Lung Changes With AgeDoes age affect lung capacity? In most cases, yes, lung capacity decreases over time. So why is lung capacity decreased in the elderly? The following changes can occur in your lungs as you age:
Preventing Age Related Changes in the Respiratory SystemThe respiration rate for elderly adults differs based on living situation and health. For example, the normal respiratory rate for elderly individuals living independently is 12-18 breaths per minute while it is 16-25 breaths per minute for those needing long term care. There are a few ways to mitigate the effects of aging on the respiratory system on your own. Here are some tips to work on lung capacity and respiratory rate at home.Quit SmokingSmoking narrows lung passages, causes chronic inflammation, and is the leading cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Talk to doctor or check out these resources to begin your journey to quit.Avoid Exposure to PollutantsTest your home for radon, which can affect indoor air quality and cause lung cancer. Also, keep your home and car smoke-free zones.Protect Yourself From InfectionWash your hands regularly. Get vaccinated every year for influenza, and avoid large groups of people during cold and flu season.Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!Aerobic and muscle strengthening activities can strengthen your diaphragm help lung capacity. Always speak with a doctor before beginning a new vigorous exercise program as an older adult.Practice Good PostureThe way you stand or sit will affect how much air your lungs can hold. Focus on sitting up or standing straight to expand your lungs, and you can even try reaching your arms above your head to further increase lung capacity.Perform Belly BreathingThis exercise will make the diaphragm stronger over time and cause you to breathe more air in and out. Place your hands or a small object on your belly, if needed, to stay focused. Breathe in through your nose until your lungs are full and then breathe out through your mouth. Focus on the rise and fall of your stomach as you breathe.Practice Pursed-lip BreathingThis exercise keeps air passages open for longer periods of time, holds air in the lungs, keeps lungs expanded, and trains your body to breathe more often through the nose. Slowly breathe in through your nose and when your lungs are full, purse your lips and breathe out slowly through the mouth. The goal is to take twice as long to breathe out as you did to breathe in. Have you noticed any significant lung changes as you’ve aged? What has worked for you to prevent further declines? Share your experiences in the comments below.from https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/lung-changes-with-age-capacity-respiratory-rate-elderly-adults/
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When Megan was a little girl, she dreamed of being a nurse. She took care of her little brothers when they fell ill but she absolutely loved helping her grandparents out. She knew that nursing was competitive and in addition to putting forth her best effort in school, she would need to gain some experience in health care. That’s when she decided to become a Caregiver at Nurse Next Door. She became certified as a Caregiver and started working summers. She absolutely loved her patients and loved being a Caregiver. She found the work very diverse and interesting. The time with her patients flew by and she felt a real sense of accomplishment when she finished her shift. She knew she had changed the lives of her patients while promoting Happier Aging. Perfect MatchHer first client was Emma. Emma was 80 years old and loved it when Megan made her favourite healthy smoothie. After assisting her with bathing, getting dressed and going for a walk, Emma loved to watch the Golden Girls. Sipping on smoothies, Megan and Emma watched it together both equally getting a kick out of the ladies’ antics. Emma commented that Megan was not only a Caregiver but it was like she was a friend too. Emma’s days were less lonely and she looked forward to the next time Megan would visit. At Nurse Next Door, we have the Perfect Match promise, where we do our best to match our clients with Caregivers who share common interests and compatible personalities. 3×3Megan was a Caregiver to Emma three hours a day, three times a week. That’s what we call “3 x 3” at Nurse Next Door. It allows for adequate time for Caregivers to care for their clients in the Nurse Next Door Way. It’s easier to get to know your Caregiver that way. They’re not rushing in and out trying to complete all of the necessary duties. Happier AgingJohn was another client of Megan’s. He was at first resistant to receive any help, but Megan brought out the best in him. Megan learned that John used to love to play golf but given his chronic pain, he was no longer able to walk to the golf course. So, Megan offered to drive him to the course each week so he could putt. He loved the idea! Happier Aging is important at Nurse Next Door. We take the time to find out what our clients passions are and try to incorporate what sparks joy for them in every visit, because aging shouldn’t be boring and is worth celebrating! Providing Relief for Family CaregiversKatie and Hannah were busy with their own families. They promised their mom before she died that their dad would never be sent to a care facility. But their dad Huey’s care needs were increasing and they were finding it difficult to be the “daughters”. They were struggling from symptoms of caregiver burnout. The sisters reached out to Nurse Next Door, who could provide respite care servies and alleviate their caregiving responsibilities and stress. Megan was assigned to assist Huey with tidying, meal prep and medication reminders. Hannah and Katie’s minds were at ease and as an added bonus, they found that when they went to see their dad, they could actually have quality time with him as opposed to helping around the house. Megan is now in her first year of nursing school. She will continue to work as a Caregiver in the summer while she is in school. Megan found caregiving to be a wonderful career in and of itself but also found that it is a great stepping stone in her nursing career! Note: This blog is a part of Nurse Next Door’s “Caregiving as a Career” education program for our Franchise Partners and Caregivers. These resources are to raise awareness and provide continuing education that will support growth and compassionate care for the heart of our organization — our Caregivers.
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Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with pus or fluid. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, cough, chills, difficulty breathing, and many others. Pneumonia may be mild for certain populations, but it can be deadly for adults older than 65. Seniors are at a greater risk of contracting pneumonia due to other underlying health issues that come with age.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia in the elderly?Typical pneumonia symptoms, such as a phlegm-filled cough, chills, and high fever, sometimes do not appear in adults older than 65. This makes identifying pneumonia symptoms in elderly individuals difficult. However, there are other early signs of pneumonia in elderly adults to be aware of, including:
What are the risk factors that may cause pneumonia in seniors?In addition to the serious pneumonia symptoms in the elderly outlined above, there are numerous risk factors that older adults need to keep in mind. These factors include:
How do you treat pneumonia in older adults?No pneumonia prevention technique is 100% effective. When an older adult contracts pneumonia, it is important to receive the proper treatment. Dr. William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation on Infectious Disease, noted the best way to identify and treat pneumonia and the elderly symptoms. “Milder cases of pneumonia can be cared for at home, but more severe cases, especially in patients with other underlying health conditions, may require hospitalization.” Contact your doctor if you suspect you may be dealing with pneumonia. Your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia or antiviral medications for viral pneumonia. Here are a few additional ways your doctor may recommend treating mild cases of pneumonia:
from https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/pneumonia-symptoms-in-elderly-adults/ As our parents age, you might feel like spending more time with them. After all, they took the time to raise you, teach you how to tie your shoes, pack lunches for school, support your dreams, celebrate in your achievements and guide us through your defeats. And while not everyone’s upbringing was ‘sunshine and rainbows’, it can be hard to watch our parents struggle with age or health-related challenges. So many of us want to return the favor. When grown children start spending more time with Mom or Dad, it might kick off with short weekly visits, but quickly turns into hours a day providing care. Your work, kids, spouse, and health can start to suffer as a result–and that’s the last thing you want to happen as a family caregiver. While it can be fulfilling and comforting knowing you can take care of your senior parents, it can be stressful as well. Almost 44 million Americans take care of an aging loved one. About 50% of these people provide medical or nursing care, of which half believe they don’t have a choice in the matter. While many of them are grown children supporting a parent, a good percentage are also seniors who are caring for their spouse. The value of this unpaid labor force is estimated to be at least $306 billion annually, nearly double the combined costs of home health care ($43 billion) and nursing home care ($115 billion).
It’s Okay to Talk About ItA report shows that an estimate of 20% of family caregivers suffer from depression, which is twice the rate of the general population. Many people tend to bottle things up when they feel overwhelmed. It’s perfectly normal, but isn’t very healthy. Stress can build and negatively affect us physically and mentally. Check out our blog here to learn more about Caregiver Burnout symptoms and prevention tips. Stories for Caregivers launched a platform for family caregivers, encouraging them to document and submit their experiences, raising awareness of the hardships faced by relatives and friends who care for their loved ones. Family caregivers selflessly support their loved ones for no pay and no recognition, and they deserve a break. Whether you confide in someone you trust or decide to speak about it anonymously, try to be open about how you’re feeling, and be honest with yourself if you’re struggling. It’s Okay to Ask For HelpWhile it’s important to support your loved ones, you don’t need to make it your full-time job. You shouldn’t feel guilty if you feel stressed, tense or tired. Think about setting up respite care. This means having someone else come in for a short-term contract and take the tough stuff off your hands. You’ll finally be able to take a breath, relax, and have some time for yourself and your needs. Balancing life responsibilities can be overwhelming sometimes, just know that you are not alone. There are resources such as home care companies that offer respite care or support groups. Organizations like Nurse Next Door provide respite care for family caregivers who need a few weeks or months to catch up on their own lives. Many people keep visiting their senior loved ones during this time and find that the visits are much more relaxed and positive because the responsibility has been lifted. Hiring a professional caregiver or nurse doesn’t mean you aren’t a great caregiver or that you don’t care about Mom or Dad. While you might want to take care of them, you shouldn’t have to. When Cathy Thorpe joined Nurse Next Door as its CEO and President in 2014, she already knew the home care company from being a customer five years earlier. She had needed support when caring for her mother, who was recovering from surgery. Listen to Cathy talk about her personal experience as a daughter and family caregiver:
The post 2 Things You Need To Know As a Family Caregiver appeared first on Nurse Next Door Senior Home Care Services. from https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/family-caregiver-need-to-knows/ Are you preparing for hip surgery? Are you wondering what your recovery options are? Recovering at home tends to be the choice of many surgery patients, setting up the home before heading to the hospital for surgery is important and will make the road to recovery run more smoothly and easier. Has the thought of possible falls crossed your mind? Make sure to take the time before the surgery to make life easy and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Getting everything together that you need or use on a regular basis and putting it within an arm’s reach and is raised off the ground will reduce the risk of falls. Fall-Proof Tips for Your HomeIf your house has stairs, try limiting the use of stairs to once a day. Having and using railings is recommended and having a family member or friend assist you is something to think about. Is your bed raised up and do you have space between your feet and the floor? Try setting up a bed that is low and close enough to the floor to make sure that your feet touch the floor when you sit on the edge of the bed. Having bars for stability in the showers and bathrooms is important, so is adding slip-resistant mats to the shower. Try to keep soap and shampoo as close to waist level or higher if possible, install shower shelves to reduce the chance of reaching down for items and falling. Here are 10 other safety tips for the bathroom. Items That Help Keep Your Home Safe After Hip SurgeryHaving access to a phone is important, keep cell phones in easy to reach places or pockets. Using chairs with firm backs is a helpful tool in areas you use a lot, like in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and other rooms. Sitting while performing the daily tasks of living will help reduce the chance of falling and injuries after surgeries. Something to think about if a walker will be used is attaching a small basket or sturdy bag to the walker. Necessary items like phones, notepad, and pens or maybe a tablet can be placed in the basket. Other items that may help:To avoid extra bending or extra reaching shoehorns to put on shoes will be helpful, use one with a long handle
Clear the Your Floors of ClutterRemoving tripping hazards is an important task to take care of before the surgery. Remove loose rugs, keep all loose cords and wires out all your walking paths to make it easier to go from one room to another. Good lighting to avoid tripping over objects or walking into things is important, so is having night lights in rooms and hallways at night. If there is any uneven flooring in doorways, fixing it is important. Do you have small pets? Some small pets like to walk under the feet and can be easy to trip over. Something to consider is to have pets stay with a friend or family member while you recovery. Here are some other useful fall prevention tips! Keep Your Hands FreeFree hands are important to balance and you might need to grab something in the event you trip or lose your balance. Try to keep the hands free by not carrying anything when you’re up and moving around. Practicing the use of a walker, cane, crutches or wheelchair is a good step to take ahead of time as well. The last but still important step to a safe recovery is to have a support system and friend or family member stay with you if you live alone. Relying on your family and friends will make life after a hip replacement a lot easier. You can also consider home care services, where a caregiver can provide post-hospital care in the comfort of your own home. Having someone help you around the house with mobility or decluttering can have an optimal effect on your recovery process. Do you know a loved one that might need some post-hospital assistance at home?Nurse Next Door home care services can help.Call us toll-free at +1(877) 588-8609, we’re available 24/7.
The post How to Fall-Proof Your Home After Hip Surgery appeared first on Nurse Next Door Senior Home Care Services. from https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/how-to-fall-proof-after-hip-surgery/
Failing to take medications as prescribed is quite common, and quite dangerous. According to the CDC, adverse drug events lead older adults to visit the emergency room around 450,000 times per year. That’s largely because seniors take more medications than any other age group. For those with memory problems, managing medications can be even more difficult. Some may fail to fill or refill a prescription, discontinue medication too early, or accidentally take the wrong dose. Fortunately, there are a number of things that can help make medication management a little bit easier.
What is Medication Management?Medications can have complex interactions with a variety of different foods, supplements, and over the counter drugs. Medications also interact with other medications. With so many different moving parts, the importance of medication management should be clear. Not only can the efficacy of medications be affected, proper management is even a matter of life and death. Consequently, choosing the right approach to medication management largely depends on an individual’s unique circumstances. How often do dosages change? How often do medications need to be taken? How important is any given medication? How many different healthcare professionals are prescribing medications? The answer to these questions can help inform the specific medication management solutions most suitable to an individual’s needs.Medication Management TipsWhen visiting the pharmacist or doctor, bring a list of medications, supplements, and over the counter drugs you use. Having more information makes it easier for health providers to identify possible negative effects or drug interactions. Keep that list up to date with the brand names, dosage being taken, and frequency of the dose. Use as few providers and pharmacists as possible. Good communication between healthcare providers is essential for avoiding problems with drug interactions. Using multiple pharmacies means you’ll have to undergo an additional level of review to make sure dosages are appropriate and risks are minimized. Don’t be afraid to talk to the pharmacist about how combinations of medications might interact, or other questions you might have. Pharmacists are often nearly as qualified as your physician to answer these questions.Medication Management Systems for SeniorsPill organizers are made in a variety of different forms, including the popular pill-calendar format. For pills that need to be taken in the morning or evening, you might use two separate pill organizers of different colors. And for pills that need to be taken at regular intervals, special pill bottles are constructed with built-in LCD clocks, which count down from the moment they were last opened. Medication reminders are crucial. Alarm systems can also be useful reminders. With a voice assistant, smartphone, tablet, or similar device, it’s quite easy to setup some reminders along with timers. Likewise, involving medications into a routine can make them easier to remember. For instance, taking them shortly after brushing your teeth, or right after a meal.When Self-Guided Medication Management Won’t WorkFor older adults with minor memory problems, alarm systems or calendar systems can be handy. But if a loved one is suffering from a more severe cognitive impairment, it may not be safe for them to manage their own medications. Improperly taking medications can be dangerous or even lethal, which is why failing to take medications as prescribed can be a warning sign that a medication management care plan may be necessary. If you are interested in medication management services for seniors, contact your local Griswold Home Care office to discuss how caregivers can help with reminders.from https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/medication-management-preventing-future-health-problems/ Can You Die From Dementia?When you think of dementia, symptoms like memory loss and disorientation are probably what come to mind. If that’s the case, it may surprise you to learn that Alzheimer’s and dementia is actually the sixth leading cause of death in the US. So, how do you die from dementia? The answer actually depends on a wide variety of factors.The Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and DementiaBetween different people and different types of dementia, you’ll find different patterns of decline. For some, confusion and disorientation may be among the first symptoms to appear. For others, it could be changes in communication or judgement. With these changes can come depression, further complicating matters. No matter how it begins, the list keeps growing. Symptoms expand to include memory impairments, hallucinations, sleep issues, changes in personality, and more. The road may be different, but most cases of dementia have the same destination. During the late stages, a person is rendered unable to perform the daily activities of life, and they require around the clock care. Sometimes 24 hour care is not enough. For instance, even with adequate care, difficulty swallowing can gradually lead to malnutrition, which causes weight loss and increases our vulnerability to infection.Increased Vulnerability to Health RisksWhat do dementia patients die from, exactly? For most people with late stage Alzheimer’s disease, medical complications are the most common cause of death. Dying from dementia is often due to a suppressed immune system, leading to a fatal infection. Even if an infection is avoided, blood clots may develop related to long periods of immobility. Studying death and dementia is difficult because dementia is not always listed as the cause of death. According to the best available data, approximately 63% of dementia deaths are linked to circulatory issues. Another 26% are linked to respiratory system diseases. The remainder are a collection of many miscellaneous causes, ranging from digestive diseases to cancer. Then how do people die from dementia when complications are not directly responsible? Remember, dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. Even if medical complications can be avoided, the deterioration of the brain never stops. As dementia progresses, communication between the brain and body will eventually cease. Essential organs stop functioning, and even breathing independently may become impossible.Looking After Loved Ones with DementiaAlzheimer’s and dementia is eventually fatal, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. The progression of the disease can be slowed with regular exercise. As dementia gradually progresses, you can explore new activities to help stimulate Alzheimer’s patients, or a number of similar proven techniques for improving their mood and sense of well-being. And with preparation, caregivers can learn to reduce the risk of many health problems associated with dementia. Exploring the link between dementia and depression in seniors may be a good place to begin. In any case, there are always ways to be proactive. When it comes to quality of life, providing a supportive environment for your loved ones can make all the difference in the world.from https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/can-you-die-from-dementia/
For most older adults, there comes a time when it’s no longer safe to live alone. How do you know when that time has come? It’s a tough question, which is why researchers developed the elderly mobility scale. Though the test has limitations, it can help you make more objective determinations.
What is the Elderly Mobility Scale?True to its name, the elderly mobility scale (EMS) is a diagnostic tool used to help assess the mobility of seniors. More specifically, it helps to measure an elderly person’s abilities to take on daily tasks, and then provides a score. Sometimes it’s called the modified elderly mobility scale (MEMS) because it’s been amended several times to help improve the accuracy of the test. In either case, the scale is a scientifically validated assessment tool with more than two decades of research surrounding it. Clinicians have used it to help predict the risk of suffering a fall, or help measure the outcomes of interventions to improve mobility. In other words, it can help tell you when your loved ones are at greater risk of an injury, and to an extent, when their efforts to improve their health are paying off.Taking the Elderly Mobility ScaleIt only takes about 15-minutes to complete the elderly mobility scale. To complete the test, you’ll need a bed, chair, yardstick, and stopwatch. You’ll need any walking aids the person usually uses, and enough space for a 20-foot walk. You’ll also need your own copy of the elderly mobility scale form. Taking the test is fairly simple because it only requires practicing basic motions. For instance, the test requires you to measure walking speed, functional reach, and how much assistance is needed for moving between the seated and standing position. Then a score is assigned for each question. For example, seniors who can stand without assistance may earn three points. If more assistance is necessary, fewer points are awarded. When every question is complete, a total of 20 points is possible.Interpreting the Elderly Mobility Scale ScoreScoring between 14 and 20 indicates an ability to safely and independently maneuver through the world. Though some help may be necessary, someone in this EMS score range is generally considered to have enough mobility to be safe at home. A score between 10 and 13 indicates a borderline status where seniors require some help with daily activities due to mobility limitations. Additional monitoring over time may be necessary to identify further declines. A score below ten indicates a high level of dependence, where activities like getting dressed and using the bathroom are not possible without assistance. Older adults with scores in this range typically require some form of care.Limitations of the Elderly Mobility ScaleThe elderly mobility scale is a limited assessment tool. It can be ineffective for people who have poor confidence, it doesn’t involve any cognitive screening, and it doesn’t let you measure improvements in mobility past 20-points. With those limitations in mind, having the EMS at your disposal is a great way to ensure your loved ones receive all the care they need. It’s tough to know when worsening mobility will become dangerous, and it can be difficult to convince loved ones they need more support. In the right hands, the elderly mobility scale can help.from https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/elderly-mobility-scale/ When is National Sleep Day?Every year, a committee at the World Sleep Society aims to raise awareness about sleep disorders through World Sleep Day. It is always held the Friday before the Spring Equinox. The 2019 event is being held March 15th. Seniors often have trouble sleeping due to many factors. Caregivers can celebrate this national sleep day by brushing up on information related to senior sleep problems, sleep requirements for seniors, and how to promote healthy sleep habits.How Much Sleep Do Seniors Need?Most adults, especially those over the age of 65, need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Seniors often get less sleep than they need for various reasons. This can include disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and many others. Lack of sleep can increase risks of falls or accidents, something seniors are already prone to. Furthermore, not getting enough sleep can result in increased appetite and weight gain, and can enhance symptoms of depression and anxiety.Senior Sleeping DisordersSeek help from a medical professional if you suspect you have a sleep disorder. Here are some common causes of inconsistent sleep patterns in seniors.Insomnia
Sleep apnea and snoring
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
How Seniors Are Staying Asleep All NightOutside of medical attention, there are certain ways seniors can engage in helpful sleep patterns. Here are a few ways to improve sleep. However, you should always speak to your doctor to determine other options.
from https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/world-sleep-day-how-seniors-are-staying-asleep-all-night/ Palliative Care and Hospice often get confused with each other, and they also often come with negative connotations. We break down what you need to know, and help you figure out how to use each service to the fullest. 4 Main Differences at a GlancePrognosis: Palliative care does not have a particular prognosis. Hospice requires a prognosis of less than 6 months to live. Qualifying for Care: Palliative care requires a serious illness, acute or chronic, as determined by your physician. Goal of care: Palliative care focuses on quality of life during treatment. Hospice care focuses on quality of life and comfort measures without treatment for a disease or illness (unless that treatment will provide symptom relief) Oversees Care: Palliative care is typically overseen by your normal PCP (primary care physician) while hospice care is overseen by the Medical Director of the Hospice. What is Palliative Care?Palliative care is specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses. The entire focus of palliative care is to increase quality of life, which is different for every person. MYTH BUSTER: You don’t have to be “end-of-life” and you don’t have to be actively dying to receive palliative care. Prognosis (probable outcome because of your diagnosis) – There is no prognosis qualification for palliative care. Qualifying for care – You must have a chronic or acute condition that interferes with quality of life or ability to do Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) or Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Goal of care – The goal of palliative care is to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life during treatment. Who oversees the care – Your primary care physician typically oversees palliative care. Who provides the care – Palliative care can be provided in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient palliative care clinics and certain other specialized clinics, or at home.
How to use palliative care to its fullest: 1. Ask your doctor for resources for the best palliative care options in your area. 2. If your doctor or practitioner don’t know of any, do online searches for “Palliative Care <insert your area’s name>” or look at this directory to see if there is anyone in your area. An example in Delaware is Delaware Transitions. Most companies like this have services that are completely free of charge! 3, Call your insurance company and ask for all the services that your insurance covers for palliative care. Some of the services that are often covered by insurance may include: supplies, nursing services, social work services, or spiritual visits. Examples of when to use Palliative Care:
What is Hospice?Hospice is a type of care that is enlisted for patients with less than 6 months to live. It offers patients pain relief, nursing care, emotional support and help with everyday tasks. Hospice can also provide support for family, friends, and caregivers as they too are on this journey with the patient. Hospice does not seek a cure. MYTH BUSTER: You can “graduate” from hospice. In some cases, patients improve and no longer meet the requirement for hospice care. Read more here. Prognosis (probable outcome because of your diagnosis) – General guidelines for health providers to qualify an individual for hospice is less than 6 months to live. Qualifying for care – An individual must be considered terminally ill, and have less than 6 months to live if the disease runs its normal course. Goal of care – Comfort measures. When you’re on hospice, all treatment is focused on relief of symptoms, not on finding a cure. Who oversees the care – The Hospice Medical Director typically oversees the care Who provides the care – Hospice care can be provided in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care clinics (or hospice houses, which exist to manage uncontrollable symptoms) and certain other specialized clinics, or at home.
How to use hospice services to its fullest: 1. Ask your doctor for resources for the best hospice companies in your area. 2. If your doctor or practitioner doesn’t know of any, do online searches for “Hospice <insert your location>” or look at this directory to see if there is anyone in your area. Examples in Delaware include Compassionate Care Hospice, Delaware Hospice, Seasons Hospice or Heartland Hospice. If your journey of care takes you from one facility to another, these companies can travel with you during the continuum. You will want to ask what the hospice does for uncontrolled symptoms and pain management; some hospices have their own “hospice houses” and some have a wing at a hospital. In our opinion, we have found the hospice houses are typically the best experience for clients and families. 3. Another great research tool is Hospice Compare. It’s a conglomeration of data that helps you find hospices in your area and compare them based on the quality of care they provide. 4. Call your insurance company and ask for all the services that your insurance covers for hospice care. Some of the services that are often covered by insurance may include: supplies, nursing services, social work services, or spiritual visits. Examples of when to use Hospice Care: Any diagnosis where you may have less than 6 months. You will need a prescription from your physician, so if your doctor hasn’t initiated hospice care, the hospice company can reach out to the physician for you. Hospice consults are free. You can call any hospice company to request one. You won’t use both palliative care and hospice. You’ll only use one at a time, and any services covered by insurance will only cover one or the other. But by all means, we encourage you to use either of these care services. Most of the services are covered by insurance, and if you don’t like it, you can always stop. We know experiences vary based on area, company, illness, family dynamics and client needs, but we always encourage you to build up a community that can help deliver quality of life, and palliative care and hospice programs can do just that. Coming next month, we look at how to pair palliative or hospice care with home care. Until then, we leave you with this challenge: When you hear palliative care and hospice care, think: enhanced quality of life, not death. Looking for care for a loved one? Have you considered home care? Here are some more reading resources that might be useful: “What is the Difference Between Live-In Care and 24 Hour Care?” “In-Home Care VS Assisted Living Facilities: A Comparison Guide” “What is the Difference Between Private and Public Home Care”
Sources: “What Is Palliative Care” https://getpalliativecare.org/whatis/ “What Are Palliative Care and Hospice Care?” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care “Hospice Eligibility Requirements” https://www.nhpco.org/hospice-eligibility-requirements The post Palliative Care and Hospice: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Nurse Next Door Senior Home Care Services. from https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/palliative-care-and-hospice-difference/ |