The Sandwich Generation

The Sandwich Generation
Caring for Your Children as You Care for Your Aging Parent

Many families today are put in a position to care for both their growing children and their aging parent at the same time. Their combined role as both parent and caregiver can bring great stress, exhaustion, and tension into a family environment. For many people it is a priority that their aging parent stay in the comfort of their own home, so it is important that the caregiver has a balanced view of their new role; which will help them thrive in various circumstances.

It is possible to raise your kids and provide care and comfort for an aging parent, but you can't do it alone without completely overwhelming yourself and your family.

The good news is that this task does not have to be taken on alone and there is help available to those willing to take it! The following articles give some helpful tips about how to effectively juggle child-care and parent-care. There are specific things you need to remember during this time when addressing your child's needs, your aging parent's needs, and your own needs. Every person is affected uniquely by the new family dynamic, and so every person needs to be taken care of differently.

From experience we know that there will be challenges along the way, but this time will be rewarding for every family member involved.

Articles from youragingparent.com: 

Caring for Your Children as You Care for Your Aging Parent

Caring for Your Children
as You Care for Your Aging Parent

     If you’re a member of the “sandwich generation,” if you’re taking care of your aging parent as well as your children, it’s hard to shake the feeling that if you focus on one generation you’re losing sight of the needs of the other.

     It can help to remember – to realize – that your taking care of your parent is good for your children, too. How so?

     You’re right that your kids also make a sacrifice because you can’t be around as much as the they would like you to be and, most likely, they have to do more – become more responsible – because you can’t be there. (Maybe they have to make their own lunch to take to school. Or you can’t be a chaperon at some school event even though you were able to do that a year or so ago.)

     Yes, in some ways a child is being deprived of what a parent might be able to give if he or she didn’t have caregiving obligations to an older family member (or to a spouse who is ill or to a child with special needs) but – from another perspective –Mom or Dad is giving something to that child or those children that he or she otherwise couldn’t give. We mean a front-row view of love in action without any possibility of mistaking the unchangeable fact that true love demands service and sacrifice.

     Still . . . it can be a lot to put on little shoulders. All they may see at first glance is that Mom or Dad isn’t there (or is there but is exhausted from caregiving and holding down a job) and they miss not just what that parent does for them (nice meals, rides to practice and so on) but also that person himself or herself. They miss time spent together. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions if you’re taking care of an aging parent and your children:

     --Talk about caregiving at a time when neither you nor your child are tired and emotions are not running high.

     --Do something special with each child, one-on one.

     --Explain what it’s like to be a care-receiver, how it can be hard to accept help. Talk about why you’re taking care of Grandpa or Grandma and explain – in an age-appropriate way –what his or condition is.

     --Work at establishing a link between your children and your parent. Let them have some time together.

     --Remember children can, in small ways, help with caregiving, too.

     --Teach what respectful care means and explain the difference between “dignity” and “dignified.” Yes, at times, a situation may be less than “dignified” but a person must be treated with dignity.

     --Remember to thank the child for making sacrifices and for helping you help your mother or father.

The Sandwich Generation

The Sandwich Generation

     The "sandwich generation" is a good description. There's pressure from both sides and sometimes it gets messy in the middle. That's what it can feel like if you're taking care of not only your children but your aging parent as well.

     Add in a spouse and a job and it's no wonder it often seems a twenty-four-hour day and seven-day week just aren't enough for all you have to do.

     Then, too, from the time all of us were little we were taught there is a right way and a wrong way to accomplish a task. To meet—and overcome— challenge. Maybe your parent took care of Grandma or Grandpa. Your spouse took care of your mother- or father-in-law. Your friends or co-workers seem to be able to handle their situations. But you . . . .

     When you realize, when it becomes so painfully obvious, you can't do all the things you're supposed to do—all the things other people have done or are doing—you feel so inadequate. So guilty.

     You think you're letting everyone down. If you just worked a little harder. Slept a little less. Sacrificed a little more. Then somehow . . . .

     If you find yourself in that situation, or feel yourself sinking into it, these suggestions might help:

     ● Remember there is no single "right" way to do this. Trying to exactly mimic what another person has done probably isn't going to work. Each case is unique because the personalities and problems in each case are unique.

     ● If you don't take care of yourself—take time to eat, sleep, catch your breath and pray—you will burn out quickly and be of little use to anyone, including yourself. The situation in which you find yourself is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Yes, someday it will end but that may be a long, long time from now. In the meantime, if you do not pace yourself, sometimes even pamper yourself, you won't be able to keep going. That's not because you're weak, it's because you're human.

     ● The big picture can look and feel overwhelming. Sometimes it helps to break it down into the many tiny pieces that make up the whole. What you have to do for your parent. Your children. Your spouse. Your job. Yourself. The lists may be long but somehow no single item is overpowering.

     ● Prioritize your tasks. Making those lists helps. Obviously, getting Mom to her doctor's appointment is more important than vacuuming her apartment.

     ● Give away some of the low-priority duties. Someone else can be hired to do the apartment cleaning. Someone else—the bakery department at the local grocery store—can supply the brownies you're supposed to send to the next Cub Scout den meeting.

     ● Get support for yourself. Groups for caregivers and organizations that focus on your parent's particular illness or condition can help you deal with what you are facing. Doctors, social workers and the Area Agency on Aging can give you local contacts.

     ● Write it down. Dates and schedules and all that information from doctors, therapists, pharmacists, teachers, coaches, your boss, your spouse, your kids . . . . There's no way a person can remember all the things you need to remember.

     It may seem the day is completely packed but if you jot down your own "to do" list, you may discover there's half an hour free here. Twenty minutes there. A little oasis like that gives you something to look forward to. A short break to at least partially recharge your batteries before you have to go, go, go again.

What you Need to Know About In-Home Care

Every day at Comfort of Home Healthcare we see and hear about more and more seniors who need professional help brought into their homes, yet they hesitate in actually making the decision to  go through with hiring an agency to provide any services.

The family needs to start taking an active role in keeping their ageing loved ones safe in their homes. Unfortunately, there isn't a "Home Care for Dummies" book at the office supply store to pick up and tell you what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

So here is some helpful information that we have picked up along the way through being in the home care business AND personally being in your shoes by needing to find a home care agency  (*see the who we are page) to provide services for our own loved ones.

Your family needs to ask this question: “Do we need to bring in a caregiver to help out?"

Here are some questions that can help you make this decision more efficiently.

•   Does your loved one need help walking?
•  Has there been a recent emotional or medical crisis with your loved one?
•  Is your loved one unable to do errands alone?
•  Have there been recent falls/injuries?
• Have you noticed any recent memory issues? Early onset of Dementia/Alzheimer’s?
•  Is your loved one neglecting their hygiene?
•  Are they wearing the same clothes each day?
•  Are medications either running out too soon or being left over?
•  Does your loved one seem depressed?
•  Is your loved one losing weight or having changes in appetite?
•   Is your loved one neglecting their home?
•   Has one loved one become the caregiver for the other?

If you can respond yes to even one of these questions, you really need to start seriously thinking about and considering in-home care for your loved one.

Once you have made the important decision to bring in help for your loved one, now you need to decide on whom. Through our (both owners) experiences before opening Comfort of Home Healthcare, we found that not all agencies are created equal.


You are going to have to interview and do research on who you are going to bring into your loved ones home to help out. We can’t stress enough how important this is. You need to feel comfortable with the agency you choose; and they should also be transparent about how they run their agency.

This is especially true in the private duty (private pay) industry. When there are no regulatory bodies, such as Medicaid or Medicare, etc. there are really no standards imposed on the industry.  You could potentially hire an unprofessional agency and unintentionally expose the home owner to a plethora of liabilities.

Here is a list of questions you’re going to want to know about the agency you hire:

1.        How long has the agency been in business?
                 a. Is it privately owned or a franchise?
                 b. If it is privately owned, why have they started the company? What’s their story?
                 c. If it’s a franchise, who are the owners and who is the Director?

2.       Are caregivers employees of your company (not 1099 contractors) and protected by workers compensation?
               
3.       Does your agency carry liability coverage?
                  a. If they do not, the home owner is completely liable if there is any accidents, etc. with                           the caregiver.

4.       Does your agency provide 24/7 telephone service?
                  a. People need help other than 8a-5p Monday through Friday.

5.       Are your caregivers bonded and insured for theft/damages?

6.       Do you conduct national and local criminal background checks and driving records of all         employees?

7.       Do you drug test employees?

8.       Do you provide backup coverage in the event a caregiver can’t make it to work? How do you     do this?
                   a. If they do not provide backup coverage, when the caregiver quits or is sick, there will                          be no one provided to help.

9.       Does your agency require a minimum number of hours per shift? If so what is it?

10.    Can your agency provide 24/7 services?

11.      How much say will the family have in your services?
                   a. Do you get a say if you have a complaint?

12.     Do your services include personal care such as bathing, incontinence care, mobility assistance and medication assistance?

13.     Does your agency provide transportation services for clients?
                   a. If so how do you bill it?

14.    Does your agency maintain a business office where I can meet you and the office staff?

15.     How does your agency document the caregivers work done in the home?
                   a. If there is documentation from caregivers, what does it look like and where is it kept?

16.     Does your agency make supervisory visits to a client’s home?
                   a. If so, by whom and when?

17.     Can you provide a list of professional references from families you have served in the past?

18.     Does your agency possess any state/local/federal contracts to provide in home care services?

19.    How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality? How?

20.   How quickly can your agency initiate service?

We hope you find this information helpful, and like always you can always call us with any question you might have. Were here to help!

Family Caregiver Stress

Caregiving Stress

Caregivers Need to Take Care of Themselves

When caregivers neglect their own health needs, their loved ones suffer too. It is crucial that family caregivers take a break from their caregiving duties and stay attentive to their own personal health. Family caregivers often find themselves worn down, depressed, fatigued, or overwhelmed with stress to the point where they are no longer any help to their loved one. Caregivers can take certain precautions to make sure that this doesn't happen, and that both their own health needs and their loved one's health needs are continuously taken care of. The more a caregiver takes care of them-self physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, the better they will be able to care for their loved one. 

There are some specific warning signs that indicate a caregiver is neglecting their health and letting stress devastate their life. Some of these signs include:

• A caregiver may feel angry, irritable, or enter into a state of denial about their situation.
• A caregiver may become more isolated and feel like they can't "waste time" on activities they once enjoyed.
• A caregiver may find it hard to concentrate, especially on anything else besides their love one's needs and what they need to accomplish next for their loved one.
• A caregiver may become overly anxious or depressed. 
• A caregiver may be exhausted, but have trouble sleeping.
• A caregiver may start to develop severe health problems of their own.

As a caregiver your world completely changes focus from your own needs to the needs of the one you are caring for. This shift causes new expectations, demands, and responsibilities for the caregiver. This new role will take time and energy, and will leave the caregiver in need of support and outside help. As a caregiver it is important to be educated about various ways to stay healthy during this time. 

There are specific ways that a caregiver can maintain their health while providing proper care for their loved one. Some of these include:

• Caregivers should continue maintaining a nutritious diet and regular exercise routine.
• Caregivers should not neglect their other relationships, and should set aside time to maintain friendships and relationships with other family members.
• Caregivers should continue to participate in their favorite hobbies or pastimes. 
• Caregivers should build a strong network of support that may include family, friends, or professional care services. 
• Caregivers should stay informed about their own health and attend regular check-ups. 
• Caregivers should educate themselves about the condition and needs of their loved one. 

Following these helpful tips will provide a healthy foundation for a caregiver. Caregivers should never be afraid to ask for outside help. The caregiving job is too demanding to be on one person's shoulders, and there comes a time when outside help is necessary. If a caregiver is experiencing any of the warning signs of extreme stress or depression, they should consider bringing in a professional agency to help with their loved one. There is no reason for any person to take on the task of caregiving alone. Comfort of Home Healthcare was established for this very purpose; to comfort and provide for families in their time of great need. Comfort of Home Healthcare is ready and available to make your loved one feel right at home and well taken care of in their own home. 

For more information on caregiving stress visit the following links:

Caregiving Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Caregiving Stress: Warning Signs

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.

Tips to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays

With  the holidays  upon us, you have probably already planned your family gatherings.  If you have a family member who needs care, its going to take a little bit of extra planning on your part and your going to have to think about some things that you might not have had to do before. 

Much of what my wife and I have learned over the years was by trial and error, just learning as we go along. Over the holidays, as relatives come and go, they usually only see the best out of Mom/Dad/Grandpa/Grandma  and leave with a nice warm feeling on how “well” they are doing.

But what they don’t see, is once everyone has gone back to their everyday life, the long day of visits has taken a toll and has left your loved one exhausted. In turn, can take days or even weeks to get their strength back.

If you have been though this yourself, or this is your first time going through taking care of a loved one, this article can be of some use. You can find it over at about.com, senior living.

I hope you find it as useful as I did. And as always, contact us if you have any questions or need any support…

10 Tips to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays

Ensure happier holidays for seniors with special needs or health issues

By Sharon O'Brien , About.com Guide

For most of us, the holidays are a wonderful time to share the joys of family life and friendship. But for many older adults the holidays can be highly stressful, confusing, or even depressing if their mental, physical and emotional needs are not taken into account.

If you have older friends and family members with underlying health issues, you can help them enjoy the holiday season more by following these simple tips, based on advice from specialists in senior medicine at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine:

1.        Stroll down memory lane. Holidays provoke memories, which can be especially powerful in the later years of life. “Leading authorities have observed that memory and ‘life review’ are important parts of the aging process,” says Barry Lebowitz, Ph.D., deputy director of UCSD’s Stein Institute for Research on Aging. “Older people whose memories are impaired may have difficulty remembering recent events, but they are often able to share stories and observations from the past. These shared memories are important for the young as well—children enjoy hearing about how it was ‘when your parents were your age…’.” He suggests using picture albums, family videos and music, even theme songs from old radio or TV programs, to help stimulate memories and encourage older seniors to share their stories and experiences.

2.       Plan ahead. If older family members tire easily or are vulnerable to over-stimulation, limit the number of activities they are involved in or the length of time they are included. The noise and confusion of a large family gathering can lead to irritability or exhaustion, so schedule time for a nap, if necessary, and consider designating a “quiet room” where an older person can take a break. “Assign someone to be the day’s companion to the older person, to make sure the individual is comfortable,” says Daniel Sewell, M.D., director of the Senior Behavior Health Unit at the UCSD Medical Center, who adds that these guidelines work well for young children as well as adults with mental, emotional and physical health issues.

3.       Eliminate obstacles. If a holiday get-together is held in the home of an older person with memory impairment or behavioral problems, don’t rearrange the furniture. This could be a source of confusion and anxiety. If the gathering is in a place unfamiliar to an older person, remove slippery throw rugs and other items that could present barriers to someone with balance problems or who has difficulty walking.

4.      Avoid embarrassing moments. Try to avoid making comments that could inadvertently embarrass an older friend or family member who may be experiencing short-term memory problems. If an older person forgets a recent conversation, for example, don’t make it worse by saying, “Don’t you remember?”

5.       Create new memories. In addition to memories, seniors need new things to anticipate. Add something new to the holiday celebration, or volunteer for your family to help others. Enjoy activities that are free, such as taking a drive to look at holiday decorations, or window-shopping at the mall or along a festive downtown street.

6.       Be inclusive. Involve everyone in holiday meal preparation, breaking down tasks to include the youngest and oldest family members. “Older adults with physical limitations can still be included in kitchen activities by asking them to do a simple, helpful task, like greasing cooking pans, peeling vegetables, folding napkins or arranging flowers,” Sewell says.

7.       Reach out. Social connectedness is especially important at holiday times. “Reaching out to older relatives and friends who are alone is something all of us should do,” Lebowitz says. “Loneliness is a difficult emotion for anyone. Recent research with older people has documented that loneliness is associated with major depression and with suicidal thoughts and impulses.”

8.       Beat the blues. “Holiday blues” are feelings of profound sadness that can be provoked by all the activities of the holiday season. Seasonal blues can have a particular impact in the lives of older people, according to Lebowitz. “In some people, the ‘holiday blues’ represent the exacerbation of an ongoing depressive illness,” he says. “Depression is a dangerous and life-threatening illness in older people. Tragically, suicide rates increase with age, specifically for older men. Depression is not a normal part of aging and should never be ignored or written off.”

9.       Keep on the sunny side. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression is an illness that can be provoked by reductions in sunlight during the short days of winter. It is important for people confined indoors, especially those at risk for winter depression, to make time for activities that will increase exposure to daylight, according to Lebowitz.

10.    Monitor medications and alcohol. If you have senior family members, be sure to help them adhere to their regular schedule of medications during the frenzy of the holidays. Also, pay attention to their alcohol consumption during holiday parties and family gatherings. According to Sewell, alcohol can provoke inappropriate behavior or interfere with medications.

“Older family members with special needs can get lost in the shuffle and chaos of happy family gatherings,” Sewell says. “So, with all the hustle and bustle of the season, just remember to be sensitive and loving. And plan ahead.”

Warning Signs of Health Problems

Warning Signs of Health Problems
How to Recognize When Your Parents Need Help

Sometimes it is hard to fully comprehend a situation unless you are on the outside looking in. As your parents begin to age it may be difficult for them to see warning signs of their declining health. They need someone who can identity the warning signs more efficiently so that they can get the help they need when they need it. There are some specific things you can be watching for in your parents in regards to their health and well-being. Ultimately you want your parents to be able to keep their independence as long as possible, but there may come a point when it is hard for them to do so. 

Whenever you are around your parents watch for the warning signs that are listed in this article. If you notice that certain aspects of their health are declining then there are ways you can take action and get involved in sustaining your parents health. It is important that you allow your parents to have a voice in any action you want to take, because they need to be informed and active in their healthcare.

There are ways you can approach your parents that will be both encouraging and beneficial for everyone involved. Don't be afraid to ask for help, no one person can take on caregiving alone, and Comfort of Home Healthcare is always available to come alongside you in the caregiving process. 

Read the following article carefully and be prepared to take the steps you need to take. As you care for them, always keep their best interest in mind. 

Aging parents: 7 warning signs of health problems

Concerned about your aging parents' health? Use this guide to gauge how your aging parents are doing — and what to do if they need help.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

As your parents get older, how can you be sure they're successfully taking care of themselves and staying healthy? When you visit your aging parents, ask yourself the following questions. Then, if necessary, take steps to help your aging parents maintain their independence.

1. Are your aging parents taking care of themselves?

Pay attention to your parents' appearance. Are their clothes clean? Do they appear to be taking good care of themselves? Failure to keep up with daily routines — such as bathing, tooth brushing and other basic grooming — could indicate dementia, depression or physical impairments.

Also pay attention to your parents' home. Are the lights working? Is the heat on? Are the bathrooms clean? Is the yard overgrown? Any big changes in the way your parents do things around the house could provide clues to their health. For example, scorched pots could mean your parents are forgetting about food cooking on the stove. Neglected housework could be a sign of depression, dementia or other concerns.

2. Are your aging parents experiencing memory loss?

Everyone forgets things from time to time. Modest memory problems are a fairly common part of aging, and sometimes medication side effects or underlying conditions contribute to memory loss. There's a difference, though, between normal changes in memory and the type of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Consider your aging parents. Are memory changes limited to misplaced glasses or an occasionally forgotten appointment? Or are memory changes more concerning, such as forgetting common words when speaking, getting lost in familiar neighborhoods or being unable to follow directions? If you're concerned about memory loss for either of your aging parents, schedule an evaluation with the doctor.

3. Are your aging parents safe in their home?

Take a look around your parents' home, keeping an eye out for any red flags. Do your parents have difficulty navigating a narrow stairway? Has either parent fallen recently? Are they able to read directions on medication containers?

4. Are your aging parents safe on the road?

Driving can sometimes be challenging for older adults. If your aging parents become confused while driving or you're concerned about their ability to drive safely, it might be time to stop driving. To help your aging parents maintain their independence, suggest other transportation options — such as taking the bus, using a van service, hiring a driver or taking advantage of other local transportation options.

5. Have your aging parents lost weight?

Losing weight without trying could be a sign that something's wrong. For aging parents, weight loss could be related to many factors, including:

• Difficulty cooking. Your parents could be having difficulty finding the energy to cook, grasping the tools necessary to cook, or reading labels or directions on food products.
• Loss of taste or smell. Your parents might not be interested in eating if food doesn't taste or smell as good as it used to.
• Underlying conditions. Sometimes weight loss indicates a serious underlying condition, such as malnutrition, dementia, depression or cancer.

If you're concerned about unexplained weight loss for either of your aging parents, schedule an evaluation with the doctor.

6. Are your aging parents in good spirits?

Note your parents' moods and ask how they're feeling. A drastically different mood or outlook could be a sign of depression or other health concerns. Also talk to your parents about their activities. Are they connecting with friends? Have they maintained interest in hobbies and other daily activities? Are they involved in organizations or clubs?

If you're concerned about your parents' moods, schedule an evaluation. Depression can be treated at any age.

7. Are your aging parents able to get around?

Pay attention to how your parents are walking. Are they reluctant or unable to walk usual distances? Is knee or hip arthritis making it difficult to get around the house? Would either parent benefit from a cane or walker? Issues such as muscle weakness and joint pain can make it difficult to move around as well. If your parents are unsteady on their feet, they might be at risk of falling — a major cause of disability among older adults.

Taking action

There are many steps you can take to ensure your aging parents' health and well-being, even if you live far away. For example:

• Share your concerns with your parents. Talk to your parents openly and honestly. Knowing that you're concerned about their health might give your parents the motivation they need to see a doctor or make other changes. Consider including other people who care about your parents in the conversation, such as other loved ones, close friends or clergy.
• Encourage regular medical checkups. If you're worried about a parent's weight loss, depressed mood, or other signs and symptoms, encourage your parent to schedule a doctor's visit. You might offer to schedule the visit yourself or to accompany your parent to the doctor — or to find someone else to attend the visit. Ask about follow-up visits as well.
• Address safety issues. Point out any potential safety issues to your parents — then make a plan to address the problems. For example, perhaps your parents could use assistive devices to help them reach items on high shelves or to help them stay steady on their feet. A higher toilet seat or handrails in the bathroom might help prevent falls.
• Consider home care services. If your aging parents are having trouble taking care of themselves, perhaps you could hire someone to clean the house and run errands. A home health care aide could help your parents with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. You might also consider Meals on Wheels or other community services. If remaining at home is too challenging, you might suggest moving to an assisted living facility.
• Contact the doctor for guidance. If your parents dismiss your concerns, consider contacting the doctor directly. Your insights can help the doctor understand what to look for during upcoming visits. Keep in mind that the doctor might need to verify that he or she has permission to speak with you about your parents' care, which might include a signed form or waiver from your parents.
• Seek help from local agencies. Your local agency on aging — which you can find using the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging — can connect you with services in your parents' area. For example, the county in which your parents live might have social workers who can evaluate your parents' needs and put them in touch with pertinent services, such as home care workers and help with meals and transportation.

Sometimes aging parents won't admit they need help around the house, and others don't realize they need help. That's where you come in. Remind your parents that you care about them and that you want to do what's best to promote their health and well-being, both today and in the months and years to come.

Do you need In Home Care?

Every day at Comfort of Home Healthcare we see and hear about more and more seniors who need professional help brought into their homes, yet they hesitate in actually making the decision to  go through with hiring an agency to provide any services.

The family needs to start taking an active role in keeping their ageing loved ones safe in their homes. Unfortunately, there isn't a "Home Care for Dummies" book at the office supply store to pick up and tell you what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

So here is some helpful information that we have picked up along the way through being in the home care business AND personally being in your shoes by needing to find a home care agency  (*see the who we are page) to provide services for our own loved ones.

Your family needs to ask this question: “Do we need to bring in a caregiver to help out?"

Here are some questions that can help you make this decision more efficiently.

1.   Does your loved one need help walking?
2.  Has there been a recent emotional or medical crisis with your loved one?
3.  Is your loved one unable to do errands alone?
4.  Have there been recent falls/injuries?
5. Have you noticed any recent memory issues? Early onset of Dementia/Alzheimer’s?
6.  Is your loved one neglecting their hygiene?
7.  Are they wearing the same clothes each day?
8.  Are medications either running out too soon or being left over?
9.  Does your loved one seem depressed?
10.  Is your loved one losing weight or having changes in appetite?
11.   Is your loved one neglecting their home?
12.   Has one loved one become the caregiver for the other?

If you can respond yes to even one of these questions, you really need to start seriously thinking about and considering in-home care for your loved one.

Once you have made the important decision to bring in help for your loved one, now you need to decide on whom. Through our (both owners) experiences before opening Comfort of Home Healthcare, we found that not all agencies are created equal.

You are going to have to interview and do research on who you are going to bring into your loved ones home to help out. We can’t stress enough how important this is. You need to feel comfortable with the agency you choose; and they should also be transparent about how they run their agency.

This is especially true in the private duty (private pay) industry. When there are no regulatory bodies, such as Medicaid or Medicare, etc. there are really no standards imposed on the industry.  You could potentially hire an unprofessional agency and unintentionally expose the home owner to a plethora of liabilities.

Here is a list of questions you’re going to want to know about the agency you hire:

1.        How long has the agency been in business?

a.       Is it privately owned or a franchise?

b.       If it is privately owned, why have they started the company? What’s their story?

c.       If it’s a franchise, who are the owners and who is the Director? 

2.       Are caregivers employees of your company (not 1099 contractors) and protected by workers compensation?

a.       If they are not employees, they are probably not protected by insurance and work comp.

3.       Does your agency carry liability coverage?

a.       If they do not, the home owner is completely liable if there is any accidents, etc. with the caregiver.

4.       Does your agency provide 24/7 telephone service?

a.       People need help other than 8a-5p Monday through Friday.

5.       Are your caregivers bonded and insured for theft/damages?

6.       Do you conduct national and local criminal background checks and driving records of all employees?

7.       Do you drug test employees?

8.       Do you provide backup coverage in the event a caregiver can’t make it to work? How do you do this?

a.       If they do not provide backup coverage, when the caregiver quits or is sick, there will be no one provided to help.

9.       Does your agency require a minimum number of hours per shift? If so what is it?

10.    Can your agency provide 24/7 services?

11.      How much say will the family have in your services?

a.       Do you get a say if you have a complaint?

12.     Do your services include personal care such as bathing, incontinence care, mobility assistance and medication assistance?

13.     Does your agency provide transportation services for clients?

a.       If so how do you bill it?

14.    Does your agency maintain a business office where I can meet you and the office staff?

15.     How does your agency document the caregivers work done in the home?

a.       If there is documentation from caregivers, what does it look like and where is it kept?

16.     Does your agency make supervisory visits to a client’s home?

a.       If so, by whom and when?

17.     Can you provide a list of professional references from families you have served in the past?

18.     Does your agency possess any state/local/federal contracts to provide in home care services?

19.    How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality? How?

20.   How quickly can your agency initiate service?

We hope you find this information helpful, and like always you can always call us with any question you might have. Were here to help!