HEALTH AT HOME - NON MEDICAL HOME CARE
Respite Care And Finding Trustworthy FACT: Most adults over the age In-Home Care
of 65 prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible. We know there are many long-term benefits of allowing adults the freedom to age in place. Staying at home helps seniors maintain a routine, and home provides the familiarity and comfort no other place can. FAMILY CAREGIVERS: Their duties cover a wide range of responsibilities requiring endless amounts of energy, empathy, and patience. It can be a fulfilling experience, but it also comes with its own unique challenges including:
Emotional and physical stress A loss of self-identity n Lack of time to care for themselves n Financial strain n Feelings of isolation n Sleep deprivation n N eed to do it all and not ask for help n n
FAMILY RESPITE CARE SERVICES: Respite care allows family members in a primary caregiving role to take some time off from their responsibilities so they can focus on themselves for a while. While the family member takes a break, a professional caregiver can be there to make sure that their loved one is well taken care of, safe and comfortable. FINDING A HOME CARE YOU CAN TRUST – Preparation: n I dentify your loved one’s In-Home care needs n A sk family, friends or doctor for referrals and/or go online
M ake a list and choose 3 to 5 home care providers n C all and ask for a complimentary in-home assessment n
Questions To Ask: Are you HIPPA compliant? n W hat specific services do you provide? n W hat process do you use to hire and assess caregivers? n What training do you provide? n A re your caregivers’ direct employees on your payroll? n D o you check in on clients and caregivers regularly? n H ow soon can I get a caregiver and how often? n D o you tailor your services to my particular needs? n H ow do you provide great communication and problem solve? n W ill the same caregiver come every time? n Do you match caregivers to clients? n W hat happens if the caregiver does not show up on time or at all? n What payer sources do you take? n W hat are the rates for your services? n
If possible, make sure your loved one is part of this process. They’ll feel more comfortable in the long run when they’re involved in the selection of the Home Care provider. ~ Editor’s Note: This article was written by Jaye Firmature McCoy-Owner of Firstlight Home Care. Contact her at 402-6140413, jmccoy@firstlighthomecare.com, or omaha.firstlighthomecare.com
68 EASTERN NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA – WINTER–SUMMER 2022
