How Transitional Care Helps Seniors Recover from Surgery at Home

You think you or your loved one might need some help around the house, but youre not sure what. Youve done a bit of research, but the language can be confusing. Whats the difference between home care and home health care? What services does a companion provide? And most importantly, which services do you need? Each type of service, from companion care to skilled nursing care, caters to different needs and offers varying levels of support. Knowing the differences can help you make an informed decision thats best for your family, says Siarra Thorning of Right at Home Grand Junction. Heres a breakdown of the primary in-home caregiver services available. Companion Care (or Sitter Services) Companion care, sometimes known as sitter services, mainly provides companionship for seniors or individuals who do not require intensive medical care but may need supervision and light assistance. This service is ideal for those who wish to remain in their home and maintain a level of independence. Companion care helps ensure the individual is safe in their home and gets regular social interaction. Caregivers in this role engage in activities such as:         Conversation and companionship, including hobbies, games, and walks         Meal preparation and dining company         Light housekeeping         Errand services, such as grocery shopping         Transportation to appointments or social events         Medication reminders Companion care is suitable for individuals who are mostly independent but may be at risk if left alone for long periods, such as those with early-stage dementia or limited mobility, says Thorning.  Personal Care (or Home Care) Personal care professionals provide a more hands-on level of support, helping with the personal care of an individual. This service is often more generally called home care, explains Thorning.  These caregivers have more training than companion caregivers and can assist with the physical aspects of daily living. Their tasks typically include:         Bathing and personal hygiene         Dressing assistance         Mobility assistance         Incontinence care         More detailed medication management         Monitoring of vital signs under some circumstances Personal care is ideal for individuals who need regular assistance with personal care tasks but do not require medical intervention. Its a good fit for those with moderate disabilities or more advanced stages of age-related conditions. Home care visits are typically a minimum three-hour shift as often as needed up to 24/7 care and can continue as often as visits are needed. Nursing Care (Home Health Nurses) Nursing care at home is provided by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This type of care is necessary when an individual needs medical care at home, whether theyre recovering after a hospital stay or need help managing a chronic condition such as chronic lung or kidney disease. Home health nurses perform a range of medical tasks, including:         Wound care         Administering medications, including injections         Pain management         Medical equipment operation         Monitoring health status and adjusting care plans accordingly Nursing care is suited for individuals with significant medical needs that require professional health monitoring. Its commonly used for recovering from surgery, managing serious illnesses, or managing complex health conditions requiring regular medical attention. Home health visits are often intermittent and limited. As Thorning notes, They last until recovery goals are met or the health care provider certifies the visits can continue. How To Decide What Type of In-Home Care Is BestThorning says its common for care needs to cross over these categories. For example, someone who needs a nurses help managing their lung disease at home may also need the housework-type help provided by a home care aide. Here are some additional thoughts to help with the decision:         Evaluate the individuals level of independence and medical needs. A person with lung disease may not need help around the house.         Consider the care recipients preferences and financial situation. Insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) typically does not pay for in-home care or may pay only under limited circumstances.         Consult with healthcare professionals for tailored advice and guidance. What kind of care does the primary care physician recommend? Patients who are being discharged from a hospital or nursing home may also receive recommendations from the discharge staff. Remember, advises Thorning the goal for receiving care or assistance at home is to maintain the highest quality of life possible. If you are helping a loved one or friend decide on care, respect their wishes and needs as they age or recover in the comfort of their own home. Questions To Ask When Considering In-Home Care Providers As you research in-home care options, ask each provider these questions to ensure the company is reputable and will provide exceptional, quality care:         Are Social Security, federal and state taxes, and unemployment insurance paid? Are the caregivers bonded/insured? Are workers compensation and professional liability insurance paid? A trustworthy company will pay the taxes and insurance for its caregivers, so you are protected from legal and financial responsibility.         Is the required state licensing up to date? Have all caregivers undergone background checks, including references and criminal records?         Are supervisory home visits conducted to verify that quality care is being provided?  Asking these questions will help sort out which providers have a good reputation and are highly regarded in the community and which do not have these qualities. Above all else, ensure that dependable, quality care will be provided by people you can trust.About Right at Home of Grand Junction   2777 Crossroads Blvd Ste 3 Grand Junction, CO 81506 Our office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Mesa, Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties.  For more information, contact Right at Home by Calling 970-697-1331 | Email: Care@gjhomecare.com | Web Address: www.gjhomecare.com  

Right at Home has been proudly serving Mesa, Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties for nearly a decade. Our team is committed to holistic in-home care, which emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just focusing on a specific activity of daily living. This approach integrates physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being into our care plans, making it particularly beneficial for individuals seeking comprehensive support at home. Right at Home is excited to kick off 2025 with some new additions to our team! In September, our Marketing and Community Resource Coordinator, Stephanie Ruf, joined us, and her dedication to marketing and building community connections has been truly remarkable.In addition to our ongoing marketing efforts and community connections, Right at Home is pleased to announce an expansion in our Care Team. Siarra Thorning moved into a new role as the new Operations Manager for both locations. Siarra has been a Care Coordinator for Garfield and Pitkin County where she excelled in her role. Siarras new role is to ensure that both our Care team and Clients receive the best experience possible which is emulated in her daily work.  This growth has allowed us to hire two new Care Coordinators: Bethany Young and Kayla Dalley. Kayla brings experience from personal care, having worked with adults with disabilities. She has spent many years in the Grand Valley and is excited to be part of the Right at Home family. She has been pivotal to our staff growth. You can find Kayla out and about meeting clients and supporting caregivers in the homes. Bethany is based in our Glenwood Springs office. She has over 13 years of experience in medical settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and home health care. She has jumped into Right at Home with the right attitude. Connecting and engaging caregivers and clients to the fullest potential.  We are very excited for the upcoming year, particularly for our participation in the Walking the Coldest Night of the Year event for Homeward Bound in February. Furthermore, Right at Home is proud to serve as a presenting sponsor once again for the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimers. Holistic home care is the perfect choice for seniors, individuals with chronic conditions, and those recovering from surgery or illness. Our compassionate professional caregivers and interdisciplinary teams are expertly trained to deliver comprehensive care that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. At Right at Home, we prioritize this holistic approach, ensuring our clients receive exceptional support tailored to their unique needs every single day. Discover how our holistic care can profoundly impact your life or the life of your loved oneschoose a brighter, healthier future with us. Call today!   Lets Start Talking about Living!

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, especially for seniors transitioning from a long-time residence to a new space. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that this shift goes beyond merely packing boxes and unpacking; its an emotional journey. Our mission is to ease this transition and create a comforting process that transforms a new house into a home. In this blog, well share insights and tips for navigating this pivotal life change with heart, dignity, and care.The Emotional Landscape of MovingUnderstanding the Feelings of MovingWhen seniors are faced with moving, they often experience a whirlwind of emotions. Its not just about moving items from one location to another but leaving behind cherished memories and familiar surroundings. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are common. As professional organizers, we recognize these emotions and create a safe space for seniors to express them.Encouraging open conversations is an important first step. We suggest asking questions that foster connection and understanding. For instance, What do you love most about your current home? or What are you most excited or nervous about in your new space? This dialog not only helps seniors articulate their feelings but also allows us to tailor our services to address their unique concerns and preferences.Tips for Managing Emotional ChallengesTake Your Time: Encourage seniors to pace the moving process. Rushing can heighten anxiety, so break down the moving tasks into manageable segments. For example, focus on one room at a time, ensuring a sense of accomplishment while preserving emotional well-being.Create a Memory Book: Encourage the gathering of photographs and keepsakes before packing begins. This not only provides an opportunity to reminisce but also helps maintain connections to their past. Creating a memory book can serve as a tangible reminder of cherished moments.Stay Connected: Remind seniors to involve family and friends during the process. Whether it's hosting a packing party or having loved ones help unpack, the presence of familiar faces can alleviate feelings of isolation and evoke comfort and joy.Mindfulness Practices: Introduce mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or guided meditation, to help manage stress. These practices can be integrated into their daily routine to foster calmness.Transforming a New Space into a HomeThe Role of Familiarity in a New EnvironmentOnce the move is underway, the next key focus is transforming a new, unfamiliar space into a comfortable home. Familiarity plays a crucial role in helping seniors adapt to their new surroundings. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we specialize in creating environments that reflect the personalities and lives of our clients.One way to achieve this is by incorporating familiar decor and personal items into their new space. We suggest guiding seniors in selecting which cherished belongings they would like to bring along. Items such as family photos, beloved furniture, or heirloom decorations can evoke comfort and familiarity, easing the adjustment to a new home.Tips for Making a New House Feel Like HomeLayout Design: Collaborate with seniors to design a layout that mimics their previous homes flow. Familiar arrangements can help trigger positive memories and feelings. This practice can significantly enhance their sense of belonging in their new space.Personal Touches: Encourage the creation of a personal sanctuary, whether thats a cozy reading nook by the window or a spot for their favorite plants. Allowing seniors to infuse personal touches helps to create a unique space that reflects their identity.Involve the Community: Encourage seniors to explore community resources or local groups to get acquainted with their new surroundings. Activities like community events, volunteer opportunities, or local clubs can cultivate a sense of connection and belonging in their new environment.Stay Open to Adjustment: Reminding seniors that its okay to feel uncomfortable at first can help alleviate anxiety. Encourage them to be patient with themselves and to take the time needed to truly settle in and make new memories.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that moving should be a positive, fulfilling experience rather than a source of stress or anxiety. By fostering emotional connections through understanding, patient communication, and personalized support, we help seniors navigate the complexities of their transition with compassion and care. As we guide them in making their new house feel like home, we celebrate the journey of creating new memories while cherishing the past. Together, we embark on this meaningful path toward comfort and belonging, ensuring every senior feels at home in their new surroundings.