CarePlus

Tag: caregivers

  • The Key to Aging In Place is Awareness

    The Key to Aging In Place is Awareness

    A lifetime of memories builds up in a home, and people often prefer growing old where they raised their children and hope to spend time with the next generation. This rosy vision doesn’t always pan out when the challenges of aging arise, prompting older adults and their children to consider key factors such as home layout, health, and help available. These concerns could mean the difference between staying in the family home or making a late-in-life move.

    Look at the Layout

    Those doorframes with height lines are not the only legacy aspects of a family home. Most of the house was organized when young, strong adults moved in, and rearrangements were probably made to accommodate growing children. Aging in place requires a different design approach, including:

    • Cupboards need to be reorganized to make regularly used items more accessible. For example, cabinets that require a long reach or a stepladder should be avoided.
    • Furniture should be situated to allow easy circulation.
    • Clutter reduction can help make it easier to maintain cleanliness, which is safer for both balance and health.
    • Accessibility may include some minor remodeling (e.g., grab bar installation).

    The key is to identify safety, needs, access, and comfort for an older person with some infirmities. Additional reorganization may be needed for those with memory issues or other specific conditions.

    Healthy at Home

    Day-to-day living is a challenge for people with health concerns. Weakened physiques from heart conditions, arthritis, or osteoporosis may make it more difficult to manage household upkeep. Chores like cleaning, tidying, and grocery shopping require strength. An inability to keep up with these activities can lead to an unhealthy living environment, exacerbating the problem.

    Living in the family home has potential health impacts that increase over time.

    • Medications add up, and older adults often have a pharmacopeia to manage, and arthritis or memory issues can prevent the regular dosage most medicines require.
    • Appointments for medical visits can be difficult to get to when older eyes and reflexes should avoid driving, yet they are even more critical to attend.
    • Isolation becomes increasingly dangerous as people age, since mental health is impacted by loneliness, and minor accidents can be fatal.
    • Activity as simple as going for a walk requires more effort for a person impaired by health issues, but regular exercise, fresh air, and sunlight can promote well-being.
    • Daily Living becomes progressively harder with age, necessitating assistance with tasks such as dressing, hygiene, and cooking.

    Help is Available

    Despite the challenges, knowledge is power. Whether it’s a family member or home healthcare service, having support can make aging in place more feasible. Being strategic and proactive can allow an older person to live a safe and happy life in their home. CarePlus Home Health has been providing a comprehensive range of services customized to meet the needs of its clients in Montgomery County for 30 years. For its contributions to the community, CarePlus is the recipient of the Large Business of the Year award with the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce for 2024. Contact us today by calling 301-740-8870.

  • Home Health Care: Five Things to Look for in a Provider

    Home Health Care: Five Things to Look for in a Provider

    It’s a difficult topic to discuss with your family and loved ones: the choice of a home health care provider. However, it is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. 

    So, in order to help guide the decision-making process for a home health care provider, here are five considerations:

    1. Is the staff experienced and licensed? : Thorough screening of prospective caregivers is a priority as you are ensuring the safety of your loved one in their care. Caregivers must have all the up-to-date, certifications, and licenses for the specific care that you require. Your caregiver should be experienced, professional, and compassionate. 
    2. How many years have they been in business? Every business has to start at some point in time yet a caregiver from a reputable company with years of experience is a plus when seeking care for your loved one. In-home health, companies that have been in business for numerous years may have higher retention rates and more experienced caregivers. In addition, established companies tend to have excellent training programs in place to retain compassionate caregivers and grow referrals. 
    3. What services do they offer? : If you are looking for nursing or supportive services, a comprehensive home healthcare provider should be able to deliver a wide variety of services.  Among those services may be hourly and live-in home care services either at home or at an assisted living facility or nursing home. Care Plus provides both in-home care and nursing home services. Our services are customized to meet the needs of the patient and their families. It may be a short-term or long-term plan. Avoid “cookie-cutter” or “one size fits all” service providers. Each patient is unique and deserves a customized plan that will meet their unique needs.
    4. What do the reviews say? : Reviews are a reliable resource that can be quite helpful to you as you weigh the different caregiving choices. Home health care providers that have been in business over the years, should have an extensive list of online reviews.   You can visit the www.caring.com, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google My Business, and Facebook should have client reviews posted on their pages. The caregiver website should have testimonials posted, too. We also recommend that you call the caregiver and ask for references.
    5. What do they provide for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients? Make sure the caregiver offers services for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. As older adults age this may be a need and having an In-Home Healthcare provider who is attuned to early signs of dementia is imperative. Check with the company to verify that the caregivers have specialized training in these health conditions.

    It will give you peace of mind knowing that they have the best care available. These five tips will prepare you for your next steps. If you should have any questions feel free to reach out.

    CarePlus Home Health, Inc. has experienced and compassionate home health caregivers. Call us at (301) 740-8870 for a consultation. We offer home care in the Montgomery County, MD area. 

  • Putting Families First: Dementia Care Program

    Putting Families First: Dementia Care Program

    Our Dementia Care Program offers a wide range of care services for loved ones who have forgetfulness and who are confused and tend to wander. 

    Sandra H., shares about the many ways the different caregivers at Care Plus Home Health have been extremely helpful in assisting with all of her activities of daily living.

    “I’ve had multiple caregivers and right now Jane is my last one, and she’s been very good to me. I had somebody else but I can’t even remember what her name is because like I said, I’m very forgetful. She remembers. She cooks. She does some cleaning for me. She keeps me honest.”

    At CarePlus Home Health Inc., home care is our passion.  At CarePlus we recognize all our clients and value the importance of the service we provide. It is imperative to make the right fit for your family.  For the past 20 years, we have provided our clients in Montgomery County, MD and the surrounding areas with excellence, compassion and understanding. Our mission, to provide professional, compassionate care to individuals, while maintaining their independence and quality of life, in their home or community settings.

    If you are interested in learning more about our home care services including:  assisted daily living services,  bathing, companionship, dressing, exercises, grocery shopping, housekeeping/laundry and live-in support – please contact us at (301) 740-8870 or info@careplusinc.com.