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What Are The Benefits Of Home Health Care?

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 03:15:38 GMT

What Are The Benefits Of Home Health Care?

Caring for someone who is aging, sick, or disabled requires a lot of time and effort. If you have a full-time job and a family to take care of, it can be quite stressful to look after another person. So how can you help a family member who requires special care?

Home health care is a way to support your loved ones who are aging, sick, or disabled without getting burnt out physically, mentally, and emotionally. Home health care is a type of supportive care provided by trained and qualified caregivers in the comfort of a patient’s home. Also sometimes called in-home care, social care, or domiciliary care, it encompasses a wide range of services that ensure the patient is safe and secure at all times.

If you are in the Philadelphia or Allentown area, finding a home health care service should be easy. On the Internet, you can look up “in home nursing care Philadelphia” or “ home health care Allentown ” to find names of companies nearby that you can call.

Below are some important benefits of home health care:

1. It offers comfort and convenience.

One study found that elderly patients showed faster recovery rates if they stayed at home instead of recovering in a hospital. This is likely due to the familiarity, warmth, and security a home offers. Also, staying at home to recover allows patients to do some of their usual routines, giving them a sense of normalcy that is needed during trying times.

2. It guarantees high-quality care.

Hiring a caregiver from a in home nursing care Philadelphia or home health care Allentown ensures that you get the best kind of home health care service for your loved ones. These caregivers have undergone the necessary education and training required to ensure they are offering professional, top-notch service that adheres to the standards of the industry.

3. It provides a personalized care plan.

Different patients have different needs, so having a caregiver that can focus on a patient’s specific needs is essential. If you hire a home health care provider to care for someone that is having trouble walking and needs to take medication every day, you can expect that they will assist the patient by doing tasks around the house and by making sure their patient takes their meds on time.

4. It reduces the frequency of hospital visits.

Home health care professionals are there for their patients 24/7, making sure that everything is fine and stable. By regularly monitoring the health of a patient at home, any minor health problems that may arise can be spotted right away and remedied as soon as possible. This reduces the need to take a stressful trip to the hospital for something that can be treated at home.

5. It promotes companionship.

It is easier for family members and friends to visit a patient in their own home compared to in a hospital. At home, there are no set visiting hours or time restrictions. This allows for more bonding time and social interaction.

Why Should You Consider Home Health Care For An Elderly Family Member?

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 03:14:29 GMT

Why Should You Consider Home Health Care For An Elderly Family Member?

Are you constantly worried about your elderly relatives who live on their own? Do you stress over whether their medical conditions are making it hard for them to do their everyday routine? Do you want to make sure that they are taking their medications and going to their doctor’s appointments?

It is not uncommon for adult children and grandchildren to be concerned about their aging parents and grandparents, especially those who are battling health problems that make it difficult for them to live independently. These days it is difficult for family members to be able to care for their elderly loved ones due to the pressure of demanding jobs, overwhelming family responsibilities or simply due to living far away.

Fortunately, home health care providers or aides exist. These caregiving professionals provide a wide variety of services to help patients who are ill, disabled, or aging at home.

If you are in the Lancaster-Reading area, you can find a home health care Lancaster company or home health aide Reading company by searching “home health care near me” on the Internet to find home health care Lancaster companies or home health aide Reading services in your area.

So what exactly does a home health care service offer? How can hiring a home health care professional benefit your elderly family member?

Access to professional health care 24/7

Do you live in another city, state, or country, miles and miles away from your elderly parent? Do you have a hectic work schedule that makes it hard for you to find the time to regularly check on your elderly relatives? Does taking care of your children leave you physically and mentally exhausted, with zero energy to support your parents?

If things are already quite stressful for you due to your work and home situations, it is best that you leave it to the professionals to take good care of your elderly family members. With a professional home health care expert, your loved ones can get help and assistance whenever they need it. From feeding and dressing to medication intake to physical therapy, these professionals are equipped to provide high-quality service.

Customized care and support plan

Does your grandmother take several different medications a day and have a hard time keeping track of each and every one of them? Has your grandfather injured his back and has to limit his movements to prevent aggravating his condition?

A professional home health care provider will tailor their health care plan according to the specific needs of their patient. In the case of your grandmother, they will make sure that all medications are taken at the times recommended by the doctor. In the case of your grandfather, they can help perform basic chores and tasks around the house, prepare healthy meals, walk the dog every day, and even do some grocery shopping.

By hiring a home health care aide for your elderly family members, you can rest assured knowing they are getting the help and care they need while maintaining their independence and autonomy.

SENIORS AND TECHNOLOGY

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 17:21:17 GMT

Technology for Seniors

Seniors and Technology: How to Keep Your Independence

Technology can be a useful aid in helping seniors with various tasks so that they can remain independent and at home.

Technology can be a useful aid in helping seniors with various tasks so that they can remain independent and at home. Stereotypes often portray older adults as fearful or leery of using technology, but more and more seniors are using devices to help them do everyday tasks, set reminders and get transportation. Technology can help many seniors live independently, with devices that can monitor medication management, locate a lost Alzheimer’s patient or sense when someone has fallen.

Many seniors want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. In fact, Americans over age 50 prefer to age in place, according to surveys. ( www.nbcnews.com )

Here are five different devices that can help seniors maintain their independence.

1- Tablets and e-readers

Many seniors are using tablets now instead of computers. Handheld tablets are easier to get to and hold on the couch or in a chair. They also have bigger screens for reading, video conferencing, checking email, sharing photos and surfing the Internet. E-readers allow people to make the text larger so it’s easier on the senior’s eyes to read.

Tablets also have a plethora of apps that can be helpful, including ones that let individuals send blood pressure results to healthcare teams, jot notes down and stay connected with friends and family.

Role of the caregiver:

Caregivers can help download new books, set up type size, store contacts, download new apps and show seniors how to use tablets and e-readers so seniors adjustment and learning curve is small.

2- Fitness Trackers

Wearable fitness trackers such as Fitbit or Garmin make it easy for seniors to track their movement and sleep activity throughout the day and night. After the initial setup, adults just wear the devices and can see how many steps they’ve taken throughout the day as well as how many hours they are sleeping each night. Knowing how active they are can help motivate them to exercise more and reach their desired goals.

Role of the caregiver:

Activity can be uploaded to a group and seen by the caregiver to monitor movement. Caregivers can help set goals and start challenges for the senior to see who can get more steps in a day. Making it a fun game or friendly competition can be motivating for some individuals.

3- Medication Monitors

According to Andrew Carle, founding director of the Program in Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University, medication errors are the leading cause of hospitalizations in people over age 75. Medication monitors remind users when and how to take their medications. They then repeat the alert if the medication isn’t taken within a specified time and will also call a caregiver if too much time passes.

Some monitors are combined with medical alert systems that use cell phone technology and contact first the senior, then a friend or family member who has been programmed, and then emergency response. ( www.fasterhouse.com )

Role of the caregiver:

Caregivers can be programmed to receive alerts when seniors take their medications. Having the caregiver monitor this remotely allows them to still care for the patient but reduces the time the caregiver needs to be on-site.

4- Ride-sharing apps

Transportation limitations can greatly impact older adult’s independence and self-confidence. Ride-sharing services such as Lyft or Uber make it easy and convenient for seniors to get transportation. These apps are stored on a smartphone or tablet and can be utilized to request a ride in minutes, giving seniors independence and the freedom to get to and from where they want to go. Rides are paid for via a credit or debit card linked to your account and information is sent with the driver’s name, photo, and car make and model. Lyft has also made it where seniors don’t even need a smartphone or tablet to request a ride. ( www.lyft.com )

Role of the caregiver:

Caregivers can help with the initial app setup including setting location and linking card information. They can also request rides for seniors, depending on the adult’s technical abilities. Rides can even be arranged remotely.

5- GPS insoles

The GPS SmartSole ( www.gpssmartsole.com ) is a newer product that inserts into shoes and can locate the person wearing them. Since it fits into the shoe like an insole, it is discreet and perfect for the person who doesn’t want to wear technology on their arm or person. Placing these insoles into the shoes of an individual who has Alzheimer’s or dementia will help track them if they happen to wander. Perimeters can be set and notifications sent it the person leaves a specified area.

Role of the caregiver:

Caregivers can set up the insoles and set the perimeter. They can also monitor senior’s location via GPS and receive notifications if the senior leaves the specified perimeter.

Home Care Tip:

Monitoring an older adult remotely using the different technology can help keep them safe while reducing the number of hours caregivers need to be in the patient’s home.

HABITS FOR SENIORS

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:08:07 GMT

7 Habits Every Senior Should have in 2021

Start new habits this year for better health. Seniors can change their lifestyle and start practicing these 7 new healthy habits this year.

A new year is the perfect time to start putting new habits in place. New year’s signify fresh starts, rebirths, and second chances. So what better time to help older adults change their lifestyle and start practicing new habits than in the New Year?

Here are seven habits every senior should have in 2021.

1. Focus on prevention

Seniors can be proactive in their health by getting regular checkups. Having regular doctor appointments to check on things like cholesterol, heart problems, blood pressure and more can alert seniors of problems early on and make them more manageable. Getting regular screenings for things like colon, prostate and breast cancer can catch problems early so that treatment can be given immediately.

Even when individuals feel fine and healthy, they should visit their healthcare provider on a regular basis to help avoid problems in the future. Caregivers can help make appointments, provide transportation to appointments and help with any necessary follow up.

2. Get social

Doing activities with others and being social can help seniors’ mental and physical health. ( www.greatergood.berkeley.edu ) Since health and social activities tend to decline with age, it can be especially beneficial for seniors to get involved in social activities.

Many studies are showing how being involved in a community can help maximize sharing,

friendship, health and happiness later in life. Caregivers can help older adults find bingo nights,

book clubs, church events or other activities that they can attend. Find out what they like doing and take them to different events to see what is most enjoyable.

3. Keep your mind sharp

Doing mental activities that stimulate the brain will help ward off decline in mental health and

keep seniors’ minds sharp. Activities like crossword puzzles, bingo, board games, painting, arts and crafts, storytelling and computer activities are all things that seniors can participate in and can be beneficial to their health. A study by the New England Journal of Medicine ( seniors.lovetoknow.com ) suggests that it doesn’t matter what activities seniors participate in, as long as they are doing new and different ones that encourage them to use their brains.

4. Be physically active

Mobility can be more difficult with age, but it’s important for seniors to continue to exercise as they age. Regular exercise can help improve balance, flexibility, is good for your heart, and can even improve the health of people who are frail or who have age-related diseases. ( nih.seniorhealth.gov ) Being physically active can even potentially prevent or delay disease and help ward off diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. ( www.time.com ) Caregivers can go for walks with seniors, do strength training exercises at home, or provide transportation to and from local exercise classes.

5. Pay attention to eyes and ears

Getting annual eye exams and biannual dental exams can help seniors’ overall health. Having the proper prescription can help reduce a senior’s chances of falling. The risk of cavities also increases with age, so getting a dental checkup every six months is important. Many mouth infections can be linked to other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. In fact, new research suggests good oral health is essential to good overall health and quality of life.

6. Make healthy food choices

Making healthy food choices is important at any age. As people age, making healthy choices becomes increasingly important. Eating well can help maintain good bone health, weight, and can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Meal planning and cooking for one can be difficult, so it can be helpful for caregivers to go grocery shopping with seniors and help them with some of the meal prep. Adding herbs and spices to food can enhance the flavor as some foods lose flavor as people age.

7. Manage medicines

As people age, they often find themselves on more and more medications. Caregivers can regularly go over medications with physicians to find out any drug interactions. Caregivers can also watch seniors for new symptoms from medications such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, or allergic reactions. Paying close attentions to how these medications affect seniors can impact their overall quality of life.