In order to be properly informed and to know what to expect from a good in-home care agency, the person or persons who will be in charge of hiring the agency needs to research online, if possible, and be ready to ask the right questions of the agency in consideration. Ask first of all if the agency screens all workers and does criminal and other background checks on their employees. Ask about the credentials of the employees and what type of training they have had. Ask if the agency will replace a worker if she is not a good fit for the senior.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL
Caregivers who use respite care often tell me that although caregiving is one of the hardest jobs they’ve ever had, they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Helping a family member or close friend who has Alzheimer’s disease can provide a sense of purpose and great satisfaction.
Posted in Blog
Most seniors when questioned, state they would prefer to remain in their homes as long as is possible. Seniors who go to nursing home or other assisted type facilities are unusually not in need of complex medical care but rather are having difficulty taking care of their personal needs. Unfortunately many seniors become depressed and discouraged when they move to nursing homes. Many see nursing homes as just a place where they are going to wait for death. Loss of independence is for many their greatest fear. Staying in their own home as long as is possible can mean a great deal to many older people. Familiar surroundings can be therapeutic. Fortunately many seniors can stay in their own homes.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL
“Why doesn’t anyone ask how I am doing?” It is easy to feel invisible, as if no one can see you. Everyone’s attention is on the person with the illness, and they don’t seem to understand what the caregiver is going through. Many caregivers say that nobody even asks how they’re doing. Mental health experts say it’s not wise to let feelings of neglect build up. Caregivers need to speak up and tell other people what they need and how they feel.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL, What We're Reading Now
Seniors who received home care after discharge from hospital for partial hip surgery (hemiarthroplasty) were 43% less likely to die in the three months following the procedure, found a study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). However, less than 16% of elderly patients discharged home after partial hip surgery in the study group received home care.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL
The Stand Up for Homecare campaign continues to generate positive public awareness about the value of homecare and key threats to homecare. Threats include the “competitive” bidding program and regulations and legislation that make it harder to provide oxygen, power wheelchairs, and other medical supplies and equipment to the millions of seniors and people with disabilities who depend on those items. This aggressive, proactive public awareness campaign reaches millions of Americans across every state through the media. The campaign also delivers powerful messages about our vital issues to members of Congress, their staff, and other targeted inside-the-Beltway audiences.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL
The holidays are always a wonderful time of year for family gatherings, reflection on what we have and the spirit of giving. The television is packed with specials showing relationships and families coming together for the holidays.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL, What We're Reading Now
If you have an elderly family member living with you, it is most important that you keep the house safe. The requirements are not very similar to what you will watch for when dealing with a baby, so do not apply the same rules here. Elderly people have many other problems which you must be mindful of, and provide for them in accordingly.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL, What We're Reading Now
The “Together for Care” Alzheimer’s Disease telethon is December 4th. The telethon is hosted by Al Roker of the “Today” show along with other celebrity and musical guests to raise awareness of the disease and services. The telethon will air in 16 NBC markets and be telecast online nationwide. Get involved and donate today. Text AFA to 50555 for a $10 donation. For more information, go to www.alzfdn.org.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL, What We're Reading Now
Over the next decade approximately 47 million baby boomers in North America are or will be facing the role of caregiver to a parent, relative or elderly friend – an odyssey that will change many of your lives. At the same time countless thousands of seniors face the dilemma of caring for a chronically ill spouse.
Posted in Home Care Chicago IL, What We're Reading Now