Happy New Year!!!

As we wind down the last day of the year, Comfort of Home Healthcare would like to wish you a wonderful 2015!

 “I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.” 
― Neil Gaiman

Tips for Seniors in the Winter Months

You wouldn't know it being 50 out on December 15th, but winter is going to be here any moment. 

If you yourself need a little extra help now and then, if you are caring for a loved one, or even if you’re loved one just recently needs a little bit of extra help. Here are some tips that you’re going to need to keep yourself or your loved ones safe for the next couple of months.

·       If you are not able to do everything for your own. Ask for help silly!!!

The most important tip to keep in mind is to ask for help. If you need help to clear the drive, sidewalks, etc. don’t hesitate to ask a family member, neighbor, social service agency or hire a professional. Really, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

·       If you’re worried about your loved one.

o   Check in on them regularly, if you live out of town, arrange for neighbors/family to check in.

o   Arrange for someone to keep sidewalks shoveled and de-iced.

o   Make sure your loved one has emergency supplies.

o   Arrange transportation if need be, have groceries delivered, etc.

o   Hire a professional in home care agency such as Comfort of Home Healthcare to come in and help take good care of your loved one during these months.

·       Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!!! There are a handful of likely scenarios that are going to happen during the winter season, prepare for them.

o   Power Outages - At some point, a winter storm is going to lead to a power outage. Make sure there is easy access to flashlights and a battery powered radio. Stockpile warm blankets. Keep some non perishable food and water stored away. Here is a winter weather checklist you might find useful.

§  Oxygen – if you or your loved one is on oxygen you/they most likely have a generator supplying it. If your power goes out you will need backup tanks. Have a supply of both large tanks and smaller portable tanks readily available.

o   Home Heating Safety

§  Service the furnace every fall to make sure it’s in working order.

§  Have all chimneys and flues inspected yearly and cleaned as needed.

§  Install and upkeep on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

·       Using a fireplace, gas heater or lanterns can lead to carbon monoxide poising. Be SURE to pay special attention to the carbon monoxide detectors and get an updated one if needed.

§  Keep a fire extinguisher handy, replace as needed and know how to use it.

§  Place space heaters at least three feet from any curtains, betting, etc.

·    

   Stay Inside – This is an easy one. If you don’t have to get out, don’t. Seniors are more susceptible to hypothermia. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, severe arthritis and even some medications can limit the body’s response to cold.

o   IF you have to go out – Dress appropriate, even for a “walk out to the mailbox”. One slip and a fall could mean that your outside for longer than you anticipated.

·       Fight Wintertime Depression – Not being with others and spending more time indoors can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

o   Call family members and check in daily. Get as much contact with others as possible.

o   If you are the family member, call your loved one as often as possible. Even a short daily phone call can make a big difference. If you can visit, even better!

These are just some simple tips and are not intended to be all encompassing. Be sure to get with your family and create a plan as everyone is different and will have different needs.

We hope you find this helpful and hope that you and your loved ones stay safe this winter season. Like always; Comfort of Home Healthcare is here to help, call us if you need anything!

We are looking for some outstanding caregivers!!!

Comfort of Home Healthcare is looking for some outstanding people to join our family!

If you are the type of person that longs for meaningful work and not just a job? This is the opportunity for you. It's not every job that you can come home at the end of your shift  knowing that you personally helped another person.

John Wooden said, “You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” Here at Comfort of Home Healthcare, that's exactly what you get to do!

Right now we are looking for people in two locations. 

We are looking for Direct Care Aids for people with disabilities in the North Kansas City/ Gladstone area. 

Kansas City Job Post Can be Found Here.

We are also hiring for all positions in St. Joseph MO (Immediate need for caregivers who want to work with seniors)

St. Joseph Job Post Can be Found Here.

You can apply for a position in a number of ways. 

• HERE is a link to our application.
• Either Email or Fax it to us. 
• info@comfortofhomehealthcare.com
• Fax 816-901-3054

• Call us anytime from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. 816-671-0298 ask for Melanie.

• If your interested in the St. Joseph area, you can drop by anytime from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. 2207 South 36th Street, St. Joseph MO.

• Kansas City applicants, please set up a phone interview with Melanie at the number above. 

We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully welcome our newest member of the Comfort of Home Healthcare family!

Direct Care Staff.. What is it?

Comfort of Home Healthcare commonly posts information about seniors and how to be a caregiver for them. This is a growing concern for many of us with ageing parents and grandparents. 

Did you know that Comfort of Home Healthcare also provides support for people with disabilities? 

We recently posted some information trying to recruit employees for  open positions working with people who have disabilities and ran across some videos that accurately depict what these employees can expect on a shift with us. 

We wanted to share this video with all of you. You might have a passion for helping others and have not thought about working with people other than seniors. 

There are very few jobs out there that you can honestly say that you helped another person at the end of your day and feel good about it. 

Well, this is one of those jobs... With Comfort of Home Healthcare you get to have a job your passionate about. Let me tell you that is pretty rare in this day and age. 

 

If you have any questions and/or feel this is a great fit for you, let us know. We are more than happy to talk to you.

Direct Care Staff Wanted!!! Gladstone MO

Are you tired of meaningless jobs? Wish you had a job where you feel like you have made a difference? Look no further!!

Comfort of Home Healthcare is looking for some outstanding people who have a passion for helping others for our growing in home care services for people with disabilities!

We are hiring for staff to care for two gentlemen with disabilities in an ISL (Individualized Supporting Living) home. All shifts available!

Job Duties Include (but not limited to)

Will perform various duties necessary to provide complete care of clients within established standards, policies and procedures. These duties include but are not limited to; strict adherence to care plan and outcomes, positive behavior training, social interactions training and maintenance of accurate documentation.

Also some other diversified duties including, but not limited to; light housekeeping, meal preparations, laundry and companionship.

CNA, First aid & CPR, Level 1 Med-Aide, Abuse and Neglect, PBS, a plus (will train the right candidates).

EOE/D/V

All employees must pass background check and commit to drug screenings.

Must have valid drivers license, proof of auto insurance, ability to follow instructions, and have excellent time management and multitasking skills. 

If you feel your a good candidate, please download our application HERE. 

You can submit your application/resume in any one of three ways:

1. Email it back to us,  info@comfortofhomehealthcare.com
2. Fax it over to us, 1-816-901-3054
3. Mail it to us. 2207 South 36th Street, St. Joseph MO 64503

Once we receive your application/resume, we will contact you and conduct an initial phone interview. So please make sure you have submitted the correct phone number to reach you.

Thank you for your interest and we hope that together we are a great fit and you can be a new addition to the Comfort of Home Healthcare family!!

If you have quesions, please keep phone calls to regular business hours. Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm.
Ask for Melanie, 816-671-0298

In Home Care 101!

Most phone calls we receive are from people who have never had never needed any type of in home care before and don't know what is out there.

From this initial conversation I have a quick talk of what I call "In-Home Care 101", or the basics. There is a very common misconception out there that Medicaid will pay for in home care. Medicare will pay for some things, but extended care is not one of them.

So here it is, a very simple and short explanation: In Home Care 101

First off, Medicare will pay for SKILLED NURSING only. You need a physician order to qualify for all skilled nursing/Medicare services.

Think of skilled nursing as task oriented; a nurse will come out to the home and perform some sort of task (E.g. bath, med set up, wound dressing, physical therapy). Once they are finished with that task, they leave.

The two main services for medicaid skilled nursing is 1. Home Health and 2. Hospice.

Here is a blog from a home health agency that explains Home Heath in further detail. 

&     Here is a article that explains Hospice in further detail.


For many people skilled nursing is not enough and they need caregivers to come out and help with their loved one for longer period of time. This brings us to In Home care; you can think of it more as time oriented rather than task oriented services.

This is the type of services that Comfort of Home Healthcare provides. We can go in and provide what is called ADL's or activity of daily living. We come in and do some of the same services such as bathing and medications etc, but we can also do some of the other tasks that your loved one can no longer do themselves such as toileting, cooking, cleaning, etc.

These services range anywhere from 3 hours a couple times a week, all the way to 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Unfortunately Medicare does NOT pay for these type of services. However Medicaid will pay for some of these services.

Since Medicaid is income based, most of our phone calls do not qualify. This leaves families to pay out of pocket for in home care services.

If your loved one was a veteran or the widow of a veteran there might be some assistance from the VA, but that is about it. There are some other assistance but too few would qualify to put in this post.

This all can get very confusing. If you need any further assistance or have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

The Aging Process: What Can Be Expected?

The Aging Process

What Can Be Expected?

From birth, we begin to experience the lifelong process of aging. Most of our life this is marked by constant growth and new abilities. There is a point in ageing when a person's health begins to deteriorate or decline physically and mentally. The elderly population can often be misunderstood as they begin to go backwards, but this is a natural part of the aging process. Understanding the aging process will allow us to help enhance the quality and even the quantity of an elderly persons life. 

Not all of the effects of aging are harmful, such as the thinning of hair, hair turning grey or white, skins thins and becomes less elastic, wrinkles will be more present, and weight may change or become more concentrated in a specific area. Even though there will be more obvious changes that take place, there will also be changes that happen inside the body and that will effect the overall health of a person. These changes may vary depending on genes, lifestyle, and disease, but there is a "normal" pattern that is observed as people enter their later years (typically age 65 and older). 

Some very specific changes that will take place as a part of this process include changes in: (www.agingcarefl.org) 

• Eyesight: Loss of peripheral vision and decreased ability to judge depth. There may also be a decrease in the clarity of colors. 
• Hearing: Loss of hearing accuracy, especially sounds at the higher end of the spectrum. Also, decreasing ability to distinguish sounds when there is a lot of background noise. 
• Taste: Decreased taste buds and saliva. 
• Touch and Smell: Decreased sensitivity to touch and ability to smell.
• Arteries: Stiffen with age. Additionally, fatty deposits build up in your blood vessels over time, eventually causing arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries). 
• Bladder: Increased frequency in urination. 
• Body Fat: Increases until middle age, stabilizes until later in life, then decreases. Distribution of fat shifts, moving from just beneath the skin to surround deeper organs. 
• Bones: Somewhere around age 35, bones lose minerals faster than they are replaced.
• Brain: Loses some of the structures that connect nerve cells, and the function of the cells themselves is diminished. 
• Heart: This muscle thickens with age. Maximum pumping rate and the boy's ability to extract oxygen from the blood both diminish with age. 
• Kidneys: Shrink and become less efficient.
• Lungs: Somewhere around age 20, lung tissue begins to lose its elasticity, and rib cage muscles shrink progressively. Maximum breathing capacity diminishes with each decade of life. 
• Metabolism: Medicines and alcohol are not processes as quickly. Prescription medication requires adjustments. Reflexes are also slowed while driving.
• Muscles: Muscle mass declines, especially with lack of exercise. 
• Skin: Nails grow more slowly. Skin is more dry and wrinkled, and heals more slowly..

The better we understand the aging process, the more efficiently we can help our loved ones during this time. Although this time may be marked by significant physical, mental, and emotional changes, this is also a significant time for people as they get to spend time with their families, reflect on life, try new things, and make lasting memories. It is important that we are able to talk to our loved ones about what they are experiencing, even though we may not directly or fully understand the process yet. 

There are some contributing factors that will help strengthen the elderly during their aging process, and that are known to help with both the length and quality of life. Some of these factors include:

• Dietary and nutritional factors. 
• Moderate consumption of alcohol.
• Physical activity throughout life.
• Sexual activity continues in later years.
• Social involvement factors.
• Physical environment factors.

Being actively involved in your health now will most likely result in better health conditions in your later years. It is necessary that we stay knowledgeable about the aging process, for the benefit of ourselves and our loved ones. 

Discovery health provides a very helpful resource that gives more specific information on the aging process: The Aging Process

The Benefits of Technology for the Elderly

The Benefits of Technology for the Elderly

It is assumed that the older generation is more closed off to the use of technology to enhance or improve life. While this may often be the case, not every senior is completely closed off to giving new technology a chance. The problem lies in the fact that many of the newer technologies are not as easily understood by a generation that wasn't born with iPhones, gaming systems, TiVo systems, iPads, Kindles, laptop computers, Netflix, social networks, and iPods ingrained in their culture like the current generation has been. There is an obvious gap between the younger and older generations in regards to technology, and this gap can be destructive in our communication and connection with our elderly loved ones.  

It is important to remember to be understanding and helpful towards the generation who may have different opinions, experiences, and thoughts that contribute to their view of technology and/or their lack of use of technology in their daily life. It is not an absolute necessity for technology to be used for survival and it doesn't need to be pushed on someone who isn't interested. Sometimes this lack of interest in the technology of our culture comes from misinformation or a lack of information that has been given to the elderly. Although technology isn't a basic need, there are many technologies that would be extremely beneficial for seniors. 

Some of the benefits of technology for the elderly include:

• Feelings of isolation are rampant among the elderly, and technology will provide a way for them to stay connected to family, friends, and the world. Often they have a limited ability to move or leave a specific place or a specific community, and technology can really open doors to their ability to connect with others and sustain relationships. 

• Technology can also get them a way to stay updated about family issues and events. This could include small happenings in the family, or larger events such as new births in the family. Technology provides a way for them to feel a part of what is going on in the family, through pictures and more communication.

• Cell phones, iPods, E-Readers, laptops, and more, can provide entertainment and activities that can give the elderly things to do during "down time" when their days aren't filled with as much activity as it used to be filled with. 

• Technology can increase a seniors independence, freedom, and quality of life. Many technologies allow the elderly to stay in control of their lives for a longer time.

• Tools such as internet banking, can help assist the elderly in their financial needs in a more effective way. 

In addition to the specific technologies already mentioned, there is also a category of technology specifically geared towards the needs to the elderly and those with disabilities, which is called "assistive technology". Assistive technology includes special equipment designed to help the elderly and disabled throughout their daily lives and improve their quality of life. Here is a link that will give you more information about this type of technology: Assitive Technology: An Introduction and Overview

Healthy conversations can be had with your loved one about technology, and these conversations could lead to making some positive changes in your loved one's life. Always remember to actively listen to their concerns and thoughts, and speak in a way that will be helpful not hurtful. 

Here are a couple resources that may be helpful in your understanding of this topic: 

Embracing Technology to Improve Life

Adapting Technology to Elderly People

Were Hiring!!!

We still have several job opportunities with Comfort of Home Healthcare.

Please forward this link to anyone you know that might be interested in working for us.

Come on in and fill out an application and you can get an interview on the spot!!!!

We are located at 2207 S 36th Street, St. Joseph MO. (There is some road construction so look at the map below to see the detour on how to get here)

Comfort of Home Healthcare Open Positions: 
(Caregiver Tip: The more available you are on when you can work, the more hours we can give you)

NEW!!!! DAY SHIFTS IN WESTON MO!!!! (Posted 7/28/14)

Personal Care Attendant/Direct Care Aide (Caregiver)

Comfort of Home Healthcare has several of these positions open! We are in the need of part time and full time caregivers.
Comfort of Home Healthcare provides caregiving services in the home of seniors and people with disabilities.
If you are a person who feels compassion for others and is drawn to take care of people, this is the perfect match for you!
All shifts are available, but the majority of our open positions will be either evenings and/or overnights.

Personal Care Attendant/Direct Care Aide (Caregiver) Rosendale/Savannah

Comfort of Home Healthcare is looking for a couple outstanding Direct Care Aide's to work evenings and some weekends in the Rosendale/Savannah area. Will pay mileage to get you there and back.

House Manager

Comfort of Home Healthcare is looking for a outstanding person to fill a management position with our company. Any client of Comfort of Home Healthcare who receives more than 16 hours of service daily will have one person dedicated to manage that particular home.

This position is typically a 40 hour weekly position and works the day shift in that home, but must be available 24/7 to answer questions and take calls from staff in that home.

Link to Comfort of Home Healthcare Application
(for your convenience, just print it and bring it in!)

Map with Detour

Depression and Suicide Prevention

Depression and Suicide Prevention

in the Elderly

There is no age group that is immune to depression, but statistically the elderly suffer with depression resulting in suicide more than any other age group or group of people. Statistics show that the elderly comprise about 13% of the United States population but they are responsible for over 18% of the total suicides in the United States. Even though depression is very common in the elderly this does not mean that it can't be treated. Often the cause of suicide in the elderly is depression that is left untreated or mistreated. 

Depression can result from various changing circumstances, but is ultimately a chemical imbalance in the brain. The symptoms of depression can be recognized more quickly if you are aware of what you should be looking for in yourself or in your loved one. It is vital that depression does not go untreated, because it will result in a low quality of life and could lead to attempted suicide. 

Here are a few warning signs that someones may be struggling with depression:

• Loss of interest in things or activities that were previously found enjoyable. 
• Cutting back on social interactions, self-care, and grooming.
• Breaking medical regiments. (Such as prescriptions, diets, etc.)
• Expecting or experiencing a significant personal loss.
• Feeling hopeless and/or worthless.
• Loss of appetite, loss of energy, and weight loss.
• Insomnia and restlessness.
• Suddenly putting affairs in order, giving things away, or making changes to wills.
• Stock-pilling medication or obtaining other lethal means.
• Preoccupation with death or a lack of concern about personal safety.
• Expression of suicidal intent. 

In addition to specific warning signs that you can keep watch for, there are also specific characteristics or situations that may put a person at high risk for depression. A person does not need to have all of these characteristics, but these characteristics may be contributing factors to putting someone at a higher risk for depression. Some of these include:

• Increased age.
• White male.
• Divorced.
• A major psychiatric disorder.
• Misuse of alcohol or drugs.
• Any medical illness.
• Family discord.
• Financial trouble.
• Physical disability.
• Unrelieved pain, or chronic pain.
• Loss and/or grief. 
• Social isolation or solitary living.
• Inability to face and manage crises. 

If you recognize any of these characteristics or warning signs in yourself or your loved one, it is necessary to get help right away. The best way to get help is to visit your doctor and be honest about what is being experienced, from there your doctor can assess your well-being and take the steps they feel necessary to better your health. Your doctor will have more information about medications that need to be given or taken away, and about lifestyle changes that may need to take place.

Your loved one needs to know that the lines of communication are open, because it may be a daunting task for them to come to you about the problems associated with depression. If you are more aware of the symptoms, you will be more effective in preventing depression and suicide in your loved one. 

Unfortunately, the chances of suffering with depression or knowing someone who is suffering with depression is extremely likely. In the case of depression, awareness may be prevention. We must be ready to act when we are faced with these situations, especially in our families. 

This article will give more research based information about depression and suicide in the elderly: Suicide in the Elderly

We Have Moved!

Our Francis location has been bought and is being renovated for its new owners. Please note that Comfort of Home Healthcare has moved its offices to:

2207 South 36th Street

St. Joseph MO 64503

Click HERE to find on Google Maps!

Business Grows from Personal Experience

We are so excited to share with you that Comfort of Home Healthcare had an article written yesterday about its success!!!

Tad and I sat down with a reporter from the News Press and did our interview that we appreciate so much. Reporters have a difficult job in condensing a 30 min conversation into 150 words or less. With that being said, I wanted to give you a little lead-in to the story that our article did not have room for. 

I just wanted to be clear that Comfort of Home Healthcare was a shared vision between Tad and I. Also that we could not have excelled the way we have without the support from our loving families and supportive community that helped two guys start a business from nothing. We are also blessed with a number of wonderful employees that take care of our clients as if it were their own families. 

I also would like to mention that being a primary caregiver is one of the most difficult tasks one can be challenged with in this life. I have witnessed Tad though the years being the primary caregiver for is son and am in awe of how he manages it day in and day out and has done it for over a decade. It is inspiring to see and I feel privileged to have him as a business partner and our clients are blessed to have that kind of commitment and determination in giving their own families the care that they deserve. 

Lastly I wanted to clarify that with my In-laws, my wife was the primary caregiver and poured her heart and soul into giving her parents the best care anyone could wish for their own family. I wanted to clarify that because I want to give credit where credit is due and we see all to often that not all families come together in times of crisis. She is a little angel for our family and we would not be where we are today without her. 

Being a caregiver to anyone, being a parent or a child , is truly a family affair in every since of the word. 

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!! Tad and I are truly humbled and blessed by all our support over the years. 

Original article can be found HERE. 

Tad Ulmer and Jason Douglas share a lot of common ground.

They’re both fathers. Primary breadwinners for their family. Passionate about caring for people.

But perhaps the most notable thing they have in common is experiencing that moment of complete exasperation and loss — that “I’ve had it” moment that brought them together to create Comfort of Home Health Care.

When Mr. Ulmer and Mr. Douglas became caregivers for family members who needed 24-hour attention, they realized the difficulties involved with finding quality care. It was an uphill battle from there.

For Mr. Ulmer, it was with his son. Mr. Douglas, his in-laws.

Mr. Ulmer’s 15-year-old son Brandon was in a car accident that left him paralyzed on his left side and recovering from major brain damage. Brandon lived in a nursing home for five years before returning home. Mr. Ulmer shuffled 150 to 200 different caregivers in and out of his house trying to find quality service.

“They wanted to run my life,” Mr. Ulmer said. “They wanted to force caregivers on me that I knew were not good.”

He battled staff just to get Brandon a shower every day.

Mr. Douglas spent several years taking care of his dying father-in-law. After he passed away, he became the primary caregiver for his mother-in-law, who had Alzheimer’s disease. He was plagued by lackluster staff that didn’t fulfill their family’s needs, he said.

Mr. Douglas’ frustration brought him to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, where he met Rebecca Evans of the Small Business & Technology Development Center. She knew Mr. Ulmer was facing similar difficulties and encouraged Mr. Douglas to give him a call.

That night, Mr. Douglas was at Mr. Ulmer’s house with a vision.

One month later, they had gotten their business license. A month after that, they had sold everything they owned and cashed in their 401(k) plans.

And a few days into 2011, they were moved into their office and were ready to take their first client.

Mr. Douglas said the clients’ needs always come first.

“It’s weird having other people come in your home,” he said. “It just is. There’s no way to sugarcoat that. And (other home health companies) say, ‘Hey, this is how we’re going to do it.’ Whereas we come in and say, ‘How do you want us to take care of your loved one?’”

And if that means it costs more money, so be it. For the first six or eight months of working the business, neither of them brought home a penny.

Mr. Douglas vividly remembers having to sell a car to pay his bills one month because they had nothing left. It was his last — and only — option.

“The first month we were able to take money out of here was the month after I had no idea how the hell I was going to pay the next month’s bills,” Mr. Douglas said. “God’s gonna help you out, but He’s gonna make you sweat it a bit first.”

After three years of operation, they’ve grown to 89 employees.

Comfort of Home recently started expanding into Kansas City, and they said they hope to continue to grow into other surrounding areas.

Only a year and a half into the business, they’d already surpassed their three-year projections. They hope to continue to grow while providing quality service.

“It can be tough,” Mr. Douglas said. “In this job, you can have basically the most rewarding day of your life one day and the toughest day of your life the very next day. You never know.”

Elderly Care is a Family Affair

Elderly Care is a Family Affair

Your elderly or disabled loved ones are at crucial points in their life, filled with many changes and new circumstances. During this time your loved one needs support and help in planning their future and making sure all of their needs are properly addressed. No one should walk this road alone, and so the care of your loved one needs to become a family issue. Often family members are the caregivers to their elderly or disabled loved one, so they too may be experiencing many life changes. The best way to care for your family is to make sure that you are coming together as a family, making compromises when necessary, and making decisions based on the needs of the entire family. 

"Seniors are at a vulnerable stage of life. They often face multiple health concerns and loss of physical and cognitive function. More than ever, seniors need the support and love of family members. Seniors often have difficulty expressing their needs, desires and preferences, so they must have someone to advocate for them. And who is more qualified for that than the people who know them better than anyone else in the world?"

To be able to be the advocate for your loved one during this often difficult time, is such a rewarding opportunity. If you and your loved one are able to work together and communicate effectively, this will increase the positive outcomes in both of your lives. 

It is not uncommon for family members to be the sole or primary caregiver for an elderly or disabled family member. "A new study of caregivers says that one out of three adults in the U.S. currently serves as a caregiver." Caregiving is no easy task, and takes up much of the caregivers time and energy. If you are in this position it may be necessary to consider some in-home healthcare options for your family. In addition to this, it is important to ask the right questions when you are considering a plan for your elderly or disabled loved one's care. 

Here are some questions that may be helpful to consider:

• What is the best way to talk to my parents or loved one about their healthcare needs?
• How will the care they need be funded?
• What is the safest, most comfortable, most appropriate care option for my loved one?
• Is there a family member nearby who can be of assistance at a moment's notice?
• What types of services or help does my loved one need-- for instance, bathing, eating, transportation, medications, etc.?
• How do my loved one's religious affiliation and personal preferences influence the care decisions we need to make?
• What types of senior care are available? How do they differ? How does each one address my parents specific needs?

Here is a resource that gives more statistical, and practical information on this subject:

Caring for Elderly and Disabled is a Family Affair

Missouri Business Development Program; Comfort of Home Healthcare

Hey, check it out! Comfort of Home Healthcare was highlighted in piece from the Missouri Business Development program!!!

Original Article Can Be Found Here!

Comfort of Home Healthcare, LLC – St. Joseph

Jason Douglas, co-owner and co-founder of Comfort of Home Healthcare, LLC, a home health care service based in St. Joseph with a satellite office in Gladstone slated to open later this year, didn’t start adult life as a health care entrepreneur.

He was a relief pitcher for the Missouri Western State University Griffons.

His repertoire included a wicked curve ball that had opposing hitters flailing away — or “They’d hit it 400 feet!” he laughs. He threw in the low 80s — good enough for college, but he knew the majors would be a long, hard climb. “I chased a lot of foul balls, raked the infield dirt a lot,” he admits.

The curve ball life threw at him when first his father, then father–in-law, then mother-in-law became incapacitated requiring round the clock care was tougher to handle. His father passed away at home with family present and hospice care; his mother-in-law too. Not so his father-in-law. Staying on top of the often unprofessional caregivers was virtually a job in itself, he recalls. With all this going on, he still held down jobs with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s St. Joseph branch, Blue Sky Home Care and Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living, where he saw what good caregiving looked like.

Tad Ulmer’s (left) son, Douglas (center) suffered traumatic brain injury in an auto accident. Jason Douglas is on the right.

Meanwhile in St. Joseph, truck driver Tad Ulmer received the phone call every parent dreads. His teenage son had been badly injured in a car accident and had been rushed to the hospital. Then things got even worse. He learned his son had suffered traumatic brain injury and would never walk again — in fact, would never feed, dress or bathe himself again, requiring 24-hour care. Ulmer too was frustrated with the care his son received at nursing homes; he says he believes staff stole and he saw them berate his son. When he registered a complaint, one provider suddenly stopped coverage.

The energetic, entrepreneurially minded Douglas had also been taking classes on entrepreneurship and small business through the SBTDC in St. Joseph. He and Ulmer met at a chamber event and clicked, realizing their vision of caring, professional at-home care could be more than a vision.

Douglas then met with Rebecca Evans, director of the SBTDC in St. Joseph, and began bombarding her with questions about partnerships, how to write a business plan, labor and employment law, office space, alternative financing and much more.

Finding office space was surprisingly easy. Evans knew that Mo-Kan, the regional planning and economic development group in St. Joseph serving northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas, needed new businesses for its incubator. “Originally, we were just going to work out of our homes,” says Douglas. “Mo-Kan leased us space for $175 a month.”

This building in St. Joseph is home to Comfort of Home administrative services.

Financing was tougher to field. The business didn’t require a great deal of outlay, mainly payroll; even so, Douglas had to cash in his retirement plan, sell the family Toyota and more just to issue paychecks. Banks were reluctant to loan two inexperienced businessmen the capital for an untried venture. Together, however, the team explored and secured a low-interest loan from the state of Missouri, enough to get the fledgling business off the ground.

The first months were terrifying, Douglas says, but his faith and the help of the SBTDC pulled him though. “We had to sell almost everything we owned!” he says. “There was no money the first few months, not a dime. But you don’t know what you’re capable of when there’s no other option. It really makes you focus when you are a trapeze artist and the net is taken from underneath you.

“We were also smart enough to realize when you don’t know what you don’t know, and we found someone who does know what she knows … Sometimes the Lord makes you sweat it a little bit.”

Evans even secured a video segment for the partners with TV station KQTV, shown at the St. Joseph chamber’s annual banquet, among other venues.

“Now we are off and running!” Douglas says. “We jumped in the deep end and we found ourselves swimming.”

And he and Ulmer have never looked back. The firm today has 70 and plans to hire 20 more employees; has around 40 private and two public (Missouri Division of Mental Health, Medicaid) clients; enjoyed gross sales of more than a million and a quarter last year; and is negotiating to locate a second office in Gladstone, north Kansas City.

Douglas says the firm’s largest obstacle by far has been finding the right people. (Yes, he’s also acting HR director.) He and Ulmer first looked at candidates’ prior experience, certifications and the like, but now Douglas says he looks more for character. Skills can be taught. Caring and steadfastness can’t.

“I say [in interviews], If you’re just looking for just a job, there’s Taco Bell right down there. There’s a bank there. We need people who want to help other people.” In fact, he says he won’t let anyone enter a home he wouldn’t have in his own home.

The partners and their families have suffered and emerged not just better people, but better business people. Douglas knows, however, that he doesn’t have all the answers.

He does have the answer to the age-old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg.

In business, “They come at the same time! That’s the answer.”

Exercise: Improving the Lives of the Elderly

Exercise

Improving the Lives of the Elderly

Exercise is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for any age group, but it is especially important for ageing adults and the elderly. Exercise needs to be a kept a priority because of its many physical and mental health benefits. There may be some hesitation at first because of the challenges that come with exercising while ageing, but exercise will drastically improve their quality of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that physical activity also has the ability to extend life expectancy. 

Three of the main physical health benefits include: (helpguide.org)

• Exercise helps older adults maintain or lose weight.
• Exercise reduces the impact of illness or chronic disease.
• Exercise enhances mobility, flexibility, and balance in older adults. 

Three of the main mental health benefits include: (helpguide.org)

• Exercise improves your sleep. 
• Exercise boosts mood and self-confidence.
• Exercise is good for the brain.

The challenges of life will inevitably get in the way of staying motivated and staying committed to a regular exercise routine, so it is important to have a plan ahead of time for when this occurs. When your regular exercise routine gets interrupted, always have a back up plan. The more consistent you are in your daily exercise, the more benefits you will acquire. 

There may be some concerns before starting a regular exercise routine for older adults. They may have an illness that significantly changes their ability to exercise, they may feel too weak, or they may have concerns about falling. All of these issues and more need to be addressed, and there is a safe way to go about starting a regular exercise routine. 

Some safety tips to consider include: (helpguide.org)

• Get medical clearance from the doctor. 
• Consider all health concerns. 
• Start slow.
• Commit to an exercise schedule. 
• Stay motivated by focusing on short-term goals. 
• Recognize problems. 

There are also specific types of exercise that are more appropriate for specific age groups or a specific individual's needs. Every person has a unique set of physical and mental health needs, and these can be met through various types of exercise techniques and programs. Here are some resources that will give you more information about what is best for you or your family member:

Exercise and Fitness Over 50

Why is Physical Exercise Important for the Elderly?