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  • Top Ten Cold Weather Tips for Seniors

    Top Ten Cold Weather Tips for Seniors

    Not many people go around saying “Happy Winter.” It’s cold and most of us don’t like it, but winter is Mother Nature’s way of hitting the reset button on life. So, we tolerate the blustery bite that Old Man Winter brings each year. However, as we age, it gets harder for our bodies to tolerate such extreme weather conditions. Here are our top 10 tips for cold weather preparation for seniors.

    1. Stock emergency resources in their homes. Emergency kits must be easily accessible and should include water, flashlight, batteries, radio, and blankets. Seniors should have at least a seven-day supply of prescription medications and a three-day supply of food and water on hand. Although I do encourage you to have a stocked cabinet.

    2. Watch your temperature.  Seniors body temperatures tend to run lowered than most adults. Especially if they have cardiac issues, hypothyroidism as well as on blood thinners. Hot drinks are a very good idea for anyone whom is cold as it will help hydrate them as well. Thermostats should be set to 68 degrees to prevent hypothermia and prevent pipes from freezing.

    3. Dress smart for cold weather. Make sure their clothing is season appropriate – long sleeves, long pants, thermal socks. Layered loose-fitting clothing; gloves or mittens. Wearing a hat protects against heat loss, as close to half of body heat is lost through the head. Ensure they have a winter jacket, scarf and correct shoes.

    4. Keep an eye on nutrition. With the heat being on- everyone tends to stay a bit dry. Encourage constant liquids- keep a cup of water or ice with them at all times. A diet full of fruits and vegetables help with the needed vitamins to help combat winter colds. If unable to eat a balanced diet- talk to your doctor about supplemental vitamins such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc.  Keep extra food on hand in the freezer as well as bottled or canned fruit juices and non-fat milk powder. Meals on Wheels is a great resource for Seniors needing a hot meal a day- Local DSS can assist with getting this set up.

    5. Identify fall risks. Often everyone will take off their wet boots when they get home and walk around the house in socks, which often leads to slippery surfaces and falls.  Encourage them to wear slippers or grippy socks (Thermal socks are wonderful for grip as well as warmth) around the home. Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow- use ice melt or walk on grassy surfaces when possible.

    6. Eliminate potential fire risks. Space heaters are great for warmth in the winter. Make sure they are in the middle of the room, not being used as a table with items on top. As well as being plugged directly into an outlet versus a power strip. If using electric blankets- check the wiring is ok. Discourage a heat pad as it can cause burns to the skin. Check to make sure you have a fire extinguisher and a working smoke alarm as well. If not- your local fire department will bring out a smoke detector to your home and install for you.

    7. Encourage activity and try safe exercises at home. During the winter- Seniors can become sedentary and depressed with the weather. Encourage them to get up and walk around, rocking in a rocking chair is great for their bone health as well as their muscle strength. If you notice they have had a change- always reach out to your doctor and see about having some physical therapy to keep those muscles going. The YMCA has a program called Silver Sneakers- great for interaction and exercise.

    8. Have a plan for winter emergencies. If your power goes out, who is going to be able to come over and assist. Have your emergency readiness kit available as well as extra blankets. Keep a list of the local fire department, electric company, and family contacts.

    9. Get your Flu/Covid Vaccine. Everyone should get their flu shot yearly as long as they do not have an adverse reaction to it. Also encourage the COVID vaccine and booster as well. It’s also important that all family members who interact regularly with your senior loved one get the shot – this will help to keep your senior healthy, and it will benefit the health of your younger family members as well

    10. Boost Mental Health. Winter time can bring on the blues. Some people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder or Depression. Open the blinds in the home, Use light colored curtains to allow the natural light into your home. Happy Lights are a great way to get a boost of Vitamin D in the winter time. Stay involved with your social circle and regular activities.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    Emily Dix is a nurse who resides in South West Virginia with her family. When she is not helping patients live long healthy lives, she enjoys camping in Virginia State Parks and cheering on her son at his latest basketball game.

  • What Does In-Home Hospice Care Include?

    What Does In-Home Hospice Care Include?

    Despite the medical marvels and technologies that we enjoy today, people still suffer fatal sicknesses, diseases, and conditions. Such instances call for hospice care and its attendant services, including in-home nursing, professional medication management, emotional therapy, and more. Nevertheless, you and your family must decide if it is right for your senior’s health and comfort.

    A hospice care organization owned and operated by registered nurses, Coastal Home Care is dedicated to keeping seniors safe and independent. Since 2010, our team has served Dorchester County, MD, and we continue to provide necessary services, including personal care, post-operative care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, and companionship care. For more information, call (410) 572-5606 or schedule a consultation today.

    Below, we describe hospice care, the treatments it includes, and how to determine if your senior requires it:

    What Is Hospice Care?

    The term hospice care refers to medical services that comfort patients suffering a terminal illness or condition. As their time approaches, the patient receives not just physical care but also any emotional, social, and even spiritual/religious necessities.

    Furthermore, hospice care can provide support, resources, and information to a patient’s loved ones during this difficult time. The services may continue even after a hospice patient passes away. Hospice care occurs either at a patient’s home or in a medical facility with appropriate resources.

    Treatments and Services That Hospice Care May Include

    Most hospice care providers include at least most of the following treatments and factors:

      • Nursing services: A case manager nurse is assigned to each hospice patient and sees them one to three times per week. An on-call nurse is also available to hospice patients and their carers 24/7.
      • Physician participation: A hospice patient’s usual physician, in collaboration with a hospice medical director, often offers treatment.
      • Medical social services: A social worker is assigned to each patient to provide companion care, helping with their emotional and/or social needs.
      • Counseling services: Hospice patients and/or their loved ones may require dietary services, pastoral/spiritual support, or bereavement counseling.
      • Home-health aide: A medical professional person who assists patients with personal care and visits 2-3 times per week.
      • Medication management: All medications connected to the hospice diagnosis, pain treatment, and symptoms, are covered by hospice. A medical aide will help the patient keep track of their medications and use the correct dosages.
      • Laboratory/Other diagnostic tests
      • Respite care: Respite care offers temporary, short-term assistance that can help prevent or reduce caregiver burnout and stress.
      • Therapists: A physical, occupational, and/or speech-language therapist may be provided by hospice if necessary.
      • Additional services: Some hospice services may offer additional assistance through volunteer or charitable organizations.

    Determining if Hospice Care is Right for Your Loved One

    Hospice care, unlike typical palliative care, is designated for terminally ill patients who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Although such diagnoses are only approximations, medical professionals agree that the sooner a patient can start hospice care, the more benefit they will receive.

    When a patient pursues therapies aimed solely at promoting/providing comfort rather than seeking a cure for their illness or condition, they are ready for hospice. Medication to relieve pain, nausea, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, muscular cramps, and other symptoms become a focus.

    Coastal Home Care: Medication Management in Dorchester County, MD

    Coastal Home Care is committed to delivering high-quality assistance to seniors in Dorchester County, MD. Our medication management services begin with a complete reconciliation of all a patient’s medications and continue to consolidate further prescriptions in an easily-understood pillbox. Along with on-time reminders, we ensure your loved one is on schedule with their medication routine. For more on medication management and other hospice services, fill out an online form or call (410) 572-5606 today.

  • CARE ADVANTAGE STRENGTHENS DELAWARE PRESENCE WITH SILVER LINING HEALTHCARE

    CARE ADVANTAGE STRENGTHENS DELAWARE PRESENCE WITH SILVER LINING HEALTHCARE

    Richmond, VA – December 29, 2021 – Care Advantage, Inc.(“Care Advantage”), one of the largest privately owned home health companies in the Atlantic Mid-South, completed the acquisition of Silver Lining Healthcare in Dover, Delaware earlier today. 

    Following swiftly behind the company’s most recent purchase of Elder Care at HomeVB in Virginia Beach, Silver Lining Healthcare becomes the fifteenth acquisition Care Advantage, Inc. has completed since 2018. It also marks the third acquisition since joining forces with Searchlight Capital Partners (“Searchlight”) earlier this year. 

    Alongside sister companies Capital City Nurses and Coastal Home Care (purchased in 2019), the addition of Silver Lining Healthcare not only underpins the company’s presence in Delaware, but also its strategic approach of adding premium in-home care providers to its portfolio. Silver Lining Healthcare offers a comprehensive selection of personal care services which are customized to the individual needs of each client.  

    Care Advantage is eager to continue growing its presence in Delaware and the Atlantic Mid-South through additional acquisitions in the new year. 

    Tim Hanold, CEO of Care Advantage, said, “This is an exciting acquisition for Care Advantage, and I am thrilled to welcome the Silver Lining Home Care team to our family. Delaware has been one of the states we have been looking to develop for some time, and Silver Lining represented the perfect fit on several fronts. To acquire a premium-level provider with an extensive base of personal care services, and with a stellar reputation in the local community checks all the boxes for us. The potential to grow in this market and serve even more clients is definitely here.” 

    Tiffany Rubin, RN, Founder of Silver Lining, said “We are thrilled to be joining a family of care companies that exemplifies our core purpose: Life to the Fullest! This partnership positions Silver Lining to expand our service offerings and provides more resources and expertise for our team members, as we continue to build on our almost decade of community relationships and extraordinary client care. We’re humbled and fortunate to be a part of making a difference in our community with the Care Advantage team.”  

  • The Benefits of One-On-One Care

    One-on-one nursing care offers several advantages for seniors in need of medical support. It facilitates aging in place, an independent lifestyle, and personalized services. Whether your senior needs full-time or minimal assistance, they can benefit from receiving one-on-one care in their home. So, seek a trusted provider for individualized or 24/7 in-home senior care.

    Coastal Home Care is a leader of in-home services throughout Rehoboth Beach, DE. We offer Alzheimer’s and dementia, hospice, and post-operative care as well as medication management. Our trained staff delivers professional support with compassion and respect. Moreover, we empathize with the challenges of aging and prioritize comfort with each step of the caregiving process. Schedule a consultation today!

    Below, we describe the benefits of one-on-one care:

    Aging In Place

    Seniors who receive one-on-one care usually prefer to remain in their homes as opposed to moving to a care facility. Indeed, 87% of seniors ages 65 and over prefer to age in place, and for good reason.

    Aging in place allows seniors to stay in the environment they feel most comfortable, where they have privacy to go about their lives. Moreover, a late-in-life move can be unsettling and difficult for seniors, forcing them to adapt to new surroundings and companions. 

    Seniors who need minimal medical care will find aging in place an ideal option as long as their home remains an accessible space. One-on-one care can support the seniors’ needs, including daily chores, running errands, and taking medication.

    Independent Living

    Independence is crucial to maintaining autonomy, emotional health, and dignity. Thus, it often suits seniors who do not suffer from advanced memory loss or another debilitative condition to remain as independent as possible. 

    A mostly independent senior benefits from keeping their mind sharp and their body moving in a routine. One-on-one care supports such routines, as it helps seniors with the tasks that require it while prioritizing their ability to take care of themselves.

    Furthermore, although they may complete their daily living activities alone, some seniors would benefit from companionship. Companion care supports individuals who experience isolation in light of their independence.

    Personalized Care

    One-on-one care calls for personalized assistance to each individual. Thus, Coastal Home Care conducts a thorough assessment to understand each of our patient’s needs. We identify their medical condition as well as their ability to complete tasks before creating a Plan of Care. 

    As a senior’s needs change, we adapt the level of care that we administer. We also ensure that the appropriate caregiver can fulfill all the care called for. 

    Coastal Home Care: Quality In-Home Care for Seniors in Rehoboth Beach, DE

    Residents of Rehoboth Beach, DE, can turn to the support of Coastal Home Care for 24/7 in-home senior care. Managed by a team of registered medical experts who employ trained staff and certified nurses, Coastal Home Care understands the importance of reliability. That’s why we are available 24/7. We offer services including meal preparation, assistance with bathing, and more for both short and long-term care plans. Contact us today at (866) 687-7307.

  • Why You Should Consider Post-Operative Care

    Even after a surgical procedure, many people may not wish to ask for help. However, complications from surgery are most likely to occur in weeks following surgery. If your senior recently underwent an operation, reach out to a professional senior caregiver experienced in post-operative care. They can help speed your loved one’s recovery, reduce the risk of complications, and relieve your family of the caregiving burden.
    Coastal Home Care offers trained post-operative caregiver services throughout Sussex County, DE. Our staff comprises certified Registered Nurses who help seniors heal quicker and better than those who forego post-operative care. We are committed to ensuring seniors receive the comfort they deserve while reducing the risk of complications. Schedule a consultation and call (302) 752-1800 today to see how we can accommodate your elder!
    Below, we discuss several reasons why you should consider post-operative care:

    • Reduces the Risk of Post-Surgery Complications
      Any procedure that requires an incision or utilizes anesthesia involves some amount of risk. However, most post-surgery complications are resolved with proper medication and care. Yet minor and major problems can be avoided with professional caregiving support.
    • Speeds Up the Recovery Process
      To recover from their surgery, the patient must follow their doctor’s specific instructions with takes patience and restraint. This process also requires their caretaker to memorize a rash of details. Thus, a quick recovery necessitates extra diligence and effort of the specific incision sites and the overall body.
      Nevertheless, Coastal Home Care’s team specializes in effective post-operative care. Our detail-oriented staff tailors their work to each client’s needs, ensuring that patients receive superior care and comfort.
    • Professionally Training & Extensive Experience
      Our trained Registered Nurses manage an array of tasks for every patient: medication management, appointment transportation, incision site maintenance, pain tolerance, and infection prevention. They also recognize the signs of a medical emergency, so you can trust us to get your loved one to the ER when appropriate.
    • Allows You to Manage Your Other Responsibilities
      Hiring caregiving support allows you and your family to balance post-surgery support with your other cares and responsibilities. Post-operative care requires specialized knowledge and ample time, which you may be unable to provide. But our team can help you support your loved one following a procedure. 

    Coastal Home Care: Senior Caregivers Available in Sussex County, DE

    Coastal Home Care respects the privacy of our clients and ensures they remain comfortable at home. Our experienced and skilled professional senior caregivers provide post-operative care immediately following surgery. The Coastal Home Care Team offers a wide range of support services, including companionship, assistance with basic tasks, grooming, physical therapy, and wound care. 

    Get your senior the post-surgical support they need. Get started and call (302) 752-1800 or fill out our form to schedule a consultation.

  • CARING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES THIS THANKSGIVING

    CARING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES THIS THANKSGIVING

    Thanksgiving is the wonderful time of year that we get to gather around with family and loved ones to eat a delicious meal and talk to family we haven’t seen for a while. This annual get-together is a staple in America, and now with vaccines and boosters being rolled out, we can safely enjoy a meal together again.

    This family reunion is a great time to check up on your senior loved ones, to see how they are doing in their own home or with others. Care Advantage can assist them in their own homes, looking after them, helping with activities of daily living, and being an ear to listen.

    COVID has been difficult for many seniors, especially those who are living alone. Here are some quick checks that you can do to make to ensure that your loved ones are safe.

    If you’re having Thanksgiving at a senior’s house, here are some signs to look out for:

    – Laundry piling up

    – Spoiled food in fridge

    – Tripping Hazards, such as:

                  – loose rugs

                  – items on the floor

                  – poorly lit areas

    Care Advantage is able to provide laundry and linen cleaning, meal preparation and clean up, and mobility assistance in their home.

    If your elderly loved ones are coming to your house, here are some other signs to look out for:

    – Difficulty performing familiar tasks, such as:

                  – eating

                  -dressing

                  -walking

    – Inability to complete sentences

    – Lack of motivation

    – Struggle to recall names of familiar people or objects

    – Extreme changes in mood

    – Loss of interest in hobbies

    These can be early signs or signals that they may need some extra help around the house. Take a moment to fix the immediate issues; light the dim areas, fasten loose rugs, toss the spoiled food, and then spend the rest of the day with them.

    Work on a puzzle with your senior, help them make a craft with the kids, play a game as a family, prepare a memorable dish together, flip through one of their photo albums. Be present, engage with them, and create wonderful holiday memories this year.

    Have a great, safe Thanksgiving and check in on your loved ones.

    Mac Bowman is a Senior at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Public Relations. He is a native of Powhatan County, Virginia and enjoys camping, activities with his church groups and relaxing with his family and friends.

  • Steps You Should Take Before Hiring a Caregiver

    Your loved one deserves the best care. When they require professional help, provide them with the right caregiver. Interview your candidates, ask about their education and experience, contact their references, research their online presence, lean on your intuition, and discuss the candidates with your loved one to find a match. For further support, turn to elderly assisted living services in Caroline County, MD.

    Coastal Home Care provides excellent in-home care support to seniors who need help with Alzheimer’s, dementia, surgery recovery, or the natural aging process. We offer support for daily chores, medication management, and transportation. Plus, our team of caregivers and support staff is managed by registered nurses. Coastal Home Care comprises skilled, compassionate, and empathetic caregivers who act as companions to those in need of care. Contact us today at 866-687-7307.

    Below, we outline the steps you should take before hiring a caregiver:

    1. Interview Your Candidates

    You should approach the hiring process as if you were hiring an employee for a company. We expect that you want high-quality services, so you should interview as such. 

    Prepare for the interview by writing down questions, especially regarding information that does not appear on the candidate’s application. For example, ask whether they have cared for patients who had any medical conditions your loved one has.

    Also, ask how the candidate would handle scenarios such as your loved one refusing to take medication. You should consider difficult behaviors your loved one has demonstrated before.

    Beyond the facts and experience, get to know your candidate’s personality. Ask what they love most about being a caregiver and what they dislike about it.

    2. Ask About Their Education & Experience women interviewing girl

    Caregivers require certifications and education to conduct certain forms of care. So, determine whether your candidate is qualified to complete the tasks your loved one needs. 

    Common caregiver certifications include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Personal Care Aid (CPCA), and Home Health Aide (HHA). While certified caregivers usually come at a higher rate, you must find one to fulfill the needs of your loved one

    3. Contact Their References

    Ask your candidate to provide at least two references, one personal and one professional. Contact their references and ask about their former work history—including why the employee left—their strengths and weaknesses, and whether they are eligible for rehire. 

    References should not always be a defining factor, but they provide invaluable second and third opinions.

    4. Research Their Online Presence

    Whether or not you choose to run a full background check, which you must inform your candidate about, you should research your candidate’s online presence. Refer to their LinkedIn and social media profiles to learn more about them. 

    Search their name and location with any previous associations including work or school. Use this information to cross-check their resume, as well as to uncover other available information.

    5. Lean Into Your Intuition

    After meeting and interviewing your candidate, reflect on the interaction. You may feel overwhelmed after the interview process, so pause and process your thoughts. What are your initial impressions of the candidate? Did you feel at ease around them? Did the conversation flow easily

    In addition to the candidate’s experience and education, consider what your gut instinct was about the person. Your intuition may be a determining factor in whether or not you would like to hire the candidate. 

    6. Discuss Candidates With Your Loved One

    Include your loved one in the interview, if possible. After all, they will be in the care of the caregiver. Then. ensure that both you and your loved one agree on the candidate you select for employment. Take time to discuss the candidate’s potential with your loved one

    Coastal Home Care: Elderly Assisted Living Support in Caroline County, MD

    For elderly assisted living services in Caroline County, MD, trust Coastal Home Care. We will help you find the right caregiver to fulfill the needs of your loved one. Caregivers at Coastal Home Care are passionate about providing unique support to your loved one’s life. Our goal is to supplement your loved one’s personal, physical, and medical needs while maintaining their privacy and dignity at home. Contact us at 866-687-7307. 

  • Care Advantage, Inc. Acquisition of My Home Companion

    Care Advantage, Inc. Acquisition of My Home Companion

    Richmond, VA – November 16, 2021 – Care Advantage, Inc. (“Care Advantage”), one of the largest privately owned home health companies in the Atlantic Mid-South, announced the acquisition of My Home Companion in Springfield, Virginia today.

    The addition of My Home Companion strengthens Care Advantage’s personal care footprint in Northern Virginia and underpins their ongoing commitment to growing its services in this area through its legacy brand, Capital City Nurses. This purchase is the thirteenth acquisition Care Advantage, Inc. has completed since 2018, and the first completed since joining forces with Searchlight Capital Partners (“Searchlight”).

    Tim Hanold, CEO of Care Advantage, said, I am thrilled to welcome the clients, caregivers, and team of My Home Companion aboard. It was obvious from day one that the businesses complement one another from cultural, geographic, and service offering standpoints. The purchase of My Home Companion signals the acceleration of our M&A strategy across all divisions of our company. We are actively seeking to grow our current footprint, with the support of Searchlight, and serve even more clients across the Commonwealth and beyond. I couldn’t be more thrilled about the future.”

    Bob Carlin, Managing Director of My Home Companion said, “We are humbled to join the Care Advantage team.  The model they’ve built is a perfect match for both our caregivers and our clients. It also positions us to build on our mission of providing best-in-class, in-home care services. Once we realized that Care Advantage shared our philosophy of making it our culture’s responsibility to care for our elderly, we joined them!”

  • THE CARE ADVANTAGE FAMILY, A VIEW FROM A UNITED STATES AIRFORCE VETERAN

    THE CARE ADVANTAGE FAMILY, A VIEW FROM A UNITED STATES AIRFORCE VETERAN

    Joining the Care Advantage family of brands has been one of the most rewarding opportunities of my career. I have been able to join a work family and a culture that is truly a step above any place I have worked before. Care Advantage not only puts heart into every patient they care for but also every employee. They truly put care into every life they touch and every facet of their organization. The team culture is one success. Not only success for one individual, but success that is shared across the entire family. Every branch of our organization always pulls together to support those in need which is huge. As a veteran of the United States Airforce, the team comradery is near and dear to me. It is always refreshing to know that your work family will always have your back in your time of need.

    I began my journey in healthcare as a home health aide in high school, later attending LPN classes through my local technical school. I was unable to afford college after my high school graduation and chose to join the Air Force leaving two weeks after high school graduation. My eight years in the Air Force were spent as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist maintaining the United States nuclear weapons arsenal. After completing my tour, I was able to use my military benefits to finally obtain my Registered Nurses license. After many years, I returned and completed my Family Nurse Practitioner certification as well as my Doctorate in healthcare systems leadership.

    I was previously the COO with Interim Healthcare in Virginia oversighting skilled care. My current role as the Regional Director of Operations for the Care Advantage skilled home health family of brands entails daily oversight of all skilled division operations. I am involved in the skilled delivery of care from the time a prospective patient enters our care until the time they graduate from our services. We focus specifically in helping those in need of a higher level of healthcare services.  We strive to help our patients stay independent in their homes for as long as possible. Our nurses and therapists provide the highest level of care delivery for all those who choose our services. I have been blessed as a veteran to have been afforded many growth opportunities within healthcare over the years.

    My educational journey has been a long one, taking many years to complete. However, I have been given the chance to see every level of healthcare and appreciate everyone for all they do in their respective positions. Care Advantage also recognizes the efforts of every individual from the CEO to the companion in the home. Every person in our work family is invaluable in their own way. While patient care is always at the heart of the services we provide, Care Advantage also ensures that we, as employees and as veterans, know we are at the heart of what makes us successful as an organization.

    I could not be as successful as I have been without the support of both my family and my work family at Care Advantage. They understand the sacrifices I have made in my life as a veteran and the difficult scars that sometimes leaves behind. In summary, Care Advantage is a compassionate and genuine organization that truly cares for every individual connected to them. They have always had my best interests at heart, and I know that as a company, we will do all that we can to ensure we provide nothing but the best in home health services for your loved ones. As a veteran, I encourage anyone looking for a rewarding career in healthcare to come to Care Advantage. Their name really does say it all; its truly all about caring for those who depend on you!

  • How Hospice Care Can Help Patients

    Hospice care treats patients with terminal illnesses through personalized support, organized alongside friends and family. The treatment is popular, as the average number of hospice patients served annually in the US from 2009 to 2018 was 1,476,312. Thus, over a million patients each year require quality hospice care support services. 

    The best home care provider around Talbot County, MD, is Coastal Home Care. Our personalized elder caregiving services are unmatched in quality and affordability. We offer expert nurses and trained caregivers to assist seniors and their families throughout MD and DE. Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to find out what we can do for your loved one today.

    Below, we discuss what hospice care is and how it helps patients in need: 

    What is Hospice Care?

    Hospice care is a form of treatment designed for individuals with a terminal condition. It aims to maintain the patient’s peace and comfort through their final stages of illness. To do so, hospice caregiving services like Coastal Home Care treat the symptoms of their patients’ illnesses rather than the actual illnesses.

    During hospice care, patients also spend their time with their families. If possible, they explore and settle their spiritual needs, make necessary arrangements, and enjoy farewells with their friends and loved ones.

    When Should A Patient Begin Hospice Care?

    A patient should receive hospice care when their terminal illness, such as cancer, has reached an advanced stage. The tipping point comes when no further treatments can manage or cure their condition.

    Generally, patients with a diagnosis of fewer than 6 months to live begin taking steps to enter hospice care. However, experts suggest that patients begin hospice care earlier than that. Many patients avoid hospice because they see it as “giving up.”

    However, patients who receive hospice care can still receive treatment for their illnesses. At Coastal Home Care, we think the best time to begin hospice care services is determined through conversation between the patient, their loved ones, and their doctor.  

    Ways Hospice Care Helps Patients 

    Hospice care provides several benefits for patients, supplying support and treatment tailored to their needs. Coastal Home Care helps nurse helping elderly man patients through our hospice care services in the following ways: 

    • Personal Comfort: While many hospitals and nursing homes offer hospice care, Coastal Home Care provides it to patients in the comfort of their own homes.  
    • Organized Support: Our hospice care service allows families and friends to coordinate with each other so that their loved one receives the support they need. We bring together doctors, therapists, nurses, clergy, relatives, and more. The patient also receives treatment for their symptoms as well as spiritual and emotional connections with their family.
    • Reduced Burdens: Sometimes, terminal patients receiving treatments from hospitals or clinics face significant financial burdens. But home hospice care can reduce these burdens, as it may cost less and be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurances.
    • Personalized Care: Patients who receive at-home hospice care enjoy round-the-clock treatments from their nurse as well as their loved ones. Patients’ families can also rest easy knowing that their loved one is being treated with compassion and respect.

    Coastal Home Care: Compassionate Hospice Care in Talbot County, MD 

    Hospice care gives the terminally ill peace and comfort before they pass. In Talbot County, MD, Coastal Home Care is a top provider of such services. We seek to help families and loved ones make the most of their remaining time together. Our team also offers services in elder care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and more. Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to learn more about our services today.