In Home Care

Creating a Safer, More Accessible Home

wahca · August 19, 2019 ·

There are multiple benefits to growing old in the home you love – including familiarity, community, and feelings of safety and security. It also eliminates the stressful transition required when moving into an assisted living or a nursing home facility.

Creating a safer, more accessible home is a foundational tenet of aging-in-place because it dramatically reduces the risk of serious injuries that shift the trajectory of an independent senior’s life.

Simple home modifications keep seniors safer and more independent

Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the leading causes seniors (65+) wind up leaving home – often having to transfer to a rehabilitation or nursing home facility because they can no longer take care of themselves. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA):

· Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal accidents in the senior population

· Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall

· Seniors’ fears about falling and its consequences, “…limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.”

Simple modifications go a long way towards creating a safe and accessible home. In addition to reducing a loved one’s risk of falling, these modifications make it easier to maneuver around the home and access the most frequently used items without help.

1. Relocate main activities to the ground floor

Ideally, the large majority of a senior’s daily living should take place on a single level, on the ground floor – especially during the hours they are left alone without caregivers, a spouse or family member to assist him/her. If the bottom floor has a bedroom and bathroom, relocate the master bedroom to the downstairs level.

INSTALL RAMPS: If there are a few steps required to enter or leave the home, inside the home, or to access a favorite yard/patio – hire a licensed contractor to build an accessible ramp.

2. Remove area rugs or ensure their edges are secured to the floor

The edges and corners of area rugs are notorious trip hazards – and tripping becomes life threatening for seniors. If you aren’t able to re-carpet the home with a low-profile, mobility aid-friendly product, you can secure area rugs by:

· Taping the edges securely to the floor and checking the edges each month in case the tape lifts

· Using two-sided tape products specifically designed for securing area rugs to invisibly anchor corners and edges into place

· Using trim pieces nailed over the rug edges to secure them in place, but make sure the transition from the flooring up to the surface of the carpet is a maximum of ½” – this would be a ¼” vertical with the second ¼” at a 1:2 slope max so the solution doesn’t become a trip hazard.

3. Enlarge doorways that can’t be accessed via wheelchair/walker

Any doorways used by the senior to enter key living spaces must be wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair (32-inch minimum width is ideal). Even if a senior loved one doesn’t use either/or of these mobility aids, you want the house to be immediately accommodating if one or both are needed down the road.

4. Reorganize the most-used items

Go through all of the closets and cabinets and make sure the items the senior uses most in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and his/her bedroom are in the most accessible storage areas. This reduces the need for bending or standing on a stepladder.

5. Replace door handles, cabinet/drawer hardware, and faucets

The strength of our grip declines as we age and that makes it difficult to twist or pull round objects such as doorknobs, hardware, and certain faucets. Replace any knob- or round-styled hardware with levers or bars, which are easier to operate.

6. Review the current interior/exterior lighting plan

Decreased vision requires stronger lighting. Go over the home’s interior/exterior lighting plan and see if any updates would be helpful. There should be plenty of overhead and security lighting in place, and motion-sensitive lighting in bathrooms and outside are helpful. Use brighter bulbs to increase visibility.

7. Install handrails/grab bars

There should be handrails installed:

· Along ramps

· Beside any stairs

· Beside the toilet and inside the shower/bath area

Are you interested in learning more about how to create a safer and more accessible home for a senior loved one in your life? Schedule a free, no-obligation with a trusted, homecare agency in your area.

Connecting Your Loved One With a Caregiver

wahca · June 19, 2019 ·

The first step in finding the right caregiver is working with a caregiving agency or home care association that guarantees caregivers have clear criminal background checks, clear DMV records, and current/ongoing education and training. However, your loved one’s comfort and ease of being are essential to his/her participation and overall wellbeing when you decide to enlist a caregiver.

Tips for a Caregiver-Client Match Made in Heaven

The best caregiver-client matches take place when the client and caregiver easily form a bond based on their comfort in each other’s’ presence, along with shared interests, hobbies, and past times. The more you do proactively create lists and ideas of who the ideal caregiver would be.

Prospective agencies will be thrilled to review it during your in-home consultations because it’s a great cheat sheet for them to use as they choose potential “best candidates” for the job.

1. Meet with more than one caregiver before making your final selection

Often, families approach caregiving agencies in crisis – the broken hip just happened, the dementia diagnosis made late in the game, etc. – and they need immediate support. Even so, it’s worth taking a bit of extra time to meet with at least two or three different agencies before making your selection.

All of the agencies should offer free consultations, and all should use continuous background checks, DMV reports, and provide proof of continued education/training offered to employees. Even so, each has their own personality or feel, and being able to compare apples-to-apples lends more conviction to your final choice.

Bonus find: see if the caregivers are using current technology – like a web-based home care system. These systems allow access to real-time reports from the caregiver about the client’s wellbeing or temperament that day, services rendered, things that may require attention, etc.

2. Start with the broader categories of needs

Which services are the ones your loved one is looking for? In-home caregivers are humans, and we all have our strengths and weaknesses, right? And, since many caregivers have spouses or families at home – their preferred work days and times are typically prioritized by their household’s calendar and schedule.

· Do you need daytime or nighttime support?

· Part-time or full-time caregiving?

· Is it respite care only?

· Is it mostly for companionship and transportation, or will your parent or spouse require meal preparation and housekeeping, too?

Knowing which caregiving services are the priority will streamline communication with your caregiver agency. Of course, these services and hours will evolve, and that will be taken into the long-term care plan as well.

3. List the client’s favorite hobbies, pastimes, or regularly scheduled events

Does your mother attend religious services on a regular basis? Is your father a sharp card player? Does your loved one enjoy volunteering in the community or getting outdoors on a regular basis? Is there a pet or two that will benefit from attention and daily walks?

The more the agency knows about the things the client enjoys, the better chance they have of pairing your loved one with a caregiver who genuinely enjoys the same things. It’s hard to fake your love of Gin Rummy, and it’s not a good idea to learn a caregiver is allergic to – or afraid of – dogs during the first week on the job. Providing that list of “likes” – and “don’t likes” – helps agencies choose the right caregivers the first time around.

Are you ready to connect your loved one with a caregiver “match made in heaven?” Contact us here at the Washington Home Care Association. We connect people like you with vetted, experienced home care agencies in your area, and we’re the go-to resource for Washington home care agencies looking for employee education, training, connection and advocacy.

5 Signs That It Might Be Time to Consider Home Care

wahca · May 15, 2019 ·

It’s never easy to decide that your aging parent or family member can’t live alone anymore. The decision is complicated, with many physical, emotional, and environmental factors entering the picture. But even though the conversation is tough, it’s also necessary—it’s very unlikely that your aging parent will come to you and admit that he/she can no longer perform day-to-day routines.

Of course, the transition to assisted living facilities or retirement communities is very stressful, which is why home care is such a great option. Home care lets your family member receive needed support while still enjoying the comforts of home. Here are a few signs that may indicate that it’s time to have a conversation about considering home care options:

1. Worsening health issues

Most of us develop chronic health issues at some point in our lives, and as we get older, these conditions tend to worsen. Health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or dementia can all create serious complications that require immediate attention to correct. If you’ve noticed a loved one struggling with symptoms, it can do a world of good to have a medical professional nearby to provide medications, comfort, and support.

2. Increasing number of falls or accidents

Fall are no problem when we’re young, but they can be serious as we get older. If your family member has recently fallen or experienced other types of accidents, they might need a caregiver on standby to help them out. Remember, nearly every elderly adult falls at some point. Make sure your family member has support before the damage is done.

3. Changes in behavior

If your family member has recently lost weight, gotten confused during normal activities, or has just seemed “off” in some way, it could be indicative of more serious problems. Watch out for sudden changes in behavior. Health issues like dementia can progress slowly and decrease a person’s ability to function; this could mean anything from behaving erratically during conversations to withdrawing from long-time social groups. Be on the lookout for these issues—a caring presence in the home can go a long way towards solving these problems.

4. Unhealthy or strange diets

While your family member might stock the freezer full of TV dinners because they’re easy to prepare, be aware that unhealthy diets are a warning sign that more comprehensive care is needed. Processed foods are convenient, but they aren’t healthy. If your family member only eats quick meals like these, it could be a sign that they no longer have the energy or physical capability to prepare fresh, wholesome meals. If this is the case, an at-home caregiver can be the best way to get them the foods that will help them stay happy and healthy.

5. Signs of neglect in the home

Are piles of unopened mail stacked up in the corner? Has it been months since the floor has been vacuumed? Do pets appear out of sorts or untended? Cluttered, disorganized, or dirty home environments are a red flag that your family member can no longer keep up basic maintenance. This type of mess can lead to more germs in the environment and make it harder for your aging family member to function; this is the perfect time to discuss in-home care options.

Above all, be sensitive to your family member’s feelings as you discuss home care options. Nobody likes losing autonomy or feeling like a burden, but with the right care professionals behind you, you can guarantee that your family members stay safe, secure, and happy in their golden years.

If you’re interested in finding an agency for home care assistance, please give us a call or visit our national home care registry online.

How to Communicate With Your Relative’s Home Care Agency

wahca · May 1, 2018 ·

So, you’ve decided to enlist an in-home care agency to help your relative manage day-to-day tasks. If your loved one has been struggling, this is a great decision. But as the gatekeeper between the agency and your relative, it’s your job to make the transition easier and set the home care agency and their managed caregiver up for success. This generally boils down to effective communication.

Begin By Setting Clear Expectations

Sit down with the agency and discuss the type of care that’s needed from the agency caregiver. Will the caregiver be expected to be on call overnight? How many errands and outside tasks does your relative need done each week? And what type of medical considerations does your relative have that may affect the caregiver’s ability to complete these tasks? Line out each of these issues ahead of time so there are no surprises.

Create a “Personality Diagnosis”

Nobody knows your relative better than you. If your loved one is struggling with common issues like dementia or other types of mental degeneration, you’ll be well aware of how erratic their moods can be. Let the in-home care agency know about these issues ahead of time by creating a personality diagnosis for them:

· Pertinent medical issues;

· Day-to-day moods;

· History of depression, aggression, or confusion;

· Common problems that may trigger mood swings.

You won’t be able to predict everything, but this type of rundown can be a great way to prepare the agency and agency caregiver on what to expect.

Keep Information Readily Available

Naturally, you’ll want to keep all necessary information available to the agency so that they can communicate with the managed caregiver:

· List and schedule for medications;

· Standard and emergency contact numbers;

· List of food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances;

· Medical providers and nearby clinics;

· Preferences for food or activities;

· Unique challenges or issues affecting your loved one.

Particularly in the early stages of your in-home agency and caregiver relationship, these resources will help get the agency and managed caregiver familiar with your relative and ease the transition for both sides.

Be Up Front About Your Concerns

You’re having some trouble caring for your relative, and that’s okay. It’s the whole reason you’re hiring in-home help, after all. But make sure you let the in-home care agency know about these concerns ahead of time—even if the concerns are about the caregiver him/herself!

Your goal is to make the transition as easy as possible for both your relative and the in-home care agency, a process that goes down much more smoothly when everyone is direct and asks questions as needed.

Document Everything

When working with in-home care agencies, it’s important to document everything that happens. Of course, this means documenting records of medication intake and schedules for when your agency caregiver is on call, but it also means documenting episodes of confusion, daily food intake, medical concerns from day-to-day, and any other information that’s out of the ordinary.

Above All, Listen!

Don’t forget to listen to the feedback your in-home care agency caregiver provides! This relationship should be a two-way street where you both feel comfortable sharing issues. After some time, you’ll likely find your agency caregiver has identified particular problems or day-to-day challenges that you didn’t anticipate.

Work with the agency and caregiver on these problems and try to improve your relationship every day. This is the best way to improve the quality of care for your loved one—and to ensure that you, your relative, and the in-home care agency and caregiver are all happy with your new arrangement.

Your How-To Guide for Hiring In-Home Help

wahca · January 12, 2018 ·

Deciding to hire a home care agency is the first step toward developing a long-term relationship of trust with an organization. As such, those beginning the selection process should be aware of the steps needed to make sure the agency can provide the level of care you need while staying in your budget.

Agencies vs. Individual Caregivers

It’s important to note that while many people assume “in-home care” means hiring an individual caregiver, this isn’t always the best option. Home care agencies tend to charge more due to the costs of finding qualified help, performing background checks, confirming certifications, and handling the administrative costs of a full staff. Those who hire in-home caregivers have to perform all of these checks themselves, with no assurance of quality or experience for each candidate.

This peace of mind is what makes home care agencies a preferable option for those who want to guarantee quality care for their loved ones.

It Starts With a Phone Call

After searching for home care agencies in your area, the next step is to give them a call. Collect basic information, such as their care options and service rates to see if they can meet your needs. They’ll likely ask you some basic personal questions and get you scheduled for an in-person interview.

Prepare for the Consultation

When meeting with home care representatives for your initial consultation, it pays to come prepared. The representative will ask you (or your family member) a series of personal questions to determine your care needs. These generally include the following:

Personal background, interests, hobbies, and favorite activities
The specific tasks you need help with (overnight care, meal preparation, running errands, etc.)
Current health information and medical history
Emergency contact information for family members and physicians

Have this information and any necessary documentation on hand to help the process go smoothly.

Questions You Should Ask

Of course, just as important as the questions they ask you are the questions you ask them. Everyone considering the services of a home care agency should put the representatives through their paces and learn as much about the organization as possible. Questions to ask here may include the following:

What levels of care do you offer? Most home care agencies offer help that ranges from basic assistance with errands to comprehensive, around-the-clock care. Make sure the agency is capable of meeting your needs at a price you can afford.
Are background checks performed? All reputable home care agencies check the background, accreditations, and health certifications of all employees, so make sure the agency you’re considering follows suit. This includes proper licensing, bonding, and insuring of all caregivers.
What training is provided? Ask your prospective agency about the training they provide their caregivers. Individuals with disabilities and special needs often have unique care requirements that require dedicated training to become proficient in. Make sure the agency in question has healthcare practitioners who receive up-to-date and ongoing training to provide the assistance your family member needs.

Don’t Rush the Decision

After the interview, you and your family should have enough information to make a decision about which care options are feasible. But more than anything else, take your time when considering your home care options. Quality care can be hard to find, and there’s nothing more important than finding the right caregiver able to support you and your family’s needs. If you’re interested in finding a home care agency that has a passion for client care, please contact us or visit our national home care registry.