National Home Care and Hospice Month – Honoring Front-Line Heroes in the Home

November is National Home Care and Hospice Month. 

Designated as such by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, this month recognizes individuals in the US who care for the aging and chronically ill in their homes. These compassionate professionals play a pivotal role in our healthcare system and the families of more than 5million people across the country.

National Home Care and Hospice Month celebrates home health aides, therapists, social workers, and nurses for their care, time, and energy. 

Among those receiving ongoing care, receiving care in the home is the preferred method of healthcare delivery. 90% of Americans choose to age in place and for a good reason. According to AARP, aging in place promotes life satisfaction, a positive quality of life, and healthy self-esteem. With over 12,000 home care agencies, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

It’s essential to choose a provider that best suits your individual needs.

We advise you the following tips to ensure you’re working with the home care agency that will prioritize your goals for aging while keeping you safe in your home, no matter what comes:

  • How long has the agency been serving the community?
  • What training does the care team receive? Are their workers insured and bonded? Do they check references and perform background checks?
  • Does the agency have a care manager that evaluates the specific care needed? What does this process look like?
  • Does this agency include the individual and their family in the plan of care? Are they involved in making care plan changes?
  • Does the patient receive a copy of the care plan? Do they update the care plan regularly?
  • Does the agency have a method for overseeing the quality of care? Does anyone from the agency make home visits? If so, how often?
  • Does the agency provide a list of contacts in case there is a concern or complaint? What is the agency’s procedure for addressing concerns or complaints?
  • How will you pay for care? Does the agency provide a list of payer resources and guidance for finding financial aid and benefits?
  • What procedures does the agency have in place in case of an emergency? What is their process?
  • Is someone from the agency available outside of business hours?
  • How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality?

Although November is designated National Home Care and Hospice Month, we see the impact that these front-line heroes have on our communities every day. If you know of someone who gives their energy to keep the aging, chronically ill, or disabled safe in their homes, take a moment this month to thank them for all they do. And if you or someone you love needs help in their home, contact us today.

 

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.

Parkinson’s CARE Program – A Personalized, In-Home Care Experience for Those Living with PD

Parkinson’s Disease affects over 6 million people worldwide.

Parkinson’s Disease is a slow and progressive neurological condition. Nerve cells in the brain produce dopamine. The nervous system uses dopamine to communicate between nerve cells. Dopamine affects our moods, movement, and memory, among other things. Parkinson’s Disease attacks the nerve cells that produce dopamine. Individuals diagnosed with PD may experience tremors, difficulty speaking, generalized slowness, and shuffling. Cognitive changes may occur as the disease progresses.

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

A diagnosis of PD will bring many changes and adjustments to everyday life. As a result, one can find themselves struggling with tasks once done with ease. Things such as getting dressed, eating, and even communicating can become difficult or impossible. The ability to regulate and process emotions can become challenging. Their family members will feel the impact as well. Family members may need to make considerable lifestyle adjustments to address the care needs of their loved one. They can quickly become overwhelmed with the loss of routine and normalcy of their relationship with their loved one.

A Place At Home has designed a Parkinson’s CARE Program to help those diagnosed with PD navigate the Disease on their terms.

A Place At Home has developed a Parkinson’s CARE Program to address those diagnosed with PD’s specific care needs. This program includes:

  • A personal care plan complete with Parkinson’s-specific assessments to address your individual care needs.
  • Active and ongoing communication with all other members of your health care team.
  • A Parkinson’s CARE certified care team who is specifically trained in the needs of those living with PD.
  • Change in Condition tracking addresses any changes in condition as they happen to prevent further risk or injury.

Living with Parkinson’s Disease can be overwhelming. Having a team of professionals in your home supporting you can help you make huge strides in your quality of life. Reach out to us today to learn more about our Parkinson’s CARE Program or to schedule a cost-free consultation.

Recovering After a Stroke Can be an Uphill Battle. Our CARE Program Supports Your Climb

Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke. Recovering from a stroke doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Recovering from a stroke can be daunting. Sometimes, one can suffer minimal effects after a stroke. But a lot of the time, a stroke can leave an individual and their family reeling. A stroke can cause paralysis, aphasia, cognitive issues, and trouble with one’s memory. These are just a few things people can struggle with recovering from a stroke. While a stroke can be devastating, the CDC reports that about 80% of strokes are preventable. It’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke, as well as lifestyle changes you can make to lessen your risk.

A stroke doesn’t just affect the individual who’s had one; recovery from a stroke has a heavy impact on their loved ones as well.

Taking care of a loved one after they’ve suffered a stroke can be overwhelming and daunting. Caring for someone while they recover can mean a loss of routine and normalcy, both in everyday life and in the dynamics of their relationship with the person who had the stroke. Many people find themselves making large lifestyle changes to accommodate the care needs of their loved ones. And studies show that family members caring for a loved one following a stroke experience psychological distress, depressive symptoms, lower quality of life, and lower overall life satisfaction. These detriments can be present for years after their loved one has had a stroke.

We’ve designed our Stroke CARE Program to help individuals and their families as they recover from a stroke.

A Place At Home has developed a Stroke Recovery CARE Program to address the specific care needs of those recovering from a stroke. This program includes:

  • A personal care plan complete with stroke-specific assessments to address your individual care needs.
  • Active and ongoing communication with all other members of your health care team.
  • A specifically trained Stroke Care certified care team.
  • Change in Condition tracking ensures that your care team addresses any concerns as they happen to prevent further risk or injury.

Recovering from a stroke can feel like an uphill battle. Having a team of professionals in your home supporting your recovery can help you make huge strides in your rehabilitation and quality of life. Reach out to us today to learn more about our Stroke CARE Program or schedule a cost-free consultation.

Arbor Day – Love For Our Planet and Those We Hold Close

Arbor Day 2020

Arbor Day – it’s one of those holidays that we don’t take off work for, or exchange gifts. But for our planet, it’s one of the most important holidays of the year. The founder of Arbor Day, Julius Sterling Morton, had a passion for nature, and trees in particular. Originally from New York, Morton settled down in the Midwest, founding this holiday dedicated to trees in Nebraska, the same state A Place At Home was founded. It is estimated that one million trees were planted in Nebraska at the first Arbor Day celebration in 1872.

 

Impact on our Health and Environment

 

Trees have a major impact on our environment, and our health. Most people know that trees clean the air. But did you know that each year they remove over 46 million tons of air pollution, just in the United States? In the same amount of time, one mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In exchange, it releases oxygen. It’s no wonder then, that 20 percent of the earth’s oxygen overall is produced in the Amazon Rainforest. And trees don’t just affect our air quality. Studies have shown that just being able to see a tree significantly reduces stress levels and improves quality of life.

Impact on our Heart

 

Traditionally, people across the world celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees. Not just to be kind to the environment, but to honor loved ones who have passed away. It’s for this reason that Arbor Day, and the Arbor Day Foundation, is near and dear to our hearts. At A Place At Home, trees represent powerful meaning.  Like others, we think of trees as the symbol of the vitality of life, and those that came before us, and those that will carry on after we are gone. It stands for families and ancestors. It stands for strength, stability, and nourishment.

 

Rooted in Care

 

For every client we have been honored to care for that passes away, A Place At Home plants trees in their memory. Since 2014, A Place At Home franchise network has planted almost 2,000 trees. Memorials to our clients are growing in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Superior National Forest, Chippewa National Forest, Custer-Gallatin National Forest, and Klamath National Forest. Each tree we plant reminds us of how grateful we are to have been touched by the lives of those families and clients.

 

If you’d like to celebrate this Arbor Day by planting a tree, why not go the extra mile and become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation. First time members get 10 trees free and you can sign up here.

 

If you or someone you know can benefit from extra support in the home, please reach out to us to see how we can help.

Trees: A Symbol of Life & Memory

Forest, A Place At Home logo, Partner of Arbor Day Foundation

Today, we celebrate Arbor Day, a national holiday commemorating the beauty and life of trees and nature. At A Place At Home, we honor the holiday with our deeply rooted connection with the Arbor Day Foundation. 

The roots of a tree hold powerful meaning; they nourish and create stability for the tree, building the foundation for healthy growth, and give back to the land around them. When Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich, founders of A Place At Home, thought about how the impact they wanted their senior-focused services to have, a tree is the first thing that came to mind.

Our philosophy at A Place At Home is rooted in CARE — care for our clients and their families, care for our staff, and care for our community. We strive to be Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical with every interaction — these are our roots, and they’ve allowed us to create a foundation of stability and nourishment to thousands of families in need over the last ten years. 

Our CARE standards are what drive our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and their “Trees in Memory” program. For every client we have been honored to care for that passes away, A Place At Home plants trees in their memory. The trees planted in remembrance will leave a legacy for future generations, preserving the foundation built by those who came before us. 

Since April of 2021, A Place At Home has planted 620 trees to honor those that have passed. These memorials can be found growing in Chippewa National Forest, Custer-Gallatin National Forest, Klamath National Forest, Superior National Forest, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Each tree will stand as a lasting tribute to those families and clients who have touched our lives.

To read more about our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, click here.  

Join in the celebration of life and nature by becoming a member of the Arbor Day Foundation. To learn more about their mission or to sign up, visit www.arborday.org.

Home Care Prices – Knowing What You Need Saves Big Bucks

Home Care Pricing – The Devil Is In The Details

Do you need to find home care services for yourself or a family member? Are you trying to find home cares prices you can afford? Whether a family member or the client does the looking, the terminology in the home care industry is confusing and frustrating. Choose the wrong type of home care services and you’ll pay hundreds of dollars more in senior care costs. Here are some quick, easy pointers to help you navigate these services like a Pro.

Home Health Is Not The Same As Home Care

Home Health is what the name implies…health care in the home or senior living community where the Client lives. An example would be physical therapy at home after an accident. These folks work through insurance programs like Medicare or VA most of the time and prices are provided. This also means Home Health Agencies will not accept companion or homemaker service requests under normal circumstances. Home Health services are often assigned by the hospital, nursing facility or rehab center the client is leaving. Regardless, patients DO have the right to make this choice themselves.

Home Care: Companion Care vs. Private Duty Home Care

Home Care services are centered around non-medical assistance that allows the Client to age more safely while living in the comfort of their own home, family member’s home or senior living community. Home Care gets broken into two service levels in most states. These service levels are Companion Care and Private Duty. Prices vary significantly between them. Here are brief descriptions of their services and differences.

Private Duty

These providers perform a range of personal care tasks called ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). ADLs include bathing, toileting and dressing patients unable to perform these activities for themselves. While they are also able to perform Companion Care services, these providers often require a minimum number of hours and are generally more expensive. Hourly base rates often range from $23-$35+ on average. Add-ons drive the costs even higher. If you need a more hands-on care approach, Private Duty is what you’re looking for. However, many folks seeking basic services hear these rates and go no further. Yet, there is still another option. This alternative to Private Duty is Companion Care.

Companion Care

These providers offer the level of care most families seek. These families want someone to help with IADLs (Independent Activities of Daily Living) while the Client is home alone. This list of services allows for basic companionship, light housekeeping, fixing a meal, medication reminders, grocery shopping, etc. The Caregivers offered by these providers are usually a mix of CNAs, Home Health Aides and independent Caregivers. They provide the majority of the services Private Duty providers perform at a lower cost per hour. As a result of the reduced level of care needed, prices for these services average just $20-$27 per hour based on the number of days and hours being requested.

Agencies vs. Registries

It is also important to be aware of the differences between Home Care Agencies and Home Care Registries. While both may provide Private Duty services or specialize in Companion Care duties, the way they operate is quite different.

Registries (or Nurse Registries)

Registries generally do not employ the Caregivers they represent. They act more like a staffing agency for Independent Caregivers. Many of these Caregivers do not carry health insurance, general liability coverage, a professional liability policy or Workers Compensation insurances. Should an uninsured Caregiver get hurt, injure the Client or even take/break a valuable item in the Client’s home, the Client would be responsible for the expenses resulting from the incident.

Home Care Agencies (like A Place At Home)

Agencies are required by the State of Florida to fully employ their Caregivers. In addition, all Caregivers working for an Agency must undergo a Level II background check by the State to protect our seniors. Our franchisor takes the level of protection  even further by requiring all of those insurances listed previously. Our Agency also requires initial drug testing and random drug testing throughout employment. We protect both our Clients and Caregivers from unfortunate situations where feasible.

This quick explanation will aid you in your efforts to provide the appropriate level of care for yourself or loved one. Choosing the right services and level of care you or your loved one needs early in the search will also save you time, money and hopefully keep your blood pressure at a safe level.

My Team and I are always available to you should you have any questions. Please feel free to call our offices at 407-565-7600 anytime. You can also send an email to stephen.sherbin@aplaceathome.com if you have a question, comment or need assistance.

Have A Blessed Day!

Steve Sr.

Other Resources:
Home Care Association Of Florida:
https://www.homecarefla.org/general/custom.asp?page=whatishomecare
Agency For Home Care Administration
https://ahca.myflorida.com/
The information in this article is based on personal experiences in the State of Florida. Information will vary from State to State. We strongly advise readers to learn and follow the specific guidelines and laws in their own States and municipalities. The opinions expressed here are for entertainment purposes only. They are the personal opinion of the author and not necessarily the views or opinions of A Place At Home. We do not seek to provide legal or financial advice and always strongly recommend engaging an attorney or financial advisor who specializes in the desired services. All content is the trademarked property of the author and may not be printed or reproduced without the author’s express written consent.