Tips for hiring a caregiver you can trust

by ElderCarelink   

When it is time to hire someone to provide in-home care, should you select an independent caregiver or hire through an agency? Whichever option you choose, here are some things to keep in mind.

Independent Caregivers

 Indeed, there are quality independent caregivers, but finding them can be complicated. Once you locate someone, you should be prepared to screen applications, run background checks and conduct interviews. And, if you hire them as an employee, you should also be prepared to administer payroll, which includes taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. You may also be legally responsible if the caregiver is hurt on the job or has other workplace issues.

Agency Caregivers

If you don't have time to locate and hire an independent caregiver, then working with an agency may be your best option.

Caregiving agencies build their reputation on the quality of their caregivers. Agency caregivers are traditionally insured, bonded, and trained in the basics of care. In addition, agencies handle all employment issues and can typically provide substitute caregivers if your primary in-home caregiver goes on vacation or is out sick.

Regardless of how you find a caregiver, be sure to do your homework to ensure you hire a responsible and reliable individual. You want your loved one to feel confident you are welcoming someone into the home who will be a trustworthy member of the caregiving team.

Skilled vs custodial in home care services  

by ElderCarelink

Today, home health care is one of the most flexible senior care options available. It typically falls into two categories: non-medical care and skilled care.

 Skilled care typically falls under the supervision of a physician, while non-medical care services generally include custodial tasks, such as assistance with preparing meals, housework or shopping. Most home care agencies provide either forms of care.

 Custodial care. A homemaker or home attendant can help your loved one with daily tasks; typical services include the following:

 1.Bathing assistance

2.Eating assistance

3.Light housekeeping

4.Meal planning and preparation

5.Laundry

6.Grocery shopping

7.Changing linens

Skilled care. Trained medical professionals, such as registered nurses, can provide a range of care for your loved one, such as the following:

 1.Medication management

2.Respiratory care

3.Wound care

4.Infusion Therapy

Any other care ordered by a physician. In many cases, combining skilled care and medical home care services is best for your elder. Home health aides can provide personal care, while a homemaker or home attendant can assist your loved one with daily tasks around the house.

 If you're ready to get started, let ElderCarelink help you find a home care provider in your area.

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Five tips for long distance caregiving   

                                                 

by ElderCarelink                                    

Today's families are spread out, and moving back home when health issues crop up isn't always an option. Whether you're one town over or all the way across the globe, you can still make a positive impact on your parent of loved one's life. Long-distance caregiving isn't just writing checks for care, you can play a role helping set up doctor's appointments, managing care and, most importantly, staying in touch and providing emotional support.

Here are a few pointers to get you started:

 1. Get all the information. You should know the names of your loved one's doctors, neighbors, friends and pets. You should know their birthday, social security number, medical conditions, allergies, possible treatments for ailments and allergies, prescription medications and favorite color, too. Get it all written down, and keep it in a file (on your computer or otherwise) -- and keep it up to date.

 2. Talk with everyone you can. Make sure you bring in the rest of your family and any close friends of your parent or loved one. This will help you prevent any resentment or duplicative efforts -- you aren't in this alone.

 3. Get the papers in order. A will, power of attorney, advanced directives and any other paperwork you can think of should be filled out and on file before an emergency hits and you're left thousands of miles away and impotent.

 4. Make plans. You should make plans to visit and plans for emergencies -- both are important.

 5. Stay in touch. Make sure you call and talk -- and not just about logistics and health issues.

 Even from a distance, your love can be felt. Don't be afraid to reach out and lend a hand.Today's families are spread out, and moving back home when health issues crop up isn't always an option. Whether you're one town over or all the way across the globe, you can still make a positive impact on your parent of loved one's life. Long-distance caregiving isn't just writing checks for care, you can play a role helping set up doctor's appointments, managing care and, most importantly, staying in touch and providing emotional support.

Classes: 

UCare Caregiver Guide Classes
Thursday, October 24 
LOCATION: Courtyard at Jamestown
3352 North 100 East, Provo
1:00 - 2:00 PM

Mountainland UCare classes can provide you, as a caregiver, with the resources you need to care for your loved one who is aging, chronically ill or has a disability or mental illness. 

MONTHLY TOPIC:
  Legal and Financial Issues

  Events: 

29th Annual Health and Wellness Extravaganza

Thursday, October 17
LOCATION: Provo Recreation Center
320 West 500 North, Provo
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

There will be free health screenings, community resources, caregiver resources, massage therapy, and other activities. Presentations will begin at 9:30 AM:

9:30 AM - Oral Health and Aging
10:30 AM - Aging "Myth vs. Fact"
12 PM - Elder Law & Legal Issues

Flu, Pneumonia, Shingles and Tdap Vaccine will be provided by Utah County Health Department at No Cost for individuals with the following: Medicaid, Medicare Part B, most Medicare Advantage Plans, and private insurances. Co-Pays may apply. *BRING HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION*

For more information call 801-229-3811 or visit www.mountainland.org/aging

Finding Hope and Healing 2013 Caregiver Conference
Wednesday, November 6
LOCATION: Clark Auditorium - Northwest Plaza
Utah Valley Regional Medical Center

1134 North 500 West, Provo
Registration begins at 4:30 PM

Learn with and from other caregivers through: 

- "Finding Hope and Healing" Keynote address by Barbara Heise

- Professional Panel Address on "Coping with Change and Care for the Caregiver"

- Vendor Resources

-Caregiver of the Year Recognition

To pre-register call Stacey Wardwell at 801-404-4614

2013 Caregiver Conference Caregiver of the Year Nominations 
Caregivers devote much of their lives to ensure that their loved ones are well cared for. The Ninth Annual Caregiver of the Year Recognition honors those unsung heroes who dedicate themselves to making lives of others more comfortable and dignified. Recognition will be presented at the annual Finding Hope and Healing Caregiver Conference. 

Qualifications: 

A caring and loving person who has helped an individual during a battle with illness or disability. We recognize there are incredible cregivers in the medical field who go above and beyond in their care of patients; however, this award is to a non-professional caregiver in a home setting. 

To Nominate and Individual:
Send a short letter explaining how this person has helped you or someone you know and share why he or she should be given this award. Send to: 

Mountainland Association of Governments

c/o Geri Lehnardt

586 East 800 North

Orem, UT 84097

Deadline for Nominations:

October 18

  Support Groups:

Week 1

Caregiver's Night Out

Tuesday, October 1
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Aspen Senior Center
3410 North Canyon Road, Provo

For more details, call Geri Lehnardt at 801-229-3814 email glehnardt@mountainland.org

CARE Meeting (Caregivers Allowed to Rejuvenate & Energize)

Wednesday, October 2
6:00 PM
Lakeridge Senior Living

960 South Geneva Rd, Orem

For further details, contact 801-225-6559

CARE Meeting (Caregivers Allowed to Rejuvenate & Energize)

Wednesday, October 2
12:30 PM
Orem Senior Friendship Center
93 North 400 East, Orem

For further details, contact Mindy at 801-228-0411

Week 2

North County Caregiver Lunch Bunch

Wednesday, October 9

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

River Meadows Senior Living

137 East Red Pine Drive, Alpine

Please join us for a complimentary lunch, educational topic and plenty of time to visit with other caregivers. For additional details, call Geri Lehnardt (801) 229-3814 or email glehnardt@mountainland.org

CARE Meeting (Caregivers Allowed to Rejuvenate & Energize)

Wednesday, October 9
6:00 PM
Payson Senior Center
439 West Utah Avenue, Payson 

Join us for refreshments as we discuss caregiver concerns. Respite provided, if needed, for your loved one. For further details, contact Geri Lehnardt at 801-229-3814.

Week 3

South County Support Group
Wednesday, October 16
1:30 PM
Grand Vista Senior Apartments
650 E 100 N, Payson

For details, call Pat 801-597-5197

Springville Caregiver Lunch Bunch

Thursday, October 17
11:30 - 1:00 PM
Pier 49 Pizza
296 S Main St, Springville

For details, call Geri Lehnardt (801) 229-3814

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Thursday, October 17
6:00 PM
Utah Valley Specialty Hospital
306 West River Bend Lane, Provo

For additional details, call Liz or Randy at (801) 225-9099

Alzheimers Associaton Support Group

Thursday, October 17        
1:00 PM
Courtyard at Jamestown
3352 N 100 E, Provo

FREE Alzheimer's Family Care Consultations are available both before and after the support group meeting. For additional details about the support group or to schedule an appointment for a care consultation, please call (801) 377-3730.

Week 4

Men's Group
Wednesday, October 23
12:30 PM
Ashford Memory Care
10322 North 4800 West, Highland

For details, call 801-380-9451

Women's Group
Wednesday, October 23  
4:00 PM
Ashford Memory Care
10322 North 4800 West, Highland

For details, call 801-380-9451

Online

Caregiver Support Group

ONLINE

Bel Aire Senior Living has started an online support group where you can share experiences, ask for advice or just chat with others who know what you are going through. If you are interested please contact Bel Aire Senior Living at 801-763-0622 with your name and email address so that they can send you a Facebook invitation to join the group. 

  Consultations:

FREE Dementia/Alzheimer's Family Care Consultations

LOCATION: Mountainland Department of Aging and Family Services
586 E. 800 N.
Orem, UT 84097

The Alzheimer's Association has received a grant to provide care consultations and resources for families of loved ones suffering with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 

Contact Kate Nederostek at 801-265-1944 or knederostek@alz.org to set up an appointment.

   

Six tips for keeping it together as a new caregiver

by ElderCarelink

According to the AARP, approximately 80% of elderly care is provided by family members and friends. Whether it's been a gradual progression or an emergency thrust you into your position as a caregiver for an aging parent or loved one, understanding and accepting your new role is important for everyone concerned.

 Here are a few tips for folks just starting out as caregivers:

 Prepare the paperwork. Getting important paperwork together before it is needed saves a huge headache down the road. Make sure your talk to your loved one about things like a living will, power of attorney, advanced directives and a plan for emergencies.

 Learn all you can. Gather every scrap of information you can about your loved one's condition. This helps you talk to doctors and other care providers more fluently and often helps eliminate anxiety. Keep a file with your notes and contact information for doctors, hospitals & c. along with the important legal documents mentioned above.

 Listen to your instincts. You should always heed the words and warnings of doctors and other care professionals, but don't ignore your own feelings. If something doesn't sit right, get a second or third opinion. If you aren't comfortable with a service or doctor, find a new one. You know your loved one well; don't forget it.

 Get organized. Generate a list of things you need to accomplish and plan for how you will accomplish those tasks. Being organized can reduce stress and uncertainty.

 Encourage independence. Don't let your loved one switch over to relying on you for everything just because s/he needs care. Encourage your loved one to do as much as s/he can without you and to engage in social activities.

 Be good to yourself. Know and accept your limits. No one benefits if you burn out. Talk to friends, family, doctors, your loved one and anyone else involved about how much you can give and what needs to happen when you hit that limit.

 You aren't alone in this. Find local organizations and support groups that can help you get into the swing of things, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

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