Getting Mom and Dad to Accept In Home Care Services in Paradise Valley, AZ

After discussing with your siblings, you have all decided that it would be best to hire a home care companion for your parents. However, Mom and Dad really are not interested in this type of situation, so you’ll have to convince them of its real and true benefits.

Part of the reason why your parents might not want this arrangement to occur is because they are afraid of losing control. You want them to see that they are actually still in control of the situation, and the way to accomplish this goal is to ask them to lead the interviews. Ask your top choices for home care companions to come over to your parents’ home, so they can ask the professionals in the field any questions that they would like. Yes, you should feel comfortable with the person. However, it’s extremely important that your parent or parents do too.

It would also be an intelligent idea to have a trail session. Ask your parents if they would prefer you to stay or leave during this trial, and abide by their wishes. In the event that they want you to stay, be natural but give the two of them space to get to know one another. Your Mom and/or Dad will see that the individual is really there to help them.

During this trial, or on your own, show your parents how the companions can really be of service. For example, Mom might call you up one day to ask if you can drive her to the store. You have to take the kids to soccer practice though, so this is an excellent time to suggest a companion. Such a companion would be able to drive your mother to the shop. Do not use this as a scolding opportunity or an “I told you so” moment; simply suggest the idea to her.

You also want to let your parents know that they have choices in the matter. In addition to picking out the person with whom they would like to spend time, parents can also discuss when they would like the companion to arrive and leave for the day. Some companions might be living with your parents, so Mom and Dad can choose a private space for the companion to sleep and to keep her personal belongings. You want to set up both a professional and comfortable environment in the home so that everyone is happy.

When researching options for in home care services in Paradise Valley, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care services including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing in home care services in Paradise Valley, AZ.

Home Care in Sun City, AZ Provides Safety and Care Following a Stroke

Home care for patients released from the hospital following a stroke, will provide numerous benefits for the client and their family. Home care companions can play a prominent role in the recovery process, which will promote a positive outcome. The effects of a stroke depend on the amount of brain damage. The goal following a stroke is always to regain lost skills and functions. Some people are able to return to their normal life and go back to work. Other people may have permanent impairments, and the home care companion will plan care that will help the patient to regain as many skills as possible.

A home care companion will organize other caregivers to provide a team effort to quickly begin the patient’s recovery process. Almost all stroke patients require physical therapy, and it is usually started immediately.

Safety is an important consideration for a stroke patient. If a patient has weakness or paralysis on one side of their body, then some type of medical equipment will be necessary. This may be a wheel chair, a walker or a cane. Sometimes doorways must be widened for a wheelchair or the doorway itself may need to be removed. When someone is unsteady in their gait tripping hazards must be removed, such as throw rugs and electrical cords. Sometimes furniture must be re-arranged. The patient should always wear non-skid shoes. A home health companion will do a full safety assessment of the patient’s home.

Bath room safety is another important issue. A bathtub chair, bench or rails for the bathtub and toilet may be necessary.

Some patients may have difficulty swallowing. In this case, food must be cut in small bite size pieces or in some case pureed. Nutrition is important, so the home health care companion will assist the patient with food choices that are also nutritious.

The home care companion may also assist with other activities, which include:

• Assisting with medication reminders

• Providing help with activities of daily living

• Providing transportation to the doctor or doing other errands

• Providing the patient with emotional support

• Organizing the daily routines, which involve other caregivers, such as physical therapists

Some stroke patients are unable to speak clearly or not at all following a stroke. A speech therapist is necessary and the home care companion will assist the patients in effect ways to communicate. They will provide the patient with emotional support for this frustrating stroke complication.

Incontinence may also be a problem. There are many products available for a patient with this problem. Comfort is another aspect of patient care. The home health care companion may suggest gel seat cushions, mattresses and bed wedges to assist in positioning the patient. Preventing skin breakdown by using correct body alignment is another priority. The home health companion will fully develop a plan of recovery that provides the best care for the patient.

When researching options for home care agencies in Sun City, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Sun City, AZ.

Should Our Family Try Live-In Home Care For Our Aging Family Member in Fountain Hills, AZ?

Live-in home care gives families the peace of mind of being able to care for their loved one at home. Nursing homes can be lonely for the elderly. Hiring a live-in home care assistant is an easy alternative to putting a loved one in a nursing home. Having live-in home care allows families to continue with their normal life by leaving time to work or run errands and still have their loved one living with them or independently.

Some benefits of live-in home care include:

Personal care- The staff at a nursing home is responsible for a large number of patients and a loved one may feel uncared for or neglected. A live-in home care assistant will be able to focus solely on the aging adult and meet all of their medical and physical needs. Families will be able to discuss their loved one’s condition with a trained professional. Together families will best decide on the best care plan.

Peace of mind- The cases of elder abuse at nursing homes are on the rise. Sadly, some cases of neglect or abuse may go unnoticed because of long gaps between visits. With an in home care assistant, families have the peace of mind of monitoring the care their loved one is receiving.

Keeping family unit intact- Parents were instrumental in caring for us while we were growing up. Most adult children do not want their aging parents to feel abandoned in their twilight years. Caring for their loved one at home allows them to keep their family together. Grandchildren will appreciate being able to see their grandparents regularly and seniors will continue to feel as though they are a valued member of the family.

Cost effective- Nursing homes can charge up to four figures a month and then there are still other miscellaneous costs which can increase the bottom line. With home care families are able to determine how long and how often the companion works. Therefore, families are in complete control of the costs of care. They may even end up saving money every month.

When researching options for live-in home care services in Fountain Hills, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your live-in home care services including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing live-in home care services in Fountain Hills, AZ.

My Mother’s Physician Told Her That It’s Time to Stop Driving. Will In Home Care Services in Mesa, AZ Help with Transportation?

There may come a point in time when a senior citizen is told by their physician that they can longer operate a vehicle.

There are plenty of reasons as to why this may happen, especially if the senior citizen has been losing their vision or if they are suffering from a condition that makes it difficult to drive a car in the first place. Instead of risking an accident, it may be in the best interest of the individual to simply give up driving for good. If your mother’s physician has recently told her that she will no longer be able to drive, she may be upset. However, she does have several options.

In-home care services can help your mother with her different tasks. Regardless of where she needs to go, an in home care assistant can take her to those places with no problem.

There is a huge difference between a taxi service and transportation that comes from the in home care services.

While a taxi takes a person to and from their destination for a fee, the in home care will help your mother to get ready for the day. If she has an appointment that she needs to go to, she will be taken to that appointment, and the in home care assistant will stay with her the entire time. These transportation services are not just designed to take her to appointments. In fact, if she needs to go to the bank or simply wants to head on over to the mall, the assistant will take here wherever she wants to go. Most importantly, she will never have to go to any of these different places on her own anymore.

In-home care is all about making life easier for senior citizens who could use the extra assistance. Your mother may be hesitant about this type of service at first, especially if she has been driving on her own for quite a while now. However, she will eventually get used to receiving the assistance, and she may even build a friendship with her in home care assistant, which is something that frequently happens.

When researching options for in home care services in Mesa, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care services including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing in home care services in Mesa, AZ.

November is National Family Caregivers Month – Time to Celebrate Family Caregivers in Scottsdale, AZ!

In the United States, there are 65 million unsung heroes. These heroes take care of the sick and disabled. They do this not for money or recognition but for love. These heroes are family caregivers, and November is their month to shine.

During Thanksgiving week in 1994, a celebration began to recognize these hard-working, dedicated family members who care for their loved ones nonstop. Then, in 1997, President Clinton signed a bill proclaiming the entire month of November as National Family Caregivers Month. This tradition has been carried out every year since then to salute these courageous and important members of any patient’s healthcare team.

A family caregiver is of the utmost importance when it comes to their loved one’s care. He or she spends the most time with a patient, ensuring treatments and medicines are carried out as needed. The caregiver also acts as an advocate for his or her charge, being in the best position to know what is best for the patient. After all, this person is not just another patient. This person is someone he or she loves.

In recognition of these home-front heroes, the month of November is dedicated to them. During this time of celebration, awareness of caregiver issues is highlighted. It is also a time of educational opportunities, not only for the caregiver but also for the public. And providing support for these vital members of a person’s healthcare team is of key importance. They are made aware that they are not alone, but there are millions just like them in this country going through many of the same issues and trials.

Most people in the United States know at least one family caregiver, if not more. These kind, dedicated, and loving people give there all year round to take care of their loved ones. During the month of November, be sure to give a pat on the back or a round of applause to these unsung heroes who work day and night to care for, protect, and love their sick or disabled family members. They have most definitely earned the praise and recognition.

When researching options for caregiver agencies in Scottsdale, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Scottsdale, AZ.

Senior Care in Phoenix, AZ: Show Aging Relatives That We Are Thankful for Them

November is Be Thankful Month.

What a great time to show aging family members that we are thankful for them. Many times, older people feel that they have outlived their usefulness. We need to let them know that they are vital members of the family and still have a purpose.

As people age, they face many losses.

They lose friends and family members to death, begin to have physical limitations and sometimes have severe financial problems. In the face of these problems, they need to know they are still the backbone of their families, and that family members are thankful to have them.

We can show our thanks by spending time with them and reminding them of the roles they play in family dynamics. They are the caretakers of family histories. We can appreciate their wisdom even if the stories are repeated over and over. They have lived many years and have a perspective that we do not have yet. Honor and reflect on their opinions. We need to listen with our hearts as well as our minds and find what is important to them.

Loneliness is an unpleasant fact for many seniors.

We can show them that we are thankful for them by involving them in the lives of our families. Most grandparents are interested in their grandchildren’s activities and are anxious to be involved. We can encourage our children to honor and appreciate their grandparents. Even if we do not live close, a weekly phone call or letter means the world to them. They want to know that we value them enough to share our experiences with them.

Keys to a happy life are a sense of purpose and an attitude of thankfulness.

Seniors can be helped to retain these qualities with our support, love and expressions of gratitude for everything they have given us. Even if they are not physically or mentally able to do what they once did, we can assure them that they are still very important to the structure of the family. The older generation has much to teach us if we take time from our busy lives to listen.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Phoenix, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Phoenix, AZ.

Honoring Our Aging Veterans on November 11, 2012: Understanding the History of Veterans Day In Tucson, AZ

Celebrating the Close of the War to End all Wars

Veterans Day is a federal holiday which honors those who have served in our armed forces, both living and dead. Some may confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, but the difference is significant. Memorial Day is held in memorial of those who have died in war. On the other hand, Veterans Day is meant to commemorate every soldier of all of our nation’s armed forces.

This holiday has a noble and triumphant history which stems from the conclusion of World War I.

The day that is set aside each year to celebrate peace, and to remember those who have helped to create and preserve it, is November 11th. The date is special and greatly significant. In the year of 1918, the German Armistice was signed on the 11th day of the 11th month at precisely the 11th hour. This signified the close of the “war to end all wars,” and represented a new era of peace. Many aging veterans will remember their parents and grandparents speaking of this day with solemnity and appreciation.

Originally, November 11th’s celebration was called Armistice Day, and was installed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.

There are corresponding holidays in other countries throughout the world as well, such as Remembrance Day and Armistice Day. Although the United States has seen many changes over the course of decades for what was formerly called Armistice Day, including a change of date, it is now back to its original time but is officially known as Veterans Day.

Many communities throughout the country celebrate this day with thanksgiving. It is not uncommon at all to see many small towns lined with American flags, or to see parades held in honor of those who have served us so nobly throughout the years. Many take special consideration for the aging veterans throughout the country, and moments of silence at precisely 11 in the morning are common.

However, there is no service more heartrending than the one held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This grave does indeed contain an unknown American soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. It is guarded at all times by servicemen and women of this great nation. And on November 11th, there is a special ceremony held at 11am which includes a color guard of four; one person to represent each branch of service, and the sounding of the taps. The President of the United States, or his personal representative, places a wreath on the grave. There is also a Parade of Flags at the Memorial Amphitheater.

When researching options for in home care agencies in Tucson, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Tucson, AZ.

Senior Care in Gilbert, AZ: What is COPD and How Do Seniors Get It?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, describes a spectrum of irreversible, progressive conditions permanently affecting airflow to the lungs. These conditions include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Patients with chronic bronchitis struggle to bring air into their lungs due to inflamed, swollen airways clogged with excess mucus. Seniors with emphysema have damage to the small air sacs in their lungs, which makes it difficult for them to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Usually the diagnosis of COPD entails some combination of both of these conditions.

Frequently undiagnosed, COPD is one of the top five causes of death in the United States. As many as 12 million people have COPD but do not know it. Symptoms develop slowly and are often missed or discounted. It is not unusual for seniors with COPD to have lost over 50 percent of their lung capacity before their diagnosis, so it is especially important for those working in senior care to become familiar with the symptoms.

One of the earliest signs of COPD is difficulty doing every day activities. Those involved with senior care should monitor seniors for apparent trouble completing the same activities as their peers, unusual fatigue or weight loss. Additional symptoms of COPD include: shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic coughing with mucus and a tight chest. Seniors with advanced COPD may have blue lips and nail beds, morning headaches or cough blood. Side effects of COPD include a higher incidence of heart problems, depression and an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Over 80 percent of those with COPD are smokers or have a history of smoking. COPD strikes women more often than men. Other significant risk factors include: secondhand smoke, dust or chemical exposure and air pollution. Less than 1 percent of patients with COPD got it through the inherited genetic disorder Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

While COPD cannot be cured, it can be managed. Treatment for this disease focuses on avoiding further deterioration of the lungs and reducing symptoms. COPD patients should quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Medication and supplemental oxygen can relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation and easing breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help seniors learn proper breathing techniques and exercises to recondition their lungs and improve lung capacity. Additionally, every senior should get an annual flu shot to help prevent respiratory infection. With proper senior care, COPD does not have to reduce the quality of a senior’s life.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Gilbert, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Gilbert, AZ.

Senior Care in Chandler, AZ: Open Enrollment for Medicare –Now through Dec 7, 2012

Medicare provides senior care coverage for millions of older Americans. The program offers a variety of coverage selections through the various “Parts” of the program and through advantage policies. These plans offer a combination of the Medicare coverage with private insurances.

Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their Medicare plans from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, each year.

Know Your Current Plan

You may not have had any problems with your current Medicare coverage, but that doesn’t mean it is the best option for you. Know what is covered by your current coverage and what your responsibilities are for co-pays or deductibles. Know what you pay in premiums and what you pay out of pocket for medical care. This can include prescription drug costs and coverage for non-covered services as well as deductibles.

Research Other Options

Would a small increase in premiums result in a large reduction in health care costs you pay? Check, for example, what coverage is available for prescription drugs you take? Medicare representatives can create a report containing the costs and benefits of various insurance products if you supply them with a list of your drug prescriptions. Ask questions about participating doctors and clinics. Some Medicare Advantage plans limit which physicians a patient can visit.

The staff at the local Medicare office can provide reports based on your location. You may want to research coverage costs and benefits for multiple locations if you reside in different parts of the country during the year. This is of particular importance to northern residents who travel south for the winter.

The other variable is difficult to predict. What medical problems will you suffer next year? Will you need senior care services? Most Medicare recipients base their choices for next year’s coverage based on their current medical situation and prescription drugs. If you have reason to believe your medical condition will change, you may want to include that information in the Medicare decision process.

Make the Change

Once you determine which policy provides you with the best value in senior care make the change. This can be arranged through a representative of the company offering the Medicare Advantage Plan or through the Medicare representatives for standard Medicare coverage. Changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Chandler, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Chandler, AZ.