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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Elder Care Issues - Having a Family Meeting
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
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
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
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
10 Ways to Stay Mentally Active
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
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.
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.
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