Many seniors are choosing to age in place at home instead of moving to an assisted living or nursing facility. To maintain a good quality of life, some seniors may need additional assistance with their medical or personal care and daily household tasks. Deciding whether a “home care nurse” or an “in-home personal caregiver” is required is a crucial first step. What Does an In-Home Caregiver Do? An in-home personal caregiver provides non-medical assistance for adults needing personal care, including daily tasks. Professional in-home caregivers help older adults maintain their independence, continue living at home, and age safely and comfortably. Caregiver tasks may include:
What Does a Home Care Nurse Do? A home care nurse is either a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who offers nursing-level medical care to individuals in their home. Home care nurses provide treatments that may include:
Which Type of Care is Right for You? The first step is determining whether your loved one’s needs are medical or non-medical. If your loved one needs in-home medical support, discuss their situation with a doctor. In-home care provided by nurses is typically recommended by a physician and paid via insurance. Care is limited to the individual’s physician-documented medical needs. In-home nurses often provide care for the short term (during the time of a patient’s illness or injury). Some patients with chronic or progressive conditions may need in-home medical assistance indefinitely. The duration of visits is also limited to the time it takes to provide the recommended care. Examples include a one-hour visit for a monthly infusion or a 15-minute visit to change a dressing and administer medication. If your loved one needs non-medical personal assistance, a professional home care provider from a reputable home care agency such as Visiting Angels Newton/Canton might be the right choice. Clients and their families can select the required hours and tasks, even if those requests are for respite care only. Visiting Angels offers numerous types of care arrangements, including:
About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning home care agency providing high-caliber in-home care services for seniors and people with disabilities for over seventeen years. Countless families have benefited from our at-home care, senior companion support, in-home respite care, live-in and 24-hour home care, dementia, and Alzheimer’s care, transitional aid, and private duty care services in Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Dedham, Needham, Brookline, Canton, Watertown, Jamaica Plain, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Upper Back Bay, Westwood, and neighboring communities in Massachusetts. The non-medical assistance provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton home care can significantly impact your loved one’s happiness and quality of life.
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If you provide care for a loved one living with age-related challenges or disabilities, you’re not alone. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP, around 44 million Americans act as family caregivers. While such a considerable portion of the population is involved in providing unpaid assistance for those they love, these individuals rarely have the support they require to maintain their health and well-being. That’s why it’s crucial for family caregivers to have access to reliable, high-quality elder care services they can reach out to for assistance. Many people view elder care as being primarily beneficial for older adults who need support with necessary activities of daily living. However, professional care providers also work to promote family caregivers’ well-being by giving them respite from their duties, relief from worry, and time to focus on their own self-care. At Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, we’re proud to offer in-home care services that support elderly adults and any family members or close friends who are involved in their care. The Emotional, Physical, and Mental Demands of Being a CaregiverCaring for a loved one can be demanding on many levels. For example, if your loved one requires support with getting out of bed, bathing, or general mobility, you may feel physically exhausted. Rather than using free time to cook yourself a healthy meal, get some exercise, or socialize with friends, you may find you no longer have the energy to do the kinds of activities that once brought you joy. Caregiving is also mentally exhausting, which is especially challenging for those helping a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a memory disorder. Family caregivers are responsible for ensuring they’re loved one is keeping up with their medication schedules and attending the appropriate doctors’ appointments or therapies. It’s also up to you to keep your loved one mentally stimulated and engaged in conversation. Having to be “on” all the time can leave you feeling burned out. Finally, family caregivers must also deal with a range of emotions that often arise when assisting a loved one with age-related challenges. Although you may wish you could focus on making memories and spending precious time with your loved one, it’s almost impossible to maintain the relationship you once had while also managing their care needs. It is easy to become frustrated or angry when your loved one refuses care or pushes back on your caregiving style. After all, they may not be prepared for this kind of role reversal. It can also be heart-wrenching to see them struggle with daily living activities that once came naturally to them. How Senior Home Care Services Help Family CaregiversIn-home elder care can make the responsibility of caring for a loved one so much more manageable. It’s totally up to you which tasks you want the home caregiver to handle and how often you want them to visit. You can choose to continue meeting some of your loved one’s age-related needs or concentrate on being the caring son, daughter, or grandchild you’ve always been. From transportation to doctors’ appointments to medication reminders, mobility assistance, and dignified support with personal care, our team at Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can offer the assistance required to help older adults age in place. This means we can easily step in to deliver care while you’re on an extended vacation, or we can take over the management of your loved one’s care requirements completely. You can also have a professional care provider visit for a few hours each week to give you a much-needed break from your duties. Doing so will give you the gratification of participating in your loved one’s care while ensuring you can maintain a balanced lifestyle. Visits can be scheduled around your work and social life, and you can build a flexible plan of care based on both your needs and the needs of your loved one. When to Seek Professional AssistanceIt’s never too early to get started with a professional care provider. Even if you feel your loved one’s needs are manageable for the moment, they could change significantly without warning. Helping your loved one become familiar with their caregiver and establishing a regular schedule will make the transition to professional in-home support manageable and more comfortable for everyone. Still unsure of whether it’s time to get started with professional elder care? Here are some signs of stress that could indicate your responsibilities are having a negative impact on your health and well-being:
Providing Safe, High-Quality Care the Elderly Deserve
The healthy and safety of our clients and caregivers are our priority. Visiting Angels Newton/Canton follows and adheres to the latest health and safety guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the challenges associated with COVID-19, in-home caregivers fulfill Visiting Angels’ mission of partnering with families to provide essential at home living assistance for older adults. Visiting Angels’ in-home caregivers continue to be homecare heroes on the frontlines, taking necessary steps to protect elderly loved ones and themselves, following regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our in-home dementia care, Alzheimer’s care, respite care, live-in and 24-hour care, companion care, transitional aid, and in-home care services in Brookline and Boston area neighborhoods, including Canton, Dedham, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Stoughton, Upper Back Bay, Watertown, Wellesley, West Roxbury, Westwood, and neighboring communities. Determining the best overall care for an elderly loved one can be an overwhelming decision. It begins with assessing the pros and cons of different senior care options and weighing relevant concerns such as personal preferences, financial considerations, and health. You may even experience feelings of guilt and doubt that can make decision-making more challenging. As you consider what to do next and where to turn, the question of whether in-home care is better than nursing home care or an assisted living facility could arise. Here are seven benefits of in-home care: Familiar surroundingsPerhaps the most apparent benefit of in-home care is that it allows older adults to remain in their homes, which limits disruptions associated with relocation and enables them to maintain their routines. Sudden changes in surroundings or habits can be particularly distressing for older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Customized care programWhether your senior needs part-time care during specific hours of the day or 24/7 home care assistance, in-home care offers a variety of flexible scheduling options and a complete “menu of services” that can be customized to individual needs. Your loved one will be matched with a compatible home caregiver who can assist with specific tasks during the hours when care is needed. Lower costIn-home care is often less expensive than a nursing home or assisted living facility. Although many high-quality senior facilities offer comprehensive services, this “one-size-fits-all” model may result in your loved one paying for amenities that aren’t needed. Care options provided by in-home personal care providers can save many families money by paying only for required services on the days and times they need them most — without compromising on the quality and availability of care. Additionally, remaining at home eliminates moving or storage costs that may come with a move to an older adult facility. The personal relationship with a caregiverIn-home caregivers offer one-on-one care, which helps them develop a more personal relationship with clients. This level of personalized attention enables caregivers to learn about your senior loved one’s likes, dislikes, and interests. This approach also helps caregivers anticipate needs, communicate effectively, provide companionship, and identify issues that should be brought to your attention. Safety/health benefitsUnfortunately, nursing homes have been among the hardest hit during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Opting for home-based senior care may reduce the chance your loved one catches a serious illness by limiting their exposure to other nursing home residents, caregivers, and staff members. PrivacyNursing home residents share outdoor spaces, visiting rooms, dining facilities, recreation spaces — and sometimes even a bedroom and bathroom — with other residents. In-home personal care allows your loved one to maintain their privacy and have access to familiar spaces on their terms and timeframes. Although a caregiver will be invited into their home, our personal care professionals are trained to respect your loved one’s privacy by providing assistance and companionship when needed and taking a step back when requested. Encourages independenceYour loved one may require limited assistance with specific tasks. In that case, a move to a nursing home could force them to give up their cherished independence sooner than necessary. For example, your loved one may need help with grocery shopping. However, they still enjoy planning and preparing meals without assistance. Your loved one may not have the option to continue planning and preparing meals at a nursing home. An in-home caregiver allows your loved one to continue performing meal planning and preparation tasks independently while helping them receive assistance in other areas.
As a family caregiver, your loved one’s well-being is a top priority. Visiting Angel’s professional caregivers provide outstanding in-home care services for older adults – and peace of mind to family members. If you are considering home care for your loved one, our Visiting Angels care coordinators would be happy to discuss your loved one’s needs during a free in-home care consultation. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton: Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our home Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, 24 hour care, live-in care, companion care, respite care, transitional aid, and in-home elder care services in Watertown, Brookline, Stoughton, Canton, Dedham, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. While non-medical in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging citizens to practice “social distancing” to slow the spread of COVID-19. To protect your senior loved ones from the coronavirus, the U.S. The CDC requests individuals keep at least a six-foot distance between people, avoiding crowds, canceling events, and staying away from sick people. Some states are even ordering residents to “shelter in place.” Although social distancing may reduce the risk elderly adults face from COVID-19, it can leave seniors vulnerable to social isolation. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation in seniors have been linked to depression, worsening physical health, and increased stress and cognitive changes. Conversely, seniors who are socially active receive many physical and emotional benefits. Although you may not be able to visit and spend quality time with your elderly loved ones, you can still stay in touch while protecting your loved one from COVID-19. There are plenty of creative ways for seniors to stay active and keep communicating while maintaining social distance, including: Phone and video callsCalling your elderly loved ones a few times a day can help reduce feelings of social isolation. Take time to share stories, tell jokes, solve riddles, play simple games, or read aloud with them. If possible, take advantage of video call apps like FaceTime or Skype and conference in multiple family members on the same call. Hearing loved one's voices and seeing their faces will help brighten your beloved senior’s day. Send lettersGive your elderly loved one a pleasant surprise by mailing letters. Let them know you are thinking of them and that they are dear to you. Remember not to limit yourself to just a written note. Receiving pressed flowers, burned CDs, printed photos, or even a grandchild’s art project can be a wonderful gift to open. Book and movie groupsPick a book or movie to read or watch, and then have a discussion about it over the phone or via video chat. Revisit a classic that both you and your loved one have enjoyed in the past or use this opportunity to try out a book or movie neither of you has read or seen before. Also, consider finding audiobooks or podcasts that you can both enjoy. Media is a great escape, and many seniors will relish the opportunity to exercise their minds by having an engaging conversation with their loved ones. Virtual group meetings, events, or classesIn recent weeks, many religious organizations, senior centers, exercise studios, and other businesses and community groups have converted to a virtual format. They are now hosting classes, events, and meetings using Google Hangouts, Zoom, FaceTime, YouTube, and other Internet-based platforms. Do some research and help your loved one connect virtually with his or her favorite activities or community groups — and consider participating together, if possible. In addition to providing some enrichment and entertainment, participating together will give you and your loved one something to discuss afterward. You may need to provide your loved one with verbal instructions over the phone to help them install software or apps, access websites, or get logged on. Although the technology may seem intimidating, it is essential to remind your loved one that keeping to regular routines as much as possible and having fun activities to look forward to will help to alleviate stress and promote a feeling of belonging despite not being able to participate in person. Have supplies deliveredWith many seniors staying home, running out of food or medications can be a real risk. Show your loved one that you are still thinking of them even if you are not able to be together right now by ordering groceries or meal deliveries to their home. Amazon Alexa and Constant CompanionVisiting Angels® offers Constant Companion, a proprietary system that uses Amazon Alexa to help seniors live a safe and independent life while staying connected to their communities. Constant Companion responds to voice-activated medical alerts and summons help ASAP. It does not require any wearable devices and can even be used to call or send voice messages to loved ones. Constant Companion also includes an optional video chat feature and can read audiobooks, play games, and give medication reminders to your loved one. Keeping seniors and other vulnerable populations safe through social distancing is vital as COVID-19 spreads. Although it can be tricky at times, there are plenty of ways to help older adults stay socially connected and not fall prey to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Feel free to call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton at 617-795-2727 if you have any questions about caring for your senior loved one. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton: Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our home Alzheimer's care, dementia care, companion care, senior care, respite support, transitional aid, and home care services in Westwood, Norwood, Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Canton, Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. While essential personal in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one's happiness and quality of life. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation! We are Staying Diligent As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in our area, we are monitoring the situation and the advice from public health authorities. Visiting Angels remain committed to our responsibility as your home care provider during this time. We recognize that our Visiting Angels caregivers allow seniors to age safely and comfortably in their own homes, wherever that may be, and that some of our clients cannot get through the day or night without a caregiver. We want to assure you that we are communicating to our caregivers to follow best practices, including hand-washing, and staying home if they are feeling ill or have traveled to Level 3 CDC countries. Living with Alzheimer’s can be a challenge for the entire family. Whether your family has professional Alzheimer’s care assistance or if you are caring for your loved one alone, it can seem as if each day is full of new challenges and developments. One of the things that makes Alzehimer’s care so challenging is that those living with the disease can have different needs at different times of the day. Late afternoon and early evening can be especially hard for those who experience Sundowner’s Syndrome. What is Sundowner’s Syndrome?It is a change in behavior, temperament, or personality that occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. This occurrence is also known as “sundown syndrome” or “sundowners” or “sundowning.” The experts at WebMD cite that 1 out of 5 people in need of Alzheimer’s care suffer from Sundowner’s Syndrome. Doctors do not know what causes the sundowning behavior. However, the part of the brain that tells you if you are awake or asleep typically breaks down in Alzheimer’s patients. Some scientists think these neurological changes affect the inner body clock. Sundowning can manifest in several ways. Your loved one may become:
People with Sundowner’s Syndrome may even yell or pace around the room, sometimes hearing or seeing things that are not there. They may also exhibit mood swings. These behaviors can become progressively worse and can range in duration from a short time to the entire night. Suggestions for Managing Sundowner’s SyndromeAs a family caregiver, you will need to demonstrate flexibility and empathy to help your loved one feel as peaceful as possible.
Finally, try to have patience. It may take a little time to figure out what combination of solutions works for your loved one. When it comes to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, everyone is different. If you need professional at-home living assistance, we are here to help. Together with your family, we will give your loved one all the respect and love they deserve with the finest in Alzheimer’s care. To request a free in-home consultation, and find out more about our caregiver services, call us today at 617-795-2727. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton:Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our dementia and Alzheimer’s care, companion care, respite care, transitional aid, and elder home care services in Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Canton, Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, Westwood, Norwood and nearby towns. While non-medical in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one's happiness and quality of life. If you find yourself or a loved one in need of in-home senior care services, don't hesitate to contact us!
* This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation for treatment of any kind. If you are concerned about your loved one's health, a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, or about their progression after diagnosis, please contact their physician. Visiting Angels does not provide medical care and does not provide recommendations on the type of treatments available for dementia or Alzheimers, nor do we endorse any specific treatments. |
AuthorVisiting Angels Newton/Canton is an award-winning in-home care agency that provides high quality home care to seniors and disabled adults in Greater Boston, MA. Archives
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