Elder Care Services - The Advantages Well Explained

Do you feel guilty that you are unable to give frail or unwell elderly loved ones the quality of care that they require? Having to look after a needy family member is a full time job in itself and you might not have the time because of your other responsibilities. If task for looking after elderly family members requires skills that you do not possess or is very time consuming then you ought to consider hiring elder care services to do the needful. This will enable your aged loved ones to stay at home whilst getting the specialized care that they needs.

It is a well-known fact that the elderly stay healthiest and happiest when they are in close contact with their family members. It is not a good idea to shift a loved one to a professional care facility unless the person is really unwell and if the family is simply not able to take care of the aged person's requirements. In fact, the person's health will deteriorate if he or she is moved away from the love and comfort of home and family.

There are several advantages for which you can blindly depend on the elder care services right at your own home. Here are a few well explained factors to help you with it:

• When it comes to senior care, the best place is to be at home so that they don't feel lonely or isolated. Everything is easily available and at hands reach for the helper and so it turns out to be a friendly atmosphere with enough space to move around with your elderly happily.

• The expense is greatly reduced when the services are offered at your own house. In hospitals or other care centers you will have to pay the monthly rent for the room or bed space. At home you have enough freedom and just pay for the service offered keeping them smiling always.

• The spread of diseases is limited and brought down to almost zero level when you have your elder care services limited to your own house. This is because the environment remains safe and clean, much different from that of a senior care center.

You will have a lot of peace of mind if you know that you can rely on professionally run elder care services at home to look after the aged members of your family who cannot take care of their needs on their own. You will then be able to focus on work and also on the needs of other members of the family as well.

Elderly Care Choices - Who Took the Wheels Off My Walker?

All of us natural, organic and whole foods people must focus or we will be caught in the tyranny of the moment and life will pass us by. It is easy to be over involved with daily schedules and pressures and forget about the every day joy that life often brings. This is particularly true when you are involved in the elderly care of elderly parents. "Elderly care" presents lots of challenges, but many rewards as well. Illustrating this is an event that happened a few nights ago in our home. It may have ordinarily gone unnoticed if I hadn't stopped and let it settle in. Trivial and silly little things often escape our notice.

Everyone was getting ready for bed and I was finishing a little project at the kitchen table before I started with my routine of natural, organic, whole foods supplement and tincture consumption at days end when I begin to hear a faint click click coming in my direction form around the corner near my elderly parents bed room. I couldn't quite put it together, it wasn't something usual so I stopped to listen. Click click again and again and now it was nearer and getting closer. My mind couldn't make a connection. Then it appeared, just coming around the corner, it was my dad's walker. My mind was confused, why was I seeing my dad's walker coming around the corner? I had just put dad to bed, he can't get in and out of bed by himself I thought. I know he needs help.

Elderly care always has challenges, and my mind was was asking, "Why?" Who has gotten him out of bed? I know he can't walk by himself without supervision. I know my mom can't be helping because she is elderly too and barely able to take care of herself and get along with her own walker unassisted. This mystery was soon answered, at least in part, as the rest of the walker appeared, it was my mom using dad's walker.
Mom's walker has wheels on the front and dad's does not. I know she would rather push and glide rather than having to lift forward then clunk down and walk forward; again and again. I wondered, "Why is mom using dad's walker?" At least this explained the click, click I hand been hearing.

I knew something was up because I saw it, it's "the look" I've seen it my whole life, I know I am going to have to answer up. I know no one escapes without an answering. So I give elderly mom my full attention. My mind begins to remember other times that I have seen the look and I am immediately transported in time back 52 years when she was correcting me for not obeying her in class when she was my 2nd grade teacher. Mom gave me a spanking that day if front of the whole class for that insubordination. I never did that again. So even now 52 years later, when she is the elderly care recipient, I pay attention to her.

"Who took the wheels off my walker!" she demanded.
I couldn't keep a straight face, not to this surprising question. I burst into immediate laughter and so did everyone around me. With this laughter she realized that she had made a classic "senior moment mistake" of confusing her walker with wheels for dads walker without wheels. She had thought someone had gone in her room violated her space and removed the wheels from her walker without her knowing. (All in the past 10 minutes while she was in the bathroom.) When she came out of the bathroom and saw that the wheels had been removed from her walker she could have no rest until she found out who was responsible for trying to make her life a little more inconvenient, and made them put the wheels back on without delay.

Becoming aware of her own blunder she immediately came up with a recovery statement by say that she had realized the mistake about the time she got there but since she had walked all the way out from her bedroom she might just as well say what she came out to say and not waste the trip. We all enjoyed the whole episode. She even laughed at herself.

If we were not able have the elderly care of my mom and dad at our home we would have deprived ourselves of a little moment of joy. Everyone was laughing and it was good for all of us. It reminded us of the way mom was in her prime, when she got down to business. I know when my mom is no longer with us we will find great comfort in sharing this and other stories like them. This is a wonderful payment for all the elderly care work that is required to keep them in our home.

Elder Care Laws - Can My Children Force Me to Live in a Nursing Home?

There are laws to protect all of us - be it laws for children rights, laws for adults rights or even animal rights. Laws are put into place and kept updated so that no-one has the right to abuse a person and get away with it. Even the Elderly people have protection and laws put into place so that no one is able to mis-treat them.

Elder Care Laws

There are Civil Rights laws put into place where the rights to shelter, food, health and freedom is allowed. For the Elderly its the right to freedom of movement, freedom of choice, freedom of speech and the right to equal treatment under the law. If those rights are taken away from the Elderly person then they have the right to seek help. So under those Civil Rights no one is allowed to force you into living in nursing home.

Elder Care Laws - Can My Children Force Me to Live in a Nursing Home?

When you reach a certain age you will need some help with your ADL's (assistance with Daily Living) and basic health care needs. You may no longer be as quick on your feet as you were when you were younger, and you may be losing your eye sight/ hearing. Yet you have the right as a human being to decide if you need to live in a Nursing Home. There will come a time in your life that as you age you will not accept the help, nor would you want to admit that you need the help but you are still awarded the Civil Rights law like any other human being.

When Family Step In

As an aged Care Nurse I have seen family step in and force their Mother/Father into a Nursing Home. Usually it is when a family member has Enduring Power of Attorney and believes that the Elderly person is no longer safe/nor able to look after themselves at home. Then it becomes an issue of yes the Children Can force a parent to live in a Nursing Home... but that usually means that the Elderly Person is no longer able to make their own decisions - financially or personally. If an aged care person reaches that stage then they are not fully aware of where they are (as in place) or why they are there.

Elder Care Rights

Each Elderly person is still allowed their basic human rights, their rights to health care, and their right to live. If those rights are being abused by an Enduring power of Attorney (EPOA) then the Adult Guardian will step in to protect and promote the rights of the person who is cognitive impaired (ie can not speak for themselves). No matter what age a person is, what is their reason for needing a nursing home - they deserve the basic care and needs that is their right.

Supporting Elderly People

If you are concerned about your Children admitting you to an Nursing Home without your consent then you need to find the answers to your questions. Confide in either a great friend, or family member or seek out an advocate who can support you without being personally involved.

There are laws for all and everyone. They are put into place to protect a person... so if you are an elderly person and you are wondering about, elder care laws? ... then ask for help and reassurance. There will be a time when you will need a Nursing Home if there is no-one at home able to care for you. There is also home care - where a team of Nurses can give visits to your home depending on your needs and what you can apply for. So check out all your options before you are forced into any situation that you do not feel comfortable with. Elderly People deserve the best care possible.

Elderly Care - Five Tips in Caring For A Loved One With Dementia

Age progression can be a trying time, especially when additional elderly care is necessary due to the physical and mental changes happening. Loss of strength, loss of function, and loss of memory are some common occurrences that the "sandwich generation" notices in their elderly parents.

This generation is faced with a dual role - one of caring for and raising their own children, and also one of caring for and comforting their aging parents. While it may be difficult to witness those changes happening in your parents, it is often even harder for an aging person to experience those losses, whether they are physical or mental.

Physical and mental fatigue can happen to anyone. There are special concerns, though, when mental fatigue is no longer a short span of time, and other, more prevalent symptoms begin surfacing. When an elderly person is afflicted with dementia, it is as if they are losing a part of themselves.

Elderly Care Tip #1 - Understand Dementia

Dementia involves the loss of memory over time, and it may seem so gradual that dementia isn't even considered as the problem. Perhaps you've heard your aging parent mention that they are starting to forget things. Or, they may seem confused about common, everyday activities. Maybe they are getting frustrated about things that never bothered them before.

There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, memory loss is a beginning problem for Alzheimer sufferers. They also lose their sense of judgment, their ability to function unimpaired and, eventually, their ability to do even the simplest tasks for themselves. It is a slow and painfully debilitating disease for the sufferer, as well as the person providing elderly care for them.

A comfortable, calm, and peaceful setting can do wonders when providing elderly care for loved ones with dementia. The goal is to keep their environment as trauma-free as possible, concentrating on their comfort and needs.

Elderly Care Tip #2 - Look at Life From Their Perspective

Forgetting common things and losing familiar memories can bring out fear and anger in a person. Sometimes, this is manifested in a difficult or ungrateful attitude toward caregivers. They may become argumentative when you question them about their day.

As a caregiver, you need to understand and review with them where they have been, what they were doing, or what they can remember. However, coming from the perspective of your aging parent suffering from this memory loss, it is like being treated like a child in the midst of feeling like an invalid. They are already struggling with their lack of mental alertness, and now they must also deal with their own child checking up on them. This role reversal can be somewhat embarrassing for them, and understanding their perspective can make a difference in how conversations are approached.

Elderly Care Tip #3 - Learn About the Progression of Dementia

What can you expect as the condition progresses? Will you be able to cope with the changes that may come up, and are you aware of symptoms to observe or watch for in advance?

Consult a doctor as well as other caregivers who have looked after someone with dementia. Read everything you can on the subject and stay abreast of any developing findings in medical journals.

Sometimes, an elderly person with dementia may get combative, and you need to be ready in advance in order to handle the situation properly. Other times, they may withdraw, and not respond to any conversation or activity. Being prepared in advance for these types of situations will give you greater confidence in providing elderly care for your loved one.

Elderly Care Tip #4 - Plan Regular Responses and Redirection

A common problem for loved ones with dementia is the lack of short-term memory. Perhaps you heard your aging mother ask what she ate for breakfast more than five times already that morning, but it is important to answer the question instead of brushing it off or giving a belittling answer.

Politely answer the question the way you did the other three or four times that it was asked. While she is thinking over the response, find a different question to ask her, or a small task to involve her in. This distraction helps her get focused on something else, while it also prevents you from getting frustrated with her for repeating herself.

Elderly Care Tip #5 - Resist the Urge to Argue

The person you are caring for has a problem with memory loss. No amount of urging will help your loved one remember something they do not. In fact, using phrases such as, "Oh, you remember, we did this..." may even cause more frustration than not remembering the activity, because now they are being coached that they should have remembered the event.

It takes a great deal of patience to deal with the same scenarios over and over again. Showing your own frustration or anger while providing elderly care is counter-productive. Take a deep breath, smile, and give yourself time to relax before answering the question again.

How Do You Know This Is The Elderly Care Solution For You?

What Is Elderly Care?

Simply put, elderly care is a support service catered specifically for the needs of senior citizens in their own home. It is designed with the purpose of enabling its elderly patrons to live as independently as they are able to, with varying levels of help from care support assistants. With a focus on respect and dignity, care agencies enable the elderly to remain in their own homes, maintaining as much of their routine as possible, with the added assistance of elderly care support.

Ensuring Continued Independence

As the strain and emotional distress of relocating to a residential home can often have a drastic effect on older people, more and more families are turning to elderly care as a viable solution. The importance of maintaining individuality and independence can be vital, with the comfort found in both people's own routine and the familiarity of their own home seen as greatly beneficial. For those living with dementia, the personalised service of one-to-one elderly care is something that even the better residential alternatives struggle to provide, as bonds of understanding and comprehension are developed through familiarity and routine. The benefit on the surrounding family is also evident, as loved ones are free to visit as frequently as they wish to, stay for as long as they can and even help out with household chores such as cooking and cleaning. For those who are unable to look after their elderly relatives full-time, this can be of great solace. Elderly couples who struggle with maintaining their standard of living are able to stay with one another for longer, in the home they have built together, with elderly care, allowing them both the dignity and privacy they deserve.

Enabling Personal Care

Each person has different requirements for an elderly carer. Whereas some might just need help with dressing, bathing or washing, others may need support with varying household tasks, such as laundry and shopping. Medical needs are also considered: care workers are able to support any medication that is required, as well as a nurse-led service that is able to administer more complex medical attention, such as ventilators or insulin. With a system catered to the needs of the individual, a care agency is able to provide the exact assistance required for each person. This enables those with minimal needs to continue living an independent lifestyle, and those that require more significant assistance to get the exact level of support they require.

Does It Suit My Needs?

Whereas some people thrive in the community setting of a retirement home, others prefer the privacy and comfort of the home in which they already live, and are both settled and comfortable in. Whether it is the location, the pets that live there with them or even the beloved garden in which they devote so much time, a home can be of great security to the elderly. With a care assistant, they can continue to live within this environment, with a specifically designed senior care plan catered to their every need. The amount of care can be increased if necessary when required, and an essential continuation of independence, dignity and individuality is maintained. A personalised level of care, with control over daily routines, whilst still enjoying the comforts of your own home is what elderly care assistance can provide, assuring the maximum amount of independence with the required amount of senior assistance.

Elder Care Assistance for the Sandwich Generation

It is now more important than ever to get the proper elder care assistance for your loved one, especially if you are among the many "sandwich generation" individuals looking for the right help for your aging parents. As you determine how best to ensure your parents (or others you may be needing to care for) receive the best care possible, be sure to review alternatives such as elder care that is provided by organizations that are experienced in dealing with all types of elderly individuals with varied needs and wants.

The proper senior care needs to encompass the utmost adoration and compassion from their caregivers. Your family member, friend, or even you should receive no less than the best when it comes to elder care. As people get older, it is vital to make safety the number one priority. Many issues and problems spring up with elderly individuals because of deficient elder care assistance, or the lack of any type of assistance at all.

We act as intermediaries connecting folks in need of elder care assistance and/or information with experienced caregivers that make elder care assistance their top priority day in and day out. Regardless of other company or personal responsibilities or priorities that may be pressing, these caregiving organizations and their staff remain focused on providing the highest level of service and care, placing your loved one or you on the highest pedestal, because they have dedicated their effort and focus on helping individuals that may need that extra level of personal care and support.

You will find that these organizations provide elder care services for individuals who are looking for live-at-home services or assisted living services at a local facility. They help and assist individuals that may just need some extra assistance as well as seniors with ailments such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Many of the organizations provide elderly care planning and various senior care programs, including; community elderly care, state senior care programs, home health care services, geriatric care management and consulting services, religion and senior care services, and numerous other services. For many organizations, these programs are provided in addition to their specialty in-home or facility-based caregiving services.

One area of caring for the elderly that adds to the caregiver's burden is that of having to care for a person with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Nearly any organization that is focused on elderly care has enlisted a sizable amount of expert care and training to help provide the best and safest care for those in their charge who have this medical condition. If you are faced with this situation, be sure to seek help and assistance from those organizations that you feel will best provide the extra level of care that you expect.

Recognizing Elder Care Abuse

There are more than half a million reports of elder abuse in the United States every year according to state Adult Protective Service data. Some studies show that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are even reported to authorities. Impacts can be grave because elders who experience abuse are reported to have a 300% higher risk of death compared to those who do not experience abuse. Often, elderly adults are abused in their own homes and by their own relatives. Elder care abuse is a growing area of focus today and, as a provider of home health care services in Maryland, we believe it is important to educate those who are either receiving, or thinking about seeking, senior care to be able to recognize the signs.

One of the most disturbing aspects of elder care abuse is that it almost always involves a trusted relationship with the elderly person. Overwhelmed family caregivers can sometimes reach a breaking point and become neglectful in their duties or, even worse, begin preying on the very people they have pledged to support. In order to report elder care abuse, families first need to be able to identify the various types and warning signs.

Emotional abuse

This occurs when people treat elderly persons in ways that cause emotional pain or distress.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse against elderly persons is contact without the elder's consent. This can involve physical sex acts and also showing them pornographic material, forcing them to watch sex acts, or forcing the elder to undress.

Neglect or abandonment by caregivers

Elder neglect, which is the failure to fulfill a caretaker obligation, represents more than 50% of all reported cases of elder abuse. Both intentional and unintentional neglect can be based on factors such as ignorance or denial that a patient requires a particular level of care.

Financial exploitation

Unauthorized use of an elder's funds or property, resulting from misuse of their checking or credit card accounts, stealing cash or goods, forging an elder's signature or stealing their identity.

Healthcare fraud and abuse

This is considered unethical treatment by doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, and other professional care providers such as charging for healthcare services but not providing it, overcharging for services, over-medicating or under-medicating an elder, getting kickbacks for referrals and Medicaid fraud.

There are several ways to spot these different types of elder abuse. For example, tension or arguments between the elderly person and their caregiver or changes in the elder's personality or behavior. Unexplained bruises, welts, especially if they occur symmetrically on two sides of the body, broken bones, sprains, medication overdoses, broken glasses, signs of restraint such as marks on wrists and a caregiver's refusal to allow family members to see an elder alone are all telltale signs of abuse.

There are several things you can do as a concerned friend or family member to help those who may be experiencing elder care abuse. Monitor the elder's medications and ensure that the amount corresponds to the date of the prescription. Watch out for financial abuse by asking elders if you may see their bank accounts and credit card statements to review them for any unauthorized transactions. Try to call or visit elders as often as possible so that they know they have a trusted person they can confide in. Also, it's a good idea to make offers to stay with elders so that caregivers can have a break if at all possible. And, of course, the most important thing you can do is to report any suspected abuse to the proper authorities.