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respite-care-for-seniors-south-florida
October 18, 2023
Senior care
Horizon

Respite Care for Caregivers: When and Why You Need It

Caring for a loved one is a noble and often deeply rewarding responsibility. However, it’s also undeniably demanding, both physically and emotionally. For family caregivers, the journey can be both fulfilling and exhausting. Recognizing the need for a break and seeking respite care is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of both the caregiver and the person they are caring for.

At Horizon Care Services, we understand the challenges faced by family caregivers and the importance of respite care. In this article, we’ll explore the signs that indicate it’s time to consider respite care, the benefits it offers, and how Horizon Care Services can provide the support you need.

The Many Benefits of Respite Care

Respite care is a temporary care solution that allows family caregivers to take a break while ensuring their loved one’s needs are met. Here are some of the many benefits of respite care:

  1. Physical and Emotional Relief: Caregiving can be physically and emotionally taxing. Respite care provides caregivers with the time they need to rest and recharge.
  2. Quality Care: Professional respite caregivers are trained to provide high-quality care, ensuring your loved one receives the best possible support during your absence.
  3. Preventing Burnout: Regular breaks through respite care can help prevent caregiver burnout, a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can impact your ability to provide care effectively.
  4. Enhancing Relationships: Taking breaks allows you to maintain and improve your relationship with your loved one by reducing caregiver stress and fatigue.
  5. Peace of Mind: Knowing your loved one is in capable hands provides peace of mind during your absence.

Once You Have Decided to Pursue Respite Care

Once you recognize the need for respite care, there are a few key steps to take:

  1. Assess Your Needs: Determine the duration and frequency of respite care needed. Whether it’s a few hours a day or an extended break, understanding your requirements is essential.
  2. Explore Respite Care Options: Horizon Care Services offers a range of respite care options tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s in-home care or a short-term facility stay, we have you covered.
  3. Prepare a Care Plan: Work with a respite care provider to establish a comprehensive care plan, detailing your loved one’s preferences, routines, medical needs, and any specific instructions.
  4. Inform Your Loved One: It’s important to have an open conversation with your loved one about the upcoming respite care and reassure them that you will return. This can help alleviate anxiety.

You Deserve a Break – Horizon Care Services Can Help

Horizon Care Services is committed to providing caregivers with the support and respite care they need. Our team of dedicated professionals offers a range of respite care services, including:

  1. In-Home Respite Care: We provide temporary in-home care, ensuring your loved one receives assistance with daily activities while you take a break.
  2. Short-Term Facility Respite Care: For longer breaks, we offer short-term facility care, where your loved one can stay in a comfortable, safe environment.
  3. Companionship Services: Our caregivers are not just there for physical care but also to provide companionship, reducing loneliness and anxiety.
  4. Tailored Care Plans: We work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan that meets your loved one’s unique needs.

Recognizing the need for respite care is not a sign of weakness but an essential part of being a responsible caregiver. Taking care of yourself allows you to provide the best care for your loved one. Horizon Care Services is here to support you on this journey, ensuring both you and your loved one receive the care and attention you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your respite care needs. Your well-being is our priority.

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in-home-care-services-for-seniors-west-palm-beach-gardens
October 6, 2023
Senior care
Horizon

Transitioning Your Loved One to Home Care

Caring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with compassion and responsibility. When the time comes to explore home care services, it’s crucial to approach the process systematically and thoughtfully. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential steps for preparing your loved one for home care with Horizon Care Services. Each step plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and successful transition, enabling your loved one to receive the best possible care while maintaining their comfort and independence.

Review Finances & Benefits

The first step on this journey is to conduct a thorough review of your loved one’s finances and benefits. This step is essential to determine the available resources for home care services. It involves assessing the financial landscape, as well as exploring potential benefits or insurance coverage that can help offset the costs.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance: If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it can be a valuable asset. These policies can cover some or all of the service hours required for home care. It’s essential to understand the terms and conditions of the policy and how it applies to their specific needs.
  • Medical Insurance: Traditional medical insurance, including Medicare packages, typically does not cover the costs of home care. However, it’s worth investigating whether supplemental plans or alternative insurance options provide coverage for home care services.
  • Veterans’ Benefits: If your loved one is a veteran, they may be eligible for the VA’s Aide & Attendance Benefit. This benefit can provide additional financial support for home care services. Explore the eligibility criteria and application process to make the most of this resource.

 

During this step, it’s crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your loved one about their financial situation. Assess whether their funds are sufficient to cover their care needs and establish a budget that aligns with their resources.

Select the Right Agency

Once you have a clear understanding of your loved one’s financial situation, it’s time to choose the right in-home care agency. While some individuals may consider arranging care independently by hiring a private caregiver, there are several compelling reasons to opt for a reputable agency like Horizon Care Services.

  • Credential Verification: Agencies perform thorough background checks and verify caregivers’ experience and qualifications. This process ensures that your loved one receives care from a trustworthy and skilled professional.
  • Ongoing Training: Unlike private caregivers, agencies provide continuous training to their staff. This commitment to professional development ensures that caregivers are up-to-date with best practices and evolving care needs.
  • Administrative Support: Managing the administrative aspects of home care, including scheduling, taxes, payroll, and other tasks, can be overwhelming. Agencies handle these responsibilities, allowing you to focus on your loved one’s well-being.
  • Reliability: One of the significant advantages of working with an agency is the availability of backup caregivers. If the primary caregiver becomes unavailable due to illness or other reasons, the agency can provide a replacement, ensuring uninterrupted care.
  • Insurance Coverage: Agencies typically have insurance policies in place. This means that caregivers are bonded and insured, alleviating concerns about liability in the event of accidents or unforeseen circumstances.

 

When selecting an agency, it’s essential to consider various factors, including their hourly rates, the scope of services included, and the benefits they provide to clients. Some agencies may adjust rates for holidays and weekends, so it’s essential to clarify these details. Additionally, look for an agency that actively supervises its caregivers to ensure consistent and high-quality care.

At Horizon Care Services, we take pride in offering consistent pricing for our services, regardless of the time or day. We also conduct regular planned and unplanned supervisory visits to ensure both caregivers and clients are thriving under our care.

Set Expectations

Transparent communication and setting realistic expectations are crucial for a successful home care experience. Your chosen home care agency will outline a service plan, specifying the days and hours of service and detailing the types of care to be provided. Utilize this care plan as a tool to help your loved one understand the care they will receive.

For example, if the care plan includes light housekeeping, clarify that the caregiver’s role is not that of a maid who performs deep cleaning during each visit. Instead, they can assist with tasks such as dishes, laundry, or sweeping. This level of clarity helps your loved one understand the scope of care and what to expect.

Open communication with the home care agency is equally vital. If there are specific services or care approaches that you believe your loved one needs or prefers, discuss them with the agency. This early dialogue ensures that your loved one is adequately prepared for the services and equips the care team to provide personalized and high-quality care.

Notify Family Members

Support and awareness from family members and close friends are invaluable during the home care journey. Keeping your extended support network informed is essential to create a smooth transition and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Share information about the caregiver’s schedule, the types of services included in the care plan, and any details family members should be aware of. This level of transparency allows family members to have realistic expectations and prevents surprises during visits or interactions with the caregiver.

Imagine the scenario where a family member unexpectedly arrives at your loved one’s home and is greeted by a stranger providing care. Such surprises can be unsettling. By proactively informing individuals involved in your loved one’s life, you can help them adjust to the new arrangement and foster a supportive atmosphere.

Prepare the Home

Creating a safe and accessible environment within your loved one’s home is crucial for their well-being. While live-in caregivers have specific space requirements, regular caregivers do not need specialized accommodations. However, it’s still essential to evaluate the home and ensure it is suitable for your aging loved one’s needs.

Your chosen home care agency may conduct a home safety check to identify potential hazards within the home. These hazards could include poor lighting, uneven floors, or the need for grab bars in the bathroom. Addressing these safety concerns helps create an environment where your loved one can remain safe and independent.

At Horizon Care Services, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients. Conducting home safety assessments for each new client is part of our commitment to delivering high-quality care.

Meet Your Caregiver

Finally, the time has come to meet your loved one’s caregiver. This step is crucial for building trust and ensuring compatibility between the caregiver and your loved one. At Horizon Care Services, we employ a comprehensive matching process that assesses caregivers’ personalities and skills to find the best fit for each client.

Through this meticulous matching process, we aim to create positive and productive caregiver-client relationships. Research has shown that a strong connection between caregivers and clients leads to increased satisfaction and better overall outcomes.

Our staff will facilitate a personal introduction between your loved one and the caregiver. This introduction eliminates the anxiety of having a stranger arrive at your loved one’s home for the first shift. Instead, it helps everyone feel more comfortable and at ease on day one of the caregiving journey.

Preparing your loved one for home care with Horizon Care Services is a compassionate and thoughtful process. By diligently following these essential steps and collaborating closely with our dedicated team, you can provide your loved one with exceptional care while allowing them to age gracefully in the warmth of their own home.

At Horizon Care Services, we are committed to supporting you throughout this journey. Our unwavering dedication to delivering consistent, high-quality care ensures that your loved one receives the best possible assistance while maintaining their independence and dignity.

If you are seeking a trusted home care agency, do not hesitate to reach out to your local Horizon Care Services team, 877-227-3890. We are available 24/7 to discuss your options, answer your questions, and provide the support you need as you embark on this important caregiving journey. Your loved one’s well-being is our top priority, and we are here to assist every step of the way.

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demetia-care-for-seniors
May 31, 2023
Health
Horizon

Dementia Care at Home: Compassionate Support by Horizon Care Services

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a challenging and emotionally demanding journey. As the prevalence of dementia continues to rise, it is essential to ensure that individuals affected by this condition receive the care and support they need. Horizon Care Services understands the unique needs of dementia patients and their families, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to provide compassionate and professional care in the comfort of home. In this article, we will explore the importance of caring for dementia at home and how Horizon Care Services can assist families in this crucial aspect of their loved one’s well-being.

Creating a Familiar Environment

Familiarity and routine play a vital role in the well-being of individuals with dementia. The comfort of their own home can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. Horizon Care Services recognizes the significance of this environment and strives to create a familiar and safe space for dementia patients. By providing care at home, they enable individuals to maintain their daily routines, surrounded by cherished possessions and memories, thereby promoting a higher quality of life.

Person-Centered Care

Each person with dementia is unique, and their care should reflect their individual needs and preferences. Horizon Care Services takes a person-centered approach, tailoring their care plans to address the specific requirements of each client. Their team of experienced and compassionate caregivers works closely with families to understand the individual’s background, interests, and routines. By fostering a deep understanding of the person’s personality and history, Horizon Care Services ensures that the care provided is tailored to their unique needs.

Assistance with Daily Activities

As dementia progresses, individuals may face challenges with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. Horizon Care Services offers a range of personalized services to assist with these tasks, allowing individuals to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Their caregivers are trained to provide respectful and dignified assistance, supporting individuals in their personal care routines while preserving their autonomy.

Medication Management

Managing medications can be complex for individuals with dementia. Horizon Care Services understands the importance of medication adherence and the potential risks associated with missed or incorrect dosages. Their caregivers are skilled in medication management, ensuring that clients receive the right medications at the right time. This support brings peace of mind to families, knowing that their loved ones’ medication needs are being meticulously addressed.

Emotional Support and Companionship

Loneliness and social isolation can have a profound impact on the well-being of individuals with dementia. Horizon Care Services recognizes the significance of emotional support and companionship in maintaining mental and emotional health. Their caregivers provide compassionate companionship, engaging clients in meaningful activities, and fostering social interaction. This personalized attention not only reduces feelings of loneliness but also helps to stimulate cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Respite Care for Family Members

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding for family members. Horizon Care Services offers respite care, giving families an opportunity to take a break and recharge while knowing their loved ones are in capable hands. Whether it’s for a few hours or an extended period, respite care allows family caregivers to attend to their own needs without compromising the quality of care their loved one receives.

Caring for a loved one with dementia requires compassion, patience, and expertise. Horizon Care Services recognizes the unique challenges faced by dementia patients and their families and provides comprehensive care services tailored to individual needs. By offering care at home, they create a familiar environment that promotes well-being and a higher quality of life. With their person-centered approach, assistance with daily activities, medication management, emotional support, and respite care, Horizon Care Services is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia and supporting their families every step of the way.

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skilled-home-health-care-services
March 27, 2023
Senior care
Horizon

Benefits of Skilled Home Health Care Services

As individuals age or experience medical issues, many may require assistance with day-to-day activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. While some individuals may choose to move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes, many prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes. In these cases, skilled home health care services can provide much-needed support and care.

Horizon Care Services is a leading provider of home health care services, offering skilled nursing, home health aides, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services. Our team of trained professionals can provide individualized care and support to clients in the comfort of their own homes, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life.

There are numerous benefits to utilizing skilled home health care services, including:

  1. Personalized Care: Home health care services can be tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual client. This personalized approach ensures that clients receive the specific care and support they require, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that may not be as effective.
  2. Improved Health Outcomes: Skilled home health care services can help individuals recover from illness or injury, manage chronic health conditions, and prevent hospital readmissions. Our skilled professionals work with clients to develop personalized care plans that address their specific health needs and goals, ultimately resulting in improved health outcomes.
  3. Increased Independence: With the support of skilled home health care services, individuals can maintain their independence and continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. This can have a positive impact on their overall quality of life, as well as their mental and emotional well-being.
  4. Cost-Effective: Home health care services can be a more cost-effective alternative to hospital or nursing home care, as they typically involve fewer medical interventions and can be provided on a part-time or as-needed basis.
  5. Family Support: Home health care services can also provide much-needed support to family members who may be caring for a loved one. Skilled professionals can provide respite care, allowing family caregivers to take a break and tend to their own needs, while still ensuring their loved one is receiving quality care.
  6. Companionship: In addition to providing essential care and support, home health care services can also provide much-needed companionship and socialization for individuals who may otherwise be isolated. The skilled professionals at Horizon Care Services are not only trained to provide medical care, but also to build meaningful relationships with their clients.
  7. Continuity of Care: Skilled home health care services provide continuity of care, meaning that the same professionals will work with clients over an extended period of time. This allows for a deeper understanding of each individual’s needs and preferences, as well as a greater sense of trust and familiarity.

Overall, skilled home health care services can provide numerous benefits to individuals and their families. Horizon Care Services is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to each and every client, allowing them to live their lives to the fullest in the comfort of their own homes.

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long-distance-caregiver-support
March 17, 2023
Senior care
Horizon

Tips for the Long-Distance Caregiver

Are you a long-distance caregiver struggling to provide the best care for your loved one? Living far away from your loved one can be challenging, but with the right information, planning, and community resources, it’s possible to provide effective care from a distance.

Here are some helpful tips for long-distance caregivers:

Get Informed and Stay Up To Date

As a long-distance caregiver, it’s essential to learn as much as possible about your loved one’s health and daily routine. Understanding their health conditions, medications, and doctor visits can help you stay informed and take appropriate action if necessary.

Make a list of people who interact with your loved one regularly, such as family members, friends, and neighbors, and ask for their permission to share their contact information. Staying in regular contact with these individuals can help you stay up-to-date on your loved one’s well-being.

Make a Plan After assessing your loved one’s situation and needs, determine your role as a caregiver and how others can help. If someone else is taking the lead, find ways to assist them. If you’re the primary caregiver, create a plan and share it with others involved.

Research organizations in your loved one’s community that offer support, such as meal delivery programs, transportation services, and in-home care providers. Having this information on hand can help you access services quickly when needed.

Hire Professional Help Consider hiring in-home help to support your loved one’s needs. In-home caregivers can assist with tasks such as laundry, housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, and companionship visits. Geriatric care managers can also help coordinate various services, including financial and legal advisers, elder law attorneys, and community services.

Decide How Technology Can Help Technology can be a useful tool for long-distance caregivers. Consider using smartwatches or medical alert devices for personal safety, security cameras for monitoring visitors, and electronic medication managers for reminders and pill dispensing.

Assure Your Loved One That They Are the Decision-Maker. As a caregiver, it’s important to remember that your loved one is still in charge of their decisions, unless they are incapacitated. Be respectful of their choices and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.

At Horizon Care Services we have meaningful conversations about caring for an aging loved one. Our experts help guide you and provide tips for developing a care plan that ensures the care recipient’s voice is heard, and the entire family has a positive experience.

Horizon Care Services also provides respite care services to alleviate some of the stress family caregivers experience and provide a much-needed break. Our trained and screened professional caregivers can provide a range of services, including meal preparation, housekeeping, hygiene, and dressing assistance.

Stay informed about caring for your aging loved one by visiting our blog. With the right resources and support, long-distance caregivers can provide effective care and peace of mind for their loved ones. Give our experts a call, 1-877-227-3890.

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memory-issues-after-50-caregiver-support
September 14, 2022
Senior care
Horizon

Common Memory Issues After 50

Forgetfulness and slower retrieval of information is a common symptom of aging and isn’t necessarily a sign of any underlining or neurological issues but also can be linked to dementia.

Knowing whether something is a common sign of aging or dementia, we must understand how we remember things, the difference between dementia and forgetfulness, and potential reasons you might forget.

Memory Function

When we remember something, it can be broken down into three different levels.

  • Encoding- when we first receive information, our brain creates a mental note, which, in a sense, etches the memory into our mind.
  • Consolidation- after receiving information, noteworthy key points are taken out and stored in our memory.
  • Retrieval- Remembering information received prior.

Age-Related Memory Loss

It is normal to misplace keys, blank on a name, or get turned around when recalling directions. As you get older, your recall time becomes slower. These are typical signs of aging and, on their own, don’t signify any underlining issue.

Dementia

Dementia is something that interferes with your day to day life. Beyond just misplacing keys, it would be repeating the same story within the same conversation, unable to remember details about yourself such as your name or the activity you are partaking in.

Mild Cognitive Impairment 

According to the Mayo Clinic, mild cognitive impairment is the stage between the expected decline associated with aging and the more severe decline related to dementia. Once mild cognitive impairment has started, it can either get worse and eventually lead to dementia.

Stay the same without getting any worse or better as an ordinary sign of aging, or you could develop mild cognitive impairment than, over time, see symptoms improve. There are many links with health and medications concerning memory, so improving reversible effects may be a way to stop the mental decline. The greater degree of memory loss, the greater your risk for developing dementia is.

What is Reversible 

Some things that put you at risk for dementia and mild cognitive impairment are reversible. These include:

  • Depression

If you know you are depressed, work towards improvement. If working on your own is ineffective or incredibly difficult. Get help of a friend or therapist.

  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency

According to Web MD Vitamin B-12 helps make your DNA and red blood cells. Some symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include memory loss.

  • Thyroid Issues

According to the Mayo Clinic, Hypothyroidism and underachieve thyroid gland can result in forgetfulness. A tumor or infection in the thyroid can also cause memory problems or dementia-like symptoms.

  • Alcohol Abuse

Drinking too much can affect both short and long-term memory and eventually lead to permanent memory loss. Alcohol can destroy nerve cells in the brain, and people who abuse alcohol often are deficient in vitamin B-1. This is essential to providing energy to the mind (How Alcohol is Linked To Memory Loss By Rachel Nall)

Use it Or Lose it

Studies show that exercising your brain and working on your memory can reduce your risks of getting dementia.

How To Improve Memory

Other than handling your health issues. Below are additional tips for improving your memory and exercising your brain.

Focus Attention

Do one thing at a time and avoid interruptions. Keep your mind active on the task at hand. This can improve your memory.

Reduce Stress

Practice self-care and eat a healthy diet as a way to improve memory and brain function. Stress affects memory formation and retrieval.

Structure Environment

Have a schedule set to help you remember when you are supposed to do certain things. This is freeing your active mind to focus on recalling other details.

After 50, it is normal to be not as sharp as you used to be. Overall, there are things in and out of our control. By practicing and increasing the list of things within our control, we can better prevent developing more serious memory problems in the future.

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