When it comes to determining the right care home, the first thing to choose is whether a nursing or residential home is required. A nursing home is very like a residential care home, and the main difference is there are always trained nurses on duty there, so more suitable for those who have a health condition and need treatment or required nursing needs.
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- Know your criteria. Every caregiver has a different specialization when it comes to caring for the elderly. Knowing what you would like to see in the caregiver will allow you to take out those who will not fit your criteria.
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- How much hands-on care needed is required than companion care? If more companion care is needed, make a list of possible activities that they can do.
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- If your elderly suffer from memory Loss diagnosed such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Pick’s Disease, Dementia, Lewy Body Disease, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s Disease, Blood clots, and brain tumors may also cause dementia. A diagnosis of dementia type will help the home care to understand the care needed and assign a Caregiver with the right set of training and qualifications.
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- If there any “skilled” care requirements, such as taking blood pressure, blood sugar testing, wound care, or a feeding tube, let them know if these specialized services will need to be done or monitored.
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- For the dietary needs, communicate any food sensitivities or specific cooking demands and consider how groceries will be acquired or delivered if the care recipient is unable to shop for groceries on their own.
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- Give all the required medications to the home care for them to understand how and when it will be administered to the patient. Give a list of medicines and the method of monitoring so the home care will be understanding of possible side effects and other requirements such as taking pills with or without food, etc. to the patient.
- As caregivers are responsible for giving the “hands-on” care, they do not have time to handle the overall care issues. A trained Care Manager can oversee all of the care needs, from organizing medicines in a pillbox and getting refills. Due to insurance schemes, this service usually must be administered by a Supervisor or a registered nurse depending on the applicable state laws to arranging doctor’s appointments and other necessary services. A Geriatric Care Manager will work closely with family members and take on duties that they are unable to give and provide professional expertise in managing long-term care decisions.
The Bottom Line
Always choose the home care that you can put your trust in terms of taking care of you loved ones. You must also know your participation and responsibilities on how to make your dear ones remaining life more comfortable and memorable one.…