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Hurricane Preparation – Being Prepared for a Disaster

We can never be too prepared for a hurricane or other disaster. We should be ready to survive at least three days without power or access to stores. This requires plenty of clean water, food which doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking, an extra supply of medications, as well as items needed for hygiene.

In addition to […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on Hurricane Preparation – Being Prepared for a Disaster

Private Help TURNS “Pirate” Help

Unfortunately, I hear horror stories from Seniors and their families. These people come to me for help because they had terrible experiences with caregivers that they hired on their own. This is generally referred to as private help. I call them “PIRATE” help, based on their lying, stealing, and cheating.

One dear eighty-year old told me […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on Private Help TURNS “Pirate” Help

24/7 Help – A Simplified Solution for a Complex Problem

Upon a person’s discharge from a hospital or rehab facility to the home, full-time care is needed for a few days to several weeks, depending on the person’s rate of recovery.

24/7 (Live-in) help is very economical and a wise choice for any client who needs ten or more hours per day of help. […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on 24/7 Help – A Simplified Solution for a Complex Problem

Establishing Positive Relationships with Your Home Health Care Agency

Scenario:

You have made the decision to let an aide come into your home to assist. That was hard enough on you! Now you are getting apprehensive about what to expect when the aide arrives for work:

– Will I like the aide? What if I don’t? How would I handle this […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on Establishing Positive Relationships with Your Home Health Care Agency

How Much “Home Care” is Included in Home Health Care?

I recently spoke with a group of fresh graduates from a local nursing assistant school. The instructor wanted me to help the students understand the expectations of clients in a home setting. When I touched on the subject of housekeeping, the students reacted negatively. “I am certified, so I don’t have to help with housekeeping!” […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on How Much “Home Care” is Included in Home Health Care?

Seasonal Companions

In the winter season there are two types of people: those who are IN FLORIDA and those who WISH they were! Many loyal, seasonal residents are the founders of their Florida communities, migrating every year for decades. The yearning to travel continues, even if one’s health isn’t as good as it used to be. I […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on Seasonal Companions

“His” and “Her” Aides

Spouses share many personal things over the years. In your “golden years” do you envision sharing a home health aide with your spouse? I get many requests from family members to provide care for both parents, simultaneously. Some of the questions are, “Should the aide take care of both clients?” OR “Is it better for […]

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HHA, CNA or PCA Understanding the Differences Between the “Aides”

The vast majority of paid caregivers working in a home setting are called “Aides.” Aides provide custodial and non-skilled care for patients. Aides can also provide homemaking assistance, as needed. The official certifications and training curriculums in Florida encompass three titles: “Home Health Aide,” Certified Nursing Assistant,” and “Patient Care Assistant.” Generally speaking, all three […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on HHA, CNA or PCA Understanding the Differences Between the “Aides”

How to Find the Best Aides

How can you find the very best home health aides? There is a traditional debate, among consumers and professionals, as to whether it is better to hire help through an agency or through “friends.” If you are currently seeking home health care services, you must wrestle with this issue, and decide for yourself. […]

By |November 8th, 2010|Caregiver Management|Comments Off on How to Find the Best Aides

Communication and Manners

The entire experience of having home health care assistance would be vastly improved if both the caregiver and the client would remember two things: to spend time talking to one another about the job at hand and to remember their manners. The human interaction needs to be as positive and productive as possible, and both […]

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