SYNERGY HomeCare Launches New ConciergeCare Offering

Visit any critical care unit, childrens hospital, or other specialty inpatient facility, and youll find a common feature: therapy dogs. For decades, healthcare practitioners have understood the surprisingly positive effects on patients of time spend with cute and cuddly dogs. Therapy dogs reduce stress, improve mood, and can help patients reframe their outlook on whatever condition ails them. The positive effects of patient interactions with therapy dogs are a well-documented fact of the medical world. Senior citizens with limited mobility and other health conditions also benefit from the companionship of dogs. Owning a pet reduces feelings of loneliness among seniors living at home or in a retirement facility, which in turn greatly reduces the risk of diseases associated with loneliness and isolation. Pets can also decrease the number of stress hormones in a persons blood, lower blood pressure, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life. Dogs and other pets, it seems, have tremendous healing powers!Since Alzheimers patients cannot adequately care for a pet, owning one is out of the question. Considering the nature of Alzheimers dementia, it is easy to assume that a loved one may not benefit from a pet since they will not remember the interaction. Researchers, convinced therapy dogs would have a positive effect on Alzheimers patients, put this question to the test: Do Therapy Dogs Help Alzheimers Dementia Patients?Short-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.A study conducted in the early 2000s looked carefully at the subject of therapy dogs and Alzheimers dementia patients. They measured the incidence of behavioral disturbances among patients in a nursing home for a period of four weeks, then introduced therapy dogs. Their initial findings showed that the dogs helped to reduce behavioral disturbances in the short term, meaning they helped to immediately calm patients. The short-term effects proved that therapy dogs do have a positive effect on patients with Alzheimers disease, particularly in regards to anxiety, anger, and changes in behavior associated with the disease.Long-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.The same study did not stop at the short-term effects of therapy dogs on Alzheimers patients. Previous assumptions suggested that since patients would not remember their encounters with the therapy dogs, the effects of spending time with them would vanish from one day to the next. Not true, the study authors found. Although most of the patients did not remember their interactions with the therapy dogs (some did), the behavioral disturbances noted in the four weeks prior to the study reduced. In fact, the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the therapy dogs, the less they exhibited behavioral disturbances.Therapy Dogs As A Long-Term Therapy.The study findings confirmed what clinicians suspected all along: dogs are an excellent long-term therapy for persons with Alzheimers dementia to reduce the incidence of behavioral disturbances. Therapy dogs also had the same effect on Alzheimers patients as they do on other kinds of patients, including reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, better appetite, and fewer feelings of loneliness. These effects continued to increase the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the dogs.What Makes Dogs Such Good Therapy?Dogs are wired to give unconditional love and devotion. They can provide physical and social contact where it is missing, and they are not picky. what sets dogs apart, particularly those trained as therapy dogs, is that they will approach anyone regardless of their physical or mental deterioration, and initiate contact. Patients can pet, hug, and cuddle dogs unlike any other kind of pet. These positive interactions provide a distraction to the other goings-on around them and provide relief for those suffering from sadness, anger, or angst.The Takeaway.Dogs have a tremendous healing power. While studies have focused specifically on Alzheimers dementia patients, their positive effects will benefit anyone suffering from general dementia. Families of patients will feel relief that their loved ones have fewer outbursts of anger, sadness, or angst. While dementia impairs memory, it does not interrupt the long-term benefits of regularly interacting with a therapy dog. In fact, the more they interact with a therapy dog, the fewer behavioral problems they exhibit.Contact us at Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care North Pittsburgh to learn more at 412-810-6595.

As we age, many of us will require assistance with daily living activities. While some seniors opt to move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes, many prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. In-home care has become increasingly popular over the years, but many people are unsure about the cost. In this blog, well take a closer look at the cost of in-home care and what factors can impact the price.What is In-Home Care?In-home care refers to a range of services that are provided to seniors in their own homes. This type of care can include assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as medical services like medication management and wound care. In-home care can be provided by trained professionals, such as home health aides or licensed nurses, or by family members or friends.The Cost of In-Home CareThe cost of in-home care can vary widely depending on a number of factors. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median cost of in-home care in 2020 was $24 per hour for homemaker services and $24 per hour for home health aide services. However, the cost can be higher or lower depending on where you live, the type of services you need, and the amount of care required.One of the biggest factors that can impact the cost of in-home care is the level of care needed. Seniors who require only minimal assistance with daily living activities may only need a few hours of in-home care per week, while those who require more intensive care may need around-the-clock assistance. The more care that is required, the higher the cost will be.Another factor that can impact the cost of in-home care is the type of services needed. Homemaker services, which include tasks like cleaning, cooking, and running errands, are typically less expensive than home health aide services, which provide more hands-on care like medication management and assistance with personal hygiene.Finally, the cost of in-home care can also vary depending on where you live. In some parts of the country, the cost of in-home care may be higher due to a higher cost of living or a shortage of trained professionals in the area.Paying for In-Home CareMany seniors and their families are concerned about how they will pay for in-home care. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to help cover the cost.One option is to use personal savings or retirement funds to pay for in-home care. Another option is to use long-term care insurance, which can help cover the cost of in-home care as well as other long-term care expenses.Medicare may also cover some of the cost of in-home care if certain criteria are met, such as if the senior is homebound and requires skilled nursing care. Medicaid may also cover the cost of in-home care for seniors who meet certain income and asset requirements.Finally, some seniors may be eligible for assistance from nonprofit organizations or community groups that provide financial assistance for in-home care.Choosing In-Home CareIf you or a loved one is considering in-home care, its important to choose a provider that meets your needs and budget. Look for a provider that is licensed, bonded, and insured, and that has a reputation for providing high-quality care.Its also a good idea to ask for references and to check online reviews from other clients. Finally, be sure to ask about the cost of services upfront and to get a detailed breakdown of all fees and charges.In-home care can be a great option for seniors who want to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. While the cost of in-home care can vary depending on a number of factors, there are a variety of options available to help cover the cost.

In the realm of senior care, addressing not just physical needs but also emotional well-being is paramount. As seniors age, feelings of loneliness and social isolation can significantly impact their overall quality of life. At Acti-Kare, we recognize the transformative power of companionship in enhancing seniors lives and promoting their emotional health. Lets explore the importance of incorporating companionship into in-home care for seniors and how it can positively impact their well-being. Understanding the Impact of Loneliness Loneliness and social isolation are pervasive issues among seniors, particularly those living alone or experiencing mobility limitations. Studies have linked loneliness to numerous adverse health outcomes, including depression, cognitive decline, and increased risk of chronic diseases. For seniors, having meaningful social connections and companionship is not just a luxuryits essential for their overall health and happiness. Companionship: More Than Just Care While in-home care typically focuses on assisting seniors with daily tasks and medical needs, companionship goes beyond mere caregivingits about building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of connection. Companionship caregivers provide emotional support, engage seniors in stimulating activities, and offer companionship and conversation, enriching seniors lives and alleviating feelings of loneliness and isolation. Promoting Mental and Emotional Well-Being Companionship plays a crucial role in promoting seniors mental and emotional well-being. Regular social interaction and engagement can help prevent feelings of loneliness and depression, boost mood and self-esteem, and enhance cognitive function. Companionship caregivers provide seniors with opportunities for socialization, laughter, and meaningful conversations, contributing to their overall happiness and quality of life. Tailored Activities and Hobbies One of the key benefits of companionship care is the ability to engage seniors in activities and hobbies tailored to their interests and preferences. Whether its taking a leisurely stroll in the park, playing board games, or pursuing creative pursuits like painting or gardening, companionship caregivers provide personalized companionship and support seniors in maintaining their hobbies and interests. Supporting Independence and Autonomy Companionship care empowers seniors to maintain their independence and autonomy while receiving the support and assistance they need. Rather than imposing strict routines or schedules, companionship caregivers adapt to seniors preferences and routines, fostering a sense of control and self-determination. By respecting seniors choices and preferences, companionship caregivers promote dignity and independence in their care. Enhancing Social Connections In addition to one-on-one companionship, companionship caregivers can facilitate social connections and community engagement for seniors. Whether its attending social events, joining clubs or senior centers, or connecting with family and friends, companionship caregivers help seniors stay connected to their social networks and maintain meaningful relationships outside the home. Creating a Sense of Purpose Companionship care provides seniors with a sense of purpose and belonging by fostering meaningful relationships and engagement with others. By participating in activities, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies, seniors can find fulfillment and satisfaction in their daily lives, enhancing their overall sense of well-being and quality of life. In conclusion, companionship is a vital component of in-home care for seniors, providing emotional support, social engagement, and meaningful connections that enhance their overall well-being. At Acti-Kare, we understand the importance of companionship in promoting seniors happiness, independence, and quality of life. Our compassionate companionship caregivers are dedicated to building meaningful relationships with seniors and providing the support and companionship they need to thrive at home. Contact us today to learn more about our companionship care services and how we can support your loved ones emotional health and well-being.