Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Take Huge Toll on Families, Economy
Note: This column was first published in the September 2022 edition of InMaricopa magazine. September is World Alzheimer’s Month. This year’s theme — “Know Deme...
Joan Koczor
Those who take care of our loved ones. In this context it usually means relatives, friends or profession home care workers who provide the actual support.
"Many older Americans choose to move into some form of senior housing. But each year more and more choose to stay in their homes. It’s not a black-and-white choice, and whatever arrangement you choose, home care can dramatically expand your options."
An April 2023 article by AgingInPlace.org addresses the possible options and how to decide on direction.
"For many these days, the ideal approach to aging involves aging in place— staying in your home and taking the steps necessary to remain independent for as long as possible. Many are still choosing the better-known options: retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and other institutions designed to care for older people. But an increasing number of seniors are choosing to stay at home and get whatever help they need to remain there."
This article is a comprehensive look at the options to be considered.
Note: AgingInPlace.org keeps our resources free by working as an affiliate partner with some companies mentioned on our site. We may earn a commission when you click on certain product links.
"In today's fast-paced world, the responsibilities of caring for our aging loved ones can be overwhelming. Balancing work, family, and personal life while ensuring our loved ones receive the care and attention they deserve can be a challenging task. This is where home care agencies come into play, offering professional assistance to ensure the well-being of your family members. However, choosing the right home care agency is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. In this article, we will provide you with 10 valuable tips for making informed decisions when it comes to finding the perfect home care agency for your loved ones."
Check the web link to read the full article from Today's Caregiver magazine.
As a Veteran, you may be able to get assisted living, residential (live-in), or home health care through VA. Find out how to access these long-term care services.
What kinds of long-term care services does VA offer for sick or disabled Veterans?
Our long-term care services include:
. 24/7 nursing and medical care
. Physical therapy
. Help with daily tasks of living (like bathing, dressing, making meals, and taking medicine)
. Comfort care and help with managing pain
. Support for caregivers who may need skilled help or a break so they can work, travel, or run errands.
You can get this care in many different settings—some run by VA and others run by state or community organizations that we inspect and approve.
Care settings may include:
. Nursing homes
. Assisted-living centers
. Private homes where a caregiver supports a small group of individuals
. Adult day health centers
. Veterans’ own homes
You can learn more about the different types of care on this page or review our guide to long-term services and supports.
How do I access these services?
You may be able to use one or more of these services if you meet all of these requirements:
All of these must be true:
. You’re signed up for VA health care, and
. We conclude that you need a specific service to help with your ongoing treatment and personal care, and
. The service (or space in the care setting) is available near you.
We may also consider other factors, like your service-connected disability status or insurance coverage.
"Fall Prevention for Seniors
The Visiting Angels’ Safe and Steady® fall prevention program can help reduce your elderly loved one’s risk of slips, trips, and falls at home and decrease the chance of serious injuries that could result in hospitalization, loss of independence, permanent disability, or even death.
Visiting Angels’ compassionate caregivers are committed to helping seniors remain at home as they age, keeping them where they feel safest, happiest, and most comfortable. Fall prevention is an essential responsibility of Visiting Angels’ professional caregivers."
This link will take you to the Visiting Angels Fall Prevention Program.
"According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the top cause of injury death for seniors and can impede their ability to remain independent — making fall prevention a vital part of aging in place."
Be sure to download their fall prevention guide.
"Thanks to new technology, older adults can stay independent in their own homes with cherished possessions, established routines and the help of innovative products that make living easier."
Some solutions don’t require Wi-Fi connectivity, while others leverage smart technology to be compatible with other devices. Either way, these tools enable family caregivers who don’t live in the home to be an integral part of the day-to-day activities of an aging adult."
This AARP article addresses: Preferring home • Detecting falls • About alarm buttons • Managing medications • Keeping clean • Tracking without intruding • Sleeping comfortably
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) provides help with daily activities while allowing many individuals to remain in their own homes or live with their families by reducing the need for institutional care.
Services include:
adult day care
adult day health care
home delivered meals and meals at senior centers
home health aide
housekeeping
personal care
respite care
transportation
visiting nurse
Services appear to be primarily non-medical but may not be limited to non-medical for those under AHCCCS (AZ Medicaid). Check their website and call for additional information if necessary.
60 years of age or older, or
18 - 60 years of age with a disability,
and functionally impaired and unable to perform activities of daily living (ADL). This includes eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, using the bathroom and mobility (for example, walking or moving from a wheelchair to a bed).
Our Company is a Collective of Dedicated Professionals
Striving to Enrich Lives
"Caring for a loved one can be rewarding in many ways, but the demands placed on family caregivers often lead to stress and burnout. A family caregiver can find it difficult to ask for help, even when dealing with some of the following concerns and feelings:
See their website to get a more complete understanding of their services.
About Us
We help loved ones maintain the highest possible standard of living safely and comfortably at home.
We provide one-on-one caregivers to assist seniors with the activities of daily living."
Visit their website to learn more about the services available.
"If you’re an older adult, smart homes may seem like a lot of hype — or best left to those more comfortable with technology.
But if you’re one of the 9 in 10 people ages 50 to 80 who say they want to stay in their homes as long as possible, innovations available today can help you remain independent, especially if you live alone. And that tech can help your family keep tabs on your safety without being intrusive. Here’s a quiz to show you what today’s tech can do for you and your family."
This article from AARP illustrates many of the ways that technology can assist in the process of caregiving.
Note: This column was first published in the September 2022 edition of InMaricopa magazine. September is World Alzheimer’s Month. This year’s theme — “Know Deme...
Joan Koczor
This site is owned and managed by Ron Smith