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TOP 10 ELITE FACTS:
1. Not A Franchise
2. Family Owned and Operated
3. All Caregivers Are Employees, Not Contractors
4. All Caregivers Have Passed Background Checks
5. Elite Has Liability and Workers Comp Insurance to Protect the Caregiver and Those Being Cared For
6. Elite Only Selects The Best Caregivers That Meet Our Standards
7. We DO NOT Force Families Into Contracts
8. We Are Referred By Reputable Organizations – Gentiva Hospice and Athens Regional Home Healthcare
9. We Take Pride In Working With All Of Our Families
First and foremost, if you are planning on becoming pregnant, you need to make sure you have health coverage that includes maternity insurance. If your bundle of joy is unexpected and you find yourself without insurance, you are not alone.
Approximately 13% of women who become pregnant each year are not insured. The sheer joy of being pregnant can quickly turn to feelings of anxiety and financial burden unless you have maternity health insurance to help defray costs and keep nerves from fraying.
Fortunately, we can help. If you’re thinking about having a baby, insurance may be the last thing on your mind. But you can save yourself a lot of money, and buy yourself some peace of mind if you take a few minutes to investigate whether you should buy maternity insurance. Even if you already have health insurance, it may not cover some of the expenses associated with pregnancy. When you are pregnant, you will probably make many visits to your doctor, maybe as often as twice a month for the whole nine months of your pregnancy. Check to see if your current health insurance covers this many visits. Women whose insurance does not pay for multiple doctors’ visits during pregnancy sometimes skip visits to save money. But this can create problems for both you and your baby. Health Insurance and Prenatal Care Many women who do not have pregnancy coverage put off going to the doctor for prenatal care, an essential step in having a safe and health pregnancy. Uninsured pregnant women wait until the second trimester or later to begin prenatal care. To protect your health and the health of your baby, you should see your doctor as soon as you learn you are pregnant. Early, consistent prenatal care is the best way to avoid any problems that may come up with your pregnancy.
Maternity insurance covers this type of attention. Of course, you will also have a large hospital bill when you have your baby, and you may need to make several visits to your doctor after your child is born. Some health insurance plans cover all or most of these expenses, but others do not. It pays to find out just how much is covered as soon as you learn you’re pregnant. Unfortunately, not every pregnancy goes smoothly. Complications for the mother or the baby can run up huge hospital bills. If you or baby needs special care, you don’t want to be thinking about how to pay for it. In these situations, maternity insurance can put your mind at ease.
Look for a plan that places few restrictions on the treatments it covers. Remember, though, that maternity insurance covers only expenses related to your pregnancy. It does not cover other health problems you may have. The best time to buy maternity insurance is before you are pregnant. Some companies offer maternity insurance to women who are already pregnant, but some do not. To keep your options open, look into getting maternity insurance as soon as you start to consider becoming pregnant.
If you cannot afford private maternity insurance, you can apply to a public program for help with the cost of your pregnancy. All states offer some type of maternity health care assistance, either through Medicaid or through some other plan designed specifically for pregnant women. Be sure to take advantage of all the services you are entitled to. Your state may offer nutrition assistance and educational services in addition to paying for medical care.
Society has a vested interest in healthy babies and mothers. And that’s all society, because unhealthy babies and mothers impose a cost on everybody — in the expense of caring for them as wards of the public, and in the waste of social resources that comes from children unable to reach their full potential as members of society because of injuries or illnesses caused by poor prenatal and postnatal health. Child mortality rates are among the most important indicators of a nation’s overall health profile, and the U.S. rate stinks compared with the rest of the industrialized world’s — at 7 deaths of children under age 5 per 1,000 live births, it’s worse than Israel’s, South Korea’s, Japan’s and every Western European nation’s. That’s why maternity and newborn care and pediatric services are among the 10 health benefits that Obamacare requires to be part of every health plan. Some of these benefits are so important, they’re required to be among the free benefits of catastrophic health plans that may be sold to individuals under the age of 30. They include anemia screening for pregnant women and folic acid supplements for women of childbearing age.
Society has a vested interest in healthy babies and mothers. And that’s all society, because unhealthy babies and mothers impose a cost on everybody — in the expense of caring for them as wards of the public, and in the waste of social resources that comes from children unable to reach their full potential as members of society because of injuries or illnesses caused by poor prenatal and postnatal health.Child mortality rates are among the most important indicators of a nation’s overall health profile, and the U.S. rate stinks compared with the rest of the industrialized world’s — at 7 deaths of children under age 5 per 1,000 live births, it’s worse than Israel’s, South Korea’s, Japan’s and every Western European nation’s. That’s why maternity and newborn care and pediatric services are among the 10 health benefits that Obamacare requires to be part of every health plan. Some of these benefits are so important, they’re required to be among the free benefits of catastrophic health plans that may be sold to individuals under the age of 30. They include anemia screening for pregnant women and folic acid supplements for women of childbearing age.
Universal coverage is the only way to make maternity coverage affordable. Up to now only 12% of policies in the individual insurance market offered maternity coverage. Those that offered the coverage often did so as separate riders imposing huge deductibles for maternity care alone — $5,000 for maternity services, according to a 2010 survey by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and limits on benefits of only a few thousand dollars. The cost of maternity and newborn care is the principal reason that, pre-Obamacare, women were systematically charged more for health insurance than men.Because insurers pitched maternity coverage in the individual market only to buyers of childbearing age, the premiums were high and they still made almost no money on them. One company internal memo reviewed by the committee stated that its loss on maternity riders came to 90% of income, a money-losing ratio,” the memo said.But that’s what happens when you sell an insurance benefit to a narrowly defined market. Without the cross-subsidies inherent in a large pool of insured people, no single coverage is affordable to those who specifically need it.
Elite Home Healthcare Services (EHHS) offers complete in-home care services for senior citizens, the disabled, and people recovering from operations. EHHS specialize in customized in-home care programs unique to each and every client. From general in-home care like assistance with daily routines and light housekeeping to more specialized care including post-operation and rehabilitation programs.
Listen to Elite Home Healthcare Services Radio Commerical for FM 107.1
Drs. Chris Schimmel and Ed Jacobs discuss common mistakes in group counseling from an Impact Therapy point of view based on their book, Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills.
Common Group Counseling Mistakes
Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy that usually involves four to ten clients and one or two experienced group therapists. Most therapy groups meet every week at the same time for one or two hours. During this period, the members of the group discuss the issues that are concerning them and offer each other support and feedback. Interpersonal interaction is highly valued and encouraged. Group counseling may be particularly useful for students who are having difficulties in their relationships or who want to learn about themselves and their connections to other people.
Most often, people participating in a group because they are having some struggles with their relationships. The group is often the best place to get help with mutual concerns. If you have been referred to the group, it is because it is the most effective method for addressing your concerns. Here are some examples of the kinds of interpersonal issues that bring people to group:
Loneliness or isolation
Shyness
Excessive dependence in relationships
Superficial relationships
Frequent arguments with people
Discomfort in social situations
Difficulty trusting others
Being easily hurt or offended
Needing a lot of reassurance from others
Afraid of being left and
Lack of intimacy in relationships
Naturally, many of us experience these concerns at one time or another, but if you experience one or more of these to the extent that they are causing significant pain or distress for you, group therapy may be a solution.
How does group therapy work?
Group therapy is a unique experience for most people because the therapists and group members work hard to make it a safe and confidential place to explore relationships. Through the sharing process, members develop a level of trust that makes it possible for them to be honest and open with each other. They also learn to care for and accept each other. Ideally, the individuals who join the group are committed to learning about themselves and their relationships, and often they find considerable support and encouragement in group therapy.
Group therapy usually works because members behave in the society in ways that reflect how they act outside of the group. The difference is that the leaders and the other members can help the individual change unproductive patterns by giving feedback about how they perceive you and by offering alternative ways of interacting.
The group can also be a safe place to try out or practice some of these new options with people who are caring and encouraging. The group also helps people see that they are not alone in their pain. Finally, members can get advice and guidance from each other. Even if it is difficult for you to interact in a group situation, you can still benefit from being in the group. What does society look like? Groups can be organized in several different ways. Some groups have an overarching theme or are geared toward a particular type of concern.
Some examples of this type of group are those designed for women with eating disorders, for survivors of interpersonal trauma, or for gay and bisexual men. Other groups are more open to anyone. These are usually called general therapy groups. Another way that groups are organized is in relation to time. Some groups are open-ended and may last for years. Still others are time-limited and conclude after a certain number of weeks–usually between 6 and 12 weeks.
Also, some groups have open membership, meaning that the members can come and go as they please; while others have closed membership, saying that once the group reaches a certain number, no new members are added.
Finally, some groups are considered unstructured while others are considered structured which refers to whether or not there are planned activities for the group. If there are no structured activities, the group itself is free to decide how it will focus its time. If you have been referred to group therapy or are considering group therapy, you will want to ask questions about how the group is organized.
How can I get the most out of a group?
Most people are apprehensive about joining a group and experience some anxiety about doing so. It is not uncommon for people to worry that they will talk too much or not say enough, or that others will not accept them in the group. Most are concerned that the group will not help them. There are some things that you can do to maximize the chances that group will be meaningful and healing experience for you. The more willing you are to participate and commit to the group, the more likely it is that you will benefit from it.
Being as genuine as you can be will allow others to help you more directly. Think about what you would like to work on in the group and work actively towards change. Ask the group for help. Respect your safety needs and don’t press yourself to reveal more than you are comfortable revealing. On the other hand, gently challenge yourself to take more risks with self-disclosure so that your other needs get met as well. Use group to talk about yourself and your concerns. Many people struggle with whether or not it is OK to use group time. They worry that their concerns are not important enough, or they believe that others need the time more than they do. The group will be most helpful to you if you can find a way to talk about yourself. Express your thoughts and feelings.
Notice if you are holding back from doing this and talk about your fears of sharing in the group. “Try on” new behaviors in the group and ask for feedback from others when you do so. Although this means taking risks, it is usually well worth it. Give others feedback. This allows you to practice being direct, honest and assertive, but it also helps the other members to know how they are perceived. Be patient with yourself and the group. It will take time for you to feel comfortable in the group and it will take time for the group to develop trust.
You are encouraged to commit to the group for a sufficient amount of time before deciding that it is not the right treatment for you. When you are not in a group, think about the group and what kinds of reactions you are having. When you return to group the next week, share as many of these thoughts and feelings as you feel comfortable sharing.
Ever wondered what sex therapists do (or don’t do), what issues they can help solve, and what happens in their offices?
We weren’t shy about asking the experts for the inside scoop on sex therapy. Here’s what we found out.
1. It Can Give You More Confidence in (and out of) the Bedroom
“What people don’t expect from sex therapy is how strong, confident and assertive they become in every area of their lives,” says Marne Wine, a licensed professional counselor, and AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) certified sex therapist in Westminster, Colorado. “Sex therapy is just life playing itself out in the bedroom. Are you willing to be OK with yourself because you don’t know everything or have all the answers? Are you willing to put yourself out there and risk ridicule and failure? Once you learn to do that in the bedroom—naked—you can do it anywhere.”
2. You Won’t Be Asked to Take Your Clothes Off
Wine says most people tense up when they think of sex therapy, mostly because they worry that the therapy might involve intimate situations. Fear not—standard sex therapy with a qualified sex therapist doesn’t involve nudity. “Although there are different types of people who work in the field of sex therapy, generally it simply talks therapy,” she says.
3. You Don’t Have to Worry About Saying Anything Taboo
Whether it’s a repressed memory, a sexual hangup or an issue of abuse that frightens you to talk about, there is no subject too taboo for a sex therapist. In fact, laying it all on the table is the first step to overcoming a sexual problem. And don’t worry about what the therapist will think. “Sex therapists have heard it all,” says Wine.
4. Finding the Right Therapist Can Make (or Break) Your Experience
Whether you’re considering seeing a sex therapist alone or with your husband, be picky, says Wine. “Check out his or her background. Is the therapist licensed in some professional counseling field—licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker? You want that fundamental, graduate-level counseling education as a basis for him or her doing sex therapy.
The sex therapy certification should be in addition to the graduate-level education.” And if, after the first appointment, you don’t feel comfortable with the therapist, find another one—or ask for a referral. “A good therapist will keep your best interests at heart—not her ego. I always tell my new clients if they aren’t comfortable with me, I will help them find another therapist. This work is too important not to have the right fit.”
5. It Can Help People Who Already Have Great Sex Lives
You and your husband have a great sex life—so what could sex therapy do for you? A lot, says Isadora Alman, a marriage and family therapist, and a board-certified sexologist in San Francisco. “Most people believe that something has to be broken, or that they do, to seek sex therapy. What I do is more about sexual and emotional enhancement, making things better. The most frequent therapeutic outcome of any sex therapy is the relief that comes with being able to talk about sexual feelings, thoughts, and fantasies, just putting them out there to be examined.”
6. It Might Save Your Marriage
Sexual issues take a major toll on a relationship, says Sybil Keane, a psychologist and mental health expert for JustAnswer.com. “When a couple is having troubles with their sex life, a regular marriage counselor might say, ‘Well, make time for you two to connect’ when it’s way more than just connecting for sex. It won’t help if the desire isn’t there or it just feels like a fake attempt to revive the same old, same old.” Want different advice? “Ask a sex therapist,” she says. “They can talk way beyond what a regular marriage counselor can. I believe that most people think that a sex therapist is a last-ditch solution to a sexual, marital problem. If more people went to sex therapy before a problem arose, they might not have to seek divorce advice down the road. Although we all like to believe that sex is something that comes naturally, it isn’t.”
7. It Can Help Solve a Range of Sexual Problems
What types of issues can sex therapy help with? According to Lynne Kolton Schneider, MA, Ph.D., a board-certified sex counselor in private practice, it can help with everything under the sun. “I see people who have difficulties with libido associated with cancer treatments; people who have sexual difficulties and dysfunctions related to surgical procedures; people who have difficulties with sexual positioning due to physical disabilities; and people who have problems being intimate because they have been sexually abused or raped.” And the list goes on: “I work with couples who haven’t had sex in months, or years, virgins who want their first experiences to be positive and women who have never had an orgasm.”
8. It Can Help You Be a Better Communicator
If your daily exchanges with your husband include “Take out the trash” and “It’s your turn to change the diaper,” a sex therapist could help you communicate in a more loving way. “Sex therapy is not always about sexual functioning,” says Dr. Schneider. “It’s probably equally as often about poor communication skills. Much of what I spend my time on concerns teaching patients how to communicate with each other—including how to fight fairly and when to choose to lose a ‘battle’ to win a ‘war.'”
Bibliography
“Sex Therapy Facts at WomansDay.com ” Sexual Health. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
The Affordable Care Act market reforms apply to group health plans. On Sept. 13, 2013, the IRS issued Notice 2013-54, which explains how the Affordable Care Act’s market reforms apply to certain types of group health plans, including health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), health flexible spending arrangements (health FSAs) and certain other employer healthcare arrangements, including arrangements under which an employer reimburses an employee for some or all of the premium expenses incurred for an individual health insurance policy. The notice also provides guidance on employee assistance programs or EAPs and on section 125(f), which prohibits the use of pre-tax employee contributions to cafeteria plans to purchase coverage on an Affordable Insurance Exchange (also known as a Health Insurance Marketplace).
The notice applies for plan years beginning on and after Jan. 1, 2014, but taxpayers may apply the guidance provided in the notice for all prior periods. On February 18, 2015, the IRS issued Notice 2015-17 which provides transition relief from the excise tax under section 4980D with respect to failures to satisfy the market reforms by certain small employers reimbursing premiums for individual insurance policies, S corporations reimbursing premiums for 2-percent shareholders, and certain health care arrangements for employees with health coverage under Medicare and TRICARE.
The Affordable Care Act provides more options than ever for how you get and pay for coverage. You and members of your family can be covered, even if you have pre-existing health problems. You can apply for financial assistance from the federal government to help pay for care and coverage purchased through the Marketplace. State- and federally run Health Insurance Marketplaces are available to help you shop, compare, and buy health care coverage.
The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, was created to expand access to coverage, control health care costs and improve health care quality and care coordination. The health care law does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs. Because comprehensive national data for the effects of menu labeling do not exist, FDA did not quantify the benefits associated with section 4205 of the Affordable Care Act and this rule making.
Some Affordable Care Act studies have shown that some consumers consume fewer calories when menus have information about calorie content displayed. Consumers will benefit from having important nutrition information for the approximately 30 percent of calories consumed away from home. Given the very high costs associated with obesity and its associated health risks, FDA estimated that if 0.6 percent of the adult obese population reduces energy intake by at least 100 calories per week, then the benefits of section 4205 of the Affordable Care Act and this rule would be at least as large as the costs.
The Affordable Care Act not only makes health care more affordable for families and small business owners and raises taxes on high earners, large businesses, and the health care industry. It also limits medical deductions. Tens of millions of families will benefit from new tax credits which will help them reduce their premium costs and purchase insurance. American families making less than $250,000 as a group will see their taxes cut by hundreds of billions of dollars.
Bibliography
Affordable Care Act Summary. (1970). On January 13, 2016, from http://obamacarefacts.com/affordablecareact-summary/.
Seniors today are not the seniors of yesteryear-most live full, active, and balanced lives. So deciding to move into assisted living, senior community, or another type of senior housing can be a confusing process for seniors and their families alike. The process of choosing assisted living communities can be daunting, but fortunately, there are resources that can help you.
We’ve compiled questions to ask and things to think about when considering assisted living communities. Choosing the right community requires serious consideration, so take your time when evaluating the services, features, and policies offered by those communities.
Atmosphere
As you arrive at the residence, do you like its location and outward appearance?
As you enter the lobby and tour the residence, is the decor attractive and homelike?
Do you receive a warm greeting from staff welcoming you to the residence?
Does the administrator/staff call residents by name and interact warmly with them as you tour the residence?
Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable?
Are you able to talk with residents about how they like the residence and staff?
Do the residents seem to be appropriate housemates for you or your loved one?
Are staff members appropriately dressed, personable, and outgoing?
Do the staff members treat each other in a professional manner?
Are the staff members that you pass during your tour friendly to you?
Are visits with the resident welcome at any time?
Physical Features
Is the community well-designed for your needs?
Is the floor plan easy to follow?
Are doorways, hallways, and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers?
Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways?
Does a physician or nurse visit residents regularly to provide medical checkups?
To what extent are medical services available and how are these services provided?
Are handrails available to aid in walking?
Are cupboards and shelves easy to reach?
Are floors made of a non-skid material and carpets firm to ease walking?
Does the residence have good natural and artificial lighting?
Is the residence clean, free of odors, and appropriately heated/cooled?
Does the residence have sprinklers and clearly marked exits?
Does the residence have a means of security if a resident wanders?
Needs Assessments, Contracts, Costs & Finances
Is a contractual agreement available that discloses healthcare and supportive services, all fees, as well as admission and discharge provisions? What are the policies for refunds and transfers?
Is there a written plan for the care of each resident?
Does the residence have a process for assessing a potential resident’s need for services and are those needs addressed periodically?
Does this process include the resident, and his or her family and facility staff, along with the potential resident’s physician?
Are there any government, private, or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident?
Services
Is staff available to meet scheduled and unscheduled needs?
Can the residence provide a list of services available?
Is staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) if needed? ADLs include dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene and grooming, bathing, toileting, using the telephone, shopping, and laundry.
Does the residence provide housekeeping services in residents’ units?
Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice?
Are pharmacy, barber/beautician, and/or physical therapy services offered on-site?
It’s important to be prepared when calling and touring assisted living centers. Each community is unique, if you’ve seen one assisted living facility; you’ve seen one assisted living facility. Review the checklist below to stay organized, compare communities and ask the right questions to help you decide on the community that’s right for your loved one.
Questions to Ask When you Call or Visit
What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
What kind of experience and training does your staff possess?
How many staffers are on duty overnight?
Can staff administer medications?
Do you have a nurse on staff 24/7?
Do you have any experience with (issues or diagnosis of your care recipient)?
Do you do an initial assessment prior to admission?
What types of apartments are available?
What is the monthly cost per apartment type?
If there is a wait list, how many are on it and what is the policy?
Tell me about some of the current residents.
Do you have any outdoor space?
What is your discharge policy?
What additional services are available if the needs of a resident change?
What are your billing and payment policies?
Are all services included in the monthly fee? If not, what and how much are additional services?
Caregiver Jobs – A caregiver is someone who provides much needed care to someone who can’t provide it for themselves. Most of the time those needing a caregiver are adults or the elderly. Sometimes they are people who have been diagnosed with a disease and are unable to take care of themselves.
Caregiver jobs typically depend on the demands of the employer or patient. This person can either work independently or service in an assisted living facility or medical center.
You or someone you may know may be considering a shift in career choice. Maybe you need a career where there are no age requirements. Or maybe it’s possible that you are looking for a career that will last beyond your retirement age. If this is you than you should definitely take care giving into deep consideration.
As you may know, caregiving entails a lot of responsibilities. Some people have a natural ease in caring for and dealing with the elderly. Most importantly, you must know all the possibilities and range of things that can happen while you’re on the job. You must be properly equipped to deal with problems that may arise when caregiving for the needy.
There are short courses that every caregiver must take. This may be a licensure requirement in your state. This will qualify you to become a certified caregiver. It’s also important to take these courses because clients may look for these credentials when picking you as their caregiver. By taking these courses you will be better educated and able to handle the pressures of caregiving.
When taking care of the elderly or needy, you will have to do more than just tend to their physical needs and demands. You will need to be in control of their medical requirements as well. That is why having a medical background or having some education in the field is essential.
It’s important to have a pleasant personality as well. You must have a good mental disposition. This is because you will have to watch over and care for another person. The client’s life is in your hands and their loved ones will need to know that you are in control and trustworthy. Not all older people or needy are the same when it comes to their temperament.
Some older people may be gentle and cooperative. Others may be difficult to handle. You must have a lot of patience and understanding. If you get depressed easily or are easily downtrodden yourself then this may not be the right job for you.
Caregiver jobs are not always simple or easy. Although, they can be financially rewarding and bring a sense of fulfillment to your life. If you are the type of person with compassion for yourself and others then you would love caregiving.
The compassion of a caregiver is second nature to them. They will likely have known all their life taking care of others is right for them. Whatever you choose, don’t forget there are special courses that must be taken before entering this profession.
Caregivers are also known as home health or personal care aides. They may help in areas such as bathing, feeding, taking patients for walks, and taking medications to name a few. They may help patients with making appointments, providing transportation, or just being a companion and support.
According to statistics, caregivers typically make $20,170 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS.) Caregivers must have great attention to detail and follow specific rules and schedules. They must be sensitive to the patient’s fragility. Caregivers make sure patients wake up on time and take their medication on schedule.
Some responsibilities even include light housekeeping. Some patients may not be able to move on their own but their homes need to be cleaned. Caregivers will tidy up the patient’s space and enhance their living situation.
Companionship is also a main factor in caregiving. You are there to be their friend and support through their difficult situation. You must have a can do attitude and bring a sense of order.
If you believe caregiving is for you then it’s best to take the appropriate courses and place your foot in the caregiving world!
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First consider the actual care needs and write out a list of items that need to be provided.
Be able to give an example of a typical day for the care recipient, from the moment they wake up until they go to bed and include a timeline of when they prefer meals, naps and other activities.
Hands-on
How much hands-on care is needed vs. companion care?
If more companion care is needed, make a list of possible activities.
Transportation
Do you need a Caregiver who can escort the client to doctor’s appointments and social activities?
If so, what mode of transportation will they use?
Will the Caregiver drive the client in the client’s car?
Keep in mind that you may need to research your car insurance coverage if this is the case.
Will the Caregiver drive the client in the Caregiver’s car?
If so, be
aware that it will be difficult to be 100% sure that the Caregiver’s insurance policy is up-to-date even if you verify this in the beginning.
If they have a late or missed payment the policy could be cancelled without your knowledge.
Will they take public transportation (bus or taxi cab)?
This is probably the safest method of transportation to prevent the risks of insurance issues.
(Some cities provide special transportation privileges for seniors and you may want to contact your local Department on Aging for information).
Memory Loss
Is there memory loss?
If so, have you had the type of Memory Loss diagnosed (Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Pick’s Disease, Frontal Lobe Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Lewy Body Disease, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Vascular Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease)?
Blood clots and brain tumors may also cause dementia.
A diagnosis of dementia type will help the agency to better understand the care needs and assign a Caregiver with the right type of training and qualifications.
Language
Do you need a Caregiver who speaks a certain language?
Hours
How many hours of care per day will you require?
Review the list of services you will need performed during the care visit and decide on the minimum number of hours per day which would work as a starting point.
The agency will need to know the hours of service to assign a Caregiver and will allow you to adjust the hours after the first week to accurately meet the care needs.
Dietary
Are there any special cooking requirements?
Communicate any food allergies or specific cooking requests and consider how groceries will be purchased or delivered if the care recipient is unable to shop for groceries on their own.
Additional Skills
Are there any “skilled” care requirements, such as taking blood pressure, blood sugar testing, wound care or a feeding tube?
Communicate if these specialized services will need to be performed or monitored.
Medication Management
What is the care recipients method for managing medications?
Do you know for sure if the medications are currently being taken correctly?
Be able to provide a list of medications and the method of monitoring so the Agency will be aware of possible side effects and other requirements such as taking pills with or without food, etc.
Care Management
Will Care Management be required?
As Caregivers are responsible for providing the “hands-on” care, they do not have time to manage the overall care issues.
A trained Care Manager can supervise all of the care needs, from organizing medications in a pillbox and obtaining refills (due to insurance purposes, this service usually must be provided by a Supervisor or R.N. depending on the state laws), to arranging doctor’s appointments and other necessary services.
A Geriatric Care Manager will work with family members and take on responsibilities which they are unable to perform and provide professional expertise in guiding the long-term care decisions.
