The landscape of America’s elder care environment is changing. An increasing number of seniors are seeking to prolong their physical independence. Economic pressures spurred by the 2008 recession as well as the elevated disease risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many seniors and their families to consider options other than a nursing facility for elder care. Let’s look at some ways elder care is changing, and at in-home care’s growing role in senior living. 

Maintaining Independence

An increasing number of seniors have shown reluctance to enter a skilled nursing facility unless absolutely necessary. A major driver of this trend is the fact that people are living longer and are remaining functional well into their senior years. These seniors are able to live independently but may require some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as basic mobility, shopping, transportation, meal preparation, dressing, and light housekeeping.

Many seniors can maintain their independence with once or twice weekly visits from an in-home caregiver. Familiar surroundings have been shown to have a positive effect on mood, memory, and cognitive function among seniors. Also, independent living helps elders to maintain a sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency that is lacking in a nursing facility environment.  

Reduced Costs

Another major force in the move toward in-home care is economic. Skilled nursing facilities are expensive, and many seniors lack the resources for initial buy-in costs or the high monthly fees charged by many long-term or skilled nursing facilities.

In-home care offers a substantial cost reduction when compared with full-time residency care. A caregiver can visit as often as needed and can provide the services, comfort, emotional support, companionship and intellectual stimulation that clients need to thrive—without incurring the high costs of residency living.

The Return of the Multi-Generational Home

During the first half of the 20th century, it was common for three or more generations of family members to reside under one roof. And there were some real economic benefits to this arrangement. Family income earners could pool their resources and share childcare responsibilities, while elders helped with chores and were cared for in the home. Multigenerational homes are on the rise again, with the advocacy group Generations United reporting that 51.4 million Americans now reside in multigenerational households, a 10% increase over figures from 2007.  This trend reverses that of the late 20th century, which tended to promote a nuclear family structure.

Given America’s growing number of multigenerational households, more families are searching for competent and compassionate care options within the home setting. In-home care aides can visit with elder family members once or more a week, as needed, and can assist with many ADLs. By providing these essential services, in-home caregivers can free family members to address remaining obligations.

Positive Health Impacts of In-Home Care

In-home elder care also provides some real health benefits for seniors. First, because it allows customized care in a familiar setting, home care increases comfort for clients. Regular one-on-one interactions between caregiver and client can also help slow cognitive decline. Caregivers can make use of a client’s familiar surroundings to create memory joggers to assist those with cognitive deficits or memory problems, as often accompany dementia.

In-home care has also been shown to reduce recovery times for seniors who’ve experienced a fall or surgical procedure, helping them bounce back both physically and emotionally.

Another advantage of in-home senior care is that family members are welcome to share their input with caregivers—helping to determine the best ways to share duties and delegate responsibilities.

At 5 Star Home Care, we provide compassionate and skilled caregivers for seniors seeking to maintain their independence. Our caregivers are experienced in working in the home setting and can assist with vital daily duties, provide companionship and conversation, and support effective communication between family members.

Looking for an alternative to senior residency care? Contact us today!

The post How Elder Care Is Changing In America — The Growing Role of In-Home Care appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

In today’s evolving economy, it can be tough to know which career path is right for you. If you’re seeking a job that offers autonomy, daily challenges, and lots of human interaction, a career as a professional in-home health aide may be the perfect choice. Let’s look at the outlook for the profession and some of the reasons you might want to make being an in-home caregiver your career.

In-Home Care is a Growth Profession 

Looking for a growth career with a bright future? Home care is a rapidly evolving and rewarding profession with great prospects. According to The Wall Street Journal, the 10-year outlook for employment opportunities among home-health aides is very promising, far surpassing anticipated growth in other career paths such as fast food and restaurant workers, software developers, and registered nurses.

These projections are supported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reported that elderly people with disabilities are making increased use of in-home care services as a way to both maintain independence and remain in a familiar home environment. The Bureau rates employment prospects for in-home caregivers as excellent, with a projected 34% increase in job opportunities over the period 2019–2029.

Helping People is Rewarding

There are many benefits of working as a caregiver in a home setting. Here are just a few…

Discover Freedom & Flexibility

If you’re not the sort of person who feels at home at a desk, or if you seek a career that offers a variety of challenges, in-home caregiver may be the ideal path for you. In the home care field, your responsibilities are varied and change depending on each client’s specific needs. Your duties may include driving a client to and from doctor’s appointments or assisting with grocery shopping, light housekeeping, or meal preparation. Some clients may also require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and basic mobility. Home care workers also have the flexibility of working full or part-time with one or more clients.

Promote Human Connection

One thing that keeps all of us feeling younger, healthier, and more connected is human engagement. Sharing stories of past triumphs or losses can be both emotionally and clinically beneficial, and not just for clients! Sharing experiences and family stories is an excellent way to build a meaningful bond between caregiver and client and can help make your job more rewarding. This human connection is also vital for clients who may be suffering from cognitive issues like dementia. Working with a home-caregiver on a regular basis can help clients establish helpful routines, remember important events, and create a safe and comfortable environment in familiar surroundings. 

Make a Real Difference

Experience has shown that elders can and do thrive in home environments, and do better at home compared with institutional settings. By providing the support seniors need to retain their autonomy and maintain their health, you’ll be making a very real contribution to society. And you’ll be reducing the burden on the nation’s health and senior care industries. Seniors who remain independent have been shown to use fewer and less costly medical services, and to show a lower incidence of depression and social withdrawal when compared with their institutionalized counterparts.  

Springboard to Success

As an in-home caregiver, you’ll hone the skills you have while developing new ones—and the skills you learn will make you a more marketable career candidate in the future. There’s also a lot you can learn from your clients. Seniors possess a wealth of personal experience, and sharing stories with clients can be helpful both to them and to you. Family stories enrich our lives and can even help us get through the challenges we face daily.

At 5 Star Home Care, we’ve built our reputation one client at a time. Our home caregivers are trained to provide safe, compassionate care for everyone we serve. If you or a loved one requires support or assistance to maintain their independence, our skilled professionals are here to help.

Contact 5 Star Home Care today, and discover how peace of mind feels. 

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America’s seniors are living longer than ever, with many remaining employed and active well past age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 10,000 Americans reach their 65th birthday each day, and with many healthy seniors choosing to live independently, ongoing wellness care is a must.

So, how often should independent seniors see a doctor? And how can an in-home caregiver help? Let’s take a look.

How Often Should Healthy Seniors See a Doctor?

According to a 2011 study by the CDC, fewer than 30% of people between 50 and 64 years of age were up-to-date with their clinical preventive services—such as immunizations, screening tests, and counseling to prevent the onset or progression of disease.

These numbers don’t bode well for those entering their senior years. Insufficient wellness care can result in missed or misdiagnosed health conditions, reduced or absent immunity to specific illnesses, and poor lifestyle choices (such as poor diet or lack of compliance with medication schedules).

An annual wellness checkup is recommended for all adults over 55 and especially for independently living seniors (65+).

Why Are Wellness Checks Important?

Our bodies change as we age, and long-term health depends on understanding and addressing those changes. Annual wellness checks can:

• Help clinicians get a baseline of each patient’s condition.
• Provide an opportunity to perform important screening tests (such as those for hypertension, hearing loss, visual acuity, and certain types of cancer).
• Measure disease progression for any chronic conditions.
• Offer needed immunizations.
• Reassess medications and dosages to ensure effectiveness
• Offer lifestyle advice for healthier diet and exercise schedules

Signs You Need More than a Wellness Check Sometimes our bodies change in ways we barely notice—a slight loss in appetite, a small discomfort when climbing stairs—but these small changes may be indicative of larger, underlying health problems. Warning signs may include:

• Sudden or unexpected weight loss
• Changes in eating, toileting, or sleep routines
• Blood in stool or urine
• Persistent pain
• Persistent or recurring fever
• Mobility issues
• Breathing problems
• Vision or hearing problems
• Cognitive problems (like memory loss) that worsen over time
• And any condition that affects your activities of daily living

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, a visit to the doctor is recommended, both to pinpoint a diagnosis and to rule out potentially life- threatening causes.

How An In-Home Caregiver Can Help

An in-home caregiver can be an indispensable help in arranging and facilitating doctor’s appointments. A caregiver can…

• Plan and schedule doctor visits to suit a client’s needs.
• Provide transportation to and from each appointment.
• Make a list of all medications each client is taking.
• Write down any questions the client may have for the clinician
• Explain any medication changes to the client
• Help clients with cognitive challenges adhere to medication dosing schedules

If you or a loved one is an independently living senior, 5 Star Home Care can help. Our trained, professional caregivers are ready to provide compassionate care in the comfort of each client’s own home. A lifesaver for independently living seniors, a 5 Star in-home caregiver can assist with daily activities such as shopping, meal prep, dressing, and light housekeeping, as well as with transportation to and from medical appointments.

Don’t leave your health, or the health of someone you love, to chance. Contact us today and discover what peace of mind feels like!

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today.

The post Visits To The Doctor – An In-Home Caregiver Can Help appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

As we age, our bodies change. The strong immune defenses we had in our youth begin to fade, healing slows, and it becomes harder for us to recover from illness or injury. Staying healthy and vital during our elder years may require some changes to diet, exercise, and lifestyle—but without a strong immune system, we are left vulnerable to disease.

So, which immunizations are most important to senior adults?

Shingles

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly one in three Americans will develop shingles in their lifetime. Shingles are caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, the Varicella zoster virus. In adults with a past history of childhood chicken pox, the virus can re-emerge in adulthood, causing an itchy and painful blistering rash on the torso. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 years of age and protects against the varicella virus and associated symptoms.

Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Two common vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia—a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that can result in fever, chills, sweating, cough, chest tightness, and trouble breathing. If you’re 65 or older, your risk for bacterial pneumonia increases, even for those in otherwise good health. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) are recommended for adults over 65. The PCV13 specifically targets those with reduced immunity or compromised immune systems. Ask your health care provider which vaccine is recommended for you.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B (hep B) is a contagious viral disease affecting the liver. Adults with hemophilia, or end-stage renal disease, or diabetes can experience lower resistance to hep B infection. Acute hep B can be particularly dangerous for these patients, and the chronic form of the disease can cause long-term liver damage and even death. The hep B vaccine is administered in a series of 3–4 injections over a 6-month period.

Influenza

The flu (influenza virus) is a respiratory illness typically resulting in fever, sweats, cough, sneezing, fatigue, and loss of appetite. For young, healthy people, the flu is often little more than a minor inconvenience, but for the elderly (especially those managing a chronic condition such as heart disease), its effects can be devastating. Seniors are more likely to become hospitalized as a result of influenza, when compared with their younger counterparts, and influenza remains among the top 10 causes of death among elderly adults. A higher-dose version of the influenza vaccine is available to older adults—ask your health care provider about this year’s vaccine.

COVID-19

As the novel coronavirus continues to ravage the nation, Pfizer, Moderna, and other pharmaceutical makers are escalating production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. States are rolling out the vaccine release on different schedules, and in most regions health care workers are being given priority during the first wave of immunizations. Check with your healthcare provider (especially if you are over 65 or at high risk for respiratory illness) about availability of the vaccine to the public, estimated to begin by spring 2021.

At 5 Star Home Care we understand the challenges of living as an independent senior. That’s why our professional caregivers are trained to offer a range of support services in the comfort of each client’s home. Does an independent senior in your family need a little extra help getting to doctor’s appointments, shopping, cooking, or light housekeeping? 5 Star Home Care can help. Contact us today!

The post Common Vaccines Important For The Elderly appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Fortunately, in-home care can help. A qualified and compassionate in-home caregiver can provide not only essential assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, toileting, dressing, shopping, meal preparation, and light housekeeping—but can also be an invaluable companion.

 A Note About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days grow shorter and daylight becomes scarce, some people find themselves feeling sadder and less motivated than normal. Called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this cyclical depression can have a profound effect on seniors who may already be feeling pangs of isolation. SAD is estimated to affect about 10 million Americans, though the number of cases is probably higher due to under-reporting. SAD can compound existing feelings of isolation and can contribute to any existing mood disorders a person may have. Symptoms of SAD include:

• loss of interest in activities
• social isolation
• decreased appetite
• sleep disturbances
• trouble focusing
• decreased mental acuity

Beating the Winter Blues

Humans are social animals, and prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects on our mood, mental acuity, and even physical health. Isolation has been shown, for example, to worsen depression and anxiety while decreasing feelings of  agency and self-sufficiency. That’s why it’s so important for community-dwelling seniors to maintain social connections during the winter months.

Let’s look at a few ways in-home care can help beat the winter blues

• Human Contact

Regular, scheduled visits from an in-home caregiver can offer clients consistent companionship and socialization to help keep the mind sharp.

• Conversation & Companionship

Consistent social interaction has been shown to have a positive affect on seniors with and without SAD. Social contact promotes an interest in life and in others while boosting mood.

• Preserving Memories

Many elders living independently suffer from memory deficits. An in-home caregiver can be a listener, encouraging clients to talk about their lives, and even reviewing old photo albums and scrapbooks.

• Games & Puzzles

One great way for seniors to maintain mental acuity is to play word games and puzzles. These simple activities can help reinforce problem-solving skills and even boost mood.

• Nutrition

Much of our mental and emotional health depends on a nutritious diet. An in-home caregiver can help seniors make healthy shopping choices and can assist in meal prep and food storage. At 5 Star Home Care, we believe that successful community care begins by supporting each client’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Our trained, compassionate caregivers enjoy engaging with clients and helping today’s community-dwelling seniors maintain an independent lifestyle. Want to learn more? Contact us today!

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today.

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What Is Respite Care?

Unlike more traditional long-term in-home care, respite care provides short-term care for a pre-set period. Respite care allows family caregivers to attend to personal and family issues while knowing that their senior loved one will be properly and safely cared for in the comfort of their own home. Respite care can last anywhere from a few hours (time enough for an errand or appointment) to weeks (to allow caregivers to take a vacation or visit other family members).

The Advantages of Respite Care

The challenges of providing in-home care to a loved one while managing work and family obligations can put you at risk for caregiver burnout. You need intervals of rest to restore energy, boost focus, and attend to some much-needed self-care. Respite care lets you do all these without worrying whether your loved one is receiving proper care.

What Services Do Respite Care Workers Provide?

Like long-term in-home caregivers, respite care workers provide the same basic services required to assist residents with their activities of daily living (ADLs). The services provided are tailored to meet the needs of both client and family. For example, a caregiver can help a client shop for groceries, prepare meals, stay on top of light housekeeping, or assist with toileting, bathing, and dressing.

A Personal Touch

While you’re traveling, you need to know that your loved-one is being cared for, not just physically, but emotionally as well. Certified and trained respite care workers provide the essential element of human-to-human connection that is vital for emotional balance and mental health. Respite workers can help clients with holiday baking, sharing stories, doing puzzles, and a range of other activities that provide emotional support and connection.

Well-Trained Staff

In-home caregivers must be able to tackle a wide range of responsibilities, from food prep and assistance with ADLs, assisting with medication scheduling and dosing, setting reminders, driving clients on errands, and providing emotional support. If a medical situation arises that requires outside intervention, a professional caregiver will ensure that you are contacted and that your loved one receives the most appropriate treatment—whether at the hospital, in a doctor’s office or urgent care center, or in the home—as soon as possible.

Respite Care Gives You Peace of Mind

Caregiver burnout can be dangerous. Unless provided with ample time to rest and reboot, caregivers can suffer lapses in memory, sleep and eating disturbances, trouble focusing, and short-temperedness. Burnout can also put your own health at risk. Overworked caregivers are at greater risk for illness and are more likely to make errors than they are when well rested. Remember, you can only provide quality care for your loved one when you’re healthy yourself.

Why Turn to 5 Star Home Care?

At 5 Star, we’ve built our reputation by helping clients and their families retain their independence. Our services are safe, affordable and can be fully customized to suit your needs. If your needs evolve, we’ll grow and adapt with you. Our custom care plans are specifically designed for one-on-one, in-home care of your loved one whether it’s a new mom, a senior, or a loved one recovering from an injury. Our caregivers are trained to provide 24/7 care and companionship. Is Holiday travel in your plans? Have a loved one in need of home care? Let us help you get the peace of mind you deserve. Contact 5 Star Home Care today!  5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today.

The post Planning For The Holidays? Respite Care Can Help appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

More recently, social distancing guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have added to the problem, by making us more cautious about interacting with others. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the physical effects of the coronavirus, and precautions designed to keep them safe can leave many feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed.

Fortunately, there is a solution.

An In-Home Caregiver Can Be There When You Can’t

If you’ve ever wished someone could be with your senior loved ones when you can’t? A qualified in-home caregiver may be the answer. A licensed and trained in-home caregiver can provide the vital support your loved one needs—both to help them stay independent and to help them maintain physical and emotional health.

Tracking Medications and Dosing

 As we age, many of us are faced with taking an increasing number of daily medications. For seniors with cognitive or memory deficits, keeping track of dosing schedules for multiple meds can be a challenge. An in-home caregiver can help by reviewing your loved one’s current medications and ensuring that all meds are taken on time and as directed. An in-home caregiver can also check refill status on medications, and can ensure that your loved one makes all scheduled medical appointments.

Checking Food Freshness

It’s important for all independently living seniors to know that the foods they’re preparing and eating are fresh and healthy. An in-home caregiver can take your loved one to the market, can assist in making healthy food choices, and can help assure that any foods beyond their expiration dates are discarded. In some cases, an in-home caregiver can help your loved one prepare and serve meals, and can label and store leftovers for later.

Assisting with Light Household Chores

For independently living elders, even simple household chores can be put off or missed. An in-home caregiver can provide your elder loved ones with minor household duties and can set reminders when certain jobs (like collecting and setting out trash) need to be done. Helping to keep a clean, orderly, and functional household is also a great way to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. 

Providing Emotional Support

One of the most often reported challenges faced by independently living seniors is a lack of emotional support. Often seniors lose vital connections with others. Retirement, social isolation, or loss of a spouse can leave seniors feeling cut-off and adrift. And when family members can’t be present, an in-home caregiver can be a listener, a comfort, and even a friend—providing compassionate emotional support to seniors in need.

At 5 Star Home Care, we understand the importance of maintaining both the emotional and physical health of independently living seniors. Our professional caregivers are trained to provide supportive in-home care in a client’s familiar surroundings. And all our workers adhere to CDC guidelines for patient safety (including use of masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment) to help minimize the risks presented by COVID-19.

Can’t visit your elder relatives as often as you like? Are COVID-19 guidelines keeping your senior relatives isolated? 5 Star Home Care’s compassionate and professional team can help. Contact us today!

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today

The post Looking In On Loved Ones When You’re Not Around appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Most of us take for granted the human body’s ability to maintain and regulate temperature (maintaining this equilibrium is part of what’s called homeostasis). We all sweat when we’re warm and shiver when we’re cold, but the physiologic picture becomes more complex for elders, whose bodies may lose their ability to self-regulate temperature effectively.

The results of overexposure to heat can be severe, and may include:
• heat exhaustion
• dehydration
• cardiovascular problems
• unconsciousness
• and even death

Elders are also more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions that may exacerbate the negative effects of heat exposure.  Some prescription medications can also negatively affect the body’s ability to regulate and maintain a stable temperature. Combine these risks, and it’s easy to see why seniors and their caregivers should be especially vigilant for signs of heat-related illness. Other risk factors include obesity, use of non-prescribed drugs, and alcohol use.

Spotting the Signs of Heat Stress Early

One way to address the increased risk for heat-related illness among elders is to understand the physiologic signs. These may include:

• Heat rash — a mild skin irritation caused by excessive perspiration.
• Muscle cramps — often caused by loss of critical electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), often as a side-effect of dehydration.
• Heat exhaustion (or heat stroke) — when perspiration fails to cool the body adequately, body temperature can rise quickly to dangerous levels. Symptoms include throbbing headache, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, body temp > 103ºF, nausea, confusion, muscle twitches, loss of consciousness, and seizures. If untreated, heat sickness can be fatal.
  

Preventing Heat-related Illness among Seniors

Heat-related illness does not require extreme temperatures. It can occur during what most would consider a pleasant summer day, if other conditions (such as dehydration or pre-existing health problems) are present. So while one person may be asymptomatic, another may already be exhibiting signs of heat-related stress.
So how can you help prevent heat-related health problems before they occur? Here are some tips you use as a guide…

• Stay hydrated. Hydration is a key weapon in the fight against heat-related health problems. Dehydration can result in electrolyte imbalances (depleted sodium and potassium levels) and can greatly exacerbate the effects of heat sickness. Adults should consume 5 to 6 8oz glasses of water (not coffee, alcohol, or sweetened soft drinks) daily.
• Keep your body cool. When air-conditioning isn’t an option, it’s important to take other measures to keep your body cool. These can include: wearing light clothing (cotton or linen), keeping sources of fresh air open, and using fans to circulate stagnant air.
• Avoid strenuous activities. Physical activity demands more energy and raises body temperature. Don’t attempt strenuous exercise or work during the hottest part of the day.
• Take a cool shower or bath. One quick way to reduce body temperature is to take a cool (not cold) shower or bath. Lightly towel dry or air dry afterward to allow for maximal body cooling.

How Home Care Can Help

Today, many independently living seniors are turning to in-home caregivers to help them manage their daily lives. A caregiver can help monitor each client’s health by…

• Preparing nutritious meals
• Ensuring healthy water consumption
• Checking that all prescription meds are taken as directed
• Assisting with bathing
• Assisting in dressing (e.g., choosing clothes appropriate to the weather)

An in-home caregiver also serves as another set of eyes—someone who knows what’s “normal” for your loved one, and can easily spot signs of dehydration or heat illness before they become severe.

We hope you find this article helpful. If you or someone you know is an independently living senior, contact 5 Star Home Care today and discover how in-home care can promote healthy living and increase quality of life. We’re eager to hear from you. Please contact us today.

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like.

The post Heat Risk Among the Elderly—How Hot Is Too Hot? appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Under-diagnosis of depression can lead to insufficient treatment and to an increase in symptom severity; however, over-diagnosis may mean that patients receive unneeded medications, which may have adverse side-effects. For this reason, it is particularly important to learn to recognize the symptoms of depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia to identify each disorder by differential diagnosis.

Depression, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia: Shared Symptoms

One challenge to clinicians, professional caregivers, and family members are the similarities between depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia symptoms. Among seniors, early-stage dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression can result in:

• Memory deficits
• Withdrawal from social life
• Loss of interest in family, hobbies, etc.
• Inability to concentrate for sustained periods
• Changes in sleep patterns (over- or under-sleeping)

Reaching a complete and accurate diagnosis often depends on going beyond these initial observations and looking deeper into an individual’s complete clinical picture.

Recognizing Dementia or Alzheimer’s

While the causes of cognitive decline among seniors are not fully understood, common symptoms can include:

• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Difficulty in performing activities of daily living (cooking, dressing, bathing, toileting).

Worsening cognitive decline can prove frustrating and disheartening to those with dementia or Alzheimer’s—making it harder for them to keep up with conversations, remember daily routines, make shopping lists, follow recipes, etc. Together, feelings of frustration or disconnection can have negative effects on mood, often spawning depressive episodes. While depressive episodes among seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may be less severe or of shorter duration, they should be taken seriously in any care plan.

Recognizing Depression

Unlike dementia and Alzheimer’s, depression is a mood disorder, with symptoms that are largely identified via a person’s affect. Depression sufferers tend to exhibit similar symptoms, which may include:
• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Persistent feelings of worthlessness
• Loss of pleasure in daily activities or interests
• Social isolation
• Reduced appetite or food consumption
• Sleep disturbances
• Agitation or irritability
• Fatigue
• Suicidal thoughts
Understanding these symptoms and learning to recognize them can help guide informed treatment decisions.

Confounding Factors

Reaching a clear diagnosis can often be confounded by other factors. These can include an elder’s prior medical history, lack of proper nutrition, and unanticipated interactions between prescribed medications.  In addition, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression can present concomitantly in the same patient, making diagnosis more challenging. And many patients with more advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to articulate their feelings. Taken together, these factors emphasize the need to evaluate an individual’s complete clinical picture when refining a diagnosis. 

How an In-Home Caregiver Can Help

As we age, we often need assistance in performing daily tasks such as shopping or preparing meals. An in-home caregiver can help independently living seniors meet these challenges in an autonomous setting. Plus, an in-home caregiver has the opportunity to observe each client in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of the home.

An aide can see how each client performs daily activities and can assess areas in need of help. For example, a home caregiver may notice that a client has lost interest in reading or knitting. They may notice food going spoiled in the fridge, or appointments missed on the calendar. These markers can help build a complete picture of the client’s daily life, mood, and cognitive challenges. From this unique viewpoint, an in-home caregiver can provide invaluable support, as well as keeping family members and medical personnel informed of any changes in a client’s mood or cognitive abilities. 

We hope you find this article helpful. At 5 Star Home Care, we remain committed to supporting both the physical and emotional needs of each client we serve. If you or someone you love is an independently living senior in need of in-home assistance, we’re here to help. 

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today.

The post Depression Masking Dementia—Recognizing the Signs appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Elder Care in the Age of Coronavirus

This abrupt increase in nursing home fatalities adds to already existing pressure to reform elder care in the U.S. Right now, for example, most skilled nursing facilities have two principal income streams—long- and short-term residents. Long-term residents are those who require assistance to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating. These patients currently account for about half of nursing home revenue. The short-term residents are typically former hospital patients requiring physical rehabilitation before returning home.

Unfortunately these skilled nursing centers have seen a dramatic spike in COVID-19 case rates and fatalities, making patients and families who have a choice more reluctant to place themselves or their loved ones at risk.

Transforming Traditional Nursing Home Care

Pressure to transform traditional nursing home care has come from other areas too. Advocates for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 steadfastly pointed out that in-home care is a safer, more humane, and less expensive alternative to nursing home care. In response, home care and government entities have expanded the number of senior housing units, specifically for those transitioning from nursing home to community care.

Some states, like Pennsylvania, have made strides to increase in-home care, even creating a governmental agency focused specifically on transitioning patients from nursing facilities to in-home care. Right now in Pennsylvania over 60% of patients receiving federal funds for long-term care are living outside a nursing home. This relieves the burden on skilled nursing facilities and staff, while reducing coronavirus transmission risk and providing patients with care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

Where to from Here?

The future for traditional nursing homes remains uncertain. And while there will be a continuing need for the long-term care of patients who are unable to live independently, the current trend is leaning hard toward revamping and updating the way we as a national community view elder care.

Shifting the emphasis of elder care from nursing homes to in-home care offers several distinct advantages over the current system…

• In-home care reduces the risk for acquired disease. Coronavirus has shown us the health risks of interacting within closed or semi-closed communities such as schools, prisons, and nursing homes. In fact, the risk for all communicable diseases decreases for patients who are receiving care outside an institutionalized setting.
• In-home care improves morale and health outcomes. Patients tend to recover faster and to report better mood when allowed to recuperate or receive treatment at home. 
• In-home care is less expensive. An in-home aide may visit anywhere from 2 to 7 days a week to assist a client with shopping, transportation, doctor’s appointments, and light housework. The typical cost of those services in a hospital setting is many times higher than the costs of in-home care
• A personal touch. In-home caregivers are experienced not only in providing essential services but in being good companions. Many independently living seniors report bouts of loneliness and depression.  Regular visits from a home care-aide can provide the companionship and emotional support needed for maintaining overall physical and mental health. 5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. 

Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. That’s why we work closely with each family to ensure that your loved ones get the compassionate care they need. If you or someone you know is an independently living senior who may need assistance in performing their daily activities, contact us today and discover how we can help.

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