Nursing Homes|Nursing Home Abuse|Assisted Living Facilities

There are numerous options for senior care currently available, ranging from home care and independent living to full nursing homes. Choosing the type of senior care that's right for your loved one is a challenging task, and much research needs to be undertaken to find the type of care that would best suit their needs. When looking for the right type of care, keep the wishes of your loved ones at the forefront, but also keep in mind their health needs, personal preferences, as well as likes and dislikes. Knowing the difference between different types of senior care will help you make the right decision.

Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes are otherwise known as Long-Term Care or Skilled Nursing Facilities or Homes for the Aged. Nursing homes are for elderly individuals who require assistance and care 24/7. Seniors with debilitating medical problems or cognitive impairments, who require professional assistance, opt for this type of care option. The distinguishing feature of nursing homes is that they provide professional medical assistance, convenience of access to physical therapists, many kinds of healthcare practitioners, as well as nutritional meals and personal care amenities.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living combines independent living with assistance from professionals when necessary. Support services are available when needed.

In these types of communities, seniors receive help with certain daily activities, such personal care, medication reminders, or other activities, all dependent on individual needs.

Here, seniors' living space usually has his/her own furnishings and decorations; staff are required to be accommodating to the privacy and independence of each resident.

Thus, the main difference between nursing homes and assisted living communities is that the former offer professional and on-going medical services, while in the latter, assistance is offered largely with regular daily activities.

Which is more appropriate at each stage in the life of a senior?

Assisted living residences and communities can look like single-family dwellings or apartment buildings including common visiting and dining areas. The atmosphere of the suites and studios in an assisted living community are usually home-like including kitchenettes offering the resident the choice to dine alone or in a community dining room.

Seniors that have experienced a decline in health and require assistance with one or more daily life activities may be perfectly suited to an assisted living environment. Many Assisted Living arrangements and communities allow the individual to age in place rather than relocate to a facility that provides additional levels of care and the way to find out whether the residence of your loved one qualifies for the option to age in place is to contact the division of government, usually the Ministry of Health, in your province.

Nursing Homes employ health care professionals that are available to their residents as needed and they also offer most of the same options that an assisted living community offers. For example, social get togethers and excursions, physical therapy and exercise classes. The bottom line is to assess the needs of your loved one and match them to the type of care and the options provided at each level.

When you put a loved one in a nursing home you expect them to be provided with the proper care, but this is not always the case. Keeping a close eye on our loved ones and their care givers is very smart, when you can't physically be there a good security camera system can help do this too.

With the consent of the patient's family, hidden security cameras were installed in 2 nursing homes in up state New york at the beginning of 2010. These cameras were part of an investigation that lasted seven weeks by the New York Attorney General's office. This investigation took place to watch over the vulnerable who often can't advocate for themselves. The Attorney General said, "My office is strongly committed to using all the tools at our disposal to make sure people are getting the medical treatment and care they deserve."

So at the end of the seven weeks, when the covert surveillance footage was reviewed the Attorney General's office they found several counts of neglect and abuse by the staff. Evidence was found in the recorded footage of employees failing to transfer patients out of bed to prevent bed sores, provide insulin when it was needed, provide range of motion exercises, provide skin and wound treatment and to check patients vital signs. Two Licensed practical nurses are also facing felony charges for falsifying records to cover it all up.

The Attorney General has recently announced that the use of these security cameras has helped his office to charge twenty-two employees found to be mistreating the residents at these two nursing homes. That's twenty- two found to be demonstrating criminal behavior at just two facilities, mean while there are thousands of nursing homes in this country alone. If this level of abuse was found at the two location in just a seven week period, then how much more widespread would the problem prove to be if these covert security cameras were seeing more use? It's clear that these problems aren't just happening in New York, but that is the one place to take these proactive measures so far, thanks to the Attorney General.

It's wonderful that the abuse has been put to a stop at these two facilities, but it needs to be put to a stop across the board. It's absolutely a great idea to keep an eye on our loved ones, even more so when you take stories like this in to consideration and there are many other tales like this one. In some states nursing homes have begun to allow the the family of patients to install covert cameras, we need to make it so that they all allow this or just give our business to those that do.

Most people looking for a mobile Chiropodist don't know where to start. They may search the internet or look in Yellow Pages or the Thompson Local, but of course the best way to find a good one is through word of mouth. However, if you cant find a recommendation how do you know what to ask?

That why I have put together this quick guide on the top 5 questions to ask a Mobile Chiropodist.

1. Are They Qualified?

It is very important when you first make enquiries with a mobile chiropodist that they are indeed qualified as a Chiropodist or Podiatrist. The profession is a protected title in the UK and cannot be used by law by anyone not qualified and registered with the HCPC (Health Care Professions Council).

There are some training courses for Foot Health Practitioners (FHP) that allow them to cut nails and treat callous to a basic level as with a pedicure but for professional Chiropody and Podiatry you must check they are both registered with the HCPC and have the required insurance to practice.

2. How Much Do They Charge?

This can be an embarrassing question for many people but, it is essential if you are a genuine caller, to find out what kind of service they provide (visiting practice and/or surgery based) and how much they charge for it. Many mobile Chiropodist's that have a surgery will generally have a two tiered price structure where the surgery will be cheaper in general than a home visit.

Some Chiropodist's or Podiatrists will have multiple price structures depending on the service they provide. Some will have one price structure for treating corns and calluses, a different structure for treating simple or complex nails, and different prices completely for biomechanical assessments and gait analysis for orthotics. If they Are licensed for local anaesthesia they will be able to offer nail surgery again, at a different price.

Of course it is so much simpler to charge one price for a home visit and another for the surgery if it is based on time. You do not want to be charged extra if you live in a big house compared to an area of social housing or indeed one price for treating a corn and then another for cutting your nails if the practitioner is only with you for 10 min.

Do they have a cancellation charge? Most chiropodist's and Podiatrist 's will have a cancellation fee structure so it is important to find out what this is in case the need arises. Normally if you cancel within 24-hours there will not be a charge depending on the kind of treatment being provided. Some practitioners however will charge the full amount or a percentage if cancellation is made less than this.

Finally, if you are working during the day and require treatment in the evening or at the weekend, you need to find out if they provide cover during these times and if so how much more will they charge.

3. What Area Do They Cover?

Does the chiropodist you are looking for cover your particular area or location. You may find that some chiropodist's only cover a certain area on their round and they may charge an extra fee for coming out to you if you are just outside their area of business or if the expense of reaching you is higher for them i.e. if you live in the countryside.

They may also have a different fee structure for different areas they cover so it's important to ask what fee applies to where you live and not just how much do they charge generally. If they have a surgery, it may be cheaper for you to visit them.

4. Do They Sterilise Their Instruments

This is an important question to ask if only to catch out the unwary practitioner who may not be fully qualified as a chiropodist or podiatrist. This is less likely to be a problem in a surgical environment such as a chiropodist's/podiatrist surgery where you can see the equipment on show but is less obvious to a patient until the practitioner arrives on their doorstep.

There may be some unscrupulous people out there charging ridiculously low fees to obtain your business, and while you think you are grabbing a bargain you may also be picking up bugs from their previous client if they only carry a few sets of instruments.

And believe me most of us have all heard some horror stories. So just be warned, ask the right questions and a competent qualified practitioner will always be able to give you straight answers.

5. When Can They Fit You in?

This might be an important question if you have a condition that requires urgent attention. A busy mobile chiropodist will have his or her diary fully booked for many weeks ahead with regular patients and nursing homes/surgery appointments.

However, as with most things in life, circumstances can change and normally the mobile Chiropodist will have a certain number of cancellations and spaces on their books and so should be able to fit you in at short notice.

As mentioned earlier if you need an urgent appointment or work most weekdays does the mobile chiropodist offer an evening or weekend service to see you quicker.

Finally, one other thing to mention -Did They Return Your Call?

If you had to leave a message when making your initial enquiry make notes of their name and number and record whether they returned your call or not. This is a good indication of how effective and efficient they run their business.

Was there an answer service? If so was it polite and detailed enough for you to leave a message and was it in their own recorded voice or a machine version. Did it inspire confidence? Did they return your call promptly?

If they left a sloppy message or relied on a machine generated voice you may want to move on to the next mobile chiropodist on the list.

If you are looking for a Chiropodist in the UK, click here: find a chiropodist

Not everyone has time to adequately care for their elderly family members and it might become necessary to admit your loved one into a nursing home. If you decide that a nursing home is the right option for your family, then you must also face the difficult decision of which nursing home to choose.

What to Ask on a Visit

There are numerous questions to be answered about a given nursing home before you should choose to admit a loved one in to the care of that facility.

- Ask to see the most recent survey report. Every year a report is filed after the state inspects the facility, including all violations that were found and any efforts by the facility to rectify the violation.

- Ask about the ratio of nurses to residents at any given time. This can tell you a lot about the care that will be provided and how quickly a response to an emergency can be obtained.

- Ask to see how many complaints were filed in the last year and what they were.

- Ask about the turnover at the facility. If the nurses are happy and sticking around, the stress level and care that is provided is likely going to be better.

- Ask if all of the nurses are certified.

- Ask about what steps are taken to keep residents mobile to prevent muscle atrophy.

- Ask how many people have left the facility in the last year.

- Ask about the food that is offered and if there are options.

These questions will give you a good idea of whether or not the facility is right for you. After seeing several homes, you can compare the answers to these questions and narrow it down to the right fit.

Call the Texas Department of Human Services (1-800-458-9858)

You will not be able to get an answer on whether a facility is necessarily good or bad, but you can get a number of questions answered that you can be confident are accurate. Asking a state department might also be more comfortable for you than asking the actual nursing home. You'll be able to find out about:

- Any proposed license terminations in the past two years

- The number of complaints filed in the past year

- The number of those complaints found to be valid

- The number of "quality of care" violations have been found in the past two years

Nursing Homes Can Be Held Liable for Negligence

Be thorough in your search for the right nursing home to avoid poor care. If do you choose a nursing home that ultimately does not treat your loved one with the appropriate care and injury or death results, then you might be able to claim damages as a result. You should seek information and consultation on how to handle such a situation. If you would like to get more information on your rights regarding this negligence and the steps you can take to take action, view the website of personal injury lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C.

Something as simple as tripping over a rug or slipping on a wet spot on the kitchen floor can mean a big change in your life, especially if you're a senior. Every year, thousands of older men and women break and fracture bones due to slips, trips, and falls. A broken bone isn't problematic for younger individuals, but for elderly folks, a break can lead to other serious problems and complications.

Every year, many elderly Americans injure themselves in or around their homes, and this is especially true for senior loved ones, who are at risk of falling.According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths to individuals age 65 and older.

You are more prone to falling as you age for many reasons. These include failing eyesight, hearing problems, less muscle tone, and slowed reflexes. Diabetes, heart diseases, thyroid problems, nerve damage, and blood vessel problems can also affect your balance. Even some medications cause dizziness and can result in a fall.

Senior Home Care: Ensuring a Safe Living Space

In many cases your loved one will wish to remain in the comfort of his or her living space, but their safety should be top priority. In most cases, the majority of senior falls and injuries occur in a familiar home environment. Home care nurses are available to ensure senior's living spaces are safe, when they're visiting or when away. Home care nurses and respite care programs serve to make senior citizen's home environments and quality of life safer and more secure-seniors can benefit from a little extra safety or support from easy home modifications, and enjoy their independence.

Aside from making the home environment safer, there are multiple simple ways seniors can prevent most falls from occurring. Fear of falling should not stop anyone from remaining active, getting together with friends, walking, gardening, or enjoying life and staying healthy.

To prevent falls and injury, it's important to address overall health:

• Stay active physically. Participate in an exercise program that's right for you. Your senior home caregiver can assist you run errands, enjoy outdoor activities, and get regular exercise to improve strength and muscle tone. Regular exercise and movement keeps joints, ligaments, and tendons flexible.


• Your senior caregiver can help your loved one get his/her eyesight and hearing tested often. Even small changes or losses of vision and hearing increase risk for falling. If your loved one wears eyeglasses, they should wear them at all times. A senior care provider can also ensure that your loved one's hearing aid is in place and worn regularly.


• Read the label and ask your doctor about the side effects of medicines. They can throw off balance and reflexes.


• Use a cane, walker, or walking stick to feel steadier when walking-a senior care giver can assist when walking on unfamiliar surfaces, icy surfaces, or uneven surfaces.


• Wear proper shoes-this means low heeled and rubber soled. Avoid wearing socks and smooth slippers as this can be unsafe.

Home Care nurses can identify and lessen fall risks and other safety risks for older folks who choose to live at home, the most important being fall prevention, and minimizing injury from falls. This is especially important as 1 in 3 seniors falls each year. It's a good idea to wear a hip-protecting garment if prone or at an increased fall risk, and this garment can reduce the possibility of a hip fracture. Senior home care programs can recommend effective protection. Sedentary seniors are at greater risk of osteoporosis and are more prone to fractures. A home care nurse or senior home care program alongside care from relatives can help keep seniors active, confident, and keep up their activity level, in addition helping them about the house. Home care nurses take care of activities, such as cleaning or maintenance that could pose a risk.

Senior home care programs that provide home care nurses for seniors are a godsend in the event of an injury or accident. In a worst case scenario, an elderly person could fall and remain on the floor, injured for several hours or days because they live alone, are unable to move, or are unable to make a phone call. Home care nurses regularly check in, call, and visit elderly loved ones to ensure they are cared for and safe. Should a senior suffer a fall or accident, home care nurses get help quickly.

Insurance jobs in the health care field are widely spread over the newest and most innovative companies. In fact, some of the best and most hotly desired jobs for RN and LPN's are freelance jobs in the insurance industry. It's growing rapidly and there are a great many jobs which are available to RN's, LPN's and even to nursing assistance or to lab technicians.

Many insurance companies these days want their own nursing staff to help to review care plans, hospital care, to do insurance physicals and questionnaires and even to assist in administrating the insurance forms and divisions. These nursing professionals help to determine the kind of care that is necessary and what level of care may be paid for by the insurance company. They also help to decide what care is palliative and which will be helpful to the client.

Today RN nurses are managers of individual cases, as well as help to plan for long term care of the patients that are covered by their insurance. RN case management insurance jobs are one of the top paying insurance company jobs in the health care field. Not only do these positions pay remarkably well, but they also permit you to work from home in many cases, or to work your own set hours so that you can work around your schedule.

Caseload management isn't really a factor in the insurance jobs in nursing such as it would be in home health or hospital care nursing. Typically you will not have to attend to more patients than you can handle as you might in another nursing facility, and given the lucrative pay of the hospital nursing, there is no shortage of insurance jobs nurses to deal with on a day to day basis.

LPNs are eligible for health care case management, as well as to offer insurance physicals, to do home visits and to assist in other areas of client care determination. In fact, some insurance companies do not offer physicals through a doctor or hospital, but ask that their own staff do the insurance physicals on all of their clients. This is a cost savings for the insurance company as well as for the patient.

Insurance jobs in healthcare may also hire other health care workers including social workers, and even home health assistants. These positions require various training and skills, but each will also require that the nurse or nursing assistant has long-term training that is ongoing, for so many continuing educational credits each year.

If you're interested in a great deal more autonomy, in working your own hours and in working as a paid consultant to insurance companies, insurance jobs are available to you in the health care field. Each has different requirements, but most will pay far more than you may expect to make in nursing home or in hospital or physician's office nursing.

You are required to have your RN, LPN, or nursing assistant certification in your state of practice and to maintain continuing education credits to remain current in your licensure, as well as to be graduated from an accredited school of nursing or nursing assistance in order to apply.

If you or a loved one is debating whether or not to turn over the house for a life in a nursing home of assisted living facility, it is important to know the differences between these two different types of geriatric care.

Nursing Homes

In movies and in the news nursing homes are often vilified as places where the elderly are not taken care of properly, sexually assaulted, or experimented upon. This view that the people in this homes are being prayed upon is enough to turn many people off to the idea of a nursing home. However, in reality, most nursing homes are well run facilities where the residents are taken care of in their last years of their lives. 

The benefits of a nursing home is that the people are under 24 hour surveillance care, because they are either sick and need medication, or they have reached the stage in life where they are not able to take care of themselves (cannot feed or go to the bathroom for themselves). The people who run and work in a nursing home are fully qualified nurses, or an R.N. Registered nurses are and staff doctor are the people who are always available for the people in nursing homes in case something goes wrong or they need medical care.

Sometimes people enter into nursing homes because they have recently been in an accident and need some time and care to heal before moving out back on their own. In these cases, sometimes Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance will pay for this limited time spent in a nursing home. However, these health insurance institutions rarely will pay for long-term nursing care stay or care.

Assisted Living Facility

Assisted Living Facilities are not for people who cannot take care of themselves, they are for those elderly people who can do most of the basic life functioning things (like dressing themselves and taking their medication), but need a little extra help and watchful eye to make sure they are okay. Most elderly people live by themselves, and if something happened to them, no one would know. In this case, the residents are constantly checked on, but given much more freedom and independence.

For More Information
If you would like more information on nursing homes, assisted living facilities, life insurance, or life settlements, visit www.lifesettlementsandyou.com today! Geriatrics in this country has reached new levels to provide the elderly with the care they need to live longer, healthier lives.

Even after your loved one is in a long-term care facility, you can play an important role in the quality of his or her care. Because many nursing homes are understaffed, and because no employee can know as much about your loved one as you can, you can be a valuable resource in the care giving process.

From the moment your loved one is admitted, it is important that you get to know his or her regular care providers. Make sure the staff members working with your loved one know his or her preferences and needs. Help them get to know your relative as a person, too, by sharing information about his or her hobbies and history. This kind of sharing becomes especially important if your loved one is unable to communicate well.

To take this a step further, you should maintain an open dialogue with not only your loved one's direct care givers, but the administration and other staff members as well. Be sure to praise the staff when you see fit. Not only will they appreciate the feedback, but you may find that it helps when you need to air a complaint, as well. When a person does nothing but complain, he or she is often dismissed as an all-around negative individual. On the other hand, if you are the source of occasional praise, you are more likely to be perceived as informed and reasonable.

Since most states require some form of regular meetings for resident care plans, those can be another avenue to stay involved in day-to-day care. Make an effort to attend all relevant meetings, and follow up with staff and any involved doctors to make sure that the plan is being followed. If something doesn't sound right, ask questions and document the answers.

Another great resource is the Long Term Care Ombudsman in your state. Thanks to the Older Americans Act, each state is required to have an ombudsman to assist in quality matters relating to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. If you have any problems and you don't feel that the facility is giving adequate weight to those issues, your state's ombudsman is the place to turn. Be sure to keep the most detailed records you can. Supplying the names of involved employees, dates, times, and the general details of any incidents can help out in an investigation

Finally, you can often find support in the families of other residents. Most nursing homes have some kind of family council that you should be able to join to discuss common care issues. If the facility your loved one is in doesn't have such an organization, consider starting one. You might be surprised at the positive reception from similarly concerned individuals. In addition to giving you a place to air concerns, a family council allows you to speak as a group, giving more power to any complaints or suggestions you and the council might have.

Even though admission to a nursing home may signal the end of your days as the primary care provider for your loved one, your job is far from finished. By staying involved in his or her care, you can ensure a higher quality of care and a healthier and happier loved one.

If you are experiencing fear guilt, or frustration at finding the best nursing home to care for your loved one, then Kenneth E. Strong, Jr. can help you eliminate those helpless feeling and gain peace of mind.

Spirituality can also be described as a vigorous process of looking within oneself to reflect on your own life and at the same time turning outward to seek what is actually beyond what is being experience on a daily basis. For many people, spirituality is found in religion but for others spirituality can be found in nature, art or music. There are also those who will reflect on spirituality as being what occurs in everyday life through their association with friends and family.

For anyone facing an end to their physical life, religion and spirituality are two causes of deep apprehension and pain. Sometimes these two subjects may never have even been previously considered, let alone talked openly about. The sudden sharp focus on either or both of them, are not only reasons for apprehension and pain in the person facing end of life, but also for the caregiver and other family members.

In discussing this area of care it is difficult to separate spirituality in the terms relating to carers and that which relates to the person who is coming to the end of their physical life, so the two need to be intertwined.

Religion and spirituality are often blended together, but they are in fact not the same and it is possible to have either a secular spirituality or a religious spirituality.

Spirituality and spiritual care are acknowledged as central topics when professional carers are responsible in the delivery of a high quality end of life care. Spirituality, however, is difficult to define and many health care professionals themselves feel ill at ease in their attempts to provide spiritual care for those who are dying and/or bereaved. These challenges seem to emerge out of a number of issues concerning the diverse meanings of spirituality in a culturally diverse society, as well as the complexities of our current day, contemporary health-care delivery systems. Even those health-care providers who are the most sensitive to including all aspects of spiritual care in their caring role are often very daunted by the thought of engaging such a vague or ill-defined expression of need.

Over recent years many studies have been conducted into aspects of spiritual care in both the home and health facility setting and a study that was conducted by KE Steinhauser, NA Christakis, EC Clipp (and others) considered several factors that were pointed out to be highly important at the end of life by patients, family, physicians and other care providers. This study was reported on in the Journal of American Medical Association in 2000, and indicated that both the person dying and their families considered spiritual care to be important. The range of expectations expressed and the desire for spiritual care was found to be very expansive, but the emotionally sensitive indicators that were paramount, were the ability to be listened to and be cared for with love and trust.

Yet to be able to just listen with intent and show unconditional love and care is often the hardest aspect of providing end-of-life care.

Once one grasps the concepts and skills to listening with intent they develop a better understanding of what the person is really saying. The spiritual aspect of terminal care becomes a journey which is then more emotionally satisfying and healing for all concerned.

Spiritual pain can be the result of a past experience that has been filed away in their subconscious mind. Perhaps it was an experience that totally traumatized them and may have for a period of time, left them in a state of helplessness, and now with their death looming this past memory resurfaces and becomes the center of their being; it is how they are viewing their life, once again in a state of devastation and hopelessness. This is often expressed by the person continually saying thing like - 'Why?' or 'Why me?' or 'I am lost and lonely.' They feel that their life is devoid of all hope and if they used a religious term it probably would be "dark night of the soul". As with any pain, spiritual pain does present with known symptoms. A fear of dying is very widespread and deep and the following seven fears represent the major symptoms of spiritual pain:

Fear of the dying process "what will it be like?" Will it be painful?
Fear of loss of control "will I be dependent on others? Will I be unable to care for myself?
Fear of loss of loved ones "How will they manage without me?
Fear of others reaction to them "How will people cope with seeing me like this?
Fear of isolation "Will people stop coming to see me?
Fear of the unknown "what happens after you die?
Fear that life will have been meaningless.

By being aware and responding appropriately to what these questions represent, caregivers can reduce the person's fear and alleviate their spiritual pain.

Spiritual pain does not require a dose of pharmaceutical medication, it requires all those delivering care to be able to let go of their ideas, roles and agendas, to listen intently, to provide encouragement and to acknowledge as necessary. Put simply those experiencing this pain require their carers to listen with their heart.

By listening with your heart, there is no need to respond, the love and feeling are passed through your looks and your touch, their spiritual pain is only healed from within.

Deciding whether elder home care services or a nursing home is the right choice for your loved one is important when considering the best type and amount of care. Both options for senior care have their benefits and drawbacks. Cost is often a deciding factor, but so is the level of care needed.

According to U.S. News & World Report, while nursing home costs have continued to rise in recent years, in-home care costs have remained stable. This is good news for families whose elderly loved one needs regular assistance but not around-the-clock nursing care. Elder homecare services are charged by the hour and only provide the services your loved one needs. This keeps costs low compared to the much higher annual costs of nursing homes, especially when you consider the fact that many seniors don't actually require twenty-four-hour nursing home care.

When choosing between elder home care services or a nursing facility, most seniors say they would much rather be independent and live in their own homes as long as they are able. Home care agencies make it possible for seniors to maintain a higher quality of life while receiving the type of personalized in-home care they need.

Elder Home Care Services Vs. Nursing Homes: What's Best for Your Loved One?
The factors you need to consider when weighing the pros and cons of in-home services and nursing facilities include:

• Health: The senior's physical and mental health conditions are the most critical factors. If he or she needs skilled nursing care on a daily basis, a nursing home may be the best option. However, if he or she is relatively healthy and needs help with daily tasks, such as bathing, toileting, hygiene, shopping, cooking, and medication management, home care is a better choice.

• Quality of care: Generally speaking, your senior loved one is going to receive the same high-quality of care regardless of whether it's provided by an elder home care services agency or a nursing home. However, you should conduct thorough research and interviews with homecare agencies and nursing homes alike. Each will offer different services, benefits, conveniences, and activities.

• Cost of care: Unless money isn't an option, the cost of care is always a deciding factor when making these difficult decisions. Nursing facilities can be very expensive and, although Medicare may cover some of the costs of nursing homes, elder homecare services are almost always more affordable.

• Quality of life: Unless the senior is bedridden and requires regular nursing care, most people agree that your loved one will benefit most from elder homecare because he or she can still live at home surrounded by family and friends.

These are some of the many factors to consider when choosing between elder home care services and nursing homes. As they are critical decisions you will need to make as your elderly loved one ages, speaking with professionals about the benefits of both kinds of care is important. Evaluate your options and learn more about the type, quality, and costs of care by visiting http://www.CambrianHomecare.com or calling 877.422.2270.

Nobody wants to believe that one day they will require care from a nursing home; however, government data shows that a little more than fifty percent of Americans require specific care at some point in their lifespan. Nursing home insurance costs are constantly increasing and this is a part of the overall difficulty with special care - nursing home costs. Luckily there are different things that can be done to reduce the amount to be paid monthly, one of which is extremely easy - a profound, mysterious small and surreptitious matter that your agent wishes you will not learn about - something that would reduce the price of your insurance by about thirty percent in less than half an hour.

Prior to discussing the Huge Mystery for reducing the price for Nursing Home Insurance by approximately thirty percent, we will discuss other methods of reducing insurance costs even more.

For example, money can be saved monthly if the nursing home insurance is paid routinely every month. Once your insurance organization does not have the big cost of distributing your statement monthly (a larger cost than likely observed), they would be very content to transfer the majority of that savings to you via lower Nursing Home Insurance Costs monthly.

It is better to purchase your premium early. As you get older, the longer you wait the more you will have to pay monthly for senior insurance and nursing home insurance. In addition, despite not being something that most persons want to acknowledge, nearly ten percent of Americans aged from 40 to 65 require some type of specialized care for a period of time. The sooner you receive insurance, the less you would be required to pay monthly as you get older and costs are an increased problem to deal with.

Now for the Huge Mystery, the mystery that agents wish clients never learn of, the small mystery that can result in a reduction in costs of thirty percent or higher on your premium at once - and it is very easy, you may doubt its ability to save you thirty percent.

All that is required is for you to purchase insurance via the internet. Absolutely, you did not read that incorrectly. Simply purchase your insurance from an agent on the internet.

Why does purchasing your premium online give you such a reduction in costs? There are two causes. For one, agents who use the internet for sales have practically no operating costs to be concerned with. As there is no high cost for a location or furniture (or premiums) and other operating costs, these agents have the ability to sell insurance at blanket prices and benefit from increases in savings at the same time. The other reason is as a result of competitors. Because of the number of agents online competing for business, an agent becomes competitive by reducing costs to the bare minimum.

Talking with a nursing home neglect attorney does not have to be costly. In fact, some of these lawyers will handle your case on contingency. This means that the lawyers don't get paid unless you win your lawsuit. It also means that you shouldn't hesitate to contact such a lawyer if you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse. There are a few varying forms of abuse, but they all include a violation of trust on the part of the nursing home staff. Some kinds are more noticeable than other kinds.

The simplest types of senior neglect to spot are usually the physical types. These may include assault, wrongful use of medicine, overmedication or sexual abuse. The signs are precisely what you'd most likely expect. Search for bruises, abrasions and cuts. Some very horrible individuals have been known to burn elders with cigarettes or find other ways to torture them to force the seniors to agree with demands. None of these wounds should be considered normal and all of them should be regarded with suspicion. Always have your eye out for the signs of physical abuse against an elder.

On the other hand, mental abuse can be much more difficult to detect. Many nursing home mistreatment claims involve numerous threats made by nursing home staff members and occasionally, severe verbal abuse. You should realize that this puts an elderly individual in a very difficult situation. While they're likely not strong enough to defend themselves against someone in their prime, they're also adults and being vulnerable is a blow to their dignity. This may be expressed as depression or a complete withdrawal from social activities. This doesn't have to be the case and there is no reason that anyone, young or old, should have to suffer being abused or degraded verbally.

Nursing home negligence sometimes means that your loved one isn't treated at all. The elder patient could be left in bed or sitting in a wheelchair being ignored for long periods of time. This is a form of abuse, even if it doesn't involve hitting or yelling. You should be aware of these signs of neglect, including poor hygiene. For example, the elderly individuals finger and toenails may be too long and unkempt, they might have extreme body odor, due to lack of bathing, and, in severe cases, diapers may not be changed as regularly as needed. No one needs to suffer nursing home mistreatment. If you have, you may be able to get compensation for you and for your loved one.

Medicaid is one of the most complicated, confusing areas of the law, and I often think it is deliberately made so in order to keep people from qualifying or to discourage them from attempting to qualify. It is the government medical program for the poor.

Medicaid is often confused with Medicare, which is the federal government medical program for the elderly. Almost all senior citizens qualify for Medicare, so long as they have contributed to the system over their working lives. For those seniors who do not qualify, they have an opportunity to "buy into" the system by paying premiums set by the federal government. Benefits under Medicare are limited; thus, seniors may purchase "Medigap" or Medicare supplement insurance policies that pay benefits where Medicare leaves off.

Medicaid, on the other hand, is a joint program between the federal government and the states to provide medical care for the poor. As such, it is regulated first by Congress, then by state Legislatures. Those lawmakers have set the standards by which Americans and permanent residents (and only those classes of individuals, not "illegal aliens", to dispel a rumor) can qualify for government-paid medical care. While qualifications can vary from state to state, there are several concepts that apply across-the-board.

Although Medicaid has programs for poor people of all ages, my law practice concentrates on the elderly and those are the programs upon which I focus. Depending on the state, Medicaid can offer nursing home care and/or at-home care for seniors in need. Most people are aware of nursing home care programs, but at-home care programs, if they exist in your state, can offer a great alternative to nursing home care. New York, for example, offers nursing home care and also has an ambitious "community", or at-home, Medicaid program; Florida, on the other hand, offers nursing home care and leaves it to the individual counties to provide whatever type of at-home care they can afford.

The program most people are aware of is nursing home care, referred to in New York as "chronic care Medicaid" and referred to in Florida as "institutional care Medicaid". If a person becomes so infirm that they cannot perform certain Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), they are unsafe living at home, and they need medical assistance, they may need permanent nursing home care. Contrary to popular belief, Medicare (the program for seniors) does NOT pay for nursing home care; it only pays for limited "skilled nursing care", which often takes place in a nursing home with rehabilitation facilities. A good "Medigap" policy will pick up where Medicare leaves off, paying up to 100 days in full for skilled nursing care.

If a senior needs permanent nursing home care, however, they are either going to have to pay for it out of their own pocket, with long-term care insurance, or by qualifying for Medicaid. For those who can afford to pay for their own nursing home care, kudos to you. For those who own or are contemplating purchasing long-term care insurance policies, be a smart shopper: Those policies usually pay a set daily rate (a fraction of the full daily rate, especially over time) for nursing home care for a set period of time (usually only a couple of years), and frequently do not go into effect until the individual is in the nursing home for so many days. It is important to read those policies carefully and understand them

The last option, Medicaid, is for the poor or those who have modest assets. Whether an infirm senior citizen will qualify for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care depends on whether they did advance Medicaid planning or whether their current financial status immediately qualifies them. Sometimes an individual has to "spend down" some of their assets before they qualify, although there are certain ways in which some assets can be shielded.

If you or your loved one is interested in learning more about Medicaid and proper planning for future qualification, make an appointment to see an elder lawyer who can review your financial picture and devise a strategy to help you meet your future needs.

First of all, assisted living is not a nursing home. Choosing to utilize such a facility's services does not mean that one is terminally ill or giving up his or her independence all together. On one hand, a nursing home prepares and provides the medical services or emergency aid required for each patient 24 hours a day for the regular monitoring of each person's compromised health and mobility. On the other hand, these two facilities are similar in that the regularity of meal preparations, safety and activities are planned for the residents. Meanwhile assisted living is a little bit more active.

Assisted living is just as it sounds: clients are provided with an apartment, condo or small home in a small community where the staff just helps the residents with their normal everyday tasks according to their level of needs. This help can encompass those simple tasks that have just become cumbersome with age such as hygiene, dressing, shopping and - in some states - reminders and distribution of medication assistance. The idea behind assisted living is to make sure that each resident feels as though he or she is at home with all of the normal comforts, privacy and socialization they would normally have access to. For example, if a patient is capable, he or she will have a full apartment or house including a small kitchen to accommodate basic food preparation. They are also able to bring their belongings and even a pet if they are capable of the full responsibility.

These campuses and services are not for elderly individuals who simply reached their retirement years and would like a little help around the house. And these apartments are not for individuals who require daily assistance with all aspects of movement, full time health care or anyone who is completely dependent upon 24 hour a day care. The objective of an assisted living facility is to lighten many of the burdens of home duties such as housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation (with careful attention to nutritional value) three times a day, while trying to keep residents social and active for mental and physical well being. Depending upon the community selected, a resident of any one of their area facilities or campuses can help plan events, group activities, and trips from happy hours to concerts.

Although not all senior living is exactly the same, assisted housing residents can receive elevated medical as they require it. These residents find it comforting to know that if their health begins to decline they will be able to incorporate medical care that will be added to the cost of their stay and they will not be relocated if they don't want to be. The fact is that states regulate these facilities. These regulations make sure that the standard of care and services are met throughout the community. They monitor all aspects from the care providers to the food safety therein. This puts not only the residents' minds at ease but their family's hearts as well.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, some 1.6 million people currently reside in nursing homes. That number is likely to increase significantly as baby boomers become seniors. This year, the first baby boomers turned 60 years old, and most of them are ill prepared for what the future holds if they live a long time.

Recent legislation makes it more difficult for Americans of limited means to depend on help from the government to pay for nursing home costs through Medicaid. The Deficit Reduction Act, signed into law in by President Bush in February of 2006, tightens restrictions for nursing home eligibility to anyone who gives away assets to charities or family members for less than fair market value. The so-called "look-back period" for these asset transfers has been extended from three years to five.

Staying Self Insured

The average daily room rate for a private room in a nursing home in North Carolina is $168.74 per day ($61,590 per year). In South Carolina, the average for a private room is $151.97* ($55,469 per year). The average length of stay in a nursing home facility is about two-and-a-half years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. If the rate of inflation was just 5% you could expect the average cost of nursing homes to double by 2021. If a baby boomer turned 60 this year and had a stroke at 75 years of age, he could expect to pay well over $250,000 for a two-and-a-half year stay in a Carolina nursing home, - but - who is average?

Genworth Financial, one of the leaders in the long term care insurance industry, found in their most recent claims study that claimants were being paid claims longer for stays in assisted living facilities than they were for nursing home stays. In the same study, the average length (days) of home care on claims filed from 12/1/1974 through 6/4/2004 was 523 days. What does that mean? Could it be that people with long term care insurance policies want to stay home and their policy helps them do just that? As percentage claims filed this year by policyholders of the insurance company with the most LTC insurance policyholders (Genworth Financial, formerly GE Financial Assurance) was over 75% were home care claims. Given the new law, the Deficit Reduction Act, and what you think your chances are of needing care before you pass away, does it make sense to self-insure? A lot of people do not think so. Many think of this insurance the same way they think of car insurance, fire insurance and major medical insurance. They are hoping they waste their money and never have to file a claim. They do not think it is smart to gamble.

If you do decide that long term care insurance is a sensible way to plan for long term care, obtain A Shoppers Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance from your Department of Insurance or from a long term care insurance specialist, and study it. In most states, state law requires any insurance companies or agent you meet with to give you this guide to help you better understand long-term care insurance and decide which, if any, policy to buy. Call the number below for a free Shopper's Guide and a free copy of a 16 page booklet, Should I Buy Long Term Care Insurance? Or Would I Prefer Crisis Management?

If you are in the process of finding a home care services agency or if you are considering hiring a home care nursing aide or a home health care physical therapist or occupational therapist, it is critical to find out their qualifications.

We assembled a list of 8 questions you can ask the home care agency to ensure that you are choosing the right provider for your needs.

1) What is the background of the home care company & how long have they been in business?

You want to find a reputable in home nursing agency that has been in business for a number of years and has a successful track record. Most newer home nursing care agencies haven't been around long enough to build a proven track record or a list of red flags.

So, it's important to find out as much information about the company as possible. You can do this by finding information on who owns the company and what role the ownership plays in the type and levels of service.

2) What are the home nursing care agencies qualifications, certifications, experience and training of their home care aides and nurses?

It's extremely important to find out about the credentials of the home health aides and nurses that the home care company sends to your home.

Make sure their home health aides and nurses are certified and have received adequate training.

3) How does the home nursing care agency monitor care and can the family provide feedback?

Find out if there are any quality assurance measures in place. Many home health care agencies periodically visit the home of the client or make regular calls to gather client feedback.

If this is not the case, find out how a family member can provide feedback on the quality of care or who they may contact in the home care agency to have any questions answered.

4) Are there any home visits or assessments that take place prior to home health care services beginning?

Find out if there are any options available that allow the family members, client and the home care agency representative to meet prior to the start of services. Most reputable home nursing care agencies offer free consultations.

5) Does the agency have a current operating license in their respective state or city?

It is important to find out if the home health care agency has a current and valid license to operate in their respective city or state. This often overlooked aspect is the most important factor in choosing a home health care agency.

6) How does the home nursing care company work with your doctor in developing a plan of care?

Most agencies work directly with your doctor in planning for your care, especially if the client requires care that is beyond the scope of activities related to activities of daily living.

7) Can the home care company provide references or testimonials?

Most reputable home health care companies can provide references from doctors, nurses, social workers and even clients if requested. They may even have a page on their website that is dedicated to providing this type of information to potential clients.

8) What happens if a home health aide or nurse is absent from the agency on a particular day?

If the home health care provider is required to take a day off for illness or another emergency, what type of protocol is put in place by the home health care company to cover the absence?

There are usually plans put in place to ensure that the client receives that continuity of care in the event of an absence by their home care provider or nurse.

The Nursing Home

I wrote this piece in 1982. It's about my great grandmother. After 98 years she could no longer care for herself. She told me she was mad because she had lost a contest with her older sister. What contest? Whoever lives the longest wins. Her older sister lived to be 101.

"I was often with her at the nursing home. Her hair was cut short and permed. In the past her thick snow white hair reached down and past her mid section. She looked at me and didn't  seem to recognize me right away but her eyes were not so good. While talking to her I realized her hearing aid was old. Squeezing my hand in hers our palms began to sweat. We were afraid to let go. I didn't want to let go.

She told me she would never get better that getting old was not so nice. Her legs were like rubber. Her good hand was squeezing and petting mine. She told me how soft and firm my skin was. She got so tired but she didn't want to sleep afraid she would miss the day. She had so few days left.

She told me that the nurses were very nice there (especially a very young male nurse). She told me that she hated being helpless. She wanted to live in her own home. I could see the tears in her eyes. I could feel the tears in mine. I knew she would never go back home.

The family told her the nursing home was a school and that when she learned to walk she could get up and walk right out. We thought she would forget. But of course she did not.

She told me that she was in college but that she would never get out because her walking classes were only once a week. If only they would walk her more she wished out loud.

The family just kept waiting, looking at her sadly, hugging her and loving her. Some were fighting when she left the room for therapy over who would take her to the bathroom next...but loving her.

She told me that she was afraid to die. So was I. I was afraid for her to die and afraid to die myself."

Now it's 2009. I wonder about my parents. I wonder about myself.

My father is dying slowly from cancer. My mother is getting on in age but probably has twenty good years left if genetics play a part. I don't ever want to have to make the decision to put anyone in a nursing home. I don't ever want anyone to have to make the decision to put me in one. I've decided I'll choose my own home and check myself in. I'll pretend that I believe it's only for a little while.

Yes, I'm still somewhat afraid of dying....but more afraid of living long enough to revert back into an infant. However, I don't think I'll care much at that point. I just don't want to go painfully.

I wrote this poem about my great grandmother, Unabelle McCallum when I was about 17. She had it hanging on her wall for a very long time. I hadn't had my children nor my grandchildren at that point or the poem would have been much much longer.

I'm Not Yet Born

A solemn breeze passed through the sky

I'm not yet born.

It carried tenderly the seed

Through winters morn

And placed it in a bed of sand

To root a home

I'm not yet born, but leaves came forth

The bright sun shone

And from the tree came many seeds

The wind still blew

And carried them and laid them down

To start anew

And as time flourished through the years

The wind blew by

It carried forth another child

Through summer sky

Then I was born to see above

The great tree bend

We all look up and now I wait

To catch the wind.

Debra K. McKee

Copyright 2008-2009 © Debra K. McKee

If you have ever heard of home health care, you probably realized that it could potentially be the best and most convenient option for you when it is time to take care of a parent or other adult who can no longer completely take care of himself or herself. This is something that happens to all of us at some point.

Home health care goes by many other names as well. These include domiciliary care, social care, in-home care, and formal care. These are all essentially the same things, and in the following it a few paragraphs we look through what all of that specifically means when it comes to services.

Home health care specifically deals with licensed professionals. These are licensed health care specialists who have gone through all of the regulated training sessions in order to be put on a list of people that can practice medicine. This is an important distinction because there are other types of care that do not require this license.

Included in this short list of licensed healthcare professionals who can provide home health care are licensed nurses, social workers who have medical experience, physical therapists who have been through regulated courses, and dietitians. These people all have medical experience thus fit in this specific category that you are concerned with right now.

This is in direct opposition to non-medical or custodial care. These are the type of people who come in and take care of the elderly more or for a social reason than a medical one. They are not licensed to do things with medication or specific medical devices, and so they have fee different function they perform at your home should you choose to hire them.

There is the matter of why you would choose home health care in the first place. Mostly because, there is going to be a time when you have to either send someone to a nursing home or hospital. If this is not something you are interested in quite yet, home healthcare is a responsible alternative where everyone gets what they need.

The cost of home health care is quite variable. Sometimes it could be quite a bit more expensive than the hospital or nursing home visit, while on the other hand, the money that you save from sending someone in your home may be to your financial advantage in the end.

Home health care is definitely something you should consider for your family or loved ones, or something that they should consider for you if you are getting on in years. It will probably become more popular in the coming years as people are more interested in keeping their family around, rather than sending them away.

In developed countries where most professionals and their families are too busy with their work and businesses, the elderly members of their families are often left in the care of nursing homes. This reality has, in fact, led to the increase in the number of nursing homes being put up in urban areas and a rise in employment opportunities for caregivers.

Unfortunately, all is not well in these nursing homes. Abuses exist in these homes for the elderly and they can go undetected or unreported. However, abuses have continuously been reported in recent years inside these institutions that were supposedly put up to provide care to the old folks. It is a sad fact that many elderly residents have been the subject of abuse by their supposed caregivers. Abuse cases have caused fear instead among families who have put their trust in these nursing homes to take care of their elderly loved ones.

In the United States, there are 15,000 nursing homes that accommodate more than 1.5 million people. These homes are divided into the for-profit ones, the non-profit nursing homes and the government operated ones. They are inspected once every year to check if they meet government standards to enable them to take part in the Medicaid and Medicare programs.

In 2008, a total of 37,150 complaints were received by inspectors and one-fifth of them involved abuse and neglect of patients. Additionally, a review of state inspection records in 2001 showed that some 5,283 nursing homes were cited for abuse violations. Reports say these abuses take the form of causing physical harm, verbal and sexual abuse or even death to the old residents such as punching, kicking and choking them. These abuses normally happen when nursing assistants are angered by the slow actions, awkwardness and clumsiness of their patients. Abuses can also be inflicted by a fellow resident who may have had a history of violent behavior or a criminal record in the past.

There had been cases of physical and sexual abuses in several nursing homes in the U.S. and a number of them have been shut down due to this problem. Government officials have already ordered a more rigid background check on nursing home residents with previous criminal history.

People facing abuse problems that involve their elderly folks in nursing homes can seek the help of nursing home abuse lawyers. These lawyers are knowledgeable about the signs of abuse among the elderly people and the steps to take to get just compensation for the sufferings caused by nursing home staff or fellow residents. They can also offer tips on how to prevent future abuses.

An abuse that results in physical injury and emotional problems can be cause for filing a personal injury lawsuit against a caregiver, nursing home or fellow resident. A legal action is the right thing to do to claim compensation for the injured person and to reform the conduct of the people and institution involved that caused the injury. An abuse inflicted on an elderly individual can only happen because of negligence on the part of the caregiver and the nursing home itself.

Years ago the choice was simple, everyone chipped in to help. There was never a shortage of resources and parents lived with their children when they could no longer care for themselves. To assist in the matter, most women were stay-at-home Moms who took care of their children and parents. Those were the days when people had large families, a support system that all lived in the same city or town. Today, however, things have changed dramatically. We have stopped having the large families; if there are siblings, they frequently live far apart due to the strain of finding sufficient employment. Society has become mobile, here today, somewhere else tomorrow. So how do we care for our elderly? Off to a nursing home or assisted care living, the burden and responsibility has shifted to unrelated people to care for our elderly. It is no wonder we have lost respect for our elderly, out of sight out of mind. Old age was once thought of as the "Golden Years," but not any more. Nursing homes and assisted care living is extremely expensive. How do we plan for these costs with house payments, car expenses, college tuition, insurance fees and every day living costs? Long-term care policies only pay a fixed amount per year and have caps. So what are we to do? The bubble is going to burst at some point with the baby boomers approaching retirement age.

Doing the right thing for your Parents or elderly relatives can be daunting, demanding and stressful. The situation can be magnified if your parents have health issues e.g. Alzheimer's. My family was faced with this dilemma a year ago. My Mom's Alzheimer's was progressing and she lived in her house alone. Additionally, she lived on the East Coast, my brother in the Midwest and I in the West. We choose not to place her in a nursing home because she had severe sun-downing symptoms, i.e. paranoia, hallucinations, delusions. We were concerned that she would be highly medicated and confined to a wheel chair if placed in a facility. Our Mom has two good legs and enjoys walking and being active. Keeping an eye on her in a nursing environment would be challenging. Attention provided to patients is based on a facility's staff to patient ratio which is generally one staff member to many patients, mandated by law. Finding a good facility requires establishing a criteria checklist. Some factors to consider when searching for a facility are:

1. Facility Reputation


2. Pending Lawsuits, prior lawsuits


3. References


4. Certifications


5. Site Inspection - Visual observation


6. Are patients happy?


7. Are patients clean, dressed appropriately for the temperature and weather?


8. Does the staff know each patient's name?


9. Noise Level?


10. Facility cleanliness?


11. Is temperature controlled within each patient's room?


12. Security, Wander bracelets, anklets?


13. Wheelchair access and handicap showers?


14. Staff to patient ratio - What nursing level, i.e. RN, LPN, CNA per shift and how many?


15. Does Facility offer future and on-going training for all staff members?


16. Programs, Activities, Recreation, calendar of events for residents?


17. Emergency procedures, working fire detectors and sprinkler system?


18. Meals, Nutritionist on board, special diets for patients with food allergies or diabetes or other health issues?


19. Price, Price increases how often, historically, how much advance notice?


20. Furnished/Unfurnished?

If you decide to go the nursing facility route, make sure to visit your parent and facility on a regular basis to ensure your family member is being treated and cared for appropriately. Don't ever convey when you will be there to visit, show up at different times. Inquire immediately about any bruises, odor and request to see medication reports to review times administered. Visit with the nurse on duty to obtain daily information. If nursing home costs exceed available funds and you are over the Medicaid threshold, see if there are additional funds under Medicaid's Medically Needy Program. In some states, Medicaid will pay the difference between what you can pay and the facility's cost even if available funds exceed Medicaid's threshold.

If you are thinking about caring for your parent at home, your home will need many features similar to those found in a nursing environment i.e. safety features, shower accommodations, wheelchair/walker accessibility, door latches and i.d. bracelets for wanderers. A major difference for at home care is that you become the around-the-clock nurse, housekeeper and cook, 24/7. You will need the following skills and/or knowledge

1. Lifting skills.


2. Bathing/showering skills.


3. Toilet cleaning skills.


4. Dressing skills.


5. Denture care skills, make sure to clean and remove while sleeping.


6. Knowledge on administering medication timely with or without food, medication side effects.


7. Food preparation skills, i.e. how to prepare appropriate balanced meals, soft foods for chewing and swallowing, no tough steak or sticky chewy candy.


8. Provide mental and physical stimulation. Flash cards, puzzles, card games and walking are good activities. Ask them to write sentences and their name is a good memory exercise.


9. CPR skills so you can recognize life threatening symptoms and be well prepared for the unexpected. Knowing what signs to look for with the elderly can be life saving when time may be of the essence, e.g. stroke signs.


10. Calming skills when someone is confused and doesn't recognize you. Go with the flow and try not to get them upset, create a soothing story. My Mom wanted to know where her young children were; she thought my brother and I were still kids. Instead of explaining the truth, I said they were at their friend's home playing and they would be back later.


11. Don't leave them alone.

My brother and I decided to keep my Mom at home with us. I took her for several months and established a good treatment plan with the assistance of several specialized doctors. My brother then took over the care of her at his home. His home is more suited for elderly care, i.e. minimum stairs, bedrooms and bathroom on main floor, large, wide hallways for walker access and our Mom was accepted into a clinical study research program with a major pharmaceutical company. The company is in the last year testing a new drug for Alzheimer's before going to market.

Caring for the elderly at home, there are common symptoms to be mindful of. Dehydration with the elderly is common. When you pinch skin on the back of their hand, it should snap right back in place, if it stays pinched together, they are dehydrated. Make sure they drink plenty of fluid, water is best. Another common feature with elderly people is that they tend to have dry skin. Assist them with moisturizing their skin with a hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion. Elderly people also tend to be colder since they move around less, keep a sweater, jacket or blanket handy. Elderly may have incontinence issues so keep a change of clothes, bed pads, wipes, etc. in a diaper/travel bag, be prepared at all times for the inevitable. Keep sunglasses and tissues in the car. Pack whatever is necessary to keep them comfortable, snacks and water is also a good idea if you are away from home for a long period. Elderly can be like children. You have to do all the thinking.

Taking care of the elderly can be emotionally and physically draining, make sure to give yourself a daily/weekly breaks, don't burn out the caregiver. There are many support groups that can assist with stress. There are nursing agencies that provide per diem nurses for $18 per hour and up. Your religious institution may have volunteer services which could provide you relief for free. There are also adult daycare centers sometimes run by your hospital or city. Social interaction is good for the elderly especially those with Alzheimer's. Ask friends and relatives if they could assist for a few hours a week. For additional resources, consult your doctor and city offices. Good luck with your decision. If you have any questions, please email me. Thank you, Kathryn Alexander. www.herocardsinc.com.