Theres a nagging clich about life coming around full circle. But, never does it seem more real than when one of our parents starts to visibly age and requires assistance for otherwise-normal activities. Yet, even as our parents start to age, the rigors of a full-time job dont seem to dissipate. So, what happens when you want to be there for Mom and Dad, but you still need to draw in a paycheck? Well, this is where a live-in caregiver steps onto the scene. Whether a caregiver comes to tend to your loved ones daily affairs while youre at work or moves in on a more permanent basis to oversee things, they offer tremendous reassurance that everythings going to be alright. Below, well break down the details of what, precisely a live-in care provider offers. There are a rainbow of options, depending on your loved ones needs. And, no matter which direction you take, comfort lies at the core of it all. Comfort Giver The first (and perhaps best) way to describe a live-in care provider is a comfort giver. Their presence offers a certain level of comfort for friends and family members who are concerned about the well-being of an elderly loved one. No longer do sons and daughters have to worry that their elderly parents may have slipped or fallen. No longer do they have to send up a flare if a phone call isnt answered. Its established that someones close at hand and caring for their every need. Live-in care providers also provide comfort for someone whos aging, as well. Consider how we spend our lives curating our home. Its our safe haven, our safe space. When the trials of aging start to take their toll, its far more reassuring to endure lifes difficulties from the comfort of a living room surrounded by family photos or a bedroom that was painted and decorated by their spouse many moons ago. Live-In Caregiver Vs. Daytime Caregiving Of course, many of us would love to welcome our elderly parents back into our homes and care for them the way they cared for us as children. Yet, often, the demands of life require us to maintain a daytime job. When our hands become tied like this, there are a couple of options. Live-In Caregiving Live-in elderly care means your family member will have an in-home caregiver who works four or five days a week, providing round the clock care. So, while youre at work, your loved one will be cared for. Even if youre working a double shift, theres no fear; your loved one will be cared for. In this situation, the live-in senior caregiver must be provided a bed where they can rest for eight hours a night (with, of course, the stipulation that this sleep may be disrupted by the needs of their client). Theyre also given a period of rest during the day where another caregiver can come in or a family member can take over. Daytime Caregiving If youre able to move an elderly loved one into your home, but cant be around all day, this may be a lovely option for you. A daytime caregiver will arrive to oversee the health and safety of your loved one while youre at the office. Typically, when you come home, youre on duty to care for your loved one. But, whats nice is that the same daytime caregiver can sometimes step in to help with the occasional evening affair. And, of course, if you work an evening shift, then you will be able to find someone whos available for overnight caregiving until you come home again in the morning. 24-Hour Caregiving Twenty-four-hour caregiving may sound a bit like live-in elder care. But, its actually more intensive. This is for someone who cant be left unsupervised (i.e., during an eight hour period of rest). Perhaps theyre prone to falls or need constant medical attention. In which case, 24-hour caregiving is provided by two or three caregivers who work in shifts. There wont be an eight-hour sleep break or a daytime break. Rather, someone would be on guard at all times, providing the utmost care for your aging family member. Types Of Care Providers Aside from live-in vs. daytime (or nighttime) providers, there are also varying levels of training that you can consider when looking for the perfect match. Heres a breakdown of some of your best options: Licensed Practical Nurses & Registered Nurses A licensed nursecan provide skilled care for a number of situations. They may come in hourly shifts, or more frequently, to administer medication, provide post-surgery care, tend to wounds, provide ventilation care, or monitor vitals. This is, of course, for someone who needs diligent medical attention or someone who may be recovering from a difficult surgery. Having a registered nurse enter a home is a wonderful way to know your loved one is being cared for by a trusted member of the medical community. Certified Nursing Assistant Of course, another member of the medical community thats not to be overlooked is a nursing assistant or home health aide. These are friendly folks who can assist with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, shaving, skin care, ambulating/transfer, transport/escort, toileting, supervision, reminder medication, prepare meals/feeding, laundry/change linens and light housekeeping. A home health aide may fall nicely into the category of daytime care listed above. This is someone who can oversee your loved ones daily routine, from breakfast to afternoon bridge with their friends, to an early supper before a member of the family arrives home for the evening. Companion Another alternative is a companion. This is for someone whos just looking for a bit of compassionrather than hands-on care. Perhaps a companion will drive Mom or Dad to the local movie theatre to catch the latest Tom Cruise film. Or, maybe theyll stay at home and enjoy a couple episodes ofGreys Anatomywhile playing a robust game of gin rummy. This is someone whos going to keep your loved ones mental health in tip-top shape and also help ward off any feelings of cabin fever. Does Insurance Cover A Caregiver? Thankfully, most long-term care insurance will cover the services provided by a registered caregiver. Of course, thats not to say that whats covered doesnt vary from policy to policy. If you work with the right referral agency, they can not only pair you with the perfect caregiver out there, but they can also help you master the game of ping pong that comes with a phone call to the insurance company. For example, the team here at Just Like Family loves to assist our clients as they navigate the nitty-gritty of an insurance policy. We also provide the documentation necessary to start your policy benefits and keep them going. Start The Process For A Live-In Caregiver Today Do you feel the weight lifting off your shoulders as you consider the multi-faceted nature of a live-in caregiver? Whether its preparing tea, doling out medication, or helping a loved one move around safely, theres a lot to be gained by entrusting the supervision of a loved one to a caregiver. Here at Just Life Family Home Care, we offer the support your loved ones need by referring qualified home health care caregivers to come to their home and live the most independent life possible. Our mission is to provide tailor-made solutions to each familys needs. Whether youre looking for a Registered Nurse or a Home Health Aide, we can connect you with someone truly special. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with a representative. Together, well shape out a plan of action that will ensure the health, safety, and comfort of your loved one. Wouldnt it be nice if we all slept in peace again, starting tonight? Submitted and Written By: Just Like family Home Care - click here for more information
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Senior Safety at Home: Creating a Secure Living Environment
Ensuring the safety of seniors at home is paramount for their well-being and independence. Creating a secure living environment involves a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of their daily life. Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the home, identifying potential hazards such as loose rugs, uneven flooring, or cluttered pathways. Installing handrails in key areas, such as staircases and bathrooms, can provide valuable support and prevent accidents. Adequate lighting throughout the house is crucial; consider motion-activated lights to illuminate pathways and rooms, reducing the risk of falls. Additionally, make necessary modifications in the kitchen, such as lowering countertop heights for easier access and installing nonslip flooring to enhance traction. Regular communication with seniors about their comfort and safety concerns is essential, fostering a collaborative effort in maintaining a secure home environment.Incorporating technology into the home can also significantly contribute to senior safety. Smart home devices, such as medical alert systems or sensors that detect unusual movements, can provide an added layer of security. Consider implementing a video monitoring system to keep an eye on key areas of the home, providing both caregivers and seniors with peace of mind. By addressing these physical and technological aspects, we can create an environment that not only promotes the independence of seniors but also assures their safety, allowing them to age in place with confidence and dignity.
Aging in Place? Stay Connected with Accessible Telecommunications Services.
Did you know
that Pennsylvania has the fifth largest older adult population in the nation
with 3.4 million individuals?1 As the population continues to age,
more people are weighing their options when it comes to downsizing, moving into
a senior living community, or choosing to age in the comfort of their homes.
According to a 2021 Home and Community Preferences survey by AARP of 2,826 U.S.
adults, about 75% of people over the age of 50 expressed that they would like
to remain in their current houses and communitiesmeaning aging in place is
becoming a more prevalent life choice among older adults.2What to
Know About Aging in PlaceIf youre
leaning toward spending your years in the place where you feel the most content
and safe, then you need to be willing to make some modifications to your home.
As you age, your needs change, which means certain features in your home may
need to be adjusted. Wider doorways and walkways; accessible bathrooms,
kitchens, and bedrooms; ramps and lifts; non-slip floors; and stability aids
like grab bars and handrails are some of the most common enhancements that come
to mind, but assistive technology can play an important role in aging in place
too.Many people
choose to age in place because they want to maintain their independence, and
assistive technology helps make that possible. From smart home devices that
allow you to control the temperature or lights with voice commands to amplified
phones and doorbells, there are plenty of high-tech tools that can help you
navigate your day-to-day with ease. If youre a senior with hearing loss,
Captioned Telephone Relay Service is a free service that allows you to
read captions of whats said to you during phone conversations using a
uniquely designed CapTel phone.CapTel
Makes Phone Conversations Clearer Using CapTel,
you can confidently and securely age in place knowing that you can effectively
communicate over the phone. Whether youre calling loved ones to catch up,
chatting with your doctor, or contacting first responders in an emergency, CapTel
is a dependable communication solution for older adults who have
hearing loss.Best of all,
the CapTel captioning service is free and available in English and
Spanish, with captions appearing on the bright, built-in display screen of
the CapTel phone just moments after the other caller has spoken. CapTel
phones can be purchased directly for $75 through a third-party vendor, or qualified
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a CapTel device through the states Telecommunications
Device Distribution Program (TDDP)which provides specialized equipment to
individuals who find it difficult to use a standard phone. Age in
Place Confidently with CapTelTo learn
more about CapTel, including how to purchase or apply for an assistive
communication device, visit pactrs.com today!Sources:1Master
Plan for Older Adults, Pennsylvania Department of Aging 22021
Home and Community Preferences Survey: A National Survey of Adults Age 18-Plus
| Joannne Binette & Fanni Farago, AARP Research CapTel
is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.