There are many choices:

• Assisted living facilities
• Nursing homes
• Care at home by family
• Caregivers provided by agencies
• A combination of family and caregivers at home

With so many choices, and so much at stake, many families struggle with the decision.

However, the task can be made easier by employing a specialist such as a social worker that specializes in geriatric care management to help you decide what is best. Hiring an Elder Specialist has several benefits.

• They Are Neutral – As a third party, you’ll know that their assessment won’t be skewed toward a particular solution. (i.e. No kickbacks from a nursing home for new admissions)
• They Know The Senior Community – From senior centers, nursing homes, assisted living communities, meal delivery programs – they are in touch with all resources available to seniors, so you’ll have a wider range of choices to create a plan that suits your loved one.
• They Can Evaluate Cost – They can create a cost analysis, comparing different options. Plus, they know the criteria for accessing various funding options. They can help you apply quickly and efficiently to get the plan underway.
• They Have Training in Aging Related Issues – Most importantly, an Elder Specialist can help you spot things that you may have overlooked related to memory loss or physical impairments. They make their recommendations based on best practices for senior safety.

The guidance of an Elder Specialist can give your family peace of mind that you’ve considered all the options and designed a plan that really works for your senior loved one. The best place to start is with your local Area Agency on Aging. They can advise on how to find an Elder Specialist.

The post How an Elder Specialist Can Help Seniors Evaluate Their Options appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

When would it make sense to engage a home care agency? Here are the top five reasons:

1. I want my parent to be able to stay in their home safely.
As Mom and Dad get older, they may gradually need your help more and more. Certain household chores like vacuuming or laundry might become too strenuous. Perhaps they can’t drive any longer so the basics like grocery shopping and doctor’s appointments fill your calendar as well. If you live at a distance, this compounds the problem. Since everyone ages differently, our services are based on the needs of the client, and flexible as things change. What may begin as general housekeeping and meal preparation may evolve into medication reminders and companionship.

2. I want my family member with a disability to have the best quality of life as possible.
Non-medical home care can help a person with a disability attain mobility and independence. This might include meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, bathing or grooming to ensure a healthy, safe lifestyle. Depending on the needs of the individual, the caregiver might reinforce positive social connections and assist with hobbies and interests.

3. I need help to recover from an injury or hospitalization.
For those who are accustomed to good physical health and/or mobility, the limitations from an injury or hospitalization can be frustrating and affect all areas of life. A temporary caregiver can provide assistance with general household responsibilities as well as personal care during your recovery.

4. I need assistance while I adjust to being a new mom.
For those who live far from family and may not have a readily available support network, coming home with a newborn can be stressful, even more than it already is. Whether mom needs to be on bed rest, or just wants a hand with errands while she establishes a routine, we ensure just the right level of support by the right person.

5. I need periodic respite as the primary caregiver.
If you are the primary caregiver for an elderly or disabled relative, you understand the strain it can cause at times. Many baby boomers are sandwiched between caring for their parents and their children. A home care agency can provide welcome respite to support your care – in whatever way works for you.

A little help is just a click away. Contact 5 Star Home Care to get started.

The post Top Five Reasons to Engage a Home Care Agency appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.