All posts by Rebecca Garabedian

As Founder and President of Unique HomeCare Services, I am committed to providing the highest quality home care to my clients and their families by recruiting, training and managing an exceptional staff of caregivers.

Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and COVID-19

More than 43,000 long-term care residents and staff have died from COVID-19, representing over a third of the nation’s known coronavirus deaths.

Over 50% of family members are now more likely to choose in-home care for their loved ones than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent survey by Transcend Strategy Group.

Why Are Nursing Homes So Vulnerable To COVID-19?

• People age 65 and older are at higher risk from COVID-19.

• People with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and respiratory illness are also at higher risk from COVID-19.

The nation’s 1.3 million nursing home and assisted living residents generally fit both risk groups.

Certain conditions at nursing homes also aid the spread of the virus:

• Frequent close physical contact between residents and staff.

• Understaffing.

• Employees that work in multiple long-term care facilities, increasing chances of spread from one facility to the next.

• Shared resident rooms cause close physical contact.

• The transfers of new residents from hospitals and other settings.

These factors made nursing homes breeding grounds for viral and bacterial diseases prior to the COVID 19 pandemic:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), states that over 4 million Americans are admitted to or reside in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities each year and nearly 1 million persons reside in assisted living facilities. Data on infections in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is limited, but it is estimated that 1 to 3 million serious infections occur every year in these facilities.

These infections include urinary tract infection, diarrheal diseases, antibiotic-resistant staph infections and many others.

Infections are a major cause of hospitalization and death with as many as 380,000 people die of these infections in LTCFs every year.

Nursing Home Staff should:

• Wear personal protective equipment, such as face masks and gloves.

• Wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after contact with each resident, after using medical equipment, and after taking off masks, gowns, and/or gloves.

• Place alcohol-based hand sanitizer in all resident-care areas, including inside and outside resident’s rooms.

• Practice cough etiquette/hygiene.

• Stay home when sick.

• Clean residents’ hands after toileting or eating.

• Clean and disinfect medical equipment between each use.

How nursing home residents and their families can reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Wash their hands or use hand sanitizer and remind other residents to do the same.

• Practice social distancing from other residents whenever possible.

• Inform the administration if they observe staff who appear to be sick or are not taking the steps listed above to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Request that the administration provides regular updates to residents about what the facility is doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and care for any residents who are ill.

• That the administration shares the results of the facility’s self-assessment of their infection control practices.

• Ask facility staff to schedule a regular time for residents to communicate with their family and to assist them if they need help.

If you have concerns about the facility’s infection control practices or other issues:

• You can still use the facility’s grievance process if they have any complaints or concerns.

• Talk to the director of nursing or administrator about your concerns and ask what they will do to address them.

• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for assistance. The Ombudsman program advocates for residents and can help resolve concerns.

• File a complaint with your state survey agency.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts and serves the Greater Boston communities in Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties.

We provide private in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We provide both short-term and long-term in-home care needs from as little as one 4 hour day a week to 24 Hour Care and Live-In Care.

We offer a full range of in-home personal care services including Bathing Assistance, Personal Hygiene and Grooming, Dressing Assistance, Toileting and Incontinence Assistance, Feeding Assistance, and Medication Reminders.

We also provide support services such as Case Management, Accompaniment to Appointments, Nutrition and Meal Management, Light Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Bed and Wheel Chair Transfers, and Shopping and Running Errands.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs and get a quote, please call us to speak to a Case Manager at (800) 296-9962 or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

Pros and Cons of Aging In Place

“Aging in Place” is the desire to live in your own home in later life, for as long as you are able.

Remaining in your own home may involve social support, in-home care services and adapting the home to help you live safely and independently.

AARP reports that nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age.

Over 50% of family members are now more likely to choose in-home care for their loved ones than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent survey by Transcend Strategy Group.

Advantages of Aging in Place:

• Maintains the familiar home environment and avoids the stress and anxiety of moving into a long-term care facility.

• Fosters the continuity of community for the senior.

• Keeps the senior’s valuable social networks intact.

• Provides cost savings over other long-term care options.

• Strengthens the family.

• Promotes greater senior physical and mental health.

Disadvantages of Aging in Place:

• Low, moderate, or high investment in home modifications dependent on the need and the home situation.

• Senior resistance to any home modifications and helpful technology.

For more information on go to our Directory of Aging in Place Resources.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts and serves the Greater Boston communities in Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties.

We provide private in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We provide both short-term and long-term in-home care needs from as little as one 4 hour day a week to 24 Hour Care and Live-In Care.

We offer a full range of in-home personal care services including Bathing Assistance, Personal Hygiene and Grooming, Dressing Assistance, Toileting and Incontinence Assistance, Feeding Assistance, and Medication Reminders.

We also provide support services such as Case Management, Accompaniment to Appointments, Nutrition and Meal Management, Light Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Bed and Wheel Chair Transfers, and Shopping and Running Errands.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs and get a quote, please call us to speak to a Case Manager at (800) 296-9962 or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.


 

COVID-19, the Elderly and In-Home Care

During this time when staying at home and socially distancing is essential, it is also important to keep seniors safe, reassured, active and well cared for.

Safe At Home

Seniors are safest at home, away from the risk of COVID-19. Unique HomeCare Services focuses on care and supportive services allowing seniors to stay in the comfort and safety of their home.

Safe Care

Our caregivers are trained in infectious disease control and safe senior care. All our caregivers have taken a COVID-19 Certification course on reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Support Services

Our caregivers can pick up prescriptions, shop for groceries and other essentials to limit the chance of transmission to our clients. We can help also help with meals and other necessities.

Our caregivers can provide light housekeeping and laundry services to ensure that all surfaces in the home are disinfected to keep our seniors safe and healthy.

Our staff follows hygiene procedures as directed by the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Health.

Staying Social

During this time of social distancing, seniors may become socially isolated in addition to being physically isolated.

Unique HomeCare Services helps seniors fight depression and loneliness, especially while remaining isolated in their home during the current crisis.

We keep our seniors active, optimistic and socially engaged.

Family Support

When a senior is in our care, so is their entire family. We are a supportive resource to address questions and concerns.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts and serves the Greater Boston communities in Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties.

We provide private in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We provide both short-term and long-term in-home care needs from as little as one 4 hour day a week to 24 Hour Care and Live-In Care.

We offer a full range of in-home personal care services including Bathing Assistance, Personal Hygiene and Grooming, Dressing Assistance, Toileting and Incontinence Assistance, Feeding Assistance, and Medication Reminders.

We also provide support services such as Case Management, Accompaniment to Appointments, Nutrition and Meal Management, Light Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Bed and Wheel Chair Transfers, and Shopping and Running Errands.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs and get a quote, please call us to speak to a Case Manager at (800) 296-9962 or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

 

Unique HomeCare Services and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Reducing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) especially in the high-risk population we service is of vital importance.

Our procedures have always emphasized infection control and prevention to minimize transmission between our clients and staff, including proper hand washing before giving care, using disposal gloves during care, and properly hand washing after giving care.

Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for Agency Based In-Home Caregivers & Workers, please see the guidance below, we have reviewed our procedures.

During this heightened period of concern we have:

· Employees review of all Unique HomeCare Services procedures.

· Employees review COVID-19 information and updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as they are released.

· Plans to address possible workforce shortages.

Please contact Unique HomeCare Services with any questions or concerns.

 

Agency Based In-Home Caregivers & Workers
(e.g. Home Health Agencies, Personal Care Management Agencies, Home Care Agencies, Adult Foster Care, etc.)
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance

March 2020

This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of 2019 novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is working closely with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide updated information about the COVID-19 outbreak. This guidance will be updated as needed and as additional information is available. Please regularly check mass.gov/2019coronavirus for updated interim guidance. Additionally, if you are a CMS-certified agency, please review and stay updated on CMS guidance. Each organization faces specific challenges associated with implementation based on its population, physical space, staffing, etc., and will need to tailor these guidelines accordingly. This guidance is intended to supplement, not supplant, provisions from regulatory agencies that oversee health care organizations. Organizations may develop their own policies, but these policies should be based on current science and facts and they should never compromise a client’s or employee’s health.

Background

What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how does it spread?

· COVID-19 is a respiratory virus. Current symptoms have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever cough, and difficulty breathing.

· According to CDC, the virus is spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet).

· Spread is from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Who should be most cautious?

· Those considered “high risk” include people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women.

What should agencies be doing to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19?

Screen yourself, staff, vendors, and clients for any of the conditions below:

· Sick with fever (higher than 100.3 o F) or newly developed respiratory illness such as cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat.

· Recent international travel (i.e., within the past 14 days) from COVID-19-affected geographic areas.

· Close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days

Preparing and Educating Staff:

· During times of COVID-19 circulation in the community, ensure employees are able to stay home if they have symptoms of acute respiratory illness or if they need to care for a sick family member.

· Make sure your employees are aware of these policies. Do not require a healthcare providers’ note to
validate illness or return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely
busy and not able to provide this documentation.

· If employees become ill with respiratory symptoms while at work, they should be sent home as soon as possible.

· Make sure your employees are aware of these policies. Sick persons should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or cough into their elbow or shoulder if tissues are not available) and perform hand hygiene immediately after.

· Those with symptoms of acute respiratory illness should stay home and not return to work until they are free of fever (oral thermometer temperature of less than 100.3 degrees) and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without use of fever-reducing or other symptom altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).

· If an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19 they cannot return to work until they have been authorized to leave their home by their local board of health.

Identify ways to limit direct person-to-person contact by leveraging technology, where appropriate.

Provide access to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as facemasks and gloves, as available.

· CDC recommends universal use of Standard Precautions when caring for any client.

· Reinforce the importance of strict adherence to Standard Precautions during all client encounters.

· Standard Precautions are based on the principles that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents.

· For example, a facemask and eye protection should be worn during the care of any client if splashes, sprays or coughs could occur during the client encounter.

· Similarly, gloves should be worn if contact with body fluids, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin is anticipated.

Avoid unnecessary out of state or international travel and avoid large gatherings or crowds.

· Agency staff, and especially caregivers, provide essential services that help others to function throughout their daily lives. Agency staff health and the health of those you serve is of utmost importance.

· Agencies should set up ways to appropriately limit staff travel and possible exposure.

· Cancel large and do not attend large gatherings of more than 250 people.

Reinforce the practice of good daily hygiene with all staff.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

· After going to the bathroom;

· Before eating;

· After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and

· Upon entering and exiting the client’s home.
· If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

· Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of tissue.

· Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth without first carefully washing your hands.

· Properly clean all frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis using everyday cleaning products.

· Avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, or towels.

· Wash dirty dishes in a dishwasher or, if by hand, with warm water and soap.

· Laundry can be washed in a standard washing machine with warm water. It is not necessary to separate laundry used by a client from other household laundry.

· In order to avoid germs, do not shake dirty laundry or “hug” dirty laundry to your chest to carry it.  Monitor staff emotional health.

· Emotional reactions to stressful situations such as new viruses are expected. Remind staff that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or having trouble sleeping or other symptoms of distress is normal.

· If symptoms become worse, last longer than a month, or if they struggle to participate in their usual daily activities, have them reach out for support and help.

Monitor staff emotional health.

· Emotional reactions to stressful situations such as new viruses are expected. Remind staff that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or having trouble sleeping or other symptoms of distress is normal.

· If symptoms become worse, last longer than a month, or if they struggle to participate in their usual daily activities, have them reach out for support and help.

· If one is available, encourage employees to call their Employee Assistance Program. The National Disaster Distress Helpline is available with 24/7 emotional support and crisis counseling for anyone experiencing distress or other mental health concerns. Calls (1-800-985-5990) and texts (text TalkWithUs to 66746) are answered by trained counselors who will listen to your concerns, explore coping and other available supports, and offer referrals to community resources for follow-up care and support.

Complete the Coronavirus COVID-19 In-Home Care Agency Checklist Tool on pages 4-8.

Organizational Preparedness. These preparedness steps may help protect your agency while minimizing disruption to your important services.

· Develop or review business continuity plans for how to keep critical services going if staffing levels drop due to illness or taking care of ill family members or children that may be temporarily out of child care or school settings.

· Be prepared to change your practices as needed to maintain critical operations (e.g., prioritize clients or temporarily suspend some services, if needed).

· You may also wish to refer to CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and
Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

· Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so the site can operate even if key staff are absent.

· Assure you have adequate supplies of soap, paper towels, tissues, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and garbage bags. If possible, a supply of disposable gloves and paper facemasks will be useful if persons become ill while at your program site.

Steps to follow if staff, or someone they know or care for is sick:

If staff are sick:

· They should stay home and not come to work. Do not schedule them to work if they are sick.

· Follow the steps outlined on page 9.

Follow the flow chart on page 9 to determine the best care path for an individual for whom your agency provides care and who is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms.

If you have staff that live with a sick individual some general guidance to share with them includes:

· Keeping the sick person in a separate, well-ventilated room and apart from other people and pets as much as possible.

· If a separate space is not available, keeping a distance of at least six feet from people who are well.

· A sick person who is coughing or sneezing should wear a mask when around other people. If the sick
person cannot wear a mask, the caregiver should wear a mask. The bathroom should be cleaned every day using a household disinfectant according to the directions on the label. Wear gloves while cleaning.

· Providing the sick person with a separate bathroom if available and a trash bag within reach.

· Limiting activities outside the home until the sick person is feeling well for at least one day.

· Limiting outside visitors.

Coronavirus COVID-19 In-Home Care Agency Checklist Tool (Page 1 of 4)

1. Review your Emergency Plan/Continuity of Operations Plan.
2. Update your Plan to reflect changes based on your review and current situation.
3. Update all workforce contact information.
4. Coordinate with local emergency operations/ local health department/health care coalition
5. Review personnel policies with regard to use of personal time, sick time, overtime. Develop
contingency policies.
6. Check with your vendors about supply chain especially those that provide you with medications for your clients.
7. Plan to address workforce shortages. Contract with other agencies for additional workforce.
8. Develop a plan to cross train workforce wherever possible.
9. Develop a questionnaire to identify which workforce members are available to work extra and flexible hours. Also identify workforce members that may be employed by another health care provider as they may have a commitment to that organization in an emergent situation.
10. Communicate your plan with partner agencies.
11. Help your workforce develop a plan for their families.

CLIENT CARE

1. Assess your Client Classification Levels for possible triage and keep hard copy easily accessible. Do this on a regular basis while we are in this current situation.
2. Identify client family members who may be able to take on more care responsibility if necessary.
3. Develop a Back Up Care Plan.
a. List names and responsibilities.
b. Get governing authority approval.
4. Begin to develop plans for possible surge capacity based on staffing and client classification levels. This means forecasting with a possible significantly reduced workforce.
5. Develop alternate staffing patterns such as longer days.
6. Ask screening questions before each visit and identify responsible person for conducting screening (scheduler, supervisor, worker, etc.).

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

1. Communicate with local emergency preparedness organizations.
2. Assign one person to monitor daily updates from CDC, DPH, and World Health Organization.
3. Be aware of state updates, resources and communications.

INFECTION CONTROL AND PREVENTION

1. Educate/re-educate workforce in the following:
a. Standard Precaution
b. Transmission- based precautions such as
1) contact
2) droplet
2. Review Nursing Bag Technique with all field personnel.
3. Download multi-lingual client seasonal influenza information and distribute to clients and
their family members.
4. Re-educate workforce on handwashing protocols using running water and waterless hand
sanitizers.
5. Offer seasonal influenza vaccination to workforce and clients.
6. Check PPE supplies and dates. Move outdated to back and label as outdated but do not discard at this time.
7. Educate workforce again in donning and doffing of PPE and in sequential order.
8. Review your infection control policies for surveillance, recognition, identification and reporting requirements for workforce and clients.
9. Have a process to monitor and report any workforce or client illnesses in your organization.
10. Develop an occupational health plan and policies for any workforce members with an exposure to COVID-19.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services provides private in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We provide both short-term and long-term in-home care needs from as little as one 4 hour day a week to 24 Hour Care and Live-In Care.

We offer a full range of in-home personal care services including Bathing, Personal Hygiene and Grooming, Dressing Assistance, Toileting and Incontinence, Feeding, and Medication Reminders.

We also provide support services such as Case Management, Accompaniment to Appointments, Nutrition and Meal Management, Light Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Bed and Wheel Chair Transfers, and Shopping and Running Errands.

Unique HomeCare Services is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts and serves the surrounding communities.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

We have an extensive Directory of Online Senior and Caregiver Resources for the information you need.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs and get a quote, please call us to speak to a Case Manager at (800) 296-9962 or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

 

Organizing Your Elderly Parent’s Information

You may be noticing the signs that your elderly parents need help.

Think about all the questions and information you would need if your parents suddenly passed or became incapacitated.

Your Elderly Parents

• Are your parents neat and organized with a filing system so you can find everything?

• Do you know where to to begin looking for the information you need?

• Are your parents secretive?

• Do your parents have jewelry, money, or other valuables hidden in the house?

• Do they have a Safe Deposit Box?

You need to get answers to your questions long before a potential crisis happens and help your parents organize their documents and information.

Get Access and Contact Information

You or the person holding Durable Power of Attorney will need access to computer accounts and financial records. Start by asking these questions:

• What is their computer login?

• Do they bank, pay bills or handle investments online? If so, what are the accounts and passwords?

• Where are copies of their federal and state income tax filings for the last three years?

• Do they have an accountant? What is the accountant’s contact information?

• Do they own life insurance? Where are the policies?

• Where are their homeowner’s and car insurance policies?

• Where are their health insurance policies? Also make copies of the front and back of their health insurance cards.

• Who handles their investments? What is their investment advisers contact information?

• Do they have bonds or stock certificates in the house?

• If they own property, do they have a mortgage, equity loan or reverse mortgage?

• Where are any real estate deeds and property tax information?

• If they own a vehicle, boat or land, where are the titles or deeds and registration?

• Do they have any bank loans?

• Have they given or taken any personal loans? To and from whom? How much is owed?

• Do they have credit card debt? Also make copies of the front and back of any card cards.

• Do they make regular payments to any person, business or organization?

• Do they have a pension?

• With which banks do they have accounts for checking, savings and CD’s? You will need the names of the institutions and account numbers, and PINs numbers for their ATM cards.

• Are membership dues, subscriptions, donations or purchases subtracted directly from their bank account?

• Have they been a customer of other banks or brokerages in the past?

• Do they have a Will and where is it?

• Do they have a Durable Power of Attorney for health care?

• Do they have an attorney? Is the attorney holding their will or other important documents?

• Are any assets in a trust?

• Do they have a safety deposit box? Where are the keys, locations, and any other information needed for access?

• Do they have a burial plot and any prepaid funeral plans?

• Where are their Social Security cards, passport’s? Also make copies of their driver licenses.

• Where are other important documents such as education and military records, marriage license, and
divorce decrees?

• Are there any hiding places in the house, yard, garage or car for money and valuables?

• Where are any valuables such as jewelry and artwork?

Create Contact Lists

Make up contact lists of all important people and institutions you may need to reach:

• Contact information of friends and clergy.

• Contact information for health care: doctors, dentists, chiropractors, and pharmacies.

• Contact list of attorneys, investment advisors, accountants, etc.

Sort And Store Documents

Everyone has their own approach to organizing. For some a filing box maybe better and for other’s a notebook and a 3 hole punch.

• First sort the documents into like kind piles by category.

• With everything divvied up by category, put each stack in chronological order with newest on top.

• Label dividers or files folders, one for each category that applies.

• Punch holes on the left side of each record if using a binder. Put in chronological order in the appropriate section.

Each of these should be in separate folder or section:

Pension Statements — Contact information: the firm handling distribution, the person in charge of account, and job or union where pension was earned.

401(k)/ IRA Retirement Accounts — Contact information: brokers, financial institutiosn and financial adviser’s names, firms, and phone numbers.

Insurance Policies — Long-term care, health, home, vehicle, and life policies. Contact information: agents, policy numbers, phone numbers.

Credit Card Statements — Contact information for lost or stolen card hotline and account numbers.

Social Security or Disability — Records of direct deposit or checks received.

Bank Account Statements — Contact information: local branch banker, account numbers.

Bills — Including account numbers for utilities, cable, department store and credit cards. Contact and other information: amount and due date for state and local property tax, with number for tax adviser, and the phone number, email address and address of the property tax bureau to which they are paid. Make note of any payments automatically withdrawn from a checking account or charged to a credit card, such as memberships, subscriptions and charity donations.

Warrantees — File unexpired important warrantees for items such as: appliances, windows, roof, kitchen cabinets, sprinkler system, security cameras, electronics, medical equipment, stair climber.

Legal Documents — The location of Wills or trusts, information on any ongoing lawsuits or settlements, attorney fees paid and due. Contact information for attorney names, firms, phone number and emails.

Loans — Payment books and statements. Contact information: customer service numbers, loan numbers, account passwords if they are paid online.

Mortgage — Statements, updates such as the sale of the mortgage, monthly due date, balloon payment due date, payoff date. Contact information: customer service number and account numbers.

Personal Loans — Signed agreements and payments made. Contact information: names and phone numbers.

Keeping Track Of And Money And Receipts

On a large manila envelope write: Care recipient’s name, the year and “Tax Deductible.”

• Put the current year’s medical receipts that your loved one, or you, if the person is a dependent, can deduct from taxes. Record tax-deductible miles driven, tolls and parking fees in a digital or paper calendar or datebook.

Check For Lost Money

Some $43 billion in lost money is sitting in banks and state accounts waiting for the rightful owner to claim it. These funds may be an unclaimed paychecks, abandoned bank and investment account, a tax or other refunds, an inheritance, an unclaimed prizes.

The name of the bank of institution may be unfamiliar as many banks have been bought and merged.

To see if your loved one is among those due, go to MissingMoney.com

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services provides in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We offer a full range of in-home care services such as personal care, grooming and incontinence care, bathing and dressing, post-hospitalization care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, and medication management.

We also provide non-medical support services such as meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, caring companionship, shopping/errands, accompanying to medical and other appointments, as well as case management services.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

Our service area is Boston, Norwood, Dedham, Westwood, Walpole, Canton, Sharon, Stoughton, Avon, Braintree, Easton, Milton, Quincy, Weymouth, and surrounding towns.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation full In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs of you or your loved one please call us at (800) 296-9962 to speak to a Case Manager or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

 

24 Hour and Live-In Home Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Most elderly, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, prefer to age in their homes.

The flexibility of in-home care allows for services to easily be increased or decrease depending on the need versus the relatively fixed costs of an assisted living facility, a memory care unit, or a nursing home facility.

Those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias might require only minimal personal care assistance and live-in or 24 hour care is not required.

As people enter mid stage dementia the hours of care and services can be increased to assist with the greater need with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, personal hygiene, and dressing, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as light housecleaning, laundry, and shopping for groceries.

In late-stage and end-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s, persons need extensive help, as mobility and the ability to communicate can be lost altogether.

Additional caregivers services might be needed such as companionship, meal preparation and clean up, and accompaniment to appointments.

The around the clock care that 24 Hour care provides or the all day care that Live-in care provides might be required.

It can be easy to confuse Live-in care with 24 hour care. While the same services are generally provided with both types of care, there are differences in coverage and costs between them.

With Live-In home care, a single caregiver provides to the needs of your loved one in a 24 hour time frame. The caregiver is scheduled for a maximum of four or five days per week and then switches with a different caregiver for the remainder of the week. Generally, the care is given by only these two caregivers over the course of the week, versus the day.

Over a 24 hour day, the Live-in caregiver is given a 4 hour break to rest and rejuvenate. If the situation requires it, an additional caregiver can cover these 4 hours. The Live-in caregiver also has an 8 hour sleeping period.

With Live-in care, a room and a bed in the house must be provided for the Live-in caregiver to sleep.

Live-in care is billed at a flat per day rate. If needed, any additional coverage during the Live-in caregiver’s 4 hour daily break is billed at an hourly rate.

With 24 Hour care, two caregivers are scheduled daily with each caregiver working a 12 hour shift. In some situations for medical or other reasons, it is better to have three caregivers who each work an 8 hour shift.

Caregivers do not sleep in the home and a room is not provided for them with 24 Hour care.

24 Hour home care is billed on an hourly rate and caregivers usually work no more than 4 shifts per week.

Live-in and 24 Hour care costs are comparable to nursing home and assisted living costs, and provides individual one-on-one care versus shared care.

Live-in home care costs are less than the cost of nursing homes at around $384 a day for the care needs of one person or $504 a day for two people to receive care.

24 Hour in-home care is about $576 a day for the care needs of one person or $624 a day for two people to receive care.

Nursing homes in Greater Boston average about $10,380 a month and range between $7,050 and $13,200 per month.

Annually, the costs of these facilities are $84,600 to $158,400 with the mean cost of around $126,290 for Greater Boston, which is higher than the national mean average of $77,380 a year.

Our caregivers are trained and experienced in Alzheimer’s and dementia care They know how to approach and communicate with persons with dementia. Including how to handle specific behaviors commonly seen in persons with the disease, such as sundowning, wandering, and mood swings.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services provides private in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We provide both short-term and long-term in-home care needs from as little as one 4 hour day a week to 24 Hour Care and Live-In Care.

We offer a full range of in-home personal care services including Bathing, Personal Hygiene, Dressing Assistance, Toileting and Incontinence, Feeding, and Medication Reminders.

We also provide support services such as Case Management, Accompaniment to Appointments, Nutrition and Meal Management, Light Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Bed and Wheel Chair Transfers, and Shopping and Running Errands.

Unique HomeCare Services is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts and serves the surrounding communities.

We have an extensive Directory of Online Senior and Caregiver Resources for the information you need.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs and get a quote, please call us to speak to a Case Manager at (800) 296-9962 or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

 

Aid and Attendance Service Period Requirements

The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit is a solution for veterans and their surviving spouses overwhelmed with the cost of care.

The Aid and Attendance pension pays for the in-home assistance and other care that is needed with basic Activities for Daily Living such as eating, bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Alzheimer's Care At Home Dedham MAOf the many requirements to qualify for Aid and Attendance, one day of active service is needed during a wartime period.

Service in a combat zone is not a requirement to qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit.

Congress defines these wartime dates used by the VA to determine if veterans qualify for benefits such as Aid and Attendance.

These wartime periods are:

World War II: December 7, 1941 — December 31, 1946

Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 — January 31, 1955

Vietnam Era: February 28, 1961 — May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise August 5, 1964 — May 7, 1975

Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through a future date, to be set by Presidential proclamation or by law. For VA benefits purposes, this time of war is still in effect.

Determining eligibility for the Aid and Attendance Benefit is not easy, can be very confusing and each case is ultimately decided by the VA.

Unique HomeCare Services is here to assist you. As a service to our veteran clients and their surviving spouses, we will assist you in determining your Aid and Attendance eligibility and your application at no cost to you.

With our experience, we can also cut the time needed for Aid and Attendance approval by the VA from 6 to 9 months to 1 to 3 months.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services provides private in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We provide both short-term and long-term in-home care needs from as little as one 4 hour day a week to 24 Hour Care and Live-In Care.

We offer a full range of in-home personal care services including Bathing, Personal Hygiene and Grooming, Dressing Assistance, Toileting and Incontinence, Feeding, and Medication Reminders.

We also provide support services such as Case Management, Accompaniment to Appointments, Nutrition and Meal Management, Light Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Bed and Wheel Chair Transfers, and Shopping and Running Errands.

Unique HomeCare Services is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts and serves the surrounding communities.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs and get a quote, please call us to speak to a Case Manager at (800) 296-9962 or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

Massachusetts Home Care Program Allows Family Members To Provide Care And Get Paid

A number of our clients have served as care providers for their loved ones. Some have even been paid to be their parent’s caregiver.

In Massachusetts, there are several programs which will pay family members for caring for their elderly or disabled relatives in their homes. So yes, family members can be paid to provide care, but only under certain conditions.

elderly woman family caregiver

Massachusetts Home Care Programs

The Massachusetts Home Care Program is a state-sponsored program administered through regional Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs).

In Massachusetts, there are 26 Aging Services Access Points. The ASAP’s role is to provide home-based services such as case management and to seniors so that they can continue to live independently in their home.

An Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) Assessment Is Needed

To receive payment for your services you will first need to have the senior undergo an assessment for their care needs. The ASAP’s designate certain agencies to conduct the assessment in your area. Click here for more information or to locate an ASAP near where you live.

The ASAP will send a team to your home to assess the need for services and help you and your family develop a service plan. The criteria for an objective assessment of activities of daily living were created by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Depending on your family’s income, you may have to pay a monthly co-payment, which is based on a sliding scale.

Program benefit levels can change based on the state budget. Therefore check with your local ASAP for current benefits.

Eligibility for Home Care Services

To be eligible, the person receiving care must be 60 years old or older. However, applicants under age 60 years old may qualify if they have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other types of Dementia.

The service recipient must meet specific income eligibility guidelines.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts sets the maximum income for the Home Care Program for 2018 at $27,636 for individuals and $39,104 for couples.

Over Income Program

Individuals or couples whose income is higher than the income maximum may be eligible for the Over Income Program in which they would make co-payments based on a sliding scale percentage.

The service recipient must need assistance with at least six Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) including:

• Eating
• Toileting
• Dressing
• Bathing
• Transportation
• Grocery Shopping
• Transferring
• Laundry
• Housework
• Medication Management
• Meal Preparation
• Money Management

At least one of the areas requiring assistance must be a “critical unmet need”. Critical unmet needs can be defined as personal care, grocery shopping, medication management, meal preparation (or a need for home-delivered meals), and transportation for respite or medical treatment.

Experienced ASAP case managers will check out the service recipient’s abilities for activities of daily living by completing an in-home assessment. Based on this assessment a service plan may provide approximately 2.5 hours per week of services.

Within the Home Care Program, there may be additional levels of support and services for those eligible, including the Enhanced Community Options Program (ECOP), Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) and Consumer Directed Care (CDC).

For details about getting paid for providing care or any of the programs above – call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636).

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts and serves the Greater Boston communities in Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties.

We provide private in-home care for elders, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We provide both short-term and long-term in-home care needs from as little as one 4 hour day a week to 24 Hour Care and Live-In Care.

We offer a full range of in-home personal care services including Bathing Assistance, Personal Hygiene and Grooming, Dressing Assistance, Toileting and Incontinence Assistance, Feeding Assistance, and Medication Reminders.

We also provide support services such as Case Management, Accompaniment to Appointments, Nutrition and Meal Management, Light Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Bed and Wheel Chair Transfers, and Shopping and Running Errands.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs and get a quote, please call us to speak to a Case Manager at (800) 296-9962 or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

 

In-Home Alzheimer’s And Dementia Care Services

Dementia is not a single disease. Dementia is a broad term that encompasses several types of progressive disorders. These disorders have a wide range of symptoms.

Most people have heard of the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the Alzheimers Association of the estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2017, an estimated 5.3 million are age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 individuals are under age 65 and have what is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care in Norwood, MA Forms and Types of Dementia

In addition to Alzheimer’s Disease, some other forms and types of dementia include:

• Parkinsons Disease
• Huntington’s Disease
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
• Frontotemporal Dementia
• Mixed Dementia
• Vascular Dementia
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other related diseases are progressive biological brain disorders and get worse over time. Years ago, almost all of those with dementia would end up in a long-term care facility as their symptoms got worse.

However, now there is a range of support and medical services available to help people stay in their homes.

Care At Home vs Long Term Care Facility

While a long-term care facility option may still be the best option for many, for others receiving dementia care at home may provide more significant benefits. This doesn’t mean that family members or friends need to be the only caregivers.

A reputable and experienced home care program can help your loved one with dementia live at home, safely and comfortably.

Some will benefit from having a light housekeeping visit a few hours a week to help with keeping the house clean and others may need help with shopping and meal preparation.

Others may require a full-time caregiver to provide support 24/7.

Reasons to consider in-home care for seniors with dementia include:

• People with dementia often have difficulty dealing with change. Helping them to remain at home, in a familiar setting can prevent negative behaviours that may be triggered by a change

• People with dementia need help to remember to do basic self-care tasks. A home care aide helps the person with bathing, toileting, and other hygiene needs.

• Home care aides provide respite services for family and friends, especially those who serve as caregivers

• People with dementia may also need help outside the home, and an aide can help with additional support such as accompanying them to doctor’s appointments, recreational activities, and social groups

• Help with medication reminders and make sure their other medical needs are met.

Challenges of Dementia For Families

The decision to care for a loved one with dementia at home poses many challenges for families and caregivers. Having brain disorders makes it increasingly difficult for those affected to think, remember what they need to do, take care of themselves and communicate with others.

Dementia can also change a person’s personality, cause mood swings and change behaviours. Because these behaviours are new to family members, they may not be prepared psychologically and physically to help their loved one.

Stages of Dementia And Care Needed

The Early stage of dementia requires help with medication management, organization, money management, keeping appointments, and developing coping strategies to maintain independence. During this stage, it is crucial to make care plans for the future as the disease progresses.

The Middle stages of dementia typically last 2 to 10 years and additional care is needed than in the Early stage of the disease. Memory is significantly affected and the individual may not recognize familiar faces, or they may become lost in an area in which they know. It is vital that an individual with dementia in this stage follow a structured schedule, which can aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and stress commonly associated with dementia.

Mood and behaviour become more erratic. There may be occasional aggression or uninhibitedness because they are losing the ability to reason.

Individuals often have difficulty with coordination and physical movements. In this stage, dementia patients need more assistance with what is appropriate clothing to wear and activities of daily living, such as feeding and dressing.

Late-stage dementia typically lasts 1 to 3 years or more. Individuals require intensive 24-hour-a-day care.

Late stage is characterized by people showing extreme confusion, both in present circumstances and remembering past events. The ability to process information becomes impaired, and the individual will have a very difficult time communicating verbally if they can do so at all.

Behavior and mood are usually unpredictable and they may even experience hallucinations. Commonly, an individual in this stage will need to move to a facility, such as a Memory Care Unit to receive the extensive care that they require.

In-Home Care For Dementias

Our staff is trained on Dementia and its progression, as well as how to handle the erratic behaviour and moods.

We how to maintain low-stress levels for the affected individual, instead of unintentionally escalating the stress.

Our home care staff cater to the specific needs of individuals with dementia. We work with each individual to learn about and incorporate fun activities to stimulate their memory.

We also assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as dressing, shopping, preparing meals, room modifications, medication reminders as well as helping to provide the family with support and respite for the family.

We understand that it is difficult to know when to seek outside help. For quality care, it is essential to find a home caregiver who is experienced and qualified to handle the various and ever changing challenges of people living with dementia.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services provides in-home care for elders and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We offer a full range of in-home care services such as personal care, grooming and incontinence care, bathing and dressing, post-hospitalization care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, and medication management.

We also provide non-medical support services such as meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, caring companionship, shopping/errands, accompanying to medical and other appointments, as well as case management services.

Our services are available for long-term and short-term care needs from as little as a one 4 hour day visit a week to 24 Hour and Live-In Care.

We also offer Respite Care services to assist family caregivers going away or with caregiver fatigue.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

We have an extensive Directory of Online Senior and Caregiver Resources for the information you need.

Our service area is Boston, Norwood, Dedham, Westwood, Walpole, Canton, Sharon, Stoughton, Avon, Braintree, Easton, Milton, Quincy, Weymouth, and surrounding towns.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation full In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs of you or your loved one please call us at (800) 296-9962 to speak to a Case Manager or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.

 

Local Home Care Services

If you or a loved one needs care after a hospitalization, illness or an accident, you need reliable and trustworthy home care services.

Best homecare norwood

Asking family or friends who they used for home care can let you know who they recommend and who to stay away from. This information is extremely helpful as personal experience is so important to get the right care for your needs.

Calling your local Better Business Bureau, local Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center, or Town Hall, can give you information on highly rated companies in your area.

The Different Types Of Home Care Available

Nursing Care

The most common form of health care at home is some type of nursing care. A registered nurse will work with your doctor to set up a plan of care. This type of home care typically includes medical care such as ostomy care, pain control, intravenous therapy, administering medication, wound dressing changes, monitoring vitals, and related medical services.

Homemaker Services

When a patient is being medically cared for in the home, they are often not able to do basic chores, and Homemaker or basic assistance care. services are needed to maintain the household with tasks such as shopping,  meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, transportation, and other housekeeping chores.

Home Health Aides

Home health aides are hired to help the patient with his or her basic personal needs such as bathing, toileting, getting out of bed,  dressing, and walking.

Companionship

Patients that are home alone they benefit from Companionship services to provide support, monitoring, and maybe care oversight. Companions, if needed, may perform occasional household duties.

About Unique HomeCare Services

Unique HomeCare Services provides in-home care for elders and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery.

We offer a full range of in-home care services such as personal care, grooming and incontinence care, bathing and dressing, post-hospitalization care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, and medication management.

We also provide non-medical support services such as meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, caring companionship, shopping/errands, accompanying to medical and other appointments, as well as case management services.

Our services are available for long-term and short-term care needs from as little as a one 4 hour day visit a week to 24 Hour and Live-In Care.

We also offer Respite Care services to assist family caregivers going away or with caregiver fatigue.

It is our pleasure to assist our veteran clients with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval at no cost.

We have an extensive Directory of Online Senior and Caregiver Resources for the information you need.

Our service area is Boston, Norwood, Dedham, Westwood, Walpole, Canton, Sharon, Stoughton, Avon, Braintree, Easton, Milton, Quincy, Weymouth, and surrounding towns.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation full In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs of you or your loved one please call us at (800) 296-9962 to speak to a Case Manager or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.