Paying for In Home Care Services

When we receive a call at Home Helpers about in home care, one of the biggest concerns is, “How much will this cost?”.  Rest assured, we work to reduce costs as much as possible for each of our clients.

Most families, especially in our recent economy, think that they cannot afford to pay for assistance. So we’ve developed a list of questions that can act as a guide for families to find various resources:

First and foremost, we always ask if either of the potential clients were members in the military. Veterans could qualify for a number of benefits, depending on when and where they served as well as disabilities that may have developed. Some examples are: Aid and Attendance Pension, Disability Compensation, Home Health Aide, Respite, Adult Day Care or Skilled Nursing Facility.

Second, we ask if the potential clients have Long Term Care Insurance. Some insurance policies will cover all or a portion of the cost for home care. If they aren’t sure about coverage, we will assist them in every step of insurance claims processing.

A third resource is the Area Agency on Aging, which occasionally may be able to assist in getting services. You can learn more about this resource on our Online Resources web page.

The fourth option would be Medicaid. If the potential clients qualify, Medicaid can provide for Senior Care and In Home Care.  If a person is already receiving medical care via Medicaid, this is a likely option.

The fifth resource could be through a Reverse Mortgage where families could use their homes equity toward home care services.  Done properly, this can be an excellent tool for leveraging the value of a home.

Finally, it is very common for other family members, grown children for example, to pool their funds together and get the services that their parents may need.  For questions concerning home care, call Home Helpers at 704-909-7958, or visit our main web page for more information.

Coping with Parkinson's disease

Do you suffer from Parkinson’s disease, or know someone that does, and need help coping?  Researchers have begun to realize that in order to help the PD sufferer, they must treat more than the disease.  Treatment must encompass the whole person as well as those caregivers that are helping those afflicted with the disease.

With this in mind, researchers have created a standard education profile call the Patient Education Program Parkinson’s (PEPP).  The goal of the program is to help sufferers and caregivers cope with the enormous impact of the disease, and to improve their quality of life.  PEPP provides knowledge about the disease that can be used in combination with medical treatment to help manage all aspects of their lives.  The technique usually takes place over a period of 8 weekly group sessions.  Most participants in the researchers studies gave the PEPP sessions a positive evaluation upon completion.

If you have Parkinson’s, or know someone who does, seek out resources in your community that can help you to cope with the disease.  For more information on where to find local resources related to Parkinson’s and other health related challenges, visit our Online Resources web page by clicking on this link. Or call our office to learn more at 704-909-7958.

Presented by Home Helpers of LKN and Central NC.  Providing In Home & Senior Care to the Charlotte Metro and Central NC areas, we've been Making Life Easier for over a decade.  Visit our website for more information!

Keeping Alzheimer's Patients Safe At Home

Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient at home can be difficult. It is essential that you prepare your home to accommodate the sufferer’s needs. Likewise, if your loved one’s Alzheimer’s is mild or they spend time alone, it is important that you ensure that their living environment is safe.
Not only must space often be reorganized, but every room in the house that your loved one will be using should also be made as accident-proof as possible. There are many basic guidelines that can be followed to help accommodate an Alzheimer’s patient. The following tips can be used as a quick guide on things to consider:

• Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
• Are the walking pathways uncluttered?
• Can your loved one get up and down from the sofa or chair safely? If not, consider investing in chairs with straight backs, or an electric lift seat. Adding a firm cushion to existing pieces of furniture adds height to them, which can make it easier to use.
• Can windows and doors be opened easily and locked securely?
• Can the light switches be manipulated easily?  Motion sensors for internal lighting are a great idea. Night lights should also be used.
• Are electrical cords and telephone cords secured and out of the way to prevent tripping? Do not run cords under furniture or rugs where they can become frayed or damaged. Secure them with tape, not sharp tacks or nails.
• Throw rugs look great, but cause household injuries due to tripping every year.  Consider removing them.
• Can your loved one get in and out of bed safely? If not, consider purchasing an electric bed or mattress. A “trapeze” or grab bar can be installed as an option.
• Is the light accessible from the bed?
• Can clothing in the closet and dresser be reached?
• Is there a clear path to the bathroom?
• Can your loved one safely transfer to the toilet or bath? If not, install a safety or grab bars.
• Are there working smoke detectors on every floor?
• Have you considered a Medical Alert Unit?  A simple button worn on the neck or wrist provides access to help instantly.  And our units are available with programmable response options.

It’s easy to see how the list can be much longer, but these items are a great start.  Call us today if we can assist you with care or transitions at 704-909-7958 .  Or visit our website for more information at www.lknhomecare.com .

Helping someone in need

  In the 60′s, the Beatles hit the chart with a blockbuster song called “Help”.  Here’s an excerpt from the lyrics…

   And now my life has changed in oh so many ways,
   My independence seems to vanish in the haze.
   But every now and then I feel so insecure,
   I know that I just need you like I’ve never done before.

  Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
  And I do appreciate you being round.
  Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
  Won’t you please, please help me.

  Although the lyrics weren’t likely aimed at a senior or a loved one with health care needs, it’s incredible how fitting they are.  Very few people want to admit to needing assistance and giving up their independence.  In fact, most will state “I’m fine.  If I need anything, I’ll call ‘a family member’“.  Over time, the family member takes on more and more responsibility until they can go no further.  At that point, both the caregiver and the recipient are being severely disadvantaged.  Health, relationships, attitudes, etc., all tend to decline.  It can be difficult to break the cycle of an individual that depends on a family caregiver.  Typically, the caregiver feels guilty about saying no to any requests.  But, in the interest of all involved, a change should be made since continuing isn’t in anyone’s best interest.

  If the above scenario sounds familiar, for either yourself or someone you know, call us.  We can help you transition out of this cycle and Make Life Easier for everyone involved.  For us, helping out is a passion, and we enjoy what we do.  To learn more, visit our website at  www.LKNHomecare.com, or call today.  704-909-7958