As America Ages Senior Care Flourish's

by ElderCarelink      

The Georgetown University Public Policy Institute estimates nearly 70% of individuals may need some form of long-term care after they turn 65.

"People want to stay in their own home," says James Firman, president of the National Council of Aging, "and if they can't, they want to go to a place where they can get assistance but that still feels homelike."

Alternatives to nursing homes

According to Medicare.gov, most older Americans who need long-term care can receive care at home and don't need to enter a nursing home.

Alternatives to nursing homes include home care services, assisted living facilities, boarding houses, or adult day care.

Here is a quick look at two long-term care alternatives:

1. Home care services. Home visiting services can be beneficial for elders that wish to remain in their homes. Home care workers can provide a range of services, from physical therapy to bathing assistance, transportation to meal preparation.

2. Adult day care services. Adult day care centers provide activities for seniors during mostly business hours, Monday through Friday. They offer family caregivers the opportunity to take a break or go to work.

But, families should discuss the various long-term care options in advance, well before care is necessary.

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When enough is too much, in-home care can help

by ElderCarelink  

 Perhaps more difficult than admitting that your parent or loved needs your help as caregiver is admitting that you simply can't do it alone. When you've hit your physical and emotional limits in caregiving, you shouldn't feel guilty -- and you certainly shouldn't lose hope. There are a myriad ways to find and get the help you need, all the while improving the care your loved one receives and your relationship.

In-home care is easy, and it allows your parent or loved one to keep his or her pride and enjoy the comforts of home. Not all in-home care comes in form of a live-in nurse.

Here's a breakdown of the most common kinds of in-home help available:

Companion homemakers: These folks are here to help you with chores around the house, not provide your parent or loved one with medical support. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, walking the dog, yard work -- think of companion homemakers as eager and willing helpers.

Home health aides: Home health aides give you a break from helping your parent or loved one with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom and other needs. They can be full-time, live-in or part-time, depending on your needs.

Therapists: Helping with physical issues, speech, emotional distress and a variety of other needs, therapists are more akin to doctors making house calls than they are to around-the-house helpers -- but when leaving home is an issue, homecare therapists fit the bill perfectly.

Registered nurses: A registered nurse (RN) is trained to provide skilled medical care to meet your parent or loved one's needs, whether that's on a part-time basis or full-time, live-in.

Admitting you need help and getting it will always be better than letting things fall apart, so ask before it's too late.

Adult day care offers respite care for caregivers during the holidays   

 by ElderCarelink

The arrival of the holidays is supposed to mark a time of enjoyment and celebration. However, for most caregivers, the holidays mean additional pressure. From cooking to cleaning, shopping to family get together, the list of responsibilities just seems to grow and grow.

It is important to be cognizant of stress and anxiety levels during the holiday season, as depression commonly affects caregivers during this time. Reduce those stress levels by turning to community services available to caregivers who need and want to free up their schedules to rest, deal with daily responsibilities, run errands or even do some holiday shopping.

Adult day care services

Adult day centers typically coordinate a variety of programs during daytime hours. These programs traditionally fall into three categories, according to the National Adult Day Services Association

Social.Recreational and group activities appropriate for your loved one's condition and need.

Health. Social activities, including health and therapeutic services.

Specialized. Targeted activities based on a loved one's specific care needs, such as dementia, Alzheimer's, stroke, or Parkinson's.

This holiday season, caregivers should consider turning to adult day services to get more time to focus on getting rest. Whether it is exercising or spending time with family, activities away from caregiving can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.

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