Home » Elder Care » Page 3
Tag:

Elder Care

How to Help a Senior with Parkinson’s
Caregiving

How to Help a Senior with Parkinson’s

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

If you are taking care of a loved one with Parkinson’s, you are not alone. Here are a few suggestions on how to help a senior with Parkinson’s.

Educate Yourself

When there is a new diagnosis, often families don’t know where to turn. Getting all the information you can may help. Particularly if you are feeling a lack of control. Talk to a health care professional about exercise options, learn about various medications and treatments, and learn about the progression of Parkinson’s, so you will be aware of what changes may occur over time. In addition, reach out to support groups in your area, often there are other individuals experiencing what you are experiencing nearby. They can help lead you to resources.

Take Care of Yourself

Your day-to-day life will change when you are living with someone with Parkinson’s. It’s important you take care of yourself so you can provide the best support for the person you love. Talking through your problems with a counselor can be very healing. Being kind to yourself, and having your own thoughts and feelings heard, is essential to a healthy home environment.

Enjoy Time Together

Parkinson’s affects motor skills and you may not be able to have the lifestyle with your loved one that you’ve had in the past. Do your best to accept and understand that an individual with Parkinson’s is living with a disease that can change daily. There may be days when a walk around the neighborhood is possible, but there will likely be other days when you’ll need to help them with basic tasks, such as getting dressed. So, when an opportunity to do something you enjoy together is possible and available, enjoy it.

Adapt Your Home

It is essential to have your home be a safe place, and to help a senior with Parkinson’s you will likely need to make some adjustments. Open pathways are important and as physical skills deteriorate, walkers or wheelchairs may be needed. Other things to keep in mind is that floor rugs can be tripping hazards along with standing lamps. Also, it is helpful to remove statues and side tables that could inhibit movement. Making adjustments to your home before they are absolutely needed provides more safety and allows everyone to acclimate to the new layout over a period of time.

When to Explore Assisted Living

In the later stages of Parkinson’s, a family might opt for the transition to an assisted living facility. There are many factors that go into a decision to move. When possible, families should try to make a decision that everyone can support. Often, when a facility is found that is trusted and viable financially, it can be a healthy option. It is estimated over half of individuals who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s will, at some point, develop dementia in connection with the disease. For some, it is possible to have home care, perhaps with a professional who can come to help out, but for others, assisted living is the best solution.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be an incredibly tiresome job. From the long hours, to psychological exhaustion, to the physically demanding environment, there are very few ways to actively prepare for and predict the responsibilities that caregiving entails. Silverado’s Director of Clinical Education Sue Kruse shares key tactics for managing the day-to-day challenges of dementia caregivers.

Communication Through Understanding

According to Kruse, one of the most frustrating problem areas for individuals with dementia and their caregivers is communication. Many times, the person living with dementia may be unable to express their needs, leading them to become increasingly frustrated.
Kruse says that it can be easier to identify the need by attempting to understand what the person with dementia is trying to express. For example, if an individual protests taking a shower, Kruse suggests thinking of alternative ways of presenting a solution.
“Postpone the shower until later in the day, or give the person a reason to take the shower, ‘Your son Bob is coming for lunch today, so we need to take a shower.’” Kruse says.

Acknowledgement is Key

Typically, when a person with dementia says something that may not be true, it’s best not to rationalize and correct their thoughts. “If the person says they need to go to school today, make a simple statement such as, ‘Today is Saturday, isn’t it wonderful that we have no school today?’” Kruse says. Because dementia patients can have a false sense of reality, trying to explain something may confuse or frustrate them even more.

Know your Own Limits

With the physical and psychological demands that come with dementia caregiving, studies show that caregivers are at risk for increased health problems, such as chronic fatigue, loss of appetite or even depression. “Caring for someone with dementia is a 24 hour a day job and is overwhelming for anyone.” says Kruse. Therefore, knowing your limits and practicing self-care is critical in order to fully be present and care for your loved one. Kruse advises to take help offered by friends, family, or day care programs.

Minimize Disrupted Sleep

Kruse explains that as dementia progresses, sleep disturbances can often occur for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. “The person with dementia can be up during the night attempting to leave the house or rummaging throughout the home, causing the caregiver to be sleep deprived,” Kruse says as an example. Though uninterrupted sleep throughout the night may not always be easy to achieve, taking a few extra steps can minimize distractions so both parties can have restful nights. For example, you can switch off care during graveyard or night shifts. You can also make the sleeping environment extra comfortable by playing restful music.

Never Take Rejection or Frustration Personally

It’s important to remember that changes in mood and personality are caused by chemical changes in the brain, not by daily tasks. “Realize that the person living with dementia is often afraid and confused and this is a defense mechanism,” says Kruse. Learn to compartmentalize their behaviors with performance as a caregiver.

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Importance of Seniors and Social Connections
Aging

Importance of Seniors and Social Connections

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

A social friendship builds inclusion and connection.

One of the paths to healthy aging includes connecting with peers and building friendships. It’s a known fact, and the effects of isolation are depression and loneliness. And their harm puts an individual at a higher risk for falls (especially the elderly,) chronic diseases, and even early death. Importance of Seniors and Social Connections
One of the paths to healthy aging includes connecting with peers and building friendships. It’s a known fact, and the effects of isolation are depression and loneliness. And their harm puts an individual at a higher risk for falls (especially the elderly,) chronic diseases, and even early death. Importance of Seniors and Social Connections
However, psychologists suggest that loneliness is not the same as being alone; nor does being with other people protect you from feelings of isolation. But psychologist, John Cacioppo, believes the emotion can inflict havoc on the body and brain. Another philosophy insists that loneliness is a failure of social networks. The lonely get sicker than the non-lonely because they don’t have others to take care of them; no social support exists for them.

Social isolation and loneliness are the two biggest risk factors for older adults living alone. Being tucked away in suburbia with minimal access to public transportation is the reason the elderly remain secluded. They can’t drive anywhere; they can’t walk anywhere, and they can’t get any place on their own. They have problems coping with being tucked away and managing their life gets harder when alone.

I hear if frequently when visiting the elder orphan Facebook group. Some members feel very lonely and have difficulty making social connections. The most painful stories to read are the ones that members have after a surgery upon discharge; they have no one to care for them at home. I can’t tell you how many times over the past few months that very issue revealed its thorny head for a member because there have been quite a few.

The graying of America and the suburban population is an echo of the demographic shifts in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, the over-65 population will grow two and a half times, to more than 70 million people, and older adults will add up to 20 percent of the population, up from 12.6 percent. Take a look at the frequency that a boomer turns 65 by watching the real-time, digital counter.
The growing numbers of the elderly population in suburbia corresponds with a rising desire among many older adults who want to age at home instead of moving to an institution. As a result, older people live alone and remain stranded in ill-equipped communities to deliver the services they need.

Unfortunately, the elderly are stuck because they never planned for the later years when they bought two-story homes with expansive yards. The distance between them and the neighbors, an area that was once a treasured solitude, now keeps them disjointed from neighborly connections.

However, if we could convince local city leaders and entrepreneurs to shift a little attention away from the young to the old, then maybe the burden of living alone for the elderly could lighten. The numbers are in—they prove the market validity. In three major cities, Dallas, Portland, and Richmond, the percentage of the population 65 and over living alone ranks from 30 to 37. And since boomers turn 65 every 11 seconds or so, get prepared for more.

I don’t have solutions; however, I do know what it will take for people like me, aging alone, to do it safely and independently with the caring support of peers. We need better public transportation or living options that give us more access to the services we require.

However, psychologists suggest that loneliness is not the same as being alone; nor does being with other people protect you from feelings of isolation. But psychologist, John Cacioppo, believes the emotion can inflict havoc on the body and brain. Another philosophy insists that loneliness is a failure of social networks. The lonely get sicker than the non-lonely because they don’t have others to take care of them; no social support exists for them.

Social isolation and loneliness are the two biggest risk factors for older adults living alone. Being tucked away in suburbia with minimal access to public transportation is the reason the elderly remain secluded. They can’t drive anywhere; they can’t walk anywhere, and they can’t get any place on their own. They have problems coping with being tucked away and managing their life gets harder when alone.

I hear if frequently when visiting the elder orphan Facebook group. Some members feel very lonely and have difficulty making social connections. The most painful stories to read are the ones that members have after a surgery upon discharge; they have no one to care for them at home. I can’t tell you how many times over the past few months that very issue revealed its thorny head for a member because there have been quite a few.

The graying of America and the suburban population is an echo of the demographic shifts in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, the over-65 population will grow two and a half times, to more than 70 million people, and older adults will add up to 20 percent of the population, up from 12.6 percent. Take a look at the frequency that a boomer turns 65 by watching the real-time, digital counter.
The growing numbers of the elderly population in suburbia corresponds with a rising desire among many older adults who want to age at home instead of moving to an institution. As a result, older people live alone and remain stranded in ill-equipped communities to deliver the services they need.

Unfortunately, the elderly are stuck because they never planned for the later years when they bought two-story homes with expansive yards. The distance between them and the neighbors, an area that was once a treasured solitude, now keeps them disjointed from neighborly connections.

However, if we could convince local city leaders and entrepreneurs to shift a little attention away from the young to the old, then maybe the burden of living alone for the elderly could lighten. The numbers are in—they prove the market validity. In three major cities, Dallas, Portland, and Richmond, the percentage of the population 65 and over living alone ranks from 30 to 37. And since boomers turn 65 every 11 seconds or so, get prepared for more.

I don’t have solutions; however, I do know what it will take for people like me, aging alone, to do it safely and independently with the caring support of peers. We need better public transportation or living options that give us more access to the services we require.

Importance of Seniors and Social Connections

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Senior woman talking on phone
Seniors & Covid

10+ Ways to Connect and Care During COVID-19

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

As our elders stay inside their homes, their apartments and their residential communities, we search for ways to connect with them as well as to make their lives and their care better. Here are 10+ ways to connect and care for your elders during this unprecedented time.

Some are simple, but simple works right now.

Engage with Them:

  • Send a note or card in the mail. Include a photo, a drawing, or news clipping that you want to share. Elders love getting snail mail.
  • Ask them to write you a story that they’ve never told you before.
  • If your elder has FaceTime or their community has a tablet that they are using for family connections, use this means to have some virtual face-to-face time.
  • Set up a daily or weekly chat time. Stick to it.
  • Send them magazines, puzzles, books, craft supplies. You can order online and have them delivered.
  • Some floral companies are doing contact-free deliveries. Order balloons or flowers to brighten your elder’s day. Springtime is great for blooming plants.
  • Send your elder a box of blank cards and a book of stamps. They can use them to write to loved ones and friends. Send addresses or suggestions so they don’t have to search.
  • Offer to do their spring yard work. You can visit from a distance that way.
  • If you live nearby, order food delivery for them and the same one for you. Then call them while you enjoy the same meal.

Make Sure Your Elders Are Getting Consistently Good Care:

  • Check to see if your elder’s doctor or care provider is offering telehealth visits. Sign your elder up for telehealth instead of their next in-person visit, if appropriate.
  • Set up a Care Conference with your elder’s care providers via video or phone. Ask about physical, cognitive and mental health.
  • If your elder lives in a care community or retirement community, call the Activities Director and ask if you can order or send something for their residents to enjoy. Trivia books to use? Puzzle books? Individual crafts?
  • Now is a great time to set up mail order Rx deliveries for maintenance meds. If your elder is using a retail pharmacy, set up delivery with them (or move to a retail pharmacy that does do delivery).
  • Staff members at retirement and care communities are running ragged right now. Order delivery of meals, snacks or gift cards. Call and ask what they need.
  • Check with your local Area Agency on Aging to see what resources are available at low or no cost to assist your elder right now.

More than anything, find ways to stay connected. Isolation is not a good place for anyone, but especially not elders.

Stay well, friends. Know we’ll work our way through this time and find some very special connections along the way.

By Suzanne Blankenship at TheElderCareNavigator.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Happy senior couple in kitchen
Age-In-Place

Aging in place: Renovating with independence in mind

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Most Americans settle in a home, envisioning a permanent life refuge. Achieving this vision of aging in place, though, means preparing the home now to anticipate future needs. Doing so successfully can allow older adults to remain independent, autonomous and in charge of their home security as they age.

As many as 94% of today’s older adults (defined as ages 65+) wish to stay in their own homes as long as possible. This group, as of 2010, accounted for 13% of the population (40 million people), and that number is projected to increase to 20% of the population by 2030.

Studies show there are numerous benefits to home-based aging, such as increased life satisfaction, quality of life and self-esteem. Maintaining familiar surroundings and connections is also a benefit, allowing older adults to remain close to friends and neighbors, keep the same doctors and visit favorite coffee shops and grocery stores.

The time is now to start planning for down-the-road needs, like modifying your home to accommodate future accessibility needs, home security and even live-in care. It is important to understand the appropriate renovations that may be required and to equip the home with modifications that are right for you and any caretakers providing attention as you age in place.

What you should know about designing a home while aging in place

Studies confirm there are benefits to keeping older adults in their homes longer, such as maintaining more independence and connection to friends and family, as well as avoiding the high costs of institutional care. Luckily, there are many options, services and helpful solutions available to help us stay independent as we age at home.

Basic home renovations

Improve lighting

Improving the lighting in the home is an inexpensive solution that can provide an increased sense of safety and security for older adults — safeguarding against stumbling and falling, as well as break-ins. Consider adding lighting strips to stairways and other dark areas inside the home, as well as installing exterior lights that can be programmed to turn on and off, creating a pattern to deter break-ins. Nightlights are also a recommended addition — great for hallways, bathrooms and on or near steps.

Add easy-use fixtures and safety considerations

These simple home modifications are easy to implement and can have a significant impact on improving security and comfort in the home as we age:

  • Install oversized light switches ($6 to $28)
  • Replace faucet knobs with levers ($22 to $400)
  • Use automated garage door openers ($128 to $250)
  • Purchase larger digital display options for remote controls, phones, and screens ($7 to $545)
  • Add grab bars or rails around the home to prevent falls and improve mobility ($14 to $100)
  • Consider chair and toilet lifts ($18 – $100)
  • Use cord covers to prevent tripping and falling ($10 to $50)
  • Shop Senior.com for all your Fall Prevention Items for every room ($10-$900)

Update your flooring

Falls are prevalent as we age in what should be our safest environment: our home. And flooring is often the biggest culprit. Loose rugs, slip-inducing mats, and curly edges on carpets are among the most common dangers. Many preventive measures are easy, DIY and often relatively inexpensive. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Secure rugs throughout the home: Use double-faced, anti-slip rug tape to secure the edges of all area rugs firmly to the floor. Or consider using an underneath rug pad, with options adhering to vinyl, hardwood and other flooring. In the bathroom, use bathmats with a good, surface-gripping backing.
  2. Install anti-slip flooring throughout the home: Ensuring the type of flooring installed in the home (and especially in the bathroom) isn’t slippery is an important consideration for older adults. Some anti-slip flooring options include vinyl, ceramic tiles, and even bamboo.
  3. Contrast for visibility while moving throughout the home: Consider varying the colors and textures of the flooring used throughout the home to provide better visual guidance, especially in transitional areas in the home, such as a sunken living room.

Advanced home renovations

Sophisticated upgrades to help current and future home healthcare needs not only add protection, they often heighten future selling prices. Keep in mind for some of these more advanced home modification tips, outsourcing to a professional may be necessary.

Assistive renovations

Widen your doorways: Even just carrying packages can make doorways impassable, so imagine providing adequate space for assistive devices like wheelchairs. To meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards, doorways should be at least 36 inches wide.

Add a stairlift: Unless you’re enjoying single-story living (or unless you have a downstairs bedroom and bath), many people need to navigate stairs in the home. In these cases, stairlifts are a great tool.

Keeping the home secure

Home security systems are an essential tool for being alerted to dangers you may not sense, like fire, carbon monoxide and break-ins. And these tools become even more critical for older adults. According to the National Fire Protection Association, people ages 65+ are twice as likely to be injured or killed by house fires, compared to the rest of the population.

For outside the home, consider installing security cameras, which can allow loved ones to monitor fall-prone areas around the home.

Assistive technology

There is a lot of assistive technology available today, including devices, software programs and equipment that’s specifically designed to help people work around their challenges — from arthritis-friendly light switches and easier-to-grip drawer pulls, to computer voice recognition programs, entryway ramps and more. Here are a few assistive devices for you to consider when updating your home for current or future assistive needs:

  • Clap-detection lights: Turning on lights with the clap of your hands makes turning lights on/off much easier. Plus, set the device in its “away” mode, and your lights will turn on with the detection of any sound, which can deter break-ins.
  • Smart entryway: Assistive tools like key finders, keyless doors and doorbell cameras make entering the home and monitoring activity at the front door easier. Learning who is at the front door from the safety of your couch reduces the need for unnecessary movement around the home, which can also prevent accidents and falls.
  • Home hub automation: Smart home options are now available to provide a one-stop solution for controlling your digital life at home, from programmable temperature controls and sophisticated home security systems to playing music and helping you keep track of appointments. For example, Amazon’s Alexa allows users to easily keep track of daily activities, call their doctor and even order food. And home hub security systems can offer older adults a greater sense of control over the safety of their home and valuables, all from the leisure of their couch.

Why designing with in-home care in mind is a good idea

Considering the high costs of long term care options in the U.S., it’s not surprising people are turning to alternative solutions. Although costs vary by state, let’s take a look at the average monthly costs of some of the more common long-term care options available:

  • A private nursing home room: $8,364 per month
  • A semi-private nursing home room: $7,362 per month
  • Assisted living facility: $3,862 per month
  • Adult day health care: $1,562 per month

To avoid these costs, and if in-home care is your goal, it’s important to start making plans now — so you’re not managing last-minute renovations and home modifications to accommodate the needs of caretakers at the same time your health takes a turn.

Some of the in-home care services you may need to consider planning for include health care aides, registered nurses, physical therapists, social workers and other specialists that make home visits. Your in-home caregiver might also be a companion or a loved one. Regardless of who is providing the care, it’s important to ensure your home is ready, so you can more easily adapt should the need arise.

Renovating your home for the future

When renovating your home, it’s important to keep future health challenges in mind, and the possibility of needing in-home care. Understanding your needs — and the needs of others potentially sharing your space — will create a more harmonious and comfortable environment while aging in place.

Creating a bedroom on the main floor of the home is ideal — allowing for easier accessibility throughout the home. In addition to reducing the use of stairs, main floors also provide faster exits to safety in case of emergencies — like injuries, break-ins or fires.

To accommodate live-in care, or for having loved ones stay, a separate bedroom is an essential consideration. Make sure the room has easy access to a bathroom, and even consider installing a small kitchen.

You’ll also want to equip your home for caregiver accessibility, including:

  • Installing smart locks, so people who take care of you always have access to the home.
  • Ensuring caregivers have access to WiFi, so they’re connected in the event of an emergency, or to purchase necessary items online.
  • Providing caregivers access to security systems, so they can help monitor the home in an emergency.
  • Adding more electrical outlets in the home, in case there is medical equipment to set up in the future.
  • Creating wider doorways and entryways for wheelchairs, as well as ramps for wheelchair accessibility.

Financial assistance for home modifications

Paying for Senior Care outlines four sources of assistance available for those needing to make home modifications to accommodate the needs of older adults and of those with disabilities, including financial loans, grants, labor and equipment loans:

Four types of assistance for home modifications

  1. Low-interest loans: Some organizations, mainly governmental, offer low-interest loans for home modifications or guarantee loans so banks are less restrictive with their lending requirements. Since these are loans, they do need to be paid back.
  2. Home improvement grants: These (usually one-time) grants are available for a specific home modification purpose, and do not need to be repaid.
  3. Free labor: Another form of assistance is free labor to make home improvements. This is commonly offered by non-profit organizations or charities. Materials are not covered. The building of a wheelchair ramp is a common example.
  4. Equipment loans: Some organizations make free, long-term loans of home modification materials. As an example, a portable wheelchair ramp that does not need to be returned until the borrower moves from their home or no longer requires the use of it.

Options for financial planning

There are also several programs and other assistance programs available for qualified individuals to take advantage of to help with home modifications for the purpose of keeping older adults at home longer. Some of the most notable options are:

  1. Medicare Advantage: Beginning in 2019, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans now include benefits for home modifications, such as assisting with the addition of grab bars, stairlifts, and wheelchair ramps in the home
  2. Medicaid HCBS Waivers and Home Modifications: Most states have Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, which help qualified individuals stay at home and receive in-home care and assistance with home modifications. Each state offers different programs with different eligibility requirements and benefits.
  3. Veterans Programs for Home Modifications: The Veterans Administration (VA) offers grants, including Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants, Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grants and Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) Grants, to help veterans remain in their homes longer.
  4. Non-Medicaid Government Assistance for Home Modification: The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers HUD Home Improvement Loans, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grants. Additionally, quite a few states offer various assistance programs that are referred to as “nursing home diversion programs,” and some of these programs offer home modification as a benefit. Review this list of state assistance programs that offer home modification benefits to see if there’s a program available for you.
  5. Non-Profit and Foundation Assistance for Home Modifications: Many non-profits and organizations (such as Rebuilding Together) offer financial aid and volunteer labor to help older adults remain in their homes. Another option is finding local, volunteer community resources and projects that may help assist with home modifications.

Set your sights on home sweet home…forever

People are living longer and the percentage of older adults in the U.S. is on the rise. This means there is an increased demand for long-term care solutions. The good news is remaining independent and autonomous in the home you know and love as you age is possible. With the right planning and assistance, older adults can easily make modifications to the home — such as updating the lighting in the home, taking advantage of assistive technologies and even renovating the home to accommodate live-in care. Make these changes now and create a comfortable and safe space that you can continue to call home…forever.

Submitted by Freshome.com

By Wendy Meyeroff, a plain language expert in B2B and B2C health/tech communications, has helped clients across the U.S. for 20+ years with journalism and marketing materials. Wendy has a specialty: writing for and about boomers, and mentoring outreach to ages 50+.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Caregiving

What to consider when choosing an in-home care provider

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

If you are looking into hiring an in-home care provider here are some things to consider:

Service availability

Home health aide schedules vary between agencies. This can impact affordability and convenience when hiring a service.

  • Home for the holidays: Does the agency offer holiday service? Many elderly people celebrate in their own homes, making it crucial for an assistant to be available during these days.
  • Part-time option: Not all seniors need round-the-clock care, so a part-time option helps keep costs low.
  • Overtime service: Family members responsible for primary care may face a late day at the office, bad traffic or any number of factors that could leave them running late. Be sure that a caregiver can remain on site when a complication arises.
  • Respite care: Family caregivers need breaks from time-to-time to tend to their own needs. Home health aides can fill in so that the care recipient remains safe while the family caregiver is away.

Clear communication

Communication between the family of the senior receiving care and the provider organization is critical to creating a comprehensive schedule of services. Slow response times could leave a senior alone, or put them in danger by delaying reports on issues that could impact their health.

  • Health reporting: How often does the service provider give a comprehensive report about the senior’s continued ability to live alone?
  • Schedule changes: For many people, caring for an elderly parent does not reduce other demands on their time, leaving them to schedule around school plays, nights out with friends and work functions. Flexible and emergency scheduling is a must.
  • Live operators: As effective as voice mail can be, waiting for a call back can be nerve wracking. Make sure your service provider routinely answers the phone, rather than responding to messages.

Provider screening

Any time you let someone into your home, you take a risk. The elderly are particularly at risk, so before inviting someone in, it is important that they pass screening and a background check which should be provided by the agency.

  • Background checks: A credit check and scan of criminal history could provide a sense of security.
  • Reference checks: Reference checks are a quick and easy way to find out whether someone has a history of quality performance, and they are also something that many employers neglect to do.
  • Caregiver interview: Instead of simply assigning someone to a case, it is important to allow the caregiver, senior and their family to meet in an informal environment. Compatibility is a foundation for building trust.

Absentee policies

Everyone needs a day off occasionally, so what happens when a caregiver calls out?

  • Immediate notification: Before sending a replacement, the agency should notify you of the conflict. You might prefer to take some time off rather than have a stranger take on the job.
  • Available replacement: If they have a call out, can the agency send out someone else without missing the service window?
  • Permanent replacement option: While occasional call outs are inevitable, repetitive issues with missed work can be a major issue. It is important to know how many you might deal with from a single provider.

Cost

When trying to provide care on a limited budget, the cost can be a major issue. Medicare rarely covers in-home care costs, leaving much of it to be out-of-pocket. You can see what benefits you or your loved one are eligible for by visiting benefits.gov. Long-term care insurance and Medicare supplemental insurance might be viable options to help cover costs.

  • Daily charges: Is there a daily maximum on charges?
  • Hourly charges: Hourly charges can rack up fast, particularly for those that need round-the-clock care.
  • Extra therapy charge: If the primary aide only helps around the house, but is supplemented with a physical therapist or nurse, is there an additional charge for these occasional services? There almost always is.

Article provide by ConsumerAffairs.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Caregiving

Types of home care services

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

Home health aides

Home health aides are professionals who can help with self-care, housework, cooking and more. They might also perform some basic medical tasks. Home health aides sometimes have medical training, so they might be certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). However, there aren’t any specific standards requiring a home health aide to have particular training or certification. If you’re looking for someone to help with any medical-related tasks, ask about certifications when choosing your provider. Medicare or Medicaid might pay for help from a home health aide.

Nurses

Home care nurses often handle the basic medical needs of those aging in place, like tracking their vitals, giving them IV medications and changing bandages. These professionals could either be licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). The higher level of care a person needs, the more likely their nurse will be an RN. Sometimes, a nurse will visit a patient less frequently but will manage a team of home health aides that visits the person every day. Medicare or Medicaid might pay for help from a home care nurse.

Geriatric care managers

Geriatric care managers are professionals that help caregivers figure out how much care their loved one needs and what living situation might be best for them. They also help caregivers and families navigate the medical system and figure out how to pay for care and hire appropriate home care professionals. Geriatric care managers often have backgrounds in gerontology, social work, nursing, psychology or another related field. You’ll often have to pay out-of-pocket to hire a care manager, but it could be worth the investment if they help you save money in other ways.

Companion services

Companion services vary a lot. Companions might just be someone who keeps your loved one company, or they might also offer transportation and housekeeping services. Companions don’t handle any medical tasks, and they don’t usually help with bathing, grooming or other activities of daily living (ADLs). Because these individuals don’t provide medical care, Medicaid and Medicare won’t pay for them. You may be able to find a community service organization, like Volunteers of America, that provides these services for free.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a national organization that operates in most communities in the United States. It works with local businesses and volunteers to serve meals to people over 60. The organization delivers meals to people in their homes, and the volunteers who drop meals off provide some companionship to seniors. The group also serves meals in local community centers, so people who can drive can get out of the house to socialize. These services are free or low-cost, depending on where you live.

Community villages

Villages are non-profit organizations designed to help people age in place. Villages coordinate volunteers and paid workers to organize social and educational activities. Villages typically offer transportation services and limited in-home assistance as well as discounted services from health professionals. Each village is independently operated, so the services offered in your area will vary. To find out about a village near you and learn more about these organizations, visit the Village to Village Network’s website.

PACE programs

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is a part of Medicare and Medicaid. The programs provide as much care as feasibly possible to people in their own homes. For example, someone in a state with PACE might be eligible for in-home care, social work counseling and many other services.

Programs in different parts of the country have slightly different offerings, but the overall goal is to keep people in their own homes as long as possible. These programs currently exist in just over 30 states, but they don’t necessarily cover the entire state. To find out about PACE programs in your area, visit the PACE page on the Medicare website.

Article shared by ConsumerAffairs.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Caregiving

How to choose a home care provider

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

1. Write down all the care services needed

Start by making a complete list of all the tasks you or your loved one needs help with. Once you have this list, you can decide whether you need one provider or a few with different specialties.

2. Screen over the phone first

Next, call the companies that advertise the services you need and confirm that their employees can do everything needed. Use the list of questions from Eldercare.gov to ensure your loved one will receive quality care.

3. Interview in the resident’s home

If a provider meets your standards after talking to them on the phone, have an in-home interview with the people who will work with your loved one. Make sure you and the care recipient feel comfortable and confident.

4. Call the provider’s references

Anyone who will be working in your loved one’s home should be willing to give you a list of references, including current clients. Call these people to learn more about the provider and ensure they’re someone you want to hire.

5. Run a background check

Run a background check on each individual who will be helping your loved one in their home.

Article from ConsumerAffairs.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care
Caregiving

Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

When someone you love requires senior care, it’s important that they receive care from a provider who puts seniors first. The sudden boom in America’s elderly population has made senior care one of America’s most lucrative industries. While many owners of senior care agencies and facilities are getting into the industry for the right reasons, too many others only see dollar signs. Instead of putting seniors first, they’re prioritizing the bottom line. Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care
At Visiting Angels®, we’ve been focused on seniors’ well-being for more than twenty years and have become one of the most trusted names in the senior care industry. We know that a profit-first approach to senior care is not the right answer. What’s more, we believe in giving families the information they need to find trustworthy care for their loved ones.
Here’s why. As a business-owner, the bottom line is always a concern. There’s a simple reason. If you’re losing money, you can’t stay in business. And if you can’t stay in business, you can’t provide care to the seniors who need your support. But if maximizing profits is a bigger priority than optimizing quality of care, that’s a problem.
Nothing has underscored this more clearly than a New York Times report on American nursing homes published this January. Reporters discovered heartbreaking stories of malpractice and mistreatment in a series of nursing homes engaged in shady business practices. It turned out that the owners were buying services and supplies from companies they owned separately from their nursing homes. By making these purchases at artificially high prices, the owners were able to mask how much money they were actually making.
Thankfully, these transactions are unlikely to occur in the at home care industry.

Choosing a Trustworthy Senior Care Provider

The good news is that there are still senior care agencies and facilities that put seniors first instead of focusing solely on profits. Here are a few tips on how to steer clear of senior care agencies and nursing facilities that put profits ahead of the seniors in their care.

  • During your initial consultations with care providers, gauge how flexible they are with regards to your loved one’s care concerns, personal preferences, and scheduling requests. High-quality providers understand the unique needs of their clients and customize their services accordingly.
  • If possible, research their reputation within the community. A quality provider will happily provide references from past clients. Online reviews can be an excellent resource, particularly for well-established agencies and care facilities.
  • When a provider is part of a national brand, pay close attention to the wider reputation of that brand. Different brands hold their locations to different standards and operate according to different values. Trusted names, like Visiting Angels, are trusted for a reason.

For home care services that put seniors first, contact your local Visiting Angels. Call 800-365-4189 or contact your local office to get detailed information on our senior care services or to schedule a free in-home consultation with your local director.

Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care

Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care
 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts