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Senior Caregiver

Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

by Jeff Dailey September 25, 2018

written by Jeff Dailey

On average, people use the toilet at least 6 times a day. It is one of the most basic activities in life and is also one of the most common reasons for seniors to start losing their independence. As we age, cognitive and balance issues can make going to the bathroom difficult and in some cases, even dangerous. Seniors all over the world are now turning to the bidet for help. Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

What is a bidet?

Bidets have long been known as a hands-free way to wash sensitive areas with a stream of water. When using a bidet, there is no need to bend or twist your body to wipe. The bidet’s cleansing stream of water will do all the cleanup with little to no need to dry yourself.

Improves cleanliness

Seniors often experience a lack of proper cleanliness due to an inability to wipe after using the toilet. Bidets offer a cleansing spray of water for cleanup, only needing a small pat to dry off. Some bidets will even include dryers that can eliminate the need for drying yourself altogether.

Brings independence in the bathroom

We spend most of our lives experiencing a bathroom trip alone. When we age, a solo bathroom trip can become challenging and, in some situations, dangerous. Bidets eliminate the need to wipe which can result in a senior being able to take bathroom trips alone once again. For many seniors, this is a huge help towards keeping their independence.

Easy to install

Bidet installation has become increasingly easy over the years and has resulted in customers not needing to call a plumber or electrician for help. The installation process can be done by hand and be completed in under an hour to modify your ordinary toilet with comforting bidet features.

Improves the quality of life

Take back your independence and clean in comfort with the new standard in bathroom hygiene. Bidets can provide the ability to enter the bathroom alone with safety and confidence. For many seniors, a bidet improves their quality of life with just one use.
Click Here to see our huge selection of bidet products on Senior.com.

September 25, 2018 0 comment

Prescription Programs

Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems

by Jeff Dailey January 8, 2017

written by Jeff Dailey

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are over 33 million people in the U.S. who care for an aging relative or friend. Caregivers need to be aware that drug errors can happen and may be serious, but often are preventable. Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems
The problem stems largely from the multiple drugs seniors are prescribed and the complex network of physicians and pharmacists caring for them. According to Medco Health Solutions, Inc., the average senior takes nine prescription medications a year. One in four seniors sees four or more different physicians and uses three or more different pharmacies.
To help prevent errors:

Make and take a medication list including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, any vitamins or herbal supplements and present it to the doctor and pharmacist.
Understand how medications should be administered, possible side effects and how to recognize if they occur. Changes such as poor eyesight, hearing trouble or decreased endurance may indicate an adverse reaction to a medication.
Ask any specialist the patient sees to send a full medical report, including drugs prescribed, to the patient’s primary care doctor.
Consider pre-packing your medications together to avoid errors

Seniors now also have to decide about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. It provides much-needed relief for many seniors with little or no drug coverage but may require research to determine which plan is best.
Consider the following:

Weighing Medication Costs: Seniors currently on medications should determine if the plan covers their drugs and at what cost. They should also consider the cost of generics since they may be substantially lower. In addition, under some plans the deductible is waived for generic drugs.
Access to Pharmacies: Each plan has its own pharmacy network. If several months of the year are spent in another state, a national plan may be best. Some plans include a mail-order prescription service.
Patient Safety: A plan that includes a drug utilization review (DUR) program that identifies potential errors provides an important safety net.

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January 8, 2017 0 comment

Caregiving

Information to Know Before You Hire a Caregiver

by Jeff Dailey May 26, 2016

written by Jeff Dailey

Information to Know Before You Hire a Caregiver

When looking for the perfect caregiver, many families don’t know where to begin. Though the Internet offers a quick solution for finding caregiver information, it can also be a misleading source.
Whether looking for a babysitter for a few weeknights or a full-time nanny, knowing the history of your caregivers is vital. In fact, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, babysitters are responsible for 4.2 percent of criminal acts against children under six years of age. Though this is a small percentage, some believe these types of crimes could have been prevented with the appropriate information up front.
When conducting a background check, there are two main types to choose from: live court research and online database searches.
Online databases: With an affordable price tag and a quick turnaround with information, many people turn to online sites when looking for the appropriate caregiver for their family. Though many of these sites tout that their applicants are ‘mom recommended,’ many are simply electronic databases with little investigative reporting on applicant history. Though they do report major offenses, such as felonies, these sites often miss the mark on reporting minor crimes and misdemeanors. These are the types of crimes that speak volumes about an applicant’s character and past.
Live court research: In addition to a traditional online search, you should also conduct the more thorough option of live court research. Though a more costly choice, live court research extensively searches current and past court records, both state and federal. Look for a screening company with the most up-to-date information, such as Validity Screening Solutions, who has more than 1,600 record researchers that cover all jurisdictions in the United States, to offer the most current and accurate information. For more information, visit www.validityscreening.com.
Create a caregiver checklist
“A thorough screening includes live court research in addition to an online web search,” said Darren Dupriest, president and CEO of Validity Screening Solutions. “Make sure your search includes an all-encompassing look at an applicant’s verifications, records with federal and state agencies and other personal assessment screenings, which are all important determinants when choosing the best caregiver for your family.”
Before choosing the appropriate background check, make sure it hits all the important marks listed below:
Criminal Records: A thorough search will identify any felony or misdemeanor criminal convictions. This search should be current enough to include any pending cases involving the candidate.
Sex offender registries: A criminal record search alone does not include significant sex offender information because each state has its own stand-alone registry. Be sure to look for a screening company that offers a multi-state check.
Driving records: For caregivers required to drive on the job, a thorough check of their driving history is essential. This includes the possession of a valid driver’s license, and ensuring it has not been suspended, revoked and the applicant has no objectionable moving violations.

Verification: A proper check will ensure that past employment, certifications and references are verified through the original source.
A complete review of a potential caregiver ensures you are entrusting your family to the safest, best care possible. It also provides peace of mind while you are away from them, which, in itself, is priceless.

May 26, 2016 0 comment