Article #5: Things You May Not Know About Hospice

The end of life can be a tough subject to address with your aging parent or loved one. And while it’s not a fun thing to talk or even think about, it’s important to be prepared for what’s to come. One such situation is receiving a terminal medical diagnosis. 

While thinking about final wishes such as funeral arrangements and a will is important, it’s equally as crucial to think about the best care possible for your loved one between diagnosis and the end of life. That’s where hospice can help. Hospice is often misunderstood, and because of that there are many who miss out on the benefits. In this article, we’ll outline three things most people don’t know about hospice so you and your loved one can make the best decisions possible during this important time. 

Entering hospice doesn’t mean your loved one is definitely going to die soon, or that they (or you) are giving up 

It may seem to some that hospice is a sign that someone is “giving up,” or that the end is very near. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHCPO) reports that Medicare patients received hospice services for 76 days, on average. In most cases, hospice is intended for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less, but every situation is different. Entering hospice earlier rather than later can mean the patient experiences better pain and symptom control, as well as an improved quality of life – often in their homes.

It’s also commonly believed that hospice hastens death. According to the Hospice Foundation of America, “Studies show exactly the opposite. Although hospice care neither hastens death nor prolongs life, patients with certain illnesses actually live somewhat longer with hospice care than those with the same illness who don’t choose hospice care. And regardless of the illness, patient/family satisfaction with services received are consistently higher when hospice is involved.”

And did you know you can exit hospice (and even go back in)? At any time, patients can revoke hospice participation for any reason and without penalty. Perhaps their medical condition improves, or they decide to pursue treatment again. If they choose, patients can reapply for hospice benefits at a later time.

Hospice can be utilized by everyone, and it helps more than just the patient

Many people are still under the impression that hospice is an out-of-pocket “luxury” expense. This leads to many people who could use hospice services not taking advantage. In reality, it’s a Medicare/Medicaid benefit, with no limits on length, and it’s also covered by many private insurance companies.

Another frequent belief about hospice is that it’s only for certain conditions like cancer. When hospice began in the U.S. nearly fifty years ago, most hospice patients had cancer. Now, while many hospice patients have cancer, the majority have other life-limiting illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, and end-stage heart, lung or kidney disease. 

It’s also important to know that hospice workers are there to help the entire family – not just the patient. Hospice workers are trained in the grief cycle, and will help you and your family make the most of this precious time in your loved one’s life.

Most people don’t get 24/7 help, and friends & family will still be the primary caregivers

It’s a common misconception that when your loved one enters hospice, there will be someone caring for them every hour of the day. Most hospice care takes place in the home rather than a facility. And while hospice workers are available by phone 24/7 for questions and crisis situations, most care never reaches the level of round-the-clock support. A recent Kaiser Health News article outlines the amount of care you’ll typically receive: 

“According to Medicare, hospice benefits can include home health aides and homemaker services. But in practice, that in-person help is often limited to a couple of baths a week. Medicare data reveals that, on average, a nurse or aide is only in the patient’s home 30 minutes, or so, per day.” 

This puts most of the burden of care on the patient’s friends and family. In fact, that’s what inspired one of our caregivers, Joyce, to start her career in caregiving:

“My experience in caregiving started with my own family. I helped to take care of my father for the last few years of his life when he also had other caregivers. I watched what they did, and also observed the interactions with hospice. I witnessed the load that was placed on my mother and realized it was a lot for her to handle alone. When a caregiver came in even for 3 hours in the morning to do the showering, grooming, dressing, and cleaning, it made a big impact for my mother. 

With the extra help he could stay at home and ended up passing away at home in his own bed.  I was able to see up close how important it is to age in your own home.  He was mentally alert at home but when he went out to the hospital he was completely confused.” 

Conclusion:

Hospice can be an incredible experience and should be considered if it’s an option for your loved one. Joyce, who is specially trained in hospice, shares her thoughts: 

“Only until I had some experience with clients on hospice in addition to the experience with my father did I recognize it was a beautiful thing. There is a special intimacy that comes with the process of dying. I feel honored to be one of the last people to be with them in this important time. It has helped me to grow as a person.”

If you’re not sure if you can handle the extra caregiving tasks not covered by hospice on your own, consider bringing in a caregiver like Joyce. This assistance can bridge the gap between what is provided by Medicare and what falls on the shoulders of friends and family. You can learn more about hospice care by reaching out to someone on our team when you are ready.

Article #4: Four Things You May Not Know About Alzheimer’s Disease

Did you know that all people with Alzheimer’s disease have dementia, but not all people with dementia have Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia and accounts for about 60-80% of dementia cases. This fact is an example of some of the many myths and misconceptions that exist about the disease.

In this article, we’ll discuss four things that many people don’t know about Alzheimer’s. Knowing these facts may help prevent the disease, or at the very least, help you be better prepared in case of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 

It affects certain groups more than others

You may have heard that age is a factor in developing Alzheimer’s. But what is less widely known is that the disease tends to be more prevalent in women and in certain ethnicities. And there’s no real indication as to why this is the case.

Of the nearly 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, around 4 million of them are women. And older African Americans are twice as likely as Caucasians to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Those of Hispanic heritage are 1.5 times to develop a form of dementia. 

Early symptoms are important to catch, and memory loss is not the only thing to look for

Catching Alzheimer’s early has a variety of benefits:

• More flexibility with medical options such as access to additional treatments, the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, and a chance to make lifestyle changes to preserve cognitive function

• Cost savings on medical care

• It will give you and your loved one more time to prepare and plan for the future, including the opportunity to maximize family time and get resources and support program

• It may help lessen anxiety and stress about symptoms

Watching out for the more common signs of Alzheimer’s such as memory loss and confusion is critical to getting diagnosed as early as possible. But there are additional signs that you may not be aware of. Changes in mood, withdrawal from activities, and even the loss of sense of smell can be indicators. 

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise, but the number of caregivers and medical professionals needed to help is unlikely to keep pace 

An Alzheimer’s Association report estimates there are currently more than 5 million Americans 65+ living with Alzheimer’s — a number expected to nearly triple by 2050. And while the vast majority of primary care physicians expect to see an increase in people living with dementia during the next five years, but 50% say the medical profession is not prepared to meet this demand. 

This includes preventing the disease from progressing. According to a study by RAND “The primary problem is that there are too few medical specialists to diagnose patients who may have early signs of Alzheimer’s and confirm that they would be eligible for therapy to prevent the progression of the disease to full-blown dementia. Researchers estimate that as many as 2.1 million patients with mild cognitive impairment could develop Alzheimer’s dementia over a two-decade period while waiting for evaluation and treatment resources.”

The number of family caregivers available is also not expected to keep pace with the increase in prevalence. Currently, there are 7 potential family caregivers per aging adult. By 2030, there will be only 4 potential family caregivers per adult.

Genetics play a role, but so does lifestyle (both in prevention and quality of life post-diagnosis)

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Family history is not necessary for an individual to develop Alzheimer’s. However, research shows that those who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not have a first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s. Those who have more than one first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s are at an even higher risk.”

The good news is that there is a correlation between lifestyle factors and Alzheimer’s that suggests that there are ways you can help reduce your risk: “Research shows a connection between brain health and heart health. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s may be increased by conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.” 

So, in order to take care of your brain, take care of your heart! That means eating well, staying physically active, and getting enough sleep. Keeping the brain sharp by taking classes, doing puzzles, and staying social active are other ways you can directly impact brain health. These activities are also important even after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. As we discussed earlier in this article, lifestyle changes made after an early diagnosis can help preserve cognitive function. 

Conclusion:

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are ways to reduce the risk of getting it – and improving quality of life for those who have it. Making sure you and your loved one are eating a healthy diet, staying active physically and mentally, and getting enough sleep is important for both of you. But it may be difficult to help your loved one with these things if you have a busy schedule and a family of your own. 

That’s when it can be helpful to bring in help from an in-home caregiver. Many of our caregivers are specially trained on dementia. This means they can spot early symptoms and can be on the lookout for changes in condition. They also know the ins and outs of the disease to help take care of their needs if they are diagnosed. If you’d like to learn more, or have any questions, please reach out. We’re here to help!

Article #3: Top 10 Reasons to Become a Professional Caregiver

Have you been thinking about becoming a caregiver, but not sure what it’s all about? Being a professional caregiver can be one of the most rewarding jobs out there. The work can be challenging, but for many professional caregivers, the benefits far outweigh the occasional difficulties they experience. Keep reading to learn ten reasons why you should consider starting a career in caregiving, plus how to get started!

1. You’ll make an impact – Perhaps the most important reason is that you’ll be able to make a tangible impact in the lives of people who need you. Most seniors are incredibly appreciative of their caregiver’s help and enjoy having them around. Seeing the smile on their face and knowing you are making a difference is a huge benefit of this work!

2. It’s very fulfilling work – Caregiving makes an impact on others, but that, in turn, helps YOU. Caring for those who can’t care for themselves is something you can feel great about. Such a big portion of our lives is spent at work, so finding meaning and feeling good about it is a big factor in how fulfilled you feel. In fact, research published in the Harvard Business Review shows that 90% of people say they’d take less money to do more meaningful work. And there may be other benefits besides the feeling of fulfillment. People who say their work is meaningful report greater mental health and life satisfaction as well as a more positive outlook. Meaningful work may also help reduce the negative impacts of stress.

3. It could be good for your health – On top of mental health benefits, there may be physical health benefits associated with the day-to-day activities of caregiving. A recent Healthline article listed ten health conditions linked to a sedentary lifestyle (like having an office or computer-based job), including heart disease, increased risk of cancer and diabetes, and depression. Most caregivers are active throughout the day, whether that’s taking clients out for a walk, doing light housekeeping, or grocery shopping – just to name a few. In a way, caregivers get paid to maintain and improve their health!

4. Flexibility & freedom – Working with an in-home care agency an be a bit like working for yourself, but without having to deal with the taxes and insurance that come with self-employment. You’ll most likely be able to dictate your availability and choose the shifts you want. That means you can pick up extra shifts when you need them, or scale back if something in your life changes. This can be a great benefit for those with kids or for students who are juggling a school schedule while trying to work.

5. You’ll get to work in different environments – Being a caregiver can be a great option for those who don’t like being stuck at a desk or behind a computer. The environment can change often (especially if you work with more than one client), and you’re often running errands or providing transportation outside of the house. Oftentimes, clients will need to walk in order to stay active, which means you may get to spend time outdoors, too. Caregiving is rarely the same two days in a row, so if you like variety this may be the job for you.

6. Making new connections and building relationships – Caregiving provides some great opportunities to meet new people and make connections you might never have made. It’s a very personal thing to care for another person, and a good in-home care agency takes great care in matching up caregivers to clients who have similar personalities and interests. That increases the chances for bonds and friendships to form, which makes the work that much more satisfying. Many caregivers even become an honorary part of the family.

7. It can be fun! – How does getting paid to chat, play games, and do arts & crafts sound? That’s part of a caregiver’s job! Companionship and keeping seniors’ minds active with activities are a few things most caregivers will do for their clients. And while it’s not all fun and games, if the in-home care agency did a good job of matching, simply spending time with your client can be enjoyable.

8. You’ll get paid to learn – If you work for an in-home care agency, education is a big part of the job. Seniors face many different challenges and it’s important that caregivers are continually learning how to address them. Agencies not only provide training to become a successful caregiver, but some (like Sequoia Senior Solutions!) offer continuing education opportunities – and raises and bonuses to go with it! So not only are you paid to learn, but you’re also rewarded for it.

9. You don’t need formal experience – While previous experience as a professional caregiver can certainly be helpful, many in-home care agencies provide on-the-job training for the right candidates. So if you’ve been a caregiver to a friend or family member (even if you weren’t paid), you’re a viable candidate for a professional caregiving job.
   Another bonus is that it can be a great way to get started in the health care field and see if it’s a good fit for you. Many in-home caregivers go on to get their CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certifications or pursue degrees because they enjoy the work so much.

10. It’s a job in high demand (and not going away anytime soon!) – As the population ages, in-home caregivers will be in more demand than ever. Home Healthcare News recently published data that showed that almost 5 million in-home care job vacancies will need to be filled before 2028. Training to be a caregiver means you won’t have to worry about finding work in the future!

Conclusion

There are many benefits to becoming a professional caregiver, but it’s not a fit for everyone. Those that enjoy the job and are successful at it tend to enjoy working with people and are patient and compassionate. 

Does that sound like you? If so, we’d love to meet you! You can learn more about the day-to-day and what it takes to be a great caregiver. And get in touch if you’re ready to get started. You can also hear directly from caregivers on our Facebook Page to learn what it’s all about.

Article #2: Three Strategies To Help You Avoid Burning Out as a Family Caregiver

Family caregivers deal with more stress than the average person. In fact, 38% of family caregivers reported their situation as “highly stressful” in a recent AARP survey. And if you’re not careful, prolonged stress can easily turn into burnout.

Cleveland Clinic defines caregiver burnout as “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.” It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically or financially. Many caregivers also feel guilty if they spend time on themselves rather than on their ill or aging loved ones. Caregivers who are ‘burned out’ may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression.”

The effects of burnout can go beyond just you. Being burned out can cause you to make mistakes that could put your loved one(s) in danger. Or it can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors like alcohol abuse that can not only affect you, but other loved ones around you. 

Clearly, burnout is an important issue to be aware of. In this article, we’ll outline three key strategies that can help. Knowing that it could happen to you and taking the right steps to prevent it will help you better care for yourself and your loved one.

Be proactive  

A big part of reducing the stress that can lead to burnout is being as prepared as possible for what’s coming and being able to make good decisions. To do that, you have to be proactive by educating yourself and acting early.

• Educate yourself – Often we feel stress and anxiety because we are dealing with the unknown. Doing your homework on your loved one’s condition and what kinds of care they might need takes extra time and effort, but it’s worth it. Look for resources and recommendations online, from friends, and from your local council on aging. Try to attend doctor’s appointments and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re going to have to make many choices as a family caregiver and being armed with information can make a big difference to you and to those for which you care.

• Act sooner rather than later – Timing is more important than you think. It’s not unusual for family caregivers to wait too long before intervening in their loved one’s situation. Many seniors can be reluctant or resistant to making crucial decisions about aging and possible end-of-life arrangements for themselves. That’s why it’s important to start early. If you lay the groundwork early on, it will most likely go more smoothly.

Prioritize your own health 

You may have heard the term “self-care” being thrown around, and for many, that looks like taking a vacation or having a day at the spa. But for many family caregivers, getting a good night’s sleep is hard enough, let alone taking days away from their loved one(s) for travel. Before you dismiss self-care as impossible, start thinking about self-care on a very basic level (taking care of your own health). 

In that same AARP report, nearly one-quarter of family caregivers said that they feel their caregiving has made their own health worse and that it’s made it more difficult to stay healthy. When you’re caring for a loved one, those simple things you’re supposed to be doing to maintain your health can become difficult. Getting proper sleep, eating right, and exercising can fall by the wayside. But ignoring those things is a big part of what causes burnout. Being tired and feeling sick, or possibly even creating your own health issues isn’t helping anyone.

There’s an old but still very relevant saying: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Take the time to treat yourself the way you treat your loved one–by making sure they are as healthy as possible. You’ll avoid burnout and may even live longer in the process! 

Take the help

No one is an island, and as much as you would like to do it all, it’s just not realistic. Both you, your family members as well as and your loved one are probably going to need some help at one point or another, both in practical ways and emotionally. Doing so can have a big impact on the amount of stress you feel and how quickly or easily you burn out.

• Getting help for your loved one–There are a few options when you’re looking for help with your loved one. If you have a big family or network, you may have enough volunteers to cover extra needs that you can’t.

But even if you don’t have a large pool of volunteers, you can still bring in qualified help. In-home caregivers can provide a valuable service and if you use an agency, you can have help in your loved one’s home within days. Having help can give you the break you need to take care of yourself while knowing your loved one is in good hands. 

• Getting help for yourself – It can be very isolating to be a family caregiver, even if you have some help from friends or a professional caregiver. Loneliness, guilt, and even resentment are common emotions, and connecting with others in your situation helps you realize that and work through it. Peer support is another way you can take care of yourself, which directly affects your ability to care for your loved one. And with the rise of social media and video platforms like Zoom, it’s easier than ever to find a support group. Some are even specific to the condition from which your loved one is suffering.

Conclusion

Every family caregiving situation is unique, and there’s no one perfect way to do it. It’s common to worry and stress out about your loved one. Just be aware that stress and not taking care of yourself can turn into burnout. Remember to take time to check in on your wellbeing and use these three strategies to help you cope. 

If forming a care team is an option you’d like to explore, we at Guardian Angels would love to talk with you about the many benefits of in-home care.

Article #6: Types of Elder Care: Which is Right for Your Parent or Loved One(s)?

As life expectancy rose (between 1959 and 2014, the US experienced a 9-year jump from 69.9 years to 78.9 years!), so does the need for elder care. The market has responded, and there are more choices than ever when seeking support with the aging process. And while having more options can be a good thing, the downside is the confusion that can result when you’re trying to figure out what’s best for your loved one. In this article, we’ll cover the six most common types of elder care so you can determine what might be right for your family. 

Types of elder care and how they work

Before learning about the various options, it’s important to know the biggest factors that will come into play as you make this decision. The type of care you decide on depends on three key things: the level of support your parent or loved one needs, your ability to be involved, and the budget. Secondarily, you may also want to factor in what they might need in the future, as making big transitions from one type of care to the next can be difficult. Whether or not they can or want to stay in their current home can play a part as well. 

In-Home Care

This is the only option for your parent to stay independent in a home of their own without having to be taken to a secondary location for assistance. In-home care can either be non-medical (help with the activities of daily living, transportation, meal prep, medication reminders, etc.) or medical. Medical in-home care, or home health care, is a good choice if your parent or loved one has medical needs like wound care or administration of medical treatment. Care can range from a few hours per week to a 24/7 live-in situation. 

Your role as the family caregiver would be to engage the services of an in-home care agency or hire a private caregiver yourself. Note that doing the latter requires much more time on your part, as you’ll have to go through the process of hiring and managing the caregiver as well in addition to paying taxes and insurance. 

With this option, your parent or loved one can remain in their home, or the caregiver can come to wherever they reside (your home, a senior community, etc.). It’s a great way to get your loved one some help while avoiding an untenable transition. And if you work with an agency to coordinate care, you as the family caregiver will typically have little disruption to your everyday life. Learn more about what to consider when determining if in-home care is right for you in this related post.

Adult Day Care

This type of care is usually limited to daytime or regular business hours. Essentially, it’s supervision and care in a structured setting without any medical component. It works best for people who are not safe to stay on their own but who may not be able to afford an in-home caregiver for that many hours. This option can allow your parent to remain living in their own homes, except for the time they’d spend in this daycare. 

Keep in mind that you as the family caregiver will have to either provide or arrange for transportation to and from the facility. 

Age-Restricted Communities & Senior Apartments 

If your parent or loved one is ready to move out of their home but is generally healthy and capable of caring for themselves, a senior living community can be a great choice. Many of these communities focus on an active lifestyle, so they often have well-equipped clubhouses and other amenities. While most don’t have medical assistance on-site, they do enable socialization with peers and some also provide transportation. Socialization and transportation to-and-from appointments and running errands are typically some of the first things seniors will need help with as they age. 

These types of communities can be relatively affordable but depending on how your parent’s health changes as time goes on, it may not be the last move they make. Your role as the family caregiver would likely include helping them downsize and move which can be a daunting task.

Board and Care Home

Board and care homes, also called residential care facilities, are private facilities that are smaller in scope. There are usually 10 or fewer residents and many operate out of large homes with residents occupying their own rooms. Personal care assistance and meals are provided, and staff is available 24/7, but nursing and medical care are not provided on-site. 

This option is typically used by those who don’t have the budget for a caregiver in their homes, but still need help with activities of daily life and need on-site supervision. As the family caregiver, your role would be minimal in the care process, but you’d likely need to help with moving.

Assisted Living

Unlike board and care homes, assisted living facilities are usually much bigger. They can range in size from as few as 25 residents to 120 or more, and depending on the facility, residents may have their own apartments or suites. Typically, a few levels of care are available, and the costs rise with each level.

Residents have access to many services, including meals, personal care assistance housekeeping, and 24/7 supervision and security. Many also provide social and recreational activities. With assisted living, some medical assistance may be available and oftentimes staff members are CNAs (certified nursing assistants). 

Like board and care, your role as the family caregiver is minimal when it comes to daily care but downsizing and moving will be necessary.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide medical care in addition to the personal care services you’ll get with board and care and assisted living. In a nursing home, residents can receive nursing care, 24-hour supervision, meals, and assistance with the activities of daily living. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, can also be provided.

Skilled nursing is best if your parent or loved one needs ongoing medical supervision, but they are unable to afford 24/7 live-in in-home care. And as with the other situation in which your loved one will need to move from their home, your care role will be limited once the transition is made.

Hybrid options

It’s important to know that you don’t have to choose just one type of care. A professional caregiver can easily go to a senior apartment or retirement community, or even an assisted living facility. You could also utilize adult daycare during the day and have a professional caregiver help out overnight. 

Another option you can consider if your parent is ready to move but does not yet need help with personal or medical care is a continuing-care retirement community. This option offers both independent retirement living and assisted living/skilled nursing. In this situation, your parent would start out in an independent-living apartment or home that offers the various social, recreational, and cultural activities of a traditional retirement community. But down the road as their health and abilities decline, they can move to the assisted living or skilled nursing tier as needed. 

Conclusion

Needless to say, this can be a lot to consider! Once you’ve evaluated where your parent is at health-wise, determined the your budget, and assessed how much time you have to participate, the next step is to research specific organizations that provide the services that best match. Be thorough and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Check reviews and testimonials, learn how each operates, and verify claims and credentials. 

If you need some help determining what might be right for your parent or loved one, please feel free to reach out! We offer a complimentary assessment, and home evaluation. And even if in-home care doesn’t make the most sense for you, we’ll do our best to direct you to the resources that can help.

Article #7: Four Key Things to Know About Assisted Living vs. In-Home Care

Being a family caregiver means you’ll have to make many decisions about your parent’s care. One of these decisions is what to do when they need more help than you can give. There’s a lot of information out there about senior care, and it can be overwhelming to compare your choices with so many factors to consider. 

If your parent doesn’t have serious medical needs, then it’s likely you’ve narrowed the options down to either in-home care or an assisted living facility. It may seem rather obvious, but assisted living requires moving out of the home. In this post, we’ll cover four things you may not know about assisted living and in-home care so you can be better equipped to make the best decision possible for your family. 

You’ll get the same type of assistance with both options (but with different levels of personal attention)

The term assisted living is often synonymous with a nursing home, and as such people think that medical care is performed at assisted living facilities. Although some assisted living facilities offer progressive levels of care that include skilled nursing, most simply assist with the activities of daily life (ADLs). Staff members at many assisted living facilities aren’t required to have nursing degrees, so their training and education level is similar to that of what an in-home care provider would have. 

One thing to consider is the level of personal attention you’ll want for your loved one. Staff members at assisted living facilities are helping many residents at once – up to 7 on average. Having a caregiver in your parent’s home means that they’ll focus exclusively on them, offering more personalization and one-on-one interaction. Because of this, some families choose to do a combination of the two care options: hiring a caregiver to go to their loved one’s assisted living facility to supplement care. 

The total costs can be less or similar to in-home care 

Budget can be a huge factor in determining which route you take. And although the “all-inclusive” flat rate of assisted living can seem like a good value, it really depends on how much help your parent needs. If they only need a caregiver on a part-time basis, in-home care can be the more affordable option. Especially when you factor in the personal attention factor. At the end of the day, you don’t want to pay more per month than you must. 

It’s also important to note that neither assisted living nor in-home care is covered by Medicare/Medicaid. 

Both assisted living and in-home care provide socialization & companionship

Many people don’t realize how important socialization and companionship are for seniors. Whether you go with an assisted living facility or an in-home caregiver, your loved one will have plenty of opportunities to socialize and develop friendships. This may come a bit easier in an assisted living facility, simply because of access. Your parent will be surrounded by peers and won’t have to travel for group activities. 

That said, an in-home caregiver can provide transportation to any activity your parent or loved one wants to attend. And because of the personalized nature of in-home care, a caregiver can tailor the daily schedule to include activities that your parent enjoys, which can widen the choices for social opportunities considerably. 

Because one-on-one in-home caregiving is so personal, our caregivers and clients often develop deep bonds and friendships. Many family caregivers consider their parent’s caregiver an extended member of the family. At an assisted living facility, staff workload and turnover can make it more challenging to create those types of bonds. 

It’s easier to start with in-home care then move to assisted living

Perhaps the most important thing to know is that you’re not forever stuck with your decision either way. However – it’s much easier to start with care in the home and then transition to assisted living later down the road. Obviously, going from assisted living back to in-home care means a big move, but there are a couple of additional reasons why it makes sense to start with an in-home caregiver. 

First, it introduces the idea of having some help to your parent. Many seniors are resistant to outside assistance for fear of losing their independence. Going straight to assisted living can be an extreme change for them, and they may not handle it well. Stress is linked to health declines, so try to avoid stressful situations for your parent whenever possible.   

Secondly, starting with an in-home caregiver gives you as the family caregiver an adjustment period. Moving your parent to an assisted living facility will require a lot of time and effort on your part. Selling the home and its contents and searching for the right facility are just a few of the tasks that will likely fall on your plate – all of which prolong the process. If you bring in a caregiver using an in-home care agency, you could have help in as quickly as a couple of days with little interruption to your life. It can give you the time you need to go through the necessary steps to move your parent to an assisted living facility (and give you a break in the meantime!).

Conclusion:

In-home care and assisted living are similar in many ways, so ultimately it comes down to whether your parent is willing to move. But even if they are willing, consider starting out with in-home care first and seeing how it goes. Since most in-home care agencies don’t require long-term commitments, there isn’t much risk to trying it out. Plus, it will be less stressful for everyone and less of a transition for your parent or loved one. If it turns out that assisted living is a better fit, working with a caregiver in the home will have provided time to prepare for that bigger life change. 

Still unsure? We’d love to learn more about your situation and answer any questions you may have. We offer a no-obligation discovery call and/or assessment to help determine if we’d be a good fit. Feel free to give us a ring at 402.474.4000 and get started today!

Article #8: What You Need to Know to Get Started as a Professional In-Home Caregiver

For those who enjoy helping others but don’t have medical training, becoming a professional caregiver can be a great option. You can make a big impact on the life of a senior even if you don’t have formal caregiving experience. You can also can get started within weeks or even days of being hired. At Guardian Angels, we provide all the training needed to get started in this rewarding career. 

If you’re considering helping our aging adults as your next career move, you may have seen a few different job titles being used interchangeably. Companion aide, home care aide, and in-home caregiver are different ways to say that you provide non-medical in-home care. This means there are restrictions to the type of care you can provide, but it also means that less training is required. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting hired, what happens before you start work, and additional training opportunities once you’re on the job.

Getting hired

Just like any job, the first step is to fill out the application! You don’t necessarily need to have formal caregiving experience to be called in for an interview. If you’ve cared for family members or loved ones in the past in an informal capacity, be sure to include that on your application. It’s more important that you have a desire for helping others and that you’re a compassionate and patient person. Here are a few other requirements:

• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English

• A clean driving record (you will likely be asked to do incidental transportation for clients)

Once you’ve completed the interview process, there are a few more things that we check out before you can officially start care:

• A nationwide FBI criminal history

• Reference checks (14 personal and professional references required)

• A background check through the Caregiver Background Check Bureau (a division of the Nebraska Department of Social Services)

• A DMV driving record check

• Drug testing

Lastly, each caregiver must be registered and cleared as a Home Care Aide with the Nebraska Department of Social Services’ Home Care Services Bureau. 

Initial training & orientation

Prior to starting work, you’ll attend an orientation and internal training session. This training is repeated each year to ensure you stay current on all important information. 

There may also be additional on-the-job training depending on the needs of your client. For example, some clients have specific assistive devices that you may not be familiar with. Your care manager will provide any training you need to get started with your client and will be your go-to resource for any questions you may have as you provide care.

Additional training, education, and certification opportunities 

The learning doesn’t stop with this initial training. We encourage and incentivize continuing education so you feel empowered to grow your knowledge base to better meet the needs of our clients. You have the opportunity to become a specialist in certain conditions by taking the trainings assigned for our Specialty Programs: 

• Arthritis

• Dementia/Alzheimer’s

• Diabetes

• Fall Prevention

• Hospice

• Orthopedic Recovery

• Parkinson’s

• Stroke

All our courses are created and reviewed by Registered Nurses and accredited by the state through the Nebraska Department of Public Health. These programs are optional – you can take none of them or all of them! But for every program you complete you’ll be given a raise and be better equipped to help a wider range of clients. These courses are online, and you can take them at your own pace. In fact, you could complete them all within a few weeks of starting work.

Beyond this additional training within Guardian Angels, many caregivers choose to pursue outside education and certification programs. You may want to get additional training through a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program or become a home health aide.

Both of these certifications will give you a deeper understanding of the health issues that commonly affect seniors. Another option is to continue your training in a specific area, such as hospice. Some of our caregivers are working toward becoming a hospice doula. Whichever path you choose, know that we are here to support you! 

Conclusion:

As a professional caregiver, you can make a difference in the life of a senior without having years of training. Many in-home care agencies are willing to train the right people if you can meet a few requirements. At Guardian Angels, we pride ourselves on our caregiver training and development programs. We want to make sure you feel confident to give the best care possible to your clients, and that you feel supported and empowered in your work. 

If you’re ready to learn more about becoming a caregiver, apply today. You can also read more about professional caregiving in our recent blog posts.

Article #1: Three Unexpected Benefits of In-Home Care (for your loved one(s) AND you)

When considering whether to start in-home care for your parent, your main priority is likely focused on two things; – their health and safety. Having someone there in case of emergency, to prevent falls, and to drive them places so they don’t have to be on the road are all important duties of a caregiver. 

And while the health and safety of your loved one will always be primary, bringing in a professional caregiver can bring so much more to you and your parent’s life! In this article, we’ll discuss some unexpected benefits that come along with hiring a professional caregiver for your parent. 

1) Increased life span 

Caregivers can help with two main issues that are linked to decreased life span – loneliness and stress.

Loneliness and your parent

Loneliness and isolation are common feelings experienced by older adults. In a 2020 survey, 56% of seniors said they felt isolated, which can trigger a cascade of health issues like weight loss, stress (see the impact of that in the next section), and cognitive decline. 

Two studies from Brigham Young University found that “relationships impact our physical health so profoundly that chronic loneliness and isolation can be as dangerous as a pack-a-day smoking habit. Loneliness can shorten your life span by about five years.” Wow. 

One of the main benefits of having a caregiver is the companionship and socialization aspect. In fact, some in-home care agencies (like Guardian Angels!) try hard to match up caregivers and clients via shared interests and similar personalities. Many of our caregivers get along so well with clients and their families that they become an honorary part of the family. 

Stress and family caregiving

When it comes to family caregiving, one of the biggest issues is stress. In a 2020 AARP study, 40% report high emotional stress from their caregiving situation (ranking it 5 on a scale of 1-5). What are the possible results of that stress? According to Mayo Clinic,” Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.” All of which are linked to a shorter life span.

Research confirms the positive effects that using professional care services has on family caregivers’ health. In the journal, Aging and Mental Health, data showed that caregivers utilizing respite care services (such as in-home care or adult daycare) had better control over two key stress hormones. Using outside care also reduced the impact of both care-related and non-care stressors. As the amount of time they used the service increased, the less likely the family caregiver was to experience health declines.

The bottom line? The less lonely and isolated your loved one feels and the less stressed you feel, the better the chance for a longer life for both of you. 

2) Peace of Mind 

It’s never fun to think about what would happen should your parent have a medical emergency. Perhaps they need to go in for an unexpected procedure, or they injure themselves. Either of those situations might suddenly create the need for many more hours of care than you are able to provide. That’s when having a caregiver already in place can really help. In fact, having a caregiver already there greatly reduces the chance of an injury or medical emergency.

A caregiver can help with housekeeping that prevents falls and keeps your parent’s home safe. They also provide medication reminders, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, healthy meal preparation, and assistance with exercise. Each of those duties help your parent or loved one stay in compliance with their doctor’s recommendations, which means it’s one less thing for you to worry about. With a caregiver there to help your parent, you can rest easy knowing there’s someone there making sure they’re safe and as healthy as possible. 

Peace of mind also applies to your parent or loved one. Many seniors don’t like the idea of relying so heavily on their family to help them as they age. They feel guilty about disrupting their children’s lives and often suffer silently knowing they need help. Bringing in a caregiver can be a great compromise – they feel better having help, but they don’t have to worry about asking family members.

3) Better relationships (and more joy!) 

One of the most overlooked benefits of having a caregiver is the impact on relationships for the entire family. Having to parent your parent can cause resentment, stress, and possibly even anger. Instead of enjoying a regular parent-child relationship, your interactions become about what your parent is or isn’t doing right. Having a caregiver to help means you can return being the child, which paves the way for a much better relationship. And with better relationships comes more joy – beneficial for both you and your parent.

Beyond just you and your parent, being a primary caregiver can take a toll on the relationships you have with your own kids and spouse. In the journal Innovation and Aging, data showed that most caregivers reported relationship strain occurring after taking on the caregiving role, and more than three fourths said caring for a parent put a strain on their marriage. The time you spend away from your family and the stress that caregiving can often bring can make it extremely difficult to maintain healthy relationships with your parent and your family.

Using in-home care can give you back the most precious resource of all – TIME. Time to spend with family and your spouse and time to share moments and activities with your parents that aren’t related to their care. And time to have fun and do things you want and experience more joy in your life – both with your family and on your own.

Your parent will also have an opportunity to build and improve relationships. A caregiver can incorporate socialization activities with their peers and be a source of companionship themselves. They can help your parent pursue interests, hobbies and even play games – all of which bring more joy into their lives. 

Conclusion

Adding a professional caregiver to your care team can provide a whole host of benefits beyond the obvious. Less stress and loneliness, better relationships, more joy, and peace of mind are all linked – they make life better AND longer for you and your parent. 

Have questions? Not sure if in-home care is right for your situation? Get in touch! We offer a complimentary assessment, and home inspection to determine if it’s a good fit. In less than an hour, you could be on your way to all the great benefits that in-home care provides. 

Sources:

• Supporting Family Caregivers: How Does Relationship Strain Occur In Caregiving Dyads? A Qualitative Study – Innovation in Aging

• 80% of Caregivers Report Strain on Their Marriages – Caring.com

• Caregiving in the U.S. – AARP

• Exploring the Benefits of Respite Services to Family Caregivers: Methodological Issues and Current Findings – Aging & Mental Health

• Loneliness: The Shadow Pandemic – BYU Magazine

• Stress Management – Mayo Clinic