Caring for a loved one can be a very difficult process filled with many decisions and questions. We would like to help you with your senior care questions and concerns. Just leave your questions in the comment section of this post and we will work to get you the answer you need. Your participation in the Q & A will help you and other senior caregivers in the community.

Crystal Alexander, Human Resources Director for Absolute Home Care in Idaho Falls, Idaho shares some helpful information to help family members choose a caregiver for their loved one. Her advice applies to both independent caregivers and caregivers hired though a home care agency.

Caregivers with Integrity

When choosing a caregiver it is important to look for someone you really feel is trustworthy; someone who will tell you when they make a mistake or when anything goes wrong. Ask the caregiver directly how they will handle specific scenarios when things do go awry. Finally, you want someone you can trust to tell you what is really going on with your loved one in your absence.

Genuine Concern for your Loved One

Sincerely caring about the comfort and well being of others is a pre-requisite to ensuring the caregiver will be a good match for your loved one. Look for a caregiver who shows genuine interest and concern, by both asking questions about the your loved one and listening to the information you provide.

Perceptive and Intuitive, with Appropriate Boundaries

Just because you are not hiring a nurse does not mean your caregiver won’t need to detect subtle changes in your loved one’s condition. A quality caregiver will be attentive to these changes and will seek to have them addressed. At the same time they also need to know when to show restraint, for example to redirect a senior who is becoming anxious or preoccupied towards a more positive activity.

Health and Safety

Your caregiver should be current in their CPR certification. They should understand basic hygiene and infection control procedures. Ask what types of continuing education activities the caregiver engages in. Is the caregiver able to provide you with a current negative Tuberculosis screen, or doctor’s statement that they are currently clear of this disease?

Does/Is the caregiver:

• Dress neatly and appropriately?
• Wear sensible footwear?
• Keep their fingernails trimmed short? (to avoid nicking a clients sensitive skin).
• Free of strong perfumes?
• Ask about safety equipment and protocol in the home?
• Inquire about where the emergency phone numbers are kept?

A quality provider is first and foremost concerned with their client’s safety, and will ask questions to ensure they have necessary information to keep their client safe.

Sense of Humor and Positive Outlook

A caregiver who has a sense of humor and positive outlook on life is going to be uplifting to be around, and better able to handle stress. Caregivers develop close relationships with clients, so a caregiver who focusses on the positive will have a positive influence on your loved one’s well being. Look for a candidate who does not talk about their personal problems.

Caregiver Support Structure and Self-Care

Caregiving can be stressful. It is important that your caregiver have a support system of his or her own. Things to know in advance are whether the caregiver has supportive ties to the community, be it family, friends, church, school, or other involvement. You also want to look for indications that your caregiver takes good care of their personal well being. Are they well groomed? Organized? Do they seem stressed, late, or hurried?
A caregiver who is not meeting their own needs is going to be hard pressed to provide quality care to others.

Caregiver Background Screen

Your caregiver should be able to provide you with an employment history which includes current contact information for current and past employers, and you should contact each and every one. Gaps in employment should have a logical explanation.

Sometimes an employer is precluded from giving you anything more than a confirmation of dates worked, however if you explain to the employer that the applicant will be working in the home with an elderly or disabled client and you need to know if they would be considered safe you will get them to open up a bit and give you more information.

Obtaining a thorough FBI background check can provide you with critical information about a caregiver. Supplement this with a search of your state’s court repository as well as a department of motor vehicles driving record. Don’t forget to include other states the caregiver has resided in.

Remember, criminal records only reflect activity that was detected by law enforcement, so trust your instincts even in the absence of a criminal history!

Just as important as the contents of a caregivers criminal history is their truthful disclosure of anything you might find. Try to get ahold of the criminal record clearance from your local department of health and welfare; compare this to their job application. Check to see if any crimes are listed on the clearance letter and whether the caregiver disclosed those crimes at the time of their application for fingerprinting.

Be sensitive to the embarrassing nature of past criminal conduct, and allow the caregiver the opportunity to disclose any such information by asking directly about any history, what they learned from it, and how they changed as a result. Being able to learn from past mistakes is a valuable trait.

Hiring a caregiver is not the time to be shy or polite. Be prepared to ask the difficult questions. You have a right to know the answers!

If you would like assistance or more information you can always call us at 1.866.775.0028, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Therea Phillips, Client Care Manager for All Valley Senior Home Care in Walnut Creek, California shares some tips about what to do when an adult child caregiver’s elderly parents refuse outside help.

As our parents age we walk a fine line between making sure that they are taken care of and taking away their independence. All of a sudden children are now in the position of protecting their parents. They find themselves in a position of ensuring their parents environment is safe but also respecting their choices and decisions that they are still able to make. Unfortunately, if their parents are no longer able to make these important decisions it then can become a war of wills with elderly parents making their children feel guilty.

Understanding Why Parents Refuse Assistance

What has to be understood is some of the reasons why an elderly parent may act out and refuse assistance. It could be behind loss; The loss of a spouse or other family members, the loss of their independence, or it could be the loss of their youth and of feeling healthy and happy. Some of the defiance of accepting help could just be plain anger. The human nature of wanting and needing to blame someone else when things are going bad. It could also be the realization that they are sick and just can’t do the things they used to be able to.

The dynamics of a family of an elderly parent could have been years in the making. Sometimes guilt is a part of the family make up before the situation occurred that caused the need for help. When children and even non-family members become caregivers of elderly loved ones, they have to understand how that elderly person is feeling.

Many elderly women where brought up an era where they married, had having children and lived her whole life taking care of her home, her children and her husband. She has been brought up in an era where that is what the woman did and no one did that for her. Now to bring a stranger in to take care of her, her home and even sometimes to take care of her husband it is seen as a threat.

Many elderly men have been brought up in an era where men were men. He was strong and independent. He was the bread winner, he took care of his family and made sure his family was safe. Now, there is someone coming into his home taking that away from him. He can feel in his own body that he doesn’t have the strength to take care of his family anymore and he can’t keep them safe, which can be very disheartening for him.

Approaching Your Elderly Parent

Every family is different but for the most part a lot of families were structured in this way when current generation of elderly people where younger. Unfortunately, sometimes just like their elderly parents had to do with them, adult children may have to put their foot down for the best interest and safety of their parents.

Approaching a loved one about needing help can be very uncomfortable to say the least. Here are some tips that can make the conversation go smoothly:

• Have a meeting with siblings if there are any. Discuss what the outcome of the meeting will be. If the concerns are not urgent, then it is okay to say that; likewise, if the concerns are urgent it needs to be stated.
• When speaking to aging parents it is best to focus on what they can still do, not what they can’t do.
• Encourage your parents to continue doing what they can do, and to accept help with tasks they cannot do.
• Timing of the conversation is crucial. Do not wait until there is a crisis to have the discussions. Trying to force a decision immediately seldom works. It is best to put a deadline on the calendar to come back and re-visit the discussion allowing time to process the information.
• All family members need to be in “the same mind” for this discussion. If other family members are not in agreement, these members will work to undermine the efforts of others. To bring everyone to a single mindedness, family members can meet beforehand to discuss their feelings. If need be, third party can mediate this meeting to keep emotions in check.

Starting Senior Home Care Services

When you start senior home care services you will be bringing in a non-family caregiver; It is important to understand that if your parent acts up with the family member they may not necessarily act up with a non family caregiver. Also understand that in order to make the elderly parents environment safe and to make sure that you can take care of yourself an outside home care agency is sometimes needed and you should not feel guilty seeking their assistance.

The most important thing you can do is to be patient and understand that there has been a change in your love one’s life; Whether it is a loss of memory or having a life changing diagnosis. Look for senior home care agencies that help you understand your role as caregiver to your elderly parent or family member. Get help to learn to take care of yourself.

If you would like assistance or more information you can always call us at 1.866.775.0028, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Maria Lopez, Administrator of All Valley Senior Home Care in Brawley, California shares some tips about speaking to your senior loved one about understanding when its time for them to stop driving.

Has your senior loved one gone out for a drive not saying where they were going leaving you worrying their safety? Have you noticed damage or dents on your senior loved one’s car and they can’t explain the damage or say it must have been someone else? Has your loved one come home late stating they had gotten lost?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes then you may have come to a point were you must ask your senior loved one if it safe for them to drive.

Affects of Aging on Driving

As we get older, our bodies change in ways that make it harder to drive.

• Vision gets weaker. Your eyes become sensitive to glare from headlights or the sun.
• Side vision decreases and it becomes harder to see at night.
• Reflexes gets slower. You may not turn the wheel quickly enough or brake fast enough in an emergency.
• Weaker muscles and stiff joints can make it hard to look behind you when backing up.
• Health problems like Diabetes, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson can also reduce your driving skills.

At some point you may have to encourage your senior loved one to stop driving. This can be difficult because it can be hard to think about giving up the freedom driving gives them. It is important to be honest with them and ask them to be honest with themselves about their abilities.

Questions to Ask

• Do they feel nervous or scared when they drive?
• Has family or loved ones expressed concern about their driving or even refused to ride with them?
• Have they put a lot of dents in their car?
• Do they have a lot of close calls where they almost have an accident?
• Do other drivers honk or yell at them?
• Do they have trouble staying in their lane?
• Do they often get lost?
• When driving does their mind wander?
• Have they received warnings or tickets for their driving?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to have your loved one’s driving checked by a professional.

If you would like assistance or more information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Nansi Kiwanuka, Client Care Manager for All Valley Senior Home Care in San Diego, California shares some information about Alzheimer’s Disease. As a senior home care provider Nansi helps families with loved one’s suffering from Alzheimer’s everyday.

*The following content is being provided for your information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Over 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease today making it the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is characterized by the loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal daily activities. It usually occurs in old age, and is marked by a decline in the individual’s ability to remember, reason and plan.

Stages

Early stage Alzheimer’s usually lasts for 2 to 4 years. Many families may not notice that their loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s, as many of the changes have to do with them forgetting things, which happens to many of us.

Early Stage Alzheimer’s Signs

• Misplace items.
• Start something and forget to finish.
• Have a hard time doing things that they were able to before.
• Forgetting to pay bills.
• Stopping to go out and do things that they love or be around people.

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s usually lasts for 2 to 10 years. During this stage it may be easier for you to notice the changes in your loved one.

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Signs

• Asking the same questions repeatedly.
• Walking around the house.
• Trying to leave the house to go home.
• Talking but the words do not make sense.

Late Stage Alzheimer’s usually lasts for 1 to 3 years.

Late Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

• Don’t know who you are.
• Don’t know who they are.
• Can’t walk or sit up with out help.
• Can’t eat without help.
• Can’t control their bowels or bladder.

There is not currently a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. If you think that you or your loved one may have Alzheimer’s it is imperative that they visit their doctor. If your loved one is still in the earlier stages their doctor may be able to order medication that will slow down the progression of the disease.

Family Caregiver Support

• Joining a support group can help you meet with others who understand what you are going through.
• Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association.
• Take care of yourself by reaching out and asking for help from your family and friends. Contact a senior home care agency for respite care.

If you would like assistance or more information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Maria Lopez, Administrator of All Valley Senior Home Care in Brawley, California shares some helpful information about protecting your senior loved one from hypothermia. As a home care agency manager Maria ensures the safety of her clients from many hazards including hypothermia.

*The following content is being provided for your information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Hypothermia is below-normal body temperature which occurs when the body losses heat faster than it can produce heat. It is an emergency that can quickly lead to death.

Hypothermia can occur in temperatures in the range of 50° F depending on weather conditions. It can also occur if your loved one is exposed to water between 60° F and 70° F.

Chronic health problems like diabetes or heart disease, some medicines, and normal aging can cause your loved one to be less likely to notice that they’re cold and may affect their body’s ability to stay warm.

By understanding the warning signs of hypothermia you can protect your loved one from the risks of exposure to cold weather.

Hypothermia Warning Signs

• Shivering.
• Cold and pale skin.
• Lack of interest or concern.
• Poor judgment.
• Clumsy movement and speech.

When Outdoors in Cold Weather

• Dress warmly
• Wear a warm hat
• Keep hands and feet dry.
• Head for shelter if you get wet or cold.
• Eat a good meal before going out and carry extra food.
• Don’t drink alcohol while out in the cold as it makes your body lose heat faster.

Staying Warm Indoors

• Keep the thermostat above 65° F;  If it is a problem to heat the whole house, keep a few rooms heated and close off the others.
• Eat regularly; the body needs food to make heat.
• Move around often. If you can’t move around very well, do chair exercises or something to get your blood circulating.
• Dress warmly and wear warm clothes to bed and use warm bedding.

Most often a person will lose a lot of heat before they are aware anything is wrong. If your loved one lives alone it is important for someone to check in with them everyday when the weather is cold. Senior home care is also a great option to help protect your aging loved one.

If you would like assistance or information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Maria Lopez, Administrator for All Valley Senior Home Care in Brawley, California shares her personal story about coping with her husband’s hearing problems, which were caused from loud explosions while in the Army.  As a VIDA Certified Home Care Agency administrator, Maria is able to use her personal experiences to help the families of her home care clients.

*The following content is being provided for your information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

My husband often complained that he was frustrated because people would talk too softly.  We were always repeating what we were saying several times until he understood us. It was very frustrating for him but also for me having to cope with this over and over on a daily bases.
First I had to educate myself about hearing problems and understand the problems my husband was going through. This has enabled me to help him and others in this same situation.

I found there are two common hearing problems:

• Hearing Loss
• Ringing of the Ears (Tinnitus)

Millions of people cope with hearing loss.  The most common causes are:

• Noises – The noises you are exposed to at work, at play or even during common
  chores.
• Age – Changes in the inner ear that occur as you grow older gradual but steady hearing loss.
• Other causes – An injury to the ear or head. Ear infections and ear wax buildup can cause hearing loss.

Some common medications can affect a person’s hearing such as an aspirin, Ibuprofen and some antibiotics.

Assisting Someone with Hearing Loss

• Try to speak to the person at a distance of 3 to 6 feet making sure that your face and mouth and gestures can be seen clearly.
• Arrange furniture so everyone can see everyone else’s face.
• Don’t speak directly into a person’s ear because the visual clue will be missed.
• Speak slowly and don’t shout but speak slightly above normal.
• Try to cut down on the background noise by turning down the television or radio.
• When eating out in Restaurants ask for quiet seating sections.
• If there is a certain word or phrase that is not understood try to find another way of saying it, instead of repeating the same words over and over.
• Treat the hearing-impaired person with respect. Include them in discussions, especially when it’s about them so they don’t feel isolated and become depressed.
• If you change the subject of the conversation, tell them, “We are now talking about _____.”

Ringing in the Ears

Most people have ringing, roaring, hissing, or buzzing in their ear from time to time this usually last only a few minutes. If it doesn’t go away or it happens often they might have a problem called Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is usually caused from being around too much loud noise. It can also have other causes like ear infections, dental problems, and medicines, especially antibiotics or large amounts of aspirin. Consuming large amounts of alcohol or caffeine can also add to the problem.

Things You Can Do at Home to Help

• Cutback on alcohol and caffeine.
• Limit the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, (advil, motrin) and naproxen, (aleve)
• Have ear wax removed safely.

Protecting your hearing,

• Avoid harmful noise. For example: machinery, guns, snowmobiles, motorcycles, lawnmowers, power tools, and loud music.
• Use hearing protection such as earplugs when around harmful noises.
• Control the volume of noise when you can and use quieter appliances when possible. Turn down the stereo, television, and car radio or music player.
• Never use cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects to remove ear wax. They can scratch or damage your ears.
• Ask your pharmacist if any of the medication you take can or will affect your hearing.
• When traveling by air, swallow and yawn a lot. If you have a cold, or flu, or possibly a sinus infection take a decongestant or use a decongestant nose spray a few hours before the plane lands.
• Control diseases that affect your circulation, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Some hearing loss may be the result of decreased blood flow to the inner ear.

Hearing loss due to aging usually occurs so gradually that many people may not even know if it has happened. It’s important to find out if you have a hearing loss no matter what caused it.

Simple Hearing Tests

The Radio Test:

• Have someone adjust the volume on the radio or television so it is pleasing to that person. See, if you can hear it well, or do you have to strain to hear it?

The Telephone Test:

• When talking on the phone switch the phone from ear to ear to hear if the sound is the same. Hearing loss related to aging usually affects both ears. But it is possible for only one ear to be affected.

Reasons to See a Health Care Provider

• If your hearing loss develops suddenly.
• If your hearing loss is in one ear only.
• If you develop a hearing problem while taking medication.
• Hearing loss develops with vertigo.
• You think your hearing is slowly getting worse.
• If you wonder if you might need a hearing aid

If you would like assistance or information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Bradi Ward, Client Care Manger for All Valley Senior Home Care in Walnut Creek, California shares a personal story about coping with her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s disease. As a Vida Certified Home Care Agency manager Bradi helps many family’s deal with their elder loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder resulting in memory loss and changes with thinking, language and behavioral skills. It doesn’t go away and it’s not easy to deal with. This is when the saying “patience is a virtue” comes into play. Having to repeat yourself every three minutes can get tiring real quick. Although there are things you can do to help you get through these days a bit easier.

Keeping a routine is helpful because it creates habit and things just seem to go along easier. Traveling is hard to do because it takes you out of the routine causing confusion with your loved one; they don’t know if they are coming or going. Writing a note explaining in detail what is going on for the day is a very helpful tool we use with my grandma. We place it on her nightstand every night so she sees it when she wakes up everyday. She will still ask some questions but it gets her brain working because she reads it over and over until she starts telling you what’s happening for the day

If you would like more information about Alzheimer’s disease or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Denise Williams, Client Care Manger for All Valley Senior Home Care in Escondido, California shares some helpful information about elder abuse, mistreatment and neglect. As a Vida Certified Home Care Agency manager Denise is trained to look for the signs and prevent elder abuse to her clients.

Elder abuse is a problem that has no boundaries. It is the criminal mistreatment of an elderly person generally caused by someone known to the senior, although it can also be committed by anyone who preys on the vulnerability of a senior citizen. This type of abuse is often difficult to discover because it is generally committed by family members or close friends of the victim. Elders are more vulnerable to mistreatment due to several factors such as loneliness or diminishing physical or mental capacities. Elder abuse can take the form of or a combination of physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect or abandonment, self neglect, and or financial abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as the improper use of physical force that may or does result in bodily harm, injury, physical pain, or restraint of an individual. The existence of these warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean abuse has occurred, but should be construed as signs that an investigation may be required.

Examples of physical abuse include:

• Unexplained or incompatible injuries, lacerations, fractures, welts, bruises, discoloration or swelling.
• Pain or tenderness upon mere touch.
• Burns caused by cigarettes, hot water or ropes.
• Detached retina, bleeding or scalp wounds.
• Elder becomes withdrawn or protective of the suspect.
• Injuries that reflect the outline of an object such as a belt, hand, utensil, etc.

Emotional Abuse

The intentional or reckless infliction of psychological pain, injury, suffering or distress through verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, intimidation or isolation causing mental or emotional trauma or fear. This can be accomplished through exclusion from most outside contact causing the senior to distrust ultimately everyone except for the abuser. While damage inflicted by physical abuse may be obvious, the effects of psychological abuse are much more difficult to detect. Families and friends should always suspect and monitor the behavior of their senior loved one’s for emotional abuse if these warning signs are noticed:

• Unusually depressed and not acting like oneself.
• Confused or extremely forgetful.
• Unexplained mood changes and anger.
• Fear of being touched or approached by others.
• Unusually withdrawn and introverted, afraid or secretive.
• Hesitant to speak freely.

Neglect or Abandonment

The desertion or failure to provide the care and treatment or safety of an elderly person by an individual responsible for providing their care. This includes failure to provide shelter, food, clothing, medical care, personal hygiene or even help with activities of daily living. Again, with this type of mistreatment, it is often times difficult to detect. The following are possible reasons to suspect there may be an occurrence of neglect happening.

• Poor skin condition, dirty or foul smelling.
• Dirty, uncombed or matted hair.
• Malnourished or dehydrated.
• Sudden unexplained weight loss.
• Lack of necessities, including eyeglasses, dentures, prostheses, hearing aids, canes, walkers or other critical items.

Self Neglect

Self-neglect is the personal behavior or inability of an elder that threatens his or her own health or safety who does not have care provided to them by someone else. Self neglect is not a crime, however if you suspect a senior is not getting the proper care required it should be reported so that authorities can assist them in obtaining the help they need.

Financial Abuse

The illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets or the conversion or misappropriation of such property for uses other than for those of the elder. Almost all of us have heard or read stories or may even know of an elderly person who has become the victim of financial abuse. A family member or friend who was responsible for the elder’s best interest suddenly sells their home and property. Keeping all of the money for themselves and leaving very little for the senior to live from thereby decreasing their quality of life. This is a tragic occurrence that happens all too often in the lives of the elderly.

Warning signs that an elder may have been taken advantage of financially:

• Unusual bank account activity (withdrawals from ATM’s).
• Signatures on checks that do not resemble the account owners.
• Checks or legal documents signed when the elder cannot write or understand.
• Numerous unpaid bills when someone else has been designated to pay the bills.
• Changes in spending patterns or items purchased they do not use.
• The appearance of a stranger who tries to begin a close relationship.

Elder abuse is often times subtle and as such, the abuser often relies on the vulnerability of the individual as well as the reluctance of outsiders to address any questions of mental capacity, consent or undue influence. If you suspect that a family member, friend or neighbor is being abused in any way, it is always best to error on the side of caution. Please report all possible elder abuse to the proper authorities, visit the National National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse or call Adult Protective Services.

If you would like more information about elder abuse or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

There may come a time when an individual may be presented with the responsibility of being appointed as a guardian. The term “guardian” can have different meanings depending upon the states in which the term is applied. Generally speaking, a guardian is an individual appointed by the court to assist with the personal, medical, and day to day affairs of an individual determined to be incapacitated by the court. The recipient of the guardianship is referred to as a “ward”. The process of becoming a guardian is voluntary, and generally is taken on by a relative, or trusted friend of the ward. If the aforementioned persons are either unwilling or unqualified, the court may appoint a professional guardian.

The duties and responsibilities of a guardian vary from state to state. Specific information regarding legalities and processes can generally be obtained through the official state website in which you live. A google search of guardianship+state will yield results for many useful resources, including organizations that specialize in assisting guardians in their responsibilities.

Serving as a guardian brings with it a hefty amount of responsibility. You will be expected to ensure the basic daily needs of your ward through making decisions about where the ward will live (including arranging home care services, and placing the ward in an assisted living facility), should there be a need. Depending on the condition and special needs of the ward, guardianship can be a time consuming, tedious responsibility. However, providing assistance to those who cannot help themselves is a rewarding and worthwhile pursuit.

Currently Serving as a Guardian?

If you currently serving as a guardian to someone who is incapacitated, that person may be in need of vital services. Vida Senior Resource has a number of options that may be appropriate. If a home environment is optimal and feasible, in home senior care may be the perfect option. Professional caregivers are able to seamlessly assist with the activities of daily living that would otherwise prohibit an incapacitated individual from maintaining their independence. Caregivers can perform a variety of duties, including personal cares, meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation. If a ward can no longer remain living independently, even with assistance, the Vida Senior Resource Assisted Transitions program can help place them in the appropriate setting at no charge. This includes chaperoning tours and providing detailed information on suitable living situations of Assisted Living Facilities, Board and Care Facilities, or Skilled Nursing Facilities. These options serve to help provide quality of life for the recipient, and give a guardian peace of mind knowing their ward is receiving the quality of care they’ve been entrusted to provide.

If you have been entrusted as a guardian, remember to do your due diligence in educating yourself on your responsibilities. Remember that there are a world of resources at your fingertips to help ensure you’re ward is receiving the very best help available.

If you would like more information or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!