How Can You Convince A Loved One to Hire a Caregiver?
One of the most difficult conversations you might have in your lifetime is trying to convince an elderly parent or loved one they need assistance from a caregiver. Whether it’s pride or fear of losing their independence, it’s normal to be met with resistance. Your loved one might suggest that they are fine or that you can help them, but you know outside help is needed. Here are five strategies that can help you convince a loved one to hire a caregiver. Early planning. Have conversations with your loved one about where they see themselves in the future. Do this long before a health crisis arises. Ask questions. Find out why your loved one is refusing help. It could be
How Respite Care Keeps Families Healthy
Providing long-term care for a family member takes an emotional, physical, and economic toll on families. If you are the primary caregiver for an elderly parent or family member, you are more likely to suffer from exhaustion, sickness, stress, and depression. It is important to remember that you and your family’s health and well-being should be a priority, too. Respite care provides caregivers the opportunity for a break from caregiving responsibilities. What is Respite Care? Respite care comes in many forms. It could consist of: In-home care for a loved one that is handicapped, ill, or in need of around the clock care. Temporary institutional care in a care facility or extended stay center. Scheduled time spent at an adult day
Creating Environments that Revolutionize Aging
Senior residential communities come in all stripes, and all of them try to create an environment where residents have access to activities and care depending on their needs. How can you create an environment that allows seniors to live in their homes with the same benefits? IoT and Telehealth There’s a lot of buzz about the Internet of Things in health care and telehealth. Both of these technological tools allow seniors to more easily age in place. Smart devices can monitor vitals and blood sugar levels, transmit data to care teams, and alert patients of when they need to take insulin or other interventions. Telehealth allows patients, especially those in rural areas, to consult with doctors and nurses without having
Why Caregivers are Considered Patient Advocates
Whether you care for a loved one in their home, or manage their care from a distance, you have probably found yourself responsible for advocating for your loved one’s needs. Perhaps you’ve been on the phone with insurance companies on behalf of a loved one with dementia, or expressed concerns to your loved one’s care team about a sudden change in pain levels. Home care workers are an important line of defense in many ways, including patient advocacy. Managing Medications Non-medical home care workers make sure patients take their prescription medications on time. They can also transport clients to and from medical appointments and pharmacies. They can help patients understand what each medication is for and how it is meant
Cost Savings of Reducing Hospitalizations
Avoiding hospital visits saves patients, providers, and government aid programs a whole lot of money. More importantly, we shouldn’t lose sight of how avoiding hospitalization benefits the patient. No one wants to be transported to the emergency room if they can avoid it and stay at home instead, safe and healthy. What a Nursing Home Study Teaches Us About In-Home Care A recent study by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found that a 17% drop in preventable hospitalizations led to $50 million in savings. During a four-year experiment, participating long-term care facilities were given training in order to treat certain conditions in their facility instead of transporting patients to the hospital. These results are possible because long-term care
Prevent the Flu Among Aging Adults
The flu virus presents an annual risk to our population, especially among aging adults. Flu symptoms can quickly escalate into medical emergencies among those with compromised immune systems. This includes people with chronic illnesses, and it also includes aging adults whose bodies generally take longer to recover from illnesses. Flu Activity During 2017-2018 During the 2017-2018 flu season, the CDC has reported widespread flu activity across the United States. Here’s how nonmedical home care workers can help seniors avoid contracting the flu: Transportation to a doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy to receive the flu vaccine. Preparation of healthy meals to keep up immune system strength and ensure seniors are sufficiently hydrated. Checking in on seniors regularly and letting their care