Caring for Your Loved Ones at Home: 7 Tips for Family Caregivers
Taking care of a loved one at home can be a fulfilling yet challenging experience. Family caregivers play an essential role in providing care and support for their loved ones who require assistance with their daily living activities. While caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, it can also be overwhelming and stressful, especially for those who are new to caregiving. In this article, we will discuss seven essential tips for family caregivers to provide the best possible care for their loved ones.
Tips for Caring for Loved Ones at Home for Family Caregivers
1. Get Educated
As a family caregiver, it is essential to educate yourself about your loved one's medical condition and their care needs. Learn about the symptoms, treatment options, and potential complications associated with your loved one's condition. This knowledge will help you better understand your loved one's needs and provide the appropriate care.
2. Create a Care Plan
Creating a care plan is a critical step for any family caregiver. It helps you stay organized and provides a roadmap for providing the necessary care for your loved one. A well-designed care plan should include all the essential information regarding your loved one's health condition and their care needs. To create a comprehensive care plan, you need to identify the tasks that need to be performed daily, weekly, and monthly. These tasks may include administering medication, helping with personal hygiene, preparing meals, and managing appointments.
3. Family Caregivers Can Seek Help
As a caregiver, it is okay to seek help from others. You do not have to do it all alone. Reach out to friends, family, and community resources for support. Consider hiring home care services if you need additional assistance with your loved one's care. For example, if you live in Monterey CA, you can contact Central Coast VNA & Hospice, which offers home health, hospice, community services, and specialty programs.
4. Take Care of Yourself
Caring for a loved one can be physically and emotionally demanding. It is essential to take care of yourself to avoid burnout. Take breaks, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough sleep. Do not neglect your own health needs while caring for your loved one.
5. Stay Organized
Being organized can help reduce stress and ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of appointments, medications, and other important tasks. Keep all medical records and documents in one place to ensure that you can easily access them when needed.
6. Communicate with Your Loved One
Communication is key to providing the best possible care for your loved one. Talk to your loved one about their care needs and preferences. As a family care giver, take time to listen to their concerns and involve them in decision-making whenever possible. It is also important to communicate with their healthcare providers to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding their care.
In addition to communicating with your loved one and their healthcare providers, it is also essential to communicate with other family members or caregivers who may be involved in their care. Keeping everyone informed and up-to-date can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is working together towards the same goal. Clear and open communication can also help to reduce stress and anxiety for both you and your loved one, as it provides a sense of reassurance and support.
7. Stay Positive
Caring for a loved one can be a challenging experience, but it is essential to stay positive. Celebrate small victories and focus on the good moments. Surround yourself with positive people and engage in activities that bring you joy. Remember that you are making a difference in your loved one's life.
Conclusion
Being a family caregiver is a significant responsibility, but it can also be a rewarding experience. By following these seven essential tips, you can provide the best possible care for your loved one while taking care of yourself. Remember to seek help when needed, stay organized, communicate effectively, and stay positive. If you live in Monterey CA, you can contact Central Coast VNA & Hospice for home care services and support. By working together, we can ensure that our loved ones receive the care they deserve.
Helping Your Elderly Parents Age in Place: 9 Tips and Strategies
As parents age, their needs change. They may need assistance with daily tasks, or want to stay in the comfort of their own home rather than transitioning to a care facility. The latter is known as aging in place — and it’s becoming increasingly popular for seniors who prefer to remain independent. But how can you ensure that your elderly parent is safe, healthy and comfortable while aging in place?
This article will provide nine tips and strategies on how to help your elderly parent age in place successfully. From organizing medical visits to home safety modifications, these tips will help you provide the best possible care for your loved one.
What is aging in place?
Aging in place is the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. It means having the services and support you need to stay in your home as you age.
The benefits of aging in place
There are many benefits for an adult to age in place, including:
1. Maintaining independence and control over one's own life - Aging in place allows elderly individuals to maintain their independence and control over their own lives. They can continue to live in their own homes and communities, rather than being forced to move into retirement homes or other congregate living facilities.
2. Remaining close to family and friends - Staying in one's own home usually means remaining close to family and friends, which can be extremely important as we get older. This social support can help elders stay mentally sharp and emotionally stable.
3. Avoiding the stress of moving - Moving is one of the most stressful life events, so avoiding it can be a big plus. For seniors who have lived in their homes for many years, the thought of moving can be very daunting.
4. Keeping familiar routines - Staying in one's own home often means keeping familiar routines, which can be comforting as we age. This includes things like maintaining the same sleep schedule, eating meals at the same time each day, and having regularly scheduled activities such as exercise or social outings.
5. Saving money - Retirement homes and other assisted living arrangements can be very expensive, so aging in place can save a lot of money. In addition, many seniors find that they don't need as much help as they thought they would when they first considered moving out of their homes.
The challenges of aging in place
As we age, our bodies go through changes that can make it difficult to live independently. Muscles weaken, balance deteriorates, and vision and hearing decline. These physical changes can make it hard to do everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and driving.
An older adult might need help with transportation or home modifications to make it easier to get around. Helping your parents age in place can be a challenge, but following these 9 strategies can help make the process as smooth as possible.
9 tips and strategies for helping your elderly parents age in place
As our parents age, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to live independently. Many of us worry about their safety and well-being and whether or not they are able to take care of themselves. Here are some tips and strategies for helping your elderly parents age in place:
1. Keep communication lines open. Talk to your parents regularly about their health, their medications, their daily routine, etc. This will help you identify any changes or red flags that may indicate a decline in their health or ability to live independently.
2. Make sure their home is safe and accessible. Remove any potential trip hazards, make sure they have easy access to all the things they need on a daily basis, and consider installing safety features like grab bars in the bathroom.
3. Help them stay socially active and engaged. Isolation can be detrimental to our health at any age, but it can be especially harmful for seniors. Encourage your parents to get out of the house and socialize with friends, family, or other members of the community. This can help stave off depression and loneliness.
4. Stay involved in their care. If your parents are starting to struggle with tasks of daily living, offer to help out where you can. This could involve anything from cooking meals to handling transportation needs to providing personal car.
5. Encourage healthy habits. Make sure your parents are eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and staying on top of their medical appointments.
6. Have a plan in place for when they need more help. Research local senior care facilities and create a financial plan to cover any potential costs associated with additional care.
7. Look into home assistance services. If you think your parents would benefit from some extra help around the house, consider hiring a professional home health aide or other assistance service, such as registered nursing care in Hollister CA, to come in on a regular basis.
8. Be aware of signs of cognitive decline or abuse/neglect. If you notice changes in your parents' behavior or if you suspect they are not receiving proper care, it's important to act quickly and seek medical attention as needed.
9. Remind them that they are still in charge of their own lives. Even if your parents need extra help and support, it's important to remind them that they still have control over their own lives and decisions and that they can make choices about their future with dignity and independence intact.e assistance.
Conclusion
Aging in place is an important choice for many elderly parents, and it can be made easier with the right tips and strategies. By being mindful of safety, creating a supportive environment, staying organized, and planning ahead you can ensure that your elderly parent’s aging in place experience is both safe and enjoyable. With these nine tips and strategies, your family will have peace of mind knowing that your elderly parent is well taken care of.
Elderly Care for Parents from a Distance: 5 Ways to Stay Involved and Supportive
As our parents get older, it can become more and more difficult for them to live on their own. It is especially challenging if you live miles away from your parents and are not able to provide elderly care to them on a daily basis. Equally important is making them feel as if they have not lost their sense of independence. It is still possible to stay involved and provide support for your elderly parents, even from a distance. Here are five ways to do so:
1. Keep in touch regularly
One of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) things you should do to support your parents from afar is to stay in touch regularly. This helps you stay informed about their health and well-being, and also provide an opportunity for you to offer essential emotional support. Make sure to schedule regular calls and video chats to meet their social-emotional needs.
2. Hire a home health care organization for the best elderly care
If your parents need more support than you are able to provide from a distance, it may be beneficial to look into a home health care agency to provide the best elderly care possible. Home health care organizations can provide a wide range of services, including: medical care, aid with household chores, trips to the store and personal shopping, and even help with personal tasks.
When your parent loses independence, it can be increasingly more difficult for them to perform daily tasks on their own. In addition, they are not always able to travel to and from medical offices on their own. Being in the comfort of their own home also provides a stable and welcoming environment for medical processes that may seem more daunting in an office. If you are located in the Monterey, CA area, consider learning more about Central Coast VNA for your family members.
3. Coordinate with other family members and caregivers
Communicating with family members and your parents' caregivers is an effective way to make sure that your parents are receiving the elderly care and support they need. Effective communication and coordination is especially important for family members who are living from a distance. This can involve:
- listing visits from family members
- hiring additional in-home support, if needed
- detailed list of in-home medical tasks
- reviewing your parents' financial situation
It is essential fo everyone to stay informed about your parents’ needs and schedule. Everyone must be aware of their responsibilities and to offer the proper support. One idea to keep all families effectively informed is to create a group chat. This will help streamline communication and make it easier to share information. It will also have a record of communication to help keep track of your parents' care.
It is also helpful to assign a single person to be your parents' primary point of contact. This person can help facilitate communication and keep everyone involved on track.
Coordination with family members and caregivers ensures that your parents' are receiving the care they deserve and need, even if you are not able to be with them in person.
4. Stay informed about their health and medications
As your parents age, keeping informed about their health and medication is essential for their well-being. Be sure to ask your parents about their health and any changes they have noticed, and encourage them to visit their healthcare provider regularly. Some people are resistant to medical intervention, but as your parents age it becomes increasingly more important to inform their physician and nurses of any changes in their body.Informing medical professionals will ensure that your parents are receiving the medical care they need and in a timely manner.
It is also helpful to have a list of your parents’ medications (and dosages) in case of emergency. You will be able to tell if your parents are actually taking their medications as prescribed by a physician, and of course you will also be able to provide the necessary information to healthcare providers in the event of an emergency. The older we get, the more likely we are to forget our medications and doses! By staying informed about your parents’ health and medications, you care ensuring that they receive the best possible care and support.
5. Consider alternative living arrangements
If your parents are no longer able to live independently, it may be necessary to consider alternative living arrangements. This could include moving them closer to you. Consider a retirement community or assisted living facility as a last resort. Most elderly patients prefer to keep as much independence as possible, and being able to live in their own home is the most comfortable way to achieve this. Don't forget to keep their opinions at the forefront of decisions about their care. The process will be much smoother with their full support and understanding.
Elderly care for parents from a distance is challenging, but it is still possible to stay involved and provide effective support. By keeping in touch regularly, hiring a home care agency, coordinating with other caregivers, staying informed about your parents’ health and medications, and considering alternative living arrangements, you can help ensure that your elderly parents receive the care and support they need.
13 Heart-Healthy Holiday Meals to Try This Year
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Home health care services by CCVNA meet some of the most important needs that face residents in Monterey County and Hollister along the Central Coast. You can receive in-home assistance and wellness check-ups. Anyone who needs hospice care or related services can find them at this home health care service in Monterey CA. Professionals at the cardiac care program recommend some heart-healthy holiday recipes for tasty dishes you may want to try this year.
1. Making Mashed Potatoes Tasty
When you add aromatic vegetables to the cooking water, it transforms potatoes into something special. The recipe calls for these ingredients:
• 1 1/2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or cut into pieces
• 6 medium garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped green onions
You can find the directions here.
2. Oven-Roasted Salmon with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette
A heart-healthy recipe with salmon can help your heart.
• 1 lemon
• 2 bulbs of fennel, thinly sliced
• 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
• 2 1/2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 1 1/4 lb. skin-on salmon fillet
• 1 tsp. stone-ground mustard
• 3 c. baby arugula
You can find the recipe and directions here.
3. Chicken Kebabs
An occupational therapist can evaluate your home and your ability to use it safely. https://ccvna.com/7-reasons-to-choose-in-home-care-vs-a-nursing-home/
• 1 1/2 lb. boneless chicken breast cut into small pieces
• 1 lemon
• 2 scallions, finely chopped1/4 c. fresh flat leaf parsley3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 12 cherry or grape tomatoes + 1 small zucchini, cut into slices
• 1 red bell pepper + 8 oz fresh pineapple in chunks
• 1 sweet potato, cut into chunks + 1 medium red onion wedges.
Find the directions here.
4. Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
.
• 6 oz. linguine
• 1 1/2 lb. peeled, shrimp
• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp. lemon zest
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 c. dry white wine
• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 12 oz. zucchini in spirals
• 1/4 c. flat-leaf parsley, choppedYou can find the complete recipe here.
5. Starting Your Day with Burritos
A flavor of Mexico can make your breakfast tasty.
• 1/2 lb. tomatillos
• 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded
• 1/2 small onion wedges
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1/3 c. packed fresh cilantro
• Kosher salt
• 6 large eggs 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 c. shredded pepper Jack
• 1 c. fat-free refried beans
• 4 large tortillas
Check out the recipe here.
6. Enjoying Heart-Healthy Cauliflower
A few veggies in your fridge can help you prepare a tasty and filling dish.
• 1/2 large head of cauliflower
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 orange pepper
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 1 2”-piece ginger
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tsp. chili garlic paste
• 2 tsp. honey
• 4 large eggs
• 1 c. frozen peas, thawed
• 1 c. frozen edamame, thawed
• Lime wedges, for serving
A home health care service in Monterey CA can provide help when you need it. Find the recipe here.
7. Accenting with Tangy Cole Slaw
Raw cabbage gives you plenty of heart-healthy roughage. You can find the complete recipe for Sweet Country Cole Slaw here.
• 2 Tbsp. fat-free sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. light mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. celery seeds (optional)
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 4 cups packaged, shredded cabbage and carrot mix
8. Serving Green Bean Casserole
Almost everyone loves green bean casserole as a holiday favorite. A recipe that serves 8 guests takes little time to prepare. The home health care service in Monterey CA provides advice and options to consider.
• 1 pound frozen green beans
• 1 10.5-ounce can reduced-fat mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
9. Choosing Some Southern Favorites
Memories of black-eyed peas, corn and rice can come to life with the heart-healthy Black-eyed pea, Corn and Rice Salad. It requires no cooking for an easy meal.
• 1 15.25-ounce can no-salt-added whole-kernel corn
• 2 15-ounce cans of no-salt-added black-eyed peas
• 1 15.25-ounce can no-salt-added whole-kernel corn
• 1 8.8-ounce pouch of brown rice, cooked,
• 2 ribs of celery, chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Remember that a home health aide can help you by identifying barriers in your home that may cause falls for you.
10. Adventuring with Grilled Fish Tacos
A delicious way to add fish to your diet makes serving it with tacos something new and different. Find the recipe and directions here.
• 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 small pineapple (cut into 1/4" pieces)
• 4 medium tomatillos (husks removed and halved)
• 1 1/4 lb. skinless white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod or halibut)
• 3/4 c. fresh cilantro leaves
• 8 corn tortillas
11. Delighting with Heart-healthy Maple-spiced Pecans
The crunch of delicious nuts wrapped in a sugary coating provides a snack with good nutrition.
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound pecan halves
• Cooking spray (optional
Check out the recipe here. Your business, community or school can get flu vaccinations at CCVNA.
12. Savoring Apples with Raisin-Apricot Sauce
Your slow cooker can make a lovely dessert https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/apples-with-almond-apricot-sauce that requires almost no work. The sweetness gives you a perfect dessert or snack. If you need to travel overseas, CCVNA provides immunization services.
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 large apples
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped apricots
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or)
13. Finishing Dinner with Apple Bread Pudding
Enjoy a warm bowl of apples for a taste of delight.
• Cooking spray
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 slices light, whole-grain bread, cubed
• 3 medium apples
• 1/2 cup of raisins, fresh blueberries, chopped walnuts or pecans
7 Reasons to Choose In-Home Care vs a Nursing Home
Making choices about how best to care for an aging loved one is never easy. Many factors must be taken into account, including your loved one's financial situation, medical condition, the availability of family, and much more. When you're facing one of these conversations, there will probably be at least one person at the table whose top priority is finding a way to provide in-home care, and that person probably has a lot of agreement with that viewpoint. The question always is, can it be done?
Thanks to the availability of in-home care services, in many cases the answer to that question is yes. Today, it's easier than ever to keep your loved one at home instead of opting for a nursing home. Here are seven reasons why your loved one would benefit from at-home registered nursing care in Hollister CA compared to moving into a residential care facility.
The Comfort and Familiarity of In-Home Care
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities work very hard to make their residents feel at home, and they often do an excellent job. Despite their best efforts, though, there's truly no place like home. As we age, we become more and more attached to our familiar surroundings, making it all the more disruptive to be moved out of the home.
The impact is even greater for seniors dealing with dementia. They need a consistent environment and routine to keep from having such severe feelings of disorientation and confusion. When dementia and Alzheimer's patients are able to stay at home, their quality of life is dramatically better.
Tailored Care
No two seniors are alike, and no two seniors have the same need for health care. One may have reduced mobility while remaining otherwise healthy. Another might have a complex medication regimen but no impediments to movement. In a nursing home, the high patient load and short staffing can create a one-size-fits-all care plan for your loved one that just doesn't meet their needs.
With in-home care, it is easy to customize care and give your loved one everything that's necessary and nothing that's not. Visiting nurses get to know their patients on a personal basis, and they provide care accordingly.
Greater Affordability
Every family's goal is to get the best possible living arrangements for aging loved ones, but at some point, there are financial questions to answer based on the type of care the senior needs and on the savings, insurance, and other financial resources he or she has access to. The result is a very delicate balancing act that doesn't sacrifice needed care just to reduce cost.
With in-home care, the overhead is dramatically lower than in a nursing home because there are no charges for things the senior doesn't need. For example, if your loved one can still prepare his or her own meals, there won't be costs associated with operating a cafeteria. In-home care fills the gaps in care, providing only what patients need instead of offering (and charging for) unneeded services.
A Personal Connection
As your parents or grandparents worked and raised a family, they gladly sacrificed to provide for others. Once they reached their golden years, they aren't being selfish to feel that they deserve to be a name instead of a number. Yet nursing home care often takes away their identity and relegates them to being "Room 202, Bed 1.
In-home care preserves their individuality. Visiting nurses get to know their patients on an personal basis instead of dashing in briefly before moving on to the next room. Your loved one gets undivided attention during the visit, sustaining their sense of self-worth and supporting their mental and emotional health.
Reduced Disease Exposure
Contagious diseases thrive in environments where dozens of people live in close proximity breathing the same air, touching the same door knobs, and being cared for by the same staff. COVID is just the most recent example of how dangerous it is to have too many people living in a small space.
With in-home care, your loved one is isolated from people who may have transmissible diseases. The visiting nurse follows all sanitizing protocols before and after arriving at each home, cutting off the path of transmission. The result is a much lower risk of your loved one being exposed to germs.
Total Privacy
In a nursing home, your loved one may share a bathroom and even a bedroom with another person, probably a complete stranger. This destroys medical privacy and personal dignity, and it can even be a threat to your loved one's personal safety and to the security of his or her belongings.
By staying at home and receiving care from visiting nurses, your loved one does not have to grant access to anyone he or she does not feel comfortable having inside the home. The only new faces entering the private space of the home are the trained, vetted nurses providing in-home care. This will give your loved one the peace of mind that is so often denied to them.
Supporting Independence
Once your loved one moves into a nursing home, he or she can begin to drift toward a bedridden life despite being too healthy to be in that condition. Taking away the things that define their independence discourages their efforts to maintain that independence.
If Mom can still do her own grocery shopping, why have someone else do it? If Dad still enjoys woodworking, why take that away from him? In-home care lets you give your loved one only the things they need to be safe and healthy instead of leaving them totally dependent on others. The benefit to their health is immeasurable.
We all experience some changes in our lives if we are fortunate enough to reach our golden years. The good news is that those changes don't have to be as drastic as they once were, or even as drastic as you think they have to be. Seniors today can stay at home without sacrificing their health or their safety.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Flu Vaccine?
The Truth About the Flu and What It Does to the Human Body
So that everyone is on the same proverbial page, the flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that can affect the nose, throat, and sometimes even the lungs. While we are on the topic, it is worth noting that there are several strains of the flu virus, and they can each take a tremendous toll on the nose, throat, and other parts of the body that comprise the respiratory system. According to the CDC, there are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. However, the A and B variants are the two commonly associated with the flu during the fall and winter seasons. That said, human influenza A and B viruses each have subtypes. The consequence of these subtypes is more people coming down with the flu as temperatures begin to take their yearly nosedive. Symptoms associated with human influenza A and B, not to mention their various subtypes, can include the following:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills and sweats
- Severe headaches
- Dry and persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Eye pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Who Should Be the Most Worried About Contracting the Flu?
In truth, everyone should worry about catching the flu during flu season. Studies show that no one is immune to any of the varying strains of the flu virus. However, young children, elderly adults, and anyone with a chronic health condition are among the most vulnerable. It is also worth mentioning that the flu can severely impact a woman's pregnancy. According to data from MedlinePlus, an online information service produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, when a woman is pregnant, it is harder for her immune system to fight off infections, especially viral ones. The same data show that women who become sick with the flu are more likely to encounter pregnancy complications. These complications can include the following:
- Preterm births
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirths
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Neural tube defects
Given these various complications, it's easy to see why OBG-YNs and flu clinics in Monterey and throughout California routinely advise pregnant women and women who are thinking about becoming pregnant to get the flu vaccine. But pregnant women are not the only ones who should make getting vaccinated against the flu a top priority. Many of the same physicians and flu clinics in Monterey also encourage individuals with HIV, Aids, and other chronic diseases to do the same since doing so helps forestall complications that can cause such health conditions to worsen prematurely.
Physicians and Clinics in Monterey Discuss the Best Time to Get an Influenza Vaccination
There is no time like the present to get vaccinated against the flu. After all, it is already the fall season, and winter, which marks the start of peak flu season, is just around the corner. Cognizant of this, nearly all clinics, including VNA, a health clinic that provides comprehensive consultation and immunization services to people in California and international travelers alike, and physicians are encouraging people to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. And this is especially the case for individuals with an above-average chance of catching the flu, such as pregnant women and anyone with an underlying, chronic health problem. On that note, the CDC says September through October is the best time for most people to get the flu vaccine. Which one is ideal will depend on, among other things, an individual's age. Bearing that in mind, some of the influenza vaccinations currently available to individuals in California and across the country include the following:
Flucelvax Quadrivalent – This cell-based, egg-free flu vaccine contains a virus grown in cell culture that provides solid protection against most strains of the flu virus. And according to the CDC, it is approved for infants, young children, and adults.
Flublok Quadrivalent - This recombinant, egg-free flu vaccine is a good fit for individuals aged 18 and older. Studies show Flublok Quadrivalent contains three times more antigen, an ingredient in the vaccine that helps protect the body against flu viruses, than standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccines. And it is made without any flu viruses, which means, unlike with other vaccines, individuals are less likely to get sick after being injected with it.
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent - This egg-based, high-dose flu vaccine is a good fit for individuals age 65 and older who want to lower their chances of getting sick with the flu. Like Flublok Quadrivalent, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent contains significantly more antigens than other standard-dose inactivated flu vaccines. And this makes it easier for the immune system to fend off the flu virus.
Fluad Quadrivalent - Approved for individuals 65 years and older, this egg-based vaccine contains MF59, an ingredient added to the vaccine that helps stimulate a more robust immune response when someone comes in contact with any variation of the flu virus.
All in all, the time to get the flu vaccine is now. And if you're hesitant about getting vaccinated, you should know most studies show that the flu vaccine can reduce an individual's chances of contracting the flu by as much as 60%. In addition to the ones mentioned in this article, many other vaccines can protect individuals from the flu during this flu season. To learn about those other vaccines or for help choosing the vaccine that is right for you, consider speaking to a VNAassociate today.
9 Ways Home Health Care Will Benefit Your Loved One
The most recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed the U.S. is home to an estimated 54 million seniors. While many of these older Americans are reasonably healthy and can still live independently, some are not so fortunate and require home health care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older American adults are twice as likely to require hospitalization than their middle-aged counterparts. And they are being hospitalized for various reasons, from chronic illnesses to broken bones and everything in between.
In another study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers found that around 54% and 19% of hospital admissions among the elderly had to do with the diagnosis or treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory tract diseases, respectively. But it does not end there; one study from the CDC found that some 300,000 older adults are hospitalized every year in the U.S. because of a hip fracture. Indeed, our health becomes a far more fragile thing as we get older. And in many cases, hospitalization is unavoidable, but sometimes, quality home health care might be the better option.
The Reality of Home Health Care in America
Many people often confuse home health care with hospice care, and while there are some similarities, the two are not quite the same. For those unaware, hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's pain and symptoms as they approach the end of their life. Generally speaking, hospice care is ideal for individuals diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer or a similar terminal illness. Meanwhile, home health care is a healthcare model designed to help individuals cope with or overcome a specific health problem or, in some cases, deal with day-to-day life.It is also worth noting that home care is far more cost-effective when compared to hospital care. In fact, an article published by medicare.gov said home care was less expensive, more convenient, and, in many cases, as effective as the care provided in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. Although providing top-tier medical treatment to individuals in their care is what companies that offer home health care services in Monterey CA, for example, do best, it is not all they do.
9 Ways Home Health Care Can Benefit Your Loved Ones
What makes providers of home care services a godsend to so many people is the number of services they offer. Some providers, such as VNA, a California-based hospice and home care company serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara County, offer everything from companionship to medical care and everything in between. Having said that, whether they have a chronic health problem or not, the following are nine ways in which home care can benefit older adults:
- Nutrition – As we get older, staying on top of our nutritional health becomes less and less of a priority. Of course, this is not intentional, but it is a reality. Caregivers with a licensed and reputable home care services company can remind older adults of the importance of regularly consuming healthy, nutrient-rich foods. After all, doing so benefits them both physically and mentally.
- Medication management – Much like nutrition, some older adults don't always take their medication when they should or as prescribed by their physician, both of which can have negative consequences. To help in this area, many home care companies have nutritionists and dietitians who work alongside professional caregivers to ensure older adults take their medications when and how they are supposed to.
- Transportation – Often, medication management and transportation go hand-in-hand for older adults. Once they hit age 70, many adults will give up driving and rely on others to get around instead. Mindful of this, many registered nursing care providers are more than happy to drive older adults to and from their doctor appointments or to and from the pharmacy for their medication needs.
- Personal hygiene – Caregivers with home health care companies routinely help older adults stay on top of personal hygiene. According to a study published by the University of California San Francisco, many older adults often find it hard to bathe regularly and keep up with other critical aspects of personal hygiene.
- Companionship – For some people, the worst part of getting older is the loneliness that comes with it. And for some, loneliness breeds isolation, which, in turn, breeds depression. Along with helping individuals with their medical and day-to-day needs, professional caregivers often take on the role of a friend.
- Break for family members and friends – When older adults live at home, many rely on family members and friends to help them with day-to-day living. Professional caregivers can take over some of their responsibilities, such as scheduling doctor appointments and grocery shopping, which allows family members and friends to take a much-needed break.
- Shorter hospital stays – Sometimes, older adults will still need to spend time in a hospital due to injuries or chronic health problems. Some hospitals are willing to send older adults home early if they know they will receive quality care at home from a licensed professional.
- Help with household chores – Rather than hiring a maid to help with household chores, some older adults or their children will enlist the help of a professional home healthcare service. Often, going this route is not only just as effective when it comes to taking care of household chores but also a lot cheaper.
- Home safety – Another benefit of having a professional caregiver in one's home is they can call first responders in the event of an emergency.
Bottom Line
In summary, professional home health care encompasses more than medical care alone. It is a health care model that focuses on an individual's overall well-being. If you're in Monterey or one of the neighboring counties and would like to learn more about home health care, consider speaking with a VNA representative today.
Learn the 5 Major Heart Attack Symptoms and How to Respond to Someone in Need
Heart attacks are the most common cause of death in the United States. Each year, nearly 700,000 Americans die from a heart attack. Many of these heart attacks can be treated and even reversed. They have to be spotted quickly and responded to with medication or by medical professionals. A combination of swift action and follow-up registered nursing care in Hollister CA can be essential to turning a potential heart attack statistic into a survivor.
Heart attack symptoms
1. Chest pain
Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with a heart attack. It is an acute, stabbing pain that is often substantial and debilitating. This feeling is connected to the arterial closure and lack of oxygen which is the key result of a heart attack. The pain often comes on suddenly and does not relax no matter the steps a person takes. It is a sharp, stabbing pain that is known medically as angina. The pain does not go away easily and does not subside like it might for other health problems that cause similar sensations.
2. Jaw or neck pain
The pain that originates in the chest can extend to the jaw or neck. This pain would also be substantial and similar in nature to chest pain. It is a radiating sensation and cannot be attributed to earlier actions that a person has taken. The pain radiates from the chest up through the head and focuses in the nerves of the jaw or neck. This pain must be treated seriously and addressed if it is connected to other heart attack symptoms.
3. Arm numbness
Arm numbness is one of the clearest signs of a heart attack. This symptom often occurs only with a heart attack and is separate from the many other health issues that have chest pain and faintness as symptoms. The presence of arm numbness along with chest pain is the clearest sign that someone is having a heart attack and needs immediate medical attention.
4. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is another important symptom. This sensation often goes with tightness of the chest. It feels like a sufferer cannot catch their breath and cannot bring oxygen into their lungs. The sensation of tightness with a heart attack is sudden and does not dissipate like it might with typical angina or the symptoms of arterial blockage.
5. Feeling faint
People suffering from a heart attack often feel dizzy and faint. They may have to lie down or collapse. The infarction prevents the heart from pumping blood to the brain and other parts of the body. These areas do not receive oxygen and cannot keep a person standing upright. The sufferer has to sit down and sometimes lay down in order to retain consciousness. In that instance, they need to make sure that they take immediate action if they are alone. Weakness can cause a heart attack victim not to think clearly and not to take the steps that they need to take in order to survive. They have to reach out for help as quickly as possible.
What to do
The symptoms of a heart attack are often clear and substantial. They are not always visible to the person suffering from them, however. These symptoms sometimes cloud a person's judgment and make it difficult for them to take swift action. As a result, having another person nearby can be crucial.
The first step to take when someone sees the signs of a heart attack is to immediately call 911. A dispatcher will then talk them through their next steps. These next steps could involve a handful of different approaches. A person may simply be instructed to tell the sufferer to calm down and get off their feet. They may be told to take aspirin in order to thin the blood and perhaps lessen the damage from the heart attack. An individual may also be instructed to help the victim take medication that they have been prescribed for heart disease. This medication can save a person's life. Finally, they will be instructed to aid in the appearance of emergency personnel. Emergency personnel will help the heart attack victim receive the treatment that will be necessary in serious cases.
Immediate treatment is essential to saving a person's life from a heart attack. But a follow-up cardiac care program can also be crucial. Registered nursing care in Hollister CA like CCVNA can help a heart attack sufferer recover from any heart or artery damage that may have resulted from the attack. It can give a patient regular medication and steps that can be taken if the signs of another attack are present in the future. Heart attacks can be deadly. But they can also be prevented and future attacks can be made less likely with the right approach to care.
5 Ways to Help Elderly Relatives Fund Home Health Care Costs
In a perfect world, every older adult would enter retirement with a pension and nest egg large enough to cover all future expenses. For most older individuals, however, this scenario just isn't a reality. Even with careful planning, many senior adults find themselves unprepared to pay for home health care costs should the need arise.
The best time to consider how an older relative will fund home health care costs is well in advance of the need for such care. However, it's not too late to look into the available options right now even if your loved one requires immediate in-home assistance. There are many ways to approach the issue of paying for home health care costs. Perhaps you'll find that one or a combination of the following strategies is a good fit for your family.
1. Tap into Home Equity
Even in the absence of formal savings plans, many older adults have spent years or decades making payments on a residence. This diligence has likely created a store of wealth that could come in handy when faced with home health care costs. Reverse mortgage loans permit a qualifying older adult or couple to access their home's equity while still residing in the property. Many individuals qualify even if their home isn't completely paid off.
If your loved one isn't opposed to leaving their current home, downsizing to a smaller residence may also make sense. Taking this step will allow them to access some of the equity that's tied up in their current home. Other advantages could include freeing up additional funds by reducing their monthly house payment or eliminating it altogether. He or she may also be able to find a smaller, easier-to-maintain home that's more elder-friendly than their existing residence.
2. Assistance From Family
No one wants to feel like a burden to their children or grandchildren. For older adults with limited resources, however, it's often necessary to turn to family for help with home health care costs. When spread over numerous relatives, the cost of intermittent or even daily in-home care becomes much more manageable. Every family will have a different formula for contributing to a relative's long-term care costs that's based upon their unique situation. Some might prefer splitting the cost evenly among a group of relatives. Others may find that a sliding scale based upon individual income and economic circumstances is their best option.
A family member who pays for in-home care or who provides care for an elder loved one could be eligible for a federal or state tax deduction. A CPA, tax preparer or elder care expert can provide more information on whether this incentive applies to you.
3. Long-term Care Insurance
As the name suggests, long-term care insurance was created to help older Americans manage the costs associated with in-home or institutionalized care. Long-term care policies may pay for an in-home care provider, assisted living, full-time nursing home care or all of the above. The cost of long-term care insurance has risen significantly in recent years. However, this type of coverage still makes good financial sense for individuals who can afford to pay the monthly or quarterly premiums.
In order to make informed decisions about using long-term care insurance to pay for in-home care, first determine if your loved one has a policy in place. If so, look it over with them to see what types of care it covers and the coverage amounts. If he or she has no long-term care insurance, consulting an insurance provider to determine possible coverage eligibility may be a good idea.
4. Medicaid and State-run Programs
Medicare is a federally administered program that's intended to serve the healthcare needs of older Americans. As such, many people mistakenly believe that it automatically covers in-home care along with other types of health care services. Unfortunately, traditional Medicare generally doesn't cover any in-home health care costs. The good news for older Americans facing health challenges is that many state-administered Medicaid programs do offer some coverage for in-home care. The type, duration and cost of covered services will vary, so check with your state's department of public health for more information.
Some states also offer free or low-cost in-home care services through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE was created with the goal of helping health-challenged older adults remain at home instead of entering long-term residential care facilities. As with other state-based programs, an individual's eligibility for PACE will depend on where they reside as well as other factors.
5. Locally Based Non-profit Organizations
In some localities, non-profit entities have arisen to fill the urgent need for reliable, reasonably priced in-home care. One example of such an organization is Central Coast VNA. This home health care service in Monterey CA exists to meet the needs of residents of Central Coast, Monterey County and Hollister. Help is offered in the form of in-home assistance, wellness check-ups, hospice care and related services.
The services provided by CCVNA and similar organizations may not be offered completely free of charge to every individual. These types of entities are generally funded by private donors, insurance payments and other sources. They also rely heavily on volunteers to furnish services and manage other aspects of the operation. This allows them to keep costs as low as possible for the individuals and families that take advantage of their service offerings.
7 Important Benefits of Advance Care Planning in California
As a leading home health care service in Monterey CA, CCVNA is proud to offer external advance care planning. With professional assistance, you can make important decisions about your future care while you still have the cognitive strength to do so. This might sound like a painful process, but it brings significant advantages for yourself and your loved ones.
What Is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is the process of deciding and writing down how future care decisions will be made. Healthcare professionals can talk you through the details of the plan and help you make important choices ahead of time. You can decide the types of treatments you’ll want and which you’d rather avoid, all according to your preferences and values. In the case that you’re unable to speak for yourself in the future, the plans you’ve made will be used to determine the details of your care.
What Does Advance Care Planning Include?
The first step in advance care planning is to discuss the potential treatment options that could come in the future. The goal is for all patients to make informed decisions. As you learn about life-sustaining treatments, you can decide how the various options align with your preferences.
Once you’ve learned the details, you’ll work with a professional to form a concrete plan. You’ll appoint a decision-maker to speak on your behalf if you’re no longer able to speak for yourself. You’ll also complete a set of advance directives stipulating the types of care you want and which you don’t. Having everything written and codified according to California law will ensure your end-of-life care corresponds to your desires.
The Benefits of Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning is a challenging process, but it has serious benefits. Leaving things to chance will only increase the stress and pain of illness. There’s a reason countless California residents have used advance directives to spell out their preferences. If you take the time to make a definitive plan, you’ll prepare yourself and your family for a more graceful aging process.
Reduces Pressure on Everyone Involved
Making your own healthcare decisions is stressful enough. Making those decisions on someone else’s behalf is even more challenging. If you enter your later years without an advance plan, you risk unleashing chaos on your loved ones. People could agonize over painful decisions, then go on to regret the choices they made for the rest of their lives. When you spell out your preferences ahead of time, you save people from having to make these decisions on your behalf. As a result, everyone will be able to grieve from a position of strength and love, not doubt and guilt.
Ensures Care Reflects Your Preferences
Most people value the control they exercise over their lives. There may come a point when you’re no longer able to make your own decisions or communicate your desires to others. If you haven’t made plans ahead of time, then other people in your life could make decisions you don’t approve of. Since the mechanisms exist to avoid this catastrophe, there’s no reason not to take advantage of them.
Decreases the Length of Hospital Stays
Patients can spend weeks or months in hospitals that they’d rather not be in just because they failed to communicate their preferences ahead of time. When you’ve already created a plan in advance, healthcare providers will know to send you home if that’s what you prefer. This will help you spend your last days in comfortable surroundings rather than the clinical environment of a hospital.
Makes It More Likely You can Die at Home
Many Californians would prefer to die at home. If you fall into that category, then you should make your preference clear ahead of time. Advance care planning gives you a standardized way to stipulate future procedures. If you don’t say something before it’s too late, you could end up dying in an environment where you don’t feel totally comfortable. You’re much better off speaking up now while you have the chance.
Allows You to Take Advantage of Your Current Wellness
Advance care planning gives the present, healthy version of you a chance to speak for the future version of you who might be silenced by illness. Wellness is a blessing, and it allows you to plot out your future. If you have the strength to discuss difficult topics and make hard decisions now, you should take advantage of it.
Reduces Healthcare Costs
When you haven’t made healthcare decisions ahead of time, you might end up in situations that are needlessly costly. If you’d rather be home than at a hospital, you might as well say so now. That way, you won’t have to pay for a hospital stay that you’d rather be avoiding anyway.
Improves the Overall Patient Experience
Getting sick is rough, and navigating the healthcare system is no fun, either. Advance care planning is one way to make the process a little more bearable. When you’ve written down your preferences, healthcare providers will know exactly how to handle your case. This will result in a patient experience that’s generally more attuned to your values and ideals.
Advance Care Planning: The Right Choice for Your Future
With something important as your future healthcare, there’s no sense leaving anything to chance. Advance care planning gives your loved ones and your healthcare providers a blueprint for your future care. As a result, everyone involved will have an easier time dealing with the challenges of aging and illness.