Category: Benefits of Home Care

Activities for those living with dementia

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

During the first week of services, NursePartners puts together an activity box for each of our clients living with dementia.  These give carepartners the tools they need to start building a successful relationship.

Carepartners know to communicate client needs as they arise.  Sometimes by learning more about our clients we can find activities that will best engage them.  Occasionally we bring additional items into the client’s home as we discover new interests.

We recommend keeping the brain actively engaged.  Families are encouraged to interact with the person living with dementia to find new ways to connect “and say hello”.  Jeremy Miller, BSW is a Certified Dementia Specialist who offers recommendations on his website: http://www.engagingdementia.com/engaging-products.

 

6 Activities for those living with dementia

It is also recommended to involve clients in their own care.  Clients should feel a sense of responsibility.  Carepartners may accompany them to places such as the grocery store or they could shop for these items online.  Grocery delivery and other similar services are coordinated through our office.

Let us tell you more about how we can help you or a loved one age gracefully in place: 610-323-9800.

Substituting and Subtracting

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

NursePartners emphasizes the need to substitute and then subtract when helping someone living with dementia.  This requires thinking creatively and making the care recipient feel as though they are effectively communicating their need or desire.

Our team helps the person living with dementia feel heard and acknowledged by joining their world.  We spend extra time connecting before providing care.  If the person is trying to communicate something, we ask them to tell us about it.  If they are noticeably upset or sad, we take that extra moment to enter that emotional state ourselves for a little.  For someone unable to communicate effectively, this opportunity to describe something they forget or connect emotionally will allows us to provide care and for both the carepartner and the client to feel good about our interaction.

Click here to listen to what an assisted living community does in Germany: Waiting for the Bus to Nowhere

dementia, bus stop, substitute and substract, Philadelphia home care

 

Teepa Snow on Planning Activities to Enrich the Lives of People with Alzheimer’s

Posted on by NursePartners

Strategies and techniques for dementia care

By now, you all know why we love the nationally renowned dementia care expert Teepa Snow and her GEMS® classification system techniques and strategies.  This Huffington Post article covers the essentials in providing family members and care partners the tools and tips that lead to positive and meaningful relationships with loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

As a person with Alzheimer’s and dementia progresses, it is important to continue to provide quality of life at each stage. Entertainment and activities are essential for the wellbeing of people with Alzheimer’s. While they do not slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s, these activities can improve the quality of life for your loved ones.

“They can make the difference between a deadly boring day of staring at the floor and a rich sense of purpose and contentedness. They can also help the caregiver make a connection with the person, no matter how brief.”

home care, meaningful activities, engaging, home health care

Move beyond entertainment

Games and activities help maintain motor skills and lessen agitation, depression, and stress. Projects that match your loved one’s skills and profession can provide a sense of independence and ownership. It’s important to adapt the activities you use to your loved one’s natural likes and  disposition. Here are some things to consider when providing a plan of care:

  1. What profession did you loved one choose?
  2. Which roles did they have and can you preserve or re-imagine some of that?
  3. Are they an extrovert or introvert?
  4. What were their hobbies?

While an extrovert is likely to enjoy group activities like bingo, your introvert will much rather do something on their own, such as solving puzzles or organizing coins.

For people with Alzheimer’s disease, a successful activity, whether it’s listening to music or playing a game, helps create meaning and pulls from past interests. These activities can provide your loved one with a chance to be more engaged, while fostering an emotional connection and self-expression.

According to Teepa, the single most important thing for family and professional care partners to keep in mind is:

“Provide more than just entertainment.

People with dementia can become tired or overstimulated if they have too much entertainment.”

Include productive and relaxation activities

It’s important to balance the day, by including productive activities (that the person can realistically to expected to be able to achieve), leisure time, fitness activities and, finally, rest and relaxation. Teepa stressed the importance of modifying your expectations as your loved one progresses through the stages of dementia. Activities that worked well with those in the early stages will not necessarily be successful for those in the mid- to late-stages.

People with dementia have the right to enjoy the highest possible quality of life and care by being engaged in meaningful relationships that are based on equality, understanding, sharing, participation, collaboration, dignity, trust, and respect.

At NursePartners, we work to match a highly qualified and experienced care partners to your preferences and expectations. We strive for hand-picked, exceptional care that meets the needs of each unique individual. Our specialized approach to care includes a customized treatment plan – our caregivers are dedicated to improving quality of life.

By keeping a record of everything from mood behaviors, health problems to daily activities, we can begin to understand what factors contribute to positive moods and overall happiness. Furthermore, our care partners have leading expertise and experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Care partners also assist with transportation, preparing individualized meals, light housekeeping, and personal care.

If your loved one needs home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help. Contact us today.

Dementia Care Services

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Dementia Care Services in Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties:

NursePartners has been serving its clients for over 15 years.  Each of our employees have years of geriatric experience and exhibit a passion for caring for older adults.  Carepartners that work in the GEM (dementia) division have undergone an 8-hour paid training.  They also receive continued coaching from a certified dementia practitioner and coach as they work with our clients.

Carl and Nana Dementia Care Services
Carl and Melva painting together on a cold winter day.

These are some of the services offered to our clients living with dementia:

  • We begin by working with the family to create a customized plan of care developed by an experienced Registered Nurse.
  • We help create and maintain a safe environment to prevent falls, injury, and wandering.
  • Light housekeeping
  • Meal preparation and assistance
  • Performing and assisting with personal care activities
  • Home exercise program support
  • Detailed family updates
  • Daily monitoring of each client
  • Permanent team of carepartners
  • Long-term care insurance reimbursement support
  • Coordinating grocery purchases and deliveries
  • Medication management

We may be able to offer dementia consulting services upon request.

National Aging in Place Council Comes to Philadelphia

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

NursePartners, in partnership with National Aging in Place Council Philadelphia members, are pleased to announce the formation of the NEW Philadelphia chapter.

The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) is a non-profit association of service providers dedicated to working together to help people in their later years live a healthy and comfortable life in the home of their choice.

Members of the Philadelphia Chapter include geriatric care managers, elder care attorneys, home care and home health care professionals, dementia experts, financial planners, home remodeling,  caregiver support groups, and moving services.

The mission of the Philadelphia Chapter is to support the residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas by providing products and services to retiring seniors that allow them to remain in their homes comfortably, independently and safely. In addition, our goal is to educate the public through hosting educational events throughout the year about the importance of planning ahead.

If your goal is to age in place, we urge you to take advantage of our senior support network. We can help ensure you have a plan, understand all available resources, and assist you so that you can remain independent in the home of your choice.

If you are interested in learning more about Philadelphia NAIPC or to view upcoming events, visit our chapter page at www.ageinplace.org/Local-Chapters/Philadelphia-PA or by emailing Philadelphia@ageinplace.org.

Informative articles and links to local providers and services can be found at the NAIPC website at http://www.ageinplace.org.

Preventing Falls during the Winter Months

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes
The winter weather accompanies the increased risk of falls.  We can minimize fall risk by eliminating some environmental obstacles.
Some of these obstacles are:
  • Dim lighting
  • Slippery surfaces
  • Clutter or pets
  • Inadequate stair design
  • Improper use of mobility devices

 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the following statistics:

  • One-fourth of Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
  • Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall.
  • Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
  • Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
  • Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.
  • In 2013, the total cost of fall injuries was $34 billion.
  • The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.

Dispelling a few myths about home care

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Over the next few weeks we will spending time with those we might not get to see often.  It is important to recognize that they will be putting their best face forward during these reunions.  We should have an acute awareness of changes that have occurred since we last saw them.

The AARP, published a report “Chronic Conditions Among Older Americans” where they state: “More than 70 million Americans ages 50 and older suffer from at least one chronic condition.”  This translates to 4 out of every 5 older adults.

Home care can be the perfect solution, but families worry about entrusting someone with the care of their loved one. When it comes to the health of your loved one, there is no room for uncertainty.  In the interest of setting the record straight, we’ve identified four major myths surrounding home health care:

Myth No. 1: Caregivers aren’t trustworthy

Many families believe that an in-home care provider cannot provide the quality of care their loved one needs and deserves. But trained care providers are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to providing peace of mind for you and your family. All NursePartners’ care providers are bonded, screened, insured, and have clean backgrounds.  You can rest assured that your loved one will be safe in our care. Each carepartner participates in a behavioral interview, competency testing, skill matching, and orientation to meet the needs of your loved one.

As a licensed home care agency, we specialize in providing highly individualized, quality care in one’s home or residence. We are a network of caring professionals who work with each family to enable safety, comfort, and happiness through home care services.

Myth 2: I will have no say in choosing a care provider.

Reputable agencies will work diligently to match care providers that fit the needs of your loved one. When you choose NursePartners as your home care provider, we begin by reviewing your loved one’s current level of health and wellness. After a care consultation and assessment, we’ll work to match an experienced carepartner to fit your preferences, including personality, communication, behavior styles, and skill set.

Myth 3: Home care will take away independence from my loved one.

Care at home can actually provide a new level of independence for your loved one. A professional care provider can help maintain a person’s safety and independence at home, from planning and preparing meals, to providing transport, and support around the house.

NursePartners strives for exceptional care, forming interactive, trusting relationships with our clients. By appreciating and understanding what is changing and what is still possible, we generate a plan of care that is positive and productive.

Myth 4: Home care is unaffordable.

Many people assume in-home care is more expensive than assisted living.  However, assisted living communities in our area cost at least $5,500 a month.  Once these communities determine that your loved one needs additional care, the daily rate will increase or they will be moved to another facility such as skilled nursing.

Home care is flexible because you choose the hours of care.  Although we may suggest a certain level of services based on our experiences, it is ultimately up to you to decide what coverage is needed.

Many individuals, if given the choice, would choose to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. In-home care is an option for providing support, without moving them from their current residence. While there is a lot to navigate, it’s important for you and your family to know that many options exist.  Our team is available to guide you through this process.

If you or a loved one is thinking about home care assistance, our team would love to help.Contact us today.

Sources

“Genworth 2015 Cost of Care Survey.” Genworth (n.d.): n. pag. https://www.genworth.com. Genworth, 20 Mar. 2015. Web.

The prices of assisted living communities was compiled through a screening of over 20 assisted living communities in Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania and Camden and Burlington counties in New Jersey.

Alzheimer’s disease and the Ability to Walk

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

Dementia inhibits the ability to walk

Dementia can affect areas of the brain that are responsible for movement and balance. Many individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia gradually lose the ability to walk and perform everyday tasks. Knowing what to expect can make an easier transition for you and your loved one in the late stages of dementia.

Understanding balance and gait

One of the first signs of loss of mobility, is walking unsteadily and shuffling. Your loved one may seem slow or clumsy, causing more accidents and bumping into things. This “slowing” is typically associated with a syndrome called “parkinsonism.” Other signs of Parkinsonism include the shortening of steps, “stooped” posture, and the narrowing of the space between feet. Turning can become more difficult, because the person no longer pivots on their heels, but instead turn in a series of short steps. During the turns, their balance can become unstable, increasing the changes that they fall backward.

Apraxia is another condition associated with dementia and the ability to walk. An ataxic gait is characterized by imbalance, and abnormal, uncoordinated movements. Typically the individual can stand, but is very unsteady, taking small irregular steps. Very early in the course of apraxic walking in dementia, a cane or a walker can help. It is not uncommon to see a person go from a slow, cautious gait, to a normal walking pattern simply by taking up a cane.

How you can help

  • It is important to note that people with dementia can have problems with walking that are not associated with dementia. Exhaustion and pain can limit how far a person can walk. Sometimes that pain can reflect an unattended problem in foot care or muscle fatigue.
  • The person you care for may also require a mobility aid, such as a walking cane or a wheelchair in order to feel secure. Sometimes just being physically present can provide your loved one with the confidence and security to walk.
  • Consider a physiotherapist: They can help with anything from exercises to strengthen muscles to walking aids.

It is not easy to care for someone with mobility constraints!  Unfortunately, this issue is usually compounded with others, including constipation, blood clots, and pressure sores.

It takes a team

We can be your team.  Falls can happen at any time, leading to permanent deteriorations in health, and it only takes a moment.  Let us be there when you cannot.  Call us today to learn how we help: 610-323-9800.

Sources:

Understanding Dementia: Balance and Gait Examination – DementiaGuide.com. DementiaGuide, 2001. Web. 23 June 2016.

Home care services can alleviate loneliness

Posted on by NursePartners

Loneliness and Isolation are Preventable

As family members and caretakers, we all have a role to play in supporting our loved ones. Loneliness and isolation is a problem for many seniors, but it’s particularly difficult for those struggling with dementia.

Reading together to alleviate loneliness

Loved ones suffering from dementia are more likely to experience loneliness for a number of reasons, including:

  • Loss of confidence after diagnosis
  • Mobility difficulties and other physical impairments
  • Lack of face-to-face interaction
  • Chronic illnesses that affect daily activities
  • Not remembering visits from friends (not perceiving social contact)

The Danger Loneliness Poses

Feelings of loneliness negatively affect both mental and physical health. Studies have found those without adequate social interaction are twice as likely to die prematurely. Isolation impairs immune function, leading to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other serious health conditions.  Perceived loneliness also directly contributes to cognitive decline and puts seniors at risk for dementia. A care professional can reduce the feeling of isolation by offering companionship and access to services not regularly available.

Health Risk

Many times, individuals who lack daily social contact may be at increased risk of death because of health-related injuries. A care professional can provide the necessary support to help your loved one live healthy and happily.

Each NursePartners clinician possesses the knowledge and experience to provide care for your loved one. NursePartners works diligently to ensure carepartners promote health, safety, and comfort. The goal is to provide better support, helping them live fully in their moment.

Transportation Challenges

Adequate transportation can reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness. Having access to transportation allows seniors to feel a sense of community. It can provide the opportunity for your loved one to feel connected to a variety of programs, activities and events that will keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

NursePartners staff are insured privately, and will transport and accompany your loved one to care services, including grocery shopping, medical appointments and shopping trips.

Activities to Enjoy Together

A caregiver can be a viable solution to alleviate your loved one’s loneliness, by offering companionship and home care assistance. Even if you’re loved one isn’t housebound, a caregiver can provide companionship, from as little as a few hours a day to around the clock care.

Keeping loved ones stimulated and providing ability-based care and support cannot be overstated. Care partners can participate in many activities with your loved one, including:

  • Playing and listening to music
  • Preparing and cooking meals
  • Arts and crafts projects
  • Scrapbooking, and looking through photo albums
  • Crosswords, puzzles, cards, board games
  • Gardening, dancing, swimming

Our carepartners are dedicated to improving quality of life. NursePartners works diligently to ensure carepartners fill their time together with meaningful activities and positive interactions. By keeping a record of everything from mood behaviors to daily activities, we can begin to understand which factors contribute to positive moods and overall happiness.  Our carepartners are trained in the Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (GEMS™) and work with families to enable safety, comfort, and happiness through home-care services.

If your loved one need home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help.
Contact us today.

caregiving, carepartner, companionship, NursePartners
Nana and Angie in the snow

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Posted on by Peter R. Abraldes

client-photography-297

Shortness of breath is never normal. The following are signs that might indicate you are at risk for COPD:

  • Shortness of breath while performing routine activities;
  • Fatigue;
  • Chronic cough;
  • Reoccurring respiratory infections;
  • Cyanosis (lips and fingernails turning blue);
  • Producing phlegm, sputum, or mucus;
  • Wheezing

COPD is a progressive disease and is the third leading cause of death in the United States.  This disease prevents people from doing some of the activities of daily living such as walking and cooking.

COPD is caused by less air flowing through the airways and air sacs.  The inelasticity of air flow is caused by the destruction of air sacs, thickened and inflamed airways, and clogs from mucus.  The disease is usually the result of cigarette smoking, but also can be caused by long-term exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.

Palliative care approaches for pulmonary rehabilitation include education, exercise training, nutrition advice, and counseling.  Supplemental oxygen may also be needed to help with breathing.  Symptoms are treated as they arise.

Sources

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/home/ovc-20204882

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/diagnosing-and-treating/how-is-copd-treated.html

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/symptoms-causes-risk-factors/symptoms.html