Maria Lopez, Administrator for All Valley Home Care in Brawley, California, shares some helpful information about planning for the future. As a senior home care provider Maria advises and educates her clients about senior care options, including planning for future health care needs.

Even if you are doing well now, it is a good idea to prepare for a time when you might not be able to care for yourself on your own. It is best not to wait until you are in a crisis and assume your health care provider and family will know what you want. Having a plan in place will save your loved ones the stress of making those hard decisions for you; The plan will ensure your wishes are respected when the time comes.

In some states, hospital staff must keep you alive as long as possible if they don’t know your wishes. This may or may not be what you want. Without a written plan, choices about your care may be made by a health care provider or even by the courts.

The best way to make sure your health care wishes are followed is by putting them in writing. A written plan for your health care is called an Advance Directive. This is only used when you become so sick that you can’t make choices yourself.

Types of Advance Directives

• Living will: tells what treatment you want at the end of your life.
• Durable power of attorney for healthcare: lets you choose someone who can make choices for you if the time comes when you can’t make them yourself.

How to Write an Advance Directive

Get a copy of your state’s forms for a living will and a durable power of attorney. You can usually get them from a hospital, law office, or senior center or even online at www.CaringInfo.org.

Choose someone to be your health care agent, which is the person you want to speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself. Make sure the person you choose is someone you can trust and is willing and able to take on this responsibility.

When filling out the forms it is important that you ask a family member or lawyer to help if you don’t understand them. Make sure to check if your state requires the forms to be notarized or witnessed.

Make sure to provide copies to your health care providers, your family and your health care agent.

Considerations About Life Support Treatment

• Do you want CPR if your heart stops?
• Do you want liquids or food given to you through a vein or stomach tube if you can no longer eat or drink?
• Do you want a tube in your windpipe and the use of a breathing machine if you cannot breathe on your own?
• Do you want kidney dialysis if your kidneys stop working?

Also think about what you want depending on how sick or hurt you are, what the chances of your recovery are, and what your life would be like if you choose the treatment to keep you alive. Sometimes, using treatment to keep a dying person alive can cause unnecessary suffering. These may be difficult choices, but planning for the future is something you need to consider.

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!

Are you wondering if hospice care is the right choice for you or your family? To be eligible for hospice services the patient must agree to comfort measures to ease pain, rather than seeking a cure for the actual disease. Hospice home care provides comprehensive services for patients and their families.

Hospice Services

• Pain control and symptom management
• Spiritual support and care
• Oxygen and medical equipment
• Medical supplies
• Medical and nursing services
• Comfort such as massage, music, and aromatherapy

You can receive hospice home care in conjunction with senior home care services such as: bath aids, light housekeeping, shopping and companionship. Care from a hospice agency and home care agency can be given simultaneously. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances.

If you would like assistance or information finding hospice care 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!

Article by Nicole Ashford of TLC Home Health Care & Nursing. TLC provides senior home care services in Boise, Idaho.

Nicole Skay, Client Care Manager for All Valley Senior Home Care in San Deigo, California shares some helpful information about the benefits of gardening for senior health and well being.

There are many advantages for older people to work outside in a garden and it is an excellent alternative to excercise besides walking the mall or swimming. Researchers at Kansas State University have shown that gardening can offer enough moderate physical activity to keep older adults in shape.

Benefits to Senior Health

• It increases physical activity and maintains mobility.
• It promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.
• Provides nutritious home grown fruits and vegetables.
• Is an excellent way to get Vitamin D and prevent depression.

Candice Shoemaker, a Kansas State professor of horticulture, stated that older adults who are gardeners have better hand strength and pinch force, which is a big concern as you age. Studies show the differences between gardeners and non gardeners are higher overall physical health, motivation and self esteem, as well as higher levels of hand strength.

Edible gardening has many health and physical benefits for older people. It is a productive way to get out and enjoy the sunshine and improve your mood.

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 thissimple 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!

If your loved one’s qualify the Idaho Medicaid program is an option for paying for senior home care services in Idaho. The Idaho Medicaid program can also fund other forms of long term care.

Idaho Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

• For a single person their income cannot be more than $689 a month, they can own one car and one house, and their assets cannot
  exceed $2000.
• For a married couple the income cap is $1378 a month, they can own one car and one house, and their assets cannot exceed more than $3000.
• Must be an Idaho resident.
• Must be a United States citizen or legal non-citizen.

If you would like more information about Idaho Medicaid eligibility 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!

Are you looking into the best options for funding long term care for yourself or a loved one? Chances are, if not now, there will come a time in the future when you’ll be seeking real options. Whether they are looking for elderly home care, an assisted living facility, or nursing home care, the majority of Americans will need help to maintain their day to day functions as they age. Ideally, socking away a small fortune to prepare for the inevitable is ideal. However, if this isn’t an option, there are valid alternatives to help fund long term care. In this post, we’ll be focusing on the Medicaid option. The purpose of this blog is to give a basic overview of Medicaid eligibility, benefits, and potential pitfalls.

Medicaid Eligibility

Medicaid is a jointly funded Federal and State program for individuals with low incomes and few resources. Since Medicaid is administered at the state level, eligibility criteria will vary depending on the state in which one lives. As a general rule, Medicaid recipients applying for long term care must meet the following criteria:

• Limited income. Income eligibility criteria will vary from state to state (long term care Medicaid for your State may have a higher income allowance than straight Medicaid).
• Limited assets. Most States limit assets to around $2,000, however an individual may own their home and a vehicle.
• Functional eligibility. In order to be eligible for long term care benefits, applicants must meet a certain criteria. Generally speaking, they must demonstrate that their is a true need for day to day assistance, that renders them unable to remain independent on their own.

To find out your state’s eligibility requirements, call your local Department of Human Services, or look them up online. Applications can almost always be printed from the websites and mailed in for your convenience.

Medicaid Benefits

So what benefits are available once an applicant has been qualified for Medicaid? For those who wish to remain in their homes, most states offer waiver programs which allow for an array of health care professionals to provide home care services to them in their private residences. These services include the provision of Personal Care Attendants, C.N.A.’s and Registered Nurses. Coupled with case management, these services allow for nearly every facet of senior home care to be provided, allowing maximum independence for the recipient. The trend in recent years has shifted towards long term care in a home and community based setting, allowing for both greater freedom of choice, and offsetting the mental anguish that can come from being uprooted from familiar settings. For those needing a higher level of care, Assisted Living Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities are also available through Medicaid benefits.

Potential Medicaid Pitfalls

There are some important things to consider before applying for Medicaid for long term care. There is a look back period in which Medicaid will not only verify current assets, but all assets over the last 5 years. Simply put, it is not considered acceptable for considerable assets to disappear without coming under intense scrutiny. An experienced elder-law attorney can be utilized to assist families and individuals in setting up trusts and legitimately spending down their assets in order to meet eligibility requirements. Medicaid also has an estate recovery clause that mandates for individuals age 55 or older, states are required to seek recovery of payments from the individual’s estate for nursing facility services, and those enrolled in a Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program. A Medicaid recipient’s assets from his/her home will not be recovered while a spouse is living there. In addition setting up a survivorship deed for a spouse can exclude a home from being recovered even after the surviving spouse has passed.

Medicaid is a viable option for long term care. In many situations, the same level of quality care being provided to persons paying privately, or utilizing long-term care policies is available through Medicaid as well. Many in home senior care agencies, including many of your local Vida Certified Home Agencies accept Medicaid. In addition, thanks to more stringent regulation, the level of quality care at the Nursing Home level has increased across the board. If you are considering Medicaid as an option for long term care, please do your own due diligence, consider the benefits and drawbacks, speak to your local Department of Human Services, and consider all available options.

If you would like more information about Medicaid 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!

Denise Williams, Client Care Manger for All Valley Senior Home Care in Escondido, California shares advice about talking to an aging loved one about home care services. As a Vida Certified Home Care Agency manager, Denise educates and assists families with senior home care on a daily basis.

As our parents age and their ability to maintain their own independence steadily declines, it may become necessary to discuss the possibility of using home care services. The time may come when your loved one is going to need the supervision and care that you no longer have the ability to provide. Many people experience feelings of guilt when they consider outside care for their loved ones. These are normal feelings and despite them you must realize that you are looking out for your loved one’s best interests.

The decision to start in home senior care is usually a result of health or safety issues as well as a decline in a loved one’s quality of life. For some families, this can be a difficult topic to approach, particularly if the care recipient is resistant to accepting outside assistance. Their concerns may include fears regarding finances, trusting a stranger in the home or even the idea of the loss of independence.

The most common mistake that families make is not bringing up the topic with their aging loved one while their loved one is still able to comprehend what is happening and express any concerns they may have. Their fears should be addressed with complete understanding and prepared knowledge on several different care scenarios. The goal is to talk with them, listen to their concerns and open them up to the idea. It’s best to approach the topic gently and try not to anger or upset them to the point where they become defiant and oppose any idea of receiving help.

It is important that you explain your concerns and include them in the decision process so the solutions can be made together. Take the initiative by preparing yourself, doing your homework and offering options. Getting your loved one to focus on and speak about this topic can be a very challenging process. Let them know you are concerned and that by discussing this topic, you are looking out for their best interests. Your goal is to answer the questions they may have and be able to provide insight regarding your concerns.

Ten Tips for Discussing Senior Home Care with a loved one.

• Choose the right time and place: Choose a quiet, private setting to begin this conversation where you know your loved one is comfortable.
• Ask permission of your loved one to have this discussion: Asking permission assures them that you will respect their wishes and honor them.
• Be honest regarding your concerns: Don’t make promises you can’t keep; be sure to take your loved one’s concerns seriously.
• If they refuse to discuss the idea, you don’t want to pressure your loved one. Be persistent and return to the topic another time.
• Involve them in the care plan. Be sensitive to their feelings and preferences. Acknowledge their desires even if they are different from your own.
• Be patient and calm. No matter how helpless a loved one appears, treating an aging loved one like a child can crush any remaining feelings of dignity or independence.
• Listen to their concerns: It is important for you to understand your loved one when it comes to their care, so spend most of the conversation listening.
• Stay positive and understanding: It is normal to encounter resistance the first time you bring up the need for home care services. Don’t be discouraged, plan to try again at another time.
• Maintain communication: Continue to treat them with respect, patience, sympathy and understanding.
• Include others in decision-making: Recruit other family members to offer their guidance and express their concerns as well.

During the discussion, it is helpful to distinguish what is most important when it comes to your loved one’s care. This should include input from many different sources including your loved one, family members, his or her physician, spiritual advisor, close friends or neighbors. They may have suggestions in recommending the best type of care to meet your loved one’s needs. Most parents don’t want to burden their children, and they will often respond to open, honest communication. Showing them that you are genuinely concerned about their well-being can make all the difference.

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!