November is National Caregivers Month

November is National Caregivers Month. It is a time to acknowledge the important role that family, friends and neighbors play in caring for sick, elderly and disabled friends and relations. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, a caregiver refers to “anyone who provides assistance to someone else who is, in some degree, incapacitated and needs help: a husband who has suffered a stroke; a wife with Parkinson’s disease; a mother-in-law with cancer; a grandfather with Alzheimer’s disease….” Our caregivers offer a range of services, including emotional and spiritual support, assistance with every day living, transportation and safe home related services.

1. Do provide an extra pillow or soft booster for your loved one. As we get older, we often experience a collapsing of the spinal cord that can make it uncomfortable to extended periods of time. Better yet, keep a couple of cushions of different sizes on hand, one to sit on and another to support the back.

2. Don’t assume the passenger-side air bag is safest. To a frail, elderly individual, that air bag may be a hazard. Depending on the medical condition, you may qualify to have the air bag deactivated. Only an authorized dealer or repair shop can install the on/off switch, with an approved form from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

3. Do check that the seat belt rub and make your loved one uncomfortable. A booster cushion to raise the body or a soft cloth around the part that rubs against the skin can help.

4. Don’t leave your loved one in a closed car while you run in to do an errand. If you leave the car running, your loved one just may try to drive it away. Someone with dementia or even mild confusion might wander off. A quick errand can turn into a big episode in an instance.

5. Do pack an emergency bag. You never know when you may need it. You should include: a change of clothes…including underwear, spare absorbent pads, or absorbent underwear if used; a sweater and hat of some sort; snacks such as granola bars and water bottles; extra medication such as glucose tabs.

6. Don’t forget bathroom breaks.While you may be able to go three or four hours without a bathroom break or a beverage, remember that your loved one may find that difficult. Take regular breaks.

7. Do make it a fun experience for them! Play some oldies or classical music, especially if the person tends to be grumpy. Take a lunch break at a spot you know has special appeal to your loved one.

Eligibility is based on gross annual household income, liquid assets and a documented crisis. The number of people living in the household determines the income and asset limits. One household member must be at least 65 years old. The program is also known as the Elderly Home Heating Assistance Program (EHHAP).

If you’d like to see if this program can help you out this season you should call 2-1-1 to discuss your eligibility and possible benefits.

Changes in relationships with family and friends.
Withdrawal from social interactions.
Unusual behavior, such as increased agitation, speaking loudly or little talking at all.
Neglecting personal care, such as hygiene or nutrition.
Signs of forgetfulness, such as piles of unopened mail, unwashed laundry and scorched or dirty cookware.
Mismanagement of finances, such as unpaid bills or unusual purchases.

• We accept several Long Term Care Insurances who participate
in the Connecticut Partnership Plan for Long Term Care™.
• We assist in preparing and filing the paperwork required for clients to
receive reimbursement for the services covered under the policies.
• Each individual policy has specific benefits and requirements
needed to initiate a claim.
• We have developed processes that streamline the claims process,
which results in fast payment of claims.
• Let us help you navigate your long term care insurance policy for a smooth
transition into getting the care that you need — and have paid for!

Please call our office to inquire about Long Term Care Insurance and how you can benefit from your policy.

Approach the topic with patience and keep these tips in mind along the way:

1. Emphasize the positive. Point out the many things they can still do on their own. Talk about their freedom to make choices, and assure them they will still be in charge.
2. Talk about what a caregiver can do for them.Ask them what burdens they might want lifted. Do they worry about forgetting their medication? Would they like to have their meals prepared for them? Making decisions together can open the doors to change.
3. Talk to the doctor. Sometimes hearing the encouragement of a physician can help overcome resistance to an in-home caregiver. At the very least, the recommendation can open doors to further discussion.
4. Interview caregivers together. Make the decision with your loved one. If they know their opinion is valued, they might feel more in control and be more accepting of in-home care.

By involving your loved one in every step of the decision for in-home care, you are showing them how much their opinion matters, which can help the transition for everyone.

The advantages of using a Referral Agency like Angelic Nursing & Home Care are endless.  The most important advantage is that our clients are in control of their care plan and determine which caregivers will provide services.  All decisions made about your health or care, are directed by you and your loved one.

Angelic’s Respite Care in Connecticut Program can be for a few hours or if you need a longer time away it can be for several days, weeks or months at a time. You create the schedule you need, the Respite Care in Connecticut Program from Angelic Home Care is a reliable way for you to have the time to tend your own personal needs or special occasions. Our aides can provide any or all of our services including Personal Care, Companion and Homemaking Services.

The Respite Care in Connecticut Program is often a part of the care plan for many seniors living in their home or in the home of a family member. The program is an affordable resource to have as they assist the primary caregiver and give a much needed break.  If you are a primary caregiver and could use the Respite Care in Connecticut Program call us today to discuss your needs without obligation.

Caring for your aging parents will be easier if you know what kinds of support and community services are available and where to locate them. The following is a list of the kinds of support and community services you can find locally, along with specific suggestions of who to contact for information.
Adult day care

If you need to work or run errands and you can’t leave your parents alone, consider using adult day care. These programs are located in hospitals, churches, temples, nursing homes, or community centers. Many are private nonprofit organizations. Adult day care can be expensive but is sometimes subsidized by the government, and fees may be based on a sliding scale. In addition, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or your health insurance may pay part of the cost.

Contact:

• Your local senior center or community center
• National Institute on Adult Day Care
• The Alzheimer’s Association

Caregiver support groups (self-help)

Many self-help groups are available to provide information and emotional support on broad topics (such as aging) or specific topics (such as heart disease). You may find these support groups helpful if you know little about caring for your aging parents. Such groups might also provide an opportunity to help others by sharing your experiences.

Contact:

• The Alzheimer’s Association
• Children of Aging Parents
• National Self-Help Clearinghouse

Caregiver training/health education

You may feel better about taking care of your parents if you are armed with knowledge. You may want to complete first-aid courses or take classes in gerontology.

Contact:

• Your local college or university
• Your local hospital
• The American Red Cross