Holiday Blues

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958

 The holiday season is upon us!  During this time of year, you may notice a change in a loved one's mood.  It's not the actual holiday that can cause depression.  Most likely it's due to recollection of early, perhaps happier times from the past.  Memories of a lost friend, spouse, or family member, a move, or health related changes all tend to contribute.

  Some common symptoms of depression to be aware of are: irritable mood; sadness; feeling of worthlessness; anxiety; loss of appetite; and failing to maintain hygiene.  Once the cause of depression is identified, it becomes easier to address.  In severe cases, an anti-depressant may be prescribed.  More frequently, treatment may be as simple as relieving loneliness with visitations, outings, conversation, or involvement in some activities.

  Whatever the cause, it should not be ignored hoping that it will pass with the season.  Be proactive and supportive.  And as always, should the symptoms persist, contact a physician for advice.
  As always, if you or a someone you know needs care-giving assistance, call us.  We've been helping to Make Life Easier for over a decade.  It's our passion.

Holiday visits

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958

 Each year as we visit families for the holidays, it's common to notice a loved one that seems to have "slowed down", or who may be having more challenges with their daily activities.  Being away for some time, and then paying a visit tends to make this observation all the more obvious.  This year, if you notice someone that seems to be struggling, consider the In-Home Care options that are available.  We can help structure a plan that works with your needs, from a couple of "check up" visits per week to 24 hour care.  Also, our Direct Link electronic products are perfect for those persons that don't require an in home aide, but who need a little something to help out and provide peace of mind.

  Visit our website and watch our videos to learn more about our services.  Then call us at 704-909-7958.

  Above all else, we'd like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

What is the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit??

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958

 We get lots of requests for information on what the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit is, and how to apply.  Here's a quick summary...

• Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a benefit paid in addition to monthly pension.    A veteran may be eligible for A&A when:
  1. The veteran requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself/herself from the hazards of his/her daily environment, OR,
  2. The veteran is bedridden, in that his/her disability or disabilities requires that he/she remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment, OR,
  3. The veteran is a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, OR,
  4. The veteran is blind, or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
• Housebound is paid in addition to monthly pension.    Like A&A, Housebound benefits may not be paid without eligibility to pension.   A veteran may be eligible for Housebound benefits when:
  1. The veteran has a single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling AND, due to such disability, he/she is permanently and substantially confined to his/her immediate premises, OR,
  2. The veteran has a single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling AND, another disability, or disabilities, evaluated as 60 percent or more disabling.

How to Apply for Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits:

• You may apply for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits by writing to your local VA office.  Click here for the N.C. regional office website.
• You should include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an attending physician validating the need for Aid and Attendance or Housebound type care.
• The report should be in sufficient detail to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable.
• In addition, it is necessary to determine whether the claimant is confined to the home or immediate premises.

Eldercare costs

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958

  Long term care facilities costs continue to climb.  According to the MetLife 2011 Marketing Survey, private room nursing home rates rose %4.4 to an average of  $239/day, and assisted living jumped %5 to an average of $3477/month.  After holding steady for a year, adult day care service costs saw a %4.5 increase.  Fortunately, the average cost of Home Health Aide and Companion services held steady.

  In-Home health services continue to provide the biggest bang for the healthcare buck.  No other service can offer the one-on-one caregiver to patient ratio for the same costs.  A quick glance at this chart gives a good breakdown of how the costs per service compare.

  As always, we encourage you to investigate all options when researching care needs.  You can then make a choice that best suits your needs.  If you have questions, feel free to call us today at 704-909-7958 or visit our website by clicking here.  We'll be glad to assist you in any way possible.