When it’s clear that it’s time to consider home care for an aging loved one, it can be a difficult process. There is a lot of work to be done to ensure the best care options are chosen, and it can be emotionally trying. Here are some tips on where families can begin when it’s time to explore home care for a senior:
1. Talk about it – while family might believe a senior requires home care assistance, their elderly loved one might not feel the same. Talking about it gently is essential, and not all seniors are likely to simply accept the suggestion of help. A family counselor can intervene if necessary.
2. List the help needed – talk together and determine specific things that a senior care provider like Austin Aging Care could assist with. Whether it’s grocery shopping, help with bathing and dressing, or other tasks.
3. Do research – talk to friends and family about home care agencies they’d recommend, but during that process as costs are addressed, it’s also essential that any funding or insurance coverage that may be available is investigated
4. Don’t jump into a decision – even once a specific agency is narrowed down, it’s okay to interview them and ask questions about their history and their policies. Ask if they’ll spend time with the senior first to assess comfort level, and also verify that a replacement caregiver will be provided if one doesn’t work out
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
When looking to hire a caregiver for a senior, there are a number of factors to consider. Not only should the caregiver be able to meet the needs of the senior, but they should also have a compatible personality. Since the caregiver will be spending a lot of time with the senior, it is important to choose the right person for the job. Doing so can be a bit easier by following some of the tips below.
1. Check local Home Care Agencies. Companies like Austin Senior Care staff many caregivers. However, they do provide different levels of service, so take the time to make sure all services that are needed can be provided.
2. If the senior in need of a caregiver is approved for care that will be paid for by Medicare, the Health Care Agency must be Medicare certified. This ensures that the agency meets the minimal federal requirements.
3. If the senior only requires personal care or homemaking services, caregivers do not have to come from an agency that is certified for Medicare.
4. If there is no Medicare coverage, the cost of the caregiver will have to be paid by the person receiving services. These services can be expensive, but there are some low rates for personal care attendants, also known as PCA’s. They are typically paid by the hour at rates between $13 and $35.
5. Do not be afraid to contact multiple agencies. It is important to find the right caregiver that will provide all services needed by the senior.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Q – My mom is in her mid-60’s, she’s had no medical problems or anything that causes the family particular concern. But I know that she’s paid little thought to her future in terms of senior care or legal planning. I don’t want to overstep my bounds, but should I encourage planning, and what should I suggest?
A – It’s never too early to start planning. The earlier you start having discussions, and beginning the planning process, the better her future will be.
1. Look at all resources –in order to help a senior plan for the future, take a look at all of the options by considering family who may be able to provide help, finances and other assets that could contribute to an aging loved one’s future
2. Understand that plans can change – when planning early, a guideline might be put in place. You might decide with the senior in your life that you will be a full or part-time caregiver. But, by the time they actually need help you might not be in a position to follow through. Accept that plans can change, be flexible, and have backup plans in place
3. Enlist help – a geriatric care manager or a senior care provider can help evaluate the future needs seniors may have to aid in planning
4. Organize the legal aspects – encourage your elderly relative to create a will, draft an advanced directive, establish a power of attorney, and go through the estate planning process
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Many people in Austin who become family caregivers believe that they are doing their loved one a favor, because rather than hiring a professional home caregiver which can make seniors feel like they’re losing independence; receiving care from a family member can make seniors feel like they’re just spending quality time with someone they love. Of course, this is not the reality; but beyond the illusion that sometimes comes with family care, there are also potential safety implications. Very few family caregivers receive training in proper safety techniques for senior caregiving; methods to identify hazards in the home and recognizing signs or symptoms of serious illness.
While family caregivers feel that they’re doing their loved one a favor by saving them from the indignity of losing independence by accepting help from someone who isn’t family, they might really be doing them a disservice. Instead of choosing a family caregiver for a senior, consider hiring Home Instead Senior Care in Austin to provide home care services. Professional caregivers are trained in the following:
• Safe caregiving techniques
• Identifying signs and symptoms of potential illness
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
When choosing an Austin home care agency to provide care for an aging loved one, it’s important that families know exactly what they’re getting themselves into. There are a significant number of agencies out there that can place senior care specialists in the home of a senior, and they come at all price points. However, don’t be fooled by some of the home care agencies that promise the world at a lower price, because you’ll encounter more complications than its worth in many cases that can compromise the level of care received by your loved one.
Many home care registries operate in Austin and around the country; but they’re not to be confused with licensed home care agencies. These home care registries hire their senior care specialists as private contractors rather than employees which can be convoluted when it comes to dealing with the taxes and legalities surrounding hiring a caregiver from a registry. While some of these home care organizations charge less strictly for connecting families with caregivers, families may be responsible for paying taxes, workman’s compensation and other aspects. Some home care registries do cover these costs, but since caregivers under their wing are licensed contractors only, there can be some serious legal and financial repercussions which can drain the family of all resources if a workman’s compensation claim is made after the caregiver has had an accident or injury on the job.
By hiring a caregiver from a licensed home care agency like Home Instead Senior Care, all caregivers are employees of the company, categorized as “nurses and other healthcare workers who travel”. Based on this categorization, fees might be higher, but Home Instead takes care of all of the dirty work; paying all taxes and fees, with no repercussions to the senior’s family should the caregiver have an accident.
It may be tempting during times of financial crisis to pinch pennies in all areas of life, but when it comes to senior home care, you get what you pay for; so if you want quality care with no legal ramifications, go with a licensed home care agency, and you’ll have no regrets.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Choosing a caregiver for an elderly relative or parent is not a task that anyone can take lightly. While you want to make the best decision to ensure your Austin senior receives the highest quality of eldercare and remains satisfied with the decision you make for their in-home care, it’s hard to know what to look for in a caregiver. Well, worry no further, because we’re about to tell you about the qualities and skills every Austin in-home caregiver should have.
1. Experience – the amount of experience a caregiver should have depends on the level of care a senior requires. If a caregiver is strictly there for companionship, they may not need direct eldercare experience, but ensure you check references from previous employers to learn about personality and depedability. If a caregiver will have higher levels of responsibilities, consider looking for a caregiver with more direct experience in eldercare.
2. Commitment – choose a caregiver with a track record of committing to their care recipients. It’s easier on your senior to have just one main caregiver once you find one you like.
3. Emergency Training – While a caregiver doesn’t need a medical background, some level of CPR or first-aid training can be beneficial, so they know how to assist a senior in an emergency while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
4. Driver’s License – a senior caregiver with a license is a must for running errands, going to appointments, and responding to emergency situations!
5. Good personality – a senior caregiver must be dependable, patient, and demonstrate compassion, but above all; their personality must be a good fit with that of a senior.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Q – I’ve been thinking of moving my elderly mother into the house I share with my husband and children, is this a good idea and what can I expect?
A – There are many pros to having your elderly mother live with you from a care perspective, especially if she is struggling with independent living. But it will also be a challenging experience for both your mother and the rest of your family, who are not used to co-existing under the same roof.
Pros:
• Having your mother living under your roof will allow you to care for your elderly parent around the clock
• When living in the same home, you are available should a medical emergency or accident occur with your mother
• Your mother won’t have to worry about maintaining a home (cooking, cleaning); she can pitch in with tasks she’s capable of
• Not having to travel to provide care to your mother will be more convenient for you and your family
Cons:
• Roles in your household could change along with family dynamic
• Your mother may not adjust well to the functioning of your household, and may attempt to interfere with the raising of your children
• You might feel you need to look after your mother full-time when living under the same roof, so the caregiver structure may be more stressful
• There may be disputes over family finances if clear expectations aren’t set
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
When hiring a private home caregiver, without going through an agency, families, as employers, are often responsible for the costs of medical care if the caregiver is injured while performing their caregiver duties, unless the caregiver has comprehensive liability and workplace injury insurance. According to statistics, workplace injuries in private caregivers are substantial, with one in eight becoming injured on the job; 70% of which occur when lifting or physically supporting a patient. If a caregiver does not have liability coverage, any task they are performing as part of their caregiver employment results in an injury, then families become legally responsible as employers to pay the medical bills. Workplace injuries for caregivers can include falls in the home, or even car accidents that take place when running errands for their elderly employer.
Since private caregivers not hired through an agency typically work as private contractors, many may not carry liability insurance; so when an injury occurs during senior care, medical bills may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, plus in some cases, compensation for lost wages due to the injury. Private caregivers may also be a greater liability for senior care injuries, since they may not receive the same training in proper lift techniques and other safety measures when caring for seniors as their agency counterparts. When hiring a caregiver, families need to take liability into account; because while private caregivers may charge less by the hour, the expenses derived from liability might last a lifetime.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Today we are presenting some more information that came out of the largest study that was conducted on the state of senior caregiving in America. These results just came out recently and if you would like a full copy of the report contact us to receive an electronic version.
The Importance of Home was another factor they looked at and the study found that an overwhelming majority (86 percent) of elderly want to be cared for at home for as long as possible. This is consistent with several other studies, including an AARP survey that found 89 percent of elderly would prefer in home care as opposed to assisted living or nursing homes.
The Home Instead survey also examined the views of family decision-makers about the desirability of their relatives continuing to age in place. The study found a strong correlation: 76 percent of decision-makers believe it is important for their loved one to be able to stay at home and to have in home care when the time comes that they need extra help.
So why are so many elderly people moving from their homes or being advised to move from their homes into Assisted Living Communities? We would love to hear your thoughts on this question - please leave us a comment.
Source: When the Age Wave Hits: The State of Senior Caregiving in America by Home Instead Senior Care, January 2009.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.
While seniors should exercise extra care when on the road, the elderly’s approach to getting behind the wheel shouldn’t be so different from younger generations. Seniors also need to have a firm grasp upon the rules of the road, and be proactive while driving defensively. Those who find their confidence has declined can take a driving class or refresher course through the AARP, AAA or National Safety Council. It’s also okay for older adults to adjust their driving based on their comfort levels, by avoiding driving at night, through unfamiliar areas, in heavy traffic or when there is bad weather.
Families can help encourage their seniors to drive safely, by reminding them of these basic driving tips:
• Wear a seatbelt
• Watch all the traffic around, including those entering the road from curbs,driveways or businesses and keep eyes moving
• Use rearview and outside mirrors often
• Never assume you can take the right of way, always enter an intersection with caution
• Maintain a minimum three second following distance
• When driving in the rain or in winter, reduce speed and increase following distances
• Avoid prolonged hours of driving.
• Keep windshields and rear windows clean inside and out
• Avoid looking at the headlights of oncoming vehicles
• Do not drive when emotionally upset
• Minimize background noise; keep radio volume, air conditioning and heater blowing units on lowest settings. If you believe that an important senior in your life is exercising unsafe driving, be encouraging and talk to them about their options; having the ability to drive allows them an element of independence that cannot be replaced, so help them maintain it, but make sure that safety comes first.
It’s highly recommended you drive with a senior once a month for driving observation and assurance that they have maintained safe driving practices. If unsafe driving is detected, contact your local DMV to discuss driving privileges.
If you feel it is unsafe for your loved one to be driving, please contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office at the number listed above,for driving services enabling them to take advantage of alternative transportation.
