May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month, supported since 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA) and other organizations. Mental health is a broad term that encompasses various parts of wellbeing, including social, emotional, and psychological wellness. There is a wide range of conditions that fall under the mental health umbrella. A few examples include eating disorders, Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mental health conditions can be caused by biological factors or life experiences. Conditions can be passed down through genetics and knowing family history can help people be aware of things they may be facing. Symptoms of mental health conditions can vary greatly. Unusual fighting, severe mood swings, emotional numbness, low energy, and being unable to do routine tasks may all indicate a mental health problem. Some people may need to seek professional guidance, while others may be able to rely on positive personal changes. Healthy habits like physical activity and sleep can help in maintaining positive mental health.
Mental Health Month serves to raise awareness and end the stigma of mental health issues while educating the public. 1 in 5 adults in America have experienced some form of a mental health issue. 1 in 25 have a serious mental illness. Over 41,000 people die from suicide every year. Any age, from children to the elderly, can experience mental health problems. If time and resources are spent on reducing risk factors and exposure in youth, incidence of mental health problems can be reduced long-term. Mental health is a part of a person’s total health that can impact their life as much as any physical health condition. It is important to address this now and start expanding awareness and information for improving mental health.
(MHA) (Mentalhealth.gov)
If you or someone you know needs help, visit https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help for more information. If help is needed immediately, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. An instant online chat is also available at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
We are a fragrance-free facility; therefore, no perfumes, colognes, essential oils, scented lotions, hair products, etc.
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where shewasthe In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
Etelka was honored as a “Health Care Hero” by the Indianapolis Business Journal. The issue can be read online here:
http://mags.ibj.com/activemagazine/welcome/html/ibjhch.html.
After clicking on the link, then click on the image of the issue’s front page. After that, you can browse through the issue or click in a box near the top of your internet browser to adjust the page to 17, which is where Etelka’s article appears.
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