Caregivers

Home Care Vs. the Alternatives: How to Choose?

"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.

10 Tips for Finding the Right Home Care Agency

"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.

VA Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Home Health Care

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.

Resources for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers

AFA provides a wide variety of resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. Whether you are just starting out on your journey with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or have been on the journey for a while, we are here for you. No one is alone on their journey.

The importance of resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers.

A strong support system is essential for an Alzheimer’s caregiver. AFA was founded by a family caregiver to be a resource for caregivers and a place they can turn to for help, guidance and support in their time of need. It is vital for caregivers to be supported and equipped to give their loved ones the best care possible.

AFA offers a number of different resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, including:

AFA’s National Toll-Free Helpline

AFA’s Helpline is available 7 days a week. Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t take a day off, so neither do we.

Our Helpline is staffed entirely by licensed, dementia-trained social workers because we understand that when you need help, you want a qualified professional on the other end of the line.

We take calls, texts, or chats in 90+ languages to help those in need.

The Visiting Angels’ Safe and Steady® Fall Prevention Program

"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."

AARP - 5 Types of Tech Products to Help Loved Ones Age in Place

You don’t need a smart home to ensure comfort and safety

"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

AZ DES - Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

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.

AARP - 5 Ways Technology Can Make Life Easier for Caregivers of Dementia Patients

Wearables, smart homes and other solutions may help, though one size doesn’t fit all

Everyday technology that people use around the house — including doorbell cameras, smart speakers and wrist-worn trackers — can help those suffering from cognitive decline. The tech may ease the burden on caregivers, too.

“Every family caregiver’s number one priority is their loved one’s safety,” says Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “And this is where technology can play an important and helpful role, especially if the caregiver and their family member who is living with dementia don’t reside in the same home.”

No solution works for all Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

“Dementia-related illnesses affect everyone differently,” Reeder says.

This article from AARP helps to explain the ways that technology can be useful when caring for patients with dementia.

AARP - Caregiver's Guide to Smart Home Technology

Technology today can offer caregivers oversight into the lives of aging loved ones without being intrusive. The devices that can help put together the big picture of a loved one’s health and well-being aren’t a substitute for interaction. But they can help an older adult remain independent longer.

Amada Senior Care

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:

• I’m exhausted and tired but feel like I need to be there.
• My back is worn out from constant care.
• I’m not getting enough sleep because I am up many times at night
  to make sure there is not a fall.
• I can’t go to the store because I worry something will happen
  or a fall will occur when I am gone.
• I am uncomfortable helping with showering.
• I didn’t know cleaning up adult elimination was so messy.
• I’m no longer strong enough to help my loved one get in or out of the car."

See their website to get a more complete understanding of their services.

City of Maricopa Community Center - Dementia and Alzheimer's Support Groups

As part of their senior programming, the City of Maricopa Community Center hosts Care giver's dementia or Alzheimer's Support groups the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (free).

A safe, supportive environment where you can share your experiences and encourage other caregivers in their journey.

Check the City of Maricopa Community/Senior Center senior programming schedule on this website to confirm specific events and times.

Sunland Home Care & Medical

About Us

"We provide seniors the assistance of dedicated, competent and professional caregivers with the assistance of daily living activities.

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.

AARP - Ride-Hailing App Adds Feature for Caregivers

Uber app will let caregivers be part of three-way talk with driver, help bill insurer if covered.

Caregivers face an especially rough road when navigating ride-hailing services designed for able-bodied people familiar with technology.

Organizing a Lyft or Uber ride on somebody else’s behalf requires communicating with the driver through your app and keeping in touch with the passenger separately. Getting insurance to cover those costs can also be a bumpy ride.

This AARP article explains how new technology can help caregivers when using ride-hailing transportation for their care recipients.

AARP - Quiz: Do You Know How Technology Can Help You Care for a Loved One?

Tech won’t solve all problems, but it can take some pressure off you

"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.