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Amanda Harding is the owner and operator of Stay Home Care.
Community based company helping
people remain
independent in their own homes. Contact: (902) 864-2677
Testimonials:
Newsletters & Tips:
Sometimes in life situations arise that are difficult to deal with.
Being unable to care for yourself or a loved one is one of
them. No one wants to be institutionalized, nor does anyone want to do
that to someone they care for. Here's some good
news, you have another option. Live in care may be the answer to your
situation. Here are some benefits of receiving
live in care:
- One of the major reasons to obtain live in is that it enables people to remain in their own homes even after they are no longer able to care for themselves.
- By hiring your live in care providers privately, you choose the workers that best suit your needs, personality and situation
- The residence will be kept up by professionals. There will be no need to worry about the home being uncared for.
- The care workers you choose will always be near to ensure safety and will also be there in case of emergencies, should they happen.
- Healthy meals will be prepared how and when you want them, where as an institution serves meals they choose and when they choose.
- Live in care will give family members peace of mind to know their loved ones are being assisted with their daily living.
- Family pets will be able to continue living in the home and with the people they are used to.
- With live in care the employee is also a companion. This can help ease the loneliness that many can feel if they live alone.
- Live in care is a great alternative to institutions, where it can be a cold and un personal environment.
- A live in care employee will have the capabilities to run errands for the person they are caring for.
- When hiring a private live in care provider, you can rest easy knowing that you will only be working with a few select employees.
- A home care agency should be able to set goals for the client that are reasonable and within reach. If goals are set too high, the client will get discouraged but if goals set to low the client may not receive the quality care they deserve.
- The staff and work environment should be clean and professional yet with personal touches, (ex. Stay Home Care's. Eye On You Service) This shows you’re chosen Home care agency pays attention to the smaller details, which can make all the difference
- The company should offer their services 24 hours a day if that is what is needed. Care is not always a 9-5 job.
- The employees of the home care agency should be certified caregivers. Having properly trained and experienced caregivers enables the client to receive optimum care.
- A good agency should be willing to offer solutions to a client should they need specialized service the company cannot provide. As well, they should be willing to suggest and take the time to discuss different publicly funded services you may be eligible for.
- A home care agency should be local to yourself, that way it serves the community in which you and them are a part.
- A good home care agency will, in detail, outline care to be given and the price, also they will commit to it in writing.
- Assessments and meetings should be scheduled with the client as well as the Care Manager as a courtesy to the client and not a cost.
- Clients of the home care agency should be regularly updated on any new services provided.
- The home care agency should take the time to match the caregivers with the clients.
- It is imperative to the client’s well-being that he or she feels comfortable with their care provider. As well all caregivers should be bondable with police checks to ensure the client will feel secure with the caregiver in their homes.
- A reputable home care agency should offer comparable and competitive rates based on services that provide. Also look for flat rates and discounts.
- The home care agency chosen should be able to produce testimonial to their quality of care without being requested by the client, also if the agency is a member of any industry organizations which will guarantee clients with premium care.
- The home care agency should have dedicated caregivers that are experts in making sure that client’s safety and care are their number one priority. As well should make the client feel comfortable and secure with knowing they made the correct decision when choosing this company.
Are you finding it more
and more difficult to assist a loved one at home? Are you becoming
overwhelmed with
the responsibility of cleaning and daily care of a loved ones home? Here
are a few benefits and reason for receiving home care support.
-
If you have a loved one
with a disability, they may benefit from receiving home support
having a professional care giver with them will give them the ability to do things that they
used to enjoy, keep their home tidy and maintain their personal health
-
Many seniors live alone. Employing a home care agency with companionship
in mind
could make a huge difference in their quality of life.
-
Family members
recovering from surgery may not be able to all the things they used to
for awhile. Hiring a home care agency will make life easier for them, allowing them time to
heal properly and regain their strength.
-
Sometimes family members caring for their
loved ones will need to take some time for
themselves. By working with a home care agency they will get the personal time they
deserve while having peace of mind knowing their loved one is being cared for in their absence
-
As people age they sometimes lose the desire
or ability to prepare healthy meals for
themselves. A home care worker will make sure your loved one will eat proper meals at
the proper times.
-
Keeping both the inside and the outside of a home in good condition is
hard work at any
age but it can become even more difficult later in life. By employing a home care agency
you can rest easy knowing you home is being looked after
-
When family members life
far away fro their loved ones, it is not as easy or possible to keep
an eye on them. Take advantage of the services a home care agency provides that allow you
to keep in daily contact with your loved one
-
Companions such as
grandchildren and pets are great for seniors, but they can become a
handful to look after. A home support worker can help seniors make the best of visits with
children and also help care for family pets.
-
Hiring a home care agency
would be ideal if your loved one can no longer run errands for them
selves. The home support worker would assist in relieving some of the stress of everyday living.
-
Seniors with disabilities
or illnesses may no longer be able to care for themselves or their
homes,
but they still want to remain as independent as possible. A good home care agency will assist in
keeping your loved one independent in their own home.
For
those who have found themselves put into the role of caregiver for a
loved one, it can be a difficult
time for all parties involved. Being educated and prepared will help
make this time less stressful. Hopefully some, if not all of these tips
will help. Good luck to you all.
- 1. Do not feel guilty- know that you are doing a great job with what you have been given, what you have to work with and your knowledge base.
- 2. Have your family member get twenty-four hour support system like: Life Line or Stay Home Care's unique One-on-One Service. In case of emergencies keep a list of pertinent contacts close to the phone and make it easy to read. Install a large digit panel phone that is easy to operate.
- 3. Contact a service that calls clients on a daily bases to check in, to avoid repeated, unnecessary calls to you at work, home, etc.
- 4. Set up a daily routine and eventually your time will be used more efficiently.
- 5. Learn proper techniques on lifting, transferring, etc, to avoid injury to you or your loved one.
-
6. Attend
day programs it give caregivers a break and to give loved one
some stimulation.
Exercise, physical and mind stimulation will keep mental skills sharp. Research all different
programs for your loved one and their current abilities. The best way in choosing a program is being aware of everything that is available to you.
-
7. Employ
respite care a couple days a week, day or whatever works out best
for you and your
loved one. Having a company and/or individual come in as a companion, this will allow full time
caregivers a break to refresh and renew.
-
8. Create
your own support system, whether it be friends, family, neighbors or
agencies. Have a
place to vent your feelings too, do not keep things in.
- 9. Make sure the environment is adapted and ail equipment is in working order. For you and your loved one, it will be easier to have all safety concerns addressed.
- 10. Eat a balanced and nutritional diet, having the proper nutrition will keep up your own strength. Sleep the proper amount of hours and exercise on a daily basis.
- 11. To help prevent future pressures and issues arising, get and implement as much safety information as possible, or have an assessment completed.
-
12. Make
sure you, the caregiver, makes regular visits to your doctor,
dentist, and councilors
this will help keep you in great health, more important you will avoid passing any viruses or
bacteria to your loved one. As well they have great resources at their finger tips.
- 13. Most important, realizing when the care you are providing is too much for you and seek out of options, in home care agencies, nursing homes, hospitals, churches, seniors clubs and doctors.
- 14. And do not forget to also take some time for yourself everyday.
Safety in the home is a top priority to decrease the chances of
accidents and injury. Your home should
be
safety efficient. Here are some easy practices to increase safety in
your home.
- To prevent falls use non-slip rugs and runners within your home. Otherwise they create a potential hazard
-
Be sure to store regularly used items where you can reach them. Try
to avoid standing on chairs
or excessive bending.
-
Try to keep clutter, such as knick-knacks, papers and books, to a
minimum. All of these things
can lead to a mess, which is a safety hazard.
- Be aware of frayed or hanging electrical cords. Also be careful not to have too many plugs in one socket. Electrical fire is a very real and easily preventable danger.
- To avoid slipping in the bath or shower, use non slip guards and handrails in the bathtub. You can never be too safe near water.
- Always lock all of your outside doors and windows. Home invasion is possible no matter where you live.
-
If you spill something make sure you clean it up immediately. Falls
can happened if a spill is left
on the floor.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers by your phone. You never know when you may need them.
- Remember to dispose of old and spoiled food. Food safety is a key to good health.
- The entrances to your home should be well lit. This way you'll be able to see well when you return home or have visitors coming.
- Paint the edges of steps that are higher or lower then the rest. This can help eliminate unnecessary falls for you and visitors.
- It is wise to store all of your heavier items in lower cupboards so you can lift them more easily and safely.
- Consider installing an elevated toilet seat in your bathroom, it will make using the washroom easier.
-
Always check the temperature of the water before you submerge any
part of your body into it.
This will prevent burning yourself.
- Place nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms so you can see well if you need to get around during the night.
- You should tack all of your rugs to the floor so they lay flat and are not a risk factor for falls.
- Be sure to leave an inside light on when you leave your home so you can see better when you return.
- Install handrails on both sides of your staircase to prevent falls while climbing up and down them.
- Remember "Your Safety Begins With You!"
Daily call services are geared toward living independently. There are
many benefits and reasons for taking
advantage of such a service. A daily call may be beneficial to you loved
one if:
- They are living alone. Living alone can cause feelings of loneliness and insecurity. A daily call could ease these feelings.
- They have no family, friends or neighbors near by. Just knowing that someone will be calling every day can be a tremendous relief for your loved one.
- They have just returned from the hospital. During their recovery period a daily call could reassure you and your family member that they are on the road to good health.
- They don't feel as secure in their home anymore. A call each day could aid in making your loved one feel safe and secure just by knowing someone is there for them.
- They will be temporarily alone. If your family member is used to having people around, temporary alone time may be stressful. A daily phone call could relieve them.
- They need someone to remind them of things. Use the daily call service as a reminder to take medication, make calls, keep appointments, etc.
- They would enjoy a friendly conversation. Sometimes all that people want is someone to talk to, having a call each day could satisfy this need.
- They have high risk factors that may lead to falls. If a daily call is made and there is no answer, someone can check to see if your loved one is okay.
- They suffer from illness. Seniors often live with one or more illnesses. Having someone call your family member daily gives you reassurance that they are okay.
- They need someone to ask for advice. A daily call from professional health care worker may be useful to your loved one if they have questions regarding their health.
Everyone, whether young or old, needs activities to keep themselves busy
and to find pleasure in daily life. Here are a few
suggestions of hobbies and activities you could benefit from:
- Knitting, sewing and crocheting are all great hobbies for seniors. They help pass the time while making useful things for the house or to give away as gifts.
- Gardening is a fun activity at any age. It's often said that gardening is a terrific way to relax and enjoy nature.
- Reading books and magazines helps keep your mind active and healthy. Your brain needs exercise too!
- Coin and stamp collecting are things many people enjoy doing. A collection of coins or stamps is a wonderful way to bide your time. Also, a collection of anything is an interesting conversation topic.
- Walking is a great way to stay fit and take advantage of the outdoors. You can walk with friends or alone if you prefer, either way you'll be doing something healthy for yourself.
- Playing card games, chess or checkers stimulates your brain, plus they're fun! You can enjoy time with friends while playing these games as well.
- Making models of cars, airplanes, boats or anything else is a neat way to occupy your free time, and at the end you'll have something to show friends and family.
- A game of croquette or lawn bowling is a great way to get some exercise and be near friends. Also, you'll be outside, which is a major benefit.
- Baking is a tasty way to spend your time. There's nothing like home baked goodies! Friends and family will be happy to help you get rid of the result.
- Shopping or window shopping is a fun way to spend your day. You'll be able to pick up things you need as well as get a good workout from walking around the shops.
- Bird watching is an interesting hobby. You'll get to enjoy the great outdoors and observe nature's beautiful creatures.
- Bingo is something many seniors play. You can either play in the comfort of your own home or venture out to any location that hosts the game to socialize with others.
- Anything you've found enjoyable in your past will undoubtedly bring you pleasure to your present and future living. These are the best years of your life, live them to the fullest, so you can enjoy each and every day.
- A home care agency should be able to set goals for the client that are reasonable and within reach. If goals are set too high, the client will get discouraged but if goals set to low the client may not receive the quality care they deserve.
- The staff and work environment should be clean and professional yet with personal touches, (ex. Stay Home Care's. Eye On You Service) This shows you’re chosen Home care agency pays attention to the smaller details, which can make all the difference
- The company should offer their services 24 hours a day if that is what is needed. Care is not always a 9-5 job.
- The employees of the home care agency should be certified caregivers. Having properly trained and experienced caregivers enables the client to receive optimum care.
- A good agency should be willing to offer solutions to a client should they need specialized service the company cannot provide. As well, they should be willing to suggest and take the time to discuss different publicly funded services you may be eligible for.
- A home care agency should be local to yourself, that way it serves the community in which you and them are a part.
- A good home care agency will, in detail, outline care to be given and the price, also they will commit to it in writing.
- Assessments and meetings should be scheduled with the client as well as the Care Manager as a courtesy to the client and not a cost.
- Clients of the home care agency should be regularly updated on any new services provided.
- The home care agency should take the time to match the caregivers with the clients. It is imperative to the client’s well-being that he or she feels comfortable with their care provider. As well all caregivers should be bondable with police checks to ensure the client will feel secure with the caregiver in their homes.
- A reputable home care agency should offer comparable and competitive rates based on services that provide. Also look for flat rates and discounts.
- The home care agency chosen should be able to produce testimonial to their quality of care without being requested by the client, also if the agency is a member of any industry organizations which will guarantee clients with premium care.
- The home care agency should have dedicated caregivers that are experts in making sure that client’s safety and care are their number one priority. As well should make the client feel comfortable and secure with knowing they made the correct decision when choosing this company.
- Are you finding it more and more difficult to assist a loved one at home? Are you becoming overwhelmed with the responsibility of cleaning and daily care of a loved ones home? Here are a few benefits and reason for receiving home care support.
- If you have a loved one with a disability, they may benefit from receiving home support having a professional care giver with them will give them the ability to do things that they used to enjoy, keep their home tidy and maintain their personal health.
-
Many seniors live alone. Employing a home care agency with
companionship in mind
could make a huge difference in their quality of life.
- Family members recovering from surgery may not be able to all the things they used to for awhile. Hiring a home care agency will make life easier for them, allowing them time to heal properly and regain their strength.
- Sometimes family members caring for their loved ones will need to take some time for themselves. By working with a home care agency they will get the personal time they deserve while having peace of mind knowing their loved one is being cared for in their absence
- As people age they sometimes lose the desire or ability to prepare healthy meals for themselves. A home care worker will make sure your loved one will eat proper meals at the proper times.
- Keeping both the inside and the outside of a home in good condition is hard work at any age but it can become even more difficult later in life. By employing a home care agency you can rest easy knowing you home is being looked after.
- When family members life far away fro their loved ones, it is not as easy or possible to keep an eye on them. Take advantage of the services a home care agency provides that allow you to keep in daily contact with your loved one.
- Companions such as grandchildren and pets are great for seniors, but they can become a handful to look after. A home support worker can help seniors make the best of visits with children and also help care for family pets.
- Hiring a home care agency would be ideal if your loved one can no longer run errands for themselves. The home support worker would assist in relieving some of the stress of everyday living.
- Seniors with disabilities or illnesses may no longer be able to care for themselves or their homes, but they still want to remain as independent as possible. A good home care agency will assist in keeping your loved one independent in their own home.
Amanda Harding is the owner and operator of Stay Home Care. Community based company helping people remain independent in their own homes. Contact: (902) 864-2677
VETERANS AFFAIRS CARD ACCEPTED, SERVICE PROVIDER FOR BLUE CROSS AND WORKMAN'S COMP. MEMBER OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF THE MARITIME PROVINCES INC. ALSO WE ARE PROUD SPONSORS OF CRIME STOPPERS AND FULTZ HOUSE.
