At Your Side Home Care

5 Signs Mom or Dad Needs Help at Home

2011-05-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

As our parents age it's often difficult to know when the right time is to "butt in" and encourage them to get help at home. Most people do not want to give up their independence but there comes a time, when a reversal of roles becomes necessary to ensure that our parents are safe and comfortable. Some people are able to remain completely independent into their nineties, while others may need help as they approach seventy. How do you know when that time has arrived? Here are some tips that might be useful.

1. Falling. As we age our center of gravity shifts and balance and coordination decrease. Our muscles aren't as strong as they used to be and bones are more brittle. That makes falls more likely. Falling can have very serious consequences for people as they age, often leading to fractures, hospitalizations and rehab stays. If your parents are starting to have falls, this is an indication that maybe they can use some assistance in the home with housekeeping tasks, meal preparation or getting to and from the lavatory.

2. Memory Loss. Some memory loss is a normal part of aging. More severe memory loss can be a sign of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. If you sense that mom or dad is missing lots of appointments, forgetting to eat meals, or take medication this could be an indication that they need some in home supervision. Sometimes it is as simple as having someone check frequently to make sure that medications are taken. Other times people have to be reminded to eat or perform other activities fo daily living. Having daily contact with a family member or home companion can make a big difference from someone suffering memory loss.

3. Spouse is ill. Maybe Dad has had to go to the hospital for surgery or illness, and mom is his primary caretaker. After going home from the hospital she is struggling to provide care for him. Maybe he is too heavy for her to lift or the constant demands of caregiving are preventing her from sleeping at night. This is a common scenario and a sign that mom is going to need help to maintain her own health.

4. Decline in Home Maintainence. Maybe your mom has a reputation for having kitchen floors that are clean enough to eat off of and Dad takes care of his own lawn. It's a surprise when you come home for Thanksgiving to see dishes stacked in the sink,an invisible countertop and weeds growing in what was once an immaculate flower bed. If you see a change in the way your parents care for their home, it is often a sign that they are no longer able to keep up with demands of cleaning and maintaining a home.
5. Chronic Illness. Diagnosis of a chronic illness can be overwhelming for many seniors. It means more frequent trips to the doctor, keeping track of prescriptions and medications, seeing several medical specialists, and coordinating lots of information. This is all in addition to the symptoms of the disease. A diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, Diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Arthritis, or Cancer can be more than a person can deal with on their own. Having a family member or caregiver to help keep health information organized can make a big difference to someone's overall sense of well being. It is also helpful to have someone help monitor symptoms so that doctors can more accurately manage the illness.

If you notice any of these signs, it is possible that it is time to reach out to your parents and offer more help. Assistance with little things can be of great importance. Preparing meals, reminding for medications, attending doctors appointments, helping with housework, and providing transportation to appointments takes some of the pressure off mom or dad. If it isn't possible for you to provide daily assistance to them, then you might consider hiring someone to help them out. If you need more information about in-home care options, call us at 281-335-4882. We can help you problem solve around your particular situation.

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Home Care Agency

2011-04-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

These days it seems like there are agencies providing senior care on every corner. How to find an agency that is reputable and suits your needs can be really challenging. Many elderly people are frequent targets of abuse and it is crucial that you ask the right questions when looking for someone to entrust to access to family and home. Here are some questions to ask when screening a potential person or agency. Too often questions center solely around pricing. This is a valid concern during times when dollars for caregiving have to stretch, but sometimes the option that appears to be the most cost effective can wind up being much more costly. These tips are for not for the pennywise and pound foolish.

1. How does your agency select it's caregivers?

2. Is your agency licensed, bonded and insured?

3. Are the agencies employees W-2 employees or independent contractors?

4. Does the agency care worker's comp insurance or employer's occupational insurance in case a caregiver is injured on the job?

5. What is the agency's policy when a caregiver is unable to come to work because of illness?

6. Who supervises caregivers and how frequently are they supervised?

7. Are candidates drug tested?

8. Are there a minimum number of hours that must be used?

9. What notice is necessary for cancelling services with the agency?

10. Is there a Registered Nurse or Social Worker available to do the initial assessements?

11. What are the ongoing training requirements for caregivers?

12. Does the agency have any national affiliations? Have they received any special recognition?

13. Can the agency provide testimonials from satisfied customers?

14. Will the agency allow the family to interview caregivers before they begin working?

15. Does the agency hire Certified Nurse Aides or do they hire well meaning inexperienced caregivers?

16. How many years has the agency been in business? What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau?

Connect For Healthcare

2009-11-01T19:51:00.000-08:00

At Your Side Home Care announces an exclusive service for their clients...A HIPAA compliant web based Connect4Healthcare informational updates for seniors families anywhere in the world! Call us for details 281-335-4882 or email us at clearlaketx@atyoursidehomecare.com

This service is especially beneficial for home care clients with children want to be kept abreast of changes in their parents condition. Notifications are by email or SMS messaging. We are excited about this innovative new technology!

Caregiving

2009-10-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

While researchers have long known that caregiving can have negative mental health effects for family care providers, research shows that caregiving can have serious physical health consequences as well.

Studies have found that caregivers may have increased blood pressure and insulin levels, may have impaired immune systems and may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease among other adverse health outcomes.

A study of elderly spousal caregivers (aged 66-96) found that caregivers who experience caregiving-related stress have a 63% higher mortality rate than noncaregivers of the same age.

Many caregivers are themselves in poor health; studies show that approximately one-third of caregivers provide intensive care although they are themselves in “fair to poor” physical health.

We offer family caregivers the opportunity to have some time to look after themselves. This allows them to "recharge" their batteries mentally and physically. This is a vital resource for people caring for those with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease or any other condition which requires constant care.

At Your Side Home Care: Dementia Care: Communication Problems Cause Physical Strain#links#links

2009-09-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

At Your Side Home Care: Dementia Care: Communication Problems Cause Physical Strain#links#links

Dementia Care: Communication Problems Cause Physical Strain

2009-09-15T17:24:00.001-07:00

Dementia Care: Communication Problems Cause Physical Strain

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Family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our health system

2009-09-11T07:52:00.001-07:00

Family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our health system

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Personal Emergency Response

2009-06-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

ADT Companion Services

Personal Response and Medical Alert Devices can be the ideal technological complement to At Your Side Home Care in home care services. We have chosen to partner with ADT, the worldwide leader of in-home electronic monitoring and communications systems.

Through this strategic alliance with ADT Companion Services, At Your Side provides customers with additional peace of mind at highly favorable pricing.

ADT's Companion Services Product is a two-way voice communications system providing 24-hour connectivity to five national customer-monitoring centers. In the event of a medical emergency or accident, the system can be activated at the push of a button, enabling notification of emergency personnel, family members, and others specified by the customer.

Hurricane Preparedness for People with Alzheimer's

2009-06-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Preparedness
Disaster Supply Kit

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social

Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash

Why We Are Different

2009-05-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Licensed, Bonded and Insured Caregivers
Registered Nurse or Social Work Assessment and Care Plan Development
- Home Safety Assessment Included
- Cognitive Assessment Included
Rigorous Hiring Process
- Drug Testing
- Criminal History Background
  ...and more
Ongoing Caregiver Training Through our Advanced Proficiency Training Program
- Fall Prevention
- End of Life
Wide Range of Home Care Services Including both Companion and Hands-On Care
Care for all ages including seniors and new moms
Personal Response System through ADT
For more information in the SE Houston area call 281-335-4882

Arthritis drug might prove effective in fighting the flu, study suggests

2009-05-29T07:22:00.001-07:00

Arthritis drug might prove effective in fighting the flu, study suggests

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Brain Training Improves Memory And Attention And The Effects Last

2009-05-28T14:37:00.001-07:00

Brain Training Improves Memory And Attention And The Effects Last

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Why Our Caregivers Are Special

2009-05-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

Different people need different levels of care. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us for caring, compassionate assistance.

Home Companions
24-Hour Live-In Assistants
Home Health Aides
Transportation Providers
Certified Nurse Aides
Personal Care Aides

Every At Your Side employee is:

Experienced, dedicated and carefully trained
Meticulously screened & tested
Licensed, bonded and insured
Bound by the Client Bill of Rights
Directed by the client's personalized Care Plan
Covered by general liability, professional liability and workers' compensation insurance

The At Your Side Guarantee

At Your Side is raising the bar in the quality of home care - again!

How important is peace of mind? We think it's everything. At Your Side provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your caregiver will be there when they're needed. From the company that's renowned for unprecedented excellence in home care comes our promise of reliability: the At Your Side Quality Care Guarantee. We guarantee that a caregiver will be present at the client's home for every scheduled shift, every time. If not, the following shift is free. No catches, no strings attached.