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We are experiencing the aging process everyday no matter our age so we had better make the best of each day. For those of us further along that journey who have cared for a parent, sibling, partner, friend, husband, wife, child, uncle, aunt, grandparents, or worked in a home as a caregiver, the expectation that we may need our own home care attendant some day may cause worry and anxious moments. Why is this necessary and what if we had some guidance on how to navigate the territory?
Requiring the help of an in home caregiver in your home, in an assisted living facility, hospital setting or memory care is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This is the result of a number of factors.
- First, the aging population with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the rising cost of healthcare will drive the demand for the extra hands. The various health providers are just not able to provide the long term care needed as people age, while many families and individuals prefer to have their own personal caregiver.
- Second, families are just not equipped to care for loved ones at home for a variety of reasons. Maybe they are raising their own children and there isn't enough space. Working single parents and two parent households simply cant keep up with someone for example with a form of dementia where family is told the person cannot be left alone.
- Thirdly, you may chose independent living which later will be assisted living and where you may need the extra help. Facilities which house the elderly are increasingly cutting back on services and staff. So many families are electing to have a caregiver if just for a few hours per day or per week visit with their loved ones to help them out or just talk with them.
- Some families just don't want their loved ones in a hospital setting all by themselves when hospitalized. Therefore, they will elect to have 24/7 homecare aides stay by their loved ones side the entire time of their hospital stay.
Our aging population is one of the most significant drivers of the demand for home health companions. The number of people aged 65 and older is projected to grow from 46.2 million in 2019 to 88.5 million by 2050. This growth will put a strain on the healthcare system, as many older adults will need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating. As individuals age more needs are added each day without you even noticing the progression.
- Many families elect to have 24/7 care for their loved until their final moment where caregivers will feed you if you are too weak to hold your utensil or your hands shake so much you cannot get the food to your mouth.
- Additionally, patients are being sent home with apparatus formerly handled in a hospital setting expected to be operated by family caregivers with minimal training. You will perhaps need a caregiver from an agency who has already had experience in using these apparatus.
- Caregiving is stressful and family can do but so much without requiring some outside help. You will need respite help, if you are the family caregiver. This is where you get a caregiver to relieve you for a few hours per week so you can take some time for your self.
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can make it difficult for people to perform ADLs independently. As the number of people with chronic diseases increases, so too will the need for home health companions to provide assistance. We will need to learn how to hire agencies who will send us caregivers, learn how to hire private caregivers on our own if we do not like the agency personnel, and learn how to appreciate those caregivers who come into our homes to help us.
The rising cost of healthcare is another factor that is contributing to the demand for home health companions. The cost of long-term care, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, is very high. While home health companions can also be costly they provide a more affordable option for people who need assistance with ADLs. If you are able to build rapport with your caregivers from an agency or a private caregiver you hire yourself, life can be so much more livable. Caregivers (the good ones) are a special breed. They come in and want to do everything to make you feel comfortable while they in turn feel accomplished after having provide excellent care for you. Remember to thank them.
Home health companions can also provide a number of other benefits, such as:
- Increased safety and security: Home health companions can help to ensure that older adults are safe and secure in their homes. They can check on them regularly, make sure they are taking their medications, and help them with tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Medication Reminder https://amzn.to/3UdFTk3 (Paid Link)
- Improved quality of life: Home health companions can help to improve the quality of life of older adults by providing companionship and support. They can help them to stay active and engaged, and they can provide emotional support during difficult times.
- Reduced caregiver burden: Home health companions can help to reduce the caregiver burden on family members and friends. This can be especially helpful for families who have multiple older adults in need of care.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, home health companions can also provide a number of other important services, such as:
- Transportation: Home health companions can help older adults get to and from doctors appointments, run errands, visit friends and family.
- Medication management: Home health companions can remind and monitor older adults with taking their medications on time and correctly.
- Personal care: Home health companions can help older adults with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal care tasks.
- Light housekeeping: Home health companions can help older adults with light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, dishes, and vacuuming. Heavy cleaning is best left to the professional Housekeeping Help and Cleaners.
- Meal preparation: Home health companions can help older adults prepare meals or deliver meals from a meal delivery service. Many people elect to have their meals already prepared by the array of choices but need help with microwave and stove use.
- Companionship: Home health companions can provide companionship and social interaction to older adults who may be isolated or lonely. Caregivers! Put the phone down for a moment and converse with the older adults. Most if not all have led interesting lives having stories that you can learn from whether they were highly educated or not.
- Lack of family support: Many older adults do not have family members or friends who are able to provide them with the care they need. Home health companions can help to fill this gap.
Home health companions can be a valuable resource for older adults and their families. They can help to ensure that older adults are safe, healthy, and happy in their own homes. They can assist those with technology issues to navigate the online forest. Make no mistake though the older generations can be quite savvy with their phones. Many 90+ have Android and iPhones. Their grand children most of the time are happy to show them how to use it so they can send pictures of their activities for grandparents to proudly announce.
If you are considering hiring a home health companion, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Make sure the caregiver is properly trained and qualified.
- Follow up on good referrals from people who have already worked with the caregiver.
- Interview the caregiver and ask about their experience and qualifications.
- Check the caregiver's references.
- Set clear expectations with the caregiver.
- Have the caregiver tell you their expectations as well.
- Communicate regularly with the caregiver.
- Never not pay your private caregiver. They rely on their pay to just get to work and keep their phones working at the minimum. If you are with an agency those agencies will make sure that they are paid.. Be sure to treat your private caregiver the same way by paying them on time.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you can find a qualified and trustworthy home health companion who will provide the best possible care for your loved one. Build a good long-lasting, trustworthy relationship.
To equip your home for a home health companion:
- Make sure your home is safe and accessible: This includes removing any hazards, such as loose rugs or rugs on stairs. Provide easy access to bathrooms and bedrooms so in the event of wheel chair transportation you can get through.. If you are unable to stand in the shower you will need a proper shower chair. No the commode was not made to be used as a shower chair. It is not as sturdy as the shower chair or shower bench. Shower Chairs https://amzn.to/4eI4s0b (Paid Link)
- Install grab bars and other safety devices: These can help to prevent falls and other injuries. Your bathrooms must have grab bars. It has been established that most falls happen in the bathtub and can be deadly or totally life changing at the very least. Grab Bars https://amzn.to/3XNMCSx (Paid Link)
- Make sure your home is well-lit: This will help the caregiver see what they are doing and to avoid accidents. As an elderly person your sight will just not what it used to be so keep hallways at least lit.
- Provide comfortable furniture: The caregiver will need a comfortable place to sit and rest. Your caregiver cannot be on their feet for a 12 hour shift. They need to rest and eat. The night shift cannot sit on a hard old chair all night! Just know if you treat caregivers unfairly you will constantly be looking for a new one. On a 12 hour overnight shift the caregiver's feet will be so swollen if they have to sit on a chair all night and have no place to put their feet up. Don't get rid of all the couches.
- Stock your home with basic supplies: This includes things like food, water, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Care givers will not want to eat your food for many reasons. But for yourself try to have adequate supplies. If you are a family needing ADLs then, you must supply gloves, adult wipes, disinfectants, liquid anti-bacterial hand washing soap for your caregiver (not bar soap), paper towels (not your personal wash cloths) and have your personal lotions, shampoos, bath towels ready for the caregiver to help you during and after your shower. If you are unable to stand in the shower you will need a proper shower chair. No the commode was not made to be used as a shower chair. It is not as sturdy as the shower chair or shower bench.
- Create a communication plan: This will help you to stay in touch with the caregiver and ensure that your and their needs are met if using a private caregiver. Leave the contact numbers for relatives in a clear spot for caregivers to see. Usually in an emergency caregivers employed by an agency will call their agency. Each family will determine how they want emergencies handled. The game plan must be in place before you need to activate them.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your home is a safe and comfortable place for a home health companion. There is a lot to be done, so at least have a family conversation before the time comes and start your planning.
Here are some additional tips for equipping your home for a home health companion:
- Consider installing a medical alert system. This can help you obtain needed help quickly in case of an emergency. https://amzn.to/3TQwQ8t (Paid Link)
- Provide the caregiver with a list of your medications and the medical conditions you are currently facing.
- Make sure the caregiver knows where to find your important documents, such as your will and living will. This is for those with a private caregiver and no known relatives to help you.
- Be prepared to provide the caregiver with some training on how to use your home appliances and other equipment. Don't be afraid to tell caregivers what your likes and dislikes are so they have boundaries. Usually caregivers will pick them up fast but good to let them know.
By following these tips, you can make the transition to having a home health companion as seamless as possible
There are a few ways to prepare to pay for home health companion help. Here are some of the most common options:
- Medicare: Medicare covers home health care services for people who meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include being age 65 or older, being disabled, or having end-stage renal disease. These determinations are all according to the plan in which you have signed up to receive coverage. You must check to see if you qualify, how many hours you may be covered and for how long.
- Medicaid: Medicaid is a government program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families. Medicaid may cover home health care services, but the eligibility requirements vary from state to state.
- Veterans benefits: These are significant for those who qualify. Be sure to follow rules to the letter so you keep your benefits.
- Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that can help pay for the cost of long-term care, such as home health care. This is a part of retirement planning so check with your insurance carrier.
- Private pay: If you do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or Long-term care insurance, you will need to pay for home health care services out of pocket. This can be a significant expense, so it is important to start planning early.
Here are some additional tips for preparing to pay for home health companion help:
- Talk to your doctor: Some doctors can help you understand your options for paying for home health care and can refer you to a home health care agency. Don't take it from one source. Educate yourself. Talk with your Financial Planner or insurance provider. Attend Senior Centers when they have those free information sessions or just stop by and gather some information specific to your choices. Build your team.
- Get quotes from multiple agencies: If you are going to use a home health agency get quotes from multiple home health care agencies to compare prices and services. Remember that the marketing person who comes to you home to sell you on the service will not be the caregiver who comes into your home to assist you with your homecare needs..
- Ask about discounts: Some home health care agencies offer discounts for veterans, people with disabilities, or people who are on a fixed income. A lot of unexpected expenses will come up so don't be shy about asking for that discount.
- Consider using a sliding scale: Some home health care agencies offer a sliding scale based on income. Be sure to ask and see if this is beneficial or even applicable in your case.
- Look for financial assistance programs: There are a number of financial assistance programs that can help pay for home health care. You can find these programs by contacting your local area Agency on Aging or by searching online. WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS.
By following these tips, you can prepare to pay for home health companion help and ensure that you get the care you need.
To find trusted home caregiving companions you may want to:
- Ask your friends and family for referrals: Your friends and family may know someone who is a home health companion or who can refer you to a reputable agency.
- Search online: There are a number of websites that list home health care agencies and caregivers. You can search by location, services offered, and price.
- Attend a senior fair: Senior fairs often have booths from home health care agencies. This is a great way to learn about different agencies and meet potential caregivers.
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging: Area Agencies on Aging can help you find home health care services in your area.
- Use a social media platform: There are a number of social media platforms that can be used to connect with home health companions. You can post a request for help or search for caregivers in your area. They must be well known and established or you are able to properly verify their practices and results.
- Hospital Referrals: If you are going home from the hospital and need in home care the social worker in the hospital will usually have names of agencies for your family to contact.
By following these tips, you can find a home health companion who can provide the care you need and deserve.
Here are some additional creative ideas:
- Contact your local church or religious organization: Many churches and religious organizations have volunteer programs that can provide home health care services.
- Reach out to your local community college or university: Many community colleges and universities have programs that train students to be home health companions. You may be able to find a qualified caregiver who is willing to work for a reduced rate.
- Start a caregiver co-op: If you know other people who need home health care, you can start a caregiver co-op. This is a group of people who pool their resources to hire a caregiver. This can be a more affordable way to get the care you need.
By being creative, you can find a home health companion who can provide the care you need and deserve.
If you chose to have a Live In Caregiver they will need:
- A private bedroom and bathroom. This will give them a place to relax and unwind when they are not working.
- Provide them with meals and healthy snacks. This will save them time and energy so they can focus on providing your care. Some caregivers will bring their own food while others will be quite comfortable partaking of the meals they will be preparing for you.
- Be a good communicator. Keep the caregiver informed of your needs and expectations, and be open to their feedback.
By following these tips, you can create a positive and supportive environment for 24/7 caregivers, making them more likely to stay for the long term.
As one person I was caring for said to me "old age is not for the weak". Of course we had a good laugh together about that one. Preparation is key. So many of us put this planning off but it is critical so life can proceed a little smoother as you enjoy that post retirement you have longed wished and planned to enjoy.
Favorite List Item This Week: Look at this beautiful
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Fleece Throw Blanket
-Caregiver Daze