Posts By: Tim

Understanding and Preventing Caretaker Fatigue

You became a caretaker out of love and duty to a family member, friend or relative. You want the best for them and will give everything to help them live comfortably. However, what happens when caretaking duties become overwhelming and interfere with your role as a parent, spouse or friend? 

If you overexert yourself, you may not be able to provide optimal care. You can become stressed, frustrated and ultimately exhausted. The name for these feelings is caretaker fatigue. Understanding caretaker fatigue is vital for healthily managing your responsibilities and preventing burnout. 

What Is Caretaker Fatigue?

Caretaker fatigue describes feeling physically and mentally exhausted due to caring for a family member or friend. Looking after someone can be a delicate and demanding task. They might require 24-hour support, including personal, home and medical care. 

Without proper support, balance and boundaries, caretaking can feel overwhelming. You might feel overstretched and tired, leading to poor mental and physical health. While you can support and care for your friend or relative, you must also care for yourself. Here are some common causes of caretaker fatigue:

  • Taking on more than you can handle on your own
  • Feeling defeated or angry about not being able to provide suitable care
  • Focusing all your time and effort on caregiving and neglecting other priorities 

Signs of Caretaker Fatigue

Caring for a parent, friend or relative can be an enormous responsibility. When caretaking becomes too much for you alone, it can impact your mood, actions, physical and emotional health, and eating and sleeping habits. Here are some common symptoms and signs of caretaker fatigue:

Anxiety

Anxiety leaves you feeling stressed or anxious about the day or tasks ahead. You might find it challenging to relax or enjoy other tasks after completing your caretaking duties. You could also feel worried about your family member or friend’s well-being when you’re not around. 

Depression

The responsibility of caring for someone else can impact your mental and emotional health. Although caretaking can feel overly demanding, you may also feel guilty about setting boundaries. You might feel stuck between your caretaking duties and wanting time for yourself. This conflict can affect your mental and emotional well-being and lead to depression. Signs of depression can include:

  • Snapping at someone or becoming easily irritated.
  • Feeling powerless, sad and defeated.
  • Experiencing sudden or frequent crying spells.
  • Having difficulty sleeping at night
  • Feeling constantly exhausted and sleeping more than usual. 

Poor Eating Habits

Taking care of someone can be consuming. While caring for another person, you might skip meals or overeat regularly. Emotions and stress can impact your eating patterns, causing you to gain or lose weight. 

Concentration Issues

Focusing on work, family, hobbies or watching TV can be challenging if you’re facing caretaker burnout. You might find it difficult to focus on your other responsibilities or follow through on daily tasks. 

Mood Changes and Intrusive Thoughts

When dealing with caretaker burnout, your moods may change uncontrollably, and minor inconveniences can trigger frustrated or angry outbursts. You might feel down or discouraged one minute and irritable the next. You may also start resenting your relative or friend, leading to intrusive thoughts. 

Weakened Immune System

Stress and burnout can affect your physical health and resistance to illnesses like the flu and the common cold. You might get ill often and find it challenging to recover. 

Self-Neglect and Avoiding Socializing

Intense stress can cause you to stop doing things you enjoy, like going to the gym, reading or watching TV, because you’re fixating on your relative or friend’s needs. You might also neglect needs like grooming, attending doctor appointments, vacationing or going out with friends and could find yourself spending more time alone. 

How to Prevent Caregiver Fatigue in Maryland

When you recognize the signs of fatigue, you can mitigate burnout. Here are some ways to prevent caretaker fatigue.

Prioritize Self-Care 

Making time for yourself is vital for maintaining your mental and physical well-being. You can be more present and provide better care for someone when you feel energized, healthy and motivated. You might go for a walk, take a run or enjoy a gym session to improve your mood, or you can engage in other enjoyable activities. Whether you like reading, listening to music or meditating, prioritizing self-care outside your caretaking tasks is essential. 

Write It Down 

While voicing your feelings can be challenging, it can help you work through and understand your emotions. Journaling is an excellent way to release your feelings healthily. You can set a time to write down your feelings or emotions daily so they don’t become too overwhelming. 

Take Breaks

Taking a break from your caretaking responsibilities is essential. Taking breaks can help you refocus and feel more ready for tasks ahead. For example, you can take lunchtime or weekends off. You can also arrange for another family member or friend to help while you take a holiday, or you can get help with respite or temporary care services. 

Prioritize Nutrition and Healthy Eating

A nutritious diet can help you feel more energized and strengthen your immune system. Eat at regular times and prep meals ahead of time to prevent missing meals. Adding more vitamins, minerals, fruits and vegetables to your diet can also enhance your physical health. 

Get Support 

Getting professional help for your mental well-being can help you deal with stress and emotions. You can speak with a therapist that specializes in family caretaking. Talking to people in your position is also an excellent support solution. You can join a support group and get helpful advice and tips for coping with different scenarios and feelings. 

How to Care for a Family Member in Bethesda, Maryland

You can care for a family member with help from respite and caregiver support programs. Here are some resources for caregivers in Bethesda, Maryland.

Respite Care Program

The Department of Human Services offers reimbursement for caregivers. They also provide temporary care services when family members need a break or face an emergency. Respite services can include care for children, adults and older adults with disabilities. You can apply to see if you’re eligible for respite care services in Maryland. 

Holy Cross Caregiver Support Group 

The Holy Cross Health Caregiver Resource Center offers educational resources like newsletters and support for caretakers. They also have caregiver support groups, providing a space for children, spouses, friends and relatives to share information and support regarding caretaking. 

Aging and Disability Resource Unit

The Aging and Disability Resource Unit offers helpful in-person and over-the-phone resources and advice for people with disabilities, older adults and caretakers. The unit can provide help with transportation and support services. 

Alzheimer’s Association 

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a support group to educate caretakers on living with persons with Alzheimer’s. Trained volunteers lead the group, providing advice on caring for your relative or friend with Alzheimer’s. 

Trust Corewood Care for Comprehensive Home Care Management Services 

If you’re facing caretaker fatigue in Bethesda, Mayland, Corewood Care can help. Corewood Care offers care management services individualized to each person’s needs. Our multidisciplinary team can provide respite, personal care, companion care, in-home care and older adult care services. 

We know how important it is to get suitable care and assistance for your parents, friends or extended relatives. That’s why we provide 24-hour care, including meal prep, light housekeeping service, companionship and emotional care, personal hygiene assistance, and overnight supervision. You can have peace of mind that the person you’re caring for will have professional and around-the-clock care while you’re away. 

Contact us today to schedule a free home care assessment. 

How Do Caregivers and Nurses Care for Alzheimer’s Clients?

Many people are affected by Alzheimer’s, whether personally or through someone close to them. However, few are prepared for this life-changing condition — fewer still have the necessary skills or time to become caregivers for those affected. 

Corewood Care aims to help. Our nurses and caregivers work tirelessly to remain at the frontier of Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We strive to use our knowledge to deliver consistent, compassionate services to those who need them most while helping them maintain their independence as much as possible. 

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

When you hear “Alzheimer’s,” you likely think of dementia, and vice versa. While Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, the term “dementia” refers to a much broader range of conditions. Dementia encompasses any disease or condition that causes cognitive decline. This cognitive decline often impacts someone’s ability to remember things, complete daily tasks and regulate moods. 

Around 60%-80% of people diagnosed with dementia are ultimately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Though major strides have been made in the fight against this disease, there is currently no cure. 

How Our Nurses and Caregivers Help People With Alzheimer’s

People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can and do live fulfilling lives, and this is largely impacted by finding the right caregivers and medical team. The staff at Corewood Care focuses entirely on meeting the needs of our clients, helping them transition into this new phase of life and make the necessary lifestyle changes. 

Between rigorous study and on-the-job training, we know that Alzheimer’s care varies day by day. Our around-the-clock medical and nonmedical services mean we’re prepared for any situations that arise. Our care managers coordinate with nurses, caregivers, personal trainers and family members to communicate the client’s needs and advocate for the level of care they deserve. Below are just some of the dozens of care options we facilitate every day.

Medical and Nursing Care

Most of our clients come to us first and foremost for our impressive medical care services. Our registered nurses are prepared to handle anything that may pop up unexpectedly and manage day-to-day care through: 

  • Mood assessments: Nurses monitor mood and note any major changes.
  • Nutrition assistance: Nurses create meal plans and help with cooking to give clients balanced nutrients.
  • Mobility and memory care: Our team will help clients maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible.
  • Pre- and post-treatment care: From doctor’s appointments to surgeries and injuries, our nurses make sure clients are ready for it all and recover just as well.
  • Hospital-to-home transition services: Coming home from the hospital can be an adjustment, and our team will help ease the transition.

Nonmedical Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Clients

So, what else do caregivers do for people with Alzheimer’s? Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s is as much about being there for them emotionally as it is about providing for their medical needs. While most family members and friends want to be there to offer this support to the person, there is no shame in recognizing that these needs are often much more than one person can handle. 

Caregiving for Alzheimer’s clients is a constant, and Corewood Care trains our team rigorously to manage any situation by offering:

  • Medication reminders: We’ll keep clients on a routine to make life a bit easier.
  • Self-care assistance: We offer help with bathing, brushing teeth and other daily tasks.
  • Companion care: Living with Alzheimer’s can be lonely due to the growing communication barrier. We do our best to keep spirits up by serving as close and trusted friends.
  • Transportation: Anywhere they need to go, we’ll be there right alongside them.
  • Future preparations: Our support will last for as long as necessary, and we are more than willing to talk through and help make preparations for difficult decisions. 

Seek Alzheimer’s Care and Treatment With Corewood Care

The care managers and caregivers at Corewood Care are specialists in Alzheimer’s care. We believe in around-the-clock compassionate services that give you or the people you love the quality care they deserve. 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.

What to Look for in a Care Management Provider

Care management has evolved, providing clients with more options and services. Many people require more specialized care, especially as they age. Care management is essential for supporting older adults throughout various life areas. 

With various care management providers available, research and consideration are vital. Understanding a provider’s services, qualifications and approach is the most effective way to pick a care manager. 

Understanding Care Management

Care Management combines clinical services and activities to deliver holistic and personalized care based on each individual’s unique needs. Care managers support the health and well-being of clients by coordinating social, physical and emotional assistance. Clients can receive around-the-clock professional and comprehensive care through care management services and programs. 

Examples of care management services include:

  • Daily exercise in place
  • Grooming and bathing
  • Assistance dressing
  • Advocacy during hospitalization
  • Help to manage health crises
  • Clinical management
  • Professional recommendations for additional providers and services
  • Diet and nutrition insights
  • Assistance with chronic conditions

Why Is Care Management Important?

Care Management services provide clients with professional support and assistance in various life aspects. Care managers are trained in holistic care and can provide reliable and quality services like health care, physical exercise and advocacy. Care management can improve clients’ lives and give the families peace of mind while also providing individuals with a trusted provider to accommodate their specific needs and preferences without requiring around-the-clock help from a family member or unqualified person.

How to Choose a Care Manager

How to Choose a Care Manager

Deciding on a care management provider is a significant task and requires careful consideration. Care management services can vary, and understanding vital factors like licensing and staff training is one of the best ways to find what’s right for each individual. Things to consider when choosing a care management provider include:

1. Licensing and Certifications

Finding the right care manager should start with licensing and certifications. Care management providers must have various licensing and credentials to verify their services and qualifications. 

Providers and boards issue certifications and licenses to accredited care management providers. These certifications ensure a provider is reputable and can offer professional and knowledgeable assistance. They can also verify the quality of a care provider’s services, staff and facilities. 

Care management providers must have licenses with accredited boards like the Department of Health and home support agencies in their regions. Ensure a care management provider is certified by a reputable board association before moving forward. 

2. Staff Training Requirements

Understanding what types of training the care management staff undergo and their qualifications is essential. Care managers can have varying skills and disciplines in health care and ADLs. Some care managers are multidisciplinary and can assist with multiple needs, like scheduling health care appointments and educating clients on their conditions. 

Some care management providers ensure that all their care managers have professional health care certifications. With professional certifications, care managers may have training in rehabilitation, chronic illnesses and acute medical illnesses. Staff may also have professional credentials and training in nursing, nutrition, psychology, aging and social work. 

Care managers should also have training in daily living activities like grooming, bathing and scheduling physical exercises. Care management providers also use various methods for screening and vetting staff members. It’s essential that a provider has a screening process and can verify care managers’ qualifications and training. 

3. Service Availability 

Another essential factor is services and support availability. Consider the hours of care a care management provider offers. Understand when staff is available, how often they can provide care and if they are on call if needed. Care management that offers ongoing and around-the-clock support is essential for clients that require regular assistance. 

Providing emergency care and daily support is vital in care management. Many care management providers offer 24/7 care and flexible hours and are available throughout the day. They can also provide support as needed and respond in emergencies. 

Finding a care management provider that can provide convenient and ceaseless support is key for clients who rely on daily living assistance.

4. Technology Platforms

Communication between clients and providers is crucial when looking for a care management provider. Being able to check up on family members and get updates on care services, health care treatments and daily schedules is essential for families.

Technology and software platforms can help enhance communication between providers and families. Care management providers can have comprehensive platforms to record client information and track medical conditions and other information. 

Platforms can be accessible to families allowing them to stay updated with their family members’ health and care. Families need to communicate with providers and check up on their family members at any time. 

Care management platforms provide a convenient way of monitoring care providers’ services. They can also offer detailed information about caregivers, certifications and training. Platforms may offer client dashboards that families can access to view medical appointments, care plans and feedback from caregivers and care managers. They can also facilitate communication with the care managers and get assistance with health conditions and progress questions. 

Families can also access informative resources that help educate them on various health care requirements and services. Ensure that technology platforms comply with confidentiality standards and have security measures like client approvals and passwords to protect sensitive information. 

5. Additional Care Services

Many clients rely on care management services for comprehensive support. Care managers take on various responsibilities and can provide clients with additional daily services. 

Support and assistance in emergencies are essential services that different care managers offer. They can also provide transportation services and help with scheduling medical appointments. 

Holistic support is vital, especially as clients get older and require additional motivation and assistance with tasks. Creating and updating customer plans to meet each client’s needs is also an essential service care managers should provide. 

Custom plans may include additional activities and treatment recommendations to support clients’ physical, social and emotional requirements. 

Trust Corewood Care for Comprehensive Care Management Services

Trust Corewood Care for Comprehensive Care Management Services

Choosing a care manager is a delicate task. Corewood Care offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to care management services. 

We offer a holistic care plan and provide specialized services for each client. Our team of qualified and professional staff supports each client’s goals. We create custom plans based on every client’s needs, including health progress and physical activity goals. 

Using a care management technology platform, we can gather extensive data on each client to provide specialized care. We can also use data to monitor and enhance caregiver services and client experiences. We offer every client the highest quality care and support. 

Contact us online to speak to one of our team members about our comprehensive services. 

What Does a Personal Caregiver Do?

Everyone should have the right to thrive and live gracefully from the comfort of their own home. As years progress, this seemingly simple desire can become harder and harder to maintain as a daily reality. Personal caregivers are professionals dedicated to helping people who face limitations arising due to age or ability. 

Personal caregiving is more than a profession — it’s a calling. It takes a remarkable person to devote oneself to others so that they can live their life more fully. If you’re interested in improving the physical, mental and emotional outlook of those in need, read on to learn about a personal care assistant’s job description.

What Is a Personal Caregiver?

Simply put, a personal caregiver is an individual trained to assist others with activities of daily living (ADLs). Often, caregivers work with older adults who face limitations due to their age. However, personal care assistants may also work with younger clients who need support due to a physical or mental disability. 

Caregivers have the skills to offer direct physical support to clients and often work with a care manager who helps tailor the caregiver’s services to meet an individual’s goals and needs. The purpose is to help clients feel comfortable and safe in their own homes. 

Personal caregivers are known by many titles, including:

  • Personal care assistants
  • Personal care attendants
  • Private caregivers
  • Personal care aides

There are many types of at-home care services available to older adults who wish to age in place, including home companions. Personal caregivers offer more hands-on services than home companions. Companion care focuses on keeping clients company and offering general support. Personal caregiving is more active and may involve mobility support or medication management. Caregiving also differs from home health services, which provide professional medical assistance.

A Personal Caregiver’s Daily Duties

A personal caregiver is there to help with the client’s day-to-day needs, including managing the household and helping older adults with their everyday routines. They may also assist clients with other activities, such as running errands. Based on their client’s needs and goals, personal caregivers may provide any or all of the following:

  • Mobility assistance
  • Companionship
  • Facilitating social interactions
  • Meal preparation
  • Light housework
  • Transportation
  • Personal hygiene
  • Medication management

How to Become a Personal Caregiver

The entry-level educational requirement for personal caregivers is a high school degree. Many companies facilitate first aid and CPR certification as part of their employee training programs. Private caregivers undergo intense scrutiny, including a background check and workplace physical to ensure they can handle the more physical aspects of the job, such as mobility assistance. 

Personal caregivers make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families — especially in difficult moments. As such, it takes more than a certain level of education to be an effective caregiver. Character traits a personal caregiver should possess include:

  • Patience working with others who need support.
  • Sufficient empathy to assess a client’s mood or emotional state.
  • Strong communication skills to help understand a client’s needs and work with families.
  • The ability to be comfortable working in someone else’s home.

How Much Does a Personal Care Attendant Make?

Personal caregiving is a highly fulfilling career with lots of opportunities for advancement. However, pay for private care attendants varies from state to state. Salaries also depend on skill level, years of experience, schedule and many other factors. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the need for qualified personal caregivers will continue to rise — elevating the level of pay qualified individuals can expect. 

At Corewood Care, we strive to reward our caregivers for the conscientious care they provide our clients. Our packages include competitive pay, benefits such as healthcare and a 401k, and even flexible schedules based on a caregiver’s preferences. 

Corewood Care: Bringing the Highest-Quality Care to Our Clients

Corewood Care continues to maintain the highest standards when hiring personal caregivers. The relationship between clients and caregivers requires a high level of trust. Our multidisciplinary team is uniquely positioned to manage our clients’ care with the utmost respect and decorum. 

We are always looking for qualified people who want to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Learn more about this life-changing profession and explore careers at Corewood. Or, if you would like to learn more about our personal care services, contact us to schedule a free assessment

How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost?

The importance of home cannot be overstated. Yet, for many older adults who struggle with health or mobility issues, they are faced with a difficult choice — leave home for a community where assistance is available or stay and risk their safety. Home care services allow older adults to age in place with professional help and dedicated support.

Though their benefits are undeniable, family caregivers often find themselves wondering how to pay for home care services. If someone in your life could benefit from having an at-home caregiver, explore our frequently asked questions about coverage and payment for home care services to learn more. 

How Does Billing Work for Home Care Services?

Cost and billing for home care depend on a wide variety of factors, with location being the most significant. Costs can vary widely between states and even areas within the same state. You will also need to consider the level of care required and potential insurance coverage.

What Does Home Care Cost?

The total cost of having a professional personal caregiver come to your home depends on two factors — a client’s unique care needs and how often they use the service. This means that different types of home care have different cost considerations. 

  • Level of care: Many older adults are still quite mobile. In these instances, caregivers serve a practical purpose, providing companionship, transportation and help around the home with the activities of daily living. Other clients have more acute needs that require a higher level of care and a caregiver with more training.
  • Frequency: Some families use home care as a respite for a few hours a day. Other clients with more severe health issues may require more consistent services or 24/7 assistance.  

How Do Payment Plans Work?

Home care services usually involve monthly charges, and the organizations providing them will bill directly to third-party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid or insurance. Any uncovered costs are then billed to the client. 

Some clients choose private pay, meaning clients or their families pay out of pocket for home care. However, private pay can be funded or supplemented through resources such as the following:

  • Personal savings
  • Veterans programs
  • Health savings accounts (HSAs)
  • Individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
  • Pensions
  • Investments and annuities
  • Real estate
  • Social security benefits

Does Insurance Cover Home Care Costs?

Most health insurance will not cover home care — only home health. A doctor must prescribe home health care, as these services involve more medical attention. Here, a licensed professional provides care, usually for two to three visits per week for 21 days. Home care is often needed to supplement the limited nature of home health services. 

In some cases, clients with long-term care (LTC) insurance can receive coverage for home care services not covered by standard insurance policies. At Corewood Care, our services are covered by LTC. However, policies have different requirements for coverage. Call us so we can assist you with your policy and claim. 

Will Medicare or Medicaid Cover Home Care?

While Medicare may cover home health care services prescribed by a doctor, it will generally not cover home care. However, some home care services may be covered for a limited time if they are deemed medically necessary and delivered in tandem with skilled nursing or therapy. 

Medicaid is coverage for lower-income families and often pays for home care services for older adults. Because states administer their own Medicaid programs, eligibility requirements vary. To pursue Medicaid coverage for home care, you will need to work with your state agency. 

Are Home Care Services Tax Deductible?

Personal caregivers can be considered household employees. If you pay any taxes on their behalf, including state employment or social security, these costs may qualify as a medical expense deduction. If a personal aid eats with their client, that cost can also be deducted. Be sure to save every receipt you get and store them before tax season to claim itemized medical deductions. 

Learn More About Our Home Care Plans at Corewood Care

Corewood Care is here for you and your family. We will work with you to find the most cost-effective and beneficial option for the older adult in your life. Schedule a free assessment to learn more about our home care plans. 

Surgery Assistance vs. Hospital to Home Care

Hospitalization and surgery are common as people age, but that doesn’t make these experiences any less stressful. Fortunately, older adults do not have to face surgery or the transition from hospital to home alone. A trained personal caregiver with expertise in these areas can provide extra support and care.

At Corewood Care, we’ve designed two specialized care programs to help older adults who have had a recent hospital stay or surgical procedure. Our pre- and post-surgery assistance and hospital to home care provide similar functions. However, each service offers unique benefits to those in need. Read on to learn how these two programs differ so that you can determine what’s best for you.

What Is Surgery Assistance?

Preparing for surgery and recovering after a procedure can be difficult for older adults and the families who support them. Our surgery assistance service is designed to make this situation less stressful for all involved. 

At Corewood Care, we provide surgery assistance both before the surgical procedure takes place and after the operation. The period before surgery is important, as there is a lot to prepare for and consider. Our professional personal caregivers help older adults go into their procedure with confidence and understanding, providing services such as:

  • Appointment setups and reminders.
  • Adjustments around the home to aid the recovery process.
  • Guidance for informed care and lifestyle decisions.
  • Long-term planning to manage the client’s condition.
  • Transportation to the hospital.

Once the surgical procedure is complete, our caregivers adjust their services to ensure clients can focus on rest and recovery. At-home aids take care of all their client’s needs, including medication management and assistance with the activities of daily living. Caregivers also help clients follow the post-surgery care plan provided by their medical team to prevent infection, minimize pain and aid the healing process. 

What Is Hospital to Home Care?

Hospital to home care is similar to our post-surgical services. However, this program focuses on any hospital discharge — not just surgery. This option provides those struggling with chronic conditions the treatment and support they need to transition to home life after a hospital stay. 

A hospital discharge brings a sense of relief, but going home requires the proper care to minimize the risk of complications. Our experienced caregivers support patients as they transition back to daily life, helping reduce the risk of infection, fall or readmission to the hospital. Services include:

  • Transportation home.
  • Setting up doctor’s or clinician’s appointments.
  • Daily meal delivery or preparation.
  • Assistance with daily living.
  • Help with mobility.

Can These Two Services Be Used Together?

At Corewood Care, we tailor our services to each client’s unique needs, so our surgery assistance can be used in conjunction with our hospital to home care services. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care, so we work with our clients to meet their needs and ensure they can focus on rest and recovery.

Which Service Is Best for You?

Our hospital to home and surgery assistance services are designed to ease the transition following a hospital stay. However, each has a different goal. Before and after surgery care focuses on mitigating complications following the procedure to minimize health risks. Our hospital to home program aims to make any hospital discharge more comfortable and convenient.

Find Tailored Care Plans at Corewood Care

For clients facing surgery or those who need a little assistance with transitioning home after a hospitalization, Corewood Care is here for you. We understand that each client’s needs and goals differ, so we tailor plans to whatever best suits each person. Schedule your free care assessment today to learn how we can help you. 

Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia Care

Watching a family member mentally decline is a difficult experience. Personalized home care from a professional caregiver can ease this experience, ensuring you have the tools to help your parent or spouse live their life with grace and dignity. 

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are two main types of mental decline that families must often face. While some refer to these two conditions interchangeably, they do have some differences. This is especially apparent in the type of personal home care services clients require. Read on to learn how the private caregivers at Corewood Care approach memory care vs. Alzheimer’s care. 

How Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Differ

Dementia is not a disease — it is a general term that refers to mental decline that interferes with a person’s daily life. Dementia is not a normal part of growing older. Rather, it’s usually caused by a specific condition that damages brain cells, impacting thoughts, behaviors and feelings. The condition is usually identified by its symptoms, which include some or all of the following:

  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty understanding others
  • Changes in behavior
  • Growing need for help with daily tasks
  • Problems gathering thoughts or finding the right words for situations

Many types of dementia exist. However, 60% to 80% of dementia cases are identified as Alzheimer’s disease. Also referred to simply as Alzheimer’s, this condition is a progressive brain disease and a form of dementia. In many cases, the condition is present for some time before an individual begins to show symptoms.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the more general hallmarks of dementia grow in severity and require specialized caregiving. Symptoms of later-stage Alzheimer’s include:

  • Delirium
  • Disorientation
  • Disturbing behavior changes
  • Inability to communicate
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Mobility problems
  • Incontinence

How Is Alzheimer’s Care Different From Dementia Care?

Eventually, Alzheimer’s disease causes so much damage to the brain that a person requires 24-hour care. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the difference between memory care and Alzheimer’s care. 

Dementia Care

Dementia care is often the first step before symptoms become too severe. The team at Corewood can help clients struggling with many forms of dementia. Memory care is a specialized program that focuses on progressive memory loss. As such, clients in dementia care can expect adaptable services depending on their unique needs. 

Beyond companionship and assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), we work to create a familiar setting that contributes to our clients’ emotional and cognitive well-being. The goal is to help individuals struggling with symptoms maintain some level of independence. We provide dementia care clients with the following:

  • Activities that benefit physical, cognitive and emotional health
  • Mobility assistance
  • Physical safety measures to account for wandering or confusion
  • Medication management
  • Transportation services
  • Prompt appointment and medical reminders
  • Medical services when needed

Alzheimer’s Disease Care

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, new challenges require a more intentional form of care. Alzheimer’s care services focus on maintaining a client’s quality of life and mitigating the impact of the disease. The intense needs of people with Alzheimer’s require specialized training. Our caregivers have the skills to provide all the services mentioned above, with the addition of the following:

  • Hygiene and continence care
  • Long-term planning
  • Crisis prevention
  • Family counseling

Specialized Care for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease at Corewood Care

At Corewood Care, we specialize in creating personalized care plans based on a client’s needs. From mild dementia symptoms to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, our caregivers help clients age in place in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Schedule a free assessment to determine which treatment program is right for your situation. 

What Is Care Management Software?

At Corewood Care, we make it our mission to help our clients thrive and live gracefully. Our care management software provides valuable insight and real-time data, so it’s easier to track your relatives’ health and effectively work toward their well-being goals. Knowing a family member receives reliable care reports and monitoring encourages more peace of mind.

What Is Care Management Software?

Our care management software provides a streamlined way to coordinate our services and handle administrative tasks. By efficiently organizing data and other information, this state-of-the-art technology allows our team to focus more on providing excellent care to our clients. 

The digitized platform gives caregivers, staff and authorized relatives access to important information for each client. The system offers many beneficial solutions, including:

  • Care reports and notes: All reports from our caregivers and staff are immediately available to view in real-time. 
  • Medication monitoring: Integrations allow our caregivers to use precision when tracking the frequency our clients take their medicine. 
  • Well-being monitoring: The system records accurate information about each client’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. 
  • Care plans and tasks: Personalized care plans are suited to each client’s needs and act as a health checklist daily. 
  • Secure GPS location: The technology pinpoints the location of our caretakers and clients for compliance with safety standards. 
  • Health alerts: Technology monitors our clients’ health information and immediately notifies our caregivers about any urgent issues so they can respond promptly. 

Care Management Software Versus EHR

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a client’s health chart. The EHRs offer organization, making it easier to find relevant information quickly. You can think of EHRs as a virtual cabinet or file system. 

Our care management software works as a supplemental tool to EHRS. In addition to keeping track of information, the system provides next-level capabilities with monitoring, GPS and alert notifications. These features offer a way to improve clients’ quality of care and lower health risks.

What to Look for in Excellent Software

Effective care management software works as a tool to help everyone reach their goals. At Corewood Care, we’re dedicated to assisting adults to thrive throughout their aging journeys. We strive to provide high-quality health services and meet client needs promptly. Our advanced technology is: 

  • User-friendly: The system is easy to use, so caretakers and staff can input any health-related information with a simple process. 
  • Convenient: Recorded data allows you to stay in the loop, so you can check on your family member’s health at all times. 
  • Accurate: Monitoring and tracking give you real-time insight so you know the information is always correct. 

Learn More About Our Care Management Services

At Corewood Care, our cutting-edge technology works as a form of communication between caregivers and families. We’re happy to provide compassionate services and make managing health and daily life easier. 

Please explore our care management services to learn how we work with our clients’ unique needs and goals. Our team delivers a tailored approach for crisis prevention, special care situations and long-term planning. 

To get started, schedule a free assessment today!

24 Hour vs. Live-In Care

Everyone has unique needs when it comes to receiving caregiver assistance as they age and navigate medical conditions. Several types of care are available to meet a range of circumstances, including 24-hour care and live-in care. While these types of care are similar, 24/7 care and live-in care are not the same. 

Here we provide an overview of 24-hour versus live-in care and the benefits of each to help families determine the best option for older adults

What Is 24-Hour Care?

Twenty-four-hour in-home care is a service in which a caregiver is always present with the person being cared for, providing assistance and support around the clock. This type of care is helpful for individuals who have a chronic illness or disability or are recovering from a major surgery or injury. 

What Is 24-Hour Care?

Around-the-clock care utilizes two to three caregivers who work in shifts, meaning the client will have at least two different assistants coming and going each day. Caregivers are paid an hourly rate, which can become a significant expense. However, the client determines the length of each shift, usually between eight and 12 hours. Additionally, they can decide if and when the caregiver takes breaks. 

Having two to three caregivers during each 24-hour period reassures clients that each caregiver is alert and ready to deliver attentive care during their shift. 

The caregiver may assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as medication management, meal preparation and other forms of support. The level of care provided can vary based on the client’s needs and can range from basic to specialized medical care.

What Is Live-In Care?

Live-in care is a type of care in which a fully trained caregiver lives with the client in their home. The caregiver supports the client’s needs to keep them comfortable and independent at home. 

Live-in caregivers stay in the client’s home with them 24 hours a day for four or five days at a time, depending on the situation. Clients typically have two primary caregivers who split the week and alternate on weekends and holidays. Live-in care incurs a flat-rate daily cost, including rest and sleep breaks, which can amount to half the price of 24-hour care. 

Live-in caregivers receive two mandatory breaks during their shifts — eight hours for sleeping and another four-hour break during the day. The client may choose to go unsupervised during caregiver breaks or arrange for another caregiver to cover the time. 

With one daily caregiver, the client can benefit from more quality time and fewer interruptions to their daily life. However, individuals who choose live-in care must provide a dedicated bedroom for the caregiver, and the required eight-hour sleep break may leave them without direct supervision at night. Even so, the caregiver is always close by in case of an urgent need.

Live-in care is a popular choice for anyone who wishes to remain in their home while receiving the care and support they need. It’s an excellent option for anyone who wants to maintain independence and stay in familiar surroundings. It’s also a good choice for individuals with complex care needs, as live-in caregivers can provide the one-on-one attention their condition requires.

Hospice vs. Palliative Care

While hospice care and palliative care are related concepts, they differ in a few ways. Each type of care provides physical and psychosocial relief from complex symptoms related to serious illness. Pain and symptom relief are the objectives of each, just with different prognoses and goals of care. 

Hospice care provides comfort with no intention of curing the client. It’s designed for a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. Hospice care focuses on the care, comfort and quality of life of those with terminal illnesses expected to have less than six months to live. 

Palliative care, on the other hand, is for anyone who has a chronic medical condition. Palliative care provides comfort with or without curative intentions. A key difference between hospice and palliative care is that you can begin palliative care at any point during your illness, while hospice care is typically reserved for the final stages of life. 

Hospice care often takes place at home or in home-like hospice residences. If you’re thinking about palliative versus 24-hour care, understand that palliative care occurs in settings such as hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities and is not round-the-clock. Both hospice and palliative care involve a team of health care professionals who work together to provide care and improve the quality of life for the individual.  

The Benefits of 24-Hour Care

Twenty-four-hour care provides many benefits for individuals who need around-the-clock supervision and help with daily activities. These benefits include:

  • Reducing the likelihood that a person will become housebound, which can help keep feelings of depression and loneliness at bay. 
  • Remaining in familiar surroundings so individuals can remain independent and positive, helping reduce anxiety and stress. 
  • Receiving 24-hour care in multiple environments, including their homes, a personal care center or a nursing facility. 
  • Helping with daily activities like getting dressed, eating meals and bathing. 
  • Managing medications and providing wound care. 
  • Providing older adults with a safe and secure environment, allowing them to receive assistance with their daily needs from caregivers trained to identify and manage any potential safety risks. 
  • Increasing general well-being and provideing an immediate response to medical or other emergencies. 

The Benefits of Live-In Care

Live-in care boasts several of its own benefits, such as:

  • With none of the restrictions associated with institutionalized care, live-in care allows individuals to keep their independence and dignity. 
  • Live-in care enables individuals to maintain the lifestyle they’re used to, keeping beloved pets and attending their usual social activities, which can contribute to a better quality of life. 
  • Live-in care can reduce the cost of care by offering room and board, especially when the older adult has plenty of space at their current residence. 
  • Live-in care allows older adults to receive the assistance they need in a private setting, set their own schedule and remain part of their home community. 
  • Live-in caregivers provide all the same types of care that other home care or home health care workers provide, including personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, companionship and nursing services if trained. 

Corewood Care Offers Exceptional 24-Hour Care Services

If you’ve decided that 24/7 care services are best for your aging family member, you can count on the trustworthy professionals at Corewood Care. We provide clients in Bethesda, MD, and surrounding areas with reliable, quality and professional in-home care. 

With Corewood Care, older adults enjoy round-the-clock support as needed, 24 hours a day and seven days per week. We’re committed to helping our clients live and age gracefully, and we look forward to meeting the older adult in your family. Contact Corewood Care today to schedule a free assessment. 

Corewood Care Offers Exceptional 24-Hour Care Services

What Is Complex Care Management?

At Corewood Care, we recognize that each client we work with is an individual with unique needs. Complex care management seeks to meet as many of these needs as possible through comprehensive, interdisciplinary care that listens to our clients and adjusts accordingly. If a client has a current care plan, complex management will evaluate it to determine areas to improve upon so that each person can get the high-quality care they deserve.

What Is Considered Complex Care?

While care management also seeks to empower clients through individualized, holistic care, complex care management takes things a step further. It is ideal for older adults with chronic health conditions, mental health needs and other situations that may require more intensive services than is usual. Complex care explores every part of one’s daily life and looks for areas to improve quality of life. It may involve:

  • Developing a specialized treatment plan based on existing medical needs and personal preferences.
  • Offering health care support and information so that clients and caregivers can make informed decisions about their future.
  • Educating clients and caregivers about handling medications, physical therapy and other potential needs.
  • Working with a team of medical, social and community specialists to help better manage existing conditions.
  • Using our state-of-the-art technology and data collection tools to monitor health and react quickly to changes.

Who Qualifies for Complex Care for Seniors?

There are no strict guidelines for who qualifies for complex care management. Most professionals consider complex care for individuals who need additional assistance in some way. They may have just been released from a hospital, rehabilitation or an inpatient treatment center, or they may have trouble navigating financial situations and cultural differences. They may live in an area that does not have the necessary accommodations to help them safely navigate their community. 

Essentially, anyone who feels they may benefit from more comprehensive assistance than what is typical in care management should learn more about Corewood Care’s complex care management.

Learn More About Complex Care Management From Corewood Care

At Corewood Care, we pride ourselves on offering quality care from trained and licensed professionals. We listen to our clients when they tell us what they need and invite them to get involved with their integrative care.

Whether you’re exploring complex care management for yourself or someone close to you, we encourage you to reach out to our compassionate care team today. We will be happy to provide you with more information about how to get started with any of our care services. 

Call Us: (301) 909-8117