Tag Archive for: caregivers

Social Distancing for the Elderly

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to remember our elderly loved ones. Ensuring social distancing for the elderly is essential, but it is important to remember the impact this can have on them. Increased isolation and loss of routine can negatively impact their emotional and physical health.

Consider the following factors with social distancing for the elderly:

Getting food. Thankfully there are many options to receive food without having to go in public. Food delivery and curbside pick up services are good alternatives to going to a grocery store.

Keeping in contact. While it’s wise to keep your distance from loved ones, it’s also important to stay in contact. Utilize technology with video chats and phone calls.

Appointments/prescriptions. There are many options available to receive your prescription by mail or by drive-thrus also many appointments can be done virtually.

Exercising. Most gyms and exercise classes are closed, however, staying active and keeping a routine is important.  Check out virtual classes that can be done without supervision.

Being smart. If you have to be around a high-risk person remember to follow the CDC guidelines.

Comprehensive Home Care is taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of your senior loved ones. Contact us today to see how our team can help during this pandemic.

Love to Your Elderly Family Member

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Valentine’s Day is the day we give love to the people who mean the most to us. This year remember to show love to your elderly family member. You can do this by simply reminding him/her just how much you appreciated them. Think of something he/she will truly appreciate; a meaningful gesture will definitely pick up their spirits.

Check out the following ideas on how to show love to your elderly family member:


Thoughtful gifts. Frame a picture of the family or tell them how much they mean to you in a card.

Quality time. Just spend time with them. Set aside a day to have meaningful conversations.

Listening. Ask about a happy memory such as their favorite Valentine’s Day.

A favor. Think of a favor that would help out the most such as cleaning their house or doing some yard work.

Personal gesture. Cook their favorite meal, rent their favorite movie, or take them to their favorite store.

Get active. Go with them for a walk in the park or go for a bike ride.

Family time. Bring the family to spend time together.

Comprehensive Home Care cares for our clients as if they were our own family. Providing care in the home is a very personal service that requires a personal touch. We care about the details, the little things that make each day and each activity special, and we’re honored to be part of our clients’ lives. Call us today at 704-333-5214 or contact us online to find out more about our senior care services.

Time to Hang Up the Car Keys

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As we age our ability to safely drive declines. As such, many factors need to be considered when our senior loved ones are hitting the road. If it’s time to hang up the car keys it’s important to approach the topic sensitively. He/she may feel a loss of freedom, so make sure to assess their condition and explain your concerns.

The factors to consider when it is time to hang up the car keys include:

If your loved one shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Impaired vision.
  • Hearing loss.
  • Side-effects from medication, such as drowsiness.
  • Delayed reaction time.
  • Loss of memory.
  • Inability to focus.
  • Decline in emotional and/or mental health.
  • Joint pain or discomfort that could slow braking.

Alternatives to a senior driving him/herself include:

Hiring a caregiver. Comprehensive Home Care gladly runs errands and transports our clients to and from appointments and events.

Taxi/ride-sharing service. Taxis and ride-sharing options are becoming more and more accessible for those who need an extra hand. Research the best option in your senior loved one’s area.

Public transportation. There are many options for public transportation designed for the elderly. Type the zip code in ElderCareLocator to find the local transportation programs.

Friends, family members, and neighbors. Have a discussion with friends and family members to see if they can provide transportation, even just for appointments.

Walking or bicycling. If your senior loved one’s health permits, walking or bicycling may be a great option for getting around as it provides exercise, saves money, and provides a sense of freedom.

Comprehensive Home Care is here to help! We provide transportation for our clients, so you can rest assured that he/she is safe and well taken care of. We can also provide advice on the best way to approach the topic with your loved one. Call us today at 704-333-5214 or contact us online to learn more.

Reducing Your Risk of Dementia

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Dementia affects millions of people around the world, and the number of cases continues to rise. Alzheimer’s disease, specifically, affects a very large number of people living in the United States. Researchers are studying tirelessly to better understand dementia and ultimately find the cure. While the cure is still unknown, there are however certain things you can do to help reduce your risk of dementia.

Certain lifestyle changes that help reduce your risk of dementia include:

Get plenty of sleep. Studies show that sleep deprivation over time may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, and poultry, as these are considered “brain healthy” foods.

Stay active. Doing exercises regularly is a great way to stay healthy overall and reduce the risks of dementia.

Exercise the brain. Doing puzzles, board games, taking a class, and reading are great activities to keep your brain in shape.

Maintain good heart health. Studies have shown that heart health plays a key role in brain health. Many people who suffer from dementia typically also have heart issues such as heart disease.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Heavy drinking negatively influences brain function for many reasons; one reason being that it negatively affects the vascular system and increases blood pressure.

If you’d like to learn more, the expert dementia and Alzheimer’s care providers at Comprehensive Home Care, are here to help. Call us at 704.333.5214 to see how we can assist.

Sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/media/mind-diet-foods-avoid-alzheimers-boost-brain-health/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320969.php

Traveling with the Elderly

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The warm weather is here, which means family vacations are approaching. Just remember when you’re planning out the details of your next vacation don’t forget to factor in your senior loved ones. Traveling with the elderly requires careful planning and preparation. No matter the destination or method of transportation, their safety and comfort should be at the forefront of your mind.

If you’ll be traveling with the elderly keep the following in mind:

Consult with their physician. Before plans are solidified make sure they are allowed to travel. The doctor may also provide advice on the best practices for traveling with someone in their condition.

Follow their routines. Ensure they are eating, drinking, sleeping, and most importantly taking medication at the same time as usual. Set a reminder if necessary.

Travel light and use luggage with wheels. Lugging your own luggage through an airport or in a vehicle while also worrying about other people’s luggage can be very stressful.

Keep medication accessible. Make sure any medication that needs to be taken during the trip is where it can be reached.

Flight specific tips include:

Allow plenty of time to get through the airport. Arrive at least 2 hours prior to the flight.

Understand regulations for medications. Follow regulations when packing to avoid any holdups at security.

Take advantage of the assistance airports provide. Many airports offer special assistance such as the ability to expedite security and to receive assistance with luggage.

Think about where on the plane would be best to sit. Sitting closest to the exit for a quick entrance and exit or near the closest restroom may be the best options.

Nonstop flights decrease stress. Instead of worrying about making it to the next flight on time choose a nonstop flight.

The Potential Alzheimer’s Cause We May Have Been Missing

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Still ringing true today, Thomas Edison’s words hold special meaning regarding the cause and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work”.  New clinical studies and research give hope to the search for a cure. The newest results may have changed everything.

Check out the newest Alzheimer’s research:

Christian Holscher, a neuroscientist, advises that in order to win the war against Alzheimer’s, we have to look beyond the plaque theory. Alois Alzheimer, the founder of the disease, researched the plaques found exclusively in older brains. He, however, mentioned there’s no evidence to prove they cause the disease. Yet researchers have persistently honed in on these plaques as the culprit, only to come up empty-handed.

Holscher proposes a unique theory that should be explored instead: the link between Alzheimer’s and insulin. We know that those with type 2 diabetes have a greater risk. We also know that brain cells require insulin to grow and stay healthy. Could insulin deficits lead to the types of irreparable neuron damage exhibited in Alzheimer’s? Brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients shows how insulin loses effectiveness in brain cell growth in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. This led scientists to the conclusion that testing diabetic treatments on people that have Alzheimer’s is worth a try. 

Comprehensive Home Care will continue to closely follow any and all developments in the continuous search for an end to the disease. If you’re currently caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s feel free to contact us.  Our home care team is highly skilled and experienced in effectively managing a number of the more challenging aspects of the disease while supporting those affected to live life to their fullest potential. 

Contact us online or at 704-333-5214 to obtain more Alzheimer’s disease resources and to schedule a totally free consultation, right in the comfort of home, for more information on our professional in-home care assistance.

Check out How to Recognize the Signs of Dementia to learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of dementia.

Tips to Recognize the Signs of Elder Abuse

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While elder abuse is something that we would never expect to occur, it’s a tragically common occurrence in the U.S. Elder abuse occurs in many forms, from physical, emotional, or neglect. Because elder abuse is often a silent problem, it’s essential for families and friends of seniors to be aware of the signs of elder abuse to protect their loved ones.

Check out some of the warning signs that may indicate elder abuse:


Physical Abuse

  • Signs of injury like broken bones, bruises, welts, or scars. Especially if they appear symmetrically, on two sides of the body, or on the wrists.
  • Drug overdoses or regularly missed medications.
  • Broken eyeglasses.
  • Caregivers refusing to allow the senior to be seen alone.

Emotional Abuse

  • Behavior that mimics dementia, such as rocking, or mumbling to oneself.
  • Controlling behavior from the caregiver such as yelling or threatening, humiliating or ridiculing, ignoring the senior, or isolating from friends and family.

Neglect

  • Physical signs, such as bed sores and unhealthy weight loss/gain or malnutrition.
  • Unsanitary living conditions, such as neglected hygiene and a messy living area.
  • Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather.
  • Unsafe living conditions, such as no heat or running water, faulty electrical wiring or other fire hazards.
  • Desertion of the senior at a public place.

The early signs of elder abuse may be difficult to recognize and may also appear to be symptoms of a disease or from increased frailty. A caregiver who is abusing the senior may also explain signs of abuse away. To help prevent abuse, make a point to call and visit senior loved ones often and be on the lookout for any changes in the senior’s personality or behavior. Report immediately if you suspect your loved one is at risk.

Comprehensive Home Care’s respite care can help families keep senior loved ones safe, happy, and healthy. Contact us here or call us at 704-333-5214 for a professional assessment.

Check out Is Your Senior Loved One at Risk for Elder Abuse? for more tips on recognizing the signs.

Is Your Senior Loved One at Risk for Elder Abuse?

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Helping seniors stay healthy and safe is the main goal of our home care professionals. For this reason, it’s essential that we discuss a difficult topic, elder abuse. The CDC estimates that around 500,000 older adults are abused or neglected every year in the U.S. and many other cases are unreported each year. As a family or friend of a senior receiving care, it’s important to be mindful of the risk factors.

Be aware of the following risk factors associated with elder abuse:


Dependency on others. Seniors are sometimes afraid to speak up about abuse because they may be reluctant to a new caregiver; fearing they will not meet their needs.

Decreased physical health and mobility. Seniors with certain diseases and disabilities may be at higher a risk of abuse because he/she may not be able to verbalize the abuse.

History of abuse. If someone has a history of abuse there is an increased risk for abuse in their later years. This is the case especially when a victim of abuse by the senior is now their primary caregiver.

Social isolation. Social isolation often occurs when a senior loses a spouse or lives at a distance from family and friends. Abusers often try to keep seniors isolated by refusing to apply for economic aid or services, resisting outside help, changing social and healthcare providers frequently to make it difficult for the senior to assess their health status, and controlling contact with family and friends.

Family caregiver stress or burnout. Overwhelmed caregivers may start to lash out at the senior in their care.

Make sure to call or visit as often as possible to also play an active role in their care. Comprehensive Home Care can also help as we understand the importance of a senior’s health and safety. Each member of our senior care team has passed a thorough background check, reference checks, and an in-depth personal interview to ensure they meet high standards. All of our caregivers are licensed certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in good standing in the state of North Carolina, so rest assured your loved one is in capable, experienced hands.

Contact us today to learn more about our home care services.

Now that you’re prepared for this threat, check out The Latest in Helping Elderly Parents Avoid Phone Scams.

The Latest in Phone Scams Targeted at the Elderly

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Phone scams targeted at the elderly are nothing new. An alarming $36 billion are lost each year to financial scams. Con artists are always doing their best to create new scams to swindle money. The elderly, specifically, are constant targets of phone scams. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest scams to protect our senior loved ones.

Check out the latest in phone scams targeted at the elderly:


The latest senior scam is difficult to detect until it’s too late. The company calling itself Utility Savings Expert claims to cut utility, phone, cable, and other bills in half. The scammers request account information from the bill. Then they pay off the balance in full, with the understanding that the senior will reimburse half of the cost by wire transfer only – no checks or bank cards accepted. After the victim’s funds have already been received, the organization reverses the charge to the phone or utility company, making the senior liable once more for the full amount, as well as the additional fifty percent.

How do you protect your older family members from falling prey to believable scams? First, wire transfers as payment is a red flag to avoid. Make sure your loved one never takes part in dealing with an unfamiliar business. Advise them to screen calls and hang up when someone asks for personal or financial information. 

Comprehensive Home Care is the home care provider North Carolina families can trust. Our companionship care help alleviates loneliness and reduces the chance of a scam. Call us at 704-333-5214 or contact us online for more information.

Now that you are informed on the latest phone scam, check out Tips on Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse to prevent another risk your senior loved one’s face.

The 5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease and How Home Care Can Help

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Parkinson’s disease is more prevalent than MS, muscular dystrophy, and ALS combined. 600,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, seven to ten million people worldwide have already been diagnosed. There are five main stages of Parkinson’s, though each case is different.

Learn the symptoms of the five stages of Parkinson’s disease:


1st Stage: The first stage is early-stage Parkinson’s where mild symptoms occur and may be noticeable to your loved ones.

  • Symptoms are bothersome but not disabling.
  • Typically symptoms occur on one side of the body.
  • Tremors or uncontrollable shaking may occur in one limb.
  • Facial, posture, and/or balance may also change.

2nd Stage: In the second stage of Parkinson’s, the person begins to display an inability to complete standard physical tasks.

  • Symptoms cause minimal disability.
  • Symptoms occur on both sides of the body.
  • Equilibrium and posture changes, as well.

3rd Stage: The third stage is moderate Parkinson’s disease and a higher degree of disability becomes apparent.

  • Moderate dysfunction occurs.
  • Movements become slowed.
  • Balance decreases so standing becomes more difficult.

4th Stage: The fourth stage is indicative of advanced Parkinson’s.

  • Severe symptoms cause an inability to complete daily tasks so it may be difficult for them to live alone.
  • Movements become rigidity or sluggish in this stage.
  • Tremors may begin to lessen or disappear altogether for unknown reasons.

5th Stage: The fifth and final stage usually takes over physical movements.

  • Symptoms cause a decline in vitality in both body and mind.
  • Changes in equilibrium and strength occur so walking and standing become difficult.

Our skilled caregivers are fully trained and can help those with Parkinson’s disease to experience a better quality of life, right in the comfort of their home. Comprehensive Home Care can help with daily personal care, transportation to doctors appointments, running errands, light housework, or meal preparation. Our companionship can brighten their day. Our home care is customized to each person’s needs and preferences. Call us any time at 704-333-5214 to learn more. 

Check out How to Know If Your Loved One Is Suffering From Parkinson’s to learn more.

Senior Fitness Tips

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Participating in an ongoing fitness plan is challenging at any age. All of us have made excuses for not exercising and aging makes it even more difficult to commit to a fitness plan. Our home care experts want to help you understand the factors that go into building a senior fitness plan.

Consider the following factors involved in senior fitness:


Self-confidence. It’s natural for older adults to become overwhelmed with the idea of achieving fitness goals. Have them start slowly with easier exercises and then progress gradually. Continue to provide ongoing support throughout the program.

Attitude. Attitude is so important when it comes to staying physically fit. If approached negatively it will be so much harder to stick to a fitness program. Choose activities that will be enjoyable and that they will look forward to.

Pain. They should avoid overdoing it and pushing their body to discomfort or pain.

Disabilities. Older adults with physical or cognitive impairments can and should stay active within their ability level. Ask their doctor for a referral to a personal trainer or physical therapist who can create a specialized fitness program.

Fear of Injury/Balance Problems. Utilize a variety of different assistive products to improve safety.

Financial Issues. Exercising doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Walking and other simple activities can be effective with little to no cost.

Illness or Fatigue. Workouts should be tailored to match their energy level and the intensity can be increased over time.

The key to ongoing success with a fitness program is to make sure the senior is comfortable and feels safe with the plan. If any pain is felt in muscles or bones following an exercise the intensity can be decreased. Make sure to check with their doctor if the pain or discomfort continues and/or intensifies. Comprehensive Home Care will work with your loved one’s doctor to develop a safe fitness plan to help build strength, independence, and quality of life. Contact us at 704-333-5214 for more senior fitness tips and to learn about our home care services.

Check out Exercises for the Elderly to find the best exercises for your loved one.

Exercises for the Elderly

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As we age, exercise becomes more essential. It’s vital to find an exercise program that works for your aging loved ones. Exercises for the elderly include aerobics, resistance exercises, flexibility exercises, and more. Always check first with your loved one’s primary physician to receive recommendations and approval for an elderly exercise program.

Consider the following exercises for the elderly:


Aerobics. There are many aerobics options for seniors including water aerobics and dance cardio. If full-body movements aren’t an option, there are exercises that can be done while seated to help build cardio strength.

Resistance Exercises. Exercises with resistance weights, like elastic bands, can help build strength. The bands come in a variety of tensile strength levels. Even a day per week of strength training can help reduce the risk of injury.

Flexibility Exercises. Stretching is great for improving flexibility and freedom of movement. Taking a yoga class at a local senior or recreation center can be a great way to socialize while building flexibility.

Dementia Exercises. In the early stages of dementia, there are a variety of exercise options. The same exercise can be modified and continued as the stages progress. Repetition is often comforting to seniors with dementia. Activities such as walking and riding a stationary bike daily can be helpful for both the physical and mental state.

The following suggestions can ensure that he/she will look forward to the program:

  • Engage in the exercise program with your loved one. It’s more fun to exercise with a buddy.
  • Hire a trusted caregiver to engage in the elderly exercise program with your loved one.
  • Turn on his/her favorite, upbeat music while exercising.
  • Set aside dedicated time each day for exercise, and make sure to keep it a priority.
  • Offer incentives or rewards for attaining milestones for motivation.

Comprehensive Home Care can recommend ideas to help your loved one increase activity levels. There’s nothing we love more than knowing the seniors in our care are healthy and enjoying life to the fullest! Contact us here or call us at 704-333-521to set up an elderly exercise program to improve life for your loved one!

Now that you have the information necessary to plan the best fitness routine. Check out Benefits of Laughter in Senior’s Health.

Elderly Hoarding

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Do you have a loved one who struggles with elderly hoarding? Is this situation becoming increasingly difficult to manage? Are you concerned?

Pathological or compulsive hoarding, officially known as disposophobia, is much more than just collecting or living with clutter. It’s the excessive gathering of objects, regardless of whether these objects have any value or use. The idea of giving away or throwing away any of the items, even trash, results in great stress.

Elderly hoarding causes several problems. Too many objects in a senior’s living space can cause problems with hygiene – both in the home itself and with personal hygiene if cleaning facilities are blocked. Extreme clutter can lead to social isolation, due to the person’s embarrassment about the state of the home and his or her inability to clean up sufficiently to go out. The clutter can also be a serious safety hazard. Clutter can result in falls, destroy home foundations, and block exits in the event of an emergency.

Helping someone who struggles with elderly hoarding can be difficult. Those who hoard place an extreme amount of value on their possessions. Clearing anything away can be painful.

If you have a loved one who struggles with elderly hoarding, the tips below may help:


Try not to judge the person. It may be difficult, but if your senior loved one doesn’t feel judged, he or she may be more likely to work with you. Avoid statements such as “What a mess!” or “How can you possibly live like this?”

Use upbeat language. If you see any improvements at all, no matter how slight, such as a path from one room to another that is wider than it was before, congratulate them on trying to make things safer. If you notice a trash bag with trash to go out, let your loved one know that this is wonderful progress. Whenever there is something to praise, do so: “I can imagine how hard it was to fill that trash bag. I’m so happy you were able to do that.” You can also point out the nice things in the home, such as a beautiful painting, or an unusual decoration.

Never argue. Seniors who hoard have their reasons and arguing usually results in them shutting down the conversation. You don’t have to agree with what the person says, but arguing may result in them becoming defensive, pushing further away from a solution. If an argument is ensuing, it may be time to take a walk around the block or call it a day.

Be understanding. Some things are just too important for your loved one to part with. When cleaning out a home, it’s important to remember that not everything has to go. We all have certain items that are dear to us. Recognize and acknowledge this.

Comprehensive Home Care’s home care experts have seen what hoarding can do and our experienced caregivers know how to help. As the top-rated home care agency in the Charlotte area, we can provide in-home care services, including friendly companionship to help seniors feel accepted and socially involved. Contact us here or call us at 704-333-5214 for a professional assessment to learn how we can help your senior loved one.

Check out 4 Situations When Home Care is Beneficial to learn more.

Signs that Your Loved One May Need Senior Home Care

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“I do NOT want to move to a nursing home!” This is an often-heard sentiment expressed by many seniors, even when they’re beginning to experience some difficulty managing at home on their own. And who can blame them? Home is where older adults feel most comfortable and safe. They know where everything is and they can enjoy their own individual routine and they may have friends and family who live close by, who enhance their quality of life. But, if you have concerns about your senior loved one’s ability to remain living safely at home, it may be time to assess the best possible solution, senior home care.

Consider the following questions to determine if your loved one could benefit from senior home care:

Weight Loss

  • Has your senior loved one lost weight unintentionally over the past several months?
  • Are they able to pick up groceries and prepare meals?
  • Do they prepare meals safely, remembering to turn off the oven or stove?
  • Do they complain about how food tastes?
  • Are they drinking sufficient amounts of water and other fluids during the day to prevent dehydration, especially during the hot summer months?

Personal Hygiene

  • Is your senior loved one adequately maintaining their hygiene?
  • Can they take care of laundry, bathing, grooming, and toileting needs sufficiently?

Medications

  • Does your senior loved one take medications?
  • Do they take them exactly as prescribed?
  • Can they read the labels and understand what each medicine is for?
  • Are they physically able to swallow pills, or otherwise use them as they are intended (i.e. creams, drops, etc.)?

Safety

  • Is the home free of clutter, which could be a tripping or falling hazard?
  • Could your loved one call for help if they were to fall?
  • Are there grab bars in the shower/bath, and are banisters and handrails on stairways fastened securely?
  • Is there sufficient lighting to allow them to safely get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom or kitchen?
  • Do you notice any cuts, bruises, scrapes, or burns that could have been caused by a fall or other unexplained circumstance?
  • Is the kitchen clean enough to safely prepare food?
  • Is your loved one taking multiple medications from multiple doctors and/or does they use multiple pharmacies?

Emotional, Psychological and Cognitive

  • Does your loved one seem depressed or anxious?
  • Are they staying social as much as possible, whether in person or through the Internet or by phone?
  • If he/she is religious, are they continuing to attend services or programs available?
  • Are they still enjoying hobbies that interested them before?
  • Are they forgetful? Unusually loud or agitated?
  • Are their finances in order?

The list of questions may seem overwhelming at first, but our senior home care services team can help. Our professional home care team can evaluate your senior loved one’s situation and provide suggestions and solutions, giving you and your loved one peace of mind. Our trained home care staff can provide companionship, perform light housekeeping tasks, prepare nutritious meals, among other helpful tasks. We can even coordinate services between various healthcare providers.

Contact us at 704-333-5214 for a free in-home assessment and see how we can help your loved one.

Check out Perks of Home Care to learn how a care provider can help.

Situations When Home Care is Beneficial

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Home care is especially beneficial when affordability, closeness to the family, and a high level of comfort is important. With home care, your loved one can receive the care they need while staying in a place that is comfortable and familiar.

Here are a few situations when home care is beneficial:


You are looking for a more affordable option. Home care is a more affordable alternative to a nursing home that also provides the most comfort.

You want your family to stay together. Allowing your loved one to stay close to family members is a great benefit of home care.

You want more personalized care. When you hire a Comprehensive Home Care specialist a nurse will be assigned to assist your family member. This will result in a better patient/nurse relationship. Your loved one will know that the nurse assisting them will know exactly what they need.

You only need a nurse for a few hours a day. People in nursing homes receive constant assistance, however, some only need assistance for a few hours a day. If you want your family to play a bigger role in the assistance of your loved one, then home care is the best option.

These are a few situations when home care can be very beneficial. It will give you a lot of freedom, so you can be sure you are making the best choice for your loved one.  We offer many different types of services. Consider Comprehensive Home Care when searching for the best option for your loved one. Contact us here or call us at 704-333-5214 for a free in-home assessment.

Check out Signs that Your Loved One May Need Senior Home Care to learn more.

Perks of Home Care

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Home care provides equal, if not better, care for your loved one than other assisted living options. And, there are many perks of home care versus the other options. For this reason, it’s the main choice for people who need assistance but still want to feel independent.

Main perks of home care include:


Familiar environment

Your loved one may already be going through a lot emotionally. If it is possible, you should do what you can to keep them in their own house where they are comfortable. They may need to depend on a specialist for assistance, but at least they are familiar with their surroundings.

Dedicated attention

Comprehensive home care provides dedicated specialists who will take the time to learn exactly what your loved one needs. This type of one-on-one attention will help build a relationship between your loved one and the specialist.

Surrounded by family and friends

Home care gives your loved one the opportunity to be surrounded by family and friends while receiving the care they need. Other assisted care options require loved ones to depend entirely on strangers which can be scary for both you and your loved one.

Cost efficient

Home care is the best, most cost-efficient option for assisted living. Other options can get very pricey and may not be as effective for treating your loved one’s health.

Consider Comprehensive Home Care to provide these benefits and more. We offer many different home care services and will be willing to accommodate your loved one’s needs. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Check out How Do I Know if My Loved One Might Benefit from Home Care? to learn more.

Tips to Start the Care Provider Search

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The care provider search is no easy task. And deciding on the best care for a loved one is an extremely important, sometimes urgent, decision. Some struggle with knowing where to even begin.

Here are some tips to start the care provider search:

Assess the needs of your loved one.

In order to find the right care provider, you must first know what your loved one’s needs are. Do they need someone only to help with meals, baths, and cooking? Or do they need 24-hour care? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the type of specialist you need and set you on the right path.

Do your research and ask questions.

Put together a list of providers that meet the requirements. Interview each provider in person, over the phone just won’t cut it. You can tell a lot about a person by meeting them and making eye contact. Before the meeting, make sure that you put together a list of questions to ask. These questions should include things such as quality of care provided, fees, services provided, and hours the provider is able to work.

Check references.

It is very important to check references and do a background check on any provider you are considering. This person is going to be taking care of your loved one and you want to be sure that it is safe. Request the names of two or three different clients and talk to each of them if possible. Ask how the provider treated their loved ones and if they would employ them again.

Adjust and observe.

Your job does not end after you have found a provider. Your loved one’s needs may change, so it’s best to continue to play an active role. You should also keep an eye on how the provider gets along with your loved one until you are sure that they are a good fit.

From assessing the needs of your loved one to not being afraid to ask questions, these tips will truly help the process. Comprehensive Home Care can help in this process, as well. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214 to see how we can assist.

Check out Senior Living Options to learn about the different options available to you and your loved one.

When Your Loved One Requires Dementia Home Care Support

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Caring for a loved one with dementia can be very hard. As the disease progresses it can lead to burnout for the family caregiver. At some point, every family caregiver has to admit that they need outside help from a dementia home care professional.

Signs that your family member’s dementia requires outside help from a dementia home care professional:


Your health is suffering.

If you have started to lose weight, not eating right, or are sick more often it may be time to call a dementia home care professional. There is no shame in admitting that you need some help. The later stages of dementia are hard and if your health is already suffering you need reach out for help. A home care specialist can help you be a better caregiver as well. 

You are angry.

Irritation and anger may occur when caring for your loved one. It is common for you to get angry that there is no cure for dementia that your loved one is suffering. However, try not to turn that anger and frustration back on your loved ones. Make sure that you hire someone to help you before it comes to that point.

Take a long walk when you feel that you are getting frustrated and angry. It is also helpful to talk it out with another family member and get a fresh perspective and be able to deal with your loved one better. It is best to employ outside help when you start to feel this way about the person that you love with this awful disease.

You are exhausted.

Taking care of your loved one may be making you feel worn down. You might find yourself dreading going to take care of them. 

Be aware of these signs that you need extra help for your loved one with dementia. It’s best to be safe and hire professionals in senior care Charlotte families fully trust like Comprehensive Home Care. Contact us here or call us at 704-333-5214 to see how we can be of assistance. 

Check out Signs Your Loved One’s Dementia is Worsening to prepare.

Signs Your Loved One’s Dementia is Worsening

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The thought of a loved one developing dementia is scary to anyone, yet it happens all too frequently. You need to know the signs and symptoms to look for so that you know when your loved one’s dementia worsens. These symptoms do not always mean that the patient is in the later stages.

When your loved one’s dementia worsens you’ll notice these signs:


Memory loss

Memory loss in the later stages of dementia is usually severe. The patient may not recognize people that are extremely close to them. It is also possible that your loved one will start thinking you are someone from their past.

Problems communicating

In the later stages of dementia, your loved one may have a hard time communicating with you or stop communicating altogether. They may utter a single word every now and then or even cry out. Remember, however, that verbal language is only one form of communication and your loved one may be able to tell you what they want through gestures.

Weight loss

In many cases, the weight loss can become drastic in the later stages. It is possible for your loved one to forget how to chew and swallow; at this point, you will need to look further into dementia home care if you have not already.

Behavior that is Unusual

In the later stages of dementia, many patients may act strangely. This puzzling behavior will be different for every patient. However, here are some of the most common unusual behaviors.

  • The patient may become agitated and confused mostly in the afternoon and the early evening. This is often referred to as sundowning.
  • Often the patient can become aggressive and aggravated if they feel threatened or they are confused about what is going on around them.
  • It is possible for the patient to have hallucinations.
  • It is possible for the patient to start feeling restless and need more exercise.

These are just a few of the signs to look for when your loved one’s dementia is worsening. Just remember that these symptoms do not have to mean that your loved one is in the latter stages, their symptoms are just worsening and you may need to get professional help. Click here to learn about the dementia services Comprehensive Home Care provides. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214 to speak with a specialist.

Check out Three Signs That Your Family Member’s Dementia Requires Outside Help to learn more.

Senior Living Options

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One of the hardest decisions a family member has to make is to place a loved one in an assisted living or use a home care specialist. Many families just want to know that they are making the best decision for their loved one. Many people put off the decision for far too long.

The term “senior living” always seems to be thrown around but it is a term that is often misunderstood and misused. This term covers many aspects of caring for the elderly. There are many senior living options available for those wanting to find a place for a loved one, as well as someone who wants to find a rewarding career in this field. When it comes to finding the best options, there are two main divisions in senior living.

Two main senior living options are:

Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of benefits and they generally provide a good selection of services and amenities designed for elderly patients. The services are designed specifically to help the residents live a happy, healthy, and semi-independent life. Assisted living facilities are ideal for individuals who can still take care of themselves and are able to perform day to day tasks without much help. This option helps the patient and the family by providing peace of mind that residents can enjoy life without the fear of things like falling and being alone for days or weeks at a time. Those who work in this area of nursing care, need to be kind, patient, understanding, supportive, easy-going, soft-spoken, and outgoing.

Home Care Facilities

Home care facilities are another variation of assisted living that provides a higher level of help and assistance. It is an ideal choice for those who need more care and attention in their day to day living and activities.  Board and home care facilities offer more assistance and help than the traditional assisted living facility.  They are a better choice than a nursing home or an assisted living facility because there are far more staff members and far fewer residents.

Ways to know when a move is necessary are:

 

  • The inability to dress, change, bathe, use the bathroom, and take care of themselves.
  • Vision issues that cause injuries.
  • Frequent falling.
  • Gaining weight or losing weight in an unhealthy manner.
  • If their memory is affecting important things such as remembering medications or taking the wrong doses.

If you see any of these in your loved one reach out to us! Comprehensive Home Care can help families make decisions on senior living options. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214 for more information.

Check out Types of Illnesses that Require Home Care to learn more.