by Vikram Makhija | Oct 23, 2021 | Blog |
It’s no secret that as we age, our homes need to change. We may not be able to reach things like before or want to do some of the work around the house. Luckily there are plenty of ways you can make your home safe for aging parents, and it doesn’t have to cost much! Here are eight easy steps you can take today:
1) Remove everything from low shelves so there is more room for people who can’t bend down easily.
2) Install handrails on both sides of any stairs in your home (even if they don’t lead anywhere).
3) Make sure all electrical cords are out of walkways or secured with zip ties.
4) Purchase a grabber tool with an extendable arm to help your parents pick things up off the floor or ground.
5) Place night lights throughout your home.
6) Keep extra lightbulbs in a drawer or cupboard so they aren’t searching for them in dark hallways at night.
7) Place lots of electrical outlets in easy-to-reach locations, especially near bedside tables (and replace any that are worn out).
8) Make sure all furniture has good footing and will not tip over easily, like sturdy coffee tables for example. Be creative with things around your house! We hope these tips can help make your parents feel safe and comfortable in their homes!
Live Like A Sponge And Keep Your Home Safe For Aging Parents
Keeping your parents’ home safe can be overwhelming. You have enough on your plate getting them to appointments or making sure they don’t total their car after hitting a patch of black ice.
But there are at least 100,000 fall injuries every year in people over 65*, and broken hips are among the most serious because they often require surgery with lengthy recovery times.
To keep our aging parents safe , we have taken some steps that both ease our minds and allow us to remain caregiving advocates while attending to the other responsibilities in our lives.
One thing I did was shop for an apartment near my house so I could easily help my mom out when necessary, without having to drive across town every time she calls for some assistance or advice with her computer.
This also gives me the chance to check in on her place frequently to make sure she’s careful with what she is doing or not doing. Here are some tips I have compiled, which you can adapt for your own parent-ren:
1) Take all dangerous items out of lower shelves and countertops that they could pull down onto themselves if they were to lean in too far.
2) Install grab bars either side of any stairs, even if they’re just decorative, like these gorgeous vintage brass ones .
3) Make sure electrical cords are out of walkways (or use zip ties to cinch them up).
4) Purchase a grabber tool with an extendable arm so older folks don’t have to bend or stretch to pick up things off the floor.
5) Add night lights throughout your parent’s home so they can see their way at night. I also recommend a flashlight in every room with a temporary bulb so you don’t have to dig one out of a drawer if they happen to be walking around in the dark and stub their toe on something.
6) Keep extra lightbulbs in a drawer or cupboard so they aren’t searching for them in dark hallways at night.
7) Place lots of electrical outlets in easy-to-reach locations, especially near bedside tables (and replace any that are worn out).
8) Make sure all furniture has good footing and will not tip over easily, like sturdy coffee tables for example. Be creative with things around your house!
9) If you live in a climate where cracking windows or doors is necessary to keep the home from being too stuffy, add window alarms so they don’t get locked out accidentally.
10) Keep an eye on heating and cooling bills. This handy tool helps you figure out what temperature it’s comfortable to be at during different times of the day, and will help make sure the electricity bill doesn’t go through the roof this winter as well as next summer.
It can be tough balancing between saving money and maintaining comfort levels when two people are living under one roof – as may soon become the case with some adult children caring for their elderly parents.
11) If your parent is driving, they may need to lower their speed on the highway. This will reduce the risk of accidents and allow them to keep driving for longer .
Here’s a resource that can help determine if they are eligible for new driver testing in their state (some states do offer this service free of charge). This tool is useful in figuring out what services you can provide yourself for an older adult who is still driving but shouldn’t be.
12) Talk to your loved ones about any living wills or advance directives so they know where everything is located when it comes time for seniors to transition into health care facilities, assisted living communities, or with family members who are willing and able to take them in.
13) If there are clearly dangerous or hazardous objects in the home, look into getting them locked away so you don’t have to smell gas leaks or worry about your parent falling over things they can’t see properly due to cataracts for example.
14) Make sure someone is always within calling distance of the older folks at all times, just in case an accident happens while you’re not around. I’m glad I did this after my dad fell and broke his hip while I was at work one day.
15) Ask if they need help with any repairs before doing them yourself, since some may be unsafe. This is true when it comes to rewiring outlets , hanging pictures , adding lighting fixtures , or even your parent’s wardrobe.
16) Get a pair of slip-resistant socks for them to wear around the house – they’re great for added traction on slippery floors, and are especially useful in bathrooms. Photos courtesy of Dorman Products .
17) Make sure there is plenty of space throughout their home; this will allow them to move more easily if they need to go from one area to another (like via wheelchair).
If you see that they may be bumping into things like end tables , consider moving them out of the way and/or adding some additional lighting, which could help your loved ones avoid any injuries.
18) Turn down the heat at night so it doesn’t get too warm.
19) Install motion detectors or a gate at the top of the stairs for added safety.
20) Install a loud alarm on your parent’s bedroom door so they can easily push it open if necessary but won’t have to fumble with keys or lock picks in the event of an intruder.
Ideally, you should search high and low for a product that includes both a loud alarm as well as a keyless entry pad so older adults don’t need any assistance from anyone else if they need to call for help (if they’re locked inside their room, for example). I recently had this feature installed and love how my front door opens up with just one touch of my finger!
21) Add large-print numbers above electrical outlets .
22) If things like cabinets are hard for your parent to reach, consider installing simple bar handles instead of knobs; this will make it easier for seniors to open them without straining their backs.
23) If someone has arthritis or any kind of hand pain , you might want to purchase some rubber jar openers . These work great on glass jars and bottles!
24) Put motion sensor lights in dimly lit areas like the basement, garage, or attic. It’s easy to forget that these areas can be dangerous during the night if there isn’t much light – which is why I love motion lights ! They’re super bright and come with sensors so they shut off automatically within just a few seconds after sensing movement.
25 Put grab bars in the tub and shower; these are super helpful for when your loved ones can’t get in or out of the bathtub, and gives them extra support when they need it most.
26) Keep a supply of non-slip rubber mats and bathmats within reach (especially if you live in an area with snow and ice during the winter). They make great slip-resistant accessories for both home and garden use!
27) A great way to add light in any room is by installing under cabinet lighting . It’s perfect for dark closets , sheds, garages, basements, pantries, etc.
28) You might want to consider buying special fixtures that reduce noise when opening doors or cabinets (I recently got these and love how quiet they are!)
29) And finally, no matter what you do or where you live, make sure there’s always a first-aid kit (and know how to use it!) within reach at all times.
30) There are even special containers that can be placed underneath your older adult’s bed so they have easy access to everything they need if an emergency arises. These help tremendously when looking for things like a flashlight, hearing aid , etc. in the night!
Conclusion paragraph
If you are an aging parent, or have aging parents in your life, it can be hard to keep up with the changes that come with age. Luckily there are many ways to make their homes safer for them so they don’t need to worry about being able to reach things on high shelves or climbing stairs safely.
The eight easy steps we outlined will get you started today! Do any of these sound like something you need? Let us know and our team would love help making your home safe for aging parents too!
by Vikram Makhija | Oct 10, 2021 | Blog |
In the United States, over 150 million people are uninsured. And even if you have insurance, it may not cover all of your needs. That’s where health care agencies come in!
These independent organizations connect individuals and families with a wide range of benefits to help them navigate their healthcare options. In this blog post we’ll talk about how to find a health care agency that best fits your needs so you can live life without limits on what medical services you need or want.
Health care agencies can help you find a plan with your specific needs. They have an array of tools at their disposal, including the ability to walk you through what you need by phone or e-mail if they don’t have a brick and mortar office in your area.
Many health care agencies specialize in certain areas, such as finding plans for those who are disabled, seniors living on a fixed income, or young adults moving out of their parents’ homes for the first time.
Many people worry about paying for medical services that they feel obligated to utilize even if they’re not entirely convinced those services will help them.
A health care agency can provide advice on which plans best fit your needs and financial means. There are even some companies that operate as benefits brokers for those who are self-employed or don’t have health insurance through an employer.
If you own a small business, you can pool your employees with other small businesses to increase their buying power and lower the costs of providing insurance.
Or, if one of your employees has signed up with a health care agency he or she may be able to get more affordable rates on insurance by adding additional individuals to his or her plan.
That’s because many companies offer discounted rates to married couples or families—even if they didn’t start out that way (and sometimes even if they legally aren’t supposed to).
Health care agencies can also help you find healthcare providers in your area who take part in your’s provider network.
Some plans only offer a certain number of physicians in your area. In some cases, it can be difficult to get an appointment with a doctor who belongs to your network because they’re too busy taking care of their existing patients.
When you’re trying to find the right plan for you and your family, whether it’s through an agency or on your own, don’t forget that under the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare), most insurance providers—including health care agencies—must offer ten essential benefits:
- Outpatient services—such as behavioral therapy
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Pregnancy and newborn care
- Preventive services like vaccines and cancer screenings
- Pediatric services
- Mental health and substance abuse services
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
That means home health care agencies and insurance companies must offer policies that cover ailments such as: asthma, ADHD, autism, diabetes, obesity, migraines, clinical depression—even laser eye surgery!
And if they don’t? Then you can always go with another company that offers better coverage of your specific needs! At the end of the day it’s all about finding a company who will do right by you and your family/employees.
As always, don’t forget that the best way to get reliable information about your medical needs is through Knowify our free service for people who need help finding medical care.
We make it easy to find out what services are available in your area (or elsewhere if you’re thinking of moving) and connect you with the medical providers who can give you the care you deserve.
We hope this blog article has helped show how health care agencies may be able to assist people in their search for affordable health insurance plans!
Remember, choices can often lead to better options. Knowify helps individuals and families connect with local physicians by providing them with detailed information on doctor’s specialties, location, gender, even languages spoken so they can choose the doctor that is right for them.
How do I choose a homecare agency??
If you’re looking for a home care agency it’s important that you do your homework. You need to know as much as possible about the agencies in your area, and we can help with this!
But what happens if you don’t find one? What does this mean for your loved ones…for you personally? Let us take a look:
The Department of Health and Human Services reports that there are more than 15 million Americans over the age of 65 (that conclusion is based off census data from 2010).
And while many of those people will be able to live independently, others will eventually need outside assistance. This is why it’s good to plan ahead, especially if your family or business has traditionally relied on your physical presence/contributions. If you’re not there, what happens??
Well, hopefully the people and projects you left behind will continue to carry on as normal (if that’s an option). But if not…well…it might be time to consider outside options for assistance.
And according to Census data from 2010, about 11 million Americans need this type of assistance (that number continues to grow as more people over 65 years old are added to the population).
So where can you turn? Well, it depends on what your needs are. There are a number of agencies out there that have been established specifically for those who need extra help performing their daily activities/tasks around the house or office.
If you’re in need of a home care agency then we recommend checking out this article: how-to-choose-a-homecare-agency.html . It has some useful tips and suggestions.
What are the types of health agencies?
Healthcare agencies are simply companies that have been established for the purpose of meeting various health care needs.
Some offer medical care directly to patients while others offer support services for those who need help finding medical attention.
And some do both! We’ll now take a look at what types of agencies there are so you can get an idea about how they may be able to assist you/your employees/family members
Community Health Centers
These centers typically serve underserved areas and provide free or low-cost primary medical services (including dental) for children, teens, adults, pregnant women, and seniors according to HHS .
They’re required to operate under federal grants provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which determines funding levels based on the number of patients in each center’s area.
Most provide services regardless of immigration status, and many also offer language assistance for those who don’t speak English as a first language.
Outpatient Care Centers
According to HHS , these centers are typically privately-owned facilities that specialize in providing outpatient medical care to both children and adults including diagnostic testing, preventative checkups, lab work, x-rays, pulmonary function tests, EKGs, MRIs and CAT scans among other things.
Some may even have emergency rooms/urgent care on site! In order to participate though you’ll probably need to have insurance or be able pay out-of-pocket costs .
These type of agencies can include private practices owned by individual doctors as well as facilities owned by hospitals/universities.
Home Care Agencies
These agencies provide help with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and laundry for those who need assistance at home (elderly, disabled).
They may also assist individuals with getting to appointments or picking up prescriptions if they’re unable to drive themselves. Most home care agencies coordinate schedules through an online portal where clients can indicate what days they want services provided so it’s always nice and orderly!
And because most of these agencies are non-medical there won’t be any issues if you forget your insurance card when you go in for a visit.
The cost of these agency visits will typically be on a per-it basis which is more affordable than if you had to schedule a visit with your regular doctor and pay for any prescriptions that may be written.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
These centers specialize in providing same-day procedures such as minor surgeries, X-rays, lab work and other outpatient treatments under local anesthesia or IV sedation.
Since they don’t typically offer overnight care there won’t be many/any insurance issues if you need additional assistance while living at an Ambulatory Surgery Center .
The average cost of these types of visits is $2,500 per admission so it’s not the type of thing you should expect to foot the bill for on your own (but then again maybe this is one of those things that comes up when deciding betweenurances?)!
Urgent Care Centers and Hospitals
These centers typically provide care for conditions that are not life-threatening but need immediate attention. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be treated on site or transferred to a hospital for further treatment (or vice versa).
If you’re covered by insurance then there shouldn’t be any issues billing since they accept most PPOs, HMOs and Medicare plans according to HHS .
Urgent Care Walk-in Clinics
Unlike urgent care centers , these clinics do NOT typically treat patients with serious injuries or life-threatening conditions like strokes and heart attacks (at least not immediately anyway).
They typically serve minor illnesses/injuries including sore throats, ear infections, pink eye, lacerations, back pain, etc. If you have a high deductible or are in need of assistance with bills then it’s typically cheaper to visit an urgent care walk-in clinic instead of your regular doctor since they can treat basically anything without requiring much follow up treatment.
Behavioral Health Centers
These centers are facilities that provide outpatient treatment for mental/behavioral health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mood disorders.
They may also offer services for substance abuse issues like drug addiction and alcoholism . On site there will likely be psychiatrists on staff who can prescribe medications so if you need any help with this aspect of your healthcare costs then definitely give these places a look!
Even though many behavioral health centers operate independently from the hospital system they’re typically covered by most PPO/HMO plans and Medicare .
Other Adult Day Care Centers
These facilities typically serve older individuals who need a little extra help with daily activities like getting dressed or bathing.
Staff will be on site to assist those in need as well as provide activities for those who are able to participate. Just like all the other places listed, it’s likely these day care centers accept most types of insurance coverage so if you have a high deductible plan don’t rule them out!
The average cost for adult day care centers is around $40 per day but obviously this will vary depending on where you live and the services provided.
Adult Day Healthcare Centers
Speaking of different types of adult day care centers , these tend to be more intensive than just providing activities for patients.
These places typically provide medical-related support like taking vital signs, administering medication or helping with wound care .
If your in need of some extra help in this area then definitely consider an Adult Day Healthcare Center !
Home Health Agencies
These agencies consist of nurses/care providers who visit people’s homes to check up on their daily living abilities and treat them accordingly when necessary (e.g., administer IV medications).
A majority of home health agencies are part of the Medicare/Medicaid system so if you have either one of these types of insurance policies then it’s likely your provider will cover care through a home health agency .
The average cost for home health agencies is around $70 per day but again this depends on where you live and what services are provided.
Hospice
These are facilities that provide end-of-life care for terminally ill individuals, usually in their own homes or residential hospice centers.
Patients receive palliative treatment to relieve pain and other issues associated with their illness – basically any conditions that would make them uncomfortable at this stage in life. Hospices accept all insurances but they typically bill Medicare first since they’re the primary payer in this category.
The average cost for hospice care is around $150-200 per day – many times this includes basic necessities like food and housekeeping services so if you have a loved one in need of hospice then just keep that in mind when looking at prices.
Remember, all these rates are going to vary depending on where you live and the specific type of facility/service provided so I always recommend you call ahead to confirm what they accept before going in.
Also, feel free to bookmark this page since it may be useful when looking at costs for other types of healthcare throughout your life! If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section below and I’ll do my best to respond ASAP. Best of luck!
Chaplain Services
This is what I’ve seen most people are confused about because they’re under the impression chaplains are only located in hospital settings. While this used to be true, you can actually find chaplains in many different places today including rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and hospice centers .
Chaplain services provide spiritual support for individuals who request it through prayer, counseling or even general conversation.
These facilities may be affiliated with a particular religion/denomination but they typically serve all beliefs involving faith.
Also, the cost of chaplain services will vary depending on which type you need so just give them a call to see if they accept your insurance policy before going in!
Relaxation Therapy
Ever heard someone mention something called “spa therapy” or ” spa services?” Relaxation therapy is basically the same thing – they just go by many different names!
Relaxation therapies are typically offered in nursing homes, physical/speech rehabilitation centers and hospice facilities for people who need some extra help in coping with their illness.
This can include massage therapists, aromatherapists or even yoga instructors – again it all depends on where you go so make sure to ask before booking an appointment!
The average cost for relaxation therapies tend to be around $60 per session but obviously this can vary depending on which type you get.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used often in the treatment of pain conditions (e.g., back pain) due to growing evidence that it’s effective at minimizing pain in the body with minimal side effects. It works by stimulating specific points in the body to help ease discomfort and improve general health.
These services are offered in many places – chiropracting facilities, physical rehabilitation centers, wellness clinics and you can even find some practitioners who work from their own office location!
Because these professionals specialize in acupuncture, they tend to charge a bit more than other healthcare providers so expect to pay around $75-100 per session.
Weight Loss Programs
In case you didn’t know, obesity has become a huge problem for people all over America today – especially among children! As a result, weight loss programs have risen greatly in popularity because there is such a high demand for them.
Weight loss programs are typically only offered in doctor offices, wellness clinics and fitness centers that provide more than just weight loss services.
Before you book an appointment for this type of program, I recommend calling the facility to see what types of insurances they accept first since this will help lower your overall costs!
The average cost for these types of programs is around $10-50 per session which again can vary depending on the location/type of facility you attend so don’t forget to call ahead before booking anything!
Blog post conclusion paragraph
The health care industry is complex and can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to have help from a company that specializes in helping you find the best possible solution for your needs, not just based on how much they charge or what their clients say about them.
Our team of experts are ready to partner with you every step of the way so you don’t have to worry about finding reliable insurance providers or programs that will meet all of your medical needs. Contact us today!
by Vikram Makhija | Sep 28, 2021 | Blog |
That’s why it’s super important to make sure your loved one is safe in their home. There are many things you can do to help them stay safe at home, like making sure there are no loose rugs or cords on the floor and putting non-slip mats in the bathtub. Make sure they’re wearing shoes with good traction when walking around outside too!
These simple changes could help keep your senior loved ones safe this winter!
Did you know that most accidents happen at home?
Those accidents account for a lot of injuries and fatalities every year, but there are some easy ways to prevent them from happening at all. You should take a look at your loved one’s house and make sure there aren’t any rugs or cords lying around. If you have stairs in the home, make sure they’re extra safe by installing handrails and non-slip mats on each step.
Make sure their shoes have good traction if they ever need to go outside too! This will help them stay safe in any weather condition.
There are so many ways to keep seniors safe these days, but most accidents happen in the home. The best thing you can do is look for potential dangers and prevent them from happening at all! It’s also important to keep track of your loved one if they’re living alone. Make sure you know where they are at all times and always ask them if they need help with anything.
Did you know that most accidents happen in the home?
That’s why it’s so important to make sure your loved ones are safe inside their own house! Of course, there are many things you can do to make sure they stay safe, like making sure there aren’t any rugs or cords lying around or putting non-slip mats on each step of the stairs for extra safety. You should also check their shoes for good traction before letting them go outside too! This will help protect them no matter what the weather is outside.
Most accidents happen in the home, which is why you should always keep a look out for potential dangers and take action before they ever happen. If your loved ones live alone, it’s also important to make sure you know where they are at all times. Always ask them if they need help with anything too!
That’s why it’s so important to make sure your home is as safe as possible for your senior loved ones. There are a lot of things you can do to help them stay safe, like making sure there aren’t any rugs or cords laying around that could trip them up. You should also install non-slip mats in the bathtub and on each step of the stairs if they have any! If they need to go outside, check their shoes for good traction before letting them go too.
Of course, most accidents happen at home. This means you should always take action before anything ever happens to keep your loved ones safe inside their home. If your loved ones live alone, it’s also important to know where they are at all times. Ask them if they need help with anything too!
Conclusion paragraph
We want to help you keep your loved ones safe this winter. If you or someone you know is a senior citizen, please check out our guide for staying safe at home! It’s full of helpful tips and tricks so that everyone can enjoy the season without worrying about getting hurt.
by Vikram Makhija | Sep 20, 2021 | Blog |
When it comes to hiring a home care service provider, there are many factors you need to consider. The most important factor is whether or not the agency can provide the type of care that your loved one needs.
If you’re just looking for someone who will sit with your loved one and watch TV all day, then any agency might do.
But if you want caring professionals who understand the effects of dementia on an individual’s behavior, then it’s best to choose an agency that specializes in memory care services. Here are some other things to keep in mind when choosing a home care service provider:
Experience
It is always better to hire an experienced professional than someone new because they have more knowledge about how best to serve people living with certain conditions.
Knowledge and Skills
A home care service provider should have the knowledge and skills to provide the type of care that your loved one needs. For example, if you need someone who can administer daily injections or give prescribed medication, make sure the agency provides this type of care.
Services Provided
The home care service provider should be able to provide a wide range of different services such as personal care, companionship, transfer assistance, etc. It is important to ask what types of services they offer because depending on your loved one’s condition and preferences in living arrangements, he/she may need certain types of care over others.
If the agency only offers toileting and bathing for instance then this may not meet all of your loved one’s needs and he/she may require an alternative living arrangement.
Staffing Levels
This is a little more complicated than most people realize because staffing levels can be different depending on the specific state regulations.
In some states, for example, nursing care requires that there is at least 1 caregiver per 5 residents whereas other states such as California only require one caregiver per 8-12 residents.
The reason this matters is because sometimes what you need most from a provider is help with daily tasks such as bathing and toileting and if they have enough staff to provide these types of services then this meets your loved one’s needs.
On the other hand, if your loved one needs more specialized servicessuch as IV medication administration), it may be more important for them to have 1 caregiver per 2-4 residents.
Caregiver Quality and Satisfaction
This is a major factor in determining if your loved one will get the quality of care he/she deserves.
A home care service provider with many satisfied clients can provide you with references, which may make it easier for you to choose an agency. Ask about their caregiver screening process and how they maintain high standards when hiring new caregivers.
Staff Communication Skills
Your loved one’s caregiver should communicate well (be able to clearly explain what they’re doing at any given time). They should also be able to answer any questions that you or your loved one might have about their condition and the services they provide.
Safety and Security
This is a major concern for people who choose home care service providers. It’s important to make sure the agency you choose has strict policies in place when it comes to protecting your loved one’s safety, especially if he/she lives alone or with someone else.
Ask the agency what they do to ensure their clients are safe at all times. Also ask if they have video cameras installed in common areas of their homes to monitor activity at all times.
Be wary of agencies that don’t take many precautions because this could be an indication that something is wrong or not quite right with how they operate.
Training Opportunities
Your loved one’s caregiver should always be learning new skills through on-going education and training.
A home care service provider with a very small staff or one that never offers caregiver training may not be the best choice for your loved one’s condition(s) because in order to provide quality services caregivers need to have up-to-date knowledge about how best to serve people living with certain conditions.
Resources
Ask if they have all of the equipment, supplies, medications, etc., your loved one needs when they are providing their services. Also ask what referrals are available in case he/she needs additional assistance from outside agencies with specialized services like physical therapy or wound care.
It is especially important that your loved one has everything he/she needs when you’re not there (and you’re the primary caregiver).
Location
This refers to how close the agency is located to where your loved one lives. Also, it’s worth mentioning that some agencies have more than one location which might suit you or your loved one better.
Make sure that you know what locations are available before making a final decision about which agency to choose because if their service area isn’t convenient for you then this may not be the best choice for your family.
Administrative Support
Find out how much time their administrative staff spends helping clients versus how much time they spend doing clerical tasks such as filing paperwork or keeping track of billing information.
If most of their time is spent on things other than actually providing direct services then this could indicate that they’re not running a good operation. A good agency will have a small administrative staff that does most of its work behind the scenes in order to serve clients better.
Personalized Care
You or your loved one should be able to request specific kinds of care from their caregiver(s). For example, if you want them to do certain exercises with your loved one then they should all be willing and able to accommodate this type of request.
Client/Caregiver Interaction
This means caregivers treat their clients with respect at all times, understand what’s expected during visits, follow policies and procedures they’ve been given by the home care service provider, etc.
Availability for Emergencies
When making arrangements for home care services it’s best to choose an agency that has 24/7 availability in case of emergencies or when they’re needed outside of their normal hours.
References
Ask for references and contact information from families who have used their services recently. This is especially important if you want recommendations from former clients because they will typically be more than happy to share details about the care they received and any problems or complaints they had which may help you make a more informed decision about how best to serve your loved one’s needs.
Once you speak with these people ask them questions like
- What type(s) of services did you get?
- How were the caregivers?
- Did anything go wrong during visits?
- Was there ever a time when it was difficult reaching their staff members? If something like this happened would they be willing to let you know on the record?
After your first conversation with these people follow up with a phone call or email asking if they can answer any more questions. This will help you get as much information from them as possible so that making the best choice for your loved one is easy.
These are just some of the things you should find out before hiring a home care service provider to take care of a family member, friend or loved one who needs assistance with daily living activities because being well informed will help ensure that it’s truly the best choice for everyone involved.
Conclusion paragraph
The most important factor when choosing a home care service provider is whether or not the agency can provide the type of care your loved one needs. If you’re looking for someone who will sit with your loved one all day and watch TV, then any agency might be okay.
But if you want caring professionals who understand dementia’s effects on behavior, it’s best to choose an agency that specializes in memory care services like ours does. It may cost more than some other agencies but we think it’s worth every penny!
by Vikram Makhija | Sep 10, 2021 | Blog |
Many seniors are living independently in their homes, which is a great way to maintain independence and avoid the cost of assisted living. But there are some safety risks that have been known to cause serious injury or death. Here’s how home health care agencies can help senior citizens stay safe at home.
(A) Home health care agencies offer a variety of services including medication reminders, meal preparation, transportation for appointments and errands as well as personal hygiene assistance such as hair washing and dressing for those who need more support with these activities. These services can be scheduled on an hourly basis or by the day with rates determined by level of service needed (i.e., light housekeeping).
(B) Some additional safety precautions you might want to consider are: Have a professionally installed quality Emergency Alert system in the home. These systems can be worn on a wristband or pendant, while some models use fall detectors that will automatically send emergency responders to your location when you have fallen and cannot get up.
- Put special locks or latches on all cabinets where medications are kept to keep them away from children and pets. Make sure everyone in the house knows where these locks are located so they too can take medications responsibly.
- Place signs by doorways leading outside advising family members not to leave doors open for people who might be tempted to walk out without thinking about it, including children playing outside or neighbors visiting who may enter through an unlocked door.
- Reposition the stove and other appliances that could cause a fire if they should fall against or become entangled with anything.
- Test your home smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once every year, since older batteries typically don’t last as long.
- Install sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases for safety when going up and down stairs.
(C) Home health care agencies can also provide in-home physical therapy which is especially helpful for individuals who’ve had an injury, surgery, stroke or loss of strength in their limbs. A highly trained therapist can show you exercises to improve balance (a key factor in avoiding falls), walking ability (important for preventing loss of mobility and fracture). The therapist may also teach you deep breathing techniques to reduce the effects of chronic illness such as COPD, asthma and congestive heart failure.
(D) Another safety measure you can take is to modify a bathroom, bedroom or any other area that could present a hazard due to a slip or fall. Here are some ways these areas can be made safer: Install grab bars next to where you enter and exit the tub, shower and toilet. This will provide support for those who have trouble getting up from a sitting position. Place non-slip mats in both the bathtub and shower floor. If your home lacks sufficient lighting in dark hallways or staircases consider installing night lights throughout the house so there’s no need to turn on overhead lights at night. Place handrails next to both sides of the bathtub and shower. Install treads on steps so they don’t get slick when wet.
(E) To help you get around your home, consider getting an elevated toilet seat or one that has bars attached so it is easier to get up from the toilet. You might also want to use a raised toilet bowl if you have arthritis in your knees, which makes it difficult for you to sit down and stand up easily off the regular-size bowl.
(F) Lastly, although seniors can live safely at home with all of these safety precautions, sometimes bad things happen no matter what we do. That’s why having a plan in place to manage a crisis or emergency situation is so important. The Red Cross offers a FREE app called First Aid that you can download to your cell phone or tablet that may be helpful in an emergency. There are also many other resources available online that offer additional information on emergencies, what to do ahead of time and how to get help if it’s needed, for example:
Know the Signs – Emergency Preparedness – CDC Senior Safety Center
So there’s no need to live “in fear” about staying at home when aging parents or loved ones are getting older. A little planning ahead of time can go along way towards keeping everyone safe and secure…just the way they deserve!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Senior Safety Center is a one-stop source of information on medical and non-medical products and services that can help older adults remain safely in their homes. The Center offers a website with downloadable reports on more than 200 different medical conditions, along with an extensive list of videos from experts about those specific diseases or conditions.
The site also has reports for caregivers as well as home safety guides. In addition to the free-of-charge information available online, the Center publishes Consumer Reports on Health , which summarizes some of the best product reviews covering health care and safety issues compiled by its editors.
This is another great resource specifically designed for older adults and caregivers – all at no cost! If you know someone who has a hearing loss, Over-the-Phone Interpretation Services (OPI) may be helpful. OPI is a service through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides free telephone interpreting services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visit their website to check out this important resource.
Aging Parents and Safety
5 Ways to Protect Your Loved Ones This article from The Senior List outlines five steps you can take to help your aging parents maintain their independence and remain safe! I am including them here in case you don’t have time to read the full article which is filled with more great tips about how families can work together ensure everyone’s safety.
AARP – Aging at Home Ramps, Handrails, Stairlifts, Wheelchair Lifts, Walk-In Bathtubs and More. Everything you need to “age in place” at home! Check out this article from AARP. It offers a ton of valuable information about products and services that can help older adults remain safe in their homes.
For example, they have a list of five handrails designed to assist seniors whose hands shake when holding on to a standard rail. In addition, AARP shows seven types of stairlifts that may help your aging loved ones climb stairs more easily or safely if they have difficulty going up and down stairs.
The article also shows you how to choose a walk-in tub that will make taking a bath or shower much easier for someone who is weak, unsteady on their feet, has trouble bending over at the waist to bathe or can’t step into a standard tub. Plus, they have a great list of eight common household items that can help prevent falls in the home which is a major cause of injury and death for older adults.
The Senior Centers help older adults find services to support their wellness goals. Some centers have experts on hand who can answer questions about aging parents, financial options, caregiving issues, long-term care/assisted living, legal concerns or even how to cook healthy meals at home.
In addition, some senior centers offer educational programs such as yoga classes or cooking demonstrations. Not only are these events great opportunities to meet new people in your area but they may also provide additional information on how to deal with any safety concerns you may have.
For example, some of the events may include sessions on falls prevention or home safety inspections. It’s definitely worth checking out what your local senior center has to offer and attending one of their community events as soon as possible!
What safety measures should be taken at home?
In general, making a few simple changes at home can go a long way in keeping your loved ones safe and independent for as long as possible. For example, you can check all water lines leading to the toilet or kitchen sink on a regular basis to make sure they are free of leaks.
Also, it’s important to be aware of any ongoing repairs nearby which may cause excess dust to enter the air ducts causing respiratory problems for someone who already struggles with breathing related issues such as COPD or asthma . You should also remove throw rugs that could slide out from under someone.
According to Home Safety Checklist , some other safety tips may include:
Walking safely by using assistive devices like walkers, canes, or raised toilet seats.
Moving around your home safely by using safe lighting, non-slip mats in the tub or shower and rubber handrails on staircases
Going up and down stairs safely by installing sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase
Getting dressed safely by purchasing clothes that are easy to put on and remove
What do elderly need the most?
According to the article Elderly People Need More Help in Caring for Themselves , such products and services may include:
Assistive devices that help with daily living, such as walkers, shower chairs, raised toilet seats or heating pads that provide warmth without requiring someone to move from a cool spot on the couch.
Home modifications like ramps instead of steps leading up to the front door or handrails along hallways so they can go more places unassisted.
Medical equipment like bedside commodes which are used during nighttime hours when toileting is necessary but getting out of bed is not an option.
Personal emergency response systems which allow them to live independently by pressing a button on their wristwatch if they need assistance with anything such as getting up from the couch or going to the bathroom at night.
Home care services which include visiting nurses, personal care assistants and caregivers who can help with cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping and laundry in order to free up some of your loved ones’ time so they can focus on enjoying their hobbies and socializing with friends when possible.
Community resources that provide transportation to doctor’s appointments for older adults who may no longer be able to drive themselves around town.
These products and services are just a few examples of what your loved one might need in order to maintain their independence and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. However, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of patience and creativity in order to come up with solutions that will help them maintain their independence for as long as possible.
For example, if they no longer feel safe using the stairs in their home, you can look into installing a chairlift to help them get up and down more easily. If they struggle with hand coordination or arthritis, consider buying low-vision products which will make it easier for them to prepare meals without worrying about cutting themselves while cooking.
Conclusion paragraph
The safety of seniors at home is often overlooked, but it’s very important. Home health care agencies can offer a number of services to help you stay safe and independent in your own home. These tips from the experts will hopefully help offset some of the risks that come with living independently as an older adult. If you’re looking for more information on how we may be able to support you or your loved one, please don’t hesitate to schedule a complimentary consultation today!
by Vikram Makhija | Aug 30, 2021 | Blog |
Today’s home nursing services have come a long way from the days when nurses were just there to monitor patients and provide basic care. Nowadays, they not only provide this but also offer a wide range of skilled in-home services that can be customized to meet each individual patient’s needs.
In addition, many home health agencies are able to work with an individual’s insurance plan so that their services don’t break the bank. This is why more and more people are choosing in-home care over assisted living or other options.
Home health care agencies are equipped to provide your loved one with the best possible care
They are very familiar with the many types of challenges that seniors face and can provide expert care for those issues.
A recent innovation in home health care is “personal response systems”. These work like a two-way radio where helpers (or clients) carry a device and press a button when they need help.
Helpers respond to these calls by heading to the location and providing whatever services are needed such as bringing medication or checking blood pressure among other things.
This sort of call system allows those receiving help live independently for longer because, as long as they can still push that button then they don’t *need* outside help.
This helps avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office or emergency room where costs not only skyrocket but also put the patient at risk.
For many seniors, the monthly fee to receive care can be well worth it. The costs are much less than what they would spend on assisted living or nursing home care .
This makes it perfect for those who want to save money but also stay at home for as long as possible.
Home healthcare services are designed to give people the help they need while still allowing them to remain independent and live in the comfort of their homes.
Many benefit from this style of care whether through short-term issues or ongoing health concerns that require attention over an extended period of time.
Hospitals and nursing homes can’t always provide the level of care that a home health care agency can. This is one reason why so many seniors are choosing to receive their in-home care from a home health agency instead.
For the right person, these services provide an affordable solution to all sorts of challenges in daily life.
It allows people to have access to the personal care they need without being forced into an assisted living facility or nursing home where supervision typically needs to be provided 24/7 .
Your loved one will be comfortable in their own home, which is important for their mental well-being
Many seniors are also on a fixed income, so this new style of care allows them to keep some money in the bank for whatever life may bring without paying out for an assisted living facility or nursing home.
This is one reason why so many seniors are saving thousands of dollars each year by providing their own home healthcare with the help of agencies like M&Y Care LLC .
The high cost of medical bills isn’t something that anyone wants to have to deal with. Unfortunately, it happens every day and no one is immune from becoming sick.
When illness strikes, just having someone there can make all the difference in how you feel about being sick. They are trained professionals that will do everything they can to minimize your pain while still allowing
The cost of hiring a home health company may seem high at first, but it will save you money in the long run because they’re qualified to take on all aspects of your loved one’s healthcare needs.
They will be able to handle all of the details, such as medication management and ongoing care, so you don’t have to. This leaves you free to get on with your life without the burden of worrying about what’s going on in your loved one’s life.
There’s really no reason not to give these companies a call and see how they can help you and your family or friend adapt to their new lives together while still remaining independent and having control over their choices.
It might seem like a high price at first but it could save you thousands in the long run while also giving your loved one peace of mind .
As an added bonus, most home health agencies work with Medicare patients which means that every aspect of their care will be covered at no cost .
When you’re trying to bring in income while also taking care of a loved one, this can give you some extra breathing room. Plus, your loved one doesn’t have to worry about the stress that comes with dealing with government benefits which makes their lives much easier.
That’s not even getting into how much easier it will be for them to feel like they’re still in control since home health agencies allow seniors make their own decisions and maintain as much of their independence as possible.
The best part is that these services are only going to become more popular as time goes on.
Home healthcare has been around for quite some time but it’s only now starting to catch on with the masses because of how expensive medical treatment has become.
If you have a senior loved one that can benefit from these services, then it’s time for you to give them a call and get more information on what they have to offer.
For many seniors, staying at home is the best way for them to live out their remaining years. By providing in-home care with the help of agencies like M&Y Care LLC , senior citizens are able to do just that while also saving money in the long run.
There’s no need for them to move into an assisted living facility or nursing home when great healthcare is available right there in their own homes .
This allows your loved one to remain independent and in control of their decisions without giving up their freedom to choose how they live.
Even better is that these services are covered by Medicare which means that the only thing you’re going to have to worry about is your loved one’s comfort and wellbeing . That’s a lot less stress for everyone involved, no matter how much or little experience you have with medical care.
It shouldn’t be seen as a high price but as an investment in your loved one’s future. Not only can it save you thousands of dollars from not having to pay for assisted living facilities , but it allows them the freedom of choosing how they live without any pressure put on them whether by family members or large institutions like nursing homes.
These services are becoming more popular every day because of just how much they can benefit the elderly .
When was the last time you struggled with medical bills or had to wipe out your savings because of an unexpected illness? I’m willing to bet that it wasn’t that long ago.
Now imagine if you didn’t have health insurance and weren’t able to take care of yourself at the best of your ability. This would mean putting even more strain on your family by worrying about how much something like surgery will cost, which could result in them having their own serious problems later on down the road.
That’s not even getting into how much stress this will put on your family just knowing that there’s nothing they can do to help you get better except for sending good thoughts and prayers out into the world while crossing their fingers.
Unlike many other services that charge a premium price to work with Medicare patients, home health agencies like M&Y Care LLC will work out a reasonable discounted rate for you and your loved one. This can help give you peace of mind knowing that there’s nothing but great care waiting for them once the agreed upon time is over .
The best part about this system is how much it benefits everyone involved:
Seniors can live out the rest of their lives in relative comfort and peace knowing that their every need will be taken care of by people who specialize in home healthcare without having to rely on an outside institution like nursing homes.
Families get to ease the stress associated worrying about how much medical bills will cost them in the long run. This means less fighting and arguing about money which means everyone can get along without worrying about how much they need to save up for emergencies like this one.
It’s a win-win situation that many families are taking advantage of on a daily basis. There’s no reason you shouldn’t consider it for your loved one if they’re able to benefit from these services.
Hiring an experienced caregiver from a reputable agency ensures that they’ll have all necessary training and certifications needed to meet your loved one’s medical needs.
It’s a sad reality that not all home healthcare agencies are created equal. Some of them may have a higher price tag attached to their services because they can afford to pay their workers more while others will charge less but the employees may lack the necessary skills and training to meet your loved one’s needs.
This means unnecessary stress for both you as a family member as well as your loved one who might not be as mobile as they used to be which could result in injury if they’re being moved around by someone without experience doing so .
In addition, this also puts the caregiver at risk since they don’t have any type of insurance protecting them from any injuries that occur on the job due to a lack of training or certifications.
When you hire someone from an agency, you know they’ve been vetted by professionals who understand what it takes to deliver quality service . That means they’ve been screened for criminal activity as well as previous medical conditions.
It’s a tough world out there and you need to make sure that whoever is going into your loved one’s home can be trusted to take care of them without putting them at risk of harm .
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a more personalized and affordable option, home nursing care may be the right choice for your family. With in-home nurses, patients can stay in their own homes while receiving medical treatment from experienced professionals who are able to provide skilled services tailored to each individual’s needs.
Many agencies also work with insurance plans so patients don’t have to worry about paying high out of pocket costs or being denied coverage at all.
Contact us today if you want more information on how we can help meet your unique demands through our customized home healthcare solutions.
