Archive for the ‘homecare’ Category

Senior Safety – Top 4 Fall Prevention Tools For Seniors

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Fall prevention is one of the biggest senior safety concerns for the elderly, especially those that live alone. Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes for seniors having to go to the hospital. But there are a number of helpful living aides that will help prevent these accidents. Here are the top 5 senior safety fall prevention tools for the elderly.

Number one on the list for senior safety and fall prevention is a recliner lift chair. Lounging in a recliner can be very comfortable for seniors. But these big chairs are typically very difficult to get out of and even sit down into. If the senior has a lift recliner that can be very helpful and help ensure their safety.

A lift recliner has the ability to raise and tilt to a position where the senior can get in and out of the chair in a standing position. These chairs are electronically operated by a simple hand control. They come in different versions all with different degrees of recline.

Another helpful tool for seniors that will help prevent slip and fall accidents is a walker with wheels. This is also called a rollator.

As a person ages it is a cane that is the first tool to be used for stability when walking. Then as mobility and balance decline further there is a need for a walker. The traditional walker can be a little challenging to use as it must be lifted slightly with each step. A rollator has wheels. Some versions have wheels on all four legs, others have wheels on just one set of the legs.

Some versions of this helpful tool also have hand brakes for added safety. Many also come with a seat so if the user gets tired they can easily sit down for a quick rest.

A stair chair or stair lift can also be a very helpful item that will aid a senior with mobility challenges. Stairs can be especially difficult for an elderly person to manage and that can be a very dangerous place for a fall to occur. A stair lift is built like a chair and it is attached to a rail and transports the senior, in a sitting position, up and down the stairs.

The stair lift is easy to use and can be operated with a simple rocker switch on most versions. For added safety many also come with a seat belt so the user doesn’t have to worry about falling out of the chair.

Many slip and fall accidents occur in the bathroom and that can be a very hazardous place for the elderly. Most everyone knows that there should be railings put in place in showers baths and around toilet areas. But another important tool for seniors in this area of the home is a bath lift.

If the senior has trouble raising and lowering themselves into a bath that is exactly what a bath lift will do for them. Most bath lifts are plastic, though some are inflatable. They are powered by rechargeable battery systems and they are safe to use around the water.

These are all senior safety tools that can be a big help for seniors and keep them falling. If you would like to learn more about the very popular lift recliners you can go here to: Electric Lift Chair. Also, here is where you can go for a great selection in the very popular Recliner Lift Chairs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_S_Myers

Caring For a Senior Family Member at Home

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Taking care of a loved one at home after a major illness or surgery can be an overwhelming task both physically and mentally. The responsibilities are challenging for both the one being cared for and those taking the lead for the primary care. In some cases the recovering family member may have some reservations and an unwillingness to ask their son or daughter to give up a job to care for them. In these cases, having professional home care Chapel Hill, NC can help in easing the patients concerns and allow both family members and the one being cared for with more quality time together.

In almost all cases, there are going to be reasons that your loved one may not want to consider the option of in-home health care. Therefore, it is important before relying on home care Durham NC to provide part or full responsibilities for the patients care to listen to your loved one’s concerns. Take time to note what they may be worried about and go over these during interviews while searching for just the right care service.

One of the first arguments you may hear is that your loved one doesn’t believe they need help. So, in these cases while discussing senior care Chapel Hill NC that you let your loved one know having outside help is more for your peace of mind- which in almost all situations is the reason for seeking care. Taking care of our loved ones isn’t about physically being there 24/7 but knowing that when we can’t be there someone competent and committed to their wellbeing will be but without taking away their feelings of independence.

Home care not only provides in-home medical care but can also take on some of the errands outside of the home, if the recovering loved one is a bit apprehensive about a new person in the house. As the care worker becomes more familiar to the loved one, trust and friendship is gained and can facilitate a working relationship that benefits both the patient and the family.

While recovering at home, most physicians strongly suggest that the family employ outside assistance. Therefore, if there may be other reasons that the patient balks at this kind of service, the family can simply counter that argument with the physician’s release orders from the hospital. Usually this will end the resistance and facilitate the transition from hospital to home care, in Durham, Clayton, or Chapel Hill NC.

At one time or another, most families will face taking care of a loved one, whether that be during recovery or for end of life care. And there are no easy answers or ways to ease all the burdens placed on those family members. These people are trained in medical or physical care as well as dealing with the inevitable emotional strains. The one saving grace is that there are people trained and ready to take some of the responsibilities from the family and allow everyone to be more at ease with the situation. Today, with these advances in care, many families are able to care for loved ones at home, where both the patient and the family are most at ease.

Written by Jenny Heart. Quality home care Durham NC: Receive senior care Chapel Hill NC, alzheimer’s and elder care through home care Chapel Hill NC, Clayton, Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Heart

Caregivers and Seniors Get Tax Deductions

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

With tax season upon us I wanted to remind families that people who care for qualifying relatives can claim tax deductions and credits for out-of-pocket medical expenses. For you to qualify for caregiver tax deductions and credits, the person you are caring for must be a spouse, dependent, or qualifying relative, as well as a U.S. citizen or resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico. A qualifying relative includes a parent, stepparent, father-in-law or mother-in-law, or any other person who lived with you all year as a member of your household.

Medical deductions can include dental treatments, the cost of transportation needed to get to a medical appointment, health insurance premiums and qualified long-term care services. For a full list of allowable medical expenses, see Publication 502 (2009) at the IRS web site . Some key rules to remember are -

  • You can only deduct medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
  • To qualify for a dependency deduction, you must pay for more than 50% of your qualifying relative’s support costs. The relative only qualifies as a dependent if he or she meets the gross income and the joint return test. Dependency Deduction   If your relative doesn’t qualify as a dependent because of these tests, you cannot claim a dependency deduction, but you can still claim his or her medical expenses.
  • If a group of people are sharing costs for a qualifying relative, a multiple support declaration (IRS Form 2120) can be filed to grant one family member the exemption.
  • Long-term care medical expenses including diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, curing, treating, mitigating, rehabilitative, and maintenance and personal care services are deductible if the services are required by a chronically ill individual and a licensed health care practitioner prescribes the care. An individual is chronically ill if unable to perform at least two of six activities of daily living, which are eating, toileting, transferring, bathing, dressing, and continence. An individual who is cognitively impaired and requires substantial supervision is also considered chronically ill.
  • Nursing services performed in a nursing home, an assisted-living facility, or similar care facilities are also deductible expenses if the person is principally receiving care for medical reasons. However, if a person is staying at a nursing home, an assisted-living facility, or similar care facility only for custodial reasons, only medical expenses are deductible; in this instance, room charges and meals are not deductible. Nursing services performed at home are deductible expenses. If the patient is chronically ill, certain maintenance and personal care services are also deductible.

Senior citizens and caregivers should be aware that premiums paid for qualified long-term care insurance contracts are also deductible medical expenses. According to the IRS, the contract must be guaranteed renewable; not provide a cash surrender value; not pay costs that are covered by Medicare; provide that refunds, other than refunds upon death, surrender, or cancellation of the contract, and dividends are used only to reduce future premiums or increase medical benefits.  For 2009, long-term care premiums are deductible up to the following dollar amounts: for individuals age 61 to 70 the limit is $3,180, for individuals 71 and older the limit is $3,980.

Many state governments also offer tax credits and deductions for caregivers on state income tax forms, so it pays to know your individual state’s rules.

By nature, tax rules are complex. It’s important to consult a tax attorney or accountant versed in eldercare tax issues about your specific situation before finalizing your taxes. The AARP also offers free assistance and tax tips for seniors through its Tax-Aide program; go to http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/.

Why In-Home Care May be Right for You in Indianapolis, Indiana

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Why In-Home Care May be Right for You

I found a great article that talks about the many positive aspects regarding the use of In-Home Care for an aging loved one.

Hiring Caregivers for In-Home Senior Care in Indianapolis, IN

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

Recently there was a tragedy in Avon, Indiana where the son of an elderly woman was killed by her caregivers husband. Now it’s not been said but if I was guessing getting to the woman’s money was a likely motivation. It’s important that if you’re hiring someone to come into the home to care for an elderly person that they have been properly screened. The classifieds are filled with people looking for work as aides to the elderly. Many of these aides are well-qualified, honest people who will do a good job; but, of course, there will be some not so reputable. If you are looking to hire someone, be sure you interview and check references and qualifications. You will be responsible for scheduling that person and doing payroll and taxes as well. Be very sure you hire someone trustworthy, as the elderly seem to trust these helpers more than they should and therefore can easily be taken advantage of. It may seem more affordable to just hire them but there are risks. There are sources for pre-screened individual caregivers.

A professional home care service will eliminate your employment concerns. Professionally-provided aides are usually bonded and service is guaranteed. Home care companies take care of the scheduling and payment of their employees. Home care companies cater to the elderly in their homes by offering a variety of services.
These providers represent a rapidly growing trend to allow people needing help with long term care to remain in their home or in the community instead of going to a care facility. The services offered may include:
- companionship
- grooming and dressing
- recreational activities
- incontinent care
- handyman services
- teeth brushing
- medication reminders
- bathing or showering
- light housekeeping
- meal preparation
- respite for family caregivers
- errands and shopping
- reading email or letters
- overseeing home deliveries
- dealing with vendors
- transportation services
- changing linens
- laundry and ironing
- organizing closets
- care of house plants
- 24-hour emergency response
- family counseling
- phone call checks
- and much more.

A caregiver can make the difference in the quality of a seniors life and make it possible to stay in their home if you have the resources to make it happen. One way to help with caregiving costs is available for veteran’s and their spouses/widows. The Aid and Attendance Pension Program pays up to $1964 per month for their care. To get help finding a caregiver or homecare company in the Indianapolis area contact Aging Avenues at 317-731-3315.

30 Reasons Your Loved One May Need a Caregiver in Indianapolis, Indiana

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

I found this article, and decided to pass it on to you.

Options To Help Keep Seniors at Home

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Today there are many services available to help keep senior home as long as possible. Begin with hiring help with the house such as lawn care, home maintenance service, housekeeping amd laundry. Since cooking involves shopping for food and then standing to prepare it utilize on of the many meals options listed under Meals. There are many options to help with monitoring their safety and homecare services to assist with personal care, shopping, driving to doctors appointments and companionship. Medications can come prepackaged or from a dispenser to avoid overdosing or missing a dose. There are even companies that will convert your garage into an apartment for your loved one. That’s sometmies a better option than moving them in with your family. Get creative and work as a team to help make their life as comfortable as possible.

Seniors Will Pay More for Caregivers

Thursday, December 4th, 2008

In June 2007 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a long-standing regulation which exempts home care companies from having to pay overtime. The Supreme Court recognized this as a unique employment situtation of companion workers and the affordability it provides to consumers. The legislation, if enacted would increase the costs to seniors, lower the quality of care and giver workers less choice and flexibility. Agencies will be forced to hire many different caregivers for one client which disrupts the continuity of care that is so essential. Obviously this will also drive up the cost of home care services. Seniors may have to turn to hiring private help with has no training, background checks, supervision or insurance. There would be no relief staff if they were sick. To make sure this doesn’t happen write your congressman and ask them to REJECT S.2061 – H.R. 3582. It’s for the good of everyone!