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."

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.

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.

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.