The cost of medical care is expensive for anyone who does not have adequate insurance coverage, but for the elderly who are living on limited incomes, the financial repercussions of healthcare can be devastating. Seniors can reduce their costs, however, by taking control over their care and trying out some of these tips:

1. Do some research into your health – researching health issues could help seniors reduce the time spent at the doctor’s offices. However, internet resources and books used for self-diagnosis should not replace a doctor’s care; they can however help seniors stay on the right track with diagnostics and care and keep costs lower

2. Avoid the emergency room – charges are higher at hospital emergency rooms. If you experience something that requires medical attention that isn’t an emergency, ask for an immediate doctor’s appointment or go to a walk-in clinic

3. Look for free or low-cost medical care options – during featured health months (like Breast Cancer Awareness month) or seasons where there’s an increase of certain health issues; look for free or low-cost clinics. Breast cancer screenings, flu shots, and even basic diagnostic tests like blood pressure and more are offered in different communities

4. Ask for second and even third opinions – just because one doctor mentions that surgery, or a specific, expensive medication is a requirement doesn’t mean that any senior needs to take it to heart. Ask for additional opinions if you’re uncertain

5. Never be afraid to ask – when it comes to medications, procedures and any element of medical care, ask how much it costs, ask if prices are negotiable, and don’t hesitate to shop around

Via: aipm.net

Image: sxc.hu

Knowing where to go when you need help or access to resources is the first step to proactive caregiving. To ensure that you can give your elderly loved one the best, no matter what the situation, and what help is needed, here are 3 resources that will make sure that your senior always comes first in Denver:

1. Find out what local eldercare services are available in your area – contact the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 so you know what’s available near your loved one’s Denver home and how you can get in touch to arrange services.
2. Know which services your senior qualifies for – NCOA has developed an online questionnaire which allows caregivers and seniors to take a survey that helps them determine which services and benefits that they may qualify for. Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to learn about eligible benefit programs for prescriptions, utilities and health care.
3. Understand seniors rights and know how to get assistance – whether you are helping a parent or senior loved one prepare a will, dealing with a situation where a senior has been abused or neglected, or simply want a professional to help explain the legal rights of seniors, knowing where and how to get legal assistance is crucial. Many organizations provide pro bono legal representation for seniors. Contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging or use the Eldercare Locator to find other resources.

Via: The University of Vermont

Image: pro.corbis.com

For some of us, it may seem like a “no brainer” that an elderly loved one needs some help in order to remain living the lifestyle that they’ve chosen; whether it’s a physical or mental need that is making living independently a dangerous thing. However, for many seniors, accepting help signifies a loss of independence and closes the door on an important part of their lives, so when making a suggestion regarding senior care, we as family members need to be gentle and ensure we’re sensitive to the needs and wants of a senior. In order to ensure that you’re taking the best approach when talking a senior into accepting help, consider using the following techniques.

• Make sure you know how a senior feels about care options – would they like to be in a nursing home or assisted living facility; or would they rather remain living at home?

• When talking to a senior about the limitations that are resulting in your senior care suggestions, be sensitive and make sure that you do emphasize their positive qualities

• Make sure seniors understand you’re looking out for their health and safety, because you don’t want to lose such an important person in the lives of you and your family

• Don’t make any decisions without talking to them first (unless the senior is otherwise unable to be involved); simply make your suggestions gently

Sources:

1. Senior Journal

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.

When choosing a Denver home care agency to provide care for an aging loved one, it’s important that families know exactly what they’re getting themselves into. There are a significant number of agencies out there that can place senior care specialists in the home of a senior, and they come at all price points. However, don’t be fooled by some of the home care agencies that promise the world at a lower price, because you’ll encounter more complications than its worth in many cases that can compromise the level of care received by your loved one.

Many home care registries operate in Denver and around the country; but they’re not to be confused with licensed home care agencies. These home care registries hire their senior care specialists as private contractors rather than employees which can be convoluted when it comes to dealing with the taxes and legalities surrounding hiring a caregiver from a registry. While some of these home care organizations charge less strictly for connecting families with caregivers, families may be responsible for paying taxes, workman’s compensation and other aspects. Some home care registries do cover these costs, but since caregivers under their wing are licensed contractors only, there can be some serious legal and financial repercussions which can drain the family of all resources if a workman’s compensation claim is made after the caregiver has had an accident or injury on the job.

By hiring a caregiver from a licensed home care agency like Home Instead Senior Care, all caregivers are employees of the company, categorized as “nurses and other healthcare workers who travel”. Based on this categorization, fees might be higher, but Home Instead takes care of all of the dirty work; paying all taxes and fees, with no repercussions to the senior’s family should the caregiver have an accident.

It may be tempting during times of financial crisis to pinch pennies in all areas of life, but when it comes to senior home care, you get what you pay for; so if you want quality care with no legal ramifications, go with a licensed home care agency, and you’ll have no regrets.

Sources:

1. Gilbert Guide

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.

I struggled with the idea of getting in home help for my aging father for a number of years. For the longest time I felt that he would be undignified accepting help, so I extended myself to try to provide it for him, hoping he’d feel that it was a question of spending time together more than it was providing for his shortcomings. Since he had given up driving, I drove to his Denver home, nearly 30 miles from my own three days a week to transport him to appointments and out on errands; working around my schedule dictated by my career and family. Anytime I came by, I also made sure he had a fridge and cupboard full of food, and even prepared some meals for him to freeze and reheat. I’d also give him a hand by doing laundry and tidying things up so he wouldn’t have the physical burden of having to do it by himself.

One day I realized that while I of course wanted to spend time with my dad, I just couldn’t do it all, and acting as his primary caregiver to avoid hiring a professional one in Denver was taking a serious toll on my life and my family. Finally, I had to make the hard decision to give up being a family caregiver, and going back to just being a daughter to my aging father. Instead, I now have a professional in-home caregiver going into his home 3 days a week to complete the tasks I was doing for my dad, and when I come to visit, I just focus on appreciating our time together.

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.

One of the reasons that I chose to hire a professional in-home caregiver for my elderly mother when she turned 80 was because her health was at risk. As her dementia progressed, my mother was becoming neglectful of some aspects of her own care, which included forgetting to take crucial medications that were essential for maintaining her health. She didn’t really need medical care per say, but when I inquired to friends around Denver regarding non-medical options; I was advised that non-medical professional caregivers would not be able to help with administering medication for my mother.

Not one to go on hearsay alone, I decided to do some investigation and started calling around to Denver home care agencies. Fortunately, after speaking with a representative from Home Instead Senior Care I learned that while they would not take complete responsibility for administering my mother’s medications, they could provide her with reminders to ensure that all prescriptions were taken on time. After approaching my mother and the rest of the family about hiring a caregiver from Home Instead, we decided it would be the right choice; and now in addition to other services, the caregiver ensures that my mom never misses taking her pills from her medicet box right on schedule!

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.

Image: caritasgoodsam.org

For many seniors, agreeing to accept help from a family member or caregiver is like the first admission that they’re aging and losing independence. That being said, it should come as no surprise that many seniors are reluctant to accept help, and even fewer suggest hiring a senior caregiver or moving to a senior residence or nursing home themselves. As a senior care specialist in Denver, once families have recognized that seniors need help at home, they ask me how they can convince their parents that it’s time to accept it.

While there is no answer that I can provide that will work to convince all Denver seniors that it’s time to accept help, it’s important to help seniors to understand that it’s about keeping them safe and making their lives easier; while helping them maintain their independence while living at home. Many family caregivers find that seniors may be willing to accept help when the options are out on the table, which can include assisted living facilities or nursing homes to help keep them safe and alleviate the burden of taking care of a home. When faced with these choices, senior care at home with a professional caregiver always looks like the more desirable choice. Seniors should also be aware that nothing is forever; if you choose to work with a reputable caregiving agency, if seniors are displeased, they’re able to cancel the caregiving services at anytime or request that a new caregiver come into their home.

Once families get over the hurdle of getting seniors to accept help, they’ll find that their elderly loved ones stress levels are reduced, and more often than not, their caregiver becomes one of their most trusted friends!

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.

The decision to become a family caregiver for an aging parent in the Denver area can be one of the most challenging and rewarding choices you’ll ever make. Naturally, when taking a dive into elder home care you want to ensure that your senior loved one receives the best care available; so how do you prepare to become a caregiver? Start by arming yourself with information; use the internet, like you are now, and other home care resources to learn how to deal with the emotional aspects of caregiving.  Seek out additional resources within your local Denver community; including caregiver support groups, transportation services, adult day cares and local medical centers. Whether or not you and your senior will require some of the services today, it’s wise to have an understanding of what’s available when you need them.

It’s also important to work with your parents to have all the legal and financial documentation prepared and available should you need to assist them in managing their affairs. Ask them to put together a list of important account numbers and contacts and keep it in a safe and secure place. You don’t need to be savvy to the information today, but it’s a good idea to have it available. You should also ensure that your parents have a living will prepared, so that you can ensure their medical wishes are carried out appropriately if at some point they are unable to speak for themselves.

Sources:

1. Associated Content

2. Adsense Blog

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.

Q – I have noticed some signs that my elderly mother is struggling to live independently in her own home. While I have some ideas about home care, I do come from a large family in Denver and feel it’s important that I involve my siblings and immediate family in the decision making. What’s the best way to go about this?

A – Ask your immediate family to get together in Denver so that you can all discuss your concerns about your mother’s health and care. If not all siblings live close by, you can set-up a conference call so that everyone can be involved in discussing your mother’s care requirements. For the first meeting, don’t involve your mother, so you can talk openly about your concerns without upsetting her. Discussing eldercare requirements for a loved one, can be stressful, so keep the following tips in mind when planning your first family senior home care meeting.

1. Establish a goal for each meeting – the first meeting might be about discussing concerns, and making suggestions for how to proceed with home care

2. Invite only close relatives – invite your close siblings or other family members you feel must be involved, but try to keep numbers under 7 people

3. Allow each family member the chance to speak without interrupting

4. Share resources – each family member can bring information about your mother’s specific conditions or local resources that may be able to help

5. Have a moderator – invite a 3rd, impartial party like a counselor or Geriatric Care Manager to help keep the meeting on track if you feel there will be disputes about your mother’s care amongst family

Sources:

1. Elder Care Online

2. Suite101

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.

When a family comes together in Denver to discuss the care requirements of an aging loved one, it’s a process of decision making that can make or break a Denver family, but nonetheless is a process that the whole family needs to be involved with. As soon as one family member notices signs that concern them about their senior’s health or living arrangements, it’s time to call a family meeting.

While a series of meetings may take place as care decisions are being made, the first meeting should only involve those closest to the senior being discussed, such as siblings and immediate family members. However, the senior shouldn’t be in attendance at the first family meeting, so that family members are able to discuss their concerns about the senior’s health and well-being without fear that they’re upsetting their loved one.  During this initial meeting, the family can discuss future plans and discuss the role each of them will play in the care of a senior. It’s important at some stage, once the rest of the family comes together, to involve the senior in meetings so they can share their own wishes with regards to senior care. A third party, like a Geriatric Care Manager may be in attendance as  resource and meeting moderator.

At each meeting, allow every family member involved to share their views on how to handle home care, and try to stick to an agenda to minimize disputes and keep things on track.

Sources:
1.    Elder Care Online
2.    Suite101

Call Home Instead Senior Care when seeking elder care in Denver. Call us at 303-745-4700.