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  • The Positive Effects of Companion Care

    Caregiving benefits both the caregiver and the care receiver. A caregiver who is not burdened with a loved one’s needs will have more time and energy available for themselves; they may experience increased well-being as a result. Similarly, the person receiving companion care benefits from improved health due to an environment where he or she feels engaged and cared for. The positive atmosphere that quality companion care brings leads to further benefits for seniors.

    At Coastal Home Care, we seek to provide the best caregiving services possible to elders and their families throughout Kent County, DE. Our Registered Nurses receive hands-on training in post-operative support, hospice care, Alzheimer’s and dementia, medication management, and companion care. If you want adequate care for your loved one, reach out to Coastal Home Care.

    Below, we describe some of the positive ways that companion care helps seniors:

    1. Lengthens Their Lives

    Many people don’t realize that companion care not only provides necessary assistance with the logistics, but also improves a senior’s quality of life. This includes increased nutrition and diet variety and more physical activity to combat common senior chronic conditions, like diabetes and arthritis, and more socialization opportunities. These collective benefits all help to foster longer lives.

    2. Allows For Speedy Recovery

    In addition to living longer, research has shown that elders who receive companion care recover faster from surgery compared to those who don’t. Specifically, the elders who had care saw their inflammation and pain decrease.

    Truly, the support of a loved one or friend makes a difference, especially in times of great personal strife.

    3. Offers More Comfort

    Although mentioned before, it deserves repeating that seniors receiving companion care have more comfortable and enjoyable lives. It provides them with a sense of assurance that a friend and confidant is there for them, whether they need someone to talk to or to watch over them as they go about their daily routine.

    This is significant as some seniors tend to suffer in isolation, receiving injuries due to their loss of strength and mobility, or losing the ability to perform simple daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

    A companion lightens the burden and allows for them and their family to rest easy knowing that their needs are being taken care of.

    4. Maintains Cognitive Functioning

    Though there is no known cure for dementia, there are things one can do to cope and manage with its progression and severity. Companion care is one such way to help. Studies have shown that when seniors interact with others more often, they show marked improvements in retaining their cognitive function.

    Part of this is due to how isolation causes depression among seniors, which consequently leads to an increased risk of developing dementia. By having a regular companion to talk to and spend time with, elders can increase their chances of avoiding severe dementia.

    Coastal Home Care: Compassionate Companion Care in Kent County, DE

    Companion care not only assures the amazing effects described above, but it also ensures that both your loved one and your family all have the one thing everyone needs: peace of mind. Coastal Home Care knows that serving the needs of our elders is a difficult task, especially when it is in addition to taking care of one’s own life and family. Our caregivers are here to assist your loved one, ensuring they remain healthy, happy, and comfortable through our excellent companion care service. For our clients, we provide flexible and affordable plans to ensure that all families can receive the best home care available to them.

    Contact us at (302) 752-1800 to learn more about our services and how we can assist you and your senior loved one today!

  • How to Choose Between Assisted Living and In-Home Care

    How to Choose Between Assisted Living and In-Home Care

    Several key differences exist between assisted living and in-home caregiving, which can significantly affect the kind of care a senior should receive. On top of that, you have various service providers to choose from. Still, the best assisted living support in Somerset, MD, comes from Coastal Home Care.

    Coastal Home Care is among the top home care providers in the region. We have assisted numerous patients and families throughout Maryland and Delaware. Along with personalized elder care, we offer specialized services, such as hospice care for terminal patients as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Our nurses are well-trained and ready to help you and your loved one.

    Below, we discuss the differences between assisted living and in-home care then how you can choose between them:

    What is Assisted Living?

    Assisted living involves a communal living facility designed for seniors to live and socialize in. These facilities usually offer amenities like meals, transportation, group activities, and housekeeping, all at a monthly fee.

    Assisted living facilities provide round-the-clock care for their residents, which ensures they receive the medical and personal attention they require. More importantly, those with chronic conditions always receive assistance whenever it is needed.

    However, assisted living facilities involve a staff working together to care for a large pool of residents. So, while there is consistent and daily care provided to the elders who stay there, it isn’t as personal as in-home care from Coastal Home Care.

    What is In-Home Care?

    In-home care involves a caregiver that is hired to visit a senior and help them with their daily living activities. This can involve meal preparation, getting around the house, transportation to and from appointments, bathing, grooming, laundry, and more.

    This form of senior care is more personalized, in which care is given one-on-one rather than in assisted living, in which registered nurses work together to care for several seniors at once.

    Depending on the level of care that your loved one needs, costs could be lower compared to assisted living. This is because assisted living involves a single, all-encompassing monthly fee, while in-home care can be more variably scheduled, from a few hours to several days each week.

    This follows from the added advantage of in-home care’s flexibility in its focus on particular areas of care, such as simple assistance around the home to focused attention on those with chronic or severe conditions like dementia.

    Thus, depending on the amount of time you and your loved one require assistance, the costs of in-home care will usually vary, an advantage that many find in-home caregiving.

    Furthermore, another advantage that in-home care brings is how you and the rest of your family are just as involved in choosing your loved one’s caregiver.

    In-home care is also well-enjoyed for it is about providing a companion to your elderly loved one–not just someone who will care for them–but also someone who can connect with them on a personal level.

    Tips for Choosing Assisted Living or In-Home Care

    There are stark differences between assisted living and home care, but it can still be difficult to know which one to choose for your loved one. Below, we provide a few recommended steps to take so you and your loved one have an easier time deciding which type of care they should receive:

    • Determine Level of Care – firstly, you should figure out how much care your senior needs. Consider what activities they need assistance with consistently. Also think about how much you and your family can be involved—though you may be able to make time for your elder loved one, it can’t be 24/7, 365 days a year.
    • Understanding the Differences Between Assisted Living and In-Home Care – Next, once you understand what your elder needs help with and how often, you can go on to consider your choice between assisted living and in-home care. After learning about both–each of which are clarified above–you’ll be able to make a clear and educated decision on which your loved one may need.
    • Consider Finances – Before making things final, consider which choice is feasible and affordable to you. While assisted living may be simpler to pay for each month, you may get more value out of in-home care. Either way, it is important to factor in your financial standing to ensure that your loved one gets the care they need in the long term.

    Compassionate Assisted Living Support Available in Somerset County, MD

    Hopefully, we have helped you make an easier and more informed decision for you and your loved one. At Coastal Home Care, we dedicate ourselves to providing excellent assisted living support to elders and their families to get the help they need. We do this by sharing the burdens of caregiving and assisting with all sorts of issues regarding elder care, such as helping with simple tasks like cleaning, cooking, and moving around, to issues involving dementia and other chronic conditions.

    Contact us today at (410) 572-5606 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our trained caregivers.

  • 4 REASONS WHY YOGA IS PERFECT FOR SENIORS

    4 REASONS WHY YOGA IS PERFECT FOR SENIORS

    You’ve probably heard about the benefits of yoga for seniors. But is it right for you? Perhaps you’ve seen clips of advanced practitioners twisted into pretzel-like shapes and decided you’d rather stick to your afternoon walk. 

    If so, we encourage you to give yoga another look. This ancient Indian practice can be as gentle as a stroll and as relaxing as a hot bath — with no contortions required. All you need is the green light from your physician, some help from an instructor (even simple routines need to be executed correctly) and an open mind.

     Here are four of the benefits yoga offers as you age.

    1. It’s great for all-around wellness

    Why choose between a gentle workout and meditation when you can do both at once? By focusing on breath control, or pranayama, yoga reduces your heart rate. Not only does this help calm any anxiety you may be feeling, but — over the longer term — it can lower your blood pressure to prevent or ease hypertension conditions.

     There’s more. Basic poses like tadasana (mountain)and vrikshasana (tree) can improve your balance and strengthen your bones, reducing the risk of falls. These weight-bearing exercises have been shown to slow and sometimes even reverse the process of osteoporosis. 

    1. It’s easy on the body

     You may or may not have fond memories of your high school coach yelling, “No pain, no gain!” to coax a few more jumping jacks out of you.

     Yoga instructors aren’t like that. They want you to find a place of peace and mindfulness, not push you to your limits. If a particular movement hurts, tell your instructor and they will modify the routine. Over time, you will improve your strength and flexibility, but a good yoga session should never leave you feeling drained or exhausted. 

    1. You can do it in a chair

    What type of yoga is best for seniors? A popular answer would be chair yoga, which involves safe and fun modifications of traditional poses. When practiced regularly, chair yoga offers all the stress-busting benefits of standing routines and is particularly good at relieving aches and pains in the shoulders and neck.

     To try chair yoga, all you need is an armless chair and an instructor to guide you through some simple sequences. Once you’ve mastered a routine, you can practice solo, unlocking one of the less spiritual perks of this 5,000-year-old discipline —you can multitask while watching TV.  

    1. You can weave it into your social life

     One of the few welcome side-effects of COVID-19 has been the rapid growth of virtual classes, workshops and seminars. So, if you want to do some yoga but lack the time or mobility to get to a studio or community center, taking an online class could be just the ticket. Not only will you get guidance from a trained instructor in the comfort of your living room, but you’ll also have the chance to meet and mix with like-minded seniors. Just be sure to ask a trusted companion or your caregiver to vet any online classes before signing up.

     Seated or standing, online or off, gentle yoga for seniors has countless benefits for your mind and body. Why not take a deep breath and give it a try?

  • What Care Options Exist for Elders with Alzheimer’s?

    What Care Options Exist for Elders with Alzheimer’s?

    Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be one of the most difficult tasks for anyone to face. The disease’s progressive, degenerative nature brings about debilitating symptoms that can depress patients and exhaust caregivers. However, Alzheimer’s support services–including home care, meal delivery, hospice, and more–can help ease the burden on the senior’s family members.

    If you’re looking for Alzheimer’s care options in Kent County, DE, reach out to Coastal Home Care. We are the region’s top source of in-home care, which allows seniors to age in place and retain their independence. Our team of caregivers include nurses and certified nursing assistants who we thoroughly vet and evaluate. We encourage you to contact us with questions about our options and take a look at testimonials from previous customers.

    Below, we discuss the available choices for Alzheimer’s support services:

    Alzheimer’s Care Options

    1. Home Care Services
    We begin with home care services, a broad category within which several particular options–including Alzheimer’s and hospice care–fall into. These services involve routine home visits from a caregiver who supports their patient for a window of time.

    The “help” a patient receives could involve basic medical care–such as administering medicine–as well as chores around the house and facilitating appointments. The caregiver’s function is to fill the gaps in a patient’s self-care.

    2. Home Health Care Services
    While their similar labels confuse laypeople, “home care” and “home health care” have a crucial difference. Home care involves non-clinical services as described above; home health care calls for clinical services.

    So, home health care services include post-operative care, medication management, and physical therapy. While Alzheimer’s care is generally seen as a home care service, it could become home health care. Alzheimer’s patients often need help with medications or extra support after a surgery.

    3. Meal Services
    Many organizations–such as Meals on Wheels–deliver hot food to seniors and those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. This option helps many family caregivers by ensuring that their loved one receives healthy meals.

    However, many of these services do not entail a caregiver helping seniors to eat their meals. Our home care, meanwhile, can include meal preparation and feeding.

    4. Hospice Services
    When their Alzheimer’s has progressed for several years, your loved one may be reaching their natural end. That’s when hospice services, or end-of-life care, come into play. This option is designed to ease the passing of a loved one by softening symptoms and providing emotional support.

    5. Respite Services
    Similar to home care, respite services exist to support seniors and their family caregivers. However, they provide temporary services—whether that be for an afternoon or a month, they end after a set time. These services can take place at a care facility or in a senior’s home.

    6. Geriatric Care Managers
    Finally, a geriatric care manager can advise you and your family on the services to meet the needs of your loved one. Such individuals are either licensed nurses or social workers who may belong to various organizations. However, most insurance plans do not cover their services.

    Professional Alzheimer’s Support Available in Kent County, DE

    Whether your loved one has just received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or lived with it for many years, their care shouldn’t become your burden. Reach out to Coastal Home Care and ask about our Alzheimer support services, available across Kent County, DE. Our professional team of nurses and certified nursing assistants handle Alzheimer’s care daily. Their experience and training can help them make your loved one’s life easier and more enjoyable. To learn more, call us at (302) 752-1800 or fill out our online form.

  • How Home Care Compares to Other Forms of Elderly Care

    How Home Care Compares to Other Forms of Elderly Care

    For those who need assistance with providing care to their elder loved ones, many different forms of elder care exist. Each form fits to respond to you and your loved ones’ specific needs and preferences. Knowing the differences between personalized elderly home care nursing to long-term assisted living can help you serve your elderly loved one’s needs. It also ensures that you will be able to spend better quality time together.

    Coastal Home Care provides the best home care services to elders, seniors, and their families throughout Talbot County, MD. Our caregivers are trained and certified to provide excellent companion care and medical assistance to elderly individuals. They receive training to care for individuals with all sorts of illnesses, including dementia and Alzheimer’s. If you want to maintain your elder’s independence but also ensure their health and wellness, call Coastal Home Care.

    Below, we compare the differences between our home care service and other forms of elder care:

    Defining Home Care

    First, we should define the most basic elder care available: home care. Home care involves a scheduled visit from a caregiver employed by a care service. The caregiver stays for a certain amount of time, depending on how long the elder or their family has scheduled them for.

    The caregiver helps their elder companion with a variety of tasks—household chores, transportation for shopping or meeting with their doctor, preparing and cooking meals, etc. Caregivers are also trained to assist with basic medical procedures, including administering proper doses of medicine to their patients.

    You can think of home care as assisted living at the patient’s home rather than a separate facility. This setup offers a greater degree of independence than other forms of care.

    Comparison with Hospice Care

    Next, let’s consider hospice care. It can be similar to home care in that it can be performed at home. But it can also occur in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility.

    The main differences lie in the fact that effective hospice nurse care is specifically for terminal patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice support nurses work to provide their patients with the best quality of life possible for the time they have left.

    While there may be some elements that a qualified hospice nurse provides that are similar to those of home caregivers, there is mostly more support in social, spiritual, and physical needs. Most patients in hospice care usually receive daily assistance from their nurses.

    Comparison with Palliative Care

    A different form of elder care is palliative care. Palliative care is more similar to hospice care, in that it involves the treatment of patients with chronic or terminal diseases. However, it is reserved for patients that have a life expectancy of more than 6 months.

    Patients in need of palliative care suffer from conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and others.

    Unlike how home care addresses general, daily needs, palliative care is for patients that need assistance with pain relief and symptom management. Services provide this to help improve the patient’s quality of life through the course of their illness.

    Palliative care is presently provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, but are increasingly becoming more common at home as well.

    Coastal Home Care: Fully-Trained Elderly Home Care in Talbot County, MD

    Those are the similarities and differences between the various types of elder care that are available. We at Coastal Home Care specialize in providing thoughtful at-home elder care giving to seniors and elders across Talbot County, MD, who seek to keep their independence but welcome a helping hand and companion. Beyond daily living assistance, our caregivers are also trained in helping patients with terminal conditions in need of hospice nurse support or memory care. Each of them begins their service by assessing every need and want your elder loved one will have, then create a Plan of Care tailored to meet their needs. Contact us today at (410) 572-5606 to learn more about how we can help you, your elder, and your family.

  • KEEPING CARE INTERESTING

    KEEPING CARE INTERESTING

    Have you ever found yourself just a few hours into your shift having already completed your client’s personal care needs…and wondered “Now what do I do?”

    No worries…you got this!  

    “Downtime” can be the perfect opportunity to get to know each other a little better, resulting in a more meaningful connection and enjoyable experience for both of you.   By engaging in pleasant and stimulating conversation you can learn more about the person and discover new ideas for activities that will bring them a sense of joy and purpose.  Start by doing a little “detective” work and then… get creative!  

    Whether you’re caring for a person at home or in a senior living community… the key is to consider their interests and former occupation to determine what kind of activities might interest them.  Here’s a few tips on how to go about this…

    • Ask Questions… such as “Where were you born? What was your favorite subject in school? What kind of work did you do before retiring?” If the individual is unable to tell you, try asking a family member or colleague if they know of any ongoing passions, personal hobbies or defining moments in that person’s life they’d be willing to share.

    • Listen Closely… to their answers to discover likes/dislikes, favorite work experiences and/or life-long passions.

    • Watch Closely…observe the individual’s reactions to different people, situations, and events.  

    Okay… now that you’ve learned some new and interesting details about the person whose care you’ve been entrusted with, try out a new activity idea… and see how it goes. Don’t be discouraged if your first try isn’t successful. Remember the old saying… “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!!” Read below to jumpstart your creative process…

    Different Kinds of People and Corresponding Activities they may Enjoy:

    • The Homemaker – For those individuals who primarily took care of the home… you might offer a cloth for them to dust framed family photos or cherished, decorative objects.  Ask them to name who is in the photos and/or if they remember where the object is from? If a lighter task would be more appropriate, ask them to “help” you fold towels or give them a stack of colorful paper napkins to arrange.

    • The Parent/Caregiver – Have you ever noticed how people with dementia brighten up and take note when babies and children are around? Interactions with children and babies have been a normal part of many people’s lives. Often when a person is living in a facility or at home and not getting out often, they no longer interact regularly with kids. You can help create opportunities by going on a walk together to a local park or playground. If appropriate, you might ask them about their own children and tell them about yours!

    • The Office Worker – An individual who spent a significant amount of time sitting at a desk, working with papers, might enjoy the “job” of sorting a pile of documents or carrying around a notebook and pen to write down information, phone messages, etc.

    • The Gardener – Was the individual and avid gardener? Provide them with a place to plant seeds(a cup on the windowsill will do,) water, and watch them grow.  They may also enjoy simple, flower arranging with an inexpensive bouquet from the grocery store. Use every opportunity to take them outdoors to enjoy the seasons gorgeous flowers and gardens.

    • The Sports Fan – “Read” the Sports section of the newspaper together. Inquire about their favorite sport, team, or player. Is there a “big game” they’d enjoy watching on tv? Arrange the schedule around it or se if can be recorded to view later. Perhaps they would get a kick out of sorting through or organizing baseball cards, etc.

    • The Animal Lover – If your client loves pets, ask about having a cat or dog visit on a regular basis. Is there an aquarium or bird cage in the community you could regularly visit together? Some people are comforted by holding a stuffed kitten or puppy, stroking its fur. They also might connect by paging through a picture book about their favorite animal.

    • The Teacher/Reader or Writer – Often, people who have been wordsmiths all their lives are still capable of doing crossword puzzles, word searches, scrambles, and many other “brain games.”  Doing these activities regularly will not only only sharpen memory and cognitive skills but can provide a real sense of satisfaction! Pick up an inexpensive, large-print word puzzles book and give it a go! Also, people with substantial vocabularies often enjoy a good game of Scrabble, utilizing cognitive and social skills at the same time! Have some different word game options sitting out for them to do when the mood strikes.

    • The Engineer – Does your individual have an innate curiosity about how things work? Do they like to put things together? A former engineer might really enjoy “building” with Legos or small, wooden blocks… an activity they can do repeatedly with different results each time. Many people also like working on a jigsaw puzzle… try a simple one to start and gauge their level of interest.

    • The Artist/Teacher – Provide plenty of colorful supplies to inspire the creative process. Non-toxic clay, colored pencils, washable markers, watercolors, and paper are all great choices for tactile stimulation and help to strengthen the hands as well. Make something beautiful together!

    • The Musician – If Music is what makes your senior come alive, offer opportunities to use this gift! Ask if they have ever sung in a choir or musical group. How about a sing-along? Make a point of learning favorite songs you can play for them on YouTube.

    • The Faithful – For many people, as they age, the importance of spiritual nurturing increases. Offer books of faith in keeping with their tradition or encourage times of prayer and/or meditation. Just listening to favorite hymns together can be a lovely experience for both of you!

    In summary, remember that we all need to feel useful in life. The object here is not to have the individual do large amounts of tasks… but rather… to give them something familiar and meaningful to do, providing an opportunity to succeed in a purposeful and joyful activity.

    Molly Healy is our Social Engagement Specialist with Capital City Nurses. She has worked with the elderly for many years and truly loves to mentor our caregivers. For more great ideas to engage those for whom we provide care, visit our Pinterest Board‍

  • LGBTQ+ and Elderly Care

    LGBTQ+ and Elderly Care

    I often get asked why there are so many young people coming out. People think it must be a trend. The reality is, that the more people in the LGBTQ+ community that are visible, the more our young people feel comfortable coming out. They maybe recognize themselves in others.  Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, non-binary, transgender becomes normalized. The general population also starts to become more comfortable realizing these are people they know and love.  In part, we have our elder LGBTQ+ population to thank for paving the way for our younger population. Those that came out in a time it was illegal to be gay. Those that fought for accepting laws. Those that came out and lost families to be able to live an authentic life. Those that have passed the baton on to younger generations to fight for visibility and acceptance and basic human rights.

    By 2030, it is estimated that the LGBT population over 65 will be approximately 4.7 million. Of this population, they are twice as likely to live alone and four times as likely to not have children. They may have a “chosen” family that needs to step in to help take care of them. Often, they may have come out later in life due to stigma or fear of rejection. They may fear seeking out services, due to discrimination or harassment or fear of having to go “back in the closet”. Studies show that few healthcare providers are competent to meet the needs of the aging transgender population.

    Some common issues from our aging LGBT population related to healthcare environments include being forced to conform or wear clothing they are not comfortable in, misgendering or refusing to give hormone treatments. There are stories of abuse from fellow residents and caregivers refusing to bathe or touch them, which can create a distrust of medical providers.

    What can we do as home health care providers? We can educate ourselves. We can learn to understand LGBTQ+ health issues, how to respectfully care for our LGBTQ+ elders and learn to understand the specific issues they deal with when seeking care and the desire to avoid moving into community care.

    Using supportive and affirming language such as using a person’s preferred name and correct pronouns can make a huge difference between building trust or making them feel misunderstood, rejected, and unwelcome. And I will go a step further and say using the wrong name (often called a “dead name” in transgender communities) is abusive and violent.

    In our role as compassionate and patient centered caregivers, we need to make sure all our clients, and sometimes our co-workers, family members and friends, do not feel overlooked but feel valued with the dignity and respect they deserve.

    Some simple steps we can take – don’t assume! I know the adage is, treat someone the way you would want to be treated, but I say, ask! How would they like to be treated? Respect their wishes. Maybe start by introducing yourself with your pronouns and then ask what pronouns they use. Ask what name they use – it may not be their legal name, but it may make a huge difference in how they feel about themselves and you!

    I have been asked why I have my pronouns on my signature. The fact is that to those who don’t understand, it doesn’t matter – though it brings up questions which are a great opportunity for education. But to someone whose whole identity depends on using the correct pronoun, it can make the difference of feeling heard, welcomed, and validated.  It is a small gesture of letting someone know they are safe with you, and it can have huge implications.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    Susanna Bedser, RN is a nurse in the Care Advantage Richmond Southside office. Susanna runs an online support group for parents of transgender kids and facilitates local groups in Virginia. In her spare time, she and her family help support Guiding Eyes for the Blind by training several support guide dogs.

  • Do I or My Loved One Need In-Home Care?

    Most folks get attached to the place they call home, even if living there grows difficult over time. This may occur as we age and lose mobility, struggle with once-simple tasks, and sustain memory loss. If you’ve noticed these signs in yourself or a family member, explore professional in-home care services.

    Seniors who require such services in Wicomico County, MD, should reach out to Coastal Home Care. We are the region’s top provider of at-home Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice support, medication management, and more. Our nurses can assist you or your loved one with everyday tasks so that you or they can remain independent. Schedule a consultation today and learn more about our services.

    Below, we describe home care services and list some signs that indicate a sufferer may need in-home care:

    Defining “Home Care”

    First, let’s explore the role and responsibilities of in-home care providers. Home care is defined as nonmedical support services for things like eating, cleaning, and bathing. Home care differs from home health care in its purpose: the latter involves specialized medical support.

    In-home care–or at-home care–also gives seniors opportunities for companionship and socialization. If family members are busy or live far away, home care providers fill their absence to provide company and novelty.

    While these services may seem modest, they allow many seniors to live independently in the home they choose. Caregivers can also help to ease the burden of helping an elderly loved one from family members. Indeed, home care services boost senior patients’ health.

    Signs That You or a Loved One Need In-Home Care

    1. Decreased mobility
      One of the clearest calls for in-home care is a loss of mobility. This condition disrupts movement around the house and, in turn, every task that involves doing so. Mobility issues can also lead to injuries, particularly on stairs. Home care thus becomes crucial to avoiding serious medical incidents.
    2. A decline in hygiene and grooming
      Another symptom that calls for home care services is diminished hygiene. While your loved one may claim that they don’t need help, disheveled clothes or inconsistent shaving may indicate otherwise. At-home care includes supporting basic hygienic practices in its various responsibilities.
    3. Physical changes
      One day, you may notice that you or your loved one has lost significant weight. Perhaps you spot strange bruises on your or your senior’s body. Such signs are evidence of the aforementioned mobility struggles, which prevent cooking proper meals and cause collisions with objects.
    4. Increased forgetfulness and decreased interest
      We all suffer so-called “brain farts”—instances of forgetting common facts or familiar things. However, severe memory loss signals more significant problems like Alzheimer’s and dementia. And these conditions entail serious memory loss concerns, including cognitive problems, depression, and a loss of interest in hobbies.Indeed, several studies note that significant memory loss correlates with depression. Thus, an in-home caregiver can help you or your loved one combat such feelings. Doing so increases your or your senior’s enjoyment of life.

    In-Home Care Services Available Now for Wicomico County, MD, Residents!

    You – or your loved one – want to remain home as time moves on. And with services from a Coastal Home Care in-home care provider, that can happen! We are the Wicomico County, MD, region’s resource for eldercare, medication management, hospice support, and more services. Our expert team creates a personalized care plan for each patient so that we attend to the needs of all. Interested in learning more? Call our Maryland line today at (410) 572-5606 or schedule a consultation online!

  • Searchlight Capital Partners to Acquire Majority Stake in Care Advantage

    Searchlight Capital Partners to Acquire Majority Stake in Care Advantage

    –       Partnership with Searchlight will accelerate growth in existing markets and support further expansion through M&A

    –        Reflects Searchlight’s conviction that long-term tailwinds are driving the growth of the in-home care market

    New York, (BUSINESS WIRE): Funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. (“Searchlight”), a leading global private investment firm, today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Care Advantage, a leading at-home care provider in the United States. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    Founded in 1988, Care Advantage offers in-home care services to patients across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Delaware. The company’s personal care aides, certified nursing assistants, skilled nurses and therapists provide individuals and their families with the care they need from the comfort of their homes.

    Searchlight has acquired the business from BelHealth Investment Partners, a healthcare-focused investment firm. Searchlight is excited to support the company’s growth in its existing markets and accelerate expansion into new states across the U.S.

    “For more than three decades, Care Advantage has enabled seniors to maintain independence in the comfort and safety of their own home,” said Timothy Hanold, Chief Executive Officer of Care Advantage. “We have become a trusted provider of care in the home, empowering individuals to live life to the fullest through the support of our compassionate and committed caregivers and clinicians. We look forward to partnering with Searchlight to build upon our strong legacy of care and to further ignite our mission of serving the community.”

    Phil Bacal, Managing Director at Searchlight, commented: “We are excited to partner with Tim and the leadership team to grow the business and support its acquisitive growth strategy. We are confident that Care Advantage is well positioned to benefit from strong organic growth in the sector over the long term. The senior population increasingly needs lower-cost caregiving alternatives that allow them to age comfortably in their own homes.”

    Eric Zinterhofer, a Founding Partner of Searchlight, added: “Care Advantage is essential to the health of its communities and the broader healthcare ecosystem. Its caregivers are special individuals who serve the senior population and enable the paradigm shift from ‘sick care’ to ‘health care’”

    Searchlight was advised by Latham & Watkins and Edgemont Partners. Care Advantage was advised by Moomjian, Waite & Coleman, Norton Rose Fulbright and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.

    The transaction subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of July.

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  • 4 Ways That Companion Care Boosts Seniors’ Health

    As people age, they tend to experience mental, physical, and even emotional health complications.  Fully 34% of elders feel a lack of companionship according to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Aging. Thus, many senior service providers offer companion care, where a certified caretaker provides basic services to help make life more manageable. They also provide emotional support and companionship.

    Coastal Home Care gives a unique opportunity for families to help their loved ones receive the care they need. We provide flexible, one-on-one companion care for residents in the Salisbury, MD, area. Our care is personalized to each individual to match a person’s desired quality of life. We offer services such as daily activities, grooming, grocery shopping, showering, meal preparation, and much more.

    Below we look at 4 ways that companion care boosts every seniors’ health:

    1. Nutrition

    Living alone can challenge a lot of seniors because they don’t have access to regular transportation to get the right nutrition. Without the right transportation, seniors struggle to access or make fresh and healthy meals.

    However, a companion caretaker will help seniors get the proper groceries to eat healthily. Not only will a companion caretaker help them get the proper ingredients but they will also prepare the ingredients and cook nutritious meals for the seniors.

    2. Companionship

    Having a companion care worker also provides the obvious: companionship. A caretaker will help alleviate loneliness by being a consistent source of interaction and providing transportation to get out of the house.

    3. Relief for Family Caregivers

    Many families end up taking care of their seniors. But doing so can be a stressful and time-consuming thing. Most end up burning out because of the time and effort devoted to taking care of their loved ones.

    However, a companion caregiver helps relieve family members of the stress of constantly taking care of their loved ones. It gives them a chance to rest, recharge, and focus on their well-being and health.

    4. Keep Tabs On Their Mental Health

    Dementia disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, affect many seniors. And the effects of such disease include mood swings, memory loss, confusion, distrust in others, and much more.

    Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, it gets worse with time. However, companion caregivers can keep tabs on seniors and notify family members if symptoms worsen.

    Compassionate Companion Care Now Available in Salisbury, MD!

    Seniors will face physical, mental, and emotional challenges as they age. Of these, loneliness tends to be one of the biggest. However, companion care through Coastal Home Care is now available for seniors. We provide personalized support for our patients–including Alzheimer’s and professional dementia care–in the Salisbury, MD, area. Contact us and schedule a consultation or call us at (410) 572-5606 for more information on how you can get the right care for you or a loved one.