Maintaining good mental health is a crucial factor when caring for an older adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or for those who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Your mental health is precious, and finding ways to stay healthy helps prevent burnout and support overall emotional well-being.
Understanding Caregiver Burnout
It’s normal for the role of a caregiver to feel overwhelming at times — and the accumulation of stress over time is what can lead to burnout. Caregiver burnout can involve mental, emotional, and physical components related to caring for an older adult, especially a parent or close relative. For example, completing tasks like bathing and helping with mobility can be physically demanding.
With less time for themselves, caregivers may neglect their own physical health and wellness. Sacrificing their time may also lead to feelings like loneliness and regret, impacting emotional and mental well-being.
Caregiving and Stress Management
Fortunately, there are ways to manage stress and prevent caregiver burnout. Caregivers can take steps to communicate their feelings openly, build a support network and prioritize their mental and overall health. Stress management tips include:
Maintain a regular exercise routine.
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation.
Create a consistent schedule that includes regular breaks.
Make time for hobbies such as reading or painting.
Set realistic boundaries for additional responsibilities.
The Support of Family and Friends in Caregiving
Friends and family are pivotal in helping caregivers maintain their mental health. With their consistent support, caregivers have a refuge when they encounter challenges like fatigue or feeling isolated. Family and friends can offer emotional support, practical help, and guidance to help caregivers enjoy their responsibilities as well as enjoy some occasional time for themselves.
Exploring Respite Care Options
Respite care is the solution to ensuring caregivers can enjoy balance and support their overall health. At Corewood Care, our team offers companion care services so caregivers can enjoy temporary relief from their duties. Our care professionals can help with light housekeeping, medication and appointment reminders, meal preparation, emotional and wellness support, socialization, and entertainment.
Our licensed care team members are trained to attend to the needs of older adults so their family caregivers can take a break and return feeling replenished and rejuvenated.
Seek Professional Help at Corewood Care
At Corewood Care, we are here to help. As part of our companion and dementia care services, our caregivers can provide relief for family members or friends caring for an older adult, especially those with health issues affecting their daily activities.
If you’d like to discuss our respite care options, call us at 301-909-8117 or complete an online form to schedule a free home care assessment.
How Do You Plan a Smooth Hospital Discharge for Seniors?
When an older family member is hospitalized, it’s a relief to learn they will be released soon. Once you’re aware of this, the next step is to create a smooth and well-coordinated discharge plan to help them transition back home and continue a safe and well-supported recovery.
Why Is Proper Discharge Planning Important?
A disorganized transition from a medical facility can lead to higher chances of readmission and medication issues. Proper and early discharge planning benefits older adults by:
Creating a discharge plan eases worries and addresses important questions you must ask the doctor. It helps maintain consistent care coordination and lowers the chances of health-related issues such as improper medication management. Learn how to create a successful discharge plan and prioritize key elements to provide your older family member with the right care.
Steps in Creating a Smooth Discharge Plan for Older Adults
Discharge planning prepares the older adult to move from one type of care to another, such as from a hospital to a home. It consists of specific instructions based on their health condition. In the United States, hospitals must have discharge planning in place for accreditation.
Here are the steps and important elements of an effective discharge plan:
1. Work With a Discharge Planner
Before your family member is released, coordinate care with a discharge planner. You can contact a designated discharge planner, nurse, social worker or health care representative to help you make transition arrangements from the hospital.
A discharge planner evaluates your family member’s condition to create an appropriate in-home care plan. Once they develop a care plan, they asses it with you, the discharged individual, and any relevant family members. Reviewing the care plan together will help ensure it is properly implemented once your family member is home. You can also ask your discharge planner for advice on home care options.
2. Write Down Essential Medical Information
How do you organize your plan? Start by asking important medical questions from the doctor. This includes in-depth information about the older adult’s health, new medications, and appointment schedules. Once you get the answers, write them down so the details are easier to remember.
Understanding your family member’s condition is crucial to assessing what level of care they might need. Here are specific things to ask their healthcare provider:
What’s my family member’s current medical status? Ask about their condition, what treatment they received in the hospital and how their health will impact their life. It’s wise to ask what symptoms to watch out for that might need a doctor’s supervision.
Are there new medications and diet specifications? Ask for clear instructions on how and when prescriptions should be taken. Older adults often struggle with proper medication use for different reasons, such as forgetfulness. Assisting with medication management will help lower their health risks. Besides medications, list diet restrictions to steer clear of unhealthy foods.
What future appointments must they attend? Ask their health care provider about medical checkups and lab tests they should not miss. Note them on a calendar and make arrangements to help your family member attend them. It’s better if you or another trusted caregiver can accompany them to an appointment.
What is the level of home care they need? Assess how much care they will need at home. Do they require post-surgery recovery care? Do they need home care assistance with daily activities, such as preparing meals and light housekeeping? Know what activities they cannot perform on their own.
Does my family member have mobility challenges? After hospitalization, some older adults have mobility issues that make it challenging to get around the house. They might need physical therapy. You might also need to install handrails and brighter lighting to help them access areas and prevent falls.
3. Book Safe Transportation Services From the Hospital
Start looking for reliable transport services to get your family members home if you’re unable to pick them up. With so many things you must remember, it’s easy to overlook this important arrangement. Make sure to save the discharge date in your calendar.
The Elements of Effective Discharge Planning
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) made the IDEAL Discharge Planning Strategy for hospitals. This approach helps improve communication and engagement between healthcare providers and people receiving medical treatment. While it’s created for healthcare staff, you can also adopt this strategy when communicating with your family member and their assigned caregiver.
The IDEAL acronym stands for:
Include: Involving your family member, assigned caregiver and other relatives in planning will help create a smooth home transition. It also means identifying who will provide in-home care for your parent.
Discuss: Communicate crucial information to everyone involved. Schedule time to explain your family member’s condition and test results. This includes what the home situation will be like, the level of care needed, appointments, medications and food restrictions. Emphasize signs and symptoms requiring immediate attention and establish whom to call for help.
Educate: Create learning opportunities for your family member and caregiver. You can start by reviewing medications together and how they should be taken. While at the hospital, encourage everyone to be involved in care practices so they feel confident about providing care at home. It’s also an opportunity to tell relevant friends and family about the discharge schedule and next steps.
Assess: Part of effective communication is knowing how well everyone understood the shared information. Ask them to repeat essential information in their own words. If something is unclear to everyone, ask your health care provider to explain it again.
Listen: Be open to questions and concerns. Listen to everyone and clarify important questions to the health care provider before leaving the hospital.
Post-Discharge Support and Home Care Services
Start looking for in-home caregivers before your family member leaves the hospital. Different types of home care can address the unique needs of older adults. Relying on professional home care assistance will give you the proper support to navigate the changes once your relative arrives home.
Consider the following home care services:
Personal care: These caregivers assist with daily activities like preparing meals, bathing, dressing, and light home cleaning. They also offer medication and appointment reminders.
Companion care: These caregivers offer emotional support and companionship on top of assisting with daily activities. They also remind older adults about medications and appointments.
Skilled nursing: Skilled nursing is appropriate for older adults who need in-home medical care, such as those who have had surgery, have chronic conditions, or require medication management.
Therapy services: Older adults with conditions that impact their functional capacity might need physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
Trust Corewood Care for Your Home Care Needs
Get the reliable support you need when an older family member is discharged from a hospital. Contact Corewood Care to arrange transportation for a safe and well-coordinated transition from a hospital to a home, rehab facility or nursing home. We offer personalized services and flexible arrangements to help make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Empower your family member to live and age gracefully with help from Corewood Care. We aim to improve how health is managed with tailored, quality services. Trust us for professional care management and home care throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area, including Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. You may also contact us for hospital-to-home transitional care to prioritize your family member’s safety and quality of life.
When Should I Be Concerned About Appetite Loss in Older Adults?
Appetite loss is generally concerning, but it’s especially alarming when older adults experience it. Identifying the difference between a temporary change in appetite and a more permanent change is crucial.
Learn more about why older adults lose their appetite, the factors influencing it, when it should be a concern and Corewood Care’s role in trying to treat and improve it.
Factors Influencing Appetite in Older Adults
Aging is a natural process that impacts appetite. As older adults age, their health declines, their senses, such as smell and taste, diminish, and hormonal and other physiological changes impact their appetite. Other factors that affect their appetite include:
Decreased well-being: Decreased emotional and psychological well-being may lead to reduced appetite.
Mental health: Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments can affect older adults’ appetites, especially if they use certain medications.
Chronic illnesses: Diabetes, cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses may affect their hunger as treatment side effects sometimes include loss of appetite.
Social factors: Loneliness and isolation due to losing their significant other may lead to depression and decreased appetite.
When Should Appetite Loss Be a Concern?
Prolonged appetite loss leads to a loss of nutrients essential for everyday functioning. This can lead to reduced mobility, weight loss, dehydration, frailty, a weakened immune system and other serious health issues such as organ failure. Tracking these changes before they worsen is essential for implementing a suitable plan to increase appetite.
When appetite loss becomes a visible concern and attempts to address the issue are futile, such as trying smaller portions, finger foods, smoothies and soups, it’s best to consult professionals for assistance.
Treating Appetite Loss in Older Adults
A caregiver’s intervention can impact an older adult battling appetite loss. With the right caregiver and family support, they can return to eating healthy and balanced meals, improving their overall health. At Corewood Care, our personal caregivers commit to ensuring older adults are cared for by preparing and cooking nutritious meals and serving them.
Our personal care services assist older adults with activities of daily living (ADLs) so they can continue enjoying a comfortable quality of life. In addition to physical support and tangible services, our caregivers offer emotional support and companionship to help older adults manage their eating habits.
Choose Corewood Care to Help Older Adults With ADLs
Finding and treating the root cause of appetite loss is critical, and long-term care helps monitor and maintain a healthy appetite. Corewood Care offers care management and in-home care services to offer families peace of mind and ensure their family members are well cared for.
To discuss our services, call us at 301-909-8117, schedule a free assessment or visit one of our offices to speak to us.
Although it may seem uncomfortable, talking to your aging parents about finances and estate planning is vital—doing so allows you to be fully prepared to manage their financial situation if they become incapacitated or when they pass away.
While you most likely want to protect your parents’ assets and support their retirement plans, you don’t want them to feel you are trying to take away their independence. Learn how to tactfully approach a potentially difficult conversation, successfully plan for your parents’ future, and manage their finances.
Understanding the Importance of Financial Discussions
Even if your parents are still healthy and independent, being informed about financial and legal matters will be beneficial should you ever need to assist them with managing their money.
The Need for Financial Transparency
The financial realities associated with aging, death, or dying are unpleasant to think about, but delaying this conversation with your parents could be costly.
In the United States, the annual median cost for long-term care ranged from $24,700 to $116,800 in 2023, depending on the service. As they move through life’s transitions, older adults may eventually need services such as a nursing home or at-home care. Without adequate planning, many families are unable to pay for these costs out-of-pocket.
By having an open conversation with your parents about their financial status, you can plan for exactly how these expenses will be covered. Doing so also helps ensure your parents’ well-being is cared for in the future.
An additional benefit of gaining transparency into financial and medical matters is that in the event of an emergency, you have peace of mind that the necessary precautions and paperwork are in order.
Recognizing Aging Parent Needs
Along with planning ahead, you should consider your aging parents’ current financial needs. Older adults experience many challenges, such as feeling uncertain about financial decisions or confused by their bills and brokerage statements.
Additionally, older adults are more likely to fall victim to online scams. In 2023, about $3.4 billion in fraud losses were reported by those over 60. As your parents might not be aware of modern phishing tactics, they may not pick up on what you would view as an obvious scam.
Adult children can offer their mothers and fathers much-needed support while they navigate the complexities of aging. Whether your parents have admitted it or not, there is a possibility that they may need you to step in.
When to Begin Financial Conversations
It’s common for older adults to be reluctant to ask for help. Your parents may be concerned about losing their independence or fear they may be a burden. It can also be tricky for adult children to know when it’s appropriate to have a financial conversation with their parents.
These signs could mean your aging parents need assistance with their finances:
Strange purchases: Be aware if your parents purchase items out of character or suddenly participate in contests or sweepstakes.
Unopened piles of mail: This can be an indicator that your parents are behind on their bills.
Money complaints: This can range from hinting that they don’t have enough money to not participating in activities that they feel are too expensive.
Physical ailments: Arthritis and fading vision can make it difficult for your parents to perform tasks like driving to the bank.
Memory problems: These can range from not remembering whether a bill was paid to losing track of cash.
Strategies for Effective Communication
A combination of care, concern, and curiosity is most likely why you want to ask your parents about their finances and estate plans. No matter how good your intentions are, approach the subject delicately. Being kind and understanding can help reassure your parents that you aren’t prying or being greedy.
Building Trust and Empathy
Before starting any financial discussion with your parents, it is critical to consider their point of view. Doing so will help you empathize and ensure you are better equipped to tend to their needs and emotional responses.
In addition to having likely grieved the death of many friends and family, your aging parents may be mourning the loss of their physical abilities and independence. Many older adults view giving up their financial autonomy as being stripped of their freedom and losing control.
Your parents’ generation can also be relatively private about their finances, so it may be harder for them to open up. You can encourage them to trust you by showing that you are listening:
Ask follow-up questions.
Maintain eye contact.
Display positive body language, such as keeping your arms and legs uncrossed.
How to Have Financial Conversations With Aging Parents
Here are some tips for initiating the conversation about money:
Consider family dynamics: If you have siblings or other family members with whom your parents are close, determine who would be best suited to speak to your parents about this sensitive topic. Only appoint one person—a group discussion could make your parents feel attacked.
Go slow: Discussing your parents’ finances will likely be a series of ongoing conversations rather than a one-off. Initiate the conversation sooner rather than later, and give your parents time to process, as they might be taken aback.
Be considerate of timing: Be cautious of busy holidays or other times when all parties are likely to be stressed and distracted.
Begin with your reasoning: Start the conversation by clearly stating why you want to discuss their finances. Let them know that you have their best interests at heart or voice any concerns about their health or future plans.
Once you have broken the ice, maintaining a supportive dialogue while obtaining the necessary information is key. To do so, you should:
Be compassionate: Acknowledge that you know the conversation may be difficult for your parents to speak about. You could also find common ground by stating that discussing the topic is challenging for you, too.
Give them control: Assure your parents that you are not trying to control them—you want to help. Allow them to have a say in what they choose to address and when.
Ask about their wishes: Remind your parents that you want to know their retirement goals and how they envision their financial future—to do so, you need to understand their preferences. Now is the time to discuss their income plans, health care coverage, and whether they would eventually like help with activities of daily living (ADL). Involving your parents in the estate planning will also make them feel like they are still in charge.
Understand their finances: Gain insight into how much money they have, where they keep it, and who else has access to their funds. Review their tax returns and ask for their account numbers and contact details.
Be respectful: Some topics are off-limits—only ask appropriate questions. Steer clear of speaking about your potential inheritance, as this is insensitive.
Keep it short: Limit the conversations to 30 minutes at a time. Shorter discussions can help all parties stay focused and calm.
Financial Planning and Management for Aging Parents
After having multiple essential conversations about your parents’ finances, you can assemble an estate plan. You will also be in a suitable position to start managing their finances, whether necessary now or in a few years.
Estate Planning Essentials
Estate planning will allow your parents to make critical future decisions about health, medical treatments, and end-of-life choices while they are still able to. The planning process also gives them the power to determine what happens to their hard-earned assets.
When creating an estate plan with your parents, ask them the following questions:
Who will be financially and medically responsible should either of you become incapacitated?
What are your plans for end-of-life matters?
How would you like your assets to be distributed?
Regardless of the specifics, various financial and legal documents should form the basis of your aging parents’ estate plan:
A will or trust: This will detail where your parents want their assets to go.
A letter of instruction: Though this is a non-legal document, it expresses your parents’ wishes and gives directions alongside their will or trust.
Any financial records: These should include a list of their financial accounts, debts and liabilities, company benefits, insurance, property, and taxes.
An advanced medical directive: This will include which treatments your parents have agreed to prolong their lives.
A durable power of attorney (POA): If your parents are incapacitated, this authorizes a person of your parents’ choosing to act on their behalf.
There are different kinds of POAs, such as durable and non-durable. You should ensure that your parents’ POA is durable, as this will take effect upon their incapacitation and remain effective until they pass away. With a financial POA, you can take over your parents’ bank account and perform actions ranging from making deposits and withdrawals to changing beneficiary designations.
For you to legally manage your parents’ estate, they must appoint you as their agent in their POA document. It is best to consult with a lawyer experienced in estate planning to assist you in drawing up this document. Additionally, for a POA to be valid, your parents must be of sound mind—they need to comprehend the impact of this decision. This requirement is one of the many reasons why having financial discussions with your parents while they are still healthy and competent is paramount.
Long-term Care Options
When planning your parents’ estate, being informed of the various long-term care options helps ensure that you can guide their decision. Together, you should assess which home care or companion services would best suit their needs and wants.
Home care encompasses a variety of services, one of which is companion care. Home care generally refers to non-medical services that can assist your aging parents with ADLs, such as maintaining personal hygiene, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. More specifically, companion caregivers enable older adults to age gracefully with at-home support and keep them company to prevent loneliness.
A care manager can also be beneficial as they comprehensively research their client’s care needs, offer constant assistance and support, and liaise with primary care physicians and other individuals involved. In addition to looking out for your parents’ well-being, care managers can significantly reduce stress and anxiety for you and your family. You can work together with a care manager to:
Discuss the future: If you would like help facilitating a difficult conversation about your parents’ finances, a care manager is an excellent individual to hire. They are experienced in encouraging open and frank discussions and handling resistance.
Organize finances: These professionals ensure you and any other trusted relatives know where all the necessary paperwork is and how to access your parents’ funds. They can also work with your aging parents to update long-term care insurance to help cover the cost of care.
Determine a living situation: Depending on your parents’ needs, such as having conditions like Alzheimer’s or being prone to falling, care managers can recommend modifications to make the home safer or help with the move to an assisted living facility.
Navigating Caregiving and Financial Requirements
Now that you know the care your parents want or the level of care that is needed, you must research the costs involved and determine whether their financial resources are sufficient.
While adult children want to do their best to ensure their parents are well looked after, the associated expenses can be a limitation. If this is the case, here are some possible avenues you can explore:
Future planning: If you predict that your parents will only need care in a couple of years, you could meet with a financial planner to help create a plan to enable your parents to afford care should they need it.
Financial aid: Government programs like Veterans Assistance or nonprofit organizations may be able to help. Your parents could be eligible for benefits or subsidies.
Insurance: Though premiums can be pricey, long-term care insurance can be a worthwhile investment if you expect a significant level of care to be necessary. You can also work with your parents to review current insurance and determine whether they qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.
Siblings or relatives: If you are considering contributing out-of-pocket, share the financial responsibility with others to lighten the financial load and emotional toll.
How to Monitor and Assist With Finances
With all the necessary planning in place, you can take action. Once the time comes for you to step in, here are some steps you can take when managing your aging parents’ finances:
Make small changes: Rather than hastily jumping in, gradually increase your support and only do so when needed. This approach gives all parties time to get used to the new normal.
Keep all documents in one location: After making a list of all financial and legal documents and gaining access to where these are stored, move everything to a safe place.
Streamline financial tasks: Switch your parents’ income streams, such as retirement or savings, over to direct deposit—if they cannot make a deposit or forget to do so, the money will still find its way to their accounts. You can also set up automatic bill payments and consolidate credit card accounts.
Communicate often: Keep your parents, siblings, and other relatives updated. Your family members can be a big help, and transparent communication can decrease the likelihood of a misunderstanding.
Maintain separate finances: While it might seem like a good idea, be cautious of combining accounts. You need to know what resources are available and use them appropriately—using your own funds to support your parents can be problematic.
Get professional help: Lean on experts, such as care managers, financial planners, or attorneys, to assist you. Such professionals can lighten the burden and help you make the most suitable decisions for your parents’ situation.
Contact Corewood Care for Support
Though life’s changes can be challenging, proactive financial and estate planning discussions are vital for your parents’ future well-being. If you want to hire a care manager to facilitate a financial conversation, Corewood Care is here to support you and your family. Our care managers are trained healthcare experts who can help you find solutions and offer guidance in making informed decisions, including which of our long-term care services would be best.
We provide home care and care management services throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia. Whatever option you decide on, from 24-hour home care or companion care to Alzheimer’s care services, our caregivers are committed to enabling your parents to age gracefully. We believe in providing the same care we would want for our family.
While it’s normal to become more forgetful with age, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than just memory. It is a type of dementia that causes a decline in thinking, reasoning and other cognitive skills. Alzheimer’s disease impacts not only the person with the disease but their friends and family as well. It can be heartbreaking to note changes in your family member’s communication, memory and behavior, and many of the symptoms can make it challenging for people with Alzheimer’s to live independently.
While the signs might not be as evident in its first stages, there are some early symptoms you can watch for if you’re concerned about a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. In our guide, we’ll discuss warning signs, treatment options, and ways to get involved in Alzheimer’s awareness to support those you care about.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
A progressive neurological disorder, Alzheimer’s disease causes memory impairment, cognitive decline, and eventually, the inability to perform daily tasks. It’s the most common type of dementia in older adults and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The number of people with Alzheimer’s doubles every five years beyond age 65, with early-onset Alzheimer’s very rarely occurring in people in their 30s to mid-60s.
As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen and start to impact work, hobbies and a person’s social life. You might notice the individual’s personality change in certain ways, such as becoming more agitated, apathetic, depressed or anxious. In the final stages, people living with Alzheimer’s disease typically need extensive care.
Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia
People often confuse Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms affecting memory and cognition, while Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia — accounting for 60% to 70% of cases. Other types of dementia exist, each with its own separate causes and symptoms, including Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and vascular dementia.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s symptoms progress over time and can present as the following:
Mild or early stage: It can be challenging to spot Alzheimer’s symptoms in the beginning stages, as they can appear as harmless memory issues, especially of recent conversations and events. Your family member might also have trouble finding the right word, understanding visual images and spatial relationships and have impaired reasoning or judgment.
Moderate or middle stage: At this stage, individuals may be unable to cover their symptoms. They may have trouble retrieving a name or word or remembering plans. They may also run into more challenges in social settings or at work. Behaviors at this stage can include wandering, unfounded suspicions and repeated questioning.
Severe or late stage: The late stages of Alzheimer’s can cause worsened symptoms like disorientation, confusion or even delusions. People can also experience difficulty communicating with words and lose the ability to walk, sit and eat. They may also lose bowel and bladder control and be unaware of recent experiences and their surroundings.
Treatment and Care Options
While there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, some treatments may slow its progression, and certain medications can help treat symptoms. Additionally, in-home Alzheimer’s care services can assist your family member with daily living activities like eating, hygiene and medication management.
The following treatment options can help you and the individual living with the disease cope with symptoms and improve quality of life:
Medication
As of September 2023, 141 treatments were being tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, with 78% of them designed to slow the disease’s progression. These include immunotherapy drugs, monoclonal antibodies, aggregation inhibitors and tau vaccines. Other treatments being studied include Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, Curcumin, Ginkgo and Melatonin.
Skilled Memory Care
Many families find it tough to meet the complex care needs of people living with Alzheimer’s disease. With in-home skilled memory care, your family member can age gracefully in a familiar and comfortable environment. Transferring to a facility can lead to confusion and distress for those living with Alzheimer’s or chronic memory loss issues, but the qualified caregivers at Corewood Care are specially trained to care for older adults with Alzheimer’s and provide services in the comfort of their own homes.
Assistance With Daily Living (ADLs)
With personal care services at Corewood Care, we can address all aspects of an individual’s health and well-being, assisting in preparing meals, getting dressed, bathing, grooming and continence care. We also offer Care Management services for older adults in Bethesda, Maryland, to help your family member manage their medications and assist in long-term planning and crisis prevention.
Companion Care
If your family member would prefer to age at home but struggles with loneliness or other challenges related to living on their own, they may enjoy the company of a companion caregiver. At Corewood Care, we provide companion care services for older adults, offering emotional and wellness support, memory care, transportation to appointments, socialization and entertainment and even light housekeeping and help with other household tasks.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today. By 2050, this number is expected to increase to nearly 13 million. Additionally, over 55 million people worldwide are living with some form of dementia, with 10 million new cases each year.
The disease can significantly impact the emotional, physical, and financial health of individuals and their families. Caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s can limit a caregiver’s ability to take care of themselves. Families of those with Alzheimer’s are also at greater risk for anxiety, depression and poor quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions.
Genetic Components of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is not usually caused by a single genetic component passed down through families, but rather by a combination of genes, lifestyle and environmental factors. However, people who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s are at higher risk of developing it themselves, especially if their relative developed the disease at a younger age. Three genes linked to early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease include Presenilin 1 (PS1), Presenilin 2 (PS2) and Amyloid precursor protein (APP).
Raising Awareness and Getting Involved
Raising awareness of and getting involved in the cause can ultimately improve the quality of life for those previously undiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Bethesda, Maryland, and around the country, and you’ll find several opportunities to join the cause in combatting this disease.
For example, you might join a “memory walk” to raise awareness about the disease and money for research. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event, but you might also look into local Alzheimer’s events near Bethesda or organizations in need of caregiver volunteers.
During November and throughout the year, being aware of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and joining the cause can make a huge impact on your family and community.
Corewood Care’s Commitment
Corewood Care in Bethesda remains committed to Alzheimer’s disease awareness and research. Our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association aims to enhance support and resources for those affected. We are also dedicated to providing high-quality care for those with Alzheimer’s and their families, with ongoing efforts to improve care standards and foster community engagement. We encourage you to take action and support those impacted by this condition by looking into Alzheimer’s awareness information in Bethesda or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland chapter.
Find Compassionate Alzheimer’s Care Options in Bethesda, Maryland
The importance of understanding, treating and raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease cannot be overstated. Corewood Care’s care managers and caregivers specialize in Alzheimer’s care, offering skilled memory care, personal care services and other treatment options for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. With our 24/7 services, your family member can receive high-quality care anytime, anywhere. We do all this and more as we navigate this time together.
Schedule a free assessment today to learn more about what we do and why we’re passionate about our work.
Corewood Care provides home care and care management services in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Our goal is to allow older adults with dementia to age in place. We achieve this by improving health management, enabling our clients to thrive and live gracefully.
Our compassionate team of professionals provides older adults with round-the-clock 24/7 support as needed, using a care model that sets us apart. This guide will help determine when an Alzheimer’s client needs full-time care.
Types of Dementia Care Available
At Corewood Care, we create custom plans tailored to the individual’s needs and goals, ensuring a higher quality of care. The types of care plans we offer can include one or a combination of the following services:
Alzheimer’s care: Our memory care includes medication management — such as medication and appointment reminders — crisis prevention and long-term care planning.
Respite care: This service offers short-term relief to allow family members a moment to step away without feeling guilty.
Meal planning and preparation: Dementia clients often forget to eat, so our caregivers assist with meal planning and preparation.
Light housekeeping: We maintain clean and safe living spaces to promote hygiene.
Companion care: Regular social engagement can help maintain cognitive function, which helps our clients feel more connected to their surroundings. Having someone to talk to and play games with benefits emotional and mental health.
Home care services: Home care services assist with daily living, such as bathing, toileting, eating and dressing.
When Should Dementia Clients Go Into Care?
If an individual or their relatives start noticing severe symptoms that could put their health and safety at risk, it’s generally time to go into care. Some severe symptoms are disorientation and wandering, which are difficult for family members to manage. Bladder and bowel incontinence become more frequent, so individuals are more likely to have accidents.
Also, if a person with dementia is having trouble with daily living tasks, including bathing or eating, this is another telltale sign that it’s time to go into care.
At What Point Do Dementia Clients Need 24-Hour Care?
Dementia clients require full-time care at stage three of Alzheimer’s disease or in mid-to-late stage dementia, as they shouldn’t be alone. A person in stage one of Alzheimer’s disease can be alone for a short amount of time, as they can still maintain a small amount of independence.
Each client and caregiver is unique, and our mission is to tailor our services to meet individual goals and needs. While dementia is not reversible, it is manageable with our specially trained dementia caregivers. Our team consists of registered nurses, social workers, therapists, dementia specialists and nutritionists who work together to provide a holistic approach to care.
Many people want to stay independent as they age, which may require some assistance with daily living. There are many types of care services that older adults can receive at home. This guide explores the diverse types of home care available, helping caregivers and families make informed decisions tailored to their unique situations.
Personal Care and Companion Care
Personal and companion care services are types of home care that assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and light housekeeping. Caregivers can also provide companionship and emotional support, which can be especially important for those who live alone.
Skilled Nursing
You may be wondering if skilled nursing is considered home care — absolutely. Skilled nursing services are a home care option in which registered nurses provide medical care, including wound care, medication management and other medical needs. This type of care is suitable for individuals with chronic conditions, who are in post-surgery recovery or who have other medical needs that require professional nursing care at home.
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
Therapy services are an older adult home care option that focuses on improving mobility, daily living skills and communication abilities. Physical therapy helps with movement and strength, occupational therapy assists with everyday activities and speech therapy addresses communication and swallowing issues. These services are often recommended for those recovering from surgery or injury and those with chronic conditions affecting their functional abilities.
Specific Need Care (Dementia/Alzheimer’s)
Dealing with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s requires specialized care. Tailored care plans include memory care activities and adaptations to the living environment to ensure safety and comfort. This specialized attention helps manage the unique challenges posed by these conditions, offering peace of mind to families.
Live-In Care
Live-in care offers continuous support with a caregiver living in the client’s home. This service ensures round-the-clock assistance with daily activities and personal care, making it an ideal older adult home care option for those who need constant supervision and help but prefer to remain in their home.
24-Hour Care
Twenty-four-hour care offers a solution for those needing nonstop supervision and assistance. It is similar to live-in care, but caregivers may not live in the home. Instead, they may provide care in shifts.
Contact Corewood Care Today for Tailored Home Care Options
Understanding the different types of home care older adults can receive allows families to make choices that best fit their needs. From personal and companion care to skilled nursing and specialized dementia care, each type supports older adults in various ways, whether they require minimal assistance or more comprehensive support.
Corewood Care is dedicated to providing personalized care plans that combine multiple services to meet individual needs. This ensures each client receives the care they require to live gracefully at home. Contact us today to learn more about how Corewood Care can tailor home care options to different needs and ensure individuals receive the best possible support.
Caregivers and companions enable older adults to live comfortably in their homes while receiving the support they need to remain safe, healthy and happy. These roles have different benefits depending on an older adult’s physical and emotional needs.
What Does a Caregiver Do?
A caregiver, also called a personal care assistant, offers qualified personal care. They help older adults with physical needs such as bathing, toileting, dressing, positioning, walking and eating. They can also provide minor medical care.
What Does a Companion Do?
A companion caregiver helps older adults who need nonmedical assistance with aspects of daily living. Their primary purpose is to support mental health by providing socialization and companionship.
A few ways a companion caregiver may support an older adult include:
Playing games or doing activities together
Planning, preparing and cleaning up meals
Performing light housekeeping
Helping with laundry
Running errands with or for an older adult
Providing transportation
Companion Care vs. Caregiver Requirements
A main difference between companions and caregivers is the type of requirements associated with these careers. Because caregivers and companions offer different kinds of services and assistance, they have different training requirements to ensure they are prepared to provide the best support to their clients.
What Kind of Training Is Required for a Traditional Caregiver vs. a Companion Caregiver?
A traditional caregiver must complete extensive training to provide the physical assistance an older adult may need. They should be licensed and certified to handle physical and minor medical needs.
While companion care has no specific or formal training requirements, companions must be dedicated and compassionate individuals who are able to meet the mental and emotional needs of their clients. A good candidate for a companion is someone who is patient, kind, positive and respectful. They should be able to make their clients feel comfortable to help alleviate any feelings of loneliness and enhance overall well-being.
How Corewood Care Can Help
At Corewood Care, we understand that every individual has unique needs. That’s why we develop personalized care plans that suit each client’s situation. Our at-home care providers work closely with clients to ensure their safety and comfort as they live independently and age in place.
We believe every individual deserves to receive respect and quality care, which is why we are selective and attentive in our hiring process. We hire only the best caregivers and companions to ensure the highest level of care for the older adult in your life. Our caregivers and companions come with various training backgrounds, enabling us to match the right care professional to your family.
Schedule a Free Assessment Today
When an older adult in your life requires dedicated, compassionate care, you can trust Corewood Care to provide the services you need. Schedule a free assessment today to discover which type of care is right for your family. We are happy to provide more information about our companion care services and how we can support you in supporting the older adult in your life.
Recovery after surgery is a slow and sensitive process for older adults. The surgery itself is already nerve-wracking, as the risk of complications is higher for older adults. Couple that with a longer and often more intensive recovery process, and it’s easy to see why older adults need physical and emotional support during and after surgery.
From helping with medications and ensuring the home is conducive to their needs to transporting them to physical therapy appointments and checkups, there are many ways you can care for older adults following surgery.
Returning Home From the Hospital
Returning home from the hospital is undoubtedly exciting. However, it can also be overwhelming for older adults, especially if their mobility has been affected or they have many medications to keep track of. To help make their transition easier, follow these steps to welcome them home:
Take time off: If you have the flexibility, you may want to schedule some days off following their surgery. If you cannot take more than a few days off, you may want to enlist the help of a professional caregiver.
Make their home more comfortable: We’ll cover this more below, but before they arrive home, clear the floor of tripping hazards and ensure there’s enough room between furniture for your family member to move comfortably.
Set up activities: Think of some hobbies for your family member as they recover. You can set them up for success with board games, books, movies, puzzles, mobile games, magazines or sewing to keep them occupied and content.
Clean up: Nothing says “welcome home” like a clean house. Before your family member comes home, make sure things are clean and shiny. However, remember that you might want to avoid reorganizing — they could get frustrated when something is not in its usual place.
Take them through the changes: Give your friend or family member a tour of the changes to their home to decrease any feelings of stress.
Supporting older adults after surgery can be both satisfying and overwhelming. Prepare ahead of time, ask their nurses and doctors for any advice, and you’ll enjoy a smooth and informative transition.
Making Their Home More Comfortable
There are many ways to make a home more recovery-friendly and safer for everyone. Think of all the rooms your older adult will visit in the house and how these can be made more comfortable. Here are some ideas:
Remove unnecessarily obstructive and unsafe furniture, or move it so that it doesn’t block traffic.
If your friend or family member lives in a two-story home and cannot navigate stairs after surgery, move their bedroom furniture to the first floor.
Consider purchasing helpful items like nonslip bathmats.
Ensure the home and your family member’s room have enough lighting to make things easier to see.
Make sure medications, water, food, plates and silverware are within reach.
Set your family member up in a room with its own bathroom, and ensure adequate hygiene tools for incontinence episodes.
Stock up on healthy foods with lots of vitamins, like fruits and vegetables.
Before they come home — or perhaps before their surgery — you can also ask your friend or family member how they want their house set up. For example, they may want their slippery wood floors to be covered with rugs.
Showing Support by Staying Positive
When we use positivity correctly, it can have powerful effects on our psyche and mood. Though this may be challenging when your friend or family member is in pain or frustrated, seeing the best in every situation always helps.
Focus on the progress they make. Be their biggest cheerleader when they experience small wins. Invite family members to liven things up. Encourage peaceful time alone for them to engage in hobbies. And always make sure they know they have people rooting for them.
Changing up the scenery can also make a difference in mindset. If possible, take a walk in the fresh air or set up chairs for stargazing or cloud-watching. You can also take your family member with you on errands. Keeping them involved and active is healthy and stimulating.
If you’re having trouble staying positive, it might be beneficial to share caregiving responsibilities with another person. Finding a professional caregiver can take some of the weight off our shoulders while ensuring your family member is being cared for properly.
Helping With Daily Activities
The surgery recovery process is physically, mentally and emotionally tough. Helping an older parent after surgery means assisting with daily activities like eating, walking, dressing or bathing. Here are some ways you can help them navigate day-to-day recovery:
Help them get to appointments: Older adults will likely have follow-up appointments after surgery. Help transport them to these appointments and take notes to remember all of the information.
Encourage movement: While it may be tempting for them to stay still, especially if they’re recovering from knee or hip surgery, it’s not necessarily healthy. Work with their physical therapist or doctor to find ways to incorporate movement or exercises into the day, gradually increasing frequency and difficulty as appropriate.
Grab things for them: What’s not heavy to you might be too heavy for an older adult as they recover from surgery. If something is too high or too heavy, you can step in. However, try not to step in when they don’t need help, as this can frustrate them.
Keep track of medications and appointments: Help your friend or family member keep track of their appointments and medications so that they stay on track with recovery. It’s wise to write everything down in a planner or notebook.
Being Mindful of Hospital Delirium
Hospital delirium affects around one-third of patients over 70, especially those who have undergone surgery. Symptoms of hospital delirium can include confusion, difficulty understanding speech, agitation, jumbled memory, hallucinations or disorientation. If your friend or family member experiences delirium after surgery, remain patient and supportive. Make sure they stay hydrated and get adequate sleep, and help orient them to their surroundings by introducing familiar personal items like stuffed animals or photographs.
Keep your family member’s doctor updated on delirium episodes, as well. They can further advise you on what to do and how to support your family member.
Receive Support From a Corewood Care Caregiver
Supporting an older adult after surgery can be a daunting task, and it’s perfectly OK to feel like you’re out of your depth. Getting help from a professional may be the best thing that you can do for your situation. The expert caregivers at Corewood Care can provide hospital-to-home transitional care services, as well as assistance before and after surgery. Contact us online to find the best care option for your friend or family member recovering from surgery.
Dementia is different for everyone, but all individuals with it deserve compassionate and kind care to help them through each day. Due to the differences individuals with dementia can experience, their care plans are also highly personalized. While care is essential, understanding what you’re paying for is also crucial so you can provide professional help to your beloved family member.
At Corewood Care, we understand the financial worries and challenges of finding dementia care for your family member. We break down how much dementia care costs and the payment options for it.
Treatments for Dementia and Alzheimer’s
The cost of dementia care differs based on the type of treatment your relative is receiving. Common types of dementia care include:
In-home care
Live-in care
Assisted living facilities
Adult daycare
Respite care
Paying for Dementia Care
In addition to the type of care your relative receives, some other cost considerations include:
If medical treatment and equipment are necessary
Medication distribution
Hours of service needed, such as half a day or 24/7 care
Non-medical caregivers for in-home care are often paid hourly, averaging around $28.64 in 2022. Assuming you need assistance with caring for your family member with dementia for about 40 hours a week instead of around the clock, the price of care would be about $1,145 per week. As always, the specific agency or organization you’re working with will have their own pricing requirements based on their services and location.
Your payments also differ based on how the facility or agency bills their services. Many in-home care services provided by caregivers are by the hour. You must also consider if insurance will cover some of the expenses before you get the complete picture of how much dementia and Alzheimer’s care costs.
What Does Insurance Cover for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care?
Various insurance and government plans can cover some, if not all, of the costs of dementia care. Each program and what it covers vary based on the policies the individual has in place. For example, long-term insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cover some aspects of in-home dementia care, but all have their caveats.
Long-term insurance: Individuals can receive coverage for their dementia if they already have long-term care insurance before diagnosis. Long-term care often covers licensed home care and assisted living. Medicare: Medicare only covers some components associated with Alzheimer’s care. It will pay up to 35 hours a week for individuals who are homebound and need home health services, but it may not necessarily cover assistance with daily activities. Medicaid: Medicaid covers in-home care for individuals with dementia if they would otherwise require nursing home care if they didn’t receive in-home care. When considering your payment options for dementia care, review the insurance plans and government programs your family member is a part of to try to get the most coverage possible.
Learn More About Corewood Care’s Dementia and Alzheimer’s Services
At Corewood Care, we understand all individuals require individualized care plans for their dementia. We provide comprehensive in-home dementia and Alzheimer’s care services to help individuals access the necessary care.
Learn more about our dementia and Alzheimer’s services by contacting our team today. We’ll help you navigate the options that may be best for your beloved family member.
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