When Family Caregiving Is Your Second Job

Balancing your job and a loved one’s care can be a recipe for stress!

This Labor Day, it’s more appropriate than ever to focus on the needs of working family caregivers—those people in the workforce who also are providing care for elder loved ones.

A recent study from the RAND Corporation found that three out of five family caregivers are also in the labor force. The study estimates that these double-duty workers are providing 22 billion hours of unpaid care each year, saving money for our healthcare system, but also costing these family caregivers billions of dollars annually in expenditures and lost wages.

Working caregivers report that their caregiving role impacts their careers in many ways. They feel torn between their work duties and their loved ones’ needs, experiencing elevated stress both at work and at home. They often miss out on opportunities for advancement and promotion, and must cut back on business travel and training. They use all their vacation time and sick days to provide care, sometimes taking unpaid leave as well. And if they quit their job to care for their loved one, they often find that they are unable to step back into a position comparable to their former level upon their return to the workforce. AARP also reports that 25 percent of today’s retirees left the workforce earlier than they had planned in order to care for an ill spouse or parent.

Leaving the workforce early, taking a long leave from work, or turning down opportunities for advancement usually is a bad idea, financially speaking. It can have a major impact on lifetime earnings. Experts caution that people who sacrifice their paid work to care for an elder spouse, parent or other family member may find themselves, in turn, without adequate resources to fund their own retirement and long-term care due to loss of wages and Social Security earnings, and underfunded pensions or retirement accounts.

As family caregivers consider how they can make it all work, it’s important to know about resources that can help. Take time from your busy schedule to learn about …

Employer programs. Workers aren’t the only ones impacted by elder care. It is estimated that American companies lose $25 billion annually due to the lost productivity of caregiver employees. But more companies are learning that caregiver support programs make a big difference by raising productivity, building employee loyalty, and cutting down on the cost of turnover and training. Find out if your company offers family leave, flex time, telecommuting, job sharing, or an employee assistance and wellness program with resources for caregivers. Though some caregivers hesitate to discuss their situation with the boss, not wanting to bring personal problems to work, it’s usually best to explain what’s going on, and to express your continued commitment to your job.

Support resources and public benefits. Many families think they have to go it alone when it comes to caring for elderly loved ones. But it’s important to research the support services that are available. In some cases, helping your loved one move to a skilled nursing or other elder care facility is the best choice. If your loved one lives at home or with you, check into federal, state and local programs, such as nutrition programs, respite care, and financial assistance with healthcare, utilities and other needs. (The National Council on Aging’s BenefitsCheckup.org is a good place to begin your search.)

Professional in-home care. More families today are doing the math, coming to the conclusion that hiring professional in-home care is the way to keep elderly family members safe and well-cared-for, while allowing working family members to continue in their careers. In-home care professionals can perform many of the tasks that family caregivers find themselves doing as their loved one’s needs increase: housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, assistance with personal grooming and hygiene, medication reminders and all-around supervision. When there’s a reliable professional caregiver at the ready, working family members can focus on their jobs, with a greatly reduced stress level. Stresses in their relationship with their loved one also are lessened. And for caregivers who live at a distance, having a professional caregiver cuts down on those sleepless nights and frequent emergency trips.

If you find yourself serving as the primary caregiver for your loved one, talk to other family members about the situation. Explain the impact caregiving is having on your career, in dollars and cents if need be. Other family members may be willing to contribute to the cost of home care, as a way of providing support for the elder who needs help—and for you as well.

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Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/,  732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2015, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Experts Predict a Growing Population of “Elder Orphans”

While many of our readers are serving as family caregivers or have done so in the past, a Caring Right at Home poll showed that only 25 percent are confident they would have an adequate family support system if they were to need care in the future.

AARP experts report that seniors who are receiving care today have an average pool of seven people who can help. But as the boomers themselves begin to need care, the balance will shift alarmingly. Many baby boomers are unmarried, and boomers had fewer children. AARP senior policy analyst Lynn Feinberg predicts, “By 2050, the caregiver support ratio, which was 7.2 when boomers were in their peak caregiving years, is projected to drop to 2.9 when the boomers reach their eighties.”

Some seniors will have no family members at all to assist them, says Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, a geriatrician with North Shore-LIJ Health System in New York. Dr. Carney says these “elder orphans” are “vulnerable to a wide range of negative outcomes that include functional decline, mental health issues and premature death.” She cites a University of Michigan study showing that 22 percent of people older than 65 are (or at risk of becoming) elder orphans. Dr. Carney cautions, “We have a sense that this will be a growing population as society ages and life expectancy increases, and our government and society need to prepare how to advocate for this population.”

AARP and Dr. Carney both call for greater awareness of the needs of these unsupported seniors. Says Dr. Carney, “There is potentially no structure to address this population, as this population is hidden right before us. Our goal is to highlight that this is a vulnerable population that is likely to increase, and we need to determine what community, social services, emergency response and educational resources can help.”

People who are likely to be elder orphans are strongly advised to plan far ahead for future care needs. Though none of us like to think about the possibility of future physical and cognitive decline, these boomers should consider these questions:

• Are my financial affairs in order? Have I saved enough to pay for care if I need it?
• Will my home be a good fit for my needs as I grow older? Is it safe and accessible? Could home modifications make it a better fit? Should I consider a move to a smaller home or a senior living community?
• Would the area where I now live be a good place to spend my later years? Is it safe, walkable, with the services I will need? If I were to develop mobility challenges, would I still be able to remain active and engaged?
• What support services would be available to help me with my personal care needs and taking care of my home? What does my local senior services agency offer? What reputable in-home care agencies are nearby? Should I hire an elder attorney? A geriatric care manager?

Planning ahead makes it more likely that a senior will be able to live longer at home. Some boomers are banding into “villages”—communities in which seniors can age in place while contracting together for services such as home repairs, transportation and in-home care. Home sharing is another option, with seniors living together or perhaps providing housing for students in exchange for care assistance. There are many options—but with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, the time to plan on the individual, community and national levels is now!

Read more about the North Shore-LIJ Health System study here. See an AARP infographic about the upcoming “care gap” here.

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Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/,  732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Medication Management Prevents Unnecessary Hospital Trips for Seniors

A recent poll in Caring Right at Home found that more than a third of respondents take five or more medications. Could the medicines we take send us to the hospital? As our population ages, medication management is more important than ever.

Hospitals save the lives of many seniors each year and help many enjoy a higher level of independence and quality of life. Yet studies show that time spent in the hospital can leave seniors vulnerable to urinary tract and other infections, delirium, bedsores, sleeplessness and even falls. Many of these patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge—often due to a complication related to the hospital stay, rather than to the original ailment. With a price tag of billions of dollars each year, this problem is receiving increasing attention from insurance companies, Medicare, other government agencies and consumers.

What is behind this growing problem? According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), nearly half of preventable hospitalizations are due to medication problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that older adults are seven times more likely to experience unintentional drug overdoses and other adverse drug events, and has called for increased attention to medication management for senior patients.

The medicines seniors take can help keep them healthy—but those very medications also can cause health problems. For example, the medication an arthritis patient takes to control pain may also raise the risk of a debilitating fall. Prescription drugs can cause dizziness, depression, confusion and general decline. Still other health problems result when seniors forget to take their medications. Dr. Cara Tennenbaum of the Université de Montréal reports that “common medications to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies can have a negative impact on memory or concentration in the elderly.” And the CDC recently reported that blood thinners and diabetes medications pose a particularly high risk of hospitalization.

Why is medication management such a challenge for older adults? Jennie Chin Hansen, CEO of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), explains, “Older adults run a particularly high risk for adverse drug effects, in part because age-related physiological changes and multiple health problems make them vulnerable to such reactions.” As we grow older, our bodies begin to respond differently to medications. For example, it takes longer for substances to be eliminated from the body than it did when we were younger, so we might need a lower dosage of a drug. Confusion, vision changes and memory loss make it challenging to take medications correctly. Perhaps the most important factor: According to the American Medical Association, up to 40 percent of people older than 65 take five or more prescription drugs. The complex management of this “polypharmacy” increases the risk of interactions and overdoses. Yet the AGS says that one-third of these adverse drug events are preventable.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

The CDC, Medicare and other agencies urge hospitals and doctors to review all the medications a senior patient is taking, improve patient-education materials, coordinate care among a patient’s providers, and perform necessary tests to affirm that patients are receiving the appropriate dosage. Brown University experts also caution that 21 percent of elderly patients take medications that are considered high-risk for older adults, and for which there are safer substitutes.

The Role of Patients and Families

Many nursing homes and other supportive living communities have full-time medication aides to help residents take their prescription drugs correctly and to identify negative side effects. But what about seniors who live alone or with family? A report from the AARP Public Policy Institute and the United Hospital Fund showed that almost half of today’s family caregivers perform tasks for their loved one that could be considered medical/nursing—including 78 percent who assist their loved one with medication management. Without this help, many of these seniors would not be able to remain in their homes. But family members report that they feel stressed by this task. They may be trying to provide dosage reminders while at their desk at work. They often fear they will make an error. The AARP recommends improved communication with family when doctors prescribe medications, as well as increased caregiver training.

The Role of In-Home Care

For many families, home care is a valuable resource as they juggle their caregiving tasks, job duties, other family responsibilities and perhaps health issues of their own. If their loved one’s needs are complex, skilled nursing can be provided in the home. In many cases, in-home nonmedical companion care is a good choice, and is provided at a lower cost. A trained caregiver can be hired during the hospital recovery period, or on a long-term basis for clients with an ongoing need for help at home. Professional in-home caregivers support effective medication management by:

Helping clients fill prescriptions. In-home caregivers can take clients to the pharmacy, or pick up prescriptions.

Reminding clients to take their medications on time, and in the right way. Following the instructions of family and the client’s healthcare provider, in-home caregivers provide medication reminders and notify family of any problems with maintaining the schedule.

Helping clients use prescription memory aids. Pill organizers, specially packaged doses, medication checklists and medication calendars for keeping track of the timing and amount of drug doses are great aids. In-home caregivers help ensure these devices are used properly.

Reporting negative drug interactions. Seniors themselves don’t always recognize when they are experiencing side effects of drugs. Professional caregivers are alert to signs such as sleepiness, confusion, dizziness or other changes that might signal the need for a medication review.

Promoting all-around wellness. Healthy lifestyle choices benefit seniors of every age. In-home caregivers prepare nutritious meals, supervise exercise, encourage socialization, drive clients to healthcare appointments and provide a reassuring presence that might be considered a tonic of its own! In some cases, seniors who practice lifestyle improvements even might need less medication for pain and depression. But, remember to talk to the healthcare provider before making any changes.

Medication management is one of the many ways that home care keeps seniors healthier, provides valuable peace of mind for families and saves money for our nation’s long-term care system.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/,  732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Paying for In-Home Care

Most seniors want to stay in their homes as long as possible—close to 90 percent, according to the AARP. But the desire for independence, familiar routines, and to be surrounded by cherished memories can put seniors at greater risk for something going wrong—from falling to not having healthful food on hand to leaving the stove on.

That’s why home care has become so popular. Home care allows seniors to retain a large degree of independence while ensuring their most basic needs are being met. Home care can provide a variety of services, such as meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and any physical assistance a senior may need, including dressing and bathing. Simply having someone coming in each day or several times a week provides many families with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are being looked after.

And while home care is usually less expensive than living in a senior living community, many people still find that paying for home care can become a financial challenge. Just as many people are surprised to find out that Medicare covers only limited nursing home care, they also may be unaware that it pays only for medically necessary home healthcare services, such as skilled nursing care and physical therapy. Medicare does not pay for personal care or homemaker services. Here are some ideas that have helped many families pay for in-home care:

Public Benefit Programs. People with income under a certain level may qualify for home care assistance through Medicaid; the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) if their state has one; the Veterans Administration’s Aid & Attendance benefit; or other government assistance programs. Talk to your local Area Agency on Aging for more information.

Long-Term Care Insurance. Many long-term care insurance policies cover home care services. If you already have a long-term care policy, check with your company or agent to find out exactly what it covers. If you’re looking to buy one, do your homework and make sure you’re covered for home care. While the policy may be more expensive, it will pay for itself many times over if you find you need home care services down the road.

Reverse Mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a loan against a senior’s house that allows the owner to convert part of their home equity into cash. The loan and interest are paid back when the home is sold or the owner passes away.

Cashing in a Life Insurance Policy. Life insurance usually is intended to protect a spouse’s and/or children’s way of life, should the policyholder pass away. Seniors who are widows or widowers and whose children are living comfortably on their own may no longer have an urgent need for life insurance. In these cases, it may be possible to cash in the policy to pay for home care.

Family Contributions. When a senior loved one needs care, the lion’s share of the hands-on and managerial tasks often falls to one family member. If this is the case in your family, it may be time for a meeting to talk about a more equitable division of practical and financial support for your senior loved one. Beyond the upfront costs of care, caregivers should share information about the hidden costs of their caregiving duties: having to leave their job or reduce work hours …  less time to spend on their own health … using their vacation time for elder care … feeling torn between their caregiver duties and the time they would like to spend with their spouse or children. Family members who divide the costs usually feel better knowing they are doing their fair share.

Families who use in-home care report that it provides a very high return on investment! Professional in-home care agencies can offer information on financial resources that may be available in your community.

For information on topics related to home care and healthcare, visit our Home Care and Healthcare Advocacy group on LinkedIn.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at  http://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Talking to Senior Loved Ones About Scams

During his last visit, Jeff noticed a pile of sweepstakes notices on Dad’s desk, along with many sketchy-looking charity pitch mailings. Dad talked vaguely about an exciting investment that a new friend had clued him in on. Yet he was uncharacteristically reticent to discuss financial matters. “Stay out of my business, Jeff!” said Dad as he shoved his checkbook into a drawer.

It’s one of the most frustrating things a child can face—seeing their parents being taken advantage of financially. This growing problem costs seniors billions of dollars each year. What can you do to protect your loved one?

First, it helps to know why scammers target older adults:

• Most seniors were raised to be polite and trusting, and find it hard to say no.
• Seniors often have money set aside in savings and retirement accounts.
• Scammers are quick to take advantage of seniors who have memory loss.
• Loneliness and isolation make seniors more susceptible to the manipulations of a “friendly stranger.”
• Many seniors are at the point in life when they want to leave a legacy through charitable contributions.

Understanding these factors can help you have a more productive conversation about fraud with an elderly loved one. For example, if senior loved ones have become lonely and isolated, this makes them more vulnerable to con artists. Help them expand their social connections. Learn about local senior centers and volunteer opportunities. If you live nearby, offer to provide transportation to social events. If you live at a distance, find out who their friends are and encourage them to drop by and check in on occasion. Consider in-home care for companionship, supervision and transportation out and about. Helping your loved one be actively engaged in the community makes it less likely that they will engage a scammer, either on the phone or in person.

The best tactic is to educate your parents about the dangers before they become a victim. This can be tricky, because parents don’t like to be lectured to by their children or made to feel stupid. One good way to start the conversation is to share your own experience of a time when you fell for a sales pitch or felt ripped off. Or share the story of someone else you know of who got scammed. This way you can end the conversation with “Don’t make my mistake” or “Don’t make Sheila’s mistake.”

Appeal to your loved one’s sense of justice. Explain how fraudsters target seniors. Provide tips on how they can protect themselves, and encourage them to share the information with their friends. As part of their Weapons of Fraud program, AARP recently released an informative and engaging video  that you can watch on YouTube with your loved one. As the real-life con artist in the video reveals his techniques, your senior parent will probably be boiling mad—but happy to see that the scammer is clad in a prison jumpsuit!

Invite your parents to watch the video and discuss the topic with you, not as something they need to know, but as valuable information you all could benefit from. Simply making your parents aware of the problem will make them less likely to say yes to the persistent pitch of a con artist. In this way, you empower your parents and leave them better able to push back against scammers.

Finally, if a parent already has fallen victim to a scam, don’t scold them or make them feel stupid. Tell them there are millions of other people in their situation and work with them to find ways to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Help them report the crime to local or federal authorities.

If your parents are open to it, you can be added to their bank accounts to help monitor any large, unexplained expenditures. Offer to help them manage their finances. Suggest ways to make funds less readily available, such as safe investments. In this way, your parents will be more likely to view you as an ally, not as a threat to their independence. If an elderly parent is truly incompetent to manage their affairs due to cognitive decline, it may be time to talk to an elder law attorney about the possibility of a guardianship or power of attorney.

Learn More

The FBI offers information about fraud targeting seniors, including instructions for reporting that a senior or someone else has been victimized.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Five Myths and Facts About Seniors and Supplements

Mom and Dad clicked on an ad for a new herbal brain health product. In a video featured on the company’s website, a customer testified that after taking the product, he was totally cured of Alzheimer’s disease! Mom and Dad think maybe they should order a bottle of this new product.

According to the AARP, over half of all seniors take dietary supplements. Millions of older adults spend billions of dollars on vitamins, minerals, herbal and botanical preparations, enzymes and other similar products. Grocery stores and drugstores now have aisles of supplements. Entire stores are devoted to selling them. Yet few of us know very much about the pills and preparations we take every day. How can we be sure that the supplements we take are safe and beneficial—and that we’re not throwing our money away? Check out these five common myths:

Myth #1: I can trust the claims of companies that sell supplements.

Fact: Some companies sell products with legitimate benefits. But supplements are, for the most part, unregulated. Many companies sell worthless products that promise to help us lose weight, to slow the process of aging, or to cure a host of diseases. They prey on the hopes of people who are at their most vulnerable, including seniors. These companies spend most of their money on infomercials, sophisticated scientific-sounding websites and ads in the back of magazines—often, more than they spend on the ingredients that go into their products. They might create fake “before and after” stories, or pay a celebrity spokesperson to tout the benefits of products the celeb in all likelihood has never even tried.

Myth #2: Even if a supplement doesn’t help me as promised, it can’t hurt me.

Fact: We take for granted that the medicines we take have been carefully tested and regulated. But supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and are not FDA-approved. They go on the market without testing. The FDA only steps in if a safety issue is suspected—and it can take a while for that to be determined, and for the product to disappear from the shelves. Many supplements are manufactured in unregulated plants overseas. There is no guarantee that a supplement contains the ingredients it claims to have, and some may actually contain harmful substances. Some are safe, but some can cause serious health problems.

Myth #3: Since I buy supplements without a prescription, I don’t need to talk to my doctor about the vitamin and herbal products I take.

Fact: When a healthcare provider asks you about the medications you take, you should report not only your prescription drugs, but also any over-the-counter substances, including supplements. Tell your doctor which products you take, how often you take them, the dosage, and why you are taking each one. Even better, talk to your doctor, pharmacist and/or a registered dietitian before you decide to take supplements. These professionals have access to the latest information on dietary supplements, and can help you decide which vitamins and other supplements would benefit you, and which would be useless or even dangerous.

Myth #4:  As we grow older, it’s a good idea to take more supplements to promote healthy aging.

Fact: If you are an older adult, your doctor may recommend that you take vitamins and other dietary supplements, especially if you have a condition that keeps you from getting the nutrients you need from the foods you eat. But it’s important to know that as we grow older, our bodies process substances less efficiently. It may take longer for vitamins and other supplements to be eliminated from our body, which can allow a toxic dosage to accumulate. And seniors take an average of five prescription medications, making it more likely that they will experience a dangerous interaction between prescription medications, nonprescription drugs and supplements.

Myth #5: If someone suggests I join their business selling supplements, that could be a great way to make some extra money.

Fact: A friend or acquaintance may suddenly begin singing the praises of a nutrition shake or diet product. He or she might invite you to a party where there is some social pressure to purchase these products. And then, the host might offer you the opportunity to invest and become a salesperson. These get-rich-quick schemes may especially appeal to retired people, who have a nest egg and some time on their hands. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions consumers to walk away from the offer if the promise of income comes not from the supplements you sell but from signing up others who then will theoretically give you a percentage of their sales. The FTC says, “If the money you make is based on the number of people you recruit and your sales to them, it’s a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes are illegal, and the vast majority of participants lose money.” Do your homework before buying in.

The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor about the supplements you take. Do not change the way you take your medicines without consulting your healthcare provider.

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Learn More

The National Institute on Aging’s Age Page on dietary supplements lists beneficial supplements your doctor might prescribe.

Before you or an older loved one purchases a dietary supplement, read this tip sheet from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This resource also includes a handy chart for sharing information with your health team.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides science-based articles on vitamins for older adults.

The Federal Trade Commission offers important information about multilevel marketing companies.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey athttp://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

When Your Loved One Comes Home From the Hospital

Mom tripped on the garden hose while walking to get the mail. She had surgery to repair a torn shoulder. The surgery went fine and now she’s coming home. But with her arm out of commission and a long sheet of post-op instructions, she can’t manage on her own.

Maybe you’ve heard the term “quicker and sicker”? It’s true that patients are discharged from the hospital sooner these days after surgery or an illness.

For older adults, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing! The hospital isn’t the best place for a restful recovery, with the bright lights and noisy corridors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 700,000 American patients each year contract an infection during hospitalization, and seniors are at higher risk. Many senior patients also develop hospitalization delirium, a state of confusion and disorientation that sometimes occurs after surgery or a serious illness. While delirium is temporary, researchers now believe that the condition raises the risk of dementia.

Hospital care also is very expensive, both for patients and for Medicare and insurance companies. There are incentives to move patients into a less acute care setting as soon as possible, and to avoid unnecessary return trips to the hospital. Yet one in five hospitalized Medicare patients is readmitted within a month of discharge, costing Medicare $26 billion annually. Medicare has begun penalizing hospitals whose readmission rates are too high.

After discharge, some seniors go to a nursing home, rehabilitation facility or similar care setting. Others are discharged directly to their own house or apartment, or come home after a short rehab stay. Can they recover successfully at home? In the absence of nursing and support staff, who assists these patients during their recovery?

The answer, as many Caring Right at Home readers know, is that family caregivers step in to help. Are these family members ready for the challenge? Many times, their loved one not only is suffering from the effects of a major health event such as a stroke, heart attack or hip fracture—but also is experiencing post-hospital surgical pain, grogginess and weakness. This puts them at higher risk of infection and falls. The AARP says that many caregiver relatives today are called upon to perform medical and nursing tasks, such as medication management, wound care, using meters and monitors and more—and they don’t feel qualified.

“Many hospitals treat family members as visitors rather than members of the healthcare team,” cautions Dr. Alexia Torke, a professor at the University of Indiana Center for Aging Research. Fortunately, there is a growing understanding that family caregivers are central members of the care team and should be more involved in discharge planning. Many hospitals are providing caregiver education, helplines and other caregiver support services. “As the population ages, family members of older adults should prepare for the crucial role they may play when their loved ones are hospitalized,” says Dr. Torke.

Once a patient is discharged, skilled nursing services can be provided in the home. In some regions, the house call is even making a comeback, with doctors visiting senior patients in the less disruptive home environment.

Much of the care is more routine. The patient may need help with the activities of daily living and with managing post-discharge recovery instructions—to say nothing of cooking, cleaning and the other usual household tasks. Family caregivers quickly find that caring for their loved one is a full-time job!

This is where professional in-home care can make all the difference, both in the patient’s optimal recovery and in the well-being of family caregivers. In-home care can be provided for a few hours a week up to 24/7. After a patient is discharged, trained in-home caregivers can:

Support the patient’s follow-up care. Compliance with the doctor’s instructions promotes the best possible outcome. But managing appointments, instructions and care tasks can be overwhelming! In-home caregivers help coordinate medical appointments, pick up prescriptions and provide medication reminders, and transport patients to doctor appointments, outpatient rehabilitation sessions and other follow-up care.

Supervision and confidence. The old days of prolonged bed rest after surgery or an illness are over! In most cases, healthcare providers recommend a prompt return to physical activity. Trained in-home caregivers assist patients as they return to exercising, walking and getting around the home. They also provide a steady hand and encouragement while patients adjust to using a walker, crutches or other assistive devices.

Personal care and hygiene. Many times patients are challenged by bathing, dressing, grooming, going to the toilet, oral care and so forth. Trained caregivers provide skilled assistance with sensitivity to preserve the patient’s dignity.

Housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation. In-home caregivers keep the house clean to lower the risk of infection, and remove hazards that could cause a fall. They grocery shop and prepare appetizing meals and snacks that meet the healthcare provider’s dietary recommendations.

Respite for family members. Caregiving is hard work. It can be emotionally difficult and exhausting. With a trained in-home caregiver filling in, families can get some rest and take time for their work and other responsibilities, lowering the stress that jeopardizes their own health. In-home care also is a great option for long-distance caregivers who feel torn between their loved one’s care needs and their responsibilities back home.

Learn More

The Eldercare Locator offers a free booklet, Hospital to Home: Plan for a Smooth Transition.

Families whose hospitalized loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder can find specialized information from the National Institute on Aging’s Hospitalization Happens: A Guide to Hospital Visits for Individuals with Memory Loss.  

For information on topics related to home care and healthcare, visit our Home Care and Healthcare Advocacy group on LinkedIn. 

Do you know a senior who needs help transitioning home from the hospital? Right at Home’s RightTransitions® program can help make that transition easier. Visit the Right at Home Care Transitions information page to learn more.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in-home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey athttp://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Home Care Helps Family Caregivers Beat Depression

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Home Care Helps Family Caregivers Beat Depression Today, nearly one-third of all Americans—that’s more than 45 million of us—are providing care for an elderly or disabled loved one. Caregiving can be tremendously rewarding. It is an integral part of human nature to take care of those we love. But these rewards often are accompanied by stress and anxiety. Caregivers struggle to balance jobs and other responsibilities. They may feel grief at the change in their loved one’s condition, guilt that they aren’t doing enough, and anxiety as to whether they are doing a good job. The AARP Public Policy Institute recently reported that more caregivers today are called upon to perform wound care, medication management and other tasks for which they do not feel prepared. And while tending to their loved one’s needs, they often fail to take care of their own health. Studies show that many caregivers have elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol that can harm the body in many ways. All of these factors raise the risk of depression. The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that at least 20 percent of family caregivers suffer from this condition—twice the rate found in the noncaregiver population. Depression may creep up gradually on caregivers, leaving them thinking that their loss of energy and low mood are just “the new normal” in their lives. It’s important to be alert for the symptoms of depression: a persistent feeling of sadness, lack of energy, changes in normal eating and sleeping, memory disturbances and impaired concentration, loss of interest in usual activities, and trouble keeping up with normal tasks at home and work. Depression affects the whole person: mind, body and emotions. Caregivers noticing these symptoms should consult their healthcare provider. All too often, people feel that somehow they will just snap out of it. But depression is an illness that results from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and it is important that it be treated. Treatment for depression might include lifestyle changes (better nutrition, exercise, spending more time with others) and counseling. In many cases, medication helps. Yet here is another way caregivers are challenged: A study from Express Scripts found that although family caregivers are more likely to be prescribed medications for depression and anxiety, they also are less likely to take their medications as prescribed. For many caregivers, the best “prescription” is to get some help with their caregiving tasks! Lessening the workload can overcome the negative health effects of caregiving and allow caregivers to focus on the rewards. An October 2013 study from Johns Hopkins University even showed that when caregivers don’t feel overburdened, caregiving actually may be correlated with longer life! Dr. David L. Roth reported that taking care of a loved one offers a self-esteem boost that is good for emotional health—if the caregiver’s workload is “done at manageable levels.” Says Roth, “If highly stressful situations can be avoided or managed effectively, caregiving may actually offer some health benefits for both the care recipients and the caregivers, including reduced risk of death for those providing care.” It is worthwhile to make a plan for lowering the workload and associated stress. Caregivers first should learn all they can about their loved one’s condition and about resources that are available in the community. Can friends lend a hand? What help is available from government and volunteer organizations? What local adult day centers, assisted living and long-term care facilities offer respite care? For many families, professional in-home care supplements family-provided care in ways that allow family caregivers to tend to their own health and needs. In-home care supports the emotional well-being of caregivers across the spectrum: In-home caregivers can be there when caregivers can’t. With a skilled, reliable caregiver in the home, family are able to work, play, exercise, attend to their own healthcare appointments, and enjoy the many other mood-boosting activities that tend to fall by the wayside as their loved one’s care needs increase. Professional in-home caregivers provide companionship, supervision, nutritious meals, transportation, medication reminders, and assistance with following the healthcare provider’s recommendations. Professional in-home care normalizes family dynamics. When an elder parent, spouse or other loved one needs care, the changed relationship between the two can be emotionally difficult. Caregivers often feel overburdened even as they are dealing with their loved one’s grief over loss of independence and autonomy. When a professional in-home caregiver helps a client dress, bathe, shave, go to the toilet and perform other personal care tasks, this removes some of the emotional distress associated with the caregiving role—and preserves the care receiver’s sense of dignity, as well. In-home caregivers take care of challenging tasks. Did you know that many family caregivers today are dealing with their own age-related health problems? It may be unsafe for them to help their loved one walk or transfer from bed to chair, or to assist with other physically taxing hands-on care. Professional caregivers are trained to perform these tasks safely. They also can do housekeeping, laundry and other tasks that keep all household members safe, and healthy, and in good spirits. Professional in-home care reduces worry for family caregivers. Many family caregivers experience anxiety when their loved one is home alone. They never quite relax enough to recharge their emotional batteries, because they are always concerned about how their loved one is doing. This nonstop fretting can increase stress and depression. What a difference it makes to know that their loved one could get help if a fall were to occur … has assistance getting to the bathroom … and is not sitting isolated at home. In-home caregivers provide supportive care for clients who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Studies show that depression levels are highest in family caregivers whose loved one is living at home with Alzheimer’s disease. Dealing with the day-to-day issues of caring for a person with dementia is very stressful. In-home caregivers provide supervision, hygiene support and solutions for dealing with difficult behaviors such as wandering, aggression and sleep disturbances. Learn More For information on topics related to home care and healthcare, visit our Home Care and Healthcare Advocacy group on LinkedIn.  Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in-home care services.  About Right at Home of Central New Jersey Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey athttp://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com. Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners