by Vikram Makhija | Jun 28, 2021 | Blog |
For a majority of people, knowing when it’s time to think about hiring a home health care services provider for an aging elder is a painful thought. In many cases, the elders show changes in behavior. They move from the happy, caring caregivers you have always enjoyed to distracted and forgetful people whom we don’t fully understand.
Watching your parents grow old can be difficult, and worrying about their care can be heartbreaking. Unfortunately, dealing with these realities is essential to ensure that your parent receives the care they need to age with grace, dignity, and support, and to recognize the signs that your parent needs home care is the very first step.
Read Below To Understand When Your Elders Need Home Health Care Services
Maybe you’ve noticed that your father starts telling you the same stories over and over, or your mom often leaves the leftovers in the kitchen for days. Maybe you have a parent who is starting to get lost or who is having a hard time dressing, eating, or cooking on their own.
No matter how old your elders are, or if they’ve been sick so far, these top signs are a sure indicator that the time to hire an in-home health care services provider has arrived.
Isolation
Isolation is a dangerous thing for seniors. In addition to increasing older adults’ risk of death, isolation can hurt older adults’ health and contribute to the development of dementia and cognitive decline. If your elderly parents, and relatives have already started isolating them, hiring a domestic helper can prevent the situation from getting worse.
The Elders Are Forgetful Of Meetings, Appointments, And Other Schedules
Forgetting things is an early sign of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Also, the elders who show signs of forgetting important events, doctor’s appointments, and other minor things are showing early signs of memory loss. Even if their memory is sharp and they remember things as it is but still are missing schedules they may need assistance in their daily routine. They may be finding it difficult to drive a car, buy groceries, dressing-up, etc.
Lack Of Cleanliness And Proper Personal Hygiene
- Maybe you’ve noticed that the trash hasn’t been taken out for days or that your mom’s fridge is full of rotting, spoiled food. Perhaps you are starting to notice that your father no longer showers or shaves.
- Dirty clothes, stinking bathrooms, and an unpleasant body odor are indications that your elders are having difficulty using the bathroom alone and need compassionate help to maintain their dignity and quality of life.
- If your mom has always kept a clean house, but now the sink is full of dishes and unopened mail is spilling into her entryway, she’s probably having trouble managing her household chores and may need additional help.
While symptoms like this may seem like simple forgetfulness, it’s important to remember that rotten food in the refrigerator can indicate your parent isn’t eating, and poor personal hygiene can put your parent at risk for infection and other bothersome symptoms.
Extreme Mood Swings
Severe mood swings or mood swings can be a sign that your elders are suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or depression. Hiring a home health care services provider can ensure that your loved ones have someone to watch for symptoms and warn them if they get worse or drastically change.
Boredom and Depression
In some cases, home help can help older relatives who are bored and need more consistent companionship. In addition to their domestic duties, home health caregivers can spend time with the elderly, accompany them to social events and appointments, and help them learn new things.
It is not uncommon for the elderly to suffer from depression as they get older, especially when their spouse has passed away and they are alone. In these cases, the home health care services provider can help by providing companionship and support.
Forgetting Prescriptions
With the increase in age, it is very common that people tend to forget their prescriptions. Most elders after the age of 60 years need others’ help to remind them of the same. But in the absence of yours whom you can trust to assist your loved elders other than the extremely reliable home health care services provider.
Difficulty in Driving
For older people, losing their right to drive can be a devastating event. Unfortunately, many older people continue to drive beyond the point where it is medically recommended, putting themselves and others at risk. Due to this, they may not be able to do their regular shopping of groceries and other things. If you notice any bumps or scratches on your parents, he or she may need extra help to keep them safe and well.
Difficulty in Moving
Many times elders find it extremely difficult to move on their own. Especially when they are staying alone they need to move a lot as they do not have you to help them. They may never tell you but they might be suffering from back pain and other body pains. Hiring an in-home caregiver will assist them fully in their movements also. This will decrease their sadness and they will be happier than before.
Dangerous Behavior
If your elders are showing signs of self-harm like suicidal tendencies, intentionally hurting themselves and you are not with them always then it’s high time that you seek help. In this fast-moving world, it is very difficult to find someone who is trustable and reliable. Even the relatives of the elders are not in the situation to assist them 24*7.
Licensed in-home health care providers are the best option in such conditions. They are trained and certified to help the elders in any kind of adverse situation.
Old people are like children who need continuous support in everything. They may not tell you but they are facing difficulties in everything that they do. It is best to hire a home health care services provider to assist them throughout day and night. M&Y Home Care is a home health care provider agency that is trusted.
by Vikram Makhija | Jun 17, 2021 | Blog |
Home care nursing services include a wide range of health care services that can be easily performed in your own home. Nursing home care is often cheaper than hospitals and nursing homes, while still being as effective as medical care provided in a hospital or nursing home.
Nursing home services provide personalized nursing care at home as provided in a typical hospital while being more compassionate towards the needy loved ones of someone. They integrate into the patient’s family and develop relationships with patients and their families.
These are provided by registered nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, and others.
Below Is Your Guide To Home Care Nursing Services
What Assistance Can Be Provided By The Home Care Nursing Services?
Postoperative Care
Postoperative care is critical and includes everything from pain management and feeding to respiratory management and fluid management. Get well sooner under the care of the in-home care nurses who will help you do all of this in the comfort of your home.
Wound Dressings
The nurses are experienced in handling different types of postoperative wounds, infected wounds, and pressure sores and will accordingly provide appropriate wound care for faster recovery.
Oxygen Management
Oxygen supply is required in both acute and chronic conditions such as trauma, hemorrhage, shock, dyspnea, lung disease, etc. Do not panic if you require it. The nurses are well trained to assist you.
Injection
Save yourself the hassle of travel and long hospital hours for a minor process like administering an injection or intravenous infusion. Simply schedule an appointment with a home nurse. An experienced and registered nurse will visit you at home to perform the injection or IV infusion as required.
What To Expect From In-home Nursing Services?
Home care nursing services are initiated only on the recommendation of a doctor. Once started it is needed that the patient gets continuous assistance from the nursing services at home.
The Medical Attention That Can Be Expected From In-home Nursing Assistance Is;
- Checking on the diet of the patient, heart rate, blood pressure readings, breathing, and temperature readings.
- Prescription reminders.
- Makes the patient aware of self-care.
- Regular coordination with the doctors to ensure proper course of recovery.
- In the absence of family members, proper care of diet and supplements is taken care of.
- Access to skilled nursing care in the home itself.
- Helps to avoid unnecessary hospitalization during the treatment of chronic diseases.
- After a hospital stays for injury or illness, home care nursing services assist in giving recovery care at the comfort of home.
- Gives one-on-one support and care.
- Better attention to the patient.
How much does in-home nursing services cost?
Home nursing services are now in high demand due to rising hospitalization fees, the less availability of quality health care services, and the demand of older people who prefer a familiar environment to sterile hospitals and nursing homes.
The cost of home care services varies depending on the severity of the illness and the duration of the service sought. However, it has been found that the cost of home nursing services is anywhere between 20% and 50% cheaper compared to hospitalization.
Looking at the growth of home care services, several insurance agencies have provided different policies and coverage options based on different needs and specifications.
Three to five years is the benefit period. It is linked to maximum daily benefit over the number of years in the benefit period. However, insurance covers only part of the total claims for specific products and services, and home healthcare is capped.
The cost of home health insurance also depends on several factors, such as your residential area and the type of care you need.
Advantages Of In-home Nursing Services
Companionship
Social interaction is important for staying healthier in later stages of life. Home caregivers also play the role of trusted companions for social and regular activities such as reading, walking, eating, playing, watching movies, and other activities.
Assistance in activities can help patients feel less alone and abandoned; these problems can also cause other health problems. Accompanying patients outdoors for basic chores such as groceries, doctor’s visits, and entertainment can be an added benefit to the patient’s recovery.
Customized care
The care provided in hospitals is generally shackled and provided to everyone in the same way. This leaves very little room to adapt to the specific needs and independence of the patient. This can make patients dissatisfied in one aspect or another.
Providing professional home care helps personalize the experiences of the patient. They are unique to each patient and are designed with the patient’s needs in mind. This leaves the patient much more comfortable because all their needs are taken into account. Personalized care helps the patient to recover better because it provides individual care that also meets medical standards.
Familiar surrounding
Keeping a patient in a hospital setting for long periods can harm mental health. Hospitals are often associated with “something wrong” and can put the patient under burden and stress from their environment. Seeing doctors, nurses and patients constantly can also lead to negativities.
Home nursing care assists the patient in providing professional medical care in their familiar environment. Being in the warm and loving environment of your home helps to relax the mind and relieve stress. A healthy mindset and familiar surroundings have been proven to help patients recover better and healthier.
Pocket Friendly
A patient may require intensive care which may require special procedures to be performed several times a day. Hospital care is usually much more expensive and it is not possible to keep the patient in the hospital for a long time because it is not cost-effective. Home care provides the patient with professional medical care that meets hospital standards in the comfort of their own home. It is very cost-effective compared to hospital care.
Leaving one’s loved ones in the car of some stranger is not easy especially when they are not in good health. One should do thorough research and settle only for that home care provider who has good records. Home care LLC holds a good record for all its home care services including home care nursing services also.
by Vikram Makhija | Jun 10, 2021 | Blog |
Raising children is not children’s play. Even under the best of circumstances, their behavior and feelings can change frequently and rapidly. All children have times of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or aggression, or sometimes they find it difficult to sit still, pay attention, or interact with others. In most cases, these are just typical developmental stages. However, such behaviors may indicate a more serious problem in some children.
Children from a young age also show signs of mental disorders. Examples include anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Mental health services for children are needed for such children. If the conditions are left untreated, it will result in hindrance in their proper growth.
Consider The Following Points Before Taking Your Child To Mental Health Services For Children
How can you spot the difference between the behavior of children that is challenging and actions that are just part of growing up? You should consider mental health services for children when the behavior remains for a few weeks or longer, which causes uneasiness to your child or the family, and interferes with the daily activities of the child at school, with friends, or at home. If the child talks about harming himself/herself immediately seek help from the right person.
Children of a young age may benefit from mental health services for children if they
- Complain about continuous headache or stomachache without any medical cause
- Is extremely irritable and throws frequent tantrums.
- Talks about worries and fears often
- Except when watching television or playing video games, is unable to sit constantly for a long time.
- Sleeps less than required, or sleeps all through the day, gets nightmares, or seems tired all day long.
- Faces difficulty in making friends and fights continuously with the ones s/he has.
- Degraded academic records and unable to concentrate on studies
- Remains terrified and checks things regularly to make sure that nothing is going wrong.
Teenagers may need mental health services for children in the following cases
- Have no interest in activities that were interesting before.
- Remains tired all day.
- Sleeps less than normal, more than normal, or remain sleepy throughout the day
- Avoids friends and family to remain alone for the majority of the day.
- Afraid of gaining weight, and do excessive exercise and dieting.
- Have suicidal thoughts.
- Hallucinates and hears things that nobody else hears.
- Gets into a maniac state and acts hyperactively.
- Smokes, drinks, or do drugs.
Finding A Mental Health Professional
Being transparent about the child’s mental health and daily activities to your child’s health care provider can enhance the success rate of the treatment. Telling truth about the status of the child helps in improving the quality, results, and safety of the child. Here is a list of questions that you can use
- Is your approach of treatment backed by proven research results?
- Are parents involved in the treatment? If yes, then how?
- How will you evaluate the progress?
- Is there any allotted homework between the sessions?
- When we will be able to observe the progress?
- What will be the duration of the treatment?
Treatment Options
The results of the evaluation done by the mental health professional will help to determine the underlying cause of the behavior. It will help to clarify if the changes in the child are due to the stress at home or school or is the outcome of any mental disorder for which proper treatment is needed. Recommendations for treatment may include;
Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
Directed at specific conditions, there are various types of approaches to psychotherapy including structured psychotherapies. Children’s effective psychotherapy includes
- Involvement of parents in the treatment
- Helping the child to practice her/his skills at home or school( known as homework assignments that are between the sessions)
- Degree of improvements, such as better concentration, rating scales, improvement in performance, and behavior.
Medications
Just like adults, children also need different medicines for different types of mental conditions that depend on the diagnosis. The medications may include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, stimulations, and other medications. Medications when used with psychotherapy results in better results. If more than one health care provider is consulted, treatment results should be continuously circulated to keep everyone updated to achieve the best possible results.
Family Counseling
Having the family members included in treatment helps to accelerate the rate of the treatment. This will also help the child with mental issues to get better understood by close relatives. Better understanding leads to better care and more attention to the child.
Support for parents
Group sessions and individual sessions for parents and close relatives help in training and the opportunity to talk with other people who suffer from the same situations. It also provides better strategies and a positive mindset. The medical professionals will support communicating with the child in a more patient way. Support groups also help parents and siblings to make peace with the situation.
Evaluating the child’s Behaviour
An assessment by a mental health professional can help clarify the issues underlying your child’s behavior and reassure or recommend the next steps. An assessment provides an opportunity to learn more about your child’s strengths and weaknesses and to determine which interventions might be most helpful.
A deep assessment of the mental health of a child includes the following
- An interview with parents to discuss the child’s developmental history, temperament, relationships with friends and family, medical history, interests, abilities, and any previous treatment. Gathering information from the child’s school, such as standardized tests and reports on behavior, abilities, and difficulties.
- If necessary, an interview with the child and behavioral tests and observations by the mental health professional.
For a result-oriented treatment of a child, It is important for the mental health services for children provider to get a sense of the child’s current situation, for example, a recent change of school, an illness in the family, or some other change that affects the child’s daily life. Identifying any mental health issue at a younger age is going to save the child’s future. M&Y Care LLC provides result-oriented and child-friendly treatments because they know the value of your loved ones.
by Vikram Makhija | Jun 10, 2021 | Blog |
In home health care services prove to be a great help for all the patients suffering from different diseases and also for those who are suffering from cancer. They assist the patient during the treatment, during recovery, and also beyond that. Patients who are suffering from advanced cancer or late or long-term effects of cancer treatment need continuous assistance and in home health care services can prove to be of great comfort when children, spouse, or other relatives are not present all the time to look after the patient. Also seeking help from a health care provider ensures that the proper care is done. S/he being highly trained than the relatives of the patient knows how to handle even the worst situations at home. When you are not in the town to support the patient, the home health care services provider will be there to assist all the time. Also, you can give your regular caregiver a break by hiring an in home health care services provider.
3 Points You Should Consider Before Opting For An In-home Health Care Services Provider
Special home caregivers are available for patients suffering from cancer. M&Y Care LLC offers a staff of home caregivers for hire which includes home helpers and nurses. Staffing services and registries can also prove to help find the right home health caregiver.
What Sort Of Care Do I Require?
To begin with, attempt to identify and expect what sort of care you may require. For instance, you may require a medical attendant to assist you with home chemotherapy and other medical procedures. Talk with your home care service provider about what kind of health care to anticipate throughout your therapy and recuperation. Consider asking your medical care group these inquiries:
- How long after my medical procedure or therapy would I be able to get back to my home?
- Will I require clinical assistance at home after my medical procedure or therapy?
- What sort of help will I need, and how long will I require it for?
- Will I require the assistance of a homecare individual for daily chores like scrubbing down or getting dressed?
- Will I feel too drained to even think about handling my standard tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, clothing, and moving?
Which Type Of In Home Health Care Services Should You Hire?
There are different types of home health care providers on which people suffering from cancer can rely on. In home health care providers offer a registered nurse or RN. A registered nurse owns a degree in nursing after passing an exam and licensing program in the respective state, she is capable of giving direct medical care. You can also opt for a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, capable enough to provide basic medical treatment at home, including giving medications and changing bandages. The certified nurse assistant is also known as a patient care assistant, and nurse aides work under the supervision of an LPN or RN and facilitate daily needs and health care. They do chores like cooking, bathing the patient, dressing the patient, and so on. There are other helpers also who can do housekeeping work and provide companionship.
Based on the need of the cancer patient you can opt for a house health helper.
What Should One Consider Before Hiring A Caregiver?
If you go through an in-home health care agency to find a suitable caregiver then the processes involved like the searching, selecting, hiring, and verification everything will be done by them. There will be a representative from the agency who will visit you to understand the needs of the patient. Tell him everything in detail that has to be taken care of, including the patient’s daily activities. This will help the agency to formulate a customized plan. Also do not forget to mention whether you need someone who should stay with the patient for the day or just for few hours a day. Keep your finances in mind while deciding this and also ask if they are covered under medical insurances.
If you want to hire an in home health care services provider by yourself then make sure that you only select the ones who is trustable as they will be the one who will remain with your loved one all the time, even in your absence. It will be good if you start your search by giving a job description that includes all your requirements. After you shortlist a few applicants you can conduct a telephonic interview and later on meet face to face to verify their candidature. Check their certificates in case you are hiring an RN or LPN. Ask questions that are relevant to the job and prefer someone who has prior experience and also try to get in contact with persons who have hired the applicant before. Do not hesitate to inform them about the types of duties you expect them to do. The patient may need support in bathing, clothing, moving around, and even while using the toilet. Make sure that you are transparent to them in all ways.
- You can also ask the following questions to make sure that they are the ones you need.
- Have you ever worked for a cancer patient before?
- Do you understand their needs and how to handle them at all times?
- Can you do cooking and cleaning when required?
- Are you comfortable in providing medicines to the patient?
- Can you take my loved ones to the hospital for checkups and other requirements?
- Are you comfortable doing night shifts?
- If insurance does not cover the expenses what will be your hourly charges?Make sure that the agency you rely on is trustworthy and dependable not only for you but for your loved one also. M&Y Care LLC is a trusted name in providing in home health care services for everyone in need.
by Vikram Makhija | Jun 9, 2021 | Blog |
It can be hard for the elders to acknowledge that they need home health care services. As the age increases, they become shyer and do not feel comfortable sharing their needs. With aging, the need for medical attention increases and they need someone whom they can depend on fully. So, any adult in the family should start the conversation about home care services with the loved elders. Just while having any normal day-to-day conversations, one should air the topic. There are many benefits of home health care services and they should be properly conveyed to them.
Here Are Some Of The Key Points To Keep In Mind While Bringing Home Health Care Services
How To Start The Conversation About Home Care Services?
When you plan to talk to your elders about the topic you must keep in mind that discussing the health and medical requirements of the elders will require more than a single discussion. So be well prepared with all the things that you mention to them. Take each sub-topic as a jumping-off point for further discussion. Don’t overload them with your thoughts, give them space and time to think over your suggestions. Follow the below-given points to have a healthy and convincing discussion with your elders.
Express Your Concern With Respect
It is important that at the very beginning you tell your elders about your concerns related to their health because of old age. You should put your views in the form of suggestions with keeping in mind that they are elders and they should be consulted also on the topics that concern them. If you are the primary caregiver for them, be sure to mention what challenges you face in balancing your career, family, and health. Express your other engagements and why it is best to take help from a home health care agency. Don’t indulge in any argument, if you feel that they are not ready to listen anymore respect that and stop the conversation there.
Start With Telling The Benefits
The majority of elders are sure to criticize even the idea of having a stranger t take care of them during times of ill-health. They will always prefer a family member above a home health care provider. Explain to them the benefits like
Greater Independence
Older adults may not admit that they are fighting because they do not want to lose their independence. One of the main benefits of home health care is that it helps older adults to continue with daily tasks such as walking, bathing, dressing, and preparing food. In this way, they can live at home alone for as long as possible.
Relief For Family Carers
The benefits of home health care also apply to family carers. Home health helpers can help with bathing, dressing, and other daily tasks. This relieves part of the burden for family carers. The home health team can also educate family members on how to provide aftercare and connect them to useful resources. This type of support provides peace of mind and protects against the burnout of the caregiver.
Prevents Unavoidable Trips To The Hospital
Older adults can avoid unnecessary hospital visits by adjusting their health conditions at home. Home health care facilitates continuous monitoring and education. Patients also have constant access to a specialist whom they can call if they have problematic symptoms and are not sure what to do.
It Saves Money
Avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital saves money. Home health care services also save money by delaying and even preventing the need for home nursing care and other more intensive care. The costs of home healthcare are covered by Medicare and private insurance for eligible patients.
High quality
An important advantage of home health care is that it is based on evidence-based practices and standards of care to ensure that patients are provided with the right care at the right time in their homes.
Personalized care
Patients receive individual attention and a care plan tailored to their specific needs. This makes treatment more effective and builds trust between the patient, caregiver, and home care team.
Clarify The Doubts
Elders have some genuine worries and doubts while switching to home health care services. Change is never easy to adapt to and especially at their age. They may worry about the extra expenses that will be added after switching to home health care and also about losing the independence that they have at present. It is important to make them understand that a helper will assist them in enjoying their freedom by spending time with them that they may have to spend alone. Also, the expense that will be added is going to be far less than the bills that hospitals generate. There are many home health care providers who will readily accept insurance covers and understand your financial needs better than any hospital.
The primary goal of the service providers is to take care of the elders keeping in mind their comfort and their needs.
Independence should be highlighted
A personal caregiver at home will always be there to facilitate the elders in all the ways possible. S/he will cook, do cleaning work, laundry, buy essentials from the market, spend quality time by playing indoor games, doing activities, and the most important thing will take care of medications and other things. A professional home health caregiver is a useful resource. If the elder has issues in moving the home care provider will look after that also.
Do not impose anything
Give your elders enough time to accept your suggestions. It is a new thing for them and imposing this at any time is the last thing you should do. Change the topic when you feel that they are not ready to carry it forward and always come with enough preparation to give them all the details that they ask for. Let them accept that you are bringing this topic only because you care for them.
Home health care services are the best alternative for your elders in your absence. Let them also accept this thing smoothly. M&Y Care LLC is a trusted name in this field and you can always rely on them for the care of your loved ones.
