Visiting Angels

If you are a family member caring for an older adult, you probably have many other tasks to juggle, such as work, childcare, errands, housework, and more. Keeping other aspects of your life running smoothly and efficiently while meeting a senior loved ones needs can be overwhelming and stressful. You may also struggle to find time for yourself to relax.However, finding time to rest and recharge is essential to reduce the risk of caregiver burnout.Tips to Manage Caregiver StressCaring for an elderly loved one can be rewarding but also drainingphysically and mentally. Sometimes, you need to self-reflect and focus on your own well-being. Fortunately, there are opportunities and resources to help you alleviate caregiver stress and enhance the quality of life for your senior loved one and you.Here are a few tips that can help you manage caregiver stress and maintain a healthy balance in your life:Delegate senior care tasksAssigning specific senior care tasks to others can remove items from your to-do list and reduce stress, too. If you are busy with senior care responsibilities, dont hesitate to ask family, friends, neighbors, or others to assist you with items such as picking up prescriptions, preparing meals, or providing companionship for your loved one. Skilled home care services from a reputable agency like Visiting Angels can provide professional assistance.Hire assistance with personal errands and choresConsider time-saving resources such as grocery delivery, online shopping, or house-cleaning services when things get hectic. If your budget permits, hiring someone to mow your lawn, repair items around the house, or tackle other long-overdue projects can free up time so you can focus on your well-being.Reduce other stressors, if possibleManage the aspects of your life that cause unnecessary stress. Although it is impossible to eliminate stress 100 percent, you can take simple steps to streamline your life such as meditating, going outside more, reducing your time on social media and news, and avoiding activities that cause anxiety.Prioritize what is most important in your lifeFigure out what is essential in your life and devote your energy to those pursuits making sure that self-care ranks high on the list. Focusing on what matters most will allow you to establish priorities and place the less-important commitments lower on the list.Let go of guiltWhen you care for an older loved one, you might feel awkward about focusing on yourself or asking for help. Let go of the guilt. Taking time for yourself will promote overall well-being and help you feel reenergized to provide your senior with better, more compassionate care.Consider respite careRespite care is short-term or temporary care that provides a break from your caregiver duties so you can go on vacation, tend to work or family responsibilities, or take a breather. A Visiting Angels caregiver can deliver professional, compassionate in-home care when you cant be there for your senior. And best of all, respite care is fully customizable to needs, schedules, and budgets.Caring for an older adult is a big job that requires you to be at your best. Pay attention to your stress level and take steps to reduce it. This will help you provide the best possible care for your senior, so you can enjoy your time together. And always remember, Visiting Angels' compassionate caregivers are available to assist you.

Adult day care provides older adultsparticularly those with physical or cognitive disabilitieswith supervised programs and activities that encourage companionship and socialization in a professional location. Care is typically delivered in a group setting, which allows older adults to interact with staff members and each other.Some adult day care centers are managed by public or community-based agencies, while others are run privately through an assisted living facility or another type of for-profit business.According to the National Adult Day Services Association, more than 4,600 adult day care centers exist across the U.S. a 35% increase since 2002. These facilities currently serve more than 260,000 individuals, a 63% increase during the same period.What Services Does an Adult Day Care Provide?When choosing an adult day care, check with the provider about the specific services offered. Programs and services differ between facilities but may include:Social activities, trips, and outingsDoor-to-door transportationPersonal care assistanceMeals and snacksSocial work and case managementPhysical, occupational, or speech therapyOn-site nursing servicesDisease-specific programming for chronic conditions, mobility concerns, cognitive impairment, and other illnessesMost programs are open on weekdays during regular business hours and may have full-time and part-time options. Some may also offer short-term respite care to give family members a break from caregiving responsibilities.How Much Does Adult Day Care Cost?Costs for adult day care services vary depending on the area where your loved one lives, the options available, and the level of assistance required. Some providers may charge fees on a sliding scale based on your loved ones income. Costs may range from as little as $25 to several hundred dollars per day.What Are the Pros and Cons of Adult Day Care?Adult day care is an option for older adults who need social interaction and physical activity to improve their overall well-being. Enrolling an older loved one in an adult day care program can enable you to work, tend to personal and family obligations, or simply take a break reducing stress and the risk of caregiver burnout.However, it can be challenging to find a center that offers all the services your senior loved one requires. Some centers may also have long waiting lists due to limits on the number of participants. Other centers may mandate your loved one attend a certain number of days or hours per week.Additionally, some seniors especially those who are experiencing cognitive decline may find adult day care to be physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing due to the amount of time they spend away from home and familiar surroundings.Depending on state regulations, one aide is typically assigned to a certain number of participants, reducing the ability to offer personalized, one-on-one attention for your loved one.Professional In-Home Care May Be a Better Alternative to Adult Day CarePersonal care delivered by a qualified in-home caregiver can provide the support your senior needs and deserves in the comfort of their own home reducing travel, stress, and in some cases, costs. Visiting Angels, a leading provider of senior home care, will deliver personalized, one-on-one assistance for your loved one on a schedule that accommodates needs, requests, and budget.Professional caregivers can provide support on an hourly basis at any time of the day or night, enabling you to customize the length and frequency of visits. You will only pay for the frequency of services you need. This provides significant savings compared to assisted-living facilities or adult day care centers.Choosing the type of care that is best for your loved one is a big decision, and it helps to have as much information as possible. Visiting Angels can set up a free home care consultation to discuss various options and explain how in-home senior care can help your loved one age safely and comfortably in their home.

f your senior loved one shows signs of memory loss or has dementia, the thought of them getting lost or wandering is a major concern. According to the Alzheimers Association, six out of 10 people with dementia will wander at least once and some will do so repeatedly.While you cannot eliminate the risk of your senior wandering or getting lost, there are technologieslike GPS trackers for seniorsthat have emerged as possible solutions. These gadgets can help your loved one maintain their independence while allowing you to monitor their location, activity, and safety.What Are GPS Trackers for Seniors?GPS trackers for seniors are small, discrete devices attached to your loved ones clothing, belongings, or accessories that can accurately track and monitor their whereabouts in real time on a map. Similar to GPS apps on your phone or in your car, the tracking devices coordinate with satellites to pinpoint your seniors precise location at all times.GPS trackers can also send you timely alerts if your loved one strays or wanders from their home, a predefined boundary, or safe zone. Some are equipped with emergency buttons for your senior to press if they become lost or need help.What Types of GPS Trackers Are Available for Seniors?Smartphones with GPS capabilities are popular and can help you find an older adult who is lost. However, the technology is only helpful if your elderly loved one has a smartphone physically with them and it is properly configured to allow for tracking capabilities.Todays GPS tracking technology goes beyond smartphones and offers numerous options for seniors and family members. Options include:Wristband alarm systemsThese systems include a wristband worn by your senior that sends an alert signal whenever your senior leaves a pre-specified safety zone. Some of these alarm systems require enrollment through a local public safety agency and allow you or a caregiver to alert first responders if your senior becomes lost or has a sudden fall.SmartwatchesA smartwatch is an ideal GPS-tracking solution if your loved one is accustomed to wearing a watch. Most smartwatches allow you to pair it with an app on your phone to track your seniors movement remotely. Additionally, smartwatches may provide other valuable health data, including heart rate, sleep habits, and activity levels.Wearables and attachablesIf your senior cannot tolerate wearing a watch or wristband, other systems are available that can be secured to clothing or shoes, attached to a keychain, or stored in a pocket or handbag. These devices can be synced to a smartphone app that provides real-time mapping and may include other features such as two-way voice capabilities, boundary alerts, panic buttons, and more.What Should I Consider When Researching GPS Tracking Devices?When researching GPS tracking systems for your senior, consider the following factors when deciding which system is the best fit:CostIn addition to the cost of the system, dont forget to include activation and subscription fees to determine the systems total overall cost.RangeConsidering where your senior travels can determine whether you need local, regional, national, or worldwide coverage. You should also consider if the system allows you to set boundaries and receive alerts when the perimeter is breached.AlertsSome systems offer text and email alerts, while others use an app-based alert system. You should decide whether the types of alerts, such as battery, speed, movement, and boundary alerts, will meet your loved ones needs.Data accessAlthough most systems use satellite connections to determine your loved ones location, some may require cellular or internet service to access the app or utilize the tracking device.A Professional Caregiver is Another OptionAlthough choosing a GPS tracking system for your loved one can help improve their safety and provide you peace of mind, having a professional caregiver by your loved ones side can dramatically reduce their chances of wandering or getting lost.If your loved one needs dementia care or is showing signs of memory problems, contact your nearest Visiting Angels to learn more about personalized in-home support.

For more information on Visiting Angels, Click Here.Older adults may notice their vision starting to worsen as they age. While it may be a normal part of aging, all eye problems should not be ignored. Vision changes or disorders should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.The risk for many eye conditions increase for individuals in their 60s and beyond. Troublesome eye conditions include:Difficulty focusing on items up closeNeeding more light when readingDry eyesLoss of peripheral visionFloatersTrouble seeing contrast between colorsSome seniors may also be at higher risk of developing serious eye disorders, such as:CataractsDiabetic retinopathyGlaucomaRetinal detachmentAge-related macular degenerationBut whether a senior is dealing with normal age-related vision changes or an eye disease, routine eye care should be an important part of their health regimen.Why is Routine Eye Care Important for Seniors?Because seniors are more likely to develop eye diseases or vision changes, routine eye care can help detect problems early before serious issues arise that could significantly affect their eyesight.For example, diabetic retinopathy a progressive condition that affects people with high blood sugar can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Although diabetic retinopathy is not curable, treatments may help slow or stop the progression. Early treatment can reduce the risk of blindness and help maintain better vision.Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, is another condition that is not curable or reversable, but may be manageable if detected early.A cataract, which occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, is very common and may be treatable with surgery. However, an eye care professional will need to monitor to ensure the cataract does not worsen over time.How Can Routine Eye Care Maintain Quality of Life?Keeping a diagnosed eye disease under control through routine follow up and monitoring is a critical part of preserving and maximizing your older loved ones vision. But even if your loved one is not living with an eye disease, routine eye care can help them maintain quality of life.Age-related vision changes may prevent your older loved one from engaging in activities and hobbies such as reading, driving, or golfing. They may even challenge everyday activities, such as matching dark blue and black socks when folding laundry or reading a digital clock from across the room. At worst, vision issues can increase the risk of accidents and falls around the house or make driving unsafe.In addition to conducting a complete eye exam, your loved ones eye care professional can make recommendations that can improve your seniors ability to see or reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.Professional Home Care Can Assist Seniors with Vision ProblemsIf your older loved one has a vision concern, a Visiting Angels caregiver can assist in a variety of ways, including:Eye exam remindersA Visiting Angels senior care provider can remind your loved one when its time to schedule or attend their eye exam and arrange for transportation if needed.Creating a safe environmentOur caregivers can monitor for hazards (i.e. clutter, loose rugs, hard-to-see stairs, slippery floors, etc.) around the home that could lead to a slip, trip or fall.Managing daily tasksAn in-home caregiver can help your senior manage everyday tasks that may have become difficult due to vision concerns. From help with reading or cooking to assistance with errands to organizing items so they can be easily identified by touch, a Visiting Angels caregiver can provide the help your loved one needs.Assistance with vision aidsVisiting Angels caregivers can incorporate vision aids into your older loved ones everyday life. If your senior needs help keeping track of their glasses, reading a prescription, or adjusting their TV or cell phone settings, our caregivers can lend a hand.Managing modifiable risk factorsIn-home caregivers can prepare healthy meals, remind your older adult to take medications to control chronic conditions, and encourage regular exercise to promote eye health.Providing companionship and comfortAccording to the National Institutes of Health, older adults with vision loss may be at a higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. A Visiting Angels caregiver will provide your loved one with companion care and social interaction in the comfort of their own home.If a senior is experiencing vision changes, our caregivers can provide dedicated and personalized assistance. Our caregivers will monitor your loved ones well-being and ensure you of their safety and well-being.

Maintaining balance and strength is increasingly vital to the overall well-being of aging adults, particularly for those with mobility concerns. Falls can have severe consequences for seniors, leading to debilitating injuries, loss of independence, and a decline in overall quality of life.One in four older adults experiences a fall each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can assist your senior loved one in reducing their risk of experiencing severe injuries by helping to improve their balance and strength.What Causes Balance Problems?Mobility concerns become increasingly prevalent in aging adults due to various factors, including physiological changes, chronic health conditions, and reduced physical activity. These issues can significantly impact their balance, strength, and daily lives, affecting their independence, safety, and overall well-being.In addition to normal aging, balance problems can be caused by:Medication side effectsInner ear problemsMedical conditions (i.e. diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, etc.)How Can Seniors Improve Balance and Strength?Recognizing and addressing mobility concerns is crucial in empowering older adults to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle while minimizing the risks associated with falls and functional limitations. By working with your loved ones doctor, you can develop a plan to address their balance and mobility concerns, which may include:Physical therapyPhysical therapists are experts who understand how reflexes, balance, coordination, vision, and hearing all work together to help people move. A physical therapist can assess your loved ones condition and recommend balance exercises for seniors to address areas of concern and help them get around confidently.Occupational therapyOccupational therapists can teach strategies to reduce fall risks, such as getting up from a chair properly or using a cane or walker. Occupational therapists can also work with family members to teach them how to assist a loved one with mobility concerns.Yoga and tai-chiYoga and tai chi for seniors are exercises that can help improve strength and balance in older people. These forms of exercise are gentle and can be safely modified to be done while seated.How Can Seniors With Balance Problems Stay Safe?Improving balance through exercise can help your senior remain independent for as long as possible. However, if your older adult is experiencing challenges with balance and wants to age in their own home, one-on-one assistance from a qualified personal care provider can reduce the risk of a fall especially when navigating the bathroom, stairs, or outdoor spaces.A Visiting Angels caregiver can be by your loved ones side to assist them when getting out of bed or a chair, walking around the home, bathing, or going outdoors. Through its Safe and Steady Fall Prevention Program, Visiting Angels will keep your loved one as safe as possible by promoting habits and easy home modifications to reduce your loved one's risk of falling at home.Contact your local Visiting Angels home care office and learn how the Safe and Steady Fall Preventionprogram can help reduce your aging loved ones risk of experiencing a life-altering fall and keep them safe and comfortable at home.

Elderly care can be difficult to provide for your aging loved ones, especially when you work, live far away, and/or have children that require care and attention. As their needs and demands increase, you cant always offer the 24/7 care they require at home. You may try to schedule regular visits from caregivers and family members to attend to their needs. However, a decline in physical and/or cognitive functions or a change in a situation where one parent now lives alone may prompt you to consider round-the-clock care.Moving your elderly parent to an assisted living facility or a retirement home is not your only option.Live-in and 24-hour home care can ensure a caregiver is available to address any personal needs and provide senior companion care - day and night in their own home. Companionship is known to improve seniors moods and stave off loneliness and isolation that can lead to depression. According to WebMD, one in three older adults lack companionship, with many feeling isolated.Home Care for Elderly in Their Own HomesSometimes, assisted living care provided by you or a reputable home care agency is not enough as seniors age. Signs that indicate a switch to 24/7 care at home include:Increased signs of bruising that indicate falls or tripsWetting the bed or other accidents due to an inability to make it to the bathroom on their ownGreater reliance on assistive equipmentWandering around and away from the homeIncreased confusion due to advancing dementiaFeeling isolated or overwhelmed caring for themselves aloneAssistance to drink or eatA recent move from rehabilitation or a hospital visitDecreased agility and/or mobility due to a stroke or chronic conditionA move by family or friends who provided careMost seniors want to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. An AARP study reports that almost 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they get older and 82% prefer to stay put when receiving daily assistance. Live-in or 24-hour elderly care can satisfy these preferences while providing you with the comfort of knowing that they are safe in the place where they want to live.  The Difference Between Live-in and 24-Hour CareWhile live-in and 24-hour caregivers may seem redundant, terms of elderly care are different for each. Understanding the difference will help determine the best choice for a seniors specific circumstance.LIVE-IN CARELive-in caregivers stay in the home day and night to perform duties outlined on the care plan. One caregiver could work during the week and another on the weekends. Live-in caregivers are provided an 8-hour break and sleeping bed to rest.Pros: With just two scheduled caregivers, you and your loved one may form a stronger bond. In addition, the caregivers become more familiar with your senior to understand favorite routines and how to address special needs and moods. Familiarity is especially beneficial to the elderly diagnosed with dementia.Cons: As the client does not receive direct supervision during the caregiver break, live-in care may not be sufficient for individuals who require care at all times of the day and night to ensure their safety and well-being. 24-HOUR HOME CARETwo or more caregivers rotate shifts to ensure someone is always awake and available day and night to help the client when needed at any time.  Pros: A trained and alert caregiver is always awake to care and supervise your loved one. Rotations ensure caregivers are refreshed and ready to address different situations. Seniors who wander at night can benefit from someone who is alert to their movements. Cons: While less consistency in caregivers, scheduled visits still prevent isolation experienced by many seniors. Costs are typically higher than live-in care.What's the Best Elderly Care Choice?Live-In Care for the elderly is appropriate when your loved one:Sleeps through the night with minimal assistanceDoes not require constant attention to prohibit wandering or other potentially dangerous activities24-Hour Care is appropriate when your elderly loved one:Wanders or poses a threat to themselves due to physical or mental limitationsIs frequently awake during the night or show symptoms of sundowners syndrome when an individual becomes more active or agitated as evening fallsLive-in or 24-hour care can serve as a temporary solution to seniors just recovering from surgery or returning from rehab. It also can allow you or other family members to take a much-need break or go on vacation with the peace of mind that your aging loved one is safe and secure in the comfort of their own home.While live-in and 24-hour in-home care is paid by the client, Medicaid can provide assistance in some situations depending on financial and physical needs as well as state residence. Medicare Waiver Programs  provides support to the elderly with special needs. Veterans long-term care and other long-term care insurances may assist with payments.Home care provides essential elder assistance on an hourly, overnight, 24-hour and respite care basis. Care plans include a variety of services that attend to personal care, hygiene, housekeeping, personal hygiene, meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders and more. Visiting Angels even offers certified palliative care programs, dementia care and Alzheimers care.Sources:https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20190304/survey-1-in-3-adults-feel-lonelyhttps://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/liv-com/ib190.pdfhttps://www.payingforseniorcare.com/medicaid-waivers/home-care.htmlhttp://medicaidwaiver.org/state/delaware.htmlhttps://www.visitingangels.com/fortmyers/articles/visiting-angels-assisted-living-services-for-elderly/295 

When researching senior care for an older loved one, it is normal to feel anxious, confused, and frustrated with all the available options. So, where can you seek honest answers and personalized advice to make the best possible choice?Look no further than Visiting Angels, a leading provider of senior home care services.Visiting Angels employs home care experts called care coordinators (also known as care managers) who serve as primary points of contact to answer questions when you need trusted information about professional in-home assistance.Care Coordinator ResponsibilitiesWhen you contact your local Visiting Angels home care agency, a coordinator will schedule a free home care consultation with you and your loved one to:Answer questions about servicesConduct an in-home safety and fall risk assessmentGet to know your senior by asking about favorite activities and hobbiesProvide information about options, costs, and policiesShare helpful community resourcesUnderstand needs and propose a scheduleIf you proceed with services, you and your loved one will sign a Client Services Agreement. Your coordinator will prepare a comprehensive, personalized home care plan and then select a caregiver who fits the personality, preferences, schedule, and needs of your loved one. You will then meet your coordinator and caregiver to review the plan and receive answers to any additional questions.Care Coordinator Duties After Services BeginYour coordinator will provide essential support throughout the home care journey. Many families develop strong working relationships with their coordinators and consider them vital members and resources on the care team.Your coordinator will get to know you and your family to facilitate comprehensive assistance in prioritizing your loved ones overall well-being.Ongoing responsibilities of coordinators include:Communicating with you and other family membersConnecting you with community resources as neededManaging changes to your loved ones plan or schedulePeriodically checking in on your loved one and their caregiverProviding support and recommendations as your loved ones needs changeWorking as a liaison between you and your loved ones caregiverCall Visiting Angels TodayAlthough responsibilities may vary slightly among agencies, Visiting Angels coordinators play an essential role in delivering outstanding home care for older adults across the country.If you are considering compassionate and dedicated assistance for a loved one, contact your local home care office to speak with a helpful Visiting Angels coordinator.

When your aging parent has mobility issues that prevent them from getting around easily, it can be challenging for them and for you. Being concerned and anxious about their limited mobility and declining independence is normal.Whether your loved one can no longer drive, has trouble walking long distances, or requires a walker or wheelchair, there are ways to support them while ensuring they receive the compassionate senior care they deserve.Risk Factors For Mobility ConcernsAlthough aging is the primary risk factor for mobility challenges, other conditions may also increase your loved ones risk of experiencing problems, including:Low activity levelsObesityLoss of muscle tone and strengthBalance impairmentDepressionDementiaA recent hospitalization or health eventChronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and neurological disordersFortunately, some of these issues may be treatable through rehabilitation, medication, or mental health care. Talk to your loved ones physician if they have any risk factors.Strategies For Coping With Mobility ChallengesOne of the most significant challenges of managing mobility concerns is adjusting to a new normal. Although it may take some time and creativity, an older adult can maintain their quality of lifeeven if how they get around has changed.Support from you, other family members, and an in-home caregiver can help them stay positive throughout this adjustment period.Here are a few strategies to help you and your loved one cope with mobility changes:Ask for helpIf balancing your personal, family, work responsibilities, and caregiving duties become difficult, ask for help from family members, friends, and neighbors or hire a Visiting Angels in-home personal care provider. When you cant be there for your loved one, in-home caregivers can provide companionship and help your loved one with personal care tasks, medication reminders, light housekeeping, errands, and more.EmpathizeIt can be difficult for an older adult who has been independent all their life to rely on others for rides, groceries, and help with personal needs. If your loved one sometimes seems frustrated, try not to take it personally. Listen to their concerns and provide reassurance to help improve their emotional well-being.Provide opportunities to socializeOlder adults with mobility concerns can easily become socially isolated, which can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Be sure to provide your older adult with plenty of opportunities to socialize with others and facilitate transportation, if possible. Attending religious services, visiting a senior center, going to lunch with a friend, or inviting a friend over for a visit are all good options to raise your loved ones spirits.Enhance home safetyYou can reduce your loved ones risk of falling by installing grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower/tub seats, and other equipment in the bathroom, removing clutter and rugs, improving lighting, and installing non-slip flooring and mats. In-home caregivers can identify hazards around the house and provide stand-by assistance.Professional Caregivers Can Help Seniors With Mobility IssuesMobility concerns are certainly life-changing, but with proper support and planning, they dont have to limit your loved ones quality of life.If you notice problems with your aging loved ones mobility, consider hiring Visiting Angels to assist in their day-to-day care. Our local coordinators will meet with you and your loved one for a no-cost home care consultation to discuss specific needs and requests.

For more information on Visiting Angels, Click Here.Seniors and their loved ones typically make New Years resolutions as the holiday season draws to a close. While eating healthier, exercising more, or taking up a new hobby are common themes, families with older loved ones should consider setting goals for senior care during the coming year.What are the Benefits of Senior Care Resolutions?Senior care resolutions establish goals and priorities that reflect what is most important to an older loved one. Family members and caregivers can work on ideas to ensure everyone is communicating, on the same page, and working toward the same goals.Making resolutions can also provide seniors with a sense of purpose and clarity. Having a plan to achieve specific goals can also reduce some of the stress and uncertainty related to aging and caring for an older adult.What are Examples of Senior Care Resolutions?Here are six examples of senior care resolutions that you can use to guide discussions with your older loved one, family members, and caregivers:Plan for senior careWhile your older loved one can live independently right now, the day may come when they require assistance with everyday activities. Learn about their wishes regarding elder care. Do they prefer in-home care or an assisted living facility? What financial or insurance resources are available to pay for their home care? What is most important to them as they age?After you understand their preferences, begin investigating senior care options. Setting up a no-cost, no-obligation meeting with a Visiting Angels representative can provide you and your senior with information about home care costs and needs.Organize medical and personal recordsCompiling an emergency medical file for a senior could save their life. Organize medical and insurance information and keep it in an easily accessible place. Family members and caregivers should have a copy of the file. You may wish to organize financial information, life insurance policies, wills, and related documents into a separate file.Downsize and declutterMany seniors may want to declutter their homes but find it difficult to relinquish a lifetime of belongings. Assist your loved one by sorting through their possessions. Proceed at their pace and allow them to have the final say on what to keep, sell, donate, and discard. The task may take time, but you may enjoy reliving happy family memories together. And, if you need extra help, a Visiting Angels caregiver can continue the project with your older loved one when you cant be there.Stay in touchIf you live far away or are too busy with a job and family of your own, it can be easy to lose touch with an elderly loved one. Commit to staying in touch by setting up a regular time for phone or video calls. If technology is a barrier, an in-home caregiver can assist with setting up video calls and other communication methods.Utilize technologyWhether for safety, socialization, commerce, or convenience, a resolution to try technology can help improve your older adults quality of life. Constant Companion, a proprietary voice-activated system that uses Amazons Echo Dot to support Visiting Angels clients, is one example of life-enhancing technology designed for older adults.But if your loved one is a little intimidated or unsure about using the latest gadget, having an in-home caregiver at their side can improve their confidence. A Visiting Angels caregiver can also monitor for online and phone scams to reduce the risk of your older adult becoming a victim of fraud.Ask for helpWhen it comes to senior care, failing to ask for help can have disastrous consequences. For older adults, it can lead to self-neglect and accidents around the home. For family members, it can lead to  caregiver burnout, anxiety, and resentment. If you are struggling to care for your senior or if you notice that your senior is having difficulty caring for themselves or their spouse then seek professional assistance from a Visiting Angels in-home caregiver.Visiting Angels can provide your senior loved one with personal care and companionship and instill peace of mind for you and your family members during the new year and beyond. Contact us today!

A comprehensive care plan is one of the best things you can do to ensure a senior loved one remains comfortable and content at home, but specific legal matters may also need your attention and consideration.Organizing your loved ones legal affairs can protect and streamline their assets, finances, healthcare, and estate planning while giving you peace of mind that critical documents are in place when needed during a health emergency or at the end of life.Honor Your Seniors WishesTalking about legal documents with an older loved one can be difficult and uncomfortable. However, delaying this conversation may cause uncertainty and stress if your loved one suddenly needs help making financial or medical decisions.Consult with an attorney and execute any legal documents before health, financial, or legal issues arise. Common legal documents may include the following:Last Will and TestamentA will outlines the distribution of your loved ones property, money, and possessions after death. A will also names the person overseeing the distribution of their estate and outlines final wishes about funeral arrangements. If an older adult does not have a will, state laws determine how to distribute the estate.Advanced Healthcare Directives or Living WillMany older adults also elect to prepare a living will that specifies the types of medical treatments they do and do not want if they cant make their own healthcare decisions. Seniors may choose to include a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order in their living will if they do not wish healthcare professionals to revive them after their heart stops.Revocable Living TrustA revocable living trust enables seniors to transfer ownership of their assets to a trust while maintaining control over their possessions during their lifetime. A revocable living trust offers privacy protection and probate avoidance. It also allows the transfer of assets to beneficiaries after the senior's death.Power of Attorney (POA) Financial and Health CareOlder adults should complete two separate power of attorney documents: One to designate a person to handle their finances and a second to assign a person to make health care decisions if they cannot decide on their own. Older adults can choose the same person for their financial and healthcare decisions or a different person for each. This person, called a proxy, should be familiar with their healthcare and financial wishes.Beneficiary FormsIf your loved one has a life insurance policy, pension, or retirement account, they should complete a beneficiary form to designate who will receive any remaining funds after they die. Make sure all beneficiary forms are complete and up to date.HIPAA FormsYour loved one may choose to complete HIPAA forms to permit their doctors to share health information with designated individuals, such as family members or caregivers. Unlike a power of attorney, HIPAA forms allow health care providers to share information with selected individuals even when your loved one can still make health care decisions.In addition to legal documents, your loved one should gather other information that may help family members manage their estate, including:Personal information, such as date of birth, social security number, marriage certificate, etc.Prepaid or preplanned funeral informationLife insurance policiesInvestment, tax, banking, and credit/debit card informationHealth insurance and medical informationDeeds for various propertiesVehicle titles and registrationContact information for financial advisors, insurance agents, accountants, attorneys, and other professionalsA list of passwords and login information for accounts and membershipsA list of improvements made to any properties, with completion datesOrganize Legal Papers and Other DocumentsAfter your loved one completes their legal paperwork assisted by an attorney, it can be challenging to keep everything organized and easily accessible in the event of an emergency.Gathering and organizing your loved ones legal and estate documents in one place is a great start, but the effort will be in vain if no one knows or remembers where the information is stored. Your loved one should tell a trusted family member, friend, or attorney where they can locate their important papers.Remember, legal documents and requirements may vary according to state, jurisdiction, and other circumstances. Discuss your loved ones legal affairs as soon as possible with an experienced attorney specializing in elder law.

If youre thinking about starting home care for an older adult, a home care assessment is an essential first step. At Visiting Angels, a care coordinator will meet with you and your loved one to discuss your care requirements.You may be overwhelmed by the variety of senior care options available. Anxiety can increase if a loved one has immediate personal care needs. However, an assessment and home care consultation can help ease any trepidations.Why Do You Need a Home Care Assessment?A home care assessment is conducted with your loved ones needs, abilities, and safety in mind, and may include the following:A walk-through around the home to look for safety hazards and fall risksA discussion about how to optimize the home for maximum safetyCreating a care plan that outlines the schedule and services providedA detailed care plan provides a road map that outlines when and how a caregiver will perform specific tasks for your loved one.When is a Home Care Assessment Performed?A Visiting Angels assessment typically occurs after a no-cost, no-obligation home care consultation. During the initial consultation, your loved one and family members will meet with a care coordinator at your loved ones home.The initial consultation details the services Visiting Angels provides. Topics for discussion may include:Physical care needs, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, meals, and mobilityEmotional care needs, such as social interaction, activities, hobbies, and conversationSchedule, including when your loved one would benefit from having a caregiver in the homeAssistance with daily activities, such as light housework, groceries, laundry, and meal preparationLogistics, such as how to access the home, documentation, and other administrative detailsPreferences, such as favorite music, activities, foods, goals, and expectationsDuring the initial consultation, if you want to start in-home services as soon as possible, the coordinator may perform a home care assessment during the same home visit.However, it is common for families to take some time to decide whether home care is the right choice. You can always reach out to Visiting Angels when you are ready and schedule a home care assessment at a later date.How Can You Prepare for a Home Care Assessment?Be willing to have an honest discussion about your loved ones abilities, safety, home environment, and care expectations. Prepare a list of questions important to you and your loved one, and keep it nearby during the assessment.Visiting Angels care coordinators are skilled at discussing delicate personal care concerns in a dignified and respectful way. They can provide a wealth of information and resources to improve your loved ones safety, quality of life, and well-being.Contact Visiting AngelsA home care assessment may sound intimidating, but it ensures your loved ones environment is safe and that everyone is on the same page regarding their care. If you think in-home personal care might be the best choice, contact your nearest Visiting Angels home care agency today.