiding clients in making informed decisions about the most suitable plans based on their wants and needs. Anna excels in her role as a point of contact throughout the duration of the services provided by PyxisCare Management, fostering an efficient and supportive experience for clients.

Anna’s educational background in marketing, coupled with her hands-on experience at PyxisCare Management, equips her with a holistic understanding of the healthcare industry and the nuanced needs of clients. Her commitment to providing unequalled care and her adeptness in navigating the intricacies of healthcare make Anna an invaluable asset to PyxisCare Management and a compassionate advocate for those in need of quality healthcare services.

PYXISCARE LAUNCHES SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY PLANNING

SNAP Launched to Serve Growing Demand for Specialized Educational Services and Programs

Dallas/Fort Worth, Tx., January 2024 – Texas-based PyxisCare Management announced the launch of its Special Needs Advocacy Planning (SNAP) to serve families and trusts in search of services, programs and accommodations to support a child’s individual educational needs.

“As a leader in the care coordination industry, we have experienced a sharp increase in the need for specialized support for children in learning environments,“ said Mindy Jones, Founding Principal of PyxisCare Management. “As people become increasingly aware of their options for educational accommodations, many of them see hope ahead for the challenges they have been experiencing, drowning in paperwork and concerned about their children meeting their full potential. It’s been a pleasure to play a part in giving these kids the services they need to develop and thrive.”

PyxisCare SNAP advocates shepherd families through the complex world of education advocacy, including but not limited to the following:

Interpret reports and evaluations related to Section 504 – the US Department of Education’s statute that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

o FIE (Full Individual and Initial valuation)

o IEP (Individual Education Plan)

o BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)

o IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation)

Build proposals for IEP goals, accommodations and schedule of services
Accommodation tracking and data collection of IEP goals for reporting
Attend ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal) meetings to advocate for eligibility
Offer guidance related to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education), including procedural safeguards and transition planning
Advise parents and guardians on their case, options and due process, including:

o Waiver program enrollment

o Benefits enrollment

o Guardianship timeline and referral

o Ancillary program placement (therapies, job training and placement)

The PyxisCare SNAP process begins with an initial assessment with the student, family, a special educational professional and RN. The RN team stays involved in medically fragile cases. The assessment builds the basis for further actions and next steps in the advocacy process.

Contact Nicky Haynes at PyxisCare for additional information on SNAP at Nicky.Haynes@Pyxiscare.com To speak to one of our experts or schedule a consultation, contact Mindy Jones at mljones@Pyxiscare.com