At-Risk Retirement Funds: Caregiving Gone Wrong

At-Risk Retirement Funds - AmeriBest Home Care

We all want to help our loved ones.
To give them care and support when they need it. To help them live their best and happiest lives.

We don’t do it for the money, or for the reward. We do it because we want to give them the same kindness they gave us for all our lives.

And yet, the question begs to be asked: to what extent?
To what extent do we sacrifice our own lives to help those around us? When and how much should we give to others when it means taking away from ourselves?

Present and Future Consequences

When people think of the stress of caregiving, they often think about the present time. That caregiving only affects them in the moment, and they have the rest of their lives to live as they want.

Unfortunately, that’s not so.

Recent studies have shown that those who caregive for free (i.e. family members who act as caregivers for loved ones) are more likely to have smaller retirement savings.

And, even more so for single women who are unpaid caregivers.
Black woman headache and sleeping

Now, you may not think this is such a big deal. That’s it’s only a minor setback. But the truth is, that having a good savings for retirement is so important, and really effects the entirety of your life- present and future. Because, the pace at which you are able to save money now, affects when you can stop working and begin your retired years later.

If you save slower, you’ll have to work for longer.
If you save faster, you’ll get to work for less.

And this matters, because when you go into retirement, you’re not just doing it so you can laze away the rest of your days. Retirement years are so that you can live life to its fullest. So that you have time to be with your loved ones. So that you can see the world, do the things you’ve always wanted, and bond with those around you.

So, giving up your time now for caregiving means giving up your years now and in the future.

A Better Alternative – At-home care

Obviously, you don’t want to just leave your loved ones to fend for themselves.
But, you also can’t keep living a life you resent.

Luckily, there’s an alternative. A happy medium that comes in the form of at-home care.

When you hire a professional caregiver, you’re paying a professional aid to come to your home and give your loved ones what they need- emotionally, physically, and medically. You’re not leaving your loved ones or giving up on them. You’re finding another way to help them. A way that also gives you a chance to live your own life.

And though you may not want to admit it, a professional caregiver may be the better help for your loved one. Because, a professional will not only know what your senior needs, but will also be able to do something about those needs.

Consider a better life for you and your loved senior with a professional caregiver.

Home Care Aids for the Win – The Future of Caregiving

Home Care Aids for the Win - AmeriBest Home Care

What does caregiving mean to you?
Responsibility. Kindness. Assistance. Medical expertise.

These are the four core aspects of good caregiving for seniors. These are the four core aspects needed to keep your senior healthy, happy, and living a good life.

Yet, it’s hard for family caregivers to satisfy all four needs when they’ve got their own lives to live. When family members become caregivers, they have to dedicate a significant amount of their own free time to their senior’s wellbeing.

Which is great, if you have the time. But many of us, have full time jobs, families, and errands we need to attend to. And this makes the job of a family caregiver extremely complicated.
Causing many to now opt for professional home care aids.

Because, home care aids are the future of caregiving.

What is a professional home care aid?

A professional home care aid comes to you, as opposed to you going to them. This means, that your senior can enjoy the comforts of his or her own home, while also getting the necessary medical and personal assistance needed. Home care aids can help in a variety of ways, anywhere from simply changing bed linens, to overseeing hygiene care, to emptying urinary bags.

Essentially, they do a lot.

Female nurse visiting senior patient for checking blood pressure

How can a professional home care aid meet the 4 core caregiving needs?

Responsibility – Professional home care aids take their jobs seriously. They understand the meaning of reliability and efficiency. When you’re caring for someone else’s life, you’ve got to be there for them, and ready to help them with whatever they need.

Kindness – You don’t just want someone who will come in, do the bare minimum, and leave. You want someone who loves what they do, so that they will go above and beyond. You want someone who will show kindness to your senior, because they really care for your senior. And that’s exactly what home care aids are trained to do.

Assistance – There are all different jobs that a home care aid can do. Housekeeping, meal prep, transportation, personal care– just to name a few. Home care aids provide assistance to your senior, so that your senior can keep living the life they want.

Medical Expertise – In addition to basic living assistance, professional home care agencies can also get you skilled nurses and doctors. So your senior can get all the medical and emotional help they need.

Where can I find a professional home care aid that will satisfy the 4 core caregiving requirements?

Are you located in Philadelphia, PA? Then come on by AmeriBest Home Care agency to get a reliable home care aid today!

At AmeriBest Home Care, we match your needs with our experienced and talented staff. Whether your senior needs skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical social work, or a home health aide, we’ve got it all.

Give us a call today at 1800-HOMECARE.
So that we can help you make the life that’s right for you.

Summer Tips for Seniors – Playing it Safe in the Summer Heat

Summer Tips for Seniors - AmeriBest Home Care

One of the biggest dangers of summer is heat stroke and fatigue. But don’t let that stop you from spending good, quality time out in the fresh summer air. Here are 4 tips to help you stay healthy and safe in the hot summer heat.

Keep your body happy with lots of liquids.

The best way to fight against heat stroke and heat fatigue is… water! It goes without saying, that our bodies absolutely need water to survive. And being out in the sun all day, really depletes our bodies’ water reserves. For this reason, it’s important to constantly be drinking water all day during the summer. Even if you stay indoors. And if you don’t like water (or simply get bored of it), don’t forget that other liquids like seltzer and tea can keep you just as hydrated.

So, how much water should you be drinking a day? It’s said that we need about 11 cups of water a day, but that everyone has their own water needs based on a variety of factors. And, whatever your normal water intake is, you may want to raise it even more for the summer heat.

Just make sure to always take a water bottle with you when you go outside.

Senior woman drinking water in the kitchen.

Don’t overexert yourself.

When the weather is just so beautiful outside, it’s hard to resist spending hours upon hours out in the fresh summer air. But, it’s important not to overexert yourself. Yes, sunshine is extremely crucial for our bodies. And yes, too much of even a good thing can be a bad thing. It’s all about finding a middle ground, and knowing when to give your body a rest.

If you’re planning to spend a good amount of time outdoors, be sure to stagger the outdoors time with some air-conditioned indoor time. And, make sure to give yourself plenty of moments to rest and catch your breath.

Umbrellas aren’t just for rain.

Using an umbrella against the sun is a nifty trick that can be the barrier between you and a heat stroke. We usually only think to use umbrellas for rain, but they work wonders against the sun’s blazing rays as well. There’s only so much shade you can find on any given street. But with an umbrella, you get to bring the shade with you. And it makes being outdoors in the heat, so much better. So, take your morning walks and evening strolls with a nice big umbrella that keeps you cool and in the shade.

Don’t go to the beach during peak hours.
Even with your big sun umbrella, it’s best to stay clear of peak heat hours. The sun is at its strongest usually between 12 pm and 3 pm. Plan your summer outings for the early morning or late afternoon. And stay in the safety of good air conditioning during peak hours.

This way, you still get some healthy sunshine on your bones, while not overdoing it.

Uncovering the Real Answers: Can You Get Paid to Caregive?

Uncovering the Real Answers - AmeriBest Home Care

When you search the question “Can I get paid to caregive” or “How can I get paid to caregive,” there are different paths your query might take you.

Now, having different answers is great, but it can also make things a little confusing. Especially if you’re looking at the information for the first time. Because when you’re suddenly presented with all these different pages giving you various sets of information, which do you follow?

Which is the right answer for you?

So, in this article we’re going to break it down for you and explain what all the webpages are actually talking about.

Within the search lies two answers.

When you scroll through your search pages, you’re going to come across answers leading to two paths: getting paid to caregive for your parents or loved ones and getting paid to become a caregiver.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to realize these are two separate answers, although they can sometimes overlap.

Let’s get into it.

Close-up of holding hands

Answer one: Getting paid to caregive for loved ones.
If you are already caring for your loved one, and looking for a way to pay the bills, this is the answer for you.

Yes, you can get paid to caregive for you loved ones. But it is not because of the work you are doing, but rather the circumstances you are doing them in. Getting paid to care for you loved ones essentially means acquiring financial support and financial medical aid.

There are all sorts of ways to get this kind of monetary support, it just involves filling out some forms and making a few phone calls. If you’re having trouble figuring out where to start, home care agencies often help with the technical aspects of applying.

When you sign up with AmeriBest, we’ll help you gather the information you need and get you to make the right phone calls. We help you with the bulk of it, so that you don’t have to worry about if you’re talking to the right people or providing the right information.

Our staff is highly experienced with how the processes work, so they’ll be able to help you find out what you qualify for in no time.

Answer two: Getting paid to become a caregiver.

Now, this answer is a career path.

While the first answer will help you find financial sources while you are providing care for your loved ones, this answer will help you get money though an actual job. While the first answer is more passive, this is answer involves an active approach from you.

Home care agencies are always looking for new caregivers. If caregiving is what you want to do, AmeriBest will help you make it happen. AmeriBest will help you get the training and experience you need. And once you get out on the field, you’ll get competitive pay and all the flexibility you need to be happy and care for yourself as well.

It’s a wonderful opportunity.

Make the Most of Life with these 3 Summer Activities for Caregivers

Make the Most of Life with these 3 Summer Activities for Caregivers - AmeriBest Home Care

When you’re busy caring for someone else, it’s easy to forget about yourself.
But you matter too!

And the sunny, lazy days of summer are the perfect time to catch up on some me-time.

Begin by making a list. Think of all the new things you want to start, all the old things you want to finish, and all the things you’ve always wished you were but didn’t have the time to be.

Then start checking them off one by one. By the end of the summer, you’ll be a new you, a happier you, and the you, you always wanted to be.

And to get you started here’s an easy 3-point checklist to help you make the most of your summertime.

Read two new books

Need a little inspiration? Read some new stories that light your spark and get you rolling on the road to a better life this summer. Choose just two books whose journeys call to you, and read away. Maybe you need a pick me up from the hard work of caregiving. Or maybe you want to read caregiving stories of others just like you. Whichever you need, you can find it in a book.

This can also be where you finally get around to those books on your shelf you’ve always wanted to read but just never did. Or, this can be when you make time for some new books you’ve never heard of before.

Whatever the case may be, reading just two books is an easy, yet productive goal.

Business concept, ideas, books and exercise book on a wooden background with pencils

Write down your story

Everyone’s got a story. Whether it’s about you or your loved one, everyone has something they’ve always wanted to write down and share with others.

So, now’s your chance.
Write down your life’s journey, struggles, and maybe how you became a caregiver. Share your story with others so that they can gain inspiration from you. So they can feel that they’re not alone.

This can also be a great activity to do with your senior. Together, the two of you can craft and write your stories together, laughing and bonding over shared memories that make you smile.

Finish something old

Sometimes, starting something new can be overwhelming.
Where do you start? How do you start? Should you even start?

Sit back and take a breath. Because you don’t have to start new things to feel productive or changed. Instead, look to old things you never finished, but wished you had, and get working.

Picking up old projects and finally finishing them can be just as cathartic and relaxing, if not more, than starting something new. And you might even get rid of some old piles of unfinished odds and ends that have been sitting around in the attic for who knows how long.

A win-win for everyone.
So, this summer spend your time doing things that make you happy and feel accomplished. And walk away into the fall feeling like a better, more refreshed you.

It’s Time for A Break: Caregiver Vacation Tips

Caregiver Vacation Tips - AmeriBest Home Care

It’s almost summer, and you know what that means… vacation time!

Caregiving is hard work. So, it’s important to give yourself time off to rejuvenate and unwind. This way, when you get back to work, you’ll be ready to get back at it with some pep in your step.

Now, as a caregiver, you’ll know that things don’t just stop moving the moment you go on vacation. Life goes on, and the people in your care continue to need caring.

Often times, this thought prevents caregivers from taking the well-deserved vacations that they need. But don’t let that happen! Because, there are ways around it.

If you’re planning a vacation, here are some tips to make sure everything is safe and sound at home, while you’re away.

Hire backup

The most important thing to arrange before leaving for vacation, is who will be taking care of your loved one in your stead. Although you’ll only be gone for a short time, it’s important to find someone who will take just as good care of your loved one as you do. This means, getting a caregiver who will actively listen to yours and your loved one’s needs, as well as is kind and experienced.

If you’re having trouble finding a caregiver on your own, consider contact-using a home care agency who will do the search for you. At AmeriBest, we match you with top-notch caregivers, who will work hard and do good by you and your loved one.

Portrait Of Female Nurse Wearing Scrubs In Hospital

Make sure the house is stocked

Before taking off, make sure that everything is ready. And we don’t just mean your suitcase.

You’ll want to be certain that the house is fully stocked with everything your loved one might want and need. Of course, if there’s anything your loved one needs while you’re away, your hired substitute caregiver can take care of it. But, if you know that most things are already taken care of before you leave, you’ll feel a lot better about leaving the nest.

Not to mention, only you know what your loved one loves and his or her favorite things. Which means, that you can leave a few nice surprises in the house that will make your loved one happy and know how much you care.

Organize your contact-us info

It’s always a good idea to make sure your loved one or your hired caregiver can reach you easily. So, take the time before you leave to organize your contact-us info. Obviously, you’ll want to leave your regular cell or the overseas number you’ll be using. But it’s also smart to leave hotel contact-us info as well.

Leave your loved one a list with the names of the hotels you’ll be staying at, as well as the hotel numbers. This will leave your loved one feeling safe and relaxed, because they’ll know that they can easily reach you if the need should arise.

Plus, it might be fun to chat and catch up on all the vacation happenings.

Caregiving is Actually Good for Your Health: The Why and How

Caregiving is Actually Good for Your Health - AmeriBest Home Care

It used to be said that being a caregiver for someone else, lead to both emotional and physical health troubles.

Luckily, this does not have to be the case.

Though caregiving can be tiresome at times, there’s a lot about it that actually enhances our lives and our health. And, just like any job, if you take proper care of yourself when times are stressful, you’ll come out all the better for it.

So, here are some ways in which caregiving can actually improve your state of being, as well as some tips to keep the good times rolling.

Giving makes us happy.

As social beings, when we willingly give to others, the act actually makes us happier.
Which means, that being a caregiver, and truly caring and giving to others, increases one’s level of joy and peace of mind.

When we take the time to selflessly give to others, especially those we care about, it makes us feel that we are living a more fulfilled life because of the positive actions we choose to take. Because, rather than obsessing over ourselves, caregivers look outward towards others. Caregivers concentrate on making someone else’s world a little better, and in return, get to share in the true happiness of others.

Providing care for elderly

If you’re getting stressed- take a break.

Too often, caregivers push themselves to the brink of utter exhaustion. This is a bad idea. Because, not only do they harm themselves, but they also harm their loved ones. Our loved ones can tell when we’re tired, and overworked, and it makes them feel even worse when they know they might be the cause. It’s hard enough to rely heavily on others as it is, and to know your reliance is harming someone you care and love, doesn’t help at all.

That’s why, as a caregiver, it’s crucial to take breaks when you need them, maybe even before you need them. The key is, knowing what you can handle and acknowledging when you need an extra hand or time to rest. Know your limits.

Take time to check in with yourself to see what you’re feeling. Then act accordingly. If you’re starting to feel run down, or weak, notice the signs and take a rest. That’s your body telling you that it’s time for some me-time. It’s doesn’t have to be a long vacation or anything, but just a bit of time off to relax and rejuvenate, will do wonders for your mental and physical health.

We all need to reload and refresh every now and then.

The bottom line.

At the end of the day, every job or role in life has its ups and its down. though times may get hard, you’ve got to persevere and push forward, because the good times are right around the corner if you do. And they only get better.

Getting to share smiles, laughs, and good vibes with your loved one makes caregiving worth it all.

Movies for Caregiving – Add It to Your Watch List!

Movies for Caregiving - AmeriBest Home Care

When you’re busy being a caregiver, life can get a little hectic. Between house tasks, errands for your loved one, family matters, and career work, it can be hard to find a moment to breathe.

But for your own mental and physical health- it’s important to press pause, and take a moment to relax, and have a little fun. Before you tire out.

And what better way to do so, then sitting back in the comfort of your own home (maybe even with some popcorn and a drink) and watch a movie?

Though we often just think of movies as a silly means of entertainment, movies actually have the power to affect our moods and emotions in ways that can really help. Movies give us more to think about, stories to relate to, and characters to make us laugh with.

And there are movies for all types of occasions and moods.
Here are some great movies to add to your watch list, for all different occasions as a caregiver.

A little support…

Sometimes watching other caregiving stories can be just the antidote when you’re feeling down or alone. These three caregiving movies show us, that as caregivers, we are not alone. And that there are others who understand the stress and emotional toll caregivers go through.

Our heart-warming movie recommendations:

  • The Theory of Everything
  • Silver Linings Playbook
  • Still Alice

Music for your loved ones…

It’s been known for a while that music actually has the ability to jog memories and physical reactions, particularly with patients of dementia and/or Alzheimer’s.

If you’re having a movie night with your senior, try something a little old and a little musical. If you know a movie they really loved as a child, give it a try! It might be just the thing to brighten their day.

Our musical-movie recommendations:

  • Westside Story
  • South Pacific
  • Sound of Music
  • The Music Man
  • My Fair Lady
  • Guys and Dolls

Black family eating popcorn while watching movie at home

Something to lift your mood…

Comedy is an amazing thing. It’s able to make us roll with laughter, even when we weren’t in the greatest mood to start with. If there’s been some tension in the house, watching a comedy with the whole family, or just with your loved senior, could be the thing to relieve the strain.

Our comedy recommendations:

  • The Princess Bride
  • Ghost Busters
  • Mrs. Doubtfire
  • My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Something to inspire you…

Lastly, when you’re feeling a little stuck in the monotony of life’s daily chores- a movie with a heroic character or tale of perseverance can really be the thing to get you unstuck.
We all have peaks and dips in our productivity and motivation. And a good movie can help us out of a dip and back on the track we’re aiming for.

Our inspiration recommendations:

  • A Beautiful Mind
  • Forest Gump
  • Dead Poets’ Society
  • Good Will Hunting
  • Life of Pi

Countering the Stress and Reaping the Benefits

Countering the Stress and Reaping the Benefits - AmeriBest Home Care

Caring for a loved one can be tough.

And finding the right balance between taking care of your own needs and taking care of your loved ones’ need, is the hardest part.

That’s why so many caregivers find themselves running out of steam and out of spirit. They exert so much energy racing around between work, family, and personal activities –trying to make it all work just right –they eventually burn themselves out.

And that takes an emotional toll not just on the caregiver, but also on the loved one. Because our loved ones know when we’re stressed. They know when we’re exhausted, and they know when they’re part of the cause. Which makes them unhappy, too.

It’s an unfortunate cycle.

Luckily- it doesn’t have to be that way!
Caregiving doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a passion, kindness, and a career.

When you become a professional caregiver with AmeriBest Home Care, we help you strike the balance you need to make you and your loved one happy.

Here are just some of the many benefits of becoming a professional caregiver.

Making Bank

For most caregivers, the biggest emotional toll is stress from finances. How do you take care of your loved one while also making enough money to do so? The anxiety of working all day in order to support yourself and your loved one, and then spending all night actually taking care of your loved one is difficult for anyone to handle.

That’s where professional caregiving comes in. When you sign up with AmeriBest Home Care to become a registered caregiver- you get PAID to CAREGIVE.

Yes, that’s right. You heard us correctly: becoming a professional caregiver allows you to get paid for what you’re already doing!

Fulfilling Career Goals

Becoming a professional caregiver isn’t just a one-time duty- it’s a career. When you sign up with AmeriBest, we won’t just leave you to figure things out on your own. We’ll teach you all you need to know to be the best caregiver you can be. Then, we’ll help you out onto the field, and get you set up to caregive.

When caregiving is your career, you’re not just helping your loved ones, you’re helping yourself too.

Smiling carer with senior in rest home

 Getting Support

When you’re caring for a loved one on your own, one of the most tiresome things is not having the support you need- whether this be emotional, mental, or physical.

But, as a professional caregiver with AmeriBest Home Care, we make sure you always have the support you need. Our friendly staff is always there to give you an extra hand when you have questions. And our mentors are there to guide you through it all.

With AmeriBest, you’re not just working alone- you’re working with a family and a network. You’re working with a full support group that backs you every step of the way.

Everyone needs a little bit of help. Even caregivers.

Caregiving is Hard- Give Yourself a Break

Give Yourself a Break - AmeriBest Home Care

Being a caregiver is a wonderful opportunity.
It’s a role that allows you to finally give back to your loved ones, make them happy, and watch them enjoy life.

But, it’s also a role that can be tiring, and a little difficult at times. Because being someone’s sole caregiver is full time job. And that can be hard to manage when you’ve got your actual full-time job to attend to and your own family to take care of.

Many caregivers think the solution to managing both their own life and their senior’s life, is to push themselves even harder; to spend less time leisurely, and more time running around. But this strategy can be detrimental to both your and your family’s health. Because it will eventually just wear you out.

The real solution to managing both your own life and your senior’s, is to make sure you take breaks and give yourself the rest you need. The real key to being a good caregiver, is knowing when to let yourself have some time off to recuperate and refresh. It’s extremely important to notice the signs of fatigue before the real fatigue hits, and give yourself time to rejuvenate.

If you’re feeling energized you’ll do a better job at, well, everything. You’ll be happier, healthier, and your loved senior will be better off knowing you’re doing well.

So, how does one strike this critical balance? How does one attentively care-give, while also watching their own personal health?

Providing care for elderly

Ask for help!

Premium Homecare to the Rescue

Hiring homecare assistance gives you time to rest while making sure your senior is getting everything he or she needs. You can hire experienced nurses to watch over your senior on the regular. Or, you can hire trained assistants to stay with them just when you want a vacation.

Either route you choose, will give you the extra time you need to keep yourself going strong. No one works well when they’re burned out. But by getting yourself some extra help, you’re giving yourself time to relax and time to keep from tiring yourself out. This way, when you do spend time caregiving, you’ll be able to do it happily and with your best efforts.

Contacting a Homecare Agency for Help

When you call up a homecare agency for help, they’ll offer a wide range of services for you and your senior.

At AmeriBest we offer all kinds of services from physical therapy, to housekeeping, to transportation, to occupational therapy, and more. Our nurses and practitioners are all well trained and experienced to give you the help you need.

We cherish your and your senior’s health and happiness, at AmeriBest. When you hire an AmeriBest nurse or assistant, you’re hiring more than just a nameless face- you’re hiring a friend that cares. You’re hiring someone that’s going to give you the little bit of extra help you need to keep both you and your senior enjoying life, love, and good times.