Approaching That Difficult Subject...Your Loved One May Need Home Care

The Family Plan
How do you help your elderly loved one get past their family customs and cultural beliefs to accept assistance in the home?  How do you tell a loved one that you and your siblings are concerned about them living alone at home?  How do you help them keep their independence without interfering in their life or making decisions for them?

These are issues that will not go away with time.  To the contrary, everyone involved should be very proactive about such difficult topics.  With advance planning, and straight forward discussions, the problem-solving process actually can work well, but it will take some concentrated effort by you, your siblings, and your loved one.

The first thing to know is that many of the conversations you will be having on your loved one's behalf could very well be emotional, and must be handled carefully.  Setting up a family meeting can be a great place to begin to have discussions about the care they should be receiving.  It may seem obvious, but in most cases, remember that they are the one who will be making choices about their life, not you or other family members.  Your loved one should always be a central part of every discussion.  If not, it could be difficult for you to find solutions that are acceptable to your loved one.

Family meetings should be positive and supportive.  Many times, this support alone may be enough to convince the elder family member that they should begin to consider some form of home care before their health deteriorates.  However, even with the most thought out and well planned family meeting, initial resistance is normal.  Remember, you are touching upon a very important topic for them, their independence.

If your loved one shows signs of resistance, and would like to put the family meeting off for awhile, don't push them into having the meeting.  Realize, they may need some time to prepare for such a discussion.  Approach them again in a week or two, and suggest to have another time for the meeting.  If they continue to resist, be a bit more assertive.  Make sure they understand that both you, and other family members, want this meeting because you care about them, and are concerned about their well-being.

Some suggested methods to deal with resistance are:

*  If your loved one's health and/or safety are at issue, say so, and push the discussion forward. 
*  Involve others, such as clergy, physicians, or a geriatric care manager.
*  Use community resources to help everyone ease into the "care at home" process.

Make sure you have focused on what they feel are their issues, not just what you or others think are the concerns.  They will be much more accepting of your concerns and wishes if they tie into their own concerns.  If you suspect that resistance will be an issue, then it is wise to have an initial family meeting, prior to the one held with the loved one.  This will give the family an opportunity to unite in their thoughts, which will help show your loved one that all of you are concerned about similar issues.  The statement "strength in numbers" certainly does apply here.

After having the initial family meeting with your loved one, and everyone has had the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts, gently suggest that they make an appointment with their physician to have a thorough evaluation.  This professional evaluation can go a long way in helping them decide that they could use some assistance in their home.  Don't nag them about this evaluation.  Simply plant the seed and water it from time to time.  Eventually, most elders realize that they cannot care for themselves as they once could.  Seeing a doctor seems to make this decision easier.

Finally, be direct and speak with them about having a home care agency come out and meet with them.  This will allow your loved one to get a sense of exactly what such an agency can do for them.  Focus this meeting on what a caregiver from an agency will and won't do.  It is important to be specific about the tasks the caregiver will perform and won't perform.  Let them know that they are still in control, and that the home care process can add significantly to everyone's peace of mind.

Talking To Your Loved One

As a recap, when talking to your loved one, keep all discussions with them positive.  Treat them as an equal and don't parent them!  And remember, let your loved ones make their own decisions.  Your job is to help them make those decisions, not to make the decisions for them.

Visiting Angels® Can Help!
Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice In Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, just give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get right back to you.

Show Your Loved One You Care Today!

Recognizing the Signs Your Parents Need Home Health Care

The well being of your parents is a concern for every child, especially as they age. If you’re concerned for the health or safety of your loved ones, the first solution that comes to mind may be bringing your parents to live at home with you. This scenario doesn’t work for all families. It’s up to you to determine whether your aging loved one would benefit from outside assistance such as Home Health Care.

There is no one special sign that indicates your parents are struggling to care for themselves—sometimes all it takes is a gut check. The two main indicators that your parents are struggling are the condition of their house or home, and their own personal health.

Home Health Care may be a good option if you notice a decline in the condition of your parent’s home—a sure sign they need help. Check for cleanliness and upkeep—is your loved one’s house in the same condition it’s always been in? Check the fridge to ensure there’s enough food and it’s unspoiled. Look over the house for unsafe spaces—are all handrails secure, are rugs worn and sliding, are there any areas of the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom that could cause a fall?

Home Health Care should could also be an option if you notice a physical decline in your parent or loved one’s health—how he or she is moving around the house. You don’t have to be a doctor to realize that your loved one’s health may be failing. If it is, you should be concerned and consult with your loved one’s physician.

Also consider the home layout—stairs can be a hazard for older folks. If you have the opportunity to install or remodel or repurpose your home to include a full bathroom and bedroom on the first floor, do so. Other simple changes include changing door handles to levers, making it easier to get in and out.

Despite difficulties, most elderly folks prefer to stay in the comfort of their home as they age. Home care is an excellent alternative. House cleaning, meal preparation services are provided by home care aides. These caregivers are available to provide in elderly care 24 hours a day to allow elderly individuals remain in their own homes and improve the quality of their lives. Learn more about how an individualized elderly care program can improve the life and health of your loved one.

Contact Us!

Supporting those who help others is very important to Visiting Angels, and we applaud the mission of Aging Solutions.  Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice in Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, we can be contacted by email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com

Visiting Angels Home Care Services Can Provide an Alternative to Long-Term Care

"When it comes to your care there are so many choices-nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies (nursing agencies), home care agencies and more. However, only you can choose what's right for you."

At Visiting Angels, we realize that it is never easy bringing someone into your home to provide care. So we strive to make staying at home a positive experience. We do this by allowing you to select your caregiver from a group of experienced caregivers, allowing you to maintain your schedule and providing you or your loved one with personalized care.

You Are In Charge – We’re On “Your” Schedule:

You are in charge of everything. Visiting Angels will not dictate to you what your schedule is to be (i.e. what time to get up, when to bathe, meal schedules etc.). It is our job to adjust to your schedule and to see to it that you remain comfortable in your own home. Visiting Angels - senior home care at its best!

Bonded, licensed and insured

All Visiting Angels senior home care agencies are required to be bonded and insured. This can give you the peace of mind that a trustworthy caregiver will be in your loved one's home.

Monitoring is essential:

Visiting Angels home care agencies are trained to continuously monitor their caregivers through our unique system of continued personalized contacts through telephone check-in and home visits. We want to ensure that care recipients receive the best possible care.

Tailor your care to your needs

No two people are the same. Therefore their needs are going to be very different. Whether you need respite care, in home care, part time or full time care or care at an assisted living facility, Visiting Angels can provide an experienced caregiver that is right for you. Our agencies tailor your program of care based on your needs and we are flexible to change the program as different needs arise. We will also work along with any home health agency or nursing agency that may be assisting your loved ones after a recent hospital stay.

Contact Us!

Supporting those who help others is very important to Visiting Angels, and we applaud the mission of Aging Solutions.  Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice in Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, we can be contacted by email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com

Visiting Angels Home Care Services Can Provide an Alternative to Long-Term Care

It can be wrenching to see the independence of a loved one or family member decline. Simple tasks that used to be effortless, such as cooking a meal or keeping a house tidy, can become impossible for someone who is recovering from a hospital stay or whose strength is declining with age.

As the population ages, more and more people will face the reality of an older adult who may need assistance to live independently. For many in this group, a nursing home or retirement center is more than they need; and yet complete independence isn't realistic, either.

One option that is becoming increasingly available across the nation is home care services. These services allow many people to remain in their homes and enjoy the independence of their daily routines and familiar surroundings. Home care services typically provide non-medical help with daily living tasks including meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands or even simple companionship.

Visiting Angels focuses on building relationships with each client.  Visiting Angels is unique among home care services in that the care recipient and involved family members actually choose the caregiver who best suits them and their needs. .

The first step we take is a face-to-face meeting in the client's home to get acquainted and determine what needs exist. We will only recommend care givers who have experience with the client's needs. For instance, if the client has Alzheimer's disease, we'll assign a caregiver who has experience with similar disorders.

 Our caregivers will not dictate what the client's schedule should be. If someone is used to having breakfast and bathing at 7 a.m., our caregivers will accommodate that. It is our job to adjust to the client's schedule and see to it that they remain comfortable in their home.

After a caregiver has been placed with a client, the agency continues to monitor service through telephone calls and in-home visits to make sure the client is satisfied with the caregiver and the services provided.

Visiting Angels provides a range of non-medical services including assistance with hygiene, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping, weekend or holiday care, live-in or live-out care, temporary or long-term, and respite for family care givers.

Contact Us!

Supporting those who help others is very important to Visiting Angels, and we applaud the mission of Aging Solutions.  Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice in Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, we can be contacted by email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com

Does Your Loved One Need Elder Care Services?

When your parents, loved ones, or older relatives begin to need constant care, it can be both saddening and overwhelming. This article discusses how elder care services make a difference in aiding family caregivers provide help for loved ones in need of assistance. Elder care services encompass a broad range of services; personal care for elderly friends, relatives, and loved ones as well as housekeeping duties, day care, and meal preparation as well. Approximately 16% of the population is currently over the age of 65 and are in need of help when it comes to bathing, dressing, grooming, and dietary services. However, much of elder care is needed on a supplementary basis, as the majority (80%) of the elderly and senior citizens live with other family members or loved ones.

Elder care services are particularly necessary when seniors suffer from medical conditions. Among the most common medical ailments that affect an elderly individual’s day-to-day activities include forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s), Parkinson’s disease, heart related diseases and recovery from heart treatments, vision problems, and diabetes as well. These illnesses and the varying degrees of severity pose challenges for not only the elderly who suffer them but the caregivers who provide treatment and support. As mentioned, the majority of elderly individuals choose to live in the comfort of their own homes or with their loved ones. Elder care services provide the resources and support necessary for them to do so.

Even if your elderly relatives or loved ones are fortunate enough to have their health, elder care can still be an option for support. But how do you know when it’s time to provide your loved ones with assistance, especially if they aren’t going to ask for it?

Signs Your Loved One is in Need of Elder Care Services or Assistance:

•Does your relative, friend, or family member lose track of what they’re saying mid conversation? I.e. the names of their children, grandchildren, or the year or date?

•Has their spouse or close friend recently passed away?

•Have you noticed a decline in their personal hygiene?

•Have you observed a significant change in their weight?

•Do they neglect to clean or repair their home?

•Even though they’re still mobile, is there never any food in the house?

•Do they sometimes forget to take their medication, or fail to take it regularly?

It’s important to consider getting help for your elderly loved ones when they can be involved in the process, as joint decisions are generally more thoughtful and respectful to a senior’s dignity. Remember that moving your loved one out of their house and home isn’t always the best option, and elder care services provide assistance better suited to their needs. Elder care services aid seniors with the daily activities mentioned above, allowing them to remain the security of their own home with some necessary assistance to improve their quality of life.

Contact Us!

Supporting those who help others is very important to Visiting Angels, and we applaud the mission of Aging Solutions.  Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice in Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, we can be contacted by email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com