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.

If you or a loved one is a senior struggling to maintain mental acuity during this time when sources of outside activity are limited, we have a few tips that may help… 

• A healthy diet can provide your body with the essential raw materials needed for health and optimal brain function. And conversely, poor eating habits can actually worsen both physical and emotional health. Seniors with poor eating habits are more likely to report feelings of depression and listlessness than are those who consume a healthier diet. A balanced diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, high in essential vitamins and minerals. 
• Exercise has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, boost mood, and stimulates the growth of brain cells. If done regularly, even moderate exercise can have positive effects on mood and mental sharpness.  Exercise needn’t be strenuous and can easily be done at home. Ask your physician about creating a safe and effective exercise regimen for you or your loved one. Be sure to mention any physical disabilities or other health issues that might affect exercise tolerance.
• Books, puzzles, games, and brainteasers offer another way to keep seniors’ minds sharp, even in the presence of social isolation. They offer mental stimulation and improve both critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Socializing online is another great way to keep seniors connected and engaged with others. Apps such as Zoom and Facetime let seniors stay connected with loved ones and friends, whether they’re miles away or just down the hall. And they take very little tech savvy to set up and use.
• Learning a new skill can be another way to keep seniors’ minds active,  when they can’t get outdoors. The Internet is packed with tutorials that can help you or your loved one get started in the worlds of crafting, crocheting, collecting, or even learning a new language. 
• Work with an in-home caregiver who can provide critical social engagement to independently living seniors. Routine social interaction promotes mental 

If you or someone you know could benefit from in-home care, contact us today! We’re waiting to hear from you. 

With offices in Bala Cynwyd and Philadelphia, 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.  

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If you are concerned about the nutritional well-being of an elder family member or friend who’s living independently, enlisting the assistance of a home care aide such as 5 Star Home Care  can help to establish some baseline habits for healthier eating. 

Making Healthy Food Choices

The foods we buy, prepare, and eat determine our nutritional profile. And while some body functions naturally decline with age, proper diet can help us stay more fit, mentally agile, and resistant to disease as we age. A home care aide can help your elder loved one make informed food shopping choices that promote a healthy, balanced diet. Foods that offer little more than empty calories (such as chips, sweets, and sodas) can be reduced or eliminated, in favor of healthier choices such as leafy greens and lean meats.  

Integrating Home Care with Overall Care

A home care aide can do more than assist with food shopping and meal preparation. They can actively consult with family members, as well as members of your elder relative’s care team, to create a practical nutrition plan. If your loved one is living with a pre-existing condition, a home care aide can tailor food choices to better reflect each client’s needs. For example, an aide can help limit salt for a client with hypertension or can make food choices that boost dietary calcium for a client with osteoporosis. A collaborative care approach can also help ensure that all care providers are working toward a common goal.

Creating A Safe & Relaxing Environment

Stress has a lot to do with how we eat and process nutrients. Cortisol, often called “the stress hormone” is released by our bodies when we find ourselves in a stressful situation, and long-term stress can cause weight gain and other digestive problems. An aide can reduce stress for your loved one by providing a safe and comfortable home environment.

Freshness Checks & Daily Reminders

Accidental food poisoning is not uncommon among independent-living elders. Memory problems can prevent elders from checking “sell by” and “use by” dates, and perishables can be left to spoil. An home care aide can help structure your elder loved one’s care to ensure that pantry, refrigerated, and frozen foods are fresh and that expired items are discarded. They can also set daily reminders, such as marking medications that should be taken with food, or marking expiration dates clearly on refrigerated items.

Food Preparation

For many seniors living on their own, preparing a complete and nutritious meal can be troublesome and confusing. An important part of maintaining a nutritious diet is the way in which meals are prepared. A home care aide can help your elder loved one prepare healthy meals, ensuring that all dietary and nutritional needs are met. Also, an aide can provide something for which there is no substitute—the company of a caring, compassionate person

At 5 Star Home Care, we understand the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet. Our experienced care providers are accustomed to helping clients make informed food purchasing choices, monitor food freshness, and prepare healthy meals. Maintaining a safe and healthy home environment for your loved one is our first priority.  Contact us today, and discover how we can 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.

The post Food For Thought—Is Your Elderly Loved One Eating Properly? appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

1. What is long-term care insurance exactly?

Major medical insurance and Medicare will only cover skilled care. However, long-term care differs from traditional medical care in that you are not necessarily sick. Rather, you require assistance with the basic activities of daily living. Long-term care insurance covers these kinds of expenses in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, assisted living and home care. Agencies like 5 Star Home Care accept long-term care insurance.

2. Won’t I be covered by Medicaid if I can’t pay for long-term care?

This is a common misconception. Medicaid will not pay for long-term care until an individual has used up their assets. Obviously this is not an ideal scenario. Among many potential financial hardships, it also means there will be no inheritance for future generations. It’s also important to note that federal law states that nursing homes only have to accept a certain number of Medicaid patients if they participate. Once they reach their quota, they can refuse Medicaid patients. This can greatly limit your options, and might mean you have to choose a facility far from home. It also puts home care out of the equation for many.

3. Do I really need long-term care insurance?

Since no one can predict their health, the best you can do is evaluate the factors most likely to affect your long-term needs.

• Your age and health – Policies increase as you grow older, and some insurers won’t cover certain diagnoses. You may also want to consider purchasing your policy before you turn 64 and qualify for Medicare. With the number of preventative screenings offered, your doctor could uncover a condition that would prevent you from being approved.
• Family history – If you have a family history of certain illnesses that require long-term care, you may want to invest in long-term care insurance before you have to pay more. You may also wish to extend the number of years you’re covered depending on your family’s history. Benefit periods are usually three to five years.
• Your current income and assets – If your income is low and you have few assets when you need care, you might qualify for Medicaid fairly quickly, making long-term care insurance an unnecessary expense. See question 4 for more on this.
• Your support system – Do you have family or friends who could provide care on a regular basis? Are you comfortable with this arrangement, and are they? It’s best to have the conversation early. 5 Star Home Caregivers might be the solution, if family or friends are not able to take on this responsibility.

4. Can I afford long-term care insurance?

Since long-term policies are expensive, they may not be right for everyone. Here are some guidelines excerpted from AARP:

• If premiums are less than 5% or less of your anticipated annual retirement income, it’s likely affordable, just bear in mind that the premiums will go up over time.
• If premiums are 5% or more of your anticipated annual retirement income, make sure your budget can handle the cost, and consider the increases over time.
• If you have over $1.5 million in assets, you may have enough to fund your own long-term care.

5. Can I use long-term care insurance to pay for home care?

Yes. But keep in mind that not all policies pay the same for similar services. Be sure to ask as many questions as necessary to understand your individual policy. For example:

• Is there a waiting period before your benefits begin?
• How long is the benefit period, and when does it begin?
• What is the maximum daily benefit?

If staying in your home as you age is your preference and priority, long-term care insurance may be the right option for you. While thinking about a future where you need help taking care of yourself is the last thing you probably want to do, it’s worth it. By planning ahead you can reduce the stress on your family and give yourself a greater control over your future.

5 Star Home Care serves many clients who utilize their long-term care policy to pay for our services. Contact us to learn more so you can be prepared and make sure home care is an option.

The post 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Care Insurance appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

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We’d like to offer two of the best reasons to consider home care.

Reason #1 – There’s no place like home – You may have lived in your home for years and have many cherished memories. Or perhaps you simply want to retain a sense of control – and living at home represents your independence at a deep psychological level.

Regardless of your motivations, remaining in familiar surroundings is hugely positive for your physical and emotional health. Numerous studies have shown that patients recover faster in the comfort of their own home. Using home care services also allows you to:

• Continue living with your spouse or other loved ones
• Keep all your personal belongings in place (not have to downsize or move)
• Retain relationships with neighbors and friends, who can visit any time
• Keep your beloved pets, often viewed as a part of the family
• Maintain your privacy

Reason #2 – It’s all about you When your caregiver arrives, he/she is completely focused on you. You’ve selected them personally so you are always glad to see them. They know your likes and dislikes, your schedule and all your quirks. Hospitals and nursing homes are more regimented, controlled environments, whereas home care is completely designed by you. Having such a customized experience allows you to:

• Save money by choosing the services and hours of care you need
• Form a one-on-one relationship with your selected caregiver, which creates trust and comfort
• Retain your individual preferences, from how your food is prepared to when you like to have time alone
• Maintain the freedom and flexibility of your own schedule

Need help weighing the benefits and drawbacks of senior long-term care options? 5 Star Home Care can evaluate your situation and see if a home caregiver is right for you or your loved one.

The post 2 of the Best Reasons to Choose Home Care appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Stay physically active
You can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 50% through physical exercise, according to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation. Even if you’ve begun to see some memory decline, adding exercise at any age can slow further deterioration. Try to incorporate these elements:

Challenge your brain
“Brain games” have become popular lately as the rates of dementia increase in the news. Even AARP has a section of their website with games devoted to improving memory, language and attention. But these aren’t the only ways to keep your mind active. Try to mix and match these activities to incorporate skills like communication, organizing and interaction. Keep it fresh and novel.

Stay connected and engaged
This may not seem as important, but it’s just as much a priority as eating well, exercising and challenging your brain. The benefits of in-person, face-to-face communication cannot be matched for keeping your mind sharp. People who stay socially and intellectually engaged are less at risk for dementia. Here are a few ideas for combining these brain-healthy tips together:

What can you do today to keep your mind sharp?
Need help to plan healthy meals, get more exercise, or stay in touch with friends and family? 5 Star Home Caregivers can give you the support you need to keep you physically and cognitively strong well into the future.

The post How to Keep the Mind Sharp as You Age appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Here are 10 signs that your loved one may have depression:

7. Loss of Concentration
Losing concentration or focus is a classic sign of depression. In older adults, this may be dismissed as a natural part of aging, but that’s not always the case. If your loved one is exhibiting several symptoms of depression, treating the depression may also resolve memory and focus problems as well.

The post 10 Warning Signs of Depression in Older Adults appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

If you are a spousal caregiver, ask yourself these four questions to make sure your spouse’s needs are met — but yours are too.

3. Are you doing too much for your spouse, things he/she could do?
Many spousal caregivers fall into the trap of thinking that they need to handle everything and be a super-husband or wife. This is not only unnecessary, it can be dangerous – for your health and your spouse’s. After you’ve been your spouse’s caregiver for a while, it’s easy to take on more and more roles, when it might not even be necessary. Enabling hurts both of you. Your spouse feels less capable, which hurts self-esteem and physical capabilities over time. Plus, you’re likely to build up resentment by taking on too much – and possibly having it taken for granted. Communicate regularly about your spouse’s abilities and the most balanced distribution of responsibilities possible in light of their illness.

Make sure your spouse is doing everything he/she can do to take some of the weight off your shoulders.

Being the primary caregiver for your spouse is very demanding and stressful, there’s no way around it. If you need more support, 5 Star Home Care has caregivers who can come to your home once a week, every day or as needed. You could just take a little of the pressure off, or have a full-time caregiver so you can take better care of yourself.

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