9 minute read
Safe and Accessible Homes �������������������������������������
Hearing is Believing
Continued from page 182
people who can speak clearly but have difficulty hearing what is being said over the phone can remain connected. The relay user speaks directly to the other person. As the other person responds, an operator types the response and the VCO user reads it on the screen of their phone.
Another option for individuals who have difficulty hearing over the phone is a Captioned Telephone. A Captioned Telephone works just like a standard phone, with one important difference: it displays captions on the device’s screen of what the other person says throughout the conversation. For clarity, the Captioned Telephone user can read the captions while listening to the other person’s spoken words.
For Spanish speakers, Spanish Relay is available for all the aforementioned services.
For users who want to enjoy group calls or need conferencing functionality for work, Remote
Conference Captioning (RCC)
allows users to read captions of what all participants are saying during conference calls while they listen.
Newer services are also available. Video Relay Service (VRS) is an Internet-based system for people with video conferencing equipment or videophones who communicate in American Sign Language. Internet Protocol Relay (IP Relay) service is an Internet-based system for people with a computer or other web-enabled device who communicate using text. Finally, using captions displayed on a computer or other web-enabled device, Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) enables people to communicate by speaking and listening to what they can hear over a telephone and reading what the other person is saying.
What are the costs for relay services?
Relay services are provided at no cost to all users. Relay services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. There is no limit on the number or length of calls a user may make, and there are no set-up fees or charges for calls.
State relay service programs provide and pay for some relay services, such as relay services used on in-state calls made through some services. The FCC oversees the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Fund which pays for other relay services, such as relay services used on interstate calls made using certain services and all calls made using newer services.
Equipment Options
Assistive telecommunications equipment is often available through state programs. To qualify for equipment provided by the state, applicants generally must meet both medical and financial criteria. Applicants who do not qualify for state equipment may purchase equipment directly from a third-party provider.
Care that matters, where it counts. At home.
THE MEDICAL TEAM
A Medicare Certified Home Health & Hospice Agency Serving Northern Virginia since 1978 Home Health Care providing Skilled Nursing Services, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Social Work & Home Health Aides Hospice & Palliative Care providing care with compassion, skill & respect during this difficult but meaningful part of life's journey Private Duty & Personal Care Services from compassionate caregivers for help with all your home care needs
We are available 24/7 to assist you & your loved ones VAInfo@medteam.com (703) 390-2300 www.medicalteam.com
Northern Virginia’s Premier Senior Care Provider
Serving all of Northern Virginia
703-942-8950
We are a locally owned, private duty home care agency providing non-medical home care services to assist with the activities of daily living. We provide live-in care and hourly shifts. Our focus on excellence has made us a trusted partner of many families and local facilities in the community.
Ombudsman Programs
Advocates can help residents and families
Everyone needs an advocate. Someone who can help them resolve issues, navigate challenges and make decisions. For older adults who are living in, or considering moving to, a nursing facility or assisted living community, long-term care ombudsman can serve as essential advocates.
What is a long-term care ombudsman?
A long-term care ombudsman is an advocate who strives to improve the quality of life for individuals receiving long-term care services. Ombudsmen resolve complaints against long-term care providers through counseling, negotiations and investigations. They can also provide vital information about long-term care providers to help consumers make informed decisions.
Using trained volunteers, ombudsman programs make regular visits to long-term care facilities to interact with residents and staff. Finally, ombudsmen strive to educate the community about long-term care issues, train long-term care staff and consult with long-term care providers.
The ombudsman program is federally mandated and located in every state. Operated by the Administration on Aging, the ombudsman program has more than 6,000 volunteers certified to handle complaints and 1,300 paid staff. In 2019, ombudsman programs investigated more than 198,000 complaints and provided information on long-term care to another 425,000 people.
The ultimate goal of the ombudsman program is to provide residents of long-term care facilities with an advocate who will work to ensure they receive the highest level of care possible. Volunteer ombudsman are a voice for residents and their families.
How can an ombudsman help me?
An Ombudsman can offer advice on housing and help with complaint counseling, negotiations, investigations and resolutions.
Continued on page 196
Quality Home Care You Can Trust
Assisting Hands provides professional in-home health care services now, during Covid, allowing our clients to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. Our specially trained certified nursing aides are available to meet your schedule – a few hours a day or around the clock – and we match your loved one with the right caregiver.
CALL FOR SERVICES
Montgomery County MD 301-363-2580
Fairfax Co. & Northern VA 703-556-8983
2nd Family’s Story Starts and Ends with the Need for a Loving and Experienced Senior In-Home Care Provider
A family-owned business, 2nd Family began as a result of our own experience in searching for in-home care for our own loved one — our grandmother. We specialize in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, and also provide additional services such as, companionship, transportation, hygiene, housekeeping, medication reminders, and personal care.
Continued from page 195
Ombudsmen stand with residents of long-term care communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their complaints and concerns are addressed.
For families who are searching for a nursing facility or an assisted living facility, Ombudsmen can provide vital information about facilities, services, complaint histories, inspection reports, and features to look for while searching for a community.
As a consumer of long-term care, Ombudsmen can help you voice any concerns you may have about current providers. They can also take you through the steps necessary to resolve any complaints. This generally starts with negotiation, during which the two parties sit down to discuss the concern and the Ombudsman serves as a facilitator. In many cases, both parties are able to agree to a solution.
If negotiation is not successful or appropriate, Ombudsmen can launch a formal complaint investigation aimed at achieving a resolution to support the resident. Ombudsmen will accept anonymous complaints. In cases where names will be used, residents and/or their families must sign a waiver of the right to confidentiality.
How should I find an ombudsman?
See the box on this page for local phone numbers, email addresses and websites to contact the Ombudsman program near you. For more general information about the program or to find programs in other areas, visit Ltcombudsman.org.
Ombudsman Program Contacts
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Phone: 202-724-5626 | Email: dcoa@dc.gov Website: dcoa.dc.gov/service/long-term-care-ombudsman-services
VIRGINIA
Phone: 703-324-5861, TTY 711 | Email: nvltcop@fairfaxcounty.gov Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/ long-term-care-ombudsman-program
MARYLAND
Phone: Montgomery County - 240-777-3369 Prince George’s County - 301-265-8483 Website: aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-long-term-careombudsman.aspx
Providing Private Duty Nursing Care since 1978.
Giving guidance to those everyday tasks that are often taken for granted.
From grocery shopping to ventilator dependent care our REGISTERED NURSES, LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES and NURSING ASSISTANTS bring you not only professional and expert capabilities, but also that element that often makes the difference in patients’ response: Love & Understanding.
301-890-7575 | A1ActionNursingCare.com
Johns Hopkins Home Support provides self-pay personal care services in the safety of your home. Our team has the training and equipment to care for you. We provide companion care, help with daily activities, nursing care and assistance to caregivers feeling overwhelmed. Call for a free assessment today.
SERVING MULTIPLE COUNTIES
Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County
410-671-0871 | hopkinshomecare.org
Empowered and Engaged
Continued from page 176 social, educational, and civic activities that promote aging in place. The term “Center” is used to suggest “presence” in the community. In fact, a Shepherd’s Center is often described as a “center without walls.” Shepherd’s Centers create relationships that bind society together and empower individuals to take on new challenges, learn new skills, make new friends, and serve others.
Shepherd’s Centers are open to all older adults, regardless of income. There is no membership fee. Shepherd’s Centers also frequently partner with other organizations or county provided aging services, such as Meals on Wheels, to better serve low-income older adults.
It is important to note that Shepherd’s Centers are NOT Villages (a separate set of community-based organizations serving localized older adult populations).
Local Services
At the five local Shepherd’s Centers, services vary widely. However, there is an overarching focus on free transportation, socialization, support and engagement. The specific programs evolve over time to best meet the needs of the local community.
Get Involved
There are so many ways you can support the mission of creating powerful and meaningful opportunities for older adults today… and tomorrow. Volunteer as a driver, office support, class instructor, or in a variety of other opportunities. Or sign up for a class and meet new people.
To learn more about Shepherd’s Centers or to get involved, contact the center in your neighborhood or visit shepherdcenters.org.
Find a Shepherd’s Center Near You
Shepherd’s Center of Annandale Springfield
Serving Annandale and Springfield 703-941-1419 shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com
Serving Fairfax City, Burke and South Fairfax County 703-323-4788 office@scfbva.org
Serving McLean, Arlington and Falls Church 703-506-2199 info@scmafc.org
Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia
Serving Vienna, Oakton, Dunn Loring, Reston, Herndon and Great Falls 703-281-0538 office@scnova.org
Shepherd’s Center of Western Fairfax County
Serving Centreville, Chantilly, Fair Oaks and Clifton 703-246-5920 SCWFC.Office@gmail.com
Don’t walk the road alone. Find professional resources who can help you. (p.37)
“Specializing in Custom Home Healthcare Services”
www.onthegonursing.com • info@onthegonursing.com Contact our patient care coordinator:
240.695.1772 | 703.862.0303
1340 Old Chain Bridge Road, Suite 100 McLean, Virginia 22101 4400 Stamp Road, Suite 308 Temple Hills, Maryland 20748
Request Our Services*
• Getting Started • Home Health Care: • Physical Therapy • Care Management • Skilled Nursing • Clinical Staffing: • Permanent Placement • Per Diem, Respite,
Long-Term
