Agency or Registry: Which is the Better Choice When it Comes to Finding Care for Your Loved One?

How do you choose between an in-home care agency and a registry?

The time has come. It may have snuck into your life quietly, in the form of repeated conversations, forgotten words, or names. Perhaps it raged into existence in the way of a tragic diagnosis or a bad fall. However it happened, the time has come to consider the safety and well-being of a loved one. Searching for care options can be a daunting task. A quick Google search will bring up a plethora of in-home care agencies, as well as registries. But what’s the difference between an agency and a registry?

The primary distinction between the two is that a home care registry is a third party whose objective is collecting a fee. A home care agency has your interests at the forefront. 

A registry provides you with a directory of caregivers in your area. That’s the extent of what they provide. When you choose to work with a registry, you take personal responsibility for the caregiver who’s coming into your home. The registry has no oversight of the people it is recommending. Background checks, drug testing, training, and liability all fall on your shoulders. And if the caregiver doesn’t work out, or isn’t able to be there at the scheduled time? It’s up to you to replace them. 

When you go through an agency to secure your in-home care needs, it’s a vastly different experience. 

An agency provides the security of professional oversight, among other things. An agency is responsible for the hiring and training of their care team. This includes background checks and drug testing. They are also responsible for finding a replacement when a caregiver cannot be with your loved one as scheduled. Even the most consistent caregiver will have times when they are unable to show up as expected. Agencies have a pool of professionally trained and vetted caregivers to call upon when a replacement is needed. 

Having an agency that manages your loved one’s schedule, care needs, and caregivers is a better option for navigating what is already an emotionally taxing and stressful situation. It’s also important to note that because registries are a third party, their priorities lie with their interests, not yours. 

When you work with an agency, you’re getting a service directly from the provider, whose interests are that of your own: to keep your loved one safe and happy in their own home. An agency is invested in the positive outcomes resulting from the work they do from all angles. 

In the end, you want to be sure that the goals of the care provider you’ve chosen align with your goals. 

Choosing an agency as your provider ensures a collaborative relationship. If you or someone you know is struggling with caring for their loved one, reach out to us. We are as invested in the health, safety, and quality of life of your loved one as you are. 

 

American Diabetes Month: We Stand Greater Than Diabetes

November is American Diabetes Month. As declared by the American Diabetes Association, this year’s theme is “We Stand Greater Than Diabetes.” The association chose this theme to highlight that when we stand together to support the research efforts, legislation, and a healthy lifestyle, we can be greater than the threat of diabetes.

There are three main types of diabetes: Gestational, Type I, and Type II. Type I and II are the most common. Most of the time, patients can successfully manage their diabetes, no matter which kind. Managing this condition can be done through diet and exercise, and in some cases (always, in the case of Type I), medication.

But what is the difference between Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes?

  • Type I Diabetes: With this type, the body doesn’t produce insulin at all. This type cannot be prevented but can be addressed with medication and insulin therapy. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage Type I as well.
  • Type II Diabetes: Though Type II is preventable, it is the most common type. It often occurs in aging adults. Someone who has Type II diabetes can produce insulin, but their body doesn’t use it properly. One can manage this type successfully with diet and exercise, but in some cases does require medication.

While there’s no cure for diabetes, managing the disease can ensure most people diagnosed will live long, healthy lives. However, complications from the disease can arise if it is not taken care of properly. If left unchecked, this disease can lead to underlying conditions that cause further complications and stress on the body.

Some of these complications are seen frequently in older adults and can require regular medical attention and care.

When diabetes is not managed appropriately, neuropathy (a condition affecting the nerves that can cause a loss of feeling and weakness in the area affected) and poor circulation can occur. This can quickly lead to diabetic wounds and ulcers, often seen on the feet and lower extremities. Not only that, but uncontrolled diabetes can cause other, severe conditions. Examples are heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, issues with vision, and some skin conditions. And of course, some of these can require frequent hospitalizations and multiple new medications.

If you have diabetes, there are things you can do to prevent further complications.

 You must keep track of any prescribed medications or insulin therapies. Ensure you’re tracking your blood sugar regularly, if necessary. And of course, maintain a healthy diet and get as much exercise as possible. If your diabetes has already caused complications, it might be a good idea to reach out to an in-home care company that can help you manage a healthier lifestyle. Having caregivers in your home can help ensure that you’re following a proper diet, can help with medication reminders, and, in some cases, medication management. You can also have the peace of mind of having oversight to address any further complications that might emerge.

If you’re an aging adult with diabetes or know someone who could use assistance managing the disease process, reach out to us today. Our professional and trained caregivers can help.