All Home Care Matters

Today, we are going to be discussing everyday activities that boost memory in older adults. First, we’ll talk about cognitive health, what it is, and things that affect it. Then, we will differentiate between normal age-related memory and cognitive issues that most individuals experience and the cognitive decline that happens with cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

 

After which we will see why cognitive function decreases with age. Then, we’ll talk about how older adults without cognitive issues can boost their memory and what everyday activities they can start trying now. We’ll then move on to some daily things seniors with cognitive issues can do to help improve or delay the cognitive decline they are experiencing. Finally, we’ll talk about the importance of exercising your brain now and how it can help you later. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

 

 

The National Institute on Aging states that Cognitive health, which is the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember, is an important component of performing everyday activities and is just one aspect of overall brain health. Our brain health is determined by how well we are able to function across several areas which include: cognitive health, motor function, emotional function, and tactile function.

 

 

Several studies have shown that taking care of your physical health, managing high blood pressure, eating healthy foods, engaging in physical activity, keeping your mind active, staying connected with social activities, managing stress are all linked to cognitive health and can help improve brain function and a combination of all of these as lifestyle changes can actually help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Now, I know that was a big list of things I just gave you, but most of them are things you are probably already doing and things we are constantly recommending on this podcast.

 

 

Taking care of your physical health means that you make sure you are going to your scheduled doctors’ appointments and keeping up with treatments and any care plans you may have. You should also reduce your risk of falling at home to prevent possible brain-related injuries that may come from a fall. If you are interested in ways to make sure your home is safe as you continue to age, check out our Quick Tips episode on Safely Aging in Place.

 

 

Many observational studies have come to the consensus that having high blood pressure between the ages of forty and sixty is a risk factor for cognitive decline as an older adult. The National Institute on Aging suggests that preventing or controlling your high blood pressure can help protect your brain and heart. Since high blood pressure can happen without any symptoms, it is important to go to your doctor for regular health screenings. If you have high blood pressure, you’re not alone. One-third of Americans have high blood pressure, and nearly two-thirds of older adults have high blood pressure. Your doctor may suggest exercise, changes in your diet, or medication to help control your high blood pressure.

 

 

A healthy diet has yet to be scientifically proven to reduce the risks of cognitive decline, but researchers are currently working on it. For instance, some people on the Mediterranean diet have been shown to have a lower risk of developing dementia. Even if scientists are unable to find a connection between eating healthy and lowering your risk of cognitive decline as an older adult, eating healthy is helpful for your overall brain health. If you’re interested in nutrition tips for seniors, we’ve done a few episodes covering the subject in the past.

 

Make sure you drink plenty of water and are getting the nutrients your body needs. Talk to your doctor for help developing a nutrition plan specifically for you. As we age, our body changes and we need different things to fuel our bodies than we used to. Your doctor or a registered dietician can help determine the right plan for you.

 

 

Being physically active has many benefits. The National Institute on aging says that being physically active can keep and improve your strength, allow you to have more energy, improve your balance, which can help reduce your fall risk, prevent or delay heart disease, diabetes, and other concerns, and can help improve your mood and reduce depression. Studies have found that ongoing physical activity benefits your brain health and cognitive function. Aerobic exercise, which we commonly think of as cardio, seems to be more effective than nonaerobic exercise when it comes to cognitive function.

 

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that activities such as walking, dancing, swimming, water aerobics, jogging, aerobic exercise classes, bike riding (either stationary or on a path), gardening activities, such as raking and pushing a lawnmower, tennis, and golf (without a golf cart) are all beneficial for your health. Older adults should aim to participate in some form of aerobic activity for a total of two and a half hours a week. If you are just starting out or have chronic pain or other health conditions, don’t overdo it. Make sure you talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise programs.

 

 

While keeping your body active is important, so is keeping your mind active. Being intellectually stimulated has been connected to cognitive health, but it hasn’t been proven. An ample amount of studies are being conducted on what types of mental activities help with cognitive function, but they are all ongoing. At the very least, no studies have shown any harmful effects of keeping your mind active. Learning a new skill, volunteering, and hobbies are all things you can participate in that may benefit your brain health by keeping your mind active. Most of these activities will also help ensure you have much-needed social interaction as you get older, as well.

 

 

Stress is a normal part of life, but over time, chronic stress can change the brain, affect memory, and increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Learning to manage stress now can help your body bounce back from stressful situations and reduce your risk of affecting your cognitive function. For some helpful tips and a list of ways to help manage stress, listen to our episodes on caring for the caregiver and self-care.

 

 

Now that you know about cognitive health and some things you can start doing now to protect and improve it, let’s move on to the difference between normal age-related memory and cognitive issues that most older adults will experience and the cognitive decline that happens with cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

 

 

The Alzheimer’s Society states that many of us get a little more forgetful as we get older. Most people will need a bit longer to remember things, get distracted more easily, or struggle to multi-task as well as they once did. This may become noticeable particularly from middle-age - usually taken as during our 40s, 50s, and early 60s - onwards. These changes are normal, but they can be a nuisance and at times frustrating. However, you may worry that these things are an early sign of dementia. It's important not to worry too much about this. For most people, these changes will be the result of normal aging and won't be down to dementia.

 

 

The Alzheimer’s Society also has a helpful chart you can look at to compare the signs of normal aging versus dementia. However, it should not be used to self-diagnose anything. If you or your loved one are experiencing any sort of cognitive decline, see your doctor. They can determine whether it is because of the normal aging process or not. You can find a link to the Alzheimer’s Society’s website and their chart in our show notes.

 

 

An article written for Harvard Health Publishing states that scientists used to think that brain connections developed at a rapid pace in the first few years of life until you reached your mental peak in your early 20s. Your cognitive abilities would level off at around middle age, and then start to gradually decline. We now know this is not true. Instead, scientists now see the brain as continuously changing and developing across the entire life span. There is no period in life when the brain and its functions just hold steady. Some cognitive functions become weaker with age, while others actually improve.

 

 

Some brain areas, including the hippocampus, shrink in size. The myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers wears down, which can slow the speed of communication between neurons. Some of the receptors on the surface of neurons that enable them to communicate with one another may not function as well as they once did. These changes can affect your ability to encode new information into your memory and retrieve information that's already in storage, affecting both your long- and short-term memory.

 

 

The brain is continuously changing and growing as we age and it’s important to make sure we are keeping it active and healthy. Symphony Senior Living explains that when your brain is healthy, you can help delay cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. They also have a few suggestions for older adults with normal aging to do daily that can boost their memory.

 

 

Card and board games that encourage thinking and calculation such as gin rummy, mahjong or Scrabble, or chess are excellent activities to add to your regular schedule to exercise memory muscles. If you are social distancing, many of these games can be played online with your loved ones, as well.

 

 

It’s important to stimulate your brain with new information and events. If you don’t, your ability to process new information will decrease over time. Brain games like Sudoku, word searches, and crosswords are great ways to stimulate your brain with new information. Reading also helps your brain retain its ability to process new information and has even been linked to longevity.

 

 

As we stated earlier, learning a new skill is also beneficial for your brain health and a great way to keep your mind active. You are never too old to learn. Whatever is it you want to learn, a musical instrument, creative writing, or maybe knitting, you should just start. Look for local classes in your area or you can take a virtual class. No matter what you choose, learning something new is a great way to stimulate cognitive function for a healthy, engaged brain.

 

Keeping active, both physically and mentally, is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with dementia or other memory conditions. Saran Craig, the Clinical Program Innovation Manager at Senior Link says that providing structure and routine for a person living with dementia helps to maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors. Games, exercise and outdoor activities, music, art, and maintaining a day-to-day routine have proven to be particularly helpful and beneficial for both physical and cognitive health.

 

 

Games are a great way to help someone with dementia practice their mental skills, which can help prevent or slow their memory decline and give them the self-confidence they may be lacking. Simple math can become a problem for many with dementia, but card and board games, like chutes and ladders and go fish, can help them gain confidence in themselves and allow them to practice some math.

 

Playing trivia can also be a fun way to help stimulate their brain and help prevent their memory from declining further. Playing matching games routinely can help improve memory, concentration, stimulate problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.

 

In an article for the New York Times, Gretchen Reynolds tells us that findings suggest that walking a few times per week might alter the trajectory of the disease and improve the physical well-being of people who develop a common form of age-related memory loss, dementia, that otherwise has few treatments. If you or your loved one are able to go for a walk, you may find this to be true. However, going for a walk most likely will not improve memory, but it may help in preventing any further decline.

 

Journaling may also be something that someone with dementia may find helpful. Journaling can help manage stress, which we know from earlier can help boost memory, and writing about how we feel or what we did that day stimulates the brain.

 

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or if you would just like to learn more, you can find our Dementia and Alzheimer’s playlist on our YouTube channel to watch some or all of the episodes we currently have released on dementia.

 

Make sure you are exercising your brain now instead of beginning when you notice any cognitive decline. There are tons of ways you can engage your brain. I’m sure you will be able to find a few ways to stimulate your brain and help improve your cognitive function. Starting earlier in life can help you prevent or slow any cognitive decline or issues you may face as you age and having the tools to help now can help ease your mind, and stress levels, if you experience memory issues later in life.

 

 

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be welcoming a very special guest, Alexis Baker. Alexis is a Board Certified and Licensed Music Therapist and will be sharing the many benefits and tools of music therapy. This is an interview that you won’t want to miss!

 

Sources:

https://www.symphonyseniorliving.com/blog/activities-that-help-memory-in-seniors/

 

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/01/the-preschool-inside-a-nursing-home/424827/

 

https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2017/02/5-benefits-of-putting-a-preschool-in-a-nursing-home/

 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/high-blood-pressure-linked-cognitive-decline

 

https://food.unl.edu/physical-activity-older-adults

 

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-dementia-progresses/normal-ageing-vs-dementia

 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-memory-and-thinking-ability-change-with-age

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/well/move/a-1-hour-walk-3-times-a-week-has-benefits-for-dementia.html

 

https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/helpful-daily-activities-for-dementia-patients-50-expert-tips-and-suggestions-to-keep-your-loved-one-engaged

 

 

 

 

 

All Home Care Matters is honored to welcome Lauren Dykovitz to the show to discuss her new book and her journey caring, loving, and supporting her mother who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's. Through caring for her mother she wanted to help others facing similar situations with their loved ones.

As a result she has written two books and started a blog that attracts thousands of readers to help them with caregiving 101, avoiding caregiving burnout, and help provide them with the caregiver support that so many families need and benefit from while caring for their loved ones.

 

Lauren Dykovitz is a writer and author, who lives in New Jersey with her husband and two black labs. Lauren’s mom was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in July 2010 at the age of 62. Lauren was only 25 years old at the time. She quit her full-time job and became a caregiver for her mom at age 28.

 

Lauren started the Life, Love, and Alzheimer’s blog and social media pages to document her journey and share her experience as a caregiver. Lauren self-published her first book "Learning to Weather the Storm: A Story of Life, Love, and Alzheimer’s" in 2017 and her second book "When Only Love Remains: Surviving My Mom’s Battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s" in 2021. Although her mom passed in April 2020, it is Lauren’s mission to help others on their Alzheimer’s journey by sharing stories and lessons from her personal experience. In many ways, she feels like she is just getting started!

 

Connect with Lauren:

https://lifeloveandalzheimers.com/ https://www.facebook.com/lifeloveanda... https://www.instagram.com/lifeloveand...

Order the Lauren's First Book: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Weath...

Order Lauren's New Book: When Only Love Remains: Surviving My Mom's Battle with Early Onset Alzheimer's: Dykovitz, Lauren: 9798520743910: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/When-Only-Love...

Sign-Up for Lauren's Updates and More: https://mailchi.mp/1afb83f4267e/first... (Link to sign up for her mailing list to receive the introduction to her new book, as well as any updates!)

Today on All Home Care Matters we will be discussing a Quick Tips episode about safely aging in place. We’ve gathered some tips, tools, and resources that we think can help you and your loved one stay safe at home.

 

If you have loved ones who have decided that they want to remain living in their home then we hope that these tips and resources will help you and them. Let’s get started.

 

Each year, the number of seniors that choose to live at home and age in place rises. Seniors today are more active than previous generations and are living longer than before, which is excellent, and we love to hear that our loved ones are living longer, but it also means that more families are taking on the burden of caregiving. However, caregiving, at least for most families, is a burden that is expected and carried with love. Providing care for a loved one allows us to spend precious time with them, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Aging in place is something more seniors are wanting to do, as they want to live out the remainder of their time in an area they are familiar with and often want to die in their own bed in their own home. If you or your loved one are considering aging in place, there are a few things you can do to prepare and plan to make staying at home during the end of life safe for everyone involved.

 

The first thing you need to do when you are planning on aging in place is to assess your home. You will need to plan for any major changes you need to make, like moving the master bedroom to the first floor to avoid stairs. Just like when you have a new baby and baby-proof your house before they arrive, you will need to ensure your house will continue to be safe as you age and have limited mobility.

 

You will need to ensure you have a safe way to enter and exit the house, preferably without stairs. If you must use stairs to come and go, make sure you have sturdy handrails. There may come a point where you will need a wheelchair and having a ramp installed already will make that adjustment in your life much more manageable at the time. Wheelchair ramps can be quite pricey, but there may be local groups in your area that build ramps for seniors for free or for a reduced price. You can find more information on home safety improvement programs at your local senior center or United Way.

 

Another thing you may need to change if you have the means to is your flooring. Having one floor type throughout the main living space will make going from one room to the next much safer than if you have to go from hardwood to carpet and step over any transition pieces. Having steps in between main living areas, like the kitchen and living room, can also be hazardous while aging in place. If you have steps, try to make them as safe as possible by installing handrails, even if it’s just for a few steps. You should also install sturdy handrails for any flights of stairs between stories, especially if you are still planning on utilizing the second story as you age.

 

Any rugs you have on the floors should also be removed. They can cause someone with limited mobility to fall and as you age, you will come to a point where you find yourself with limited mobility, so it is important to minimize your fall risk.

 

You may also want to install brighter lights, or more light fixtures, to help you see better as you age. Many seniors find themselves having difficulties seeing in normal lighting as they get older and have an easier time seeing in brighter light. If you are interested in difficulties with vision as we age, check out our episode on Cataracts that we recently released. We also talk about how seniors can benefit from brighter lights in that episode.

 

Another room that will be important to modify to ensure you can safely age in place is the bathroom. According to Belvedere Home Care, 80 percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom. Getting up and down is difficult with limited mobility and even showering becomes more dangerous with age. To make sure you stay safe at home, install grab bars in the bathroom, for the toilet and in the shower, to make sure you have something to steady yourself on and pull yourself up with. You should also consider getting a shower chair or bench and a removable showerhead to avoid a fall while showering.

 

As you age, many changes will happen to your body and it is hard to tell how your body will react to the aging process ahead of time, so it is important to be prepared for as much as possible, so you won’t have to worry about it later. Accidents and falls can happen anywhere. Senior Home Companions recommends installing a landline phone in every room, if possible. If you can’t have a landline phone in every room, you could make sure you always carry a cell phone with you or have a life alert button on hand in case you have an emergency.

 

If you ever do have an accident or an emergency, having an emergency information sheet on hand can be lifesaving. When planning on aging in place, you should make an emergency information sheet that includes a list of all medications you need and when you need them, a list of all your doctors and their information, and a list of family members that need to be contacted during an emergency. You should make sure all your emergency contacts have a copy of this sheet and have a copy next to every phone and on the fridge so that it can be easily located in case of an emergency.

 

Aging at home will require you to accept that you will need help. Things will become more difficult with age and if you are prepared for that and accept it ahead of time, it will make the aging process a lot easier on you. If you own your home, make sure you have a plan for house and lawn maintenance. You can have someone come mow your lawn for you, there may even be volunteer groups that would be willing to provide lawn care and other home maintenance activities for you.

 

Having someone come do your yard work for you may be easy help to accept, but there will come a time when you will need help doing things you didn’t think you would need help with, like cooking, cleaning, personal care, and that’s okay. Your loved ones may come and help you prepare meals or bring meals to you. Having help with cooking will make sure you are still getting all the nutrients your body needs and will help reduce your risk of a fall or accident in the kitchen.

 

When deciding to age in place, you will also need to consider the need for a caregiver as you age. You may not think you will need one now, but that may change, and it’s important to plan for it. You should discuss with your loved ones if a family member will provide care or if you will hire a home care company. Having a plan in place, and money saved up specifically for that use, will make it easier on yourself if the time comes that you do need a caregiver.

 

Lastly, it is important to reassess your needs when necessary. For example, if you are in a two-story house and sleeping upstairs in the master bedroom, but you are having trouble climbing the stairs, it is time to change your sleeping arrangements. If something changes with your health, which it is likely to do as you age, it is important to reassess your needs to ensure you are as safe as possible while you age in place.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Next, on All Home Care Matters we will be welcoming a very special guest, Lauren Dykovitz. Lauren cared for her mother after a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s and has shared her and her mother’s story in two books that she has written. The second book was just released in July and is already a #1 new release on Amazon. This is an interview that you won’t want to miss.

 

Sources:

https://seniorhomecompanions.com/blog/20-healthful-tips-for-aging-in-place-in-2020/

 

https://belvederehealthservices.com/belvedere-home-care/blog/safety-seniors-preventing-falls-bathroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today on All Home Care Matters, we have the privilege of welcoming International Dementia Expert, Speaker, and Champion, Mr. Tim England.

 

Tim England demystifies and destigmatized dementia in the community and advocates for people living with dementia and their families to live well. Being a Dementia Care Specialist, an experienced Educator, an effective Consultant and an Advance Care Planner he encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. Tim achieves this by sharing information about dementias pathology, the personal impact of dementia, and what can be done to help.

 

Before he changed careers 11+ years ago and entered the Aged Care Industry Tim had been very successful in a number of positions within other industries including:- Scuba Diving, Retail Sales, Professional Sales training, Hospitality, and Learning & Development, and produced and delivered pragmatic leadership and coaching workshops to front line staff and line management.

 

Tim was the creator of the world’s first publicly accessible shark diving program at the internationally acclaimed tourist venue Oceanworld in Sydney, Australia. This benchmark program allowed individuals, who had no prior scuba diving experience, to swim underwater in a public aquarium with over 70 sharks. He’s program became the framework for international aquariums to duplicate. In 2010, Tim choose to become a professional Care Worker within the Community Aged Care sector.

 

Since entering the industry he has worked extensively in the community where every day and every client presents copious challenges and opportunities to excel in client centered care. In 2013 and while working full time Tim enrolled into full time study at the University of Tasmania as a mature aged student to complete the first ever Bachelor of Dementia Care program via the world renown Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. Graduating in 2016 he is currently 1 of only 400 individuals with this degree and is listed on the University of Tasmania Dean’s Roll of Excellence.

 

Tim is currently completing post graduate studies to gain the world’s first Masters of Dementia by end 2021. Since 2017 Tim has hosted hundreds of free public dementia education events to raise the awareness of dementia. The current COVID issues has put a temporary hold on these events. However, his community work has been recognized by state parliament, twice in the Australian Journal of Dementia Care, and by Rotary Australia when awarded the ‘Paul Harris Award’ for Community Service, and Tim is a member of the GOLDEN KEY International Honor Society. Issues surrounding Covid-19 has not stop Tim.

 

Recently he has begun a YouTube channel called ‘Ask a Dementia Champion’ that has the goal of raising the level of dementia awareness and knowledge in the community and to destigmatize dementia more broadly by sharing his dementia knowledge and experiences. Finally Tim has also been a consultant for a number of university research projects and is currently an Associated Investigator for a local university dementia research project. Tim’s style is relaxed and uses simple non-complicated terms and language to effectively inform and advise others so that correct choices are made, and he is committed to finding, sharing, and creating bold and innovative new ideas in health and dementia care.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. We also want to again say thank you to Tim England for taking the time to speak with us today about how to raise awareness about dementia for families and communities. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them. 

 

Connect with Tim England:

 

Website:- https://www.dementiachampion.com/

 

LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/tim-england-62585b146

 

Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/Timdementiachampion-2029847003961480/

 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB8s20W723M8fvRbslm6OfQ

 

Ask a Dementia Champion YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8v8oBGY2KMMW4V0W4tZzNw

 

Suggested Reading: https://dementiadiscussed.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/a-tale-from-a-dementia-champion.pdf

 

Stay Connected with All Home Care Matters:

Listen to the podcast on Apple:

https://apple.co/2JEKJFC

Listen to the podcast on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/search/%22all%20home%20care%20matters%22

Follow us on Twitter: @allhcms

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllHomeCareMatters/ Follow us on

Instagram: @allhomecarematters

Visit our website:

https://www.allhomecarematters.com

Email: [email protected]

All Home Care Matters is honored and privileged to welcome Author and Hospice Nurse, Beth Cavenaugh R.N. to the show for a discussion on hospice and her book Some Light at the End now in its 4th edition. A terminal diagnosis can be scary and the options can feel so limited. Knowing what to expect and what to ask will help you ease into the end of your life with a plan.   Find peace and beauty in the next steps so you can make informed choices about everything: your caregivers, your relationships, your treatment, and even your breakfast—ice cream sundae, please! In this tender yet transparent guide to your final days, experienced hospice nurse Beth Cavenaugh reveals what options you may have as a patient with a terminal diagnosis. With personal stories and a touch of humor, Some Light at the End will help you find support to understand this process, be better informed, and anticipate the unknown.   Ease into the end of your life with a plan, knowing you will be taken care of and your wishes respected and what you need to know about hospice and end of life care by reading Some Light at the End for the empowerment you deserve in this final stage of your beautiful life.   Connect with Beth: www.bethcavenaugh.com   To Purchase Beth's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Some-Light-End...

Today on All Home Care Matters, we are going to be discussing Medicare. First, we will be talking about what Medicare is and how it differs from Medicaid and other insurances. Then, we’ll look into how you can apply and receive Medicare before moving on to talk about how Medicare can help you and your family.

 

If you’re ready to learn more about Medicare then let’s get started.

 

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare is a federal health insurance program created in 1965 for people ages 65 and over, regardless of income, medical history, or health status. It was expanded in 1972 to cover certain people under age 65 who have a long-term disability. There are currently over 60 million people in the United States on Medicare.

 

In 1945, President Truman called for the creation of a national health insurance plan but was unsuccessful. President Kennedy also tried to create a similar plan, but he was also unsuccessful in his attempt. Finally, nearly twenty years later, President Johnson signed Medicare into existence. Former President Truman got to see his idea come to life and he got to play a major role in it when he and his wife Bess, were the first two Medicare beneficiaries.

 

During the first year, nineteen million Americans signed up to receive Medicare. Over the years, there have been many changes and additions to Medicare legislation. Just last year, regulations were added due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are interested in seeing what regulations were added or changed due to the pandemic, you can find a good overview on the Commonwealth Fund’s blog. You can find a link to the blog in our show notes for this episode. You can also visit medicare.gov for more information on the current and up-to-date regulations and stipulations on Medicare.

 

 

There are three parts of Medicare, Part A, Part B, and Part D. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare Part B covers certain doctor's services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Medicare Part C helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, including many recommended shots and vaccines. For more details on each of the individual parts of Medicare, visit medicare.gov.

 

 

Almost everyone over 65 is eligible for Medicare Part A and most do not have to pay a premium either. If you or your spouse are eligible for Social Security payments, you are likely eligible for Medicare Part A, as well. In order to not pay a premium, you must have paid payroll taxes for more than ten years. For those with disabilities that are under 65, generally, if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance, then you are eligible for Medicare. In 2016, 15 percent of Medicare beneficiaries were under 65 years old. There is, however, a two-year waiting period to get Medicare this way. But if you are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS, or end-stage renal disease, which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, there is no waiting period for Medicare eligibility.

 

Earlier, we told you about the three parts of Medicare, and you may have wondered why we didn’t include the fourth part for Part C. Part C does exist, but it is actually separate from Medicare… in a way. Medicare Part C is what is known as Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is one of the options you have when deciding how to get your Medicare coverage. With Medicare Advantage, you enroll in a private health plan, such as a health maintenance organization, or you may be more familiar with it by the abbreviation HMO, or preferred provider organization, or also known as a PPO, and receive all Medicare-covered Part A and Part B benefits and typically also Part D benefits. Basically, it is an all-in-one coverage plan that bundles the original Medicare options.

 

President Clinton signed Medicare plus Choice into law in 1997 and it was updated and changed to Medicare Advantage in 2003. Since then, enrollment in Medicare Advantage has grown. Last year, more than 24 million beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage, and enrollment is expected to grow to 26 million this year.

 

If you are interested in pricing and Medicare plan options, please visit medicare.gov for more information.

 

Medicare and Medicaid often go hand in hand, but people tend to get them confused. Medicare is an insurance program, whereas Medicaid is an assistance program. Medicare is also a federal program, while Medicaid is run by state and local governments. With Medicare beneficiaries you usually have to be over the age of 65 to qualify, but there are no age restrictions with Medicaid. Medicaid provides Americans with free or low-cost health coverage to low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. To see if you qualify for Medicaid, visit healthcare.gov.

 

If you are having trouble remembering which one is which, remember that Medicare provides care, or insurance plans, while Medicaid aids needy families. Now, we know that Medicaid is no longer just for people with low-income, but the majority of people using Medicaid do have low-incomes and remembering that is easier than trying to say Medicaid comes to the aid of low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

 

Medicare is a federally funded insurance that is open to almost everyone over the age of 65 and it is often more cost-efficient than private insurances. Private insurances, however, have more options and pay scales to choose from. Private insurances offer things that Medicare doesn’t, like dental, vision, and hearing. Oftentimes, you may be able to find a plan that will work with Medicare and use it to cover what Medicare will not.

 

 

When choosing a Medicare plan, medicare.gov suggests considering costs, coverage, your other coverage, prescription drugs, doctor and hospital choice, quality of care, and travel when deciding between what sort of coverage you need. You can find more information on what you should consider when choosing coverage at medicare.gov.

 

 

Cost is a big determining factor when choosing an insurance plan. If you are paying for insurance completely out-of-pocket Medicare is most likely the option for you. If your employer provides insurance for you, they may pay part or all of your monthly premium, even after retirement, but that all depends on your employer. They all differ, as they all have different private insurance companies and plans.

 

According to Medical News Today, the average monthly premiums for private insurance in 2019 cost families $20,576 per year, the cost for individuals $7,188 per year, and cost for families $6,015 per year after their employer covered part of the cost. Medicare Part A typically has no monthly premiums and Medicare Part B has a standard monthly premium of $148.50, resulting in $1,782 a year.

 

Private insurance is open to everyone, so if you do not meet the age requirement or one of the other stipulations for Medicare, private insurance is always an option.

 

If you are interested in signing up for Medicare, visit medicare.gov to start the process. If you are 65 and receiving Social Security, you may have already been automatically enrolled, so make sure you double-check before you try to sign up. There are also only certain times of the year that you can sign up for Medicare, just like with private insurance. Depending on when you are trying to sign up, you may have to wait for the next enrollment period.

 

Once you are enrolled in Medicare, there are a few things you should do right away. You can find a Welcome to Medicare checklist on medicare.gov or the links in our show notes if you would like to look at the full list. First, you need to decide what Medicare coverage you would like. You can choose from the Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. If you choose the original Medicare, you can also choose additional coverage to go along with it. Next, you need to give Medicare permission to talk to someone you trust.

 

If you are getting Medicare for your loved one, you need to fill out the Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information form so that Medicare can interact with you directly. Then, go online and create a Medicare account at medicare.gov. From here, you can manage your Medicare information anytime, create a list of your prescriptions, view your Original Medicare claims status, pay your Medicare premiums, and more. You can also print an official copy of your Medicare card if you need it. Make sure you tell your doctor about your new Medicare plan and if you have other insurance, make sure to let Medicare know, as well.

 

During the first year you have Medicare, you can schedule a free “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit with your doctor. It includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health and counseling about preventive services that may be right for you. During your first year, you should also find out what your Medicare plan covers. You can find out by visiting medicare.gov/coverage or you can use their free app, What’s Covered.

 

If you are on Medicare and you have a limited income, you may qualify for financial help. Visit medicare.gov to see if you are eligible to get help paying your Medicare health and drug costs. You should also get into the habit of filing and checking on your claims to make sure you are not being charged for services you never received.

 

If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan and would like to change or add on to your plan, you can do that, but make sure you do it within the first three months. If you would like to add or remove drug coverage or switch to an original Medicare plan, as long as you do it within the first three months of having Medicare, you can do so with no penalties or waiting period. If you decide you want to change your plan after the first three months, you can still do that, but only during certain times. Medicare Advantage’s open enrollment is from January 1st through March 31st. During this period, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time.

 

The annual open enrollment period for Medicare is in the fall from October 15th through December 7th. During this period, you can change or add to your Medicare plan or enroll in a new Medicare plan. Any changes you make to your coverage will begin on January 1st. There are a few other times you can add or change your Medicare coverage plan like if you reach the age of 65, you lose your insurance, or you move. For more information on Medicare enrollment, visit medicare.gov.

 

If you or your loved one have questions about Medicare and cannot or do not have access to the internet or a computer, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227 at any time. If you have difficulties with hearing or speech, you can also call their TTY number, 1-877-486-2048.

 

If you or your loved one are struggling to understand Medicare and everything that comes with it, know that you are not alone. Many people don’t understand Medicare, which is one of the reasons we have decided on discussing Medicare today. With your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, otherwise known as SHIP, you can get free and personalized health insurance counseling. A trusted insurance agent or broker can also help you understand Medicare and help you go over the options provided to determine the best plan and coverage for you.

 

Before Medicare and Medicaid were created in 1965, roughly half of seniors were uninsured. Today, both programs cover nearly one-third of all Americans. Without Medicare and Medicaid, a significant number of Americans would be unable to afford the medical care they needed to stay healthy and productive. These programs have saved countless lives since being established. Without them, many seniors would not have been able to afford a stay in the hospital and most likely would have avoided going, even if meant refusing life-saving treatment.

 

Many seniors worry that their medical expenses will ultimately fall on their loved ones and end up refusing to seek medical help when they need it, but with Medicare, they can seek the help they need and not worry about the financial burden. According to Medicare.gov, Medicare covers 23 types of preventive services, including flu shots and diabetes screenings. Some of these services are free, and for others, you only have a small copayment or deductible to pay, depending on which plan you have.

 

Medicare can help you and your loved one by providing them with insurance that allows them to seek medical help, but also allows them, and you, peace of mind. If you haven’t already, join the millions of families that use Medicare to help ease some of the financial burdens that come with aging. Combined with private insurance, you can make sure your loved one is covered and never has to worry about their medical expenses. When neither you nor your loved one has to worry about the costs, you can enjoy spending time together and making memories with them.

 

If you have any questions about Medicare, please visit medicare.gov for more information. You can also talk to your insurance agent or broker. They should be able to help you go over your options and find the best coverage for yourself or your loved one. You can also visit Medicare on Facebook and Twitter. They post content regularly that you may find helpful.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Next, on All Home Care Matters we are very excited to share with you that we have some very special guests who will be joining us over the next few episodes. Stay tuned you won’t want to miss these interviews!

 

 

Sources:

https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/whats-medicare

 

https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/an-overview-of-medicare/

 

https://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/health/fs149_medicare.pdf

 

https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-benefits/medicare-advantage/

 

https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/what-is-the-difference-between-medicare-medicaid/index.html

 

https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-medicare-better-than-private-insurance#what-private-insurers-offer

 

https://www.medicare.gov/media/9211

 

https://www.medicare.gov/blog/medicare-and-medicaid-keeping-americans-healthy-for-50-years

 

https://www.medicareresources.org/basic-medicare-information/brief-history-of-medicare/

 

https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/consider-these-7-things-when-choosing-coverage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today on All Home Care Matters, we are going to be talking about how hospice helps families. If you want to learn more about hospice, you can watch or listen to our previous episodes, What is Hospice, or What is Palliative Care. You can find them on our website, wherever you get your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel. Today we’re going to go over what hospice is, how it began, and how it is helping families today. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

 

The American Cancer Society describes hospice care as a special kind of care that focuses on the quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice care provides compassionate care for people in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice’s goal isn’t to treat the disease but to treat the symptoms and make the end-of-life as comfortable and fulfilling for the patient as possible.

 

The founder of the first modern hospice, Dame Cicely Saunders, said that “You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully but also to live until you die.”

 

Dame Cicely Saunders established the first modern hospice in West London in 1967. She did not invent hospice, as it had been around for some time, but she did make it what it is today. Before her, those that were dying and in pain had to wait until their painkillers wore off before they could be given their next dose. People feared addiction for those that were suffering, which seems odd today, but before 1967 was commonplace. Dame Cicely Saunders saw that her dying patients were being forced to suffer through their pain until their inevitable deaths and worked to change how end-of-life care was managed. She created an approach that emphasized pain management, emotional and spiritual support and family counseling. She insisted that dying people needed dignity, compassion, and respect, as well as rigorous scientific methodology in the testing of treatments, and abolished the philosophy that the patient must be cured, and if they were unable to, they must be lied to about their prognosis.

 

One of Dame Saunders patients transferred from another hospital to her hospice care facility said that “[the previous hospital] used to see how long I could go without an injection. I used to be pouring with sweat because of the pain. I couldn’t speak to anyone and I was having crying fits. I think I’ve only cried once since I’ve been here . . . The biggest difference is feeling so calm. I don’t get worked up or upset."

 

Dame Saunders’ Hospice made such a difference in the end-of-life care of patients, and it has only improved since then. Today, hospice’s philosophy revolves around palliative and not curative care. It focuses on the care and comfort of the patient by managing the symptoms and not the disease. Its goal is to improve and uphold the patient’s quality of life instead of the amount of time the patient has left and neither postpones nor hastens death. Hospice also aims to educate and support the patient, the family, and other caregivers throughout end-of-life care.

 

When thinking about hospice care for your loved one, first you must determine their eligibility. A social worker will likely come and assess your loved one to see if they are ready for end-of-life care, but there are a few things you can check on your own. If their doctor has anticipated six months or less for the remainder of your loved one’s life, assuming the illness takes its projected course and if your loved one chooses to forego life-prolonging, aggressive treatments for the terminal illness  and related diagnoses, they most likely qualify for hospice.

 

Once your loved one has been accepted into hospice care, they will receive care wherever they are, in their own home, in the hospital, in a facility, or any other place they may be. They will be given a primary caregiver, along with hospice staff, and will have the option to have 24/7 care. They will also be monitored by an interdisciplinary team and have an end-of-life plan tailored to fit their needs.

 

Hospice supports not only the patient but everyone involved. They will help you through the end-of-life process, so you don’t have to go through it alone. They can give you resources and suggestions that can help you make the most of the time you have left with your loved one.

 

As the older population in the United States grows, more and more families are going to be considering end-of-life care. In 2015, 1.43 million Americans received hospice care and that number is steadily climbing each year. Hospice care requires 24/7 caregivers and a caregiving team involving a somewhat large amount of people. It can be quite expensive, and that financial burden may be weighing heavy on you right now but try not to worry about the money too much. There are a few ways your loved one can get free care or help covering the costs of hospice care. If your loved one is on Medicare, they can be provided hospice care at no cost to them. Medicare will cover 100% of the costs. Medicaid and private insurances will cover the costs, but you will have to talk to your insurance agent and doctor to see what they will cover. Some hospice care groups offer discounted rates or even free care, so be sure to check with the hospices in your area to see what their rates are and how they can work with you. Some organizations and non-profits will help you cover the costs. You can check with your local senior center or united way for more information on programs or resources they offer.

 

There are non-profit and for-profit hospices. They both run on the same philosophies and carry out treatments the same way, but they differ on the financial side. The Medicare Hospice Benefit established in 1983 provides Medicare beneficiaries with access to high-quality, end-of-life care services. This benefit is what allows Medicare to completely cover the costs of hospice care, but it also recognized hospice care as a viable concept and form of healthcare service for terminally ill patients in the United States.

 

Hospice took a while to gain traction in the United States, possibly because of its philosophy to only treat the symptoms and not treat the disease, but by 1983, it was widely accepted in the country. With this benefit passed, millions of Americans were finally given access to quality end-of-life care, something many would have been unable to afford otherwise.

 

According to Crossroads Hospice, the biggest difference between for-profit and non-profit hospices is that non-profit hospices are not required to pay taxes to state or federal governments on the funds they receive from Medicare. Tax exemption is a standard of all non-profits and is not exclusive to hospice care. For-profit hospices are also prohibited from using donations to directly pay for patient care. Non-profit hospices mainly run on donations, holding fundraisers and soliciting donations from the community to pay for patients' care.

 

Since for-profit hospices are not allowed to use donations to pay for patient care, many for-profit hospices create a non-profit foundation that is separate from the hospice to collect donations. The for-profit hospice foundations must each have a specialized mission, like securing supplies to help patients with special needs or providing hospice education to area healthcare providers.

 

Regardless of whether the hospice is for-profit or not, you want to make sure you are selecting the right program for your loved one. Each hospice is different and has its own structure for care teams, programs, and even philosophies. When searching for a hospice provider, you should contact and interview several in your area before you decide on one. Your loved one’s doctor may also help you make this important decision by helping you figure out what the most important parts of care are for your loved one. For some, it could be having a nurse on hand at all hours, but others may only need a nurse at certain times of the day, if ever.

 

It is also important to note that hospice care may lapse if your loved one’s illness improves or your loved one outlives their prognosis with no changes. Especially now, hospice care providers are hard to come by. The Covid-19 pandemic has many hospice providers, as well as most other healthcare providers, severely understaffed and they are struggling to provide care to all the patients they already have, let alone prospective patients.

 

So please be patient during this process. Hospice care providers and other caregivers are trying their best to make sure your loved one has the best quality of life, but they are also doing the same for numerous other families.

 

Hospice cares for patients with serious illnesses and diseases at the end of life, but what does that really mean? A 2017 study by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization found that 27% of patients had been diagnosed with cancer, while 18.7% had cardiac and circulatory, another 18% had dementia, 11% had respiratory issues or diseases, 9.5% were stroke patients, and 15.6% had other unlisted illnesses or diseases. If your loved one suffers from any of these illnesses or diseases and has been told they are nearing the end of their time, hospice may be the right care provider for them.

 

Choosing the right hospice for your loved one and yourself gives your many things: care support, the backing of an expert team, respite care, grief support, help with planning, less stress, better health, and peace of mind. Since hospice care is provided wherever the patient is, oftentimes it is in their own home, and the family, you, are the caregiver. According to Daily Health Wire, hospice care teams visit the patient in the home on a routine basis to assess, monitor and treat symptoms, and they train the family and loved ones how to care for the patient when medical personnel isn’t around. When care is provided in a nursing home, the hospice team provides care in addition to the care the patient receives from nursing home personnel.

 

Hospices don’t just have nurses, but they also have other trained professionals, including physicians, social workers, chaplains, and personal care specialists. Many even have volunteer support. The entire team works with the patient to meet their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, along with the family, to improve the quality of life for both you and your loved one.

 

As a caregiver, you know how important is to take care of yourself while taking care of your loved ones. If you need help figuring out ways to help manage your stress or balance caregiving with your life, we have several episodes on the subject that can be found on our website, YouTube channel, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you need a break, whether you just need an hour to run errands or you need a few days away for whatever reason, respite care is something you might find useful.

 

A hospice caregiver can come into the home and watch over your loved one for a few hours while you are away. Many hospices also have a facility where your loved one can stay if you need to leave for a few days. Check with the hospice providers in your area to see what is available and to ask if they are able to provide these services.

 

We also need to make mention that when a family has hospice service that the hospice provider does not replace the home care support that a family may already have in place. This can become confusing for families and this is something that we have found families that we provide care for have thought that by having hospice come on-board to provide services for their loved one that they would no longer need or require home care because of this. This is not accurate.

 

When a family has hospice care this does not replace the home care support that they had prior to hospice. Whether it is hospice, home health care, or home care all three of these professions and services work independent of each other. If you have more questions or are interested in more information make sure to visit our website and there you’ll find a secure fillable form that you can fill out and someone will reply to you and answer any questions that you may have or provide any resources or information that you request.

 

Linda Hickey, the daughter and full-time caregiver of Ruth, appreciated having a respite-care option. "My sisters and I had split up the responsibilities, but at times, it still felt overwhelming. Caring for her full time was exhausting," she explained. A local hospice cared for Ruth as a respite care patient, giving the family time to recharge. Time away, even just a little bit, can help you come back refreshed and ready to continue caregiving.

 

Another thing that hospice provides is grief support. The end-of-life stage is difficult for both you and your loved one and the right hospice can help you both through it - through emotional and spiritual support. Social workers, chaplains, and volunteers are all available to help your loved one come to terms with their situation and help you through the bereavement process. Even once your loved one has gone, they usually offer support to you and your family, because they treat each patient as an individual, and not a statistic.

 

They can also help with the planning that may be overwhelming for you. They can help with the power of attorney and a living will, as well as helping with the creation and follow-through of an individualized care plan.

 

Having a hospice provider on your side alleviates some of the caregiving burden and stresses that come with it, allowing you to enjoy more of the time you have with your loved one, rather than worrying about caregiving and other responsibilities.

 

Perhaps one of the greatest things that hospice provides is peace of mind for both you and your loved one. With hospice, you know that someone that cares is always on hand, or just a phone call away, allowing family members the chance to spend precious quality time with their loved one. And even during this sad and difficult time, many families have made great memories with their loved ones, thanks to hospice care.

 

Finding the right hospice provider for your family and your loved one can make all the difference in their lives, so don’t wait too long. Get started today so you can enjoy tomorrow with your loved one.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will explain what Medicare is and what it isn’t.

 

Sources:

 

https://www.trihealth.com/dailyhealthwire/health-topics/well-being/7-ways-hospice-care-helps-families

 

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/end-of-life-care/hospice-care/what-is-hospice-care.html

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5072234/

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5072234/?report=printable

 

http://www.nnecos.org/resources/Documents/2018%20SLIDES/NNECOS%20Hospice%20101.pdf

 

https://casahospice.com/the-history-of-hospice-care/

 

https://www.bmj.com/content/suppl/2005/07/18/331.7509.DC1

 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hospice-care.htm

 

https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-resources/education-for-families/non-profit-vs-for-profit-hospices-what-is-the-difference/

 

 

 

On this episode of All Home Care Matters, we are going to be discussing how to talk with your loved one with Dementia. If you are new to the show we have multiple episodes and resources on Dementia and Alzheimer’s. If there is a specific topic or situation that you are looking for you can find them on our website, wherever you get your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, where we have an entire playlist dedicated to Dementia.

 

If this is your first time joining us, first we want to thank you for listening, but we will also be briefly going over what dementia is to begin the episode. Then we will dive right into some communication strategies that may help you talk to your loved one. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

 

First, what is Dementia? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s. Traumatic brain injuries, diseases like Parkinson’s or Huntington’s, and protein build-up in the brain are a few other causes of dementia.

 

These types of dementia are not reversible, but there are a few types that are. Brain tumors, thyroid issues, infections, and immune disorders, and even some medications, can cause dementia or dementia-like symptoms. Treating the initial cause of these health issues can reverse dementia and dementia-like symptoms.

 

Dementia usually starts slow and progressively worsens. Some signs to look for in your loved one are problems with short-term memory, issues keeping track of their purse or wallet, having trouble paying bills on time, struggling with planning and preparing meals, not being able to remember appointments, issues with traveling, or wandering through their neighborhood.

 

The Mayo Clinic states that there is no sure way to prevent dementia, but there are steps you can take that might help. More research is needed, but it might be beneficial to do the following: keep your mind active, be physically and socially active, quit smoking, get enough vitamins, particularly vitamin D, manage cardiovascular risk factors, treat health conditions, maintain a healthy diet, and get quality sleep.

 

Brenda Gurung, an Alzheimer’s Association certified dementia practitioner says that “Alzheimer’s and other dementias are difficult disease journeys, but there is so much opportunity for connection and success together. When you understand even a bit of what’s happening in the brain — and when you embrace some simple techniques — you’ll have more delightful visits with your loved one, deeper connections, and a smoother journey.”

 

Once we know how dementia can affect communication, we can then figure out the best ways to create a communication strategy that is tailored to our loved ones. Dementia affects a person’s communication and cognition, memory and focus, language skills, visual perception, and problem-solving skills, which are all needed in social situations.

 

In a blog post for A Place for Mom, the largest senior living referral service in the U.S. and Canada, Merritt Whitley offers some tools that you may find helpful when having a conversation with your loved one with dementia. You should limit potential distractions and be as present with them as you can. Turn off the TV and any other distracting electronics. The quieter and calmer you can make the space, the better.

 

If you are not home and not able to find a quiet space, try to find a more secluded area and a space to sit down. For example, if you are at a café, find a seat away from the counter and the door to limit the number of people that walk by. If simple distractions, like the television or someone walking by you, take your attention away from a conversation, imagine what your loved one must feel like. Simple distractions can make any social situation too overwhelming for your loved one with dementia, so try to limit them as much as possible.

 

When talking to your loved one, try your best to speak naturally and use gestures. Don’t raise your voice when talking to them. Raising your voice raises the pitch of your voice, as well, and makes it harder for your loved one to hear and understand. Talk in clear, calm, and simple sentences. You can try using gestures or small body movements while you talk, but don’t use overly exaggerated movements. You don’t want to embarrass your loved one or make them feel like they are incompetent in your eyes and using exaggerated gestures will likely make them think that.

 

Your loved one may need more time to respond than you might think. If they don’t respond right away, don’t try to answer for them, or repeat the question, unless they ask you to. Your loved one just needs more time to process what you said and then to process what they want to say. Wait for them to respond. If they are having trouble thinking of the correct word, don’t jump in and tell them. Let them come to it on their own. It may take time, but if you answer for them or tell them what to say, they may become defensive and no longer want to participate in the conversation.

 

You will also want to stick to one topic while talking to your loved one. They may be unable to follow a conversation if you are jumping from topic to topic quickly. Your loved one will take longer to processes information, and if you change topics, they will likely become confused. Ask them open-ended and observational questions. Don’t ask them if they remember a certain item or day, as it can be confusing for them and make them upset.

 

While conversing with your loved one, don’t refer to yourself or others by their relationship. For example, don’t mention your brother, use his name, instead. Using names in place of relationships can be especially helpful if your loved one believes they are in an earlier time in their life. Trying to bring them back to reality with titles and relationships may end up confusing them more and make them lash out.

 

Figures of speech and slang words can be difficult for your loved one to understand, so try not to use them. Esther Heerema, a social worker for Very Well Health, says that using phrases like, “it’s no use crying over spilled milk” are confusing for your loved one and they may try to find where the milk has been spilled. Using the proverb interpretation test, where the test taker is asked to interpret abstract ideas such as “it’s no use crying over spilled milk” is one way that doctors screen for symptoms of dementia.

 

Some open-ended questions can confuse your loved one and make conversation more difficult for them. Asking your loved one what they want to wear for the day or where they want to go can be overwhelming for them, but if you give them a few choices, it can make the decision easier, and still give them a sense of independence. You can try putting out two outfits and asking your loved one which one they would like to choose, and you can do the same with where they would like to go for the day.

 

When holding a conversation is difficult, there are other things you can do to let your loved one know you are there for them. You can maintain eye contact, smile, hold their hand, or even just sit quietly and be present with them. During the later stages of dementia, it may be difficult for your loved one to communicate verbally, but there are still things you can do together and experience. Utilizing all of their senses is a useful tool when communicating with a loved one with dementia. You can look at old albums, play music you know they enjoy, and cook their favorite foods for them to smell.

 

Remember that there will be good days and bad and try not to become disheartened with the bad days. While taking care of a loved one, it is important to take care of yourself, as well. If you are interested in learning more about caring for yourself while providing care, check out our quick tips episode on managing caregiver stress, or check out one of the full-length episodes on how to help the caregiver.

 

If your loved one is being aggressive or volatile, do not interact with that behavior. If they shout at you that they do not want to take a bath, don’t give them a bath. It’s important to respect the communication that they are able to give you at that time. And you don’t just completely abandon the task. Try to come back to it in a few hours if your loved one is in a better headspace.

 

The Alzheimer’s Society recommends preparing for your conversation with your loved one ahead of time. Imagine yourself in their shoes and think about how you would feel if you were struggling to communicate. While caring for your loved one daily, it is easy to forget how they are feeling is singular to that moment, especially when dealing with cognitive issues.

 

Before starting a conversation, make sure you have enough time to spend with your loved one. You don’t want to make them feel rushed, as it can give them more stress and make them not want to participate with you. Look back on previous conversations and think about what strategies you have used and how they worked for you. If you know gestures make it easier for your loved one to understand you, try to incorporate them more in your conversations.

 

It’s important to treat your loved one with respect. Don’t talk to them like a child, even though you may be tempted to. You will want to make sure you are at eye level during your conversation. Try not to be too tall that you are looking down on them. If they are sitting down, sit down with them. If you are in an area where you are unable to sit with them, kneel down next to them, even if it is uncomfortable for you.

 

You can also plan what you are going to talk about ahead of time. You can use their own environment to come up with a topic. Talking about things they can visually see may make the conversation easier for them to follow. If your loved one experiences Sundowner’s Syndrome, try to plan a time to communicate with them when you know they are more likely to be present. For more information about Sundowner’s Syndrome, you can check out the episode we did on it on our podcast or visit our website for resources.

 

Sometimes, individuals with dementia that speak more than one language will revert to using their first language. If you notice this happening, see if you can have a family member or friend help translate your conversation. You can also try using a translator app but using technology may end up confusing your loved one more. There may also be organizations in your area that can help you translate a conversation with your loved one.

 

You should also make sure they are not hungry, in pain, or need to go to the bathroom before you try to have a conversation. All of these things can be distracting to your loved one and they may not be able to communicate that they need something when they are trying to focus on a conversation, too.

 

When there are other people around, make an effort to include your loved one in conversation. You can ask them simple yes or no questions in group settings so that they can still feel included. If possible, make others aware ahead of time of the proper ways to communicate with your loved one. Mainly, let them know to give your loved one time to respond and keep sentences clear and concise. Your loved one will appreciate being included, even if they are unable to keep up with the conversation for the entire duration.

 

It is also important to note that talking to too many people at once can be overwhelming and cause too much stress for your loved one, so make sure you are keeping an eye on the situation so you can tell when they have had enough socialization. You want your loved one to enjoy social settings and look forward to them, not become overwhelmed by them.

 

When talking to your loved one, don’t ask them why. Questioning them will only make them doubt themselves and cause them anxiety. If your loved one seems to be stuck in a loop, asking the same question over and over again, don’t ignore them, but you also don’t want to keep answering the same questions over and over. Instead, try to divert their attention. If they are asking you who you are, you can say your name and then ask them to tell you about a topic you know interests them. This can be a hobby, a favorite author, a favorite food, really anything you know that they are usually able to talk about.

 

If your loved one is telling you or someone else about a past event and they don’t have the details correct, do not interject and tell them they are wrong or try to correct them. If you interject, you will end up making them anxious or angry and make them believe you think they are stupid. Instead, talk about the memory. Talking about it, even if the details are wrong, can help their cognitive function and make them happier.

 

The only time you should correct them is when they are talking to their doctor, and they have given them information that you know is incorrect and could be harmful. In this situation, try to tell their doctor in a way that does not seem condescending to them. If this happens frequently, try to inform your doctor of any medical information and changes before the appointment starts and you can always call them before or after the appointment if necessary.

 

Caring for a loved one with dementia is difficult. Make sure you have a good support system and take the necessary time you need for yourself. As a caregiver, you are not able to provide adequate care if you are not able to have a break and care for yourself too. Reach out to local organizations and remember you can visit our website for resources on caring for yourself while caring for a loved one with dementia.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be discussing How Hospice Helps Families.

 

Sources:

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/dementia-communication

 

 

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia

 

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013

 

 

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/tips-for-communicating-dementia

 

 

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-talk-to-someone-with-dementia-97963

 

 

https://dailycaring.com/3-traps-to-avoid-when-talking-to-someone-with-dementia/

 

 

https://thegreenfields.org/things-to-say-alzheimers/

 

 

https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/how-to-talk-to-someone-with-dementia-alzheimers-or-memory-loss

 

 

 

On today’s episode, we are going to be talking about how to help seniors with allergies. We will start off with what allergies are and what causes them. Since seniors with allergies are also prone to hay fever, we will also cover what hay fever is, how to prevent it, and what to do if your loved one is experiencing it. We will also be talking about how to help your loved ones suffering from allergies, and we’ll be discussing ways to spot when your loved one may be experiencing allergy symptoms, how to prevent their symptoms, and other ways to help them through allergy season.

 

Now let’s get started.

 

Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year and are especially a nuisance for seniors. Seasonal allergies usually develop early, but they can develop later in life. According to Dr. Christopher Randolph of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies have a larger impact on the lives and health of the elderly. If you notice allergy symptoms in your loved one, let their doctor know. It can be hard for their doctor to diagnose allergies during a short visit, especially when they are monitoring other serious health issues or attempting to diagnose any new complications that you or your loved one presents them with.

 

You should also talk to their doctor before giving them over-the-counter allergy medicine. First-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl or the now discontinued Chlor-Trimeton, can have some pretty serious and even dangerous side effects. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists anxiety, confusion, sedation, drowsiness, urine retention, dry mouth and eyes, and dizziness as some of the potential side-effects.

 

Many of these side-effects can end up causing your loved one to fall and injure themselves or develop a painful urinary tract infection. Not only do these side effects have the potential to cause an injury to your loved one, but they make everyday life harder and more uncomfortable than it should be for older adults.

 

If your loved one chooses to take over-the-counter allergy medicine, you should speak to their doctor or pharmacist about second or third-generation antihistamines, like Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra. These options are still antihistamines and can still cause your loved one to experience many of the side effects that first-generation antihistamines cause, but they are less likely to do so.

 

It is also important to inform your loved one’s doctor of any medications you give them, as they can potentially cause changes in mood or behavior in the elderly and may lead to dangerous interactions with other commonly prescribed medications. Keeping their doctor up to date on any medications your loved one is taking, including both prescription and over the counter, is an important task to remember.

 

Your loved one may be suffering from a stuffy nose, and you might just assume that it is just allergies or a slight cold, but there are a number of medications that offer this side-effect in the right conditions and their doctor won’t be able to tell if their prescribed medications are being interfered with if they are not up to date on what your loved one is currently taking.

 

For seniors that have been dealing with seasonal allergies their whole lives, you most likely won’t have to come up with a new treatment plan. They, like many Americans, probably have found a routine that works best for them, which might include a favorite antihistamine or nasal steroid. You may have to adjust their allergy treatment plan, though. What once worked for them may no longer be enough to combat their symptoms.

 

If they take antihistamines daily, but their usual choice of medicine isn’t working, try switching brands and see if that helps. There are several second and third-generation antihistamines that can be found at your local pharmacy or grocery store. You can ask a pharmacist for help if you are unsure of which medicine you should try.

 

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or Dementia, they may not be able to let you know they are experiencing allergy symptoms or tell you what works best for them. You will have to be on the lookout for symptoms during peak allergy season. Do you already know they get seasonal allergies? You may be able to start giving them their allergy medicine if you notice the pollen count rising in your area. You can always talk to their doctor if you are unsure what to do in this situation.

 

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s or Dementia, check out some of the episodes we’ve done covering these topics or visit our website for more information. You can also view our playlist on Alzheimer’s and Dementia on our YouTube channel.

 

For those that have developed seasonal allergies later in life, those that are finding themselves needing a new way to manage their allergies, or those that want to manage their allergy symptoms without taking a daily antihistamine or other medication, there are a few ways to manage allergy symptoms without the use of medications.

 

Now, none of these will completely make your allergies disappear, but they may help alleviate some of the symptoms. And, paired with a daily antihistamine or other medication, can help your loved one feel more like themselves during peak allergy season.

 

First, you will want to make sure that your loved one has a high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter for their air conditioner and make sure it is routinely serviced. A HEPA filter removes allergens from the air and helps prevent them from circulating around the house. You should also refrain from leaving the windows or doors open when the pollen count is high. Check your local weather report to see what the pollen count is and try to limit outdoor exposure when it is too high. If you need to be outdoors, wear sunglasses to help prevent eye irritation and sun damage and wash your hands when you come back inside.

 

If possible, change clothes and take a shower, as well so you can limit the number of allergens in the home. Keeping a normal cleaning schedule that includes dusting and vacuuming the home can also help remove allergens inside. Having a clean space can also help improve your loved one’s overall mood and if their allergies are making it difficult to enjoy time outside, having a clean house is one less thing they will have to worry about.

 

Eating foods that help lower inflammation, like apples, flaxseed, ginger, leafy greens, walnuts, and anything high in Vitamin C, may help decrease some of the symptoms your loved one might be experiencing, as well. Allergens cause irritation and inflammation in the body and foods that reduce inflammation, like those we just listed, may help your loved one manage their allergy symptoms. You should also dry their clothes, and your own, in a dryer and not hung up outside to prevent allergens attaching to the clothes before they are brought back inside.

 

For most Americans, allergies are a nuisance, but for seniors, they can present a real danger. Seniors with other health issues, like COPD or high blood pressure, can be severely affected during allergy season. The most common allergy symptoms, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, chest congestion, and difficulty breathing, can cause other reactions in seniors with respiratory illnesses or diseases.

 

If your loved one uses an inhaler to help manage their allergies, make sure to always have it on hand. Even if you are only leaving the house to run to the post office, make sure you bring their inhaler with you. You never know when your loved one may need it and it is better to always carry it with you. You can also talk to their doctor and ask them if they can prescribe your loved one backup inhalers, that way you can always have one at home and another to carry one with you. This is also a good practice to keep if you have asthma. And if your loved one does have asthma, allergies can definitely trigger an attack, so you will also want to make sure your loved one or you are always carrying an inhaler during allergy season in case they need it.

 

Seasonal allergies and their symptoms are not life-threatening, but they can be if your loved one takes any medications that their doctor is unaware of. Unless you are a doctor or a pharmacist, you probably don’t know how a certain medication will interact with another, so it really is important to tell your loved one’s doctors any and all medications they are taking.

 

If your loved one has allergies, they may have gotten hay fever at some point in their life or they may have it while you are providing care for them. You may be wondering, what exactly hay fever is. Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects somewhere between forty and 60 million Americans a year. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergic rhinitis develops when the body’s immune system recognizes and overreacts to something in the environment that typically causes no problems in most people. The name hay fever is a bit of a misnomer. Hay can cause some people to develop hay fever, but not everyone that experiences it is ever around hay. And hay fever does not cause a fever. People experiencing hay fever may have a runny nose, itchy eyes, mouth or skin, sneezing, stuffy nose, and fatigue, which is usually due to getting poor quality sleep with a stuffy nose.

 

There are two types of hay fever that people experience, seasonal and perennial. Seasonal hay fever usually happens from springtime through early autumn and is usually caused by outdoor mold or pollen. Perennial hay fever is usually experienced year-round and is caused by inside allergens, like dust, pet dander or pet hair, cockroaches, and mold.

 

It is also possible for food allergies to present themselves as hay fever. If your loved one experiences perennial hay fever and almost constantly has nasal congestion, ask their doctor if there’s a chance that they have any food allergies you are unaware of. Don’t remove any food groups from your loved one’s diet without consulting with their doctor first.

 

Since hay fever usually presents itself as prolonged nasal congestion, your loved one might not know they are experiencing any allergy symptoms and think they have just come down with the common cold, which they might! It is possible to mistake a cold for allergies and vice versa, but if your loved one always has a stuffy nose in the spring, it is highly likely that they have seasonal allergies.

 

Doctors usually suggest treating hay fever the same way you treat allergy symptoms. You will want to keep the windows closed during peak pollen periods and use a HEPA filter for your air conditioner. Wear glasses outside to minimize irritants getting in your eyes. They also suggest using mite-proof bed covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold. You should also wash your hands after petting an animal and have someone else groom your pet if you have hay fever.

 

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, intranasal corticosteroids are the single most effective drug class for treating allergic rhinitis and can significantly reduce nasal congestion as well as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Your doctor or an allergy specialist can determine if these are the best medication for your loved one to take to control their hay fever symptoms. Since these are nasal sprays and not an oral medication, they avoid many of the side effects that come with taking antihistamines. The usual side effects of nasal sprays include irritation in the area sprayed and nose bleeds.

 

Antihistamines can also help your loved one manage hay fever, but they come with all the side effects we talked about earlier in the episode. Another option that can help with hay fever is a decongestant. If your loved one has high blood pressure or heart disease, check with their doctor first before using any decongestant. Decongestant nasal sprays work well. Most people that use them feel relief in minutes and it lasts for a few hours. If your loved one uses this option, make sure they only use it for a few days at a time, unless otherwise instructed by their doctor. Using a decongestant nasal spray for too long can end up causing more swelling in the nasal cavity.

 

If your loved one is constantly suffering from allergies or hay fever and medications just are not working well or the side effects are too much, immunotherapy may be an option for them. Immunotherapy is usually long-lasting and has far fewer side effects than a daily antihistamine. Your loved one may be able to receive allergy shots or sublingual tablets, which dissolve under the tongue. Allergy shots inject a small amount of allergens directly into the arm, increasing the dose each week until a certain level has been achieved.

 

At this point, the patient then gets a shot once a month until another level is achieved and then once every six months. The period of time between shots can vary from person to person, though. This process lasts anywhere from three to five years and the effects of the shots, either lessening the allergy symptoms or making them disappear completely, lasts several more years. Typically, you would need to start the cycle again in six years.

 

Allergy shots can be time-consuming and take a while to actually see any improvement. If you do not want to deal with the shots, a sublingual tablet may be for you. Your loved one can take these year-round or they can start a few months before allergy season begins for them. However, there are more restrictions for this treatment. Currently, sublingual tablets are only available to treat certain grass and ragweed pollens and indoor dust mites.

 

It is still a fairly new treatment, as it was approved by the FDA in 2014, and as the years go on, they will be able to treat more allergens. Sublingual tablets are taken daily and dissolve under the tongue. These can be taken up to three years. After that, you will need to devise a new treatment plan with your loved one’s doctor. For both of these treatment types, your doctor may refer you to an allergist if you don’t see one already.

 

Allergies can be miserable and make you feel terrible constantly. We hope this episode has been helpful to you and given you new ways to help you manage your loved one’s allergies.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters and for being a part of our 100th episode. All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be discussing How to Communicate with a Loved One who has dementia.

 

Sources:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/help-elders-survive-allergy-season-150138.htm

 

https://www.homecareassistancenaples.com/how-to-manage-allergies-in-seniors/#:~:text=Allergies%20pose%20a%20greater%20threat,COPD%20to%20high%20blood%20pressure.

 

https://www.dispatchhealth.com/blog/how-to-care-for-a-senior-with-allergies/

 

https://www.lifecareservices-seniorliving.com/blog/survival-guide-allergies-aging/

 

https://www.medicalalertadvice.com/articles/seasonal-allergies-and-seniors/

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362176/

 

https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/#:~:text=How%20Common%20Are%20Allergies%3F,types%20of%20allergies%20each%20year.

 

https://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis

 

 

 

We all try our hardest to provide the best quality of care for our aging loved ones, but there may come a time when we alone are no longer enough, especially when we have full-time jobs and commitments outside of the home, which the majority of people today do. When seniors need continuous care, there a few different types of care to consider. Putting our loved ones in a nursing home is an option, but finding the right fit is difficult, and a lot of the time, nursing homes are not an option we want to take, for one reason or another.

 

According to a 2017 fact sheet by AARP, 52 percent of adults turning 65 will need some kind of long-term care during the remainder of their lives and that number goes up each year. Choosing a type of long-term care is something more and more families are being faced with. Something most families and seniors are comfortable with and prefer is continuous in-home care. This allows the senior to remain in their home, in an environment they are familiar with.

 

There are two types of continuous in-home care services that can be provided. The first is live-in care, where a caregiver lives in the home for days at a time. The second is 24-hour care. With 24-hour care, a few caregivers operate on a rotational shift schedule instead of one caregiver providing all the care.

 

Today on All Home Care Matters, we will be discussing the pros and cons of live-in care versus 24-hour care. It is important that you know all the details before choosing a type of care for your loved one and we hope that today’s episode will be able to help families currently researching the types of continuous care find the right fit for them.

 

Before we get into the two types of care, we are going to explore some of the things that may determine if your loved one needs continuous care. In an article written for Home Care Assistance, author Amber Lambert offers some reasons you may be in need of 24-hour or live-in care. If your loved one has dementia or difficulty doing day-to-day tasks due to memory issues, a full-time caregiver can watch over them for their own safety and help when needed. Seniors with dementia may need help managing sundowner’s syndrome.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about sundowner’s syndrome and what it means for your loved one, we recently covered this topic on a recent episode. Listen to the What is Sundowner’s Syndrome? episode and visit our website for more information.

 

Your loved one may get to a point where they cannot safely bathe themselves or perform other daily tasks on their own, such as cooking or taking care of their pets or even get to their appointments or pick-up their prescriptions. A caregiver can assist the senior while they complete these tasks or do them for the senior if necessary. A caregiver also provides companionship, which is just as important as any of the other assistance they provide. A friendly face to talk to can improve a senior’s mood and overall quality of life.

 

Now, on to the pros and cons of live-in care. Live-in caregivers live in the house during their shifts.

 

They have to have their own space with their own bed, which can be difficult for seniors and their families to provide if they don’t have a lot of extra room. Caregivers also get a four-hour break during the day and an eight-hour sleeping break. During their four-hour break, another caregiver or a family member may be needed to provide care while they’re away. If the caregiver is needed during their sleeping break, they are usually paid more money on top of their base pay. Live-in care is not available in every state. If it is not an option in your area, 24-hour care is available in every state.

 

With live-in care, there is more consistency for the senior. Typically, one caregiver is in the home Monday through Thursday and a second caregiver is in the home Thursday through Sunday. With 24-hour care, the caregivers switch off shifts every twelve hours and have to brief each other on any necessary information for the upcoming shift. This potentially allows room between shifts for something to be forgotten or left out. With live-in care, one caregiver provides care for three or four days at a time, leaving less room for error between shift changes.

 

Having fewer caregivers in and out of the home also helps the senior better build a relationship with the caregiver. A caregiver providing live-in care sees the senior more than 24-hour caregivers do, as they can be in the home up to 5 days in a row. This schedule allows them to not only provide companionship to the senior they are caring for but also friendship. Having the same person looking after the senior is something a lot of families like about live-in care. They build trust over time and worry about their loved one less when they are unable to provide care for them themselves.

 

We know what live-in caregivers provide and how often they work, but how much will a live-in caregiver cost for the family or senior? Live-in caregivers are paid at a flat-rate, and not hourly. There may be additional costs, like if they have to provide care during their eight-hour break or if the family needs additional coverage during their four-hour break, but overall, there is one cost per day that is usually an average of 250 dollars a day depending on your state and local area. Unfortunately, Medicare will not cover any of the costs of live-in care, but long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and veteran’s aid may help cover some of the costs.

 

Now let’s move on to the pros and cons of 24-hour care. Two or three separate caregivers provide care through separate eight- or twelve-hour shifts, depending on the agency you go through and your personal preference. With 24-hour care, the caregiver is always awake and alert, ready to provide care and assistance whenever needed. They don’t require a sleeping space, and knowing that a professional caregiver is alert at all times gives peace of mind to many families.

 

Unlike with live-in care, 24-hour caregivers are paid at an hourly rate, which when broken down can cost more than live-in care – (but remember with 24 hour care the staff is awake and alert at all times without a 4 hour break during the day and a 8 hour sleep or rest period where they are not on duty), especially since Medicare doesn’t cover any of the costs. Just like with live-in care, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and veteran’s aid may help cover the costs of 24-hour care.

 

If cost is a big determining factor of which type of care you will be choosing, it might help to know the average time your loved one might need care. Women needing long-term care, on average, need two and a half years of care. Men, on the other hand, tend to need one and a half years. These numbers are only averages and don’t necessarily reflect on your own situation, as everyone is different. An AARP study also found that only 14 percent of individuals needing long-term care needed care for five or more years.

 

When deciding between live-in care and 24-hour care, make sure to discuss the options with your doctor. They will help you decide the amount of care necessary for your loved one and advise you on the best course of action to take for caring for your loved one. Another tip when researching care is to ask if there are any contracts that would make you and your loved one responsible or committed to the care option you choose for a specific amount of time.

We always advise families that if they are unsure on the amount of care or the type of care that will best serve their needs that they can start with one option and then always change it if they find it is too much or not enough. We do not use contracts at our company, rather, we tell families we want this to be a good fit for not only them, but also their loved one and not obligate them with a contract.

 

However, we understand that a lof of companies require families to sign a contract for a certain amount of time that they will then be committed to. Just remember, whether it is for 24-hour care, live-in care, or respite care to ask these questions and to do your research before choosing the company that will be caring for your loved one.

 

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

 

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be discussing How to Help Senior’s with Allergies.

 

Sources:

https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-live-in-care-and-24-hour-care/

 

https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/live-in-caregiver

 

https://www.24hrcares.com/resource-center/home-care-vs-live-in-care/

 

https://www.assistinghands.com/70/illinois/lombard/blog/live-in-care-vs-24-hour-home-care/

 

https://www.fsl.org/what-is-the-difference-between-live-in-care-and-24-hour-care/

 

https://homecareassistance.com/blog/live-in-care-vs-24-hour-home-care

 

https://www.morningstar.com/articles/957487/must-know-statistics-about-long-term-care-2019-edition

 

https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2017-01/Fact%20Sheet%20Long-Term%20Support%20and%20Services.pdf