Visiting Angels

Forgetting a persons name, appointment, or computer password can be frustrating, but its usually not a major concern. However, when your aging loved one struggles with their memory, cant concentrate, and demonstrates significant personality changes, then something more serioussuch as dementiacould be the culprit.While more than 5 million adults 65 or older are living with dementia, the signs are sometimes subtle or overlooked by family and friends. Identifying early signs of dementia and seeking appropriate medical care can help your senior connect with helpful dementia care resources to manage their condition.What Are Early Dementia Signs and Symptoms?If your loved one occasionally struggles with their memory, it doesnt necessarily mean they have dementia. Though dementia involves memory loss, the condition affects each person differently and worsens over time. Make sure to pay attention to tell-tale symptoms.Early signs of dementia may include:Forgetting recently learned informationDoes your loved one routinely forget information they just learned? For example, asking whats for dinner when you just told them spaghetti or asking someone their name when the person just introduced themselves could indicate a problem.Repeating stories or questionsWhen your loved one repeats stories or asks the same questions constantly could be a significant short-term memory issue.Getting lost or becoming disoriented in familiar placesOne of the most common and obvious signs occurs when an older adult suddenly becomes disoriented or lost when going to the grocery store, the doctors office, a relatives house, or another familiar location. Getting lost or disoriented is a serious safety concern that should be addressed with a doctor.Unable to follow directions or focus on familiar tasksStruggling to complete tasks such as paying bills, operating the TV, sending an email, or following a recipe especially when these tasks were never challenging could signal the onset of dementia.Becoming confused about time, people, and placesNot remembering what day/month/year it is, struggling to recognize familiar family members, or becoming confused at home are concerning symptoms that should prompt a visit to the doctor.Neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutritionDementia can cause seniors to do dangerous things, such as walking on busy roads at night. Unintentional weight loss, unkempt appearance, body odor, cluttered home environment, and other self-neglect patterns could also be indicative signs.If you notice your loved one is routinely experiencing any of these six warning signs or if symptoms are getting worse or occurring more frequently you should schedule an appointment with a doctor, who can make a complete assessment.Living with DementiaPeople with dementia need to be under a doctors care to identify early signs and seek medical care as soon as possible. Although no cure for dementia exists, some medications and strategies can help to alleviate symptoms.Dementia is a progressive disease that worsens over time, so you should create a plan to ensure your loved one receives the personal care they need. You can help your senior age safely and comfortably in their home with the assistance of an in-home personal caregiver. A professional caregiver from Visiting Angels can do the following:Assist with personal care and housekeeping tasksMaintain daily and weekly routinesProvide companionship and social interactionReduce the risk of falls, injuries, and accidentsIf your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, an in-home caregiver could be the right option for your family. To learn more about how Visiting Angels can help, schedule a free home care consultation today!If you're interested in our compassionate home care services for you or a loved one, contact your nearest Visiting Angels home care agency today or call 800-365-4189.

If youre contemplating senior care options for a loved one, youve probably heard about assisted living. You may have looked for information on various assisted living facilities in your area. Did you know in-home care can also be an option even if your loved one is living with a condition that causes health, cognitive, or mobility challenges?The main difference between assisted living and home care is the location where the care is provided. Assisted living refers to support provided in a residential facility, where your loved one may reside in an accessible apartment, townhome, or suite with a private bathroom.Home care is provided in your loved ones residence without the need to relocate to an assisted living facility. Home care enables seniors to age in place in the comfort of their own homes with familiar surroundings and routines.What Services Are Provided by Assisted Living vs. Home Care?Assisted living facilities and home care offer similar personal care services, including help with the following:GroomingDressingBathingToiletingErrandsCooking and meal preparationLaundryLight housekeepingMobility and transfersMedication remindersTransportationHowever, in-home personal care professionals will provide dedicated, one-on-one care at your loved ones home. An in-home caregiver will focus entirely on your loved ones preferences, comfort, and safety.Assisted living care is provided by facility staff members, who may care for multiple residents during each shift. As a result, it may be more challenging for team members to provide the level of personalized care your loved one may need.What Is the Cost of Assisted Living vs. Home Care?Costs vary across the U.S. for assisted living and home care services. However, assisted living usually comes with a higher price tag and often requires residents to make a significant, up-front financial deposit before moving into the facility.On the other hand, an in-home personal care provider can offer flexibility and home care cost savings if your loved one needs assistance at certain times of day, such as first thing in the morning, at bedtime, or overnight. For example, Visiting Angels will customize your caregivers schedule so youre not paying for services that arent needed.At an assisted-living facility, residents pay one price for 24/7 care, whether its necessary or not. Assisted living facilities often offer amenities, such as exercise facilities, social clubs, trips, and meal plans. Although these amenities may be convenient, they also drive up the overall cost of care. When considering care options, ensure your loved one will use these amenities to justify the higher price.What Else Do You Need To Know About Assisted Living vs. Home Care?Other differences between assisted living and home care include:Assisted living facilities often have a waiting list for residential openings, while home care services can typically start within a few days.In-home care can be canceled at any time with two weeks notice, while assisted living involves a permanent move to a new facility.In-home personal care providers do not offer medical care, but some assisted living facilities may have medical providers on staff who can deliver health care services.Living in a congregate setting such as an assisted living facility may increase the risk of contracting colds, flu, stomach bugs, and other contagious illnesses compared to aging in place with in-home personal care.Learn More About Visiting Angels Personalized Home CareChoosing between in-home personal care and an assisted living facility is a complex, highly personal decision, and its essential to explore all your options. If you are considering in-home personal care services, Visiting Angels offers free in-home consultations for older adults and their loved ones. During the consultation, a Visiting Angels care coordinator will answer your questions, learn about your loved ones care needs, and discuss how in-home services might be able to help.Contact Visiting Angels today!If you're interested in our compassionate home care services for you or a loved one, contact your nearest Visiting Angels home care agency today or call 800-365-4189.

If your senior loved one needs in-home support, you may initially take on the responsibilities yourself. However, stress and fatigue can quickly arise when you also juggle multiple roles, including career and family obligations. Caregiver burnout is significant and has many consequences. One way to preserve your physical and emotional well-being is through respite care services.A respite care professional provides temporary relief from overwhelming caregiving tasks and responsibilities. The support affords you the extra time to address personal needs, spend quality time with your immediate family, run errands, or take a breather. Respite Care BenefitsVisiting Angels' professional home care services, both full-time and part-time, can offer you a much-deserved break if you manage personal and work duties while supporting an elderly loved one. Experienced in-home caregivers can provide the following benefits:Maintain your well-beingTaking time to look after your needsincluding health, exercise, and social interactionwill help you look after your loved one and give them the dedicated attention they require. Reduce frustration and burnoutFeeling frustrated or burnt out from time to time is perfectly normal, and you may need to step away and recharge. Visiting Angels can focus on your senior's needs so you can do something for yourself, such as going to lunch with a friend, taking a walk, going to an exercise class, meditating, attending a religious service, or reading a book.Schedule times to meet your needsWhen you hire Visiting Angels, you can choose the days, times, and the number of hours that fit your schedule and meet your loved one's needs. Whether it's a few hours a week temporarily, a long-term arrangement for a few days a month, or a specified period of time, such as a week-long work trip or vacation, the scheduled times are up to you. Help with everyday tasksIn addition to providing personal care for seniors, in-home services can help with light housekeeping tasks around the home so you can return to your normal activities without facing a backlog of laundry, housework, or errands.Avoid Senior IsolationRespite care can also help your senior maintain social skills by allowing them to interact with someone else in a safe and supportive environment. Professional companions can help seniors' complete daily tasks, such as light housework, meal preparation, and routines or they offer companion care.Provide peace of mindWhen your mom or dad is with a Visiting Angels' professional caregiver, you know they're in good hands so that you can focus on personal or family needs.How Much Does Respite Care Cost?A "one size fits all" approach does not apply to respite care. The cost can vary depending on where your loved one resides, the necessary support, and how often you use services. Average respite cost ranges include:Facility-based respite servicesRespite services in an assisted living facility may cost an average of $200 or more daily, depending on the support needed. Some facilities may require a minimum stay of several nights or days, and availability may be limited. Although an assisted living facility is a good option, you will need to arrange transportation to and from the facility and pack personal belongings for the duration of stay. Also, if your loved one is living with dementia, the change of environment may trigger increased confusion or agitation.Community-based respite careAdult day services, sometimes called "adult day care," can be cost-effective for family members who need support during the day. Some programs accept Medicaid or other insurance coverage and may charge sliding-scale fees based on income. Expenses can range from $50-$125 a day. Home-based respite careIntermittent personal assistance typically costs $35-$50 per hour, depending on where you live. Some providers may charge a reduced hourly rate for more routine services on a weekly or monthly schedule or if you schedule support for an entire weekend or 24-hour period. Does Insurance Cover Respite Care? While many health insurance plans don't cover costs for respite care, there are long-term care plans that may offer assistance. If your loved one doesn't have long-term coverage, any charges not covered by insurance or other sources would need to be paid. In most cases, Medicare does not pay for long-term care, but there are some instances where it may cover respite services for you and your loved one. State Medicaid may fund some forms of respite, depending in which state you reside. Also, the Department of Veterans Affairs may have options if your loved one is a veteran. Contact Visiting AngelsTake the first step by learning more through a free home care consultation. Contact your nearest home care office today to see how you and your family can benefit from Visiting Angels' compassionate services.If you're interested in our compassionate home care services for you or a loved one, contact your nearest Visiting Angels home care agency today or call 800-365-4189.

If your elderly loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or dementiaor is showing signs of cognitive declineyou may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to look for trusted home care information and support.In some cases, the misconceptions about Alzheimers and dementia care can cause confusion and frustration and may even prevent you from exploring available senior care options.Its crucial to separate the facts from fiction about Alzheimers and dementia home care.Below are a few common mythsand realitiesyou should know to help your elderly loved one receive the dedicated and comforting assistance they need.Myth 1: If Your Loved One Has Alzheimers or Dementia, They Need to Live in a Nursing HomeFact: Seniors with Alzheimers disease or dementia can safely receive care in the comforts of their homes.Individuals with Alzheimers or dementia require higher levels of support. Visiting Angels dedicated and professional caregivers understand the conditions and can provide compassionate non-medical personal home care assistance to ensure your loved one's well-being and safety.While nursing facilities offer specialized assistance, a move to a nursing home may upset your elderly loved one due to unfamiliar surroundings, new people, and different routines. A nursing home may be used as a last resort for your loved one, but hiring an in-home personal caregiver can extend their precious time at home helping them to remain content, safe, and engaged for as long as possible.Myth 2: Personal Caregivers Arent Experienced in Alzheimers and Dementia CareFact: Many Visiting Angels caregivers have personal or professional experience and are trained in Alzheimers and dementia care.Many Visiting Angels caregivers have a vast knowledge and skillset in Alzheimers and dementia care for the elderly. Some have worked at assisted-living facilities or community programs that serve older adults. Others have direct experience providing paid or unpaid personal care services for a relative, friend, or neighbor with Alzheimers or dementia.Visiting Angels takes a character-first approach to hiring. Although previous experience is a plus, we select candidates who have compassion for older adults and find fulfillment in meeting their personalized needs.Visiting Angels caregivers have access to extensive professional training through Visiting Angels University. Topics include:Understanding the stages of Alzheimers and dementiaManaging anger, fear, and confusionInterpreting the needs of people with Alzheimers and dementia despite communication barriersCaregivers can also pursue additional certifications through other reputable industry organizations.Myth 3: Your Elderly Parent With Alzheimers or Dementia Can Manage Themselves at HomeFact: Alzheimers and dementia can dramatically affect your loved ones safety and ability to care for themselves.Alzheimers and dementia are progressive disorders, meaning they worsen over time. Even if your loved one is experiencing mild symptoms right now, their condition is likely to deteriorate in the upcoming months and years.A Visiting Angels caregiver will assist your loved one in the early stages of the disorder. A strong caregiver-client bond allows them to feel secure and supported as their needs change. An in-home caregiver will monitor your loved ones condition and environment helping them to maintain as much independence as possible while reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and self-neglect. The caregiver or a supervisor will also communicate any concerns to you.Learn More About Visiting Angels Alzheimers and Dementia CareIf your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers disease, an in-home personal care assistant could be the right option for your family. To learn more about how Visiting Angels can help, schedule a free home care consultation today.If you're interested in our compassionate home care services for you or a loved one, contact your nearest Visiting Angels home care agency today or call 800-365-4189.