Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey

How to Improve Senior Sleep Patterns

2010-03-14T20:59:00.000-04:00

How to improve senior sleep patterns.
-Dr. Kathy Johnson, PhD CMC

Naps and medication are two of the most frequently cited ways seniors and their caregivers try to solve their sleep problems. Either (or both) may be appropriate, but each carries its own ability to disrupt sleep further. Each must be used carefully and purposefully, and in conjunction with healthy sleep habits (a.k.a. “sleep hygiene”) as outlined below.

Naps can be either the cause or the cure, depending on how and when they happen. For seniors who struggle to stay alert all day, a short nap may be the bridge they need to get them from a convenient waking time to a reasonable bedtime. Good, healthy, restorative naps are short – just 15 to 30 minutes – since longer naps can lead to drowiness and an inability to fall asleep at bedtime, relatively early in the afternoon so they don’t conflict with bedtime, and physically comfortable in a quiet and dimly lit place.

Many seniors turn to the ever-growing numbers of sleep aids – both prescription and over-the-counter – that are available. One of the potential problems with this route is that sleep aids can interact negatively with a range of medications the senior may already be taking and/or they can cause drowsiness that itself leads to accidents and falls. Worse, many sleep aids can cause confusion and disorientation even in younger, healthier people. For seniors with any level of dementia, this potential side effect must be closely monitored and avoided since it can lead to night fears, heightened anxiety, and even worse: sleep problems.

For seniors having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep long enough to feel rested and refreshed in the morning, these “sleep hygiene” tips and habits are the first steps to take:

Gradually eliminate caffeine from your diet, or at least limit caffeine intake to one caffeinated beverage in the morning. Avoid all caffeine after lunch.

1.Eat a big meal at lunchtime, and have a lighter dinner.
2.Avoid alcohol, or at least limit alcohol consumption to one drink, preferably with a meal and not right before bedtime.
3.Do some sort of physical activity every day, preferably outside where you can get direct daylight. Exercise early in the day since physical exertion too close to bedtime can be stimulating.
4.Establish and maintain a set bedtime and waking time. If you choose to take a nap (see guidelines above), do so at a regular, set time.
5.Establish a pre-bedtime calming routine. This may include a warm bath, reading, or listening to restful music.
6.Avoid television right before bed.
7.Write down or simply state aloud any fears, worries, or concerns that are on your mind as part of your bedtime routine – giving voice to such concerns can help reduce their ability to negatively impact sleep.
8.Use your bed (and preferably the whole bedroom) only for sleeping, do not read or watch television in bed.

If you don’t fall asleep after 15 – 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something quiet and calm, read or listen to restful music or a book on tape. Serious or long-term sleep disorders should always, of course, be brought to the attention of a health care provider.

The Need for Outside Help in Family Caregiving

2010-02-28T19:58:00.002-05:00

by Anne Pagnoni

Being a family caregiver for a loved one makes for a very stressful situation especially in the long-term. After a prolonged period of time, caregiving can become too difficult to endure any longer, and the caregiver reaches a crisis point. At this point outside help is typically needed.

When someone initially takes on the role of caregiver, he or she is confident and has everything under control. The caregiver is coping well with the situation. However, as time continues and the care recipient begins needing more help, the caregiver may begin to isolate from family and friends. The caregiver starts to feel alone and helpless. If the caregiver doesn’t look for outside help at this point, then the caregiver may begin to find his or her physical health deteriorating. Once the physical health of the caregiver is compromised, the caregiver loses focus and extreme fatigue will cloud judgment resulting in the caregiver being unable to make rational decisions or ask for help. Without intervention, the caregiver may find him or herself requiring care.

When assuming the responsibility of a family caregiver, it is important to enlist the help of outside professionals. A financial planner or reverse mortgage specialist may find funds to pay for professional in-home care services. An elder law attorney can help stave off future legal issues. A geriatric care manager can be a guide through the maze of long-term care issues. A home care agency can provide care services to allow the primary caregiver to take a much-needed break. Having a strong support system in place at the beginning will often make the difference between allowing a loved one to remain at home and needing to relocate to a nursing facility.

Family caregivers need the support of family, friends, and professionals. Doing it alone almost never works. If you find yourself in the position of being a family caregiver for a loved one, take the necessary steps at the beginning to get a support system in place. In the long run you’ll be happy that you did!

The Benefits of Elderly Home Care

2010-02-22T18:20:00.000-05:00

The Benefits of Elderly Home Care

by Suzan Love

As your parents and grandparents grow older, you may become concerned about their safety at home. Placing them in an assisted living facility is often considered as an option. However, homecare is an alternative that has many benefits.

1. Seniors who live at home are able to maintain a level of freedom that would not be possible at an assisted living residence. For many, this freedom is synonymous with maintaining dignity, which is something many individuals fear loosing as they age. Similarly, those who receive homecare can come and go as they please-for whatever reason. They can also choose their own meal times.
2. Elderly individuals do not have to part with any of their beloved possessions if they continue to live at home. Having the things they love physically close at hand can help keep stress levels to a minimum, as those possessions are tied to invaluable memories. Seniors can also keep their pets when living at home, and caring for an animal has been scientifically proven to have positive health benefits.

3. Those who live at home can have visitors whenever they please and are not restricted by visiting hours. This can lead to more fulfilling relationships with friends and family, as they are able to visit more frequently.

4. Living at home has physical health benefits, as it is easier to avoid those who are sick. When living in a place with many people, such as an assisted living facility, one person’s illness spreads like wildfire. At home it is also possible to request that sick people visit only after they are fully recovered.

5. Home care allows the elderly to avoid the emotional stress of moving to a new place with new people and a new routine. Maintaining continuity leads to psychological wellbeing.

6. Assisted living facilities can be very expensive and, in some cases, far away from other family members’ homes, especially in less populated areas. In many cases, seniors have already completely paid off their off mortgage, which can substantially reduce the costs of caregiving at home. The stressors related to the actual moving process are also eliminated.

7. As a final point, those who live at home are often happier than they would be living at a retirement home. The familiarity and comforts of home are irreplaceable.

There are now many products and services that make living at home both feasible and affordable. Enhanced security systems, emergency panic buttons, and home delivered meals are just a few of the options to choose from. If your elderly family member wants to live at home, honoring that wish is now easier than ever before.

Elderly Home Care Service Can Help Your Loved One Maintain Independence

2010-02-15T16:35:00.001-05:00

Elderly Home Care Service Can Help Your Loved One Maintain Independence
by Thao Nguyen

Elderly home care services are growing at an accelerated rate, and this particular industry is only poised to continue to grow as the population of the United States ages. The number of people of retirement age and older is expected to double by the year 2030, and by the middle of this century, there will be more elderly people in this country than any other age group.

While a few people are lucky and stay healthy enough to be able to take care of themselves without help for their entire lives, others are not so fortunate. With advances in preventive medicine and anti-aging technologies, the number of elderly who live alone will rise, but there will always be a need for help for those who have difficulties maintaining their independence. Family members are not always able to attend to every need of the aging parent or grandparent, especially if that person needs frequent assistance. No one wants to go the nursing home route if other alternatives are available, and that is the reason why elderly home care companies provide such an essential service.

The elderly home care agency you choose can usually help with a variety of personal care services and chores around the house. Depending on the needs and wants of your elderly relative, you can find elderly home care services that can send people out to check on him or her once a day, once a week, round the clock or however often is required. These elderly care assistants can do minor household chores, help with bathing and dressing, and administer medications. Having such a service available and on call can make the difference between your relative remaining in his or her own home and having to go into an assisted living or nursing facility.

If you decide to use elderly home care services, help your loved one interview and select the paid caregiver. Have the agency send someone over to spend some time with your relative, so they can see if the match is a good one. Not every match is right and you might have to through many different elderly care assistants before finding the right person. The whole experience of using an elderly home care service will be much more successful for everyone if you determine the needs and wants of your loved one and involve him or her in the process of finding the most suitable elderly care assistant.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thao_Nguyen

Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver - Part III

2010-01-24T20:35:00.001-05:00

Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver – Part III
Posted on Jan. 14th, 2010
by Joy Loverde

In Part I & II of Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver, we discussed that there are no blueprints in caregiving and we each must find our way. We also looked at the importance of keeping a realistic view of our demands to make sure we don’t sabotage the caregiving process. Let’s continue taking a look at caregiving and make sure we are taking care of ourselves to better help others.

Are you a walking time bomb?

Is your life already filled to capacity? Are you currently handling major, time-consuming obligations between parenting, your own career, and other commitments? How much time can you afford to devote to your elders? Eldercare requires patience, and tolerance for this kind of work may not be part of your emotional makeup. For example, if you’ve never assisted an older adult with bathing and dressing for the day, you may not realize that this seemingly simple activity could eat up the better part of the morning. What might be your reaction to an elder who asks you the same question over and over again in a matter of minutes?

Are you thick-skinned?

Disappointment, loneliness and frustration come with the job of caregiving. Your circle of friends may start to shrink; siblings and relatives will find excuses to keep their distance from you and your elders. Are you good at deflecting criticism? Can you bounce back after a hard day’s work? Can you forgive others for their shortcomings? Are you willing to get help if you suspect that you are becoming increasingly depressed?

Are you an effective money manager?

Eldercare is a bottomless pit of ongoing expenses. Beyond health care, there are other eldercare-related costs that will quickly drain the money supply: senior housing, special diets, medications, transportation, and more. Are you proactive rather than reactive when it comes to managing money? Will you seek financial advice? Will you stick to a budget in order to avoid a family financial crisis? Are you willing to talk to other family members about paying for long-term care?

Is it possible that you will have to quit your job to perform eldercare duties?

Most people cannot afford to give up their own primary means of support. Are you willing to research your company’s work-life eldercare programs? Will you be risking your job security by being candid with your boss about your eldercare situation? If your employer offers work-life benefits are you making good use of them now?

Once you know where the caregiving roller coaster is going, are you still in for the ride? Millions of us are facing this question. We all have limitations — getting help is the smart thing to do. Sometimes love is best served when we do not place ourselves in a position of resentment.

Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver - Part II

2010-01-17T17:58:00.001-05:00

Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver – Part II
by Joy Loverde

There are no blueprints in caregiving. Each of us will carve our own path. The following self-assessment questionnaire is meant to help guide you to better choices. If anything else, the answers to these questions and the questions in Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver – Part III will reveal when it’s time for you to supplement your care plans.

Do you get along with your elders, and have a fair amount of influence over them?

Perhaps at times your sister gets along with Mom better than you do. People outside the family circle or an “authority figure” may be more influential and able to accomplish what you cannot – it might be a doctor, a member of the clergy, a geriatric case manager or an attorney who may be able to step in on your behalf.

Do you live far away?

Be realistic about your ability to handle all of the eldercare details from a distance. Are there some things you simply cannot accomplish from far away? Is it realistic right now for you to pick up and move or ask your elder to do the same? Can you share duties with someone who lives closer?

Are you willing to ask for and accept help?

There is no getting around this one. If you have trouble delegating tasks or accepting help from others, then it’s simply a matter of time before the quality of your own life will begin to crumble.

Do you have strong problem-solving abilities?

Day-to-day eldercare problems are complex, multi-dimensional and sure to challenge the brightest of minds. If your confidence in researching options and making difficult decisions is low, you are better off surrounding yourself with professional advisors and, in some cases, letting geriatric case managers assess the situation and supplement the care and decision-making process.

Are you good at learning new things and taking advice?

Everybody — from health care professionals to the neighbor down the street — will have a strong opinion on how your elder should be cared for. While some of their suggestions may be off target, others may be worth considering. How flexible and open-minded are you? Are you will to make changes in mid-stream?

Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver - Part 1

2010-01-10T20:18:00.001-05:00

Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver – Part I

Posted on Jan. 7th, 2010

by Joy Loverde

If I had to create a “Help Wanted” ad as a way to hire a family caregiver, this is how the advertisement would read:

HELP WANTED

Person available and on-call seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day with no days off and little or no financial compensation. Qualifications:

•Can speak medical, insurance, and legalese
•Financial planning and bookkeeping
•Juggle multiple scheduling systems
•Car with valid driver’s license
•Heavy lifting
•Expertise in home maintenance and repairs
•Dietician, meal planning, and chef
•Medication management
•Limitless patience
•Ability to change plans in mid-stream
•Social worker and spiritual director
•Willingness to sacrifice personal time and put career plans on hold
•Can withstand criticism and ongoing feelings of isolation
•Loves surprises
Seasoned family caregivers know all too well about the stresses of eldercare even under the best of circumstances, and family caregiving is not necessarily a short-term commitment. Responsibilities very often last for decades.

If you are not acknowledging how family caregiving may be affecting he quality of your own life, and you do not recognize yourself in the “Help Wanted” ad above, then I beg you to ask people you trust if they think you are taking on way too much by yourself.

Too often, family caregivers have rigid beliefs on who does the care and how it should be implemented. Making hasty statements like, “My mother will never go to a nursing home!” and taking pride in not asking others to pitch in will surely get the best of you.

Unrealistic goals and unhealthy attitudes can sabotage the caregiving process. When we come face-to-face with our own limitations and can’t provide the kind of care we wish we could, we feel it’s our own fault. The truth is we may not be the most qualified person to take on all of the caregiving responsibilities all of the time. Limitations of relationships, time, stamina, and skill dictate how much help we can realistically offer.

Keep an Eye on the Family Caregiver – Part II and Part III will offer a self-assessment questionnaire.

Leisure Activities Help the Brain Stay Sharp

2010-01-03T21:13:00.002-05:00

12/22/2009
Leisure Activities Help the Brain Stay Sharp
By: Tufts University

Keeping your brain busy, even with leisure activities like reading or visiting with friends, may help you stay mentally sharp.

Research has shown that keeping your brain intellectually "active" may provide some protection against Alzheimer's disease. But what about less intellectual pursuits, like taking a walk or visiting with friends? Could they also protect your brain? It's possible, according to a study published recently in the journal Neurology .

While previous studies have found intellectual activities, such as career-related and educational work, to be associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease, few studies have looked at the potential effect of leisurely pursuits on brain health. So researchers in New York set out to do just that. They recruited a group of 1,772 older men and women with no clinical signs of dementia, and asked them how often they participated in any one of 13 leisure activities. The choices ranged from physical activities such as walking and participating in an exercise class, to social activities such as playing cards, listening to music, and going to movies. The researchers then tracked the participants for up to 7 years, noting those who developed dementia during that time.

The results showed that those with a high participation in leisure activities were 38% less likely than others in the study to develop dementia. This effect held even after the researchers factored in other things, like occupation and health limitations, known to affect risk of dementia. The activities most strongly associated with lower risk were walking, visiting with friends, and going to movies or restaurants.

It can't be said for sure why high participation in leisure activities was associated with a lower risk for dementia in this study. The researchers speculate that participating in leisure activities may give people a "reserve" that allows their brain to stay sharp for a longer period of time before symptoms of dementia set in. It's also possible, say the authors, that the constant thought that goes into all kinds of activity, even leisure pursuits, helps the brain to function properly.

It's important to note that low participation in leisure activities may not reflect increased risk of dementia. These people may perhaps have already had the beginnings of dementia, and that impeded their ability to participate in leisure activities.
While further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results, this study is evidence that living a life rich in both intellectual and leisurely pursuits may be good for both physical and mental well being.

Source
Influence of leisure activity on the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. N. Scarmeas, G. Levy, M-X. Tang, et al., Neurology, 2001, vol. 57, pp. 2236--2242

How to Hire a Home Health Aide & Keep Future Medicaid Eligibility

2009-12-22T21:23:00.002-05:00

Spotlight on Elder Law: How to Hire a Home Health Aide and Keep Future Medicaid Eligibility

As long term care needs increase, hiring home health aides often becomes necessary. Paying an aide, however, if not done correctly, can cause Medicaid ineligibility years later, after funds run out.

Qualifying for Medicaid requires spending down assets below $2000. Transferring assets may cause Medicaid ineligibility if you do not receive something of equal value back. Medicaid calls this a "penalty". However, and this is key, you must prove to Medicaid that assets transferred are not subject to a penalty. If you pay the aide cash (or check) but don't keep proper records Medicaid will assess a penalty. The aide may be reluctant to give you anything in writing, either because of immigration or income tax issues.

The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by the average cost of nursing home care. When one applies for Medicaid there is now a 5 year lookback period, meaning Medicaid will look back 5 years from the date of the application to find transfers. They will add together all the transfers made during that time. The penalty will begin when all other assets have been spent down and the individual enters a nursing home and applies for Medicaid.

Let's say Jane hires a home health aide at $700 per week cash, or $3000 per month. She keeps the aide 3 years until her funds run out and now needs round the clock care. A nursing home becomes the only option. She applies for Medicaid but is told, "Sorry, you're not eligible for 16.2 months. You'll have to private pay until then." Of course, Jane has no more money. She'll have to come up with the funds some other way, perhaps from family members. But at $8500 per month or more that may not be possible.

How did Jane get into this mess? Because Medicaid treated her payments to the aide ($108,000) as transfers subject to a penalty. How can you avoid Jane's problem? By keeping records to prove the payments were not gifts, which probably means paying withholding taxes and workers compensation insurance. Another, perhaps better, solution is to hire a home health agency that will supply the aide. Your contract with the agency will satisfy Medicaid that no gift is involved.
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Tune in to Yale Hauptman's monthly audio podcast on elder law issues at www.elderlawtodaypodcast.com.If you're not yet on our mailing list go to http://hauptmanlaw.com/requestinfo.asp to sign up.

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Spotlight on Elder Law is distributed for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information or to receive future mailings contact Yale S. Hauptman at Hauptman & Hauptman, P.C.

Time is Not on Your Caregiving Side

2009-12-16T22:09:00.003-05:00

Time is not on your caregiving side

by Joy Loverde

If you don’t make good use of your time when you are gathered together as family during this holiday season, you will never ever get that kind of quality time to make plans for the future with your aging parents. In the eldercare world, change happens quickly. If you choose to say and do nothing this time of year, you lose. There is a reason why my book, The Complete Eldercare Planner is over 350 pages long. THERE’S A LOT OF STUFF TO PLAN FOR AND TALK ABOUT right now.

The possibility that your parents may need the family’s help down the road is real. And while it may be difficult to think about the day you hope will never come, doing nothing to plan for family caregiving responsibilities will leave the entire family in even worse shape — emotionally, financially and otherwise.

As a rule, family holiday gatherings are not the ideal time to discuss parent-care issues or to resolve them. Besides, who wants to spoil the festive atmosphere by talking about a potential hotbed of depressing emotional issues such as eldercare? Instead of trying to talk to your parents about their future well being during family holiday visits, try these three tips instead:

1. Before the holiday family visit – pick up the phone and call your siblings. Tell them of any present and future concerns you may have about your parents. Let them know how you feel about the importance of planning ahead should anything happen to Mom or Dad. Make a specific request that when everybody is together in person that they join you in looking and listening for clues that your parents may need help sooner rather than later.

2. During holiday family visits – the most efficient use of physically being together is watching for tell-tale signs that problems may exist. Are your parents walking slower or having difficulty climbing stairs? Are you sensing they are becoming more forgetful? Do you suspect they are having trouble making ends meet financially?

3. After the holidays – Arrange a family meeting – over the phone or in-person, and discuss your observations with your siblings; then make a date to talk with your parents about your concerns.

Elderly and Depression: How to Understand Depression in the Elderly

2009-12-10T22:21:00.002-05:00

11/30/2009 - Articles
Elderly and depression: How to understand Depression in the elderly 1/4
By: Heinz Redwood

Depression in the elderly is very common. It can be triggered by social isolation and the emotional reaction to the loss of loved family members or friends. Depression in the elderly can make them withdraw from all social contact. ‘Depression is perhaps the most frequent cause of emotional suffering in later life’ said Dan G Blazer, Professor of Psychiatry at DukeUniversity. Being socially isolated, particularly after the death of a partner, and co-existing illness may contribute towards depression in elderly. Depression often goes undiagnosed or untreated so it becomes an increasing public health issue in our ageing society. The challenge, then, is more one of managing depression effectively in later life rather than understanding the condition.

How widespread is depression among older people? Recent surveys suggest a prevalence between 1.8% in the over 55s to 15% in those over 85. While depression is actually less prevalent among the old, compared to the young, major depression may be more common. There is also a clear link between chronic disease and depression, with those in nursing homes showing higher rates than those living in the community. But is the link a causal one? We know that illness can cause depression (and vice versa), but we cannot be sure residents of nursing homes are depressed because they are ill or because their care is not sufficiently ‘caring’.

And when it comes to the gender gap, it’s well known that women are more prone to depression in Europe and North America. But a new study from China, covering 2,633 adults, showed that the gender difference is insignificant, save in the 35-49 age group where lifetime prevalence for major depression for men was 3.6% compared to 2.3% for women.

There is also a cultural dimension to elderly depression. A meta-analysis of nine European centres revealed a prevalence of 8.8% in Iceland in the 88-89 age group compared to 23.6% in Munich in the over 85s. And, among the ‘oldest old’ 2% declared ‘life not worth living’ and 3% ‘wish to be dead’ in Iceland, compared to 16% and 25% in Berlin and 30% and 29% in Munich. The researchers wondered if some lingering distress from the Second World War could account for high rates of depression among very elderly Germans.

Causes of depression in the elderly:

Pain, functional limitations, visual impairment, stroke, loneliness, lack of social support, negative life events, and perceived inadequacy of care have all been linked to depression in the elderly. Living alone or being socially isolated is also a risk factor for depression. It is certainly possible that, if personal privacy were very important to the resident, a perceived lack of privacy could contribute to feelings of depression. Browse through HealthandAge's Information for Caregivers for tips on choosing nursing homes/care facilities and recognizing depression in the elderly.

Finally, a number of risk factors for elderly depression have been identified, including medical burden, bereavement, chronic insomnia, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

If you are concerned about Depression in the elderly, you might want to read the following articles:
Menopause and Depression: Myth versus Reality Alcohol and Depression: Is There a Relationship?Depression and Sexual Activity When the Problem is 'Depression'
Source:
adapted from ‘Elderly depression. 1. Its prevalence, causes and implications for society’ Heinz Redwood, August 2009.

Holidays with Alzheimer's Disease

2009-12-07T17:38:00.001-05:00

Posted on Dec. 6th, 2009
By Jo Nelson

Holiday time is coming up, and for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be a very challenging time of the year. Here are some suggestions to help you and your loved one to have a safe and happy season together in spite of the obstacles.

In the midst of putting up decorations, rearranging furniture and putting up Christmas trees, the person with Alzheimer’s will do better in an environment that is as consistent as possible. Try not to move the furniture more than absolutely necessary, and watch for danger spots, like electrical cords or throw rugs that could cause a fall. Don’t have candles burning in places that could easily be brushed up against with clothing. Avoid using blinking lights or decorations that look edible. Use your loved one’s best-loved decorations to spark memories and increase their ability to enjoy the festivities. Play familiar Christmas songs, and fix traditional foods that they will enjoy.

Have young children play in a separate room to keep noise levels down and avoid causing your loved one to feel panicked or agitated. Alzheimer’s patients pick up on the moods of others around them, and the atmosphere needs to feel serene and peaceful for them to enjoy visitors. Have just a few guests at one time, and avoid large crowds of people. Name tags are very helpful and will keep your loved one from feeling frustrated and embarrassed when they can’t remember people they should know. Have a quiet room that the Alzheimer patient is accustomed to in case they feel overwhelmed by too much noisy activity. If you notice signs of increased confusion or agitation, assist them to their quiet place to rest for a while.

Christmas stories from years gone by will help draw your loved one in and keep them involved in the celebration. It’s much easier for people with Alzheimer’s Disease to remember things that happened long ago than something that happened yesterday, so reminisce!

Try simple tasks to occupy the time, like frosting cookies, stamping envelopes for cards, or making simple ornaments. Look at catalogs together and help your special one to order gifts for people they care about. Take time to look at photo albums and talk about happy holiday times together. This could be just what they need to reconnect and appreciate the holidays, creating more memories that you will hold dear for years to come.

Jo Nelson, RN is the owner of Servant’s Heart Homemaker Services, a personal care assistance company located in North Central Indiana.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Nelson

Making the Right Home Care Choice in Northern and Central New Jersey

2009-02-11T09:50:00.007-05:00

By Kevin McClarren

Home health care services: Asking these questions can help you choose the best provider for your needs.

If you or a loved one is recovering from surgery or need long term care for a chronic illness, you may be interested in home care services. Home care agencies provide services that range from home support such as cleaning, cooking and running errands to help with transportation to MD appointments and more.

The best place to receive ongoing care may be in the comfort of your own home. But to receive quality assistance, it's important to know what questions to ask so that you hire the home care agency that's right for you.

To help you sort through your options, ask questions to help you evaluate the services. There are several facets to home care, and asking the right questions up front can help you choose the best agency for your needs.

Agency qualifications
· How long has the agency been in business?
· Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program?
· Is the agency certified by Medicare? If so, that means it meets federal requirements for health and safety. An agency's Medicare survey report is public information. If the agency isn't certified, ask why.
· Is the agency licensed by the state? Most states — but not all — require agencies to be licensed and reviewed regularly. These reviews may be available upon request and can be valuable for gauging the quality of an agency. To obtain a report, contact your state health department.
· Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.
· How does the agency protect client confidentiality?
· What are the credentials of the providers?

Quality of care
· What is the professional training of the staff?
· Will the agency provide you with the services of nurses aides, CNAs or therapists? Will they work directly with you, your family members or your doctor?
· Are the caregivers bonded and insured?
· Does the agency provide a supervisor to evaluate the quality of home care on a regular basis?
· Does the agency have references on file for home care staff?
· Do employees seem friendly and helpful?

Costs
· How does the agency handle expenses and billing? Does the agency provide literature explaining its services and fees? Does it provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?
· What resources does the agency provide to help you get financial assistance, if needed?

Understanding services
· Is there a written plan that details services to be provided by each caregiver? Documents — including financial arrangements — should be given to you before service begins so that there's no misunderstanding about the service to be provided.
· Does the agency provide a brochure that outlines fees, eligibility requirements and services provided? Many agencies provide a "patient's bill of rights" that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
· Will you be involved in planning for care or making changes to the care plan?
· Who will be working in your home, and what are his or her specific duties?
· What procedures does the agency have for emergencies? Are caregivers available round-the-clock? Is someone on call?
· How does the agency address and resolve problems? Who can you or another family member contact with requests, questions or complaints?
· Does the home care agency require that you have a primary family caregiver as a condition of admission? If so, what will be required of that person?
· How many hours of coverage a week are allocated?

Monitor your home care service

After you've found a home care provider, it's up to you to monitor the care you or your loved one receives to make sure it's what the doctor ordered. That's where having a detailed, written care plan can help. Make sure the care you're receiving follows what's detailed in the plan. Record the number of visits from the agency. If you have any questions about the care you're receiving, ask your doctor.

Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of Northern and Central NewJersey. 53 Mountain Boulevard, Suite 103, Warren, NJ 07059. Phone – 908-668-8200. Website: http://www.homecareassistancenj.com/. E-mail: km@homecareassistance.com

Elder Care Issues - Having a Family Meeting

2009-01-23T14:47:00.003-05:00

In an ideal world, all family members would share the responsibilities in caring for their elderly parent (s) when that parent can no longer care of themselves or needs assistance in doing so. Unfortunately, in the real world, inner family conflicts, emotional and physical distance, or other interferences prevent such meetings from taking place. In the end, one or two members of the family are left with all of the responsibility and burden of long term care for their parents.

In our case, our family "meeting" involved emailing our brother who lives in Northern California and talking to him when he comes down to visit with his family. Though there are six of us in our family, unfortunately, not all six of us are fully on board with the situation. Why? Read the above paragraph again. You'll probably find some similarities with your own family. If by chance, you are one of the lucky few who is able to gather all of the important figures together, you all have to come up with viable solutions to your parent or parents' needs. Where do you start? What do you talk about?

First rule of thumb, don't expect to have ANYTHING solved with 1,2 or 200 meetings. Circumstances change, people change, feelings change. The purpose of the meeting really, is to enlighten the others on the situation your parents are facing.

Assigning Duties: Probably the most important issue in conducting a meeting would be to decide who is responsible for what. How do you decide who will be responsible for what? In our case we have to put on many hats, because it's just the 2 of us. However, since my sister has an extensive financial background in her previous occupations, she has taken over their finances. Since my dad's stroke 8 years ago, I have been the primary "medical" person. I have taken both he and my mom to most of their doctor's appointments and have a thorough knowledge of their medical histories. Our brother offers input on different subjects from time to time and has offered financial assistance when the time calls for it. Our other sister has taken over nursing duties for our mom when our main caregiver takes her days off. Not all of this has been easy, and we still struggle, but we are working towards a goal and that is to make sure they live the rest of their lives peacefully and that we keep our sanity.

Things to Consider Topics to discuss and to consider are listed below.
· Latest Medical History and needs
· Emotional Needs
· Fears: both shared by parents and children about dying, being overwhelmed, changes in family dynamics after the death of a family member
· Daily Caregiving Needs: should they move in with someone, stay at home, or a facility?
· Safety?
· Financial Concerns
· Legal Concerns
· What type of support do they need? How will it change if their illness progresses?

There's a lot more to consider, but these are good areas to start if not, the most important areas. Think about what may be specific to your family situation too and hopefully, with proper planning, preparation and cooperation, your parents and your lives should run as smoothly as possible.

http://www.caring-for-mom-and-dad.info/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Broyles

Top Ten Cold and Flu hints and products

2009-01-23T14:46:00.003-05:00

In the winter it's harder not to get sick, than it is to remain healthy throughout the season. For many reasons, we find ourselves grabbing for the tissues instead of our vacation guides. Many of us already are sick 365 (or 366 if it's a leap year!!) days of a year, so we need to get over this whole mess fast! Here are the top ten tips and products to help you get through the cold and flu season this year.

1- Get a flu shot!!! They talk about the "most at risk" categories, but the truth is if you don't have egg allergies (since the vaccine is made from eggs,) there is no reason NOT to get one. This year there is PLENTY to go around and it is never too late to receive one, in order to protect yourself. This won't guarantee you will not have any flu episodes, but it can help! And let's face it, we need all the help we can get!! (If you don't think you can afford an office visit and the shot, look for clinics in your area. Many pharmacies have them throughout the season.)

2- Air out that house! We shut ourselves in with some drying heat method and forget that we need fresh air! Turn down the thermostat a little and crack a window open for 15 minutes. Just get some freshness in and breathe deep. A little goes a long way to keeping you healthy and breaking the cycle of "pass the cold."

3- Use saline! Saline will help thin mucus, prevent build-up and moisturize those traumatized passages. Gel saline is great for overnight! It's a simple thing you can do to help things along. Also it's good to use before bed if your heating method, like forced air or a wood stove, is particularly drying! A little prevention goes a long way.

4- Use products made to shorten a cold! (Try Zicam for OTC) If you go for prescription or over the counter methods, they all really help. They can shorten a cold or flu from 7-14 days right down to 5 or less, depending on the situation and the method. Save yourself days!!! (Of course, consult your doctor before taking anything new.)

5- Use supplements like Airborne. These immune boosters really do help! Use them before going to malls, on planes or even before bed to help your body fight something off. They taste great, are easy to use and relatively inexpensive compared to some of the treatments available! (A good multivitamin can be a boost as well!!)

6- Think positive!! My mother never got sick and her secret? She refused to get sick! She thought "I won't get a cold this year! I am just fine!" Sometimes mind over matter can be a big thing! Also a more depressed mood can depress your immune system and stress your entire body! Perhaps you can join a church group or just an online peer-to-peer chat mailing list.

7- Hand washing is the best! Use warm, not hot, water with a good soap. (Antibacterial or not, it doesn't matter!!) Work up a rich lather (paying attention to between fingers, wrists and under nails as well!) and sing "Happy Birthday" in your head twice. Rinse thoroughly. Dry thoroughly. Every step is important and just washing several times a day like this can prevent SO MUCH! I highly recommend good lotion soap this time of year too. Dry skin can crack and cause issues! (Maybe try some lotion after washing!!)

8- Exercise! We all get home bound eating rich, hearty baked meals this time of year and forget to enjoy the season! Take a good long walk and move those muscles! (Another way to get fresh air, too!) If you bundle up right, you can go anywhere without fear! Exercise helps both body and mind and a well exercised body can easily fight off more, making it less likely you will catch that office cold!!! (Just be careful in slippery conditions!!)

9- Relax! Now you got fresh air and exercised, find time in all the stress and bustle this time of year to do some yoga, meditate, write in a journal or simply listen to some music with a hot cup of something. We forget ourselves a lot of times, but this time of year you are just as important as everyone else. My best friend swears a good hot bath can fix anything, even create world peace! While I don't think as highly of them, I do believe in their power of restoration! Try it!

10- See your doctor!! A good well visit this time of year can be a push to catch things early! Also before trying most of this, it's recommended you see your doctor for drug interactions and advice! What is good for the goose may not always be good for the gander. Always work within your limits and never get discouraged if something doesn't work as fast as you'd like or maybe not at all.

Stay healthy and have a wonderful winter season!!

© 2008 by Jennifer Altherr, Butyoudontlooksick.com

2009-01-07T11:36:00.002-05:00

Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey. Serving North Jersey, Central Jersey, North/Central Jersey, Essex County, Morris County, Warren County , Union County , Somerset County , Raritan Valley , and Hunterdon County.

Located at Warren Twp (near Watchung) and Parsipanny, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200 or e-mail us directly at km@homecareassistance.com - We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.

Take Charge of Your Vision!

2009-01-07T11:33:00.004-05:00

By Dr. Bruce P. Rosenthal

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in Americans over 50, yet a disease that few talked about until recently.

For years, many assumed vision loss was a natural result of aging. We are learning that this isn't the case. Much can be done to preserve vision through prevention, early detection via regular eye exams, treatment, vision rehabilitation, support services and research.

AMD is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral vision intact. Possible warning signs of AMD include difficulty in distinguishing colors, blurry images, straight lines that appear distorted or wavy and central vision blocked by dark or empty spaces. Those affected by AMD often have trouble reading a book, driving a car and distinguishing faces and traffic signs.

An estimated 6 million Americans have vision loss from AMD and approximately 13 to 15 million Americans have pre-symptomatic signs of AMD. Some form of AMD affects 25 to 30 million people worldwide, and that number is predicted to double in the next 35 years.

Smoking is the only proven risk factor for AMD. Other possible risk factors include genetics, cataracts, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color and a diet low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Despite the prevalence of AMD, awareness remains quite low. A study commissioned by the AMD Alliance International revealed that only 3 percent of Americans surveyed think AMD is the leading cause of severe sight loss among adults 50 and older and 79 percent are not aware of any treatment options for the disease. (Research Source: Survey among representative samples of 6,591 adults from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and United States commissioned by AMD Alliance International, May 1999).

Every week, new AMD patients arrive at LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL claiming they were "dismissed" by their regular doctors with the words, "There is nothing more I can do for you." This is absolutely wrong. The field of low vision is advancing daily, and there are many ways to make the most of remaining sight.

Follow these initial steps, along with others recommended by your eye care provider, to take charge of your vision.

Regular Eye Exams: It is imperative that regular eye exams and tests (Amsler Grid) and early detection are a priority especially if there is a family history of this condition. This enables your eye care provider to discuss available options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services, as well as other recommendations for your specific lifestyle, diet and circumstances.

Treatment: Talk with your eye care provider to learn more about the two treatments that currently exist to treat some forms of wet AMD—photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation—as well as research on the horizon.

Vision Rehabilitation: Counseling and training help people with vision impairment to function independently. Discuss tools such as low vision aids and magnifiers, lighting, computer enhancements, large print publications, "talking" devices like books, watches and microwaves and practical daily living skills for reading, cooking, sewing and more.

Support Services: Reach out to find support groups of patients and vision experts in your local area.

Life does not end with a diagnosis of AMD. Today, it is possible to see better and live an active and rich life despite the loss of central vision.

If you have a friend or a loved one who has AMD or any other vision problem and could use some extra assistance, be sure to tell them about home care services in your area.

Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey. Serving North Jersey, Central Jersey, North Central Jersey, Essex County, Morris County, Warren County , Union County , Somerset County , Raritan Valley , and Hunterdon County.

Located at Warren Twp by Watchung and Parsipanny, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200 or e-mail us directly at km@homecareassistance.com - We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.

Dr. Rosenthal is chairman of AMD Alliance International and chief of Low Vision Programs at Lighthouse International. He is also an executive council member of the Low Vision Section of the American Optometric Association. He has written and lectured widely on visual impairment.

10 Ways to Stay Mentally Active

2008-12-24T10:59:00.002-05:00

By Nemi Weeks

I decided to write this article after an experience I had when I went home for Thanksgiving. I'm a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with a passion for taking care of the elderly...both at work and at home... both strangers and family.

My mom, who is approaching 60, has left her keys in the keyhole on the outside of the door to her condo several times... Overnight Even!! Scary, huh?

When I went home for Thanksgiving, I noticed she has written "KEYS" on a piece of tape and stuck it to the inside of the door at eye level. Of course, this will only be a reminder for a short period of time (evidenced by the fact that she left them on the outside while we were visiting!), because this tape will become part of the door, thereby causing her to no longer notice it.

Aging can be a frightening process for some. Some may see the downside to aging as less physical mobility, mental decline, and illnesses. As we all know, however, there is certainly an upside, which includes more financial stability, retirement, and grandchildren! There are several ways to ensure more pros than cons when it comes to aging. One way would be to...
Stay mentally active!

Your lifestyle may be the key to slowing cognitive decline. Studies have shown that older adults who are cognitively active were 2.6 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia than those who were not.

The following list spells out 10 ways to stay mentally active.

1. Crossword Puzzles: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neurons.

2. Attend Lectures: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by listening to very new information.

3. Go to Plays: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by listening to and watching something very new.

4. Read and Write Daily: Preserves cognitive function.

5. Gardening: M.Vaccae, a harmless bacteria found in soil, activates brain cells to release mood-lifting chemicals.

6. Board Games: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neurons.

7. Video Games: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neurons.

8. Stay Curious and Involved: Exposes you to the opportunity to learn something new, which will force the brain to do a different kind of mental processing.

9. Enroll in a Course/Class: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by studying and applying a new skill.

10. Remain Socially Active: Makes mental activity enjoyable and can reduce stress hormone levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.

All of these activities have a bonus effect besides brain stimulation: They are all confidence and self-esteem boosters. If nothing else is gained, you're sure to have fun!

Nemi Weeks is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with a passion for protecting the well-being of the elderly and improving their quality of life. With over 14 years of experience in the Healthcare industry, she is quite familiar with what it takes to remain healthy. She is the owner and operator of Orlando Home Care, a Home Care Referral Agency. You can visit the company website at http://www.orlandohomecare.net, or her blog at http://www.thingselderly.homestead.com/

If you have a friend or a loved one who could use some extra assistance, be sure to tell them about home care services in Northern Central New Jersey. Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200. You can also contact Kevin McClarren at km@homecareassistance.com for more information, or visit us on the web at Home Care Assistance.

Located at Warren Twp (near Watchung) and Parsipanny, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.

Family Caregiver Training Offers Valuable and Insightful Information

2008-12-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

By Andy West

We are a nation that is aging rapidly, with the largest generation, Baby Boomers, growing near to retirement age. Because of this, there will be many Americans in need of medical care in the next three or four decades, more so than in previous years. This means that more and more children and other relatives will be called upon to take care of their aging relatives. The economy in its current state has financially ruined hundreds of thousands of people, and this will undoubtedly affect the retirement of our Baby Boomers. In home health care and family caregiving, some predict that many of us will become do-it-yourselfers. That doesn't have to be a daunting prospect if you have the right outlook and family caregiver training.

Nurturing those who nurtured you during your early years will give you pride in your familial relationships, not to mention the fact that you will be spending the last days caring for your relatives. The bonds shared during this time will give you memories for a lifetime after they're gone. You'll be helping your family in one of the best ways imaginable. It's a noble calling, but you've got to be prepared in order to do it right. One of the best ways to prepare is by purchasing and watching training DVDs on the subject of elderly home care. Some of the material on training DVDs may already be common knowledge to most, but much of the material may be new to family members who've never had to care for a parent, disabled friend or elderly relative. A variety of videos are available on the market that will assist you in everything from the very basic to the very detailed and concise.

For instance, it's vitally important to know what to do in cases of emergency, such as a home fire, or if the person you're caring for has a heart attack, a stroke, a seizure, or a fall. Falls can have devastating consequences for the elderly, so you need to know what to do so that you can act quickly and calmly. Some efforts taken within the first five minutes of a serious event can save a life. Knowing what to do in family emergencies will enable you to take appropriate action quickly. You will be prepared and know not to panic, or just make plain bad choices. Getting the proper training in family care giver techniques will help you to preserve the life and health of your important loved ones for years to come.

It's not only important to know how to cope with emergencies; you must also know how to assess a person's quality of life and know how you can assist. You may be required to carry out the common day-to-day tasks that caring for an elderly and infirm person demands. Some of them are simple things like knowing how to do laundry efficiently, iron, clean, help with showers and general hygiene. It's also important to understand the value of good nutrition. Your needs may be completely different from your 90 year old aunt. She may need calcium, low sodium, low fat, nutrient enriched supplements, just to name a few. Being able to prepare a variety of different, tasty, nutritious meals is essential to caring for another person, especially when appetites are low. It is essential that the person you are caring for eat regularly, so they can maintain a good quality of life.

Being a good housekeeper, a good cook, and good training all make a great caregiver. With the current prices of medical care and the state of our economy, it's no question that caring for your family will soon be more of a responsibility for the younger generations. Be prepared with family caregiver training, and get your siblings and cousins to join your efforts. You won't soon be disappointed.

Andy west is a writer for Medifecta, is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and knowledge of professionals through family caregiver training. For more information please visit Medifecta.com.

Home Care: Questions to Ask in North Central New Jersey

2008-12-22T14:46:00.002-05:00

By Kevin McClarren, Owner, Home Care Assistance

Home care agencies provide services that range from home support such as cleaning, cooking and running errands to help with transportation to MD appointments and more.

To receive quality assistance, it's important to know what questions to ask so that you hire the home care agency that's right for you.

To help you sort through your options, ask questions to help you evaluate the services. There are several facets to home care, and asking the right questions up front can help you choose the best agency for your needs.

Agency qualifications
• How long has the agency been in business?
• Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program?
• Is the agency licensed by the state? Most states — but not all — require agencies to be licensed and reviewed regularly. These reviews may be available upon request and can be valuable for gauging the quality of an agency. To obtain a report, contact your state health department.
• Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.
• How does the agency protect client confidentiality?
• What are the credentials of the providers?

Quality of care
• What is the professional training of the staff?
• Will the agency provide you with the services of nurses aides, CNAs or therapists? Will they work directly with you, your family members or your doctor?
• Are the caregivers bonded and insured?
• Does the agency provide a supervisor to evaluate the quality of home care on a regular basis?
• Does the agency have references on file for home care staff?
• Do employees seem friendly and helpful?

Costs
• How does the agency handle expenses and billing? Does the agency provide literature explaining its services and fees? Does it provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?
• What resources does the agency provide to help you get financial assistance, if needed?

Understanding services
• Is there a written plan that details services to be provided by each caregiver? Documents — including financial arrangements — should be given to you before service begins so that there's no misunderstanding about the service to be provided.
• Does the agency provide a brochure that outlines fees, eligibility requirements and services provided? Many agencies provide a "patient's bill of rights" that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
• Will you be involved in planning for care or making changes to the care plan?
• Who will be working in your home, and what are his or her specific duties?
• What procedures does the agency have for emergencies? Are caregivers available round-the-clock? Is someone on call?
• How does the agency address and resolve problems? Who can you or another family member contact with requests, questions or complaints?
• Does the home care agency require that you have a primary family caregiver as a condition of admission? If so, what will be required of that person?
• How many hours of coverage a week are allocated?

Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey. Serving North Jersey, Central Jersey, North/Central Jersey, Essex County, Morris County, Warren County , Union County , Somerset County , Raritan Valley , and Hunterdon County.

Located at Warren Twp(near Watchung) and Parsipanny, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200 or e-mail us directly at km@homecareassistance.com - We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.

5 Ways to Pay for Home Care In North Central New Jersey

2008-12-22T13:30:00.002-05:00

By Kevin McClarren, Owner, Home Care Assistance

1. Privately paying for long-term care means paying for care out of your own income, investments, savings and assets.

2. Long-term care insurance will pay for in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. This is the most appropriate and needed form of insurance protection available to us today. Long-term care insurance should be termed “lifestyle” insurance (it’s NOT nursing home insurance!). If your vision of your later years includes sitting at home in your own recliner, with your own remote control, watching your own TV….well, you should be planning for that future with long-term care insurance.

3. Reverse mortgages (Home Equity Conversion Mortgages) have become one of the most popular and accepted way of paying for many different expenses, including the cost of long-term care. Reverse mortgages are designed to keep seniors at home longer. A reverse mortgage can pay for in-home care, home repair, home modification, and any other need a senior may have.

4. Government assistance should be a last resort when considering how to pay for long-term care. This type of assistance refers to relying on the Medicaid system. Medicaid will pay for long-term care for seniors who cannot afford to pay for care themselves. Keep in mind that Medicaid is an under-funded and over-burdened system, therefore Medicaid resources are limited. This means that in many areas Medicaid beds in nursing homes are difficult to find. Families may end up driving long distances to visit their loved ones. Traditionally, Medicaid resources for in-home care are extremely limited, which means most seniors who apply for Medicaid end up in a nursing home type setting. The Deficit Reduction Act 2005 makes qualifying for Medicaid even more difficult for most families. Planning ahead is really the only viable option for families today.

5. VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: The Veterans Administration has established a pension program whereby your purchase of personal care and attendant home services may be paid for through your acquired pension. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran who has served at least 90 days or more on active duty with one day beginning or ending during a period of war, and you are in need of assistance at HOME due to your disabilities, you may be eligible for VA's non-service connected disability pension.

Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey. Serving North Jersey, Central Jersey, North Central Jersey, Essex County, Morris County, Warren County , Union County , Somerset County , Raritan Valley , and Hunterdon County.

Located at Warren Twp (near Watchung) and Parsippany, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200 or e-mail us directly at km@homecareassistance.com - We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.