Author: Meghan Parsons

Questions to ask a home care agency

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Whether it’s a little help around the house or more involved care, you should look for a home care agency that can safely meet all of your needs.

It’s never too early to choose a home care agency that you can rely on when life doesn’t go as planned. Whether it’s a little help around the house or more involved care, you should look for a home care agency that can safely meet all of your needs every step of the way. Are you or a loved one resistant to the idea of receiving care? Chances are that you just haven’t found the right agency. Simply starting the conversation with a trusted home care agency and building trust can do wonders for melting away resistance. Follow the checklist below to find your perfect fit:

Agency Information

  • Is the agency RN operated?
  • Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
  • Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
  • Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
  • Does the agency have liability insurance?
  • Can the agency respond to you 24/7?

Caregiver Information

  • Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
  • Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
  • Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
  • Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
  • Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
  • Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?

Documentation and Supervision

  • Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
  • Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
  • Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
  • Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?

Policies and Cost

  • Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
  • Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and  a continuum of care?
  • Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
  • What is the hourly minimum per shift?
  • Does the agency offer home care discounts?
  • What is the required deposit?
  • Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?

Article Provided by:
Fedelta Home Care
206-362-2366, 800-466-3227
www.fedeltahomecare.com

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Broaching the dreaded senior care/ end of life talk

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So, let’s talk about the “icky”, and encourage all of you to broach the dreaded senior /end of life talk with an aging loved one.

You may be wondering what a Bonnie Raitt song, “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About”, has to do with Mennonite Village, a continuing care retirement community offering all senior living and care options. In a meeting the other day the focus of the discussion was to constantly improve our services when the comment was made that we need to talk about the “icky” to improve and move forward. So, let’s talk about the “icky”, and encourage all of you to broach the dreaded senior /end of life talk with an aging loved one.

Care.com, a NYSE company, did a survey this year delving into the financial and emotional challenges today’s families face when it comes to senior care. “Fifty-four percent of those surveyed said they’d rather have the “sex talk” with their kids than discuss a senior’s ability to drive.”

“The majority of those surveyed (85%) believe they have a good grasp of their parent’s or aging loved one’s health, but 52% have not discussed senior care issues.” And more than half of those surveyed don’t plan to talk about senior care until there’s a need. Top reasons of avoidance included knowing their aging loved one would react defensively, and their own discomfort with the subject.

The problem with not proactively talking with an aging loved one about long-term care is many families are unprepared for quick decisions when a health issue or crisis strikes. Families are in a better place to make informed decisions for the care of a loved one by talking about preferences and expectations before the need arises. There are a myriad of resources to help broach this sensitive topic, such as information on line or consulting with a professional. Preparing and having the conversation about end of life care lets your loved one know that you will be there for them.

The Conversation Project was created and dedicated to help people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. You can download starter kits of how to get the conversation started. As the site states, “Sharing your wishes for end of life care can bring you closer to the people you love. It is critically important. And you can do it.”

Furthermore, it is not easy to know when an aging family member or loved one might need more care or assisted living. The following are warning signs that may indicate it’s time for a talk:

  • The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food, or your parent is losing weight. He or she may not be eating well because shopping or cooking is difficult.
  • You notice frequent bruises. This may be a sign of falling, mobility or balance problems.
  • Your loved one wears the same clothes over and over again, and neglects personal hygiene. This may be that laundry and bathing may be physically challenging.
  • The house and yard is not as clean and tidy as it used to be.
  • Your loved one forgets things like doctor’s appointments and medications. May be memory loss.
  • Your aging loved one seems depressed. Depression is common with seniors who are isolated and alone.
  • You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. For example, dressing inappropriately for the weather.

Try to be listening, probing and most of all, not imposing your personal end of life choices on your loved one. There are lots of resources available on-line, through organizations and contacting consultants.

The Sandwich Generation continues to grow and nearly 70% of households in the U.S. are dual-income households, so senior care responsibilities impact employees and employers. 36% have asked for time off or workplace flexibility to accommodate for senior care; 36% say worrying about aging loved ones has affected their performance at work; and 34% have made work adjustments as a result of caring for aging loved ones. Senior care responsibilities weigh so heavily on employees that nearly half (46%) say they would consider dropping out of the workforce to care for an ailing parent or loved one.

With today’s modern workforce of two working parents who are “sandwiched” caring for their children and aging loved ones, families, employers and companies must recognize the need for benefits that serve both ends of the caregiving pendulum.  These types of benefits and services not only support the well-being of families and employees, but also help employers increase loyalty, reduce turnover costs, and drive productivity. So, on many different levels we need to start the conversations today.

Article Provided By:
Mennonite Village
Linda Haralson, Community Relations Representative
Ctystal Well, Administrator of Quail Run
541- 704-4294
541-928-1122, ext. 304
www.mennonitevillage.org

 

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Adult foster home classifications

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There are three classifications of adult foster home licenses in Oregon. The classifications are based on the experience and/or training of the provider.

There are three classifications of adult foster home licenses in Oregon. The classifications are based on the experience and/or training of the provider. Each home has a license posted that indicates the classification of the home.

  1. A licensee with a Class 1 license may only admit residents who need assistance in no more than four activities of daily living (ADLs).
  2. A licensee with a Class 2 license may provide care for residents who require assistance in all activities of daily living, but require full assistance in no more
    than three activities of daily living.
  3. A licensee with a Class 3 license may provide care for residents who require
    full assistance in four or more activities
    of daily living.

In each classification, the provider can only admit residents with a certain number of impairments. These impairments are defined according to
six major activities of daily living (ADLs). These are eating/nutrition, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility, toileting and behavior management.

Adult Foster Home Lists:

You can find adult foster homes with vacancies matching criteria you specify  at www.HomecareChoices.org.

Senior Services in Jackson County
at 541-776-6222

Senior and Disability Services in
Josephine County 541-474-3110

Article Provided by:
Retirement Connection

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The Hidden Costs of Caregiving

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Many caregivers don’t stop to consider the personal, financial and emotional costs of caregiving for a loved one.

If you are taking responsibility for helping an aging relative get through the day, you may be shouldering a larger burden than you realize. Many caregivers don’t stop to consider the personal, financial and emotional costs of caring for a loved one. New research is bringing those  caregiving costs to light.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 44 million Americans provide unpaid care for a parent or other adult, and these caregivers report higher levels of stress, depression, heart disease and diabetes than the population at large. They are also at higher risk for catching the flu or a cold.

Caregiving also exacts a toll on the workplace. Fifty-seven percent of caretakers work outside the home, and studies show a majority of those workers take at least some time off, with many reducing hours at work or having to quit altogether in order to provide care for a loved one. One study estimated that working caregivers lose a lifetime average of $303,880 in lost wages, benefits and retirement contributions.

Other studies show that what matters most to caregivers is lost time. Time spent providing care is often time that can’t be spent with your spouse or children, with friends, volunteering, attending church
or relaxing.

If the hidden costs of caregiving are taking a toll on you and your family then you may reach a point when you should seek additional caregiver assistance. Remember, there are many options available ranging from in-home care to retirement and independent living, to assisted living, to skilled nursing homes.

The earlier you begin to explore your options, the easier it is to understand your choices and make the best-informed decisions. As you explore housing options, think about your loved one’s current and future needs. Is your parent healthy, or managing a chronic condition that could require special care?

Article Provided by:
Enlivant
www.Enlivant.com

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Making a difference at any age – move!

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It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging.

It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging. One of the primary concerns seniors have about moving into an active or assisted living community is that they’ll become disconnected from the community, activities, and causes they care about most. However, active and assisted living communities provide the perfect setting for building coalitions, forming outreach taskforces, and planning benefits for the communities and the causes that matter to you.

It is extremely important for all of us to remain connected to the people, communities, traditions, and causes that we each find most important to us. This could be anything from volunteering at your local church or food bank to organizing fundraisers for local causes, the options really are limitless. One of our favorite residents reads books to kindergarten children at a local school every week – fantastic intergenerational work! If you are someone who is heavily engaged in your local community and causes and if you’re also considering retirement or assisted living, we recommend looking into active living communities that encourage engagement and foster socially responsible outreach and activities. The right active lifestyle community for you should offer you plenty of opportunities to stay involved with your community and the causes that matter most to you. When individuals strive for something bigger than themselves it builds self-worth and creates senior leaders and advocates who make invaluable contributions to their surrounding communities.

All of us can deeply improve our quality of life by volunteering. Studies have shown that volunteerism can contribute to living longer and that it improves overall brain function. All ages benefit from this approach, not to mention active volunteering can be a great exercise too! So, it turns out that volunteering is not only the socially responsible thing to do, but it’s actually mentally and physically good for you, not to mention it’s great for your community as well.

So what’s stopping you now? Get out there and make a difference today!

Article Provided by:
Quail Park Memory Care Residences of Klamath Falls
541-622-3489
www.QuailParkMCKF.com/rc

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5 Key factors in finding the right senior living option

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There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

There comes a time for many seniors when they need or want more care  than they can receive at home. It can be overwhelming for many to know  “Where do I start?”  There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

Here Are 5 Factors To Consider:

  1. Needs: Independent Living may be the right option if your loved one needs assistance with meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities. If your loved one needs help with medications, bathing, dressing, transferring or toileting an Assisted Living Community provides 24/7 care. If your loved one’s dementia has progressed to the point of wandering or exit seeking a secured memory care community is safest.
  2. Preferences: This includes the style or aesthetics of a community–how does it look and feel? Would your loved one enjoy a newer or established community? Does your loved one desire a studio, one bedroom or, two-bedroom apartment? Also, would your loved one enjoy a more intimate community of 35-100 residents or would they prefer a larger setting of 100+ residents? Or perhaps a smaller Foster Care Home setting of 5 total residents might be a good fit if your loved one is not all that social and does not have any night- time care needs.
  3. Wants: Does your loved one like to attend or be a part of social events? If so, what hobbies, events, or shopping would they like to be a part of?
    Determining how someone would enjoy day to day engagement goes a long way towards a successful move. There are many communities that offer a variety of entertainment options. If your loved one is more reclusive, there will also be many communities willing to accommodate a quieter lifestyle.
  1. Finances: Based on what’s included in the rent, what is affordable with one’s income and assets? If I outlive my assets will I be able to remain in the community I move into? Do I qualify for VA or Medicaid and what do I need to do to apply?
  2. Location: Based on the 4 factors above, how far from my ideal location would I or my loved ones be willing to consider potential communities? Many times this becomes the most critical element in choosing an option.

Once these factors are determined, it would be helpful to have a Senior Living Advisor inform you of which options fit your criteria. A Senior Living Advisor will also be able to assist you with touring, paperwork and other resources surrounding a transition in addition to narrowing down the best options to consider.

Article Provided by:
Louis Johnson & Kelley Rogers,
Senior Living Advisors
541-414-4264
www.SeniorOneSource.net

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Retina Specialists and Diabetic Retinopathy

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These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye.

An ophthalmologist is a physician and surgeon trained to manage diseases of the eye. Many of us are familiar with ophthalmologists as they perform cataract surgeries. There are also ophthalmologists who choose to subspecialize in the field of Retina. These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye. They specialize in conditions such as Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and retinal arterial occlusions. They also specialize in surgical repair of the retina such as in retinal detachments and macular holes.

In the U.S., Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. About 40-45% of adults with diabetes over the age of 40 will have some level of Diabetic Retinopathy. With the current epidemic of Diabetes, it’s important to understand the potential impact on the retina and ultimately, a person’s sight.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures light entering the eye and transforms it into electrical signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve and are interpreted by the brain. Within the retina lies a rich supply of blood vessels that are susceptible to damage from high glucose levels. Over time, this damage may result in leaky blood vessels that cause retinal swelling and result in blurry vision. Sometimes the blood vessels close off completely, starving the retina of oxygen. The damaged retina will then release growth factors to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these new vessels are fragile, leaky and often rupture, bleeding inside the eye. They may also result in scar tissue formation that contracts, pulling the retina off the back of the eye (retinal detachment). These changes constitute varying levels of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Today Retina Specialists use multiple methods to manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For many patients, eye injections of medications that stop the production of growth factors work well. Sometimes a laser is used to target leaky blood vessels
or destroy a dysfunctional retina. Patients with more advanced Diabetic Retinopathy may require surgery to remove blood or scar tissue inside the eye.

The key to avoiding these problems is maintaining regular visits with a physician to ensure adequate blood sugar and blood pressure control. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management play crucial roles as well. Smoking should be avoided at all costs. Regular screening or follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist or Retina Specialist are important in preventing vision loss. With a direct view of the retina’s health, your eye care specialist and you can work together to preserve your vision.

Article Provided by:
Oregon Retina Center
541-770-2020
www.OregonRetina.com

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Common misunderstandings about a reverse mortgage

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The reasons to get a reverse mortgage are as diverse as the people getting them. Yet there are countless people that could benefit tremendously

People get reverse mortgages for all kinds of different reasons. Part of their overall financial plan is they no longer want to make a monthly mortgage payment, or they want to create additional cash flow or pay off debts. The reasons to get a reverse mortgage are as diverse as the people getting them. Yet there are countless people that could benefit tremendously from a reverse mortgage but won’t even consider it because of these common misunderstandings.

Misunderstanding: You Must Give Your Home’s To The Bank.

You remain fully vested on the title, not the bank. You are in full control and can sell or refinance your home.

Misunderstanding: The Bank Gets The Home When You Die.

The home will go to the estate. The estate will determine what to do with the home. Any remaining equity from the sale of the home goes to the estate.

Misunderstanding: You Can Outlive A Reverse Mortgage.

There is no term on a reverse mortgage or any balloon payments. The loan is active as long as you are living and the home is your primary residence.

Misunderstanding: I Could Owe More Than My Home Is Worth.

You can never owe more than what your home is worth. The FHA reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan, which means, if the loan amount exceeded the home’s value, you, your heirs or your estate are not liable. The most you can ever owe is what the home is worth.

Misunderstanding: You Should Only Get A Reverse Mortgage If You Are Desperate.

In the past, reverse mortgages attracted the stigma that only desperate homeowners would get a reverse loan. Today’s senior homeowners are seeing the value that a reverse mortgage brings to their lives not only from a financial perspective but also in an increased quality of life.

Misunderstanding: You Need To Own Your Home Free And Clear In Order To Qualify.

You do not need to own your home free and clear in order to get a reverse mortgage. Many people get a reverse mortgage to pay off their current mortgage and free up monthly cash flow.

Misunderstanding:  I May Lose Social Security Or Medicare Benefits.

A reverse mortgage does not affect Social Security or Medicare because the proceeds are a loan, not income. Some need based programs such as Medicaid may be affected.

Misunderstanding: I Can’t Use The Money The Way I Want To.

It is your money and you can use in any way you see fit. You could purchase long- term care or life insurance, supplement your income, pay for in-home care, pay your grandchildren’s education, remodel, or upgrade your home or anything else that makes sense to you.

Article Provided by: Matt Allen, MLO-254296 Pacific Residential Mortgage LLC
NMLS-1477/WA CL-1477
Equal Housing Lender
541-500-0186, www.OregonReversePro.com

 

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What is a LTACH (Long Term Acute Care Hospital)?

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Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACH) are designed to care for critically ill and medically complex patients who require several weeks in a hospital.

Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACH) are designed to care for critically ill and medically complex patients who require several weeks in a hospital setting. Typical patients have multiple co-morbidities, multi-organ system failure, and significant loss of independence following a traditional hospital stay. Specialty programs include: Complex Respiratory and Ventilator Weaning, Medically Complex Conditions and Extensive Complex Wound Care managed by our Board Certified Specialty Physicians.

Our Complex Respiratory and Ventilator Weaning Programs are managed by our Pulmonologists and partners from The Oregon Clinic. Designed to address the needs of patients during and after mechanical and non-invasive ventilation, our program works to ensure that each patient achieves their fullest recovery potential.  Our highly skilled treatment teams are led by the Pulmonologist working in conjunction with our Hospitalists and ACLS-certified Nurses and Respiratory Therapists.   With a commitment to identifying and maintaining best clinical practices, our program is specialized in the treatment of Respiratory Failure, CHF and COPD exacerbations, Pneumonia, Emphysema and Respiratory conditions with high oxygen needs.

Our Complex Wound Care Program is designed and staffed to treat medically complex patients with a broad range of complex wounds. Using a multidisciplinary approach our Hospitalist and Specialty Surgeons work with our Wound Care Certified Nurses and Dieticians to conduct a complete diagnostic assessment of each patient before developing an individualized plan of care. We specialize in the treatment of: Post-Surgical Wounds, Stage III and IV Pressure Ulcers, Vascular Ulcers, Fistulas, Wound Dehiscence, Complex Ostomies and Wound Debridement.

We specialize in aggressive goal-directed care that requires an Interdisciplinary Team approach to care and recovery. This team includes Hospitalists who assess patients daily, Specialty Physicians, Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, Nutritionists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Case Management. This collaborative team coordinates care so each patient has the best individual outcome.

Some of our specialty services include: 24/7 coverage by Hospitalists, Pulmonologists onsite 5 days/week and on-call 24/7, Consulting Physicians include Surgeons, Infectious Disease and Nephrologists. We offer Cardiac Care and Telemetry Monitoring, Specialized Post-Surgical Care, onsite Chronic and Acute Hemodialysis, onsite Pharmacy, Laboratory and Radiology Services.

Article Provided by:
Vibra Specialty Hospital
503-257-5500
www.vshportland.com

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Hearing impairment is not a benign condition

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We all know how important it is for them to be able to hear as well as possible so they can function at their fullest potential, at school, work, and
in relationships.

We all instinctively know hearing impairment is not a benign condition. When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with even a mild hearing loss there are multiple programs that can help them get hearing aids – we value their hearing. We all know how important it is for them to be able to hear as well as possible so they can function at their fullest potential, at school, work, and
in relationships.

Yet for some reason, when adults have a hearing loss many people seem to think that it’s nothing to worry about. Most people seem to think that it’s okay to just live with the impairment. However, untreated hearing impairment can have serious consequences.

Hearing impairment contributes to:

  • Social isolation
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Increased hospitalization
  • A decline in physical functioning
  • An increase in falls –
    a mild loss = 3 times more likely to have a history of falling
  • Cognitive decline
  • Early death

Hearing impairment does not primarily affect the elderly. The majority of people, 50% of women and 64% of men, start to perceive hearing impairment between the ages of 20 to 59 (20% of females and 17% of males are identified as having impairment before the age of 20). And 12% of adults between the ages of 21 – 84 have hearing difficulties even though they have normal pure tone test results. Because we associate hearing loss with old age most people put off dealing with hearing impairment thinking they aren’t “old” enough to have hearing aids. Imagine what would happen if people still thought this way about glasses. Most people think hearing aids just aren’t worth the costs. Hearing loss is usually ignored for years and by the time it is dealt with there are often irreversible complications such as treatment options are limited yet more costly, and outcomes are less satisfactory.

Hearing impairment is a disease state and not a benign condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairment is an important part of limiting its effects upon our mental, emotional, and physical health as well as upon our work and relationships. We need to stop ignoring hearing impairment.

Article Provided by:
Nathan Willard, Hearing Aid Specialist, SoundScape Hearing Aids
541-414-8488
www.SoundScapeHearing.com

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