Just because you need a caregiver doesn't automatically mean you cannot travel. If your situation permits, travel can be very enjoyable. When traveling, try to follow the routine that is followed at home. Even minor changes in routine can be distressing and may cause unexpected delays in the delivery of care. Be sure to allow plenty of time for everything. Plan rest periods throughout the day.
1. A few more travel tips to keep in mind: When searching the Internet for travel arrangements, be sure to include the word disabled or accessibility to the search window.
2. Let the care-receiver's primary care doctor know of your travel plans.
3. Travel with a list of the care-receiver's medical conditions.
4. Remember to bring sufficient funds or a credit card with you in case you must change your plans suddenly and return home.
5. Use a medical-alert type identification bracelet for the person in care.
6. Take a doctor's note and phone number. Travel with a statement from your doctor, preferably on letterhead, covering your condition, medications, potential complications and other pertinent information.
7. Be specific and clear when describing a disability. Not all service providers know the "lingo" of accessible travel, or the medical terms for certain conditions. Don't downplay the severity of the disability. Some companies arrange trips for folks according to the level of "self-care" of which they are capable.
8. Read your insurance policy before taking a trip to see how "emergency" is defined.
9. Bring extra medication.
10. Store all medications and other necessary medical supplies in your carry-on bag.
11. Investigate physician availability where you will be traveling.
12. Check into reciprocal agreements between the care-receiver's health plan and a provider in the area you will visit.
13. Buy traveler's insurance after reading the small print!
14. Take the care-receiver's health insurance card and copies of the insurance benefits booklet.
15. Carry medical alert information, preferably in a place that a medical professional or anyone who assists you will find easily (wallet card, necklace, close to your identification).
16. Carry a list of phone numbers of next-of-kin in case of an emergency.
17. Allow plenty of time before your flight to check in, get through security and transfer to your gate. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight -- more if you're traveling at a peak time.
18. Ask for a wheelchair in advance and asked to have your request noted on the ticket.
19. Avoid connecting flights if possible.
20. If you use a wheelchair, bring spare parts and tools. Wheelchairs can take tremendous abuse while traveling.
21. Know your rights. Be aware of the TSA's rules for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.
22. Take your Advance Directives with you.
23. Exercise good common sense.
With careful planning both the care-receiver and caregiver can enjoy travel.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a communications hub for everyone on the caregiving team. She is also the creator of the Family Caregiver Starter Kit, which contains useful resources, forms and information for caregivers.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Adult Home Care: Medications Tips for the Caregiver and Care-receiver
Did you know that the average senior takes two to seven daily medications? As we age our bodies change, affecting the way medications (and foods) are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. All of these can create a greater risk of drug interactions and side effects.
The more medications the care-receiver takes daily, the easier it is lose to track of how many to take and when they should be taken. Caregivers should use a medication organizer for their care-receiver.
Consider these other tips:
1. Make sure all of the care-receiver's doctors and specialists are aware of what the other is prescribing. Good communication is extremely important.
2. Make sure you understand how and when to take all of your medications.
3. Select over-the-counter products to treat only the symptoms you have. Follow-up with the pharmacist to make sure there will not be a reaction with other medications you are taking.
4. Make sure all medications are clearly labeled.
5. Keep medications in their original containers.
6. Never take medication in the dark or poor lighting.
7. Know what your medications look like. If it doesn't look right or same, contact the pharmacist before taking.
8. Only take the amount prescribed for you.
9. Never take someone else's medication.
10. Follow the directions on the container. Do not stop taking medication just because you feel better. Call the pharmacist when in doubt.
11. Use a medication organizer.
12. Don't store medications in sunlight or direct heat. Store medications properly.
13. Never store medications in the bathroom. There's too much moisture there.
14. Use whatever means you can to help your loved one take medication properly.
15. Don't carry medicines next to your body. That can raise the temperature and cause some medications to break down.
16. Always get your prescription filled on time so you don't run out. Missing even one day can make a difference in the effectiveness of many medications.
17. Use one pharmacy for all your medicines. This will help ensure that you don't take conflicting medications.
18. If you have any questions about your pills, make a note to remind yourself to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
19. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.
20. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist of any herbal preparations you are taking. Some herbals can interact with prescribed medications and cause them to be less effective.
21. Know the names and doses of the medicines you're taking.
22. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
23. Throw away any medicines that aren't currently prescribed to you.
24. Ask your pharmacist's advice before crushing or splitting tablets. Some should only be swallowed whole.
Did you know that drug misuse is one of the top problems that doctors see in seniors? Did you know that about 320,000 questionable prescriptions are written for seniors yearly? Almost 40% of all drug reactions each year involve seniors. Be responsible. If you have any medication questions be sure to ask your pharmacist.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a company who offers caregiver management and peace of mind over your loved one’s medical, financial and social well being.
The more medications the care-receiver takes daily, the easier it is lose to track of how many to take and when they should be taken. Caregivers should use a medication organizer for their care-receiver.
Consider these other tips:
1. Make sure all of the care-receiver's doctors and specialists are aware of what the other is prescribing. Good communication is extremely important.
2. Make sure you understand how and when to take all of your medications.
3. Select over-the-counter products to treat only the symptoms you have. Follow-up with the pharmacist to make sure there will not be a reaction with other medications you are taking.
4. Make sure all medications are clearly labeled.
5. Keep medications in their original containers.
6. Never take medication in the dark or poor lighting.
7. Know what your medications look like. If it doesn't look right or same, contact the pharmacist before taking.
8. Only take the amount prescribed for you.
9. Never take someone else's medication.
10. Follow the directions on the container. Do not stop taking medication just because you feel better. Call the pharmacist when in doubt.
11. Use a medication organizer.
12. Don't store medications in sunlight or direct heat. Store medications properly.
13. Never store medications in the bathroom. There's too much moisture there.
14. Use whatever means you can to help your loved one take medication properly.
15. Don't carry medicines next to your body. That can raise the temperature and cause some medications to break down.
16. Always get your prescription filled on time so you don't run out. Missing even one day can make a difference in the effectiveness of many medications.
17. Use one pharmacy for all your medicines. This will help ensure that you don't take conflicting medications.
18. If you have any questions about your pills, make a note to remind yourself to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
19. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.
20. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist of any herbal preparations you are taking. Some herbals can interact with prescribed medications and cause them to be less effective.
21. Know the names and doses of the medicines you're taking.
22. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
23. Throw away any medicines that aren't currently prescribed to you.
24. Ask your pharmacist's advice before crushing or splitting tablets. Some should only be swallowed whole.
Did you know that drug misuse is one of the top problems that doctors see in seniors? Did you know that about 320,000 questionable prescriptions are written for seniors yearly? Almost 40% of all drug reactions each year involve seniors. Be responsible. If you have any medication questions be sure to ask your pharmacist.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a company who offers caregiver management and peace of mind over your loved one’s medical, financial and social well being.
Finding the Right Caregiver – Family Caregivers, Primary Caregivers, Secondary Caregivers, Respite Caregivers, Long-Distance Caregivers
Finding a caregiver may seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. Where do you begin? Caregivers provide services to people of all ages. The experience of caregiving is complex and usually exists on a continuum---starting with help for a few needs and ending with help with almost everything.
It is virtually impossible for one person to be a successful, full-time, around-the-clock caregiver, for an extended length of time. Being a caregiver is a tough job, even though it does have its rewards. When your loved-one needs ongoing care, the following questions should be addressed:
• What services does the care-receiver require?
• Can the care-receiver remain at home and for how long?
• Are there any community programs available?
• Who will have the primary responsibility for coordinating care?
• How will you share the care with siblings, spouses, friends, and other concerned people?
• How will direct responsibilities be shared?
• How will the family determine what is fair for all concerned?
• Can the care-receiver participate in decision-making about his/her care?
• How many funds are available for caregiving?
Classification of Caregivers
• Family caregivers provide care at no charge for a parent, sibling, or spouse who is chronically ill, disabled, or aged.
• Crisis caregivers provide care only in emergencies.
• Primary caregivers provide regular care for the care-receiver and make decisions that directly affect the care-receiver. In addition to providing hands-on assistance they also may represent the care-receiver in legal and medical matters.
• Secondary caregivers provide assistance to primary caregivers.
• Respite caregivers provide temporary care when the primary caregiver needs time away from caregiving.
• Working caregivers hold part-time or full-time jobs and provide physical or financial support to individuals who depend upon their care.
• Long-distance caregivers live at least an hour away by car and provide much of the assistance for relatives.
• Occasional caregivers provide, on an irregular basis, one or more services, such as transportation, shopping, household chores, etc.
• Agency caregivers are formal or paid caregivers employed by a home health or caregiving agency.
Hiring a caregiver to come into your home or to provide additional care in a facility can be nerve-wracking. How do you know who to trust? How do you know who will be a good fit? Some people find caregivers through a homecare agency, home health agency or referral service in order to keep less complicated. Hiring a private caregiver is usually the most inexpensive option, but it means you'll need to do the work that an agency or referral service would normally do for you.
Where to Find Private-hire Caregivers
• Ask for referrals from people you know and trust in the medical community, including discharge planners, physicians, social workers, and pharmacists.
• Ask for referrals from friends who are using a caregiver.
• Let people around you know that you're looking to hire a caregiver. You may be surprised at how many leads you find, and word-of-mouth recommendations are usually the best ones.
• Search online job boards.
• Place an advertisement in the newspaper or via online forums.
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Assess Your Situation
Before calling any caregivers, make a list of what the job will entail and what your expectations are for hiring a caregiver. Be as specific as possible. Write down what is most important:
• When and how often do you need a caregiver?
• Is it likely to change soon? If so, will it be a problem?
• What duties would you like the caregiver to perform and how often?
• Do you need any specialized care, such as for dementia or incontinence?
• The caregiver you hire will be spending a lot of time with your loved one.
Research Your Candidates
Once you've identified the caregiving duties, then you're ready to screen candidates by phone and begin scheduling interviews. On the phone, explain what your needs are and make sure the candidate has experience, training and the physical capability to do tasks such as transferring or bathing (if applicable). Let them know you will be checking their references and performing a background check. Ask potential caregivers to come to the interview with a Social Security card, driver's license, listings of prior home addresses, references, and a resumé.
Background Checks
Performing a background check on potential caregivers is imperative. Background checks can include credit reports, DMV records and searching county, state and/or federal criminal records. You must have written consent from the potential caregiver in order to perform a background check. If time is an issue, hire a caregiver through an in-home care agency; the agency will perform all the background checks and match you with a caregiver who suits your needs.
The Interview
Interviews are always tricky because they require you to assess a person in a short amount of time. The following are a few questions and talking points for interviewing a candidate.
• How long have you worked as a caregiver?
• Tell me about your past work experience.
• What did you like or not like about your previous jobs-and why?
• Do you have any specialized training or experience?
• Are you willing to perform the following duties? (List the duties you require, including any future needs that you anticipate.)
• What activities do you think would be appropriate for my loved one?
• How would you deal with my loved one being combative?
• When are you happiest at work? (What makes work a good experience for you?)
Where to Find an Agency Caregiver
Home health care is classified into two categories, “skilled” and “custodial” care, based on Medicare’s definitions. Skilled care refers to more intensive medical care, provided by or supervised by nurses and therapists. Custodial care refers to help with bathing, dressing, cooking, shopping, and other daily tasks.
What agency you use depends, in part, upon whether your loved-one needs skilled nursing care, and whether Medicare or Medicaid will cover the care.
To find a formal, paid, agency caregiver, look in the phone book or on the Internet under:
• Area Agency on Aging
• Home Health Care
• In-Home Care
• Caregiver Agency
• Visiting Nurse Agency
Here are some questions to ask when looking for an agency caregiver:
• What services does the agency provide?
• Who is on the Care Team?
• What are the costs for services? Are there a minimum number of hours per week or for each visit? Are there any extra charges that could arise?
• Is the agency certified to receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement?
• How does the agency determine what services the care-receiver needs?
• How will the care be coordinated?
• How do I reach a supervisor if there is a problem?
• Will the same person care for my loved-one consistently?
• What training has the staff received?
• How much say does the family have in the Care Plan?
• Is the agency licensed by the state and in compliance with all state regulations?
• Is the agency insured and bonded?
• Does the agency provide worker’s compensation so you are not liable if an employee is injured on the job?
• Can the agency provide references?
Assemble a Care Team
It’s not enough to find one good caregiver to help with your loved-one. You need to assemble a Care Team—the more help you coordinate, the better your loved-one will be taken care of. Learn to share the care.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certiified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregiver(s), a service designed to help both the care-receiver and the caregiver. It is a lot more than just a personal health record stored online. It is a personal life record and life management system.
It is virtually impossible for one person to be a successful, full-time, around-the-clock caregiver, for an extended length of time. Being a caregiver is a tough job, even though it does have its rewards. When your loved-one needs ongoing care, the following questions should be addressed:
• What services does the care-receiver require?
• Can the care-receiver remain at home and for how long?
• Are there any community programs available?
• Who will have the primary responsibility for coordinating care?
• How will you share the care with siblings, spouses, friends, and other concerned people?
• How will direct responsibilities be shared?
• How will the family determine what is fair for all concerned?
• Can the care-receiver participate in decision-making about his/her care?
• How many funds are available for caregiving?
Classification of Caregivers
• Family caregivers provide care at no charge for a parent, sibling, or spouse who is chronically ill, disabled, or aged.
• Crisis caregivers provide care only in emergencies.
• Primary caregivers provide regular care for the care-receiver and make decisions that directly affect the care-receiver. In addition to providing hands-on assistance they also may represent the care-receiver in legal and medical matters.
• Secondary caregivers provide assistance to primary caregivers.
• Respite caregivers provide temporary care when the primary caregiver needs time away from caregiving.
• Working caregivers hold part-time or full-time jobs and provide physical or financial support to individuals who depend upon their care.
• Long-distance caregivers live at least an hour away by car and provide much of the assistance for relatives.
• Occasional caregivers provide, on an irregular basis, one or more services, such as transportation, shopping, household chores, etc.
• Agency caregivers are formal or paid caregivers employed by a home health or caregiving agency.
Hiring a caregiver to come into your home or to provide additional care in a facility can be nerve-wracking. How do you know who to trust? How do you know who will be a good fit? Some people find caregivers through a homecare agency, home health agency or referral service in order to keep less complicated. Hiring a private caregiver is usually the most inexpensive option, but it means you'll need to do the work that an agency or referral service would normally do for you.
Where to Find Private-hire Caregivers
• Ask for referrals from people you know and trust in the medical community, including discharge planners, physicians, social workers, and pharmacists.
• Ask for referrals from friends who are using a caregiver.
• Let people around you know that you're looking to hire a caregiver. You may be surprised at how many leads you find, and word-of-mouth recommendations are usually the best ones.
• Search online job boards.
• Place an advertisement in the newspaper or via online forums.
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Assess Your Situation
Before calling any caregivers, make a list of what the job will entail and what your expectations are for hiring a caregiver. Be as specific as possible. Write down what is most important:
• When and how often do you need a caregiver?
• Is it likely to change soon? If so, will it be a problem?
• What duties would you like the caregiver to perform and how often?
• Do you need any specialized care, such as for dementia or incontinence?
• The caregiver you hire will be spending a lot of time with your loved one.
Research Your Candidates
Once you've identified the caregiving duties, then you're ready to screen candidates by phone and begin scheduling interviews. On the phone, explain what your needs are and make sure the candidate has experience, training and the physical capability to do tasks such as transferring or bathing (if applicable). Let them know you will be checking their references and performing a background check. Ask potential caregivers to come to the interview with a Social Security card, driver's license, listings of prior home addresses, references, and a resumé.
Background Checks
Performing a background check on potential caregivers is imperative. Background checks can include credit reports, DMV records and searching county, state and/or federal criminal records. You must have written consent from the potential caregiver in order to perform a background check. If time is an issue, hire a caregiver through an in-home care agency; the agency will perform all the background checks and match you with a caregiver who suits your needs.
The Interview
Interviews are always tricky because they require you to assess a person in a short amount of time. The following are a few questions and talking points for interviewing a candidate.
• How long have you worked as a caregiver?
• Tell me about your past work experience.
• What did you like or not like about your previous jobs-and why?
• Do you have any specialized training or experience?
• Are you willing to perform the following duties? (List the duties you require, including any future needs that you anticipate.)
• What activities do you think would be appropriate for my loved one?
• How would you deal with my loved one being combative?
• When are you happiest at work? (What makes work a good experience for you?)
Where to Find an Agency Caregiver
Home health care is classified into two categories, “skilled” and “custodial” care, based on Medicare’s definitions. Skilled care refers to more intensive medical care, provided by or supervised by nurses and therapists. Custodial care refers to help with bathing, dressing, cooking, shopping, and other daily tasks.
What agency you use depends, in part, upon whether your loved-one needs skilled nursing care, and whether Medicare or Medicaid will cover the care.
To find a formal, paid, agency caregiver, look in the phone book or on the Internet under:
• Area Agency on Aging
• Home Health Care
• In-Home Care
• Caregiver Agency
• Visiting Nurse Agency
Here are some questions to ask when looking for an agency caregiver:
• What services does the agency provide?
• Who is on the Care Team?
• What are the costs for services? Are there a minimum number of hours per week or for each visit? Are there any extra charges that could arise?
• Is the agency certified to receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement?
• How does the agency determine what services the care-receiver needs?
• How will the care be coordinated?
• How do I reach a supervisor if there is a problem?
• Will the same person care for my loved-one consistently?
• What training has the staff received?
• How much say does the family have in the Care Plan?
• Is the agency licensed by the state and in compliance with all state regulations?
• Is the agency insured and bonded?
• Does the agency provide worker’s compensation so you are not liable if an employee is injured on the job?
• Can the agency provide references?
Assemble a Care Team
It’s not enough to find one good caregiver to help with your loved-one. You need to assemble a Care Team—the more help you coordinate, the better your loved-one will be taken care of. Learn to share the care.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certiified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregiver(s), a service designed to help both the care-receiver and the caregiver. It is a lot more than just a personal health record stored online. It is a personal life record and life management system.
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