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.

 

Finding The Best Home Care Agency

The best home care agencies provide services that sets them apart from other home care agencies. This is a list of best practices and qualities that professional agencies exemplify on a daily basis that set them apart.

Unique HomeCare Services

Staff Screening

Thorough screening of staff is essential to protecting your loved ones. The best agencies will screen staff with background checks and a thorough check of all work and personal references. This ensures that each employee has impeccable references and a history of reliability and treating people with dignity and respect. Candidates also undergo a thorough interview process to make sure that each employee has the requisite skills, education, and attitude necessary to provide the most competent, compassionate, and caring services available.

Staff Experience

The best home care agencies recruit staff with the most experience providing home care services. They make sure their staff had the proper credentials and the programs they graduated from are accredited programs. They also take the time to work with the staff in the home, for a period of time, to make sure that they deliver the services in a competent, and caring way, and to make sure that the patient feels comfortable with the care provider.

Flexibility

The best home care agency recruit staff that can be flexible with their hours. Thus, when a client requires additional care, the staff can accommodate their increased need. The agency also needs sufficient backup staff that can meet any increased care needs including nights and weekend.

They Care

The best home care agencies recruit the type of caregiver that they would want to care for their own parents. They look for staff with a positive, cooperative attitude. The correct attitude and values need come from the top down in the company. They understand that caring for someone means treating them as a human being first and is of the utmost importance. They understand that respecting people shows that you care.

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.

 

Options When 24 Hour Care Is Needed

The advantages of 24 hour in-home care or Live-in home care over an assisted living facility or nursing home are lower costs, one-on-one-care versus shared care, and the ability of the person to stay in their home.

24 HOUR CARE

24 Hour Care

Typically 24 hour care is given by two caregivers who are scheduled daily and each working one 12 hour shift. In many cases, it makes more sense for medical or other reasons if there are 3 caregivers who each work an 8-hour shift.

These shifts do not involve a caregiver sleeping in the home to provide care. With 12 hour shifts, the caregivers usually work no more than 4 times per week.

24 hour care is billed at an hourly rate.

Advantages of 24 Hour Care

With 24 hour care, a caregiver will be with your loved one at all times, day or night.

The caregivers are awake all night and day to ensure that your loved one has someone there to give care 24 hours a day.

Many people prefer this option, especially if your loved one has a condition in which they wander or need care at all hours of the day or night.  24 hour care allows caregivers to be more alert because they are replaced with another fresh caregiver every 8 or 12 hours.

Disadvantages of 24 Hour Care

The disadvantage of 24 hour care is the higher cost versus Live-in care, as 24 hour care is billed at an hourly versus a flat rate with Live-in rate. Live-in care is about half the cost of 24 hour care.

Additionally, 24 hour care has less continuity of caregivers, making this less desirable where the client wants or needs the same person providing all the care.

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.

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

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.

 

Options When Live-In Care Is Needed

Advantages of in-home live-in care or 24 hour home care over an assisted living facility or nursing home is are lower costs and the ability of the individual to stay in their home.

LIVE IN CARE

Live-In Care

Live-In care involves a single caregiver providing care to the client in a 24 hour time frame. Typically, the caregiver is scheduled for a maximum of four or five days per week. For the remainder of the days of the week, a different caregiver attends to the client.

In a 24 hour period, it is customary for a 4 hour break to be given to the Live-in caregiver. One must decide if they would like to provide additional home healthcare coverage for these 4 hours.

The caregiver for the Live in shift is provided with an 8 hour sleeping break and a bed must be provided for the caregiver.

Billing for Live in caregivers is done at a flat rate per day.  Coverage for the 4 hour break if needed is paid on an hourly rate.

Advantages of Live-In Care

Live-in caregiver rates are half the cost of 24 hour care.

With Live-in care the number of caregivers is reduced. Ideally, two caregivers are scheduled for the whole week coverage. This provides the client with the consistency of care and gives the senior, disabled, or post hospitalized person an opportunity to get to know and build a relationship with their two caregivers.

Disadvantages of Live-In Care

One disadvantage of using Live-in care is that there is a 4 hour break given to the daytime caregiver. You have to decide if care during the break period is needed and if so, who provides this care, a family or another caregiver. If care is provided during the break, there is an additional hourly cost on top of the flat live-in rate.

As the caregiver is given a mandatory 8 hour sleeping break, there is no direct care or supervision during this 8 hour time frame.

How To Decide Which Type Of Care Is Better

To determine which option, Live-in care or 24 hour care is needed, we suggest you have an In-Home Assessment. Then together we can help you determine the best type of care for you or your loved one.

We also recommend getting the input of your medical care team so that you can make an informed decision that takes into account your medical, emotional, and financial considerations.

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 Greater Boston 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.

 

Alzheimer’s Disease And Caregiving

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible disorder of the brain that slowly destroys thinking, memory skills, and eventually the ability to carry out simple tasks.

Among older adults, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who in 1906 noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included language problems, memory loss, and unpredictable behavior. Dr Alzheimer found many abnormal clumps called amyloid plaques, and tangled bundles of fibers called neurofibrillary, or tangles.

These plaques and tangles in the brain are still considered the main elements of Alzheimer’s disease. Another is the loss of connections between nerve cells called neurons, in the brain. Neurons transmit messages between different parts of the brain and from the brain to muscles and organs in the body.

Although treatment can help manage symptoms in certain people there is no cure for Alzheimer’s.

home care for alzheimers disease

What Are the Behaviors Of People With Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cause people to act in different and unpredictable ways. Some individuals become anxious or aggressive. Others repeat certain questions or gestures. Many misinterpret what they hear.

These types of reactions can lead to misunderstanding, frustration, and tension particularly between the person with dementia and the family caregiver.

It is important to understand that the person with Alzheimer’s Disease is not trying to be difficult and that their behavior is an attempt to communicate.

Tips For Caregivers In Dealing With Loved Ones Who Have Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association® offers some helpful suggestions for responding to dementia related behaviors.

The following three-step approach can help you identify common dementia-related unpredictable behaviors and their causes:

Examine The Unpredictable Behavior:

• What was the behavior?
• Was it harmful?
• Did something trigger it?
• What happened immediately after?
• Could something be causing the person pain?
• Could this be related to medications or another illness? Consult a physician to be sure.

Explore Potential Solutions:

• Are the person’s needs being met?
• Can adapting the surroundings increase the comfort of the person?
• How can you change your reaction or approach?

Try Different Responses:

• Did your new response help?
• Do you need to explore other potential causes and solutions and if so, what can you do differently?

Why Does My Loved One Do These Negative Behaviors And How Can I Help?

Although it can be frustrating to deal with a loved one with Alzeheimer’s, you shouldn’t take it personally, or think the person is doing their unpredictable behavior intentionally.

Negative Behavior May Be Related To:

• Physical pain or discomfort
• Illness
• Medication
• Hunger or thirst
• Overstimulation from loud noises or a busy environment
• Unfamiliar surroundings such as new places or their inability to recognize their home
• Complicated tasks such as activities or chores
• Frustrating interactions, such as an inability to communicate effectively which may cause fear, anxiety or sadness

Once you understand what the person is trying to communicate, you can try and provide them with what they need and this typically helps stop or lessen their unpredictable behavior.

Resources

For more details on how to respond when dementia causes unpredictable behaviors, download the full Alzheimers Association guide here: https://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_behaviors.pdf

Additional information about Alzheimer’s disease can be found in our Directory of Online Resources.

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.

 

Home Health Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities

There are many types of home health care services.

When people are unable to do things for themselves either due to aging, an accident, illness or a disability, home health care services are an option for living at home versus an expensive and isolating institutional for their care.

Unique HomeCare Services

It is important when considering home health care services to get an In-Home Assessment.

During the assessment, you convey what services you need.

Types of Home Health Care

Personal Care

Personal care is non-medical care or private duty work.  The purpose of Personal Care is to help the person to live independently, in a safe, active, and familiar setting of their home.

Personal Care services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s) which are the normal everyday activities that the person did prior independently.

Personal Care includes:

• Assistance with dressing
• Toileting and continence
• Meal preparation and planning
• Feeding
• Bathing
• Laundry and house cleaning
• Transferring (walking) or moving from bed to wheelchair

An individual’s ability to perform these ADLs is an important part of understanding the type of services that are needed.

Companionship

Seniors, those with disabilities or injuries often need to be transported and accompanied to medical appointments, recreational activities, and shopping.

Home Care services can vary from those who only need a little extra help to those who may need 24 hours a day and 7 days a week care

Respite Care

Some family caregivers use agency home care services for Respite Care. Using home care services as respite services allow the family caregiver a chance to take a break from providing care to their loved one. Respite services relieve caregiver stress, especially for those who have also have children, or who need to travel or take a long deserved vacation.

Medication Reminders

Medication Reminders can be essential in helping people live independently versus institutionalized. It is estimated that 4 out of 5 adults are currently taking at least one medication, while nearly one-third of adults are taking more than four prescription medications.

Especially for seniors, getting medication reminders, assistance with labels, and how to take their medications can keep them healthy and remain independent.

Light Housekeeping

A clean home increases the quality of life and helps in preventing accidents from slips and falls.

Light Housekeeping services include:

• Vacuuming
• Mopping floors
• Dusting
• Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms

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.

 

The Safety Of In-Home Care

According to Census data in 2014, there are 46.2 million people 65 years or older or 14.5% of the U.S. population, which is about one out of every seven Americans.

It is estimated that by 2060, there will be about 98 million older Americans, which is more than twice the number in 2014.

As a result of this population growth trend, the need for home care services is also increasing. In addition to changes in population demographics, there is a growing preference for seniors to receive care in their home as opposed to a facility such as a nursing home, hospital or assisted living facility.

In fact, nine out of ten senior citizens prefer care in the home over nursing home care.

Safest Home Care Agencies

Seniors Are Safer At Home

There is increasing concern about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), an infection caused by bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics, as well as exposure to other infectious diseases.

Seniors are most vulnerable to developing infectious conditions due to their lower immune systems and greater contact with others in these medical facilities.

Home care avoids this exposure by providing care in their home and reducing exposure.

Safe Home Caregivers

To have a stranger come into your home requires trust. You need to feel comfortable that the care provider is competent and has been screened properly.

Unique Homecare Services prides itself on being a model for our thorough screening of our caregivers.

Our procedure for screening safe home caregivers is:

• We require medical certificates, TB tests, and doctors’ reports
• Verifications of past employment
• We request and check references
• Thorough background checks.
• Caregivers that are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) with at least 2 years of experience are our preferred caregivers

We also provide our caregivers with Worker’s Compensation and Liability Insurance.

With our thorough screening process, we make sure that we are sending the best caregivers to represent our company and the best caregivers for our clients.

The Familiar and Comfortable Environment Of Home

Excellent in-home care keeps seniors in their most comfortable environment, their home, which decreases anxiety and confusion.

Home care is proven to be a reliable way to manage chronic conditions and reduce expensive hospital visits.

Research shows that people with in-home health care heal more quickly than in institutions.

Home Care Services

Home health care includes both medical services as well as personal care services. Home health care agencies like ours provide custom tailored, personalized care planning through a thorough In-Home Assessment.

We also help with completing forms and health related paperwork.

We act as a liaison with family members when family members are not in the local area or when they are not available due to other commitments.

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 Greater Boston 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.

 

Is An Individual Caregiver Or A Home Care Agency Better?

When you have the responsibility for the care of a loved one, you do not want to trust just anyone.

If you or a loved one need in-home care, you want a home care agency that has the experience and a track record of helping families put together a plan that is affordable and responsive to the care needs.

Best Homecare Agencies Dedham MA

Home Care Agencies vs. Individual Caregivers

Individual home care providers are individual people providing in-home care by themselves. They may have to juggle the individual needs and schedules of many patients. This makes their availability very limited.

They may get sick, take a vacation, or need to spend more time with another client whose health may be declining.

They also may not have the level of skill needed to care for you or your loved one should health needs become more complex.

Advantages of Working with a Home Care Agency

A home care agency has many caregivers that can be assigned to provide in-home care. There is always coverage if a caregiver is out or away. With more than one caregiver home care agencies have coverage should you need more help.

There are additional staff members with varies skills if more specialized care is needed.

Agencies typically have a wider range of in-home services they can provide.

Agencies fully screen their caregiving staff.

Download the Guide to the Choosing the Best Homecare Agencies for more details.

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 Greater Boston 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.

What Is The Cost Of Home Care?

 

In-Home Care Services Are More Affordable Than You Might Think

When you or a loved one needs personal care, deciding on the right type of care can make all the difference in the world. There are several care options.

What Type of Care Do You Need?

If your loved one is in poor or declining health, either mentally or physically, and health care needs are many, an assisted living facility or home care may not be the best option due to the cost involved. In this case, a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home made be a better option.

price of home care

Nursing homes are similar to hospitals because they are more able to provide skilled care to seniors with more intensive or urgent needs. For example, if your loved one needs care around the clock then a skilled nursing facility may be the best option.

What About Assisted Living Facilities?

Assisted living residences may, or may not have licensed nurses on their staff.

Because they are considered non-medical facilities- some assisted living facilities do not have a nurse or doctor connected with them at all. This is because they are not required by law to have a licensed nurse at their agency.

Accordingly, even if the assisted living facility does have a nurse, they cannot give hands-on care such as administering oxygen, dressing a wound, administering insulin 24 hours a day, or other care that is defined by the state and federal governments as “skilled nursing care.”

When is In-Home Care a Good Option?

We recommend that families always do an in-home evaluation to determine the level of care needed before making a decision on the best option. We believe that the individual and family are the best judges of what will work best for them and their unique situation.

We understand that the price of home care Dedham and other communities can be a primary concern for many families looking for in-home medical or non-medical services.

Some people assume that it in-home health care or personal care will be too expensive but if you compare all your options in most cases where the health or other care needs are not that intensive in-home care is your most cost effective option.

The Cost of Home Care

Typically, the price of home care is determined by the number of hours needed. In some cases, there is a 4 hour minimum for homecare services, but you can choose as many or as little services as you feel are necessary.

Hourly rates in Massachusetts, average $25 per hour for a Health Aide. For example, if you need a home health aide 4 hours per day for 5 days per week, then the yearly cost would be approximately $26,000 per year.

Contrast this cost with the yearly cost of a nursing home which is $131,400. Compare this with the yearly cost of a one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility which is approximately $55,920, in-home care is so much more cost effective than the other options.

How To Pay For In-Home Care

In-Home care services can be paid for directly by the client or through a variety of public and private funding sources.

These funding sources may include workers’ compensation, Long Term Care Insurance, as well as Medicaid.

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.

Aid and Attendance Benefits for Veteran Home Care

 

Aid and Attendance Benefits for Veteran Home Care

Veteran Home Care Benefits

If your loved one is a veteran or you are a spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for in-home care through the Veterans Administration.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Improved Pension

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Improved Pension is a pension benefit that not many people know about.  It is available to veterans who have served at least 90 days, with 1 day during wartime.

24 hour in home care

Who Qualifies for the Aid and Attendance Benefits?

You qualify for Aid and Attendance Benefits for Veterans funding if you:

• Are eligible for basic pension benefits

• You require the aid of another person in order to perform Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting yourself from the hazards of your daily environment.

• You are bedridden, in that your disability or disabilities require that you remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment,
You are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity,

• You have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.

Aid & Attendance Benefit for Veterans by www.AUniqueHomecareServices.com

What It Covers

This benefit will cover the cost of home caregivers and nursing or assisted living facilities.

The benefit level can be over $2,000 monthly for a veteran and spouse and over $1000 for the widow of a veteran. The need for services does not have to be because of a service-­related injury.

However, the veteran must require assistance in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

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.

Geriatric Care Managers What They Do To Help Seniors

 

Geriatric Care Managers: Helping Seniors and Their Families

geriatric care managers dedham

What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

Geriatric Care Managers are invaluable in helping seniors and their families figure out how to get the care they need.

Seniors health care policies are extremely complicated and to try and understand the benefits and exclusions of these policies can be challenging for seniors and their families.

These are trained professionals who can help you or your loved one with all aspects of the care management and caregiving process.

The Geriatric Care Manager Role

A Geriatric Care Manager works with the family and senior to create and implement a comprehensive short and long-term care plan which enables the senior to maintain their health and independence.

This is accomplished by putting in place staff and services with the highest quality care at the best price. Geriatric care managers have a specialization in caring for seniors, and some can also provide care to people with disabilities, no matter the care needs or age of the client.

Qualifications of a Geriatric Care Manager

Care managers typically have graduate-level degrees in nursing, psychology, social work, or gerontology, and most are certified or licensed.

The Process of Getting Help

When the Geriatric Care managers begin their work, they typically start with an assessment of the person’s needs, which includes exploring the available family and community resources, financial resources, as well as the physical and mental health of the client.

Once the initial evaluation is made and the care plan created, the Geriatric Care Manager continuously monitors and re-evaluates the plan by either advising the family about existing resources or by becoming a member of the long-term care team.

What Do Geriatric Care Managers Do

Generally, geriatric care managers will help with the following:

  • Screen and Assess care needs.
  • Determine the client’s eligibility for financial assistance, problems, and services required.
  • Arrange for and monitor in-home medical care and related services.
  • Provide counseling and support for families, client, and others involved in the caregiving process.
  • Provide advocacy for the client and/or family.
  • Assist a client in changing their living environment, if needed.
  • Assist with coordination and communication between family members and caregivers.
  • Offer crisis intervention, as needed.
  • Make referrals to specialists for medical, legal, dietary, or financial matters.

Custom Care

Geriatric Care Managers tailor each care plan to each individual’s custom needs. Therefore, it is important to make all of your needs known to the Geriatric Care Manager initially when you meet with them.

Benefits of Hiring a Geriatric Care Manager:

Convenience: Not all, but some are available around the clock

Continuity: It is easier for the caregiver to ensure continuity of care

Control of Costs: They coordinate to help keep costs down

Custom Care: Care manager tailors care to your loved ones needs

Flexibility: Having a person who is available at times when you need them, enables you to resume many of your normal activities

Higher Quality Care: Geriatric care managers are governed by standards of quality care set forth by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers

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.