Supporting Your Elderly Parents With Paid Caregiving

As our parents get older, it can be a challenging and emotional time for everyone involved. As their children, we want to ensure that they are comfortable and well-cared for, but it can take time to figure out what to do and where to begin. However, by being informed and prepared, we can navigate these challenges and celebrate the joys of growing older together. Today, we’ll explore the ways you can support your aging loved ones, including but not limited to paid caregiving, state assistance, and other available support. Let’s dive right in!

Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

There are several alarming signs that may indicate that an older adult needs more help, including:

  1. Difficulty with daily activities: Struggles with tasks such as walking, bathing, dressing, and cooking can indicate that an older person may need assistance with these activities.
  2. Changes in physical appearance: Unexplained weight loss, poor hygiene, and changes in clothing choices can be indicators that an elderly person is struggling and may need help.
  3. Changes in behavior: Sudden mood changes, increased confusion, and disorientation can indicate that an older adult may need more assistance and support.
  4. A decline in cognitive abilities: Difficulty with memory, communication, and decision-making can be early signs of cognitive decline. They may indicate that the elderly need more help.
  5. Safety concerns: Issues with mobility, falls, and medication management can be serious safety concerns for elderly individuals. These red flags may indicate that they need more help at home or in a facility.
  6. Isolation and loneliness: Withdrawing from social activities and relationships can signify depression or a need for social support.
  7. Difficulty with managing finances: Struggles with paying bills, mismanaging money, and frequent calls for assistance can indicate that an older or disabled person may need help with financial management.

It is crucial to identify these signs and provide the necessary support and resources to help elderly individuals live safely and comfortably. This may involve working with family members, professional care providers, or local resources to ensure that the elderly person has the support they need.

How To Start Supporting Your Aging Parents

  1. Start a conversation: Talk to your parents about their preferences and expectations for their future. Ask them what they would like to happen if they need help with day-to-day activities or if they become ill. Find out what their wishes are for medical treatment and end-of-life care.
  2. Get organized: Make a list of their medical information, insurance policies, and other important documents. Consider getting power of attorney so you can make decisions for your parents if they cannot.
  3. Assess their needs: Look for signs that your parents may need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals. Consider hiring in-home care or moving them to a care facility if necessary.
  4. Make time for joy: While it’s essential to take care of practical matters, it’s also important to celebrate the joys of aging together. Plan regular visits and trips, and find activities that they both enjoy.
  5. Stay connected: Even if you live far away, technology can help you stay in touch. Encourage your parents to use video calls and email to stay connected with you and their grandchildren.
  6. Seek support: Taking care of aging parents can be emotionally and physically taxing. Make sure to seek help from friends, family, or a support group. It can also be helpful to speak with a therapist who can provide you with tools and strategies for managing stress.

Aging can be difficult, but we can also make it a time of joy and celebration. Remember to communicate openly, get organized, assess your parents’ needs, make time for joy, stay connected, and seek support. By doing so, you can ensure that your aging parents are comfortable at home.

How Can I Get Paid for Caregiving for My Parents?

Family caregiving can be very demanding and emotionally and physically tolling. It can be a source of stress for many caregivers and significantly impact their health, relationships, and financial well-being.

It’s essential for caregivers to prioritize their well-being and to seek support when they need it. This can include talking to friends and family, joining a support group, or seeking help from professional resources like therapists or respite care services.

There are several ways to get paid for caregiving for your parents in Pennsylvania, including:

  1. Private Pay: You can agree with your parents or their family members to provide care for a fee. This is known as private pay and can be a flexible arrangement that meets the needs of both parties.
  2. Medicaid Waiver Programs: Pennsylvania offers programs that can provide funding to pay for care services in the home. You can check with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging or the local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about these programs and how to apply.
  3. In-Home Support Services: Pennsylvania also offers in-home support services through the Home & Community Based Services. These services can provide support with activities of daily living, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
  4. Long-Term Care Insurance: If your parents have long-term care insurance, they may be eligible to receive benefits to pay for your care services.
  5. Tax Credits: There are also tax credits available for caregivers in Pennsylvania, such as the Caregiver Credit and the Dependent Care Credit. These credits can provide financial relief for caregivers who care for their parents.

Working with a professional is vital to determine the best course of action for you and your family. AmeriBest Home Care can help you navigate the complex regulations and requirements related to paid caregiving. Call 1800-HOMECARE today.

Walk on the Bright Side: Keys to Greater Happiness

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Working with people needing home care services Allentown PA, we constantly see individuals struggling with their sense of purpose, depression, and anxiety because of their condition. These feelings are normal but can get in the way of being happy.

Some organizations are working on what should be an easier question: How to be happy? Studies show that there is a correlation between mental well-being and things like chronic pain and longevity. People who are unhappy focus on their pain more than on activities. People who are happy are more likely to be active, contributing to their body’s overall hardiness.

In-home healthcare, an aide like those at AmeriBest can encourage ideas for improved happiness. They can also redirect individuals trying to break bad habits. The idea is to make new routines and new practices that support positivity. You’d be surprised at how simple some things are, like smiling more. Smile at someone when you pass them (watch their eyes light up).

Smiling releases dopamine, the “feel good” chemical. Here are some more ideas:

  1. Sleep:
    Adequate sleep is vital to your body and mind. Otherwise, you live in a fog. Create a quiet time before bed, and stick to a routine of when you sleep and when you get up. Avoid eating and drinking before bed or actively engaging your mind in something like an online puzzle. You’re trying to wind down, not up. Also, get bedding and pillows that feel good. Believe it or not, that little bit of comfort affects how well you sleep. Read up on sleep hygiene.
  2. Remain active as practicable:
    You don’t need to jog or lift weights. Instead, take short walks. And, when you wake up, stretch before you get out of bed.

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  3. The attitude of gratitude:
    Instead of focusing on perceived negatives in life, look for the blessings, both big and small. Create a daily journal of things that improved your day. Maybe you snuck in 15 minutes more sleep before getting ready for the day. Or, perhaps, you saw a lovely bird outside your window. Redirecting your mind to “good stuff” improves happiness.
  4. Random acts of kindness:
    Give someone a compliment (nice scarf, love your hat). How does it make you feel? Even just making eye contact and saying good morning can boost how you feel inside. It’s satisfying to do good things.
  5. Acknowledge your feelings:
    No one is happy every moment of every day. Don’t dismiss those moments when you feel lousy. Don’t just put on a happy face and push feelings away. Instead, try to figure out the trigger. What made you feel bad? Knowing this helps you avoid similar situations in the future.
  6. It’s your story:
    You cannot compare your life to anyone else’s. For example, in recovery from surgery, you might hear about someone who was up and going while you are still struggling. You are NOT them. Every person is different, so keep going without making unreasonable expectations.
  7. Finally, keep your space tidy:
    Clutter impacts how you feel and think.

Home Care Services Allentown PA

Our AmeriBest caregivers can help with this, among many other daily tasks covered by the home care services in Allentown, PA. If you’d like more information on getting home healthcare, you can contact us online. Our email is info@ameribest.org. The phone number for our Allentown, PA office is 610-596-9070. Our trained professionals are happy to help in any way.

Home Health Care Services in Allentown PA

Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA

When you have a loved one who struggles with various daily needs, you want a high-quality, dedicated company like AmeriBest in Allentown, PA, on your side. Our goal is to provide comprehensive Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA, to our community by focusing on compassion and maintaining individuals’ dignity. Studies show that a lack of self-worth greatly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Two key words in AmeriBest’s home care are “client-centered.” Our clients do not feel like they are on the outside looking in. We listen to their ideas, concerns, fears, and hopes when devising a plan of care. Next comes input from family and friends. And, of course, we include all of a person’s healthcare providers in the equation, so everyone is on the same page.

Dealing with Caregiver Uncertainty

Individuals requiring care often have misgivings about having a stranger in their homes. Or they aren’t sure exactly what to expect from the situation. These feelings are shared by families seeking the right situation for their loved ones. It’s not easy. There are many options out there, but think about what you want ideally and make a list, including your questions and use them during reviews of company options.

Remember that all home health agencies in Pennsylvania must have a license from the Department of Health. This license ensures they meet health and safety standards while adhering to rules and regulations. The Department will survey agencies unannounced to check on best practices.

The Best Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA

Overall we want people to feel more comfortable and safe in their homes. We also want to educate families about risks and valuable insights into the current situation they may never have encountered. While we handle the professional end, families still have valuable roles to play as intermittent caregivers.

There are many good reasons to consider hiring home health services for the vulnerable population. You have responsibilities, and when you try to meet those along with those of your loved one, it becomes a struggle. There are many challenges to caregiving. Time management is at the top of the list. An aide can give you much-needed time away. They can:

  • Assist with bathing and dressing
  • Provide medication reminders
  • Prepare meals
  • Help with safe ambulation
  • Do laundry and light housekeeping

Most importantly, AmeriBest’s home caregivers in Allentown, PA, provide socialization. Whether it’s recounting favored memories, playing cards, or watching TV, the aide is a person who can give your loved one their whole attention.

Taking the Next Step

When ready, reach out to AmeriBest’s Allentown, PA office at 610-596-9070. We also have offices in Harrisburg, PA, and Philadelphia. Seek the one closest to you for convenience. Don’t feel awkward about what may seem to you as an odd question. Thousands of people have probably asked likewise.

We have a professional staff ready to review the process and respond to all your questions. Call us at 610-596-9070. If you prefer, email AmeriBest at info@ameribest.org or use our online contact form for your initial communication.