Home Care Agencies vs. Registries: What’s the Difference?
Hiring a home care worker can be a daunting task. It quickly becomes apparent that to hire a trustworthy, reliable caregiver, you need the expertise and support of a home care company. But be aware that not all of these companies are actually home care agencies. Some are instead registry services. It’s important to understand the differences.
12 Questions on Discovering and Communicating the Need for Care
When communicating that a patient needs extra care, Dr. Beach advises healthcare professionals to validate the feelings of all family members, but solicit feedback from a family member who understands and believes that the patient needs help. It’s important to focus on improving the quality of life of the patient. Emphasize that outside or additional help that attends to the patient’s care needs will not only keep the patient safe, but also will allow family members to enjoy their relationships with their loved ones.
Initiating The Conversation With Seniors
How do you initiate the conversation with loved ones about health, finances and end-of-life issues? How do you invite positive dialogue among key family members?
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The National Council on Aging cites research that shows that elderly people who have experienced abuse have a 300% higher risk of death than their peers who are not mistreated. So while it might seem meddling to report a situation in which you suspect an elderly person is being abused, it can literally be the difference between life and death.
5 Books on Caring for Aging Parents and Grandparents
Seeking help and support is vital to caregivers. Many of us find reading stories from other caregivers helpful to understand and prepare for caregiving duties. Based on popularity and ratings on Goodreads and Amazon books, we have shortlisted five books and graphic novels that depict the challenges of caring for seniors, and the coping strategies these authors employed.
Common Misconceptions About CNAs and LPNs
"CNAs are not 'just an aide.' They're the real hands-on people who regularly get to see and know the care clients. Their job is important,' said Sandy Pellegrine.
Cancer Care--Caregiving, Support and Resources
The suspect lump, mole or nagging cough may be a health nuisance, but for millions of people around the world, these changes in the body are warning signs of cancer. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide; the World Health Organization reports that cancer killed 8.8 million people globally in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions for Aging Life Care Professionals
Aging Life Care Professionals are specialized caseworkers who focus on holistic geriatric care management. They can be an excellent resource for both family caregivers and isolated older adults, providing help and advocacy across a variety of disciplines. We spoke with Brenda Shorkend, an independent Aging Life Care Professional with over 25 years of experience, and got answers to five most frequently asked questions for Aging Life Care Professionals.
Guide to Long-Distance Caregiving
If you live an hour away or across the country from an older loved one who needs care, you may be facing the complexities of long-distance caregiving. You want to help with the care of your senior relative or friend as much as you can, but the miles between the both of you pose a challenge to you staying accurately informed and the care recipient obtaining reliable help.
RightConversations Guide--How to Initiate The Conversation With Seniors
Right at Home developed RightConversations Guide to offer tips on discussing home care with senior loved ones and family.
Discover Train Tours and Vacations in the U.S.
For many of us, traveling is one of the great pleasures life has to offer. Experiencing new places, different cultures and beautiful sights adds depth and excitement to our lives. But with the rising costs of airline travel and the hassles associated with road trips, it’s easy to get discouraged about planning a vacation.
The Downsizing Dilemma for Baby Boomers
Nationwide, most communities were not designed to keep pace with the rapid-rise housing market for the boomer generation. While many boomers seek smaller one-story homes with less maintenance and higher efficiency (which means lower living costs) in a walkable neighborhood, they are often disappointed to find a real estate market saturated with luxury homes or government assistance residences.
Challenges of Retiring on Social Security
If the thought of retiring and living solely on your Social Security benefits scares you, you may have reason to breathe a sigh of relief, or at least exhale enough to realize that it is possible to live a happy life in America on a senior’s fixed income.
Special Exercise for Life and Fitness (SELF)
As a trained exercise physiologist, Dr. Berg used to give lectures on diabetes around Omaha, Nebraska. Eventually, he decided to bring people in and show them what to do to meet their needs, instead of just talking about it. The "SELF" program was born as a result.
Pill Organizers Could Lead to Overdoses
According to a new report, pill organizers may actually be responsible for causing dangerous overdoses. Individuals who started to use a pill organizer suffered impaired mobility, episodes of dangerously low blood sugar, and falls.
Legal Issues for Family Caregivers; Is Yoga Safe for Seniors With Joint Pain?
These and other stories are in the August edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
Bathroom Safety: The Toilet
The bathroom can be a dangerous place for people of all ages, but older Americans are more vulnerable to falls and injuries.
Overcoming Caregiver Fear
As a caregiver, you will be confronted daily with people, situations and events over which you have little or no control, and if you allow yourself to dwell on what might happen, you could easily become overwhelmed by fear.
Financial Advice for Widows
For women whose spouses die, the grief is often magnified by the stress and uncertainly of legal and financial matters.
When Aging Parents Remarry
Suzanne cared for her ailing husband for five years before his death. Now, the 75-year-old widow is falling in love again. But her grown children strongly object.
Bathroom Safety: A Shower Chair or Bath Bench?
Shower chairs, shower stools and bath benches are a good option to help with bathing safety and fall avoidance.
When Families Disagree About Senior Care; Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Socially Engaged
These and other stories are in the May edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
Boomers Need to Talk About Care; Distracted Driving Stats May Surprise You
These and other stories are in the April edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
Bathroom Safety: Grab Bars
Would it surprise you to learn that nearly 200,000 older Americans are treated in emergency rooms for bathroom-related falls and injuries every year?
Getting Around When You No Longer Drive
It’s time for your elderly loved one to give up the car keys, but how will he or she get around to doctor appointments, errands and social activities?
Medical Skepticism Over Brain Games
The influx of computer-based brain games has promised people even more command of their mental acuity—improved memory skills, faster recall of childhood stories and even prevention of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive decline. But are these brain games really working?
RightCare … The Right Choice for You.
Securing at-home care for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Right at Home is committed to helping you choose senior care wisely. Rest assured that with Right at Home, your loved one will be getting the Right Care.
High Blood Pressure and Alzheimer’s Disease
If you have high blood pressure, known as hypertension, and are taking certain medications for the condition, you also may be lowering your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
What Are Driver Rehab Specialists and How Do They Help Seniors?
Because of his fused spine, 83-year-old Jim is unable to rotate his neck fully. His family frets about him driving. Another family worries, too. Is Marilyn's arthritic knee slowing her from reaching the brake pedal?
Elder Care Mediation
Eldercare mediation is a growing field that will increase in prominence as the number of elders increases. As parents age, conflicts can erupt between parents and their children over living situations, driving, or the need for more help with daily activities.