Finding A Compatible Caregiver

By AmeriCare, October 14, 2011

The relationship between client and caregiver is unlike any other. It is more intimate than that of patient and nurse, because it is more personal. A caregiver works within a client’s home, helping him or her when they are at their weakest, their most vulnerable. Here, there is no room for judgment, only compassion, respect, and a willingness to do whatever is required to help a client feel comfortable and independent will do. To make them feel at home.

Compatibility between a client and his or her caregiver is critical. And, like any relationship, it is in many ways instinctual. The qualities that engender trust, and establish report, vary between individuals. What one considers an appropriate level of attention and care, another may consider overbearing and invasive. Someone may want their caregiver to be predicable and serious, while someone else may want them to be spontaneous and silly, to shine joy and laughter on an otherwise challenging situation.

Matching a client with the perfect caregiver may be the most important part of a Home Care provider’s job. So, it is essential that your provider take great measures to ensure a compatible match.

Here are some things to consider when selecting a caregiver:

Credentials: First and foremost, a caregiver must be qualified. They must have the basic skills and a trusted background. Make sure your provider conducts background checks and only employs certified professionals.

Flexibility: A caregiver should cater to the client’s schedule and have the flexibility to come on short notice, and stay late, if needed. Make sure your provider has contingency plans for occasions when scheduling conflicts arise. A provider should always be able to accommodate a client in need, regardless of the circumstances.

Selection: You should be provided with options and the opportunity to interview a prospective caregivers, in person, before making a final decision.

Right Of Refusal: A chemistry check does not always accurately predict an actual working relationship. You should be able to ask for a different caregiver at any time, for any reason, and have your request honored promptly.

At AmeriCare, we go the extra mile to make sure each client is matched with the perfect caregiver for his or her particular needs and personality type. We pride ourselves on having one of the most stringent screening processes, and widest selection of qualified and compassionate caregivers, in the industry. The results can be seen in our long lasting client relationships and the special bonds that our caregivers form with their clients.

Please Contact Us if you are interested in learning more about our Home Care services. We’ll be delighted to present you with a selection of qualified caregivers in order to determine the most compatible match.

Tags: Caregiver Compatibility, Caregivers, Home Care Services

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Caregiver Chronicles: A Universal Lesson in Compassion

By AmeriCare, March 1, 2011

There are all types of stories.

Stories that are told to entertain. Stories told to inspire.

There are stories about superheroes with superpowers who swoop in and save the day, and stories about real people living real lives out in the real world. Waking up to jarring alarm clocks, facing the same dreary dramas that we all face, dealing with them like we all do: sometimes well, sometimes not as well as we’d like.

Then, there are stories about people who are a blend of both. Regular people who act in extraordinary ways. And when we encounter such people, when we hear their stories, they often have the power to bring out the greatness in us all.

This is the story of Bianca Mashorokoto, an AmeriCare caregiver, and a few of the lessons she has learned caring for a lovely ninety-two-year-young lady named Miss Brown.

Bianca moved to America from Zimbabwe in June of 2009, just three days after marrying her husband and father to her three year old fraternal twins. She lives with her mother and five siblings while she works to support her family back in Zimbabwe, who she plans to return to one day soon.

Bianca has always been a caregiver. “I’ve always taken care of people,” she says. “My father, my cousins, my aunt, my grandmother, my brothers and sisters before they moved to America. I love taking care of people.” Perhaps this altruistic attitude is a result of guidance from her grandmother, “My grandmother always told me, ‘Let your heart beat for others. Think of other people before you think of yourself and you’ll always be happy.’”

So, it’s no surprise that after graduating from Durham Technical Community College, Bianca sought out ways in which she could help others, responding to an ad from AmeriCare calling for caregivers. This is when she was paired with her current client, Miss Brown, and her graduate work began.

Before coming to America, Bianca admits that she thought the good life was a birthright for most Americans “When people talk about America, they say that it’s easy to live a good life,” Bianca says, “but I’ve learned that you have to work for what you get. You have to get up and work to support your family.”

Bianca has learned this lesson well. She wakes up every morning at the crack of dawn to catch the first of two buses that get her to Miss Brown’s by 8am, where she works seven days a week, twelve to thirteen hours every day. At the end of each day, she takes two buses back home, arriving around 9:30pm, helps out around the house, then heads off to bed in order to get ready to do it all over again.

Sounds like a lot of work. Not to Bianca. She enjoys keeping busy, and finds deep purpose in a life dedicated to serving others. “I’m here to help Miss Brown, but it doesn’t feel like that,” she says. “We’re really here to help each other, so I feel like we’re just friends.”

Bianca sees how strong-willed and rebellious the American youth can be. At twenty-five, she feels blessed to be exposed to the wisdom that our elders can impart, expressing gratitude for the lessons she has learned while caring for her client. “Miss Brown shares her wisdom and advice with me,” says Bianca. “She teaches me about marriage, how to never go to bed angry. She teaches me about love and commitment when raising children. I am learning a lot from her about patience, about how patience pays, about how goodness pays. She teaches me a lot. When I come to work, I don’t feel like I’m working. I feel like I’m at home.”

Bianca has a few words of wisdom to impart herself, especially to other people who, voluntarily or not, assume the challenging role of caregiver. “The advice I would give is to smile,” she says. “People say that when they’re upset, they look forward to my smile. And when you give a smile, you usually get one in return.”

“If I’m upset inside,” she goes on to say, “I pray about it, and in the morning I just get up and say, ‘This is the day the Lord has made. I’m beautiful. I love myself. I’m here today to do something good. And if I do something good, God will grant me another day.’”

Keeping true to her grandmother’s sage advice, Bianca finds happiness through putting others first, “Let your heart beat for others and you will always be blessed. I make sure that Miss Brown is happy no matter what. I always put her first.”

According to Miss Brown’s family, she was reluctant to get out of bed before Bianca arrived. Now, she engages in two to three activities a day. She is more energetic and full of life. She actually EATS!

“I believe that when you love, love wholeheartedly. And that when you trust, trust wholeheartedly. Try to be good, and everything will be fine.” With an outlook like this, it’s no wonder that Bianca has had a positive influence on Miss Brown’s well being.

Bianca is still saving money, anticipating her return to Zimbabwe, but it is more than financial support that she’ll bring home to her family. “I’ve learned so much about showing love to others. I can’t wait to go home and use what I’ve learned here, and hope to love even more.”

Bianca Mashorokoto works for the Chapel Hill, NC chapter of AmeriCare, operated by Eleanor Armstrong. Give her a call if you’re an area resident with Home Care questions or needs. She’ll be happy to help connect you with the perfect caregiver for your specific situation. Just like Bianca and Miss Brown.

Tags: Caregiver Chronicles

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Siblings Caring For Elderly Parents

By AmeriCare, December 13, 2010

Families are wondrous entities, aren’t they? No two are alike, yet all share the same essential joys and frustrations. Many of  our most life altering moments will occur within the framework of the family unit. Meeting ones soulmate. Naming a child. The moment we realize and truly appreciate the sacrifices our parents have made for us. The moment we realize it’s our turn to return the favor. And when this time comes, it can test a family’s fortitude, forging fault lines in the form of anger and resentment, threatening to create chasms among caretakers.

Or, it can be a loving and caring experience; one where the family pulls together to collectively provide comfort for a parent during the twilight of their life.

Option two sounds better, doesn’t it? So, how do families maintain their integrity while caring for parents who are no longer self-sufficient? How do siblings decide how to share the responsibilities fairly? How does one resist resentment when the responsibilities aren’t evenly distributed? Well, as each family unit is unlike any other, there is not one universal solution. There are, however, some general guidelines that can help maintain harmony through these challenging times.

The key is to develop the following critical skills: communication, empathy, and, above all else, patience. Here are some tangible tips that will help you apply these essential virtues.

Communication

Clear and open communication is imperative when assigning caretaking responsibilities. In many cases, the older child, or the one living closest to the parent, is often chosen as the primary caretaker. This method can be unfair, however, and cause sibling rivalry and resentment.

Hold a family meeting once its been determined that a parent needs ongoing assistance. Speak with a doctor to get a clear assessment of his or her abilities and limitations, then create a detailed list of the needs that will have to be cared for on a weekly basis. Create a budget as well, if some care needs exceed the parents’ financial means. Then, assign roles. If someone’s job allows for more flexibility than another’s, perhaps they assume more of the hands on responsibilities, such as companionship and cooking, while someone with a more rigid work schedule can provide more of the financial support, like arranging for a lawn service or a house cleaning crew.

If possible, don’t allow yourself to be forced into a role. Accept the role that you feel best equipped to handle and embrace it.

If you feel as though you’ve been stuck with the caretaking responsibilities, and that other members of the family are not contributing their share, voice your concerns. Keep a journal of the day-to-day and week-to-week duties and share it with the other family members on an ongoing basis. This is not to rub their noses in their neglected duties, it is intended to keep them informed and show them ways in which they can pitch in.

Also, don’t feel as though caring for your parents is solely the family’s responsibility. Reach out to friends, members of the community, and spiritual centers. Let people know how they can help. You may be surprised by how willing people are to volunteer their time.

Empathy

Imagine the kind of world we’d live in if everyone practiced more empathy. When times are tough, stop for a moment and put yourself in your parents’ shoes. Imagine that this may be you one day. How would you want to be treated, particularly by your children who you sacrificed so much for? Developing an empathetic attitude will help you act compassionately, and keep a healthy perspective, even when the demands feel like they’re beyond your current capacity.

If you are a family member who is unable to provide much of the hands on support, resist offering advise, and especially avoid criticism towards the primary caregiver. Instead, provide as much encouragement and emotional support as you can. If you feel like things could or should be handled differently, offer to help out in that area, don’t just give advice from afar.

Patience

This may sound paradoxical, but you should first apply patience towards yourself, not your parents. You’ve never done this before. You’re not always going to know what to do. You’re going to get frustrated. You’re going to feel overwhelmed. You’re going to wish your life would return to “normal.” These are all natural feelings. Don’t feel guilty about having them. Don’t feel selfish. Be patient with yourself, and understand that you’re not superhuman; there’s only so much you can do. Just do your best.

Be patient with other family members. This is new to them as well. They may be struggling with different emotions than you. They may need encouragement to get involved. They may need support; counseling. Be patient with resistant siblings, or other family members, as you work to integrate them into the program.

Finally, practice patience building techniques, you’ll need them. Breathing exercises, meditation, calisthenics; you may not feel like you have time for such activities, but they will save your sanity in the long run. So, make time.

Caregiving is one of the most challenging roles anyone can assume. And it’s not for everyone. Often family dynamics, personal relationships, individual personalities or present situations do not allow for caregiving to occur within the family. That’s what AmeriCare for. The last thing you should do is allow for a caregiving role to put a strain on a loving family relationship or begin to erode fond memories.

Give us a call if you are interested in learning more about our caregiving services.

We know what you’re going through and are always eager to help.

Tags: Americare home care, elderly parents, family caregiving

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Understanding Our Aging Loved Ones’ Medications: Important Information for Every Family!

By , January 31, 2010

As people age, the likelihood of taking medicines increases; studies show that the more medicines people take, the more likely they are to be taking a medicine they may not need. It is, therefore, important to take an active role in understanding what is being prescribed for you. In order to better manage chronic conditions, reduce the chance of harmful drug interactions and get the best value for your money, keep in mind that you are part of a team—along with your doctors and other health care professionals—working to make good health care decisions.

Medicine Record

To start with, it is important that you keep good track of all the medicines you are taking; this will also help to reduce your risk of harmful drug interactions. Make your own list of medicines by keeping a medicine record. Update your medicine record whenever you start on a new medicine or when you are no longer taking a medicine.

Include the following in your medicine record:

• Name of medicine

• What it is for

• Name of doctor who prescribed it

• How and when to take

• How much to take (dosage)

• Color/shape of medicine

• Any side effects or warnings

You can also take advantage of medication tracker software on your personal computer.

See http://www.consumerreports.org/health/medication-tracker/index.htm for help organizing and tracking your medicines, as well as other information to share with your doctor.

Talking to Your Doctor

It is important to get into the habit of asking your doctor questions about your medicines each time you receive a new prescription. If you receive prescriptions from more than one doctor, always take your medicine record with you and let your doctor know which medicines you are currently taking.

Questions to Ask About Your Medicines:

• Why do I take this prescription? Is it for long- or short-term use?

• How do I take this medicine (how often, with/without food, etc.)?

• What are its side effects? What should I do if they occur?

• Can I substitute a non-drug alternative or a generic?

• Does it duplicate any of the other prescriptions I am taking?

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

• If I cut a pill in half, will it be ineffective?

• Does this drug interact with any of the other prescriptions I take?

• How important is this prescription given my finances and overall health?

• Does my health or age make this drug unsafe for me?

Don’t Forget to Mention. . .

• Any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you are currently taking such as pain relievers, antacids and laxatives; be sure to include any herbal, vitamin or dietary supplements as well.

• Any research you have done.

Go to http://www.CRBestBuyDrugs.org to download simple reports featuring comparisons of drugs by medical condition or drug class.

Keeping Up with Your Medicines

• Keep medicines in plain sight in a cool, dry place like a kitchen counter or desktop.

• Do not keep your medicines in the refrigerator, unless told to do so by your doctor, pharmacist or the instructions on your medicine bottle.

• Do not keep your medicines in a bathroom where they can become damaged and less effective from shower steam or moisture.

• Set timers and reminders to take your medicines, if needed. Program clocks for when you are at home, and cell phones and watches when you are traveling.

• When flying, carry your medicines with you; do not pack them in your checked luggage. Check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the most current information about traveling with medicines at http://www.tsa.gov or 1.866.289.9673.

• Avoid having to make last minute refills. Mark your calendar in advance or look into a mail-order pharmacy, which can be less expensive.

The best way to keep up with your medicines is to keep your medicine record and bottles within easy reach.

Overcoming Some Medicine Hurdles

Sometimes people avoid taking prescribed medicines. If you are one of these people, ask yourself if any of the following apply to you:

I have trouble affording it — If a medicine is expensive, you may decide not to get the prescription filled. Talk to your doctor about the cost of a drug to see if there are less expensive generic medicines.

I don’t feel any different when taking the drug, or, my symptoms have gone away — Sometimes it is hard to tell when a medicine is working; many medicines work as a “preventative” by preventing your symptoms or conditions from getting worse. Understanding which medicines work to prevent your symptoms from getting worse will help in following your drug routine.

My symptoms are worsening, or, I’m having side effects — Due to changes in your body as you age, prescriptions you have taken for years may begin to affect you differently; signs of memory loss, irritability or loss of coordination can be due to drug interactions rather than medical conditions. It is important to record any change in symptoms or side effects, and share this information in detail with your doctor immediately. This may result in taking a lower dose, changing when you take the prescription, or taking a different medicine altogether.

My medicines are complicated to take — Especially when managing several medicines, it becomes more difficult to observe all of the rules required for each medicine. Getting organized with your medicine record is the easiest way to get into the habit of taking your medicines successfully.

The most important aspect of your drug routine is that it is manageable.

Getting the Best Value for Your Medicines

Review your needs every year

Evaluate your prescription drug plan and compare it with your needs every year. There can be major changes in the pharmaceutical and insurance industries each year that will affect what benefits are being offered and what drugs are covered (and at what prices).

Look into your medicine choices

Doctors do not know what prescriptions are covered by your insurance company. Ask your insurance company for a copy of your drug plan “formulary” (which is a list of all medicines covered by your insurance company) and bring it to your doctors’ appointments. Together, you can evaluate the choice of medicines that will be most effective.

Consider a generic

“Generics” are copies of brand-name medicines whose patents have expired (expirations occur after the drug has been on the market many years). Because a drug has been on the market for so long, it is proven. Generics are less expensive because the research has already been done and the drug has already been tested by the original manufacturer. Makers of generic drugs are not allowed to copy the exact look of the original brand-name drug so a generic drug may look different than the original brand-name medicine, but all generic drugs must maintain the same chemical make-up as the original.

Shop around

Consider all of your drug plan’s preferred pharmacies and compare prices. Ask about pharmacy discount cards and senior citizen discounts; ask your insurance company about online or mail-order pharmacies.

Help Paying for Your Medicines

After reviewing ways to save money on your medicines, you may find that you are still having trouble paying for them. Here are some websites that can provide additional assistance:

• Medicare Extra Help Program provides information about the Social Security assistance program and application process for the Medicare Part D Subsidy: www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp.

• State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) provides information about any available state-funded assistance programs for prescription drug costs: www.medicare.gov/spap.asp.

• Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (PAP) provides information about pharmaceutical companies that offer assistance programs for the drugs they manufacture: www.medicare.gov/pap.

Finding Answers

There are community experts who can help you evaluate your needs for the best prescription drug plan for you. To find a AAA or SHIP near you, call the Eldercare Locator at 1.800.677.1116 or visit the website at www.eldercare.gov.

AmeriCare home care services provide medication reminders and assistance with transportation to doctor’s visits. Keeping our seniors safe and healthy is our priority. Find an AmeriCare office near you by visiting http://americareinfo.com, or call 1-800-610-2029.

Tags: aging loved ones, caregiver, companionship, in-home care, in-home care provider, medication reminders, medications, mental condition, new mother, respite care

Posted in: Americare home care, aging, aging loved ones, elder care, glaucoma, home care, medication reminders, medications, senior care, seniors

January 2010 is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Learn How to Help Aging Family Members Who Have This Disease

By , January 13, 2010

When an aging family member starts to have problems with their vision, many times that loss can be attributed to glaucoma. It’s important for seniors and their family members to understand the causes and treatments for glaucoma so that the affected senior can live independently for as long as possible.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of sight by damaging a part of the eye called the optic nerve. This nerve sends information from your eyes to your brain. When glaucoma damages your optic nerve, you begin to lose patches of vision, usually side vision (peripheral vision). Over time, glaucoma may also damage straight ahead (central) vision. You may not notice a loss of side vision until you have lost a great deal of your sight. When checking for glaucoma, eye doctors usually look for damage to the optic nerve and any loss of side vision. They may also check your eye pressure.

Glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight.” That’s because people usually do not notice any signs of the disease until they have already lost significant vision. Once lost, vision can’t be restored.

More than 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma. At least half don’t even know they have it.

What are the Different Types of Glaucoma?

There are many types of glaucoma. Often, the cause of high pressure in the eye can help tell the type of glaucoma and the best treatment for it. The most common types include:

Chronic (Open Angle) Glaucoma
This is the most common type. In open angle glaucoma, aqueous fluid drains too slowly and pressure inside the eye builds up. It usually results from aging of the drainage channel, which doesn’t work as well over time. However, younger people can also get this type of glaucoma.

Normal Tension Glaucoma
This is a form of open angle glaucoma not related to high pressure. People with normal tension glaucoma may be unusually sensitive to normal levels of pressure. Reduced blood supply to the optic nerve may also play a role in normal tension glaucoma.

Acute (Angle Closure) Glaucoma
Less than 10 percent of Caucasians or African-Americans have this form, but for those of Asian and Native American descent, the risks are as high as for open angle glaucoma. Hispanics are midway between these groups. It causes a sudden rise in pressure, requiring immediate, emergency medical care. The signs are usually serious and may include blurred vision, severe headaches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting or seeing rainbow-like halos around lights. Occasionally, the condition may be without symptoms; similar to open angle.

Secondary Glaucoma
Another 10 percent of glaucoma cases come from certain diseases and conditions that damage the eye’s drainage system. These include diabetes, leukemia, sickle-cell anemia, some forms of arthritis, cataracts, eye injuries or inflammation of the eye, steroid drug use and growth of unhealthy blood vessels.

Post-Surgical Glaucoma
Some surgeries, such as retinal reattachments, increase the chance of getting glaucoma.

Getting more involved in your treatment
Even if surgery or drugs lower pressure in your eye, it’s still possible to lose vision. Therefore, you and your doctor must carefully monitor the disease.
Since you will be visiting your eye doctor regularly, take time and care in choosing a person who you are comfortable with. Your doctor should understand that your questions and concerns are important. A doctor who is willing to work with you, listen to your concerns and provide the best treatment, plays a large part in your success against glaucoma.

You have to help save your sight
You may need medicines every day for the rest of your life. Find support and encouragement from your family, friends and others. Sometimes it helps to talk to people who have experienced the same thing. It can help you to discuss side effects, share ways to remember your medicines and celebrate getting your glaucoma under control.

Unfortunately, there are a few people whose eyesight will continue to get worse, despite doing all the right things to control their glaucoma. Doctors aren’t sure why this happens, but research in this area continues.

The future holds great promise for treating glaucoma. New medicines are being developed. Other treatments may soon become available. In the meantime, take heart in knowing that you’re doing everything possible to treat your glaucoma successfully. The doctor/patient team approach, support from others and promising scientific discoveries will help you look forward to a bright future.

Questions for your eye doctor

You will have many questions as your doctor diagnoses and treats your glaucoma. It’s helpful to keep a list of these questions, especially if they come to mind in between your eye appointments. Write all your questions down and bring the list with you, then discuss them with your doctor. Here are some questions many people have:

•    What do these medicines do?
•    How much will they cost? Will my insurance help pay for them? (These may be questions for your insurance company, not your doctor.)
•    What are the possible side effects of my medicines?
•    Can I do anything to lower the chance of side effects or reduce the effects?
•    What should I do if I miss a dose?
•    Will I need surgery? What are the benefits and drawbacks of laser surgery? Of glaucoma surgery?
•    What will my vision be like after surgery?
•    How long will recovery take? How will I need to change my usual activities?
•    Will I be able to drive? Go to work?

If you or an aging loved one is suffering from vision loss, get it checked out immediately. AmeriCare home care services can assist seniors with errands, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and more. Let an AmeriCare home care staff member keep you or your loved one safe while being treated for glaucoma or any other vision impairment. Find an AmeriCare office near you by visiting http://americareinfo.com, or call 1-800-610-2029.

Tags: aging loved ones, Americare home care, glaucoma, seniors, vision impaired

Posted in: Americare home care, aging, aging loved ones, elder care, glaucoma, home care, senior care, seniors, vision impaired