A Caring Hand Home Care provides unique training to all caregivers who are providing elderly home care services to clients suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The training is taught by Jerri Stanfield, Community Liaison for A Caring Hand and Educational Specialist for the Boise Alzheimer’s Association.

Jerri draws from her many years of experience working with people suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  This experience includes work with the Alzheimer’s Associations in two separate states, ten years training the “Join their Journey” dementia program, seven years as a Residential Care Administrator and the oversight of four dementia memory loss units.

Jerri Stanfield shares some valuable insight from her dementia training program.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving

We have made very positive strides in caring for our dementia population.  As a caregiver each successful moment we have in understanding the behaviors that accompany this disease we can bring peace to both the client and their families.

In days past, “reality training” was initially thought to be the best way to deal with behaviors with someone with dementia.  This would require constantly attempting to bring them to the present regardless of the shock or sadness that might be attached to that effort.  Fortunately, we now realize that any effort in that direction is fruitless and causes undue pain to the person with the disease.  Uniting in thought and support of where the person is at any given moment is the successful path to care giving.

Strategy becomes our friend when we are put in the position of instantaneously solving behavior problems.  Once that path begins, the caregiver can find many rewards when the person they are caring for has peaceful moments rather than fretful ones.   

Redirection has many tools that can assist behaviors and the one element that should always be remembered is, “behaviors are communication”.   Being mindful of that one thought will repeatedly direct the caregiver to search for answers in relation to the person’s life history, in addition to thoughts and fears that accompany dementia. 

Caution should be in place with over stimulation.  This may come in forms of visual or activity in their environment.  The caregiver’s ability to maintain a peaceful, loving, and happy atmosphere will help maintain minimal behavior issues.

Bathing, toileting, and dining issues may also occur as a result of dementia, but there are positive answers for these activities of daily living as well.  

Education is the key to understanding how we may better care for our deserving dementia clients, and support groups for caregivers and families strengthen that team effort.

If you would like more information about Alzheimer’s and Dementia caregiving 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!

Sabrina Garrovillas of All Valley Home Care in San Diego, CA gives valuable insight on the signs, symptoms and prevention of depression in the elderly. All Valley provides senior home care services that not only help prevent depression in the elderly, but also enable seniors to thrive independently in the comfort of their own home.

Depression in the elderly is not necessary part of aging nor is it a normal part of growing old. The death of a spouse, medical problems and feelings of loneliness are a few of the major causes that lead to elderly depression, especially if there is no strong support system in place. When left alone, it not only prevents elderly from enjoying life but it can greatly affect their health. However, by being aware and knowing signs of depression and how to spot those signs, we as family members can find effective ways to help our loved ones.

For many adults, loss is a painful experience – whether it’s loss of mobility, health, a loved one, a long-time career and independence. According to the National Institutes of Health, out of the 35 million Americans who are of the age 65 or older, about 2 million suffer from serious cases of depression. Though depression maybe common among the elderly population, only a small percentage will seek the help they need.

Medical conditions that can trigger depression in the elderly

• heart attack
• Parkinson’s disease
• cancer
• diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• stroke
• Alzheimer’s

Signs and symptoms of depression in the elderly

• fatigue
• abandoning or loosing interest in hobbies
• social withdrawal
• isolation
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• sleep disturbances
• suicidal thoughts
• continuous worrying
• a loss of self worth.

Ways to help prevent elderly depression

• schedule regular social activities
• plan and prepare healthy meals
• making sure all medications are being taken when instructed
• invite your loved one on family outings
• encourage them to follow through with treatment.

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

Samantha Alberts of All Valley Home Care in La Mesa, CA shares helpful advice about senior nutrition. Ensuring your senior loved one is receiving the proper nutrition is just one of the many benefits of senior home care services.

Good nutrition is important at all ages and in all stages of life, but many seniors are not properly nourished. Chronic illness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, a diminished sense of taste or smell and many medications can all adversely affect appetite and absorption of nutrients which can then lead to malnourishment. In addition to the many physical causes of malnourishment, emotional and social issues like depression and alcoholism or decreased interpersonal interaction and limited income can have a huge affect on how much and how often an individual eats.

As caregivers, family and friends of seniors, we can help to identify and alleviate malnutrition by paying attention to the signs and symptoms, being proactive and getting help if needed.

Signs of Poor Senior Nutrition

• Notice things like malaise, poor healing of wounds and easy bruising.
• Know the side affects of prescription medications, make sure these are taken correctly and make sure all caregivers are aware as well.
• If you are particularly concerned about an elderly person in your care and they are willing, you can request a doctor visit or consult with a nutritionist.

There are some very simple things we as senior caregivers can do to help increase nutrient intake and enjoyment of food.

Tips to Improve Senior Nutrition

• Try offering snacks in addition to regular meals, make foods interesting with spices and extracts, especially for people with diminished sense of taste or those on a sodium restricted diet.
• Cooking often simply takes too much effort, make things easier by preparing large batches of things like soups, casseroles and breads and freeze or refigerate single servings to be heated and eaten later.
• Make eating a social event; try to visit at mealtimes, offer to cook for or take him or her out to lunch.
• Offer to go grocery shopping together and try to choose nutrient dense foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products.

Eating a well balanced diet and drinking lots of fluids can be particularly beneficial for seniors and can help with many common digestive complaints like gas and constipation.

• Consuming lots of fruits and vegetables and including whole grains and dried fruits and plenty of water all aid in regularity.
• Avoiding fried and fatty foods can help reduce heartburn and the need for antacids.
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly can all help reduce excess gas.

Even people on a special diet or those with chewing or swallowing problems can get adequate nutrition with a little help.

• Cutting foods into small pieces and cooking hard crunchy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables can make eating easier for seniors with chewing problems.
• Drinking plenty of fluids or sucking on hard candies or lozenges can help to alleviate dryness of the mouth that may inhibit swallowing.
• Planning meals and snacks and keeping fresh, healthy food on hand can help those who have to follow particular diets, such as low sugar or low sodium.

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

Monica Galicia, Human Resources Director for All Valley Home Care in Las Mesa, California shares her advice for making a decision between hiring an independent caregiver or a senior home care agency.

A critical decision that many family caregivers face when looking for respite care is whether to go with a senior home care agency or hire an independent caregiver. Before deciding which direction you and your family want to go, there are many things you should keep in mind such as:  the level of care that is needed, your family’s personal preferences and financial resources.

Many families lean toward hiring an independent caregiver because the cost is typically lower, however, there are several negative aspects of hiring an independent caregiver. In this blog I will explore each option to help you decide what is the best choice for you and your family.

Senior Home Care Agency

A Senior Home Care agency may be a good choice for you and your loved ones if you would like an outside entity that:

• Will screen caregivers and do thorough background checks
• Assumes full liability for all care provided
• Supervises caregivers and will replace them if necessary
• May require caregivers to have safety barriers in place such as current CPR cards, TB tests, DMV reports and auto insurance
• Takes responsibility for caregivers’ benefits, vacation days, and sick days
• Has a replacement caregiver available in case your regular caregiver calls in sick
• Lets you and your family interview several different caregivers to give you a choices and the control to decide who you feel the most comfortable with.
• Is flexible on how you want to use your time (i.e. splitting shifts or changing schedules)
• For those who can not afford to pay privately, there are some sources of support to pay for home care such as:
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • V.A. Aid and Attendant Program
  • SCRC (Southern Caregivers Resource Center)
  • MS Society
  • Hospice Respite Funds

For clients who have a very low income and are eligible for Medi-Cal or Medicaid, there is a program called In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). This County-run program pays caregivers to provide senior home care services for those who qualify.

Independent Caregiver

Though it can be less expensive to hire a private caregiver, there are a lot of risks involved. You may find a great person on an attendant registry at a local community-based program, advertised in a local newspaper or by word of mouth, but that does not mean that the caregiver is dependable or has the necessary skills to help you. To find out, you must do the leg work that senior home care agency would otherwise take care of for you such as:

• Taking time to locate and interview all applicants and check on work references.
• Background checks you or family may want to run, which can be costly.
• Assuming responsibility for verifying CPR and a negative TB test. If your family member needs any kind of transportation it would be wise to require a driving record and verify auto insurance also.
• Providing back up care when your independent caregiver calls in sick or is otherwise unable to work.
• Liability if the caregiver is injured the home.
• Responsibilities as the employer to file social security and pay taxes.
• Making sure the caregiver has the skills necessary to provide safe and quality care. It is difficult to verify current credentials or training.

Many families are unaware of the risk and liabilities that are assumed when an independent caregiver is hired to care for a loved one. The ultimate choice is up to you and your family. Making a decision based on your needs and preferences is your first step. If you are considering hiring a independent caregiver simply to save money, however, you should take into consideration all of the liability, responsibility, and vigilance that will be required.A good choice may be to go through a senior home care agency that will work with you and your families wants and needs.

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

Pamela D. Wilson of TheCareNavigator.com shares her words of support once again to help provide client independence through education and information enabling web visitors to plan and make informed decisions on a wide range of available services by accessing quality Senior Care.

Pamela Dombrowski-Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG and CSA, Certified Senior Advisor, specializes in working with individuals and families to navigate healthcare and aging issues with a focus on maintaining independence and planning for long term care.

Many families come to me uncertain about whether or not their family member can remain at home when they are experiencing various physical or cognitive difficulties. In many cases this is possible, however when the situation is what I call “high need” sometimes I recommend and coordinate a variety of services. These normally all include Senior Home Care but also might include:  a meal service that prepares meals to accommodate a special diet, physical, occupational or massage therapy to strengthen a weak or compromised body, a personal alert system in the event of a night time emergency or palliative or hospice care.  Most individuals are comfortable and do best at home when proper care and precautions can be established. Quality home care is the basis around which additional needed services can be arranged.

To learn more about Pamela Wilson’s Services visit TheCareNavigator.com or for any Senior Care Assistance you can call us at 1-866-273-2995 or visit our Senior In-Home Care Agency Directory.

Emily Schmidt, Administrator of All Valley Home Care in the San Francisco Bay Area of California provides guidance and advice for caring for aging parents from a distance. Emily’s knowledge is from both professional and personal experiences.

According to the US census, approximately 76 million Americans, the Baby Boomers, are well into their 50′s and 60′s. As Administrator of All Valley Home Care in the San Francisco Bay area, I am fortunate to have the tools and resources available to me to help ease my parents into this stage of their lives. Although equipped with knowledge and experience, my most worrisome thought is: how do I ensure quality care for my parents in San Diego while living in San Francisco? The answer: All Valley Home Care. Not only do we provide non-medical home care services, we are also a resource center linking our clients to various support services within the communities we serve. When caring for a parent from a distance, it is important to embark on this journey with the following in mind:

Establish a DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney) or a Living Will.

Regardless of the level of care, it is important that the Care Providers be aware of who to contact for legal matters and medical treatment. Both are effective only when your parent is too ill or not of sound mind to make their own health care decisions. A DPOA form can usually be obtained from your doctor or hospital, however an All Valley Client Care Manager can easily acquire one for you.

DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and Supplies.

It is usually from a frantic adult child that I get this question: “Diapers! Where can I find diapers!?” All Valley Home Care will help you find those diapers as well as any other supply needs your loved one may have; From blood pressure cuffs and power chairs, to gadgets made to make life easier, we can point you in the right direction.

Med Management.

Medication is probably the most difficult to monitor from a distance, as well as the most unnerving. It is not uncommon for an elderly adult to be on a variety of medications prescribed over different time periods by different doctors. Staggeringly, these medications are not always modified as doctors and diagnosis change, therefore causing adverse reactions and over-medication. All Valley Home Care can provide you with resources to help keep you informed of your loved one’s med regimen, such as the Drug Interaction Tool at www.pdrhealth.com, and what medications may be inappropriate for the elderly at dcri.duke.edu.

Nutrition.

To this day, my mom still worries if I’m drinking enough water and getting my vitamins. A healthy diet has always been an integral part of her life. But how can she continue her wholesome balanced meals when she is no longer able to drive to the grocery store or shop on her own? Our caregivers and All Valley Home Care staff can guarantee an appropriate diet. Through meal preparation, including special instructions, grocery shopping, and helping mom write out her grocery list, All Valley can ensure she’s getting her favorites. We can even arrange for deliveries or online ordering for convenience.

Dealing with the Changes.

My adult child client often expresses feeling “over whelmed” and that “everything is happening so fast”. It is important to have the support and education to cope with these life changes as they happen. With contacts throughout the community, All Valley staff can put you in touch with a variety of support groups, informational fairs, and respite programs.

In addition to these services, our caregivers maintain log notes documenting the time spent with your parent, including medication reminders and detailed care plan. This gives family members a better understanding of their loved one’s mood, health, both physical and mental, and changing lifestyle. While nothing can emulate me being in San Diego to care for my parents, it is comforting to know that All Valley is there to facilitate the same care and protection for aging parents that I would.

To find a VIDA Certified Senior Home Care Agency you can call 1-866-273-2995 or browse or Senior Home Care Agency Directory.

Many people ask the question; “How do I pay for senior home care services for my family member?” The answer may be with senior grants. In addition to Medicaid, there are a number of grants that give money to seniors specifically for in-home care. They range from assistance for people who do not qualify for Medicaid, to respite for the family taking care of the senior. The grants available vary depending on age, disability, and the area in which the person needing assistance lives. Since this can be confusing, VIDA Senior Resource Staff encourages anyone to call so we can assist with explaining, and applying for these grants. The Vida staff has experience with the application process, and they understand the requirements for eligibility.

Respite grants differ from senior grants in that even though the grant benefits seniors, it is technically for their family members. These types of grants offer respite (a break), to the family members taking care of the senior. They do this by furnishing money to pay for care the family would normally provide. This enables the family to go out for a night, or take a vacation, without worrying about leaving their parent or grandparent alone without help. Once again, the Vida staff will gladly assist in the application, and explanation of any requirements for these grants.

The staff of VIDA Senior Resource is a resource to be used, and their first-hand experience will make the application process for any grant much easier. Please feel free to call for any help or information at 1-866-273-2995 or browse or directory of Senior In-Home Care Agencies.

I recently assisted a lady who was seeking Senior Care for her mother. As we spoke I found myself explaining the difference between in home senior care, (non-medical in home care) and Home Health Care (skilled care). Patiently I weaved my way through her confusion regarding medicaid and medicare providing her guidance and direction choosing the care her mother required.

As I am both the webmaster of VIDASeniorResource.com and the author of our Senior Care Blog it was clear that my next blog post would serve the same purpose of the phone call I took earlier that day.

Its a scenario our in home senior care agencies often encounter.

“Ring Ring Ring…”

“All Valley Home Care, this is Matt how can I help you.”

“Yes my mom has a wound on her rear and I need a nurse to come help her. She is bed-bound and has bed sores that have turned into bleeding wounds.”

Although this request may sound straight forward and simple, the complexity of care that may follow is not.

Lets start with the wound and the request for a nurse. The care of this wound will require skilled care, which is provided from a Home Health Care Agency; This care is generally covered by medicare.

Medicare will pay for the nurse to come visit and provide the wound care, that is it. That could be as little as 2 hours a visit, 3 times a week.

This will merely treat the problem, but will not prevent the reoccurrence of the wound.

The source of the wound is the mother being bed bound causing the bed sources which are leading to the bleeding wound.

This is where Senior Home Care agencies come in. With a much lower cost per hour ($20-30) the caregivers provided by our agencies can do what the skilled care can not; Prevent the wound in the first place.

With both the companionship and support of the caregiver the wounds the mother is experiencing are not only prevented, she is also provided a means to staying and thriving independently in the comfort of her home.

With the many options available for the care of Seniors it is understandable how confusing helping your loved one find the care that best fits their needs can be. Our Care Managers and Care Consultants are trained to help you find this care, even if our services are not the answer.

If you require assistance or are just looking for information feel free to call us any time at 1-866-273-2995, locate an agency near you using our In Home Senior Care Directory, browse our Senior Care Advice pages, or email us.

In an effort to help our clients receive the care that best fits their situation VIDA Certified Agencies work with the Senior Care resources in their communities. All Valley Home Care in Denver, Colorado supports client independence through education and information provided by Pamela D. Wilson of TheCareNavigator.com to enable residents of the Denver area to plan and make informed decisions on a wide range of available services by accessing quality Senior Care.

Pamela Dombrowski-Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG and CSA, Certified Senior Advisor, specializes in working with individuals and families to navigate healthcare and aging issues with a focus on maintaining independence and planning for long term care. Pamela shares her advice on preparing seniors for both today and the future.

The decision to accept care is often complicated by issues of pride and independence. Who of us, at any age, wants to admit that we can’t take care of ourselves? This is a difficult time for everyone, but especially for a parent who has been strong and able an entire lifetime. Many times the decision is simple. Other times the decision is complicated by matters of health, finances, living arrangement, legalities, cognitive ability or available family.

In looking at the bigger, long term picture it’s best to have a plan and then have a back-up plan. Some families try home care knowing that it may only be a temporary solution. In these situations it’s best to plan for what might happen next. It is a move to an assisted living facility or into the home of a family member? Does a family home need to be sold? In the event health worsens, is the individual associated with proper medical care and specialists? If the unexpected occurs, have legal documents for powers of attorney and a living will been executed? Have end of life plans been discussed?

As a care navigator my goal is to ensure that individuals and families look at the entire situation when planning for today and for the unexpected events of tomorrow. Yes, these are difficult decisions conversations sometimes more easily initiated by a professional. The reality is that one day we will all face similar issues and the majority of us do not wish to be a burden on our families. Better to be prepared for the future than experience the stress of the unexpected when critical decisions must be made and there is no time for indecision.

For most Americans the Holidays are often spent in the comfort and company of family and friends. Many Americans will travel to see their aging loved ones, unfortunately they may find that mom and dad aren’t doing as well as they were last year.

It is understandable how stressful visiting your aging family member can be when their health is not at its best or they are not taking care of themselves. However, this can also be an opportunity to get an understanding of what issues your loved one may be having and plan an appropriate course of action.

The first thing your need to do is look for the warning signs that there may be a problem. You may notice that your loved one is wearing dirty clothes and their personal hygiene may be suffering. The smell of urine throughout the house, on the furniture or in the bedroom would be suggestive of an incontinence problem. Aside from being an unpleasant smell this can lead to more serious issues, such as a Urinary Tract Infection.

Other environmental signs that your senior may be having problems include: unused or old rotting food in the fridge, mail stacking up and bills going unpaid.

Your loved one may also show signs of physical health problems. If they seem to becoming frail or thin there maybe an issue with nutrition. Swollen joints, bumps and bruises can suggest they have been falling.

A noticeable disconnection from social outlets such as, not going to church, failing to attend community groups, not calling friends and family, or complaints of loneliness and depression are all indicators that your loved one maybe failing to thrive independently.

Once you have established there is indeed a problem with you senior loved one you need to take note of all the issues. Determine exactly what the problems are and what solutions are available. These solutions can include finding nearby friends and family to provide assistance and check up on them, having a senior in home care agency provide a caregiver or personal care assistant, or it may be time to consider facility based care.

If your loved one is concerned about losing their independence as a result of having in home care explain to them that in Home Care is a means to regaining independence and staying in their home.

This information was gathered with the help of our network of Certified Senior Home Care Agencies and Assisted Living Facility partners. Remember you can always call us for advice and help anytime at 1-866-273-2995.