Learn the Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss

The Benefits and Services of Non-Medical In-Home CareAs our loved ones age or face health challenges, ensuring their well-being and independence becomes a priority. Non-medical in-home care offers a compassionate solution, providing personalized support in the comfort of home. Homecare Companions specializes in delivering this care, catering to a diverse range of needs with services designed to enhance quality of life and peace of mind.Who Benefits from Non-Medical In-Home Care?Non-medical in-home care is ideal for individuals facing health-related challenges, including: Aging parents who need assistance with daily activities. Those living with chronic or progressive conditions such as ALS, Parkinsons disease, or dementia. Individuals recovering from surgery or rehabilitation after a stroke. Patients with visual impairments, mobility issues, or an increased risk of falls. People navigating the complexities of end-of-life care due to diseases like cancer, heart disease, or COPD. Amputees and others adjusting to significant physical changes. Whether the goal is regaining independence or enhancing comfort during challenging times, in-home care provides tailored support for every unique situation. Core Services Provided by Homecare CompanionsHomecare Companions focus on non-medical services that improve clients daily lives. Key offerings include: Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and incontinence care. Meal Preparation and Nutrition Support: Cooking, feeding assistance, and ensuring dietary needs are met. Light Housekeeping: Tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and maintaining a tidy home environment. Medication Reminders: Helping clients stay on track with their medication schedules. Transportation Services: Driving clients to medical appointments, grocery stores, or social outings. Companionship: Providing emotional support and reducing feelings of isolation through meaningful interactions. Mobility Support: Helping clients with mobility and transferring. End-of-Life Support: Offering compassionate care and emotional support for patients and families in hospice care. Enhanced Services and CustomizationHomecare Companions also offer additional services to suit individual needs, such as: Personalized Care Plans: Based on a complimentary in-home assessment, tailored care plans address the specific needs of each client. Collaboration with Other Care Providers: Coordinating with home health or hospice care teams to provide seamless, 24/7 support. Insurance Assistance: We are a fully insured, certified and bonded long-term care company. With an RN on staff we can accommodate almost all long term care insurance requirements. FAQs About Non-Medical In-Home Care1. How Much Does It Cost? The cost depends on the level of care, location, and frequency of visits. Contact Homecare Companions for a customized quote.2. Is It Covered by Insurance? Medicare typically doesnt cover non-medical in-home care, but many long-term care insurance policies do. Homecare Companions is certified to meet insurance requirements and can assist with claims.3. How Do I Find a Qualified Caregiver? Homecare Companions carefully vets each caregiver with background checks, reference verification, and training to ensure professionalism and trustworthiness.4. How Can I Arrange Services? Contact Homecare Companions at (251) 699-3441 to schedule a complimentary assessment and create a care plan tailored to your loved ones needs. The Benefits of Homecare CompanionsHaving a homecare companion brings numerous advantages, including: Promoting independence by assisting with daily tasks. Providing genuine companionship to combat loneliness. Reducing stress for families by offering peace of mind. Enhancing overall well-being in the familiarity of home. Whether supporting recovery, navigating chronic conditions, or ensuring comfort during end-of-life care, Homecare Companions are committed to delivering compassionate and comprehensive support. Serving Baldwin and Mobile counties. Contact Homecare Companions today at 251-699-3441 to learn more about how we can assist you and your family!

Audiologist Versus Hearing Aid Dispenser: What is the difference?There are vast differences in the professional roles in diagnosing and treatment of hearing loss. It is still common today for someone to get screened, tested, or fitted with a hearing aid by someone and still not know what qualifications that person had. How do you know who you can trust? An important distinction to understand when treating your hearing loss is the difference between an Audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser. An Audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology who is extensively trained in the science of hearing; while a hearing aid dispenser applies for a license after meeting some basic requirements (see below).Audiologist: An Audiologist is trained to diagnose, treat and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. They are trained in anatomy and physiology, amplification devices, cochlear Implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics and auditory rehabilitation. Doctors of Audiology complete, at a minimum, an undergraduate and doctoral level degree in audiology, as well as a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. This usually requires 8 years of post-secondary education (4 years of college and 4 years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids and the vestibular system. Upon completion of training, Audiologists must also pass a national standardized examination in order to be eligible for state licensure. Continuing education requirements must be met in order for an Audiologist to maintain state licensure.Hearing Aid Dispenser: A hearing aid dispenser is licensed to perform audiometric testing for the sole purpose of selling and fitting hearing aids. In order to obtain a license, hearing aid dispensers are required to pass an exam. Prior to taking the exam, certain requirements must be met, which vary from state to state. In many states, hearing aid dispensers are only required to have a high school diploma. In other states, hearing aid dispensers must complete two years of college or post-secondary education in any field prior to applying for licensure. Some states require completion of distance learning coursework prior to taking the exam.In summary, the requirement for state licensure to dispense hearing aids is based on the minimum education necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the patient. The differences in education required for Audiologists versus hearing aid dispensers reflect the significantly larger range of professional practices that Audiologists are permitted to engage in.Audiologists are highly trained degree professionals. Audiologists receive extensive training in assessment of hearing, diagnosis, fitting and adjustment of hearing aids that helps to ensure:         An accurate diagnosis;         An appropriate treatment plan of intervention;         A positive outcome from the hearing aid. At Naro Audiology & Hearing Solutions, our mission is to provide professional audiological services and hearing health care while developing excellent rapport with our patients by giving individualized attention and personal, compassionate care. We do our best to accurately test and diagnose every patient.  For the hearing impaired, we seek to improve quality of life and maximize communication by listening to the patients' needs, accurately diagnosing their hearing loss and providing a vast array of communication solutions and cutting edge technologies to meet the needs of the patient.  Naro Audiology serves Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, and Foley.  Contact Naro Audiology at 251-758-4326.  We are hear for you!

Sleep Disturbances And DementiaAccording to the Mayo Clinics website, about 25 percent of people with mild to moderate dementia experience disturbances in their sleep. Nearly half of the individuals with severe dementia experience sleep disturbances, indicating that sleep troubles worsen as dementia progresses.If you or someone you love has dementia, understanding what sleep disturbances are and how to manage them may help improve life quality and sleep. What Is A Sleep Disturbance?A sleep disturbance is a condition that affects a persons ability to fall or stay asleep, including sleep disorders like insomnia. A sleep disturbance can also include a condition that affects a persons wakefulness, like sleep apnea.Signs and symptoms related to sleep disorders can vary depending on the condition, but people who have trouble sleeping may experience:  Difficulty falling asleep even when feeling tired Waking up throughout the night Feeling fatigued throughout the day  How Are Dementia and Sleep Disturbances Related?Experts are still trying to assess the exact correlation between dementia and sleep disturbances. One possible reason for sleep troubles is that dementia can affect a persons production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone in the brain that makes people sleepy when its dark and alert when its bright outside. As the brain changes with dementia, it may affect a persons melatonin production and sleep.Other causes of sleep disturbances for people with dementia may include dementia medications or confusion at night, also called sundowning. What Is Sundowning?Sundowning is when a person with dementia has increased confusion at night. Sundowning is not a condition but a symptom of dementia that may cause a person to feel anxious, disorientated, or agitated. A person experiencing sundowning may also begin to pace, have trouble falling asleep, or have hallucinations. Tips For Managing Sleep DisturbancesSleep disturbances related to dementia can be a bit more difficult to manage, but a few lifestyle changes may help seniors fall and stay asleep. Follow A RoutineRoutines are helpful for seniors with dementia because they give predictability to their day. Routines can also train the body when to be awake and tired. A solid routine includes establishing a regular bedtime to get the body and mind conditioned for sleep. Create A Relaxing Sleep EnvironmentYou want the environment you sleep in to be relaxing. It should be free of distractions like televisions, cell phones, and laptops. It should also be dim or dark and at a comfortable temperature. Find A Support GroupDementia support groups are a great place to connect with others going through similar situations. Group leaders and members may also offer advice on how they or a loved one have slept better. If youre interested in a free group, the Gulf Coast Dementia Services Support Groups meet for an hour on the second Tuesday of every month. Dementia Care With Visiting AngelsCaring for a loved one with dementia is hard work, and its not something you have to do alone. At Visiting Angels, we provide at-home care services to help seniors age in place, including specialized care services for those with dementia.Our team offers full-time, part-time, and overnight care to help dementia patients who may struggle with sleep disturbances. Caregivers provide physical and emotional support to help clients feel safe and comfortable at home. Services can include medication reminders, creating a relaxing sleep environment, encouraging bedtime, and mobility around the house. We also provide light housekeeping, meal preparation, appointment transportation, and personal grooming. Contact our Gulf Shores office at 251-943-7525 to learn more about our at-home care and dementia services.