It’s important to be prepared and research thoroughly all services provided for your loved ones before you accept assistance. But what do you ask?

You need to decide if you need non-medical home care, home health care with some nursing, assisted living, nursing home, or just a part time Adult Day Care. Each service is dependent on the services needed and ability of your loved one to be independent.

If your family member needs help with daily activities or personal care, household chores, meal preparation or bathing, or is just in need of companionship, you likely are seeking in-home care services. Your Comforts of Home offers several levels of care to fit your love one’s needs.

Optional senior services may include respite care, visiting nurses, or telephone check in calls. If your loved one needs constant full time care a nursing home or respite home may be the best answer to know that they receive the care they need when you are unable to care for them

Finances

Medicare, Medicaid and a number of private insurance policies pay for some home health care services, with certain restrictions. Although you should expect to pay some out of pocket. Costs of care will vary with the level of care. Sometimes Long-Term Care Insurance will assist with finances.

Safety

Would making modifications in the home be an alternative to keeping them in their own home? Have a professional come to home to research the feasibility of adapting the bathtub, adding handrails to bathroom and staircases, building a ramp to walkway to assist with mobility, or widening the doorways. Adding a bathroom bench may be an easy safety answer to avoid slipping while bathing. Some suggestions for modifications can be found at www.assistedlivingtoday.com

Social Interaction

Many seniors suffer from loneliness and need companion services. Remaining social will increase their physical and mental well- being. Does the level of care and services offer activities targeted to their skill level? Mental stimulation has been shown to reduce blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis as well as improving sleep quality and avoiding depression. Self-expression through coloring, music, games, or reading will trigger memories while reducing anxiety.

Ultimately, your caregiver should be compassionate, respectful, and offer the senior as much independence as appropriate to keep their self-esteem and dignity. Patience with you and your senior is critical. If they lack patience with you, they will not be patient with your senior.

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