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  • Differences Between an At-Home Dementia Nurse & A Facility Nurse

    Recent reports have indicated that over 15 million families in the U.S. have cared for a loved one with dementia. It is a widespread condition, with symptoms that are both emotionally and physically challenging, especially when caring for those with a more severe stage of dementia. In order to provide the best possible care, a variety of services and facilities have become available, such as assisted living facilities, nursing homes, at-home dementia nurses.

     

    For many residents in Wicomico County, MD, Coastal Home Care has been the trusted home care service for families in need of nurses and caregivers highly-experienced with patients that have dementia. We also excel at a number of caregiving services, including Hospice Support, Medication Management, and Elder Care. Our certified nursing staff is trained extensively to perform a “Plan of Care” evaluation to tailor their service to suit every patients’ needs.

     

    Here are some key differences between the experience dementia patients have between getting care from facility nurses and an at-home nurses:


    Bright, Familiar Spaces

    One key difference between receiving care from an at-home nurse and another at a nursing facility is the environment in which your loved one will be cared for. While not all nursing facilities are like this, many have been found to be drab, dark, and rather confusing to navigate. For those living with dementia, these kinds of setting will likely cause frustration, confusion, and other negative emotions. On the other hand, at-home caregiving is more likely to provide these patients a more comfortable and familiar space to live in, which has shown to result in fewer doctor’s visits and health complications.

     

    Consistency in Caregiving

    Another significant distinction between facility and at-home caregiving for dementia patient is the difference in patient care systems. For nursing facilities, one nurse will mostly likely care for multiple patients at once, leaving gaps when each will be left unattended and at risk of getting lost or hurt. That doesn’t mean the nurses themselves are negligent, but simply overwhelmed by the number of patients they have to care for. However, at-home nurses are hired to provide personalized care for individual patients at certain scheduled times, ensuring that you loved one has all of their needs attended to.

     

    Overall Quality of Life

    Finally, at-home and facility nursing provides differing experiences for dementia patients in terms of their quality of life. Nursing facilities do provide several activities and amenities that patients would enjoy doing, such as playing their favorite music from their earlier years and taking them on walks through the facility’s grounds. 

     

    At-home caregivers can provide these as well, but with the added benefit of allowing more independence and variety. At-home patients are able to perform their daily routines without fear of injury or causing damage, as their caregiver accompanies them throughout their tasks. Also, as mentioned before, at-home care services also result in fewer health issues, thus indicating that it has a positive effect on patients’ quality of life.

     

    Coastal Home Care: Reliable Dementia Nurses in Wicomico County, MD 

    There are a number of differences between facility and at-home nursing for patients with dementia. How much these matter depends on the particular situation surrounding your schedule, budget, and especially your loved one that is experiencing dementia.

    At Coastal Home Care, we offer services for affordable dementia nurses, elder care nurses, and companion caregivers, all in order to make ourselves available to you and all customers throughout Wicomico County, Maryland. Our desire to ensure that patients with dementia, and their families, obtain the support they need to continue living happy, comfortable lives.

    To learn more about our services, contact us at (866)-687-7307, as well as for a free estimate on our caregiving services

  • How Senior Care Has Changed Over the Years

    Senior care has evolved over the years, in the past, there weren’t many options for seniors except to live at home. Nowadays, seniors have many options when it comes to their care, they can choose to live in nursing homes or communities, or have home care. Here at Coastal Home Care, our certified nursing assistants are trained and experienced in providing personalized senior home care in Wicomico County, Maryland, to individuals. We understand the value home care offers to our clients and the security it brings to their families. 

    At Coastal Home Care, we treat each client with the utmost respect and protect their privacy and dignity. All care plans start with a personal assessment performed by a Coastal Home Care Registered Nurse. Below is the history of senior care:

     

    The Beginning 

    In the first century of our country’s history, there were no such things as home care services, nursing homes or assisted living. Life expectancy was around 37 years old and society was mostly rural. Historically, care for the elderly was managed primarily by families. In the United States, the industrial revolution created circumstances that caused a shift in the traditional care model. 

    The increasingly urban society caused many families to have all members of the family, including children working six days a week for 12 hours a day. This left families unable to care for seniors, which made them turn to facilities for the mentally ill or almshouses for care. Almshouses were grim, packed, poorly maintained, and plagued with disease and crime.  

     

    Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

    Established in 1935, the Social Security program sought to eliminate almshouses and give seniors the financial means to live independently. The program succeeded in its goal, and by the 1950s, almshouses were all but extinct. In 1965, the passage of Medicare and Medicaid offered readily available healthcare to seniors. Throughout the 70s and 80s, regulations passed to create care standards for nursing homes. 

    As life expectancy increased, due to modern medicine, the number of senior care facilities grew as well. In the late 1980s, nursing communities started to become more specialized, offering new services such as physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, occupational therapy, speech and hearing therapy. These were designed to improve all aspects of seniors community lifestyle. 

     

    Current Senior Care 

    Senior living communities are becoming more dynamic to better cater to the needs of each individual. Senior communities must provide more than healthcare to convince seniors to make the move. Amenities like on-site entertainment, dining options, social enrichment, and physical fitness are becoming more common. Individuals now have greater control of their care and the ability to dictate their own lifestyle. 

    Many seniors today are turning away from traditional nursing homes and instead look for home care and community living arrangements that also provide in-house care. One of the advantages seniors have today is access to technologies that allow them to stay in their homes longer. Technologies, such as virtual assistants allow them to contact people, provide entertainment, and hook up their entire home including lighting and thermostats. 

     

    Dependable Senior Home Care in Wicomico County, Maryland 

    Senior home care has come a long way since the almshouses of the late 1800s. A great senior living community can make all the difference between simply living and living well. It is important to be aware of every possibility surrounding that choice, including the realities of home care service. Coastal Home Care offers dependable senior home care to Wicomico County, Maryland, and surrounding areas. We are proud to offer trained nurses who are dedicated to giving care and support to our clients.

    For additional information about our services, please contact us at (866) 687-7307.

  • Hospice Care Today: What Does It Entail?

    Caring for a loved one diagnosed with a terminal illness is an arduous experience for them as well as their family and friends. While there is no limit to the amount of support and affection provided by you and others close to your loved one, it can be difficult to focus on providing them with sufficient care, whether it be clinical, emotional, or spiritual. When your loved one has decided to spend their last days surrounded by love and care from you and significant others, hiring a professional hospice support service can help ensure the best quality of life.

     

    At Coastal Home Care, we have a team of experts in hospice support services who provide the highest quality of comfort and caregiver support through clinical assistance, such as pain management, and spiritual and emotional relief. We have provided hospice care to many throughout Wicomico County and to many more across Maryland and Delaware. We know what it’s like to see a loved one pass and devote ourselves to helping them and their families in their time of need. Here are what hospice care entails: 

    When Should Your Loved One Receive Hospice Care?

    Since every patient’s condition is different, so are the circumstances in which hospice care should be provided. Hospice care is usually considered once a doctor has indicated a particular patient has six months or less to live. It also depends on whether the patient and their doctor have agreed on ensuring the patient’s comfort instead of actively pursuing any remedial treatment.

     

    Simply put, when a patient learns their terminal illness is incurable, the focus of their care shifts from treatment to sustaining a comfortable quality of life, which is the primary aim of hospice support services. 

    What is Hospice Care and What does It Entail?

    Planning

    We communicate with our patients and their loved ones and discuss the various concerns they may have toward the end of their lives, as well as concerns regarding commitment to hospice support services. This mainly involves reviewing the various treatments they’ll need to support their quality of life, such as medication for pain and other symptoms. Financial arrangements such as burial and insurance concerns are also among the factors we help our patients smooth over in the planning process. We also encourage that they maintain some control over their personal lives by sharing and clearly stating their preferences to friends and relatives, in case they are no longer are able to immediately make decisions for themselves at a later time. 

     

    End-of-Life Counseling

    This aspect of hospice support involves assisting the patient and their loved ones through the process of grief and acceptance of their passing. It occurs throughout the hospice process. Through both emotional support from our trained staff and additional counselors, to spiritual guidance from chaplains, we aspire to ensure that both the patient, their family, and their friends, are all prepared for what’s ahead. 

     

    Daily Living Assistance

    Hospice support also entails aiding our patients in their everyday routines as much as we can, to allow for some semblance of regularity and normalcy in their lives. This helps by providing them with the materials and assistance that give them comfort and ease of mind, whatever they may be. Our professional caregivers do this through performing household chores, such as washing clothes and cooking their patients’ meals, providing companionship and emotional support. Everything we do is to provide our patients with the best treatment possible from the comfort of their home.

     

    Excellent Hospice Support Services in Wicomico County, Maryland 

    In the end, what’s important to understand about hospice care is that whatever form it takes depends on the patient. At Coastal Home Care, we recognize every individuals’ needs and preferences as the core of our diligent hospice support services. From Wicomico County, Maryland, to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, our professional nurses and highly-experienced caregivers have provided an array of home care services, such as elder care, companion caregiver, post-operative care, and medication management. We are among the most qualified home care services in the region and have had numerous clients provide us with satisfactory feedback for our work.  

    To discuss the possibility of hospice caregiver support for your loved on, contact us at 866-687-7307.

  • The Pros and Cons of Home Care

    As your loved ones grow older, you’ll have to begin thinking about the possible ways in which they can receive the care they need and deserve. Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, as well as reliable home care services, each provide a different range treatments, plans, and benefits. 

    At Coastal Home Care, we ensure our patients’ comfort, health, and well-being are prioritized, as we provide highly personalized elder care services. For nearly a decade, we have been leaders in the home care industry, ensuring quality service through our rigorous training and assessment of our professional nursing staff. We are driven in providing the best possible home care to your loved ones. Below, we compare the benefits and the disadvantages that home care may bring, so you can decide whether it is right for you and your family:

     

    Independence

    Pros: Amongst all other elder care services, home caregiving is likely the one that allows for the greatest amount of independence among seniors than any other. While assisted living facilities provide caregiving to a certain degree, home care is unparalleled, in the sense that your loved one will be able to live within the comfort of their own home. Along with a home caregiver, they’ll be able to perform their daily routines with hardly any difference to them than in the past.

    Cons: While some may benefit from the independence that home care provides, others could begin to feel isolated from their loved ones and other people in general, becoming depressed and inactive. In this case, a situation has arisen in which they are better suited for an assisted living facility.

     

    Quality of Care

    Pros: Elderly patients that benefit from home caregiving receive more focused and individualized treatment than they would in other facilities, wherein a single nurse must care for ten or more patients at a time. While your loved one’s nurse will be fully aware of and consistent with their patient’s condition, a nurse at a hospital or nursing home will more likely overlook important details that could lead to catastrophe for an elder.

    Cons: Of course, while it is more likely that the quality of care your loved one will receive under a home caregiver will be better, it comes at a particular risk. While state and federal laws regulate the quality of care provided in a licensed nursing facility, home care services are generally unregulated. Thus, it is up to you to research and look around for the right company for you and your loved one.

     

    Finances

    Pros: The costs of a home caregiver are much less than for a space in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The payment structure is also very flexible, allowing you to control the caregiver’s schedule according to your own, as well as your budget.

    Cons: However, the costs may increasingly add up over time. The costs for the caregiver, maintaining the house, missing work to help with more significant issues, and for further services and care over time, all eventually add up to make home care costlier than before.

     

    Trustworthy Home Care Services in Maryland & Delaware

    How and where your aging loved ones receive their caregiving depends on the specific needs based on their physical condition. Home caregiving is one among several options to choose from, with its own distinct benefits and hindrances. At Coastal Home Care, our personalized home care services outmatch those provided by other alternatives. We have an incredibly well-trained staff who undergo a stringent assessment of their skills and behavior and are given hands-on experience with patients living with a variety of conditions. For almost a decade, we have made it our passion to care for the well-being of our clients. Contact us today to schedule a home caregiver or for more information on our services.

  • 3 Ways an In-Home Caregiver Can Assist Your Loved One

    As our loved ones grow into their autumn years, concern grows over how they will be able to function alone, and whether we can sustain a balance between caring for them and ourselves.  Though trying to make this commitment is admirable, it is also extremely difficult and can’t be maintained for long. That is why Coastal Home Care is among those that seek to help our patients and their families through our personalized in-home caregiver services. Like every family, each patient is different, with a variety of needs and preferences that make up their daily routine. Our patented Plan of Care assessments, completed by our highly-trained nurses, ensures that all areas of care are met precisely for each individual. Here are some of the ways in which our at-home caregivers can help make your loved one’s daily life easier: 

    Safe & Assured Independence

    As your loved one gets older, their mobility tends to become limited and difficult, and their body becomes gradually more prone to pain and injury. These developments make them increasingly vulnerable as time goes on, especially if they are left alone. However, the likelihood of any incident decreases when a caregiver is present. This provides your loved ones with the independence they’ve always had, but with a greater degree of safety and security of their physical well-being. 

    Personalized Care

    Many heartbreaking incidents have been reported in which caregivers at an assisted living facility could not or did not provide the help that was required for an elderly patient. This is often because the great number of patients they have to care for simultaneously causes them to overlook the needs of individual patients. In contrast, at-home caregivers are able to learn about every aspect of your loved one’s healthcare needs and proactively attend to them, guaranteeing your loved one remains healthy and comfortable in their hands. 

    Consistent Service

    Along with learning about their patient’s individual needs and preferences, an at-home caregiver also helps provide a sense of stability and familiarity compared to other elder care services and facilities. Your loved one will not only have a nurse to take care of them, but also a companion to talk and spend time with, ensuring their comfort remains throughout their days. 

    Dependable In-Home Caregiver Services in Wicomico County, Maryland

    There are many caregiving alternatives you can find for your elderly loved one, however none can match the singular attentiveness and assurance of comfort that in-home caregiver services guarantee. At Coastal Home Care, our primary focus is to provide our elders with trained, experienced nurses that desire to help maintain their independent lifestyles, while also ensuring they remain healthy and safe within their routines. Contact us at 866-687-7307 to find an excellent caregiver and companion for your loved one today.

  • Four Misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

    Millions of families across the US alone are caretaking their elders and loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or some form of Memory Loss. In most cases, a significant portion of your daily life will have to involve managing your loved one’s condition and ensure that they are following basic routine tasks, like taking medicine, maintaining a proper diet, and safely getting where they need to go. This can be especially stressful and challenging when all this is in conjunction with having to work, go to school, or take care of your other loved ones.

     

    At Coastal Home Care, we assist you to ensure that your elderly loved ones are consistently provided with the best care possible. Our certified nursing assistants are trained and experienced in providing personalized home care to individuals living with chronic symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. With the understanding that each person’s condition is inherently different, we assess each client’s personal needs, such as their day-to-day tasks, process of communication, and standards for safety and comfort. Our nurses then develop a Plan of Care that will ensure a smooth, continuous level of care.

     

    “Alzheimer’s is the same thing as dementia”

    We understand that this confusion between the two occurs, however, there is an important distinction to make between them. Dementia is a general; overall term used to describe a number of medical conditions that affect reasoning, memory, and communication. While Alzheimer’s is one of the most prominent forms of dementia, there are several other variations, such as Lewy Body Dementia and frontotemporal disorders.

    At Coastal Home Care, our trained nurses have the ability and knowledge to help you form strategies in coping with these various forms of dementia, providing your affected family member with fervent support for their well-being.

     

    “An assisted living facility would be better”

    While an assisted living facility may have its benefits, there are certain drawbacks to consider. One is the fact that such facilities involve one nursing assistant taking care of several senior individuals all at once. This means there is no guarantee that your loved one would receive the appropriate, specialized treatment that they would need for their condition. With a home-care nurse from Coastal Home Care, you can be assured that your elderly family member will be taken care of in every way that they require.

     

    “Hiring a nurse would be more expensive”

    Although there are costs in hiring a home care provider, the structure of the service is much more flexible than it is for an assisted living facility. As there fewer additional costs for amenities like meals and cleaning services, our nurses care for your loved ones within your home and due to this fact, it is more cost-efficient.

     

    “Only close family and friends can give proper care”

    In seeking to care for your loved ones, it must be true that you care deeply for them, and it is equally true that you would do anything to ensure their safety and comfort. However, with the assistance of a trained, certified nursing assistant from Coastal Home Care, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive a well-prepared Plan of Care to properly respond to any aspect of their condition, whether it be for their Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

     

    Dependable Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care in Maryland and Delaware

    While choosing a place for your elderly loved one to receive the care they need is a tough decision to make, it is important to be aware of every possibility surrounding that choice, including the realities of home care service. Coastal Home Care is one of the most dependable home care providers in the Maryland/Delaware region, with specialized services such as Alzheimer’s and dementia care services, post-operation support needs, and personal companion care. We are proud to have a thoroughly trained staff of nurses who are dedicated to giving gentle care and support for our clients.

    In the hopes that you may consider our services, please contact us at 866-687-7307.

  • Why Seniors Need A Companion

    Much of our personal time involves performing tasks independently. However, life is ultimately an experience that is meant to be shared with others, and at a certain point, our elders may require our assistance in both cases. Yet, you may find it difficult to support your elderly family member due to a busy schedule, which is why you should consider hiring professional senior helpers such as Coastal Home Care.

     

    Coastal Home Care has highly experienced caregivers that are trained to assess the needs of our clients and create a personalized “Plan of Care” that will help them sustain a higher quality of life and a healthy lifestyle. Below, we list a few reasons why your senior family member should have a companion:  

    Mental Health

    As we mentioned before, part of life is that it is meant to be shared with others, and when an elder lives a mostly solitary life, it can have a significant impact on their well-being. Living alone can result in lower-quality living conditions and a lack of self-care, which is often a sign of depression. Having a companion with them will provide them with someone to regularly interact with and encourage a more active mind.   

    Keeping Active

    Not only will having a caregiver promote your family member’s mental well-being, but it will also stimulate their physical health as well. Caregivers help motivate your loved one to perform light exercise on a regular basis, such taking walks outside or going to the gym a couple of times a week. This will help them improve and maintain a better quality of life by strengthening their balance and strength while lowering any mobility and health issues.  

    Maintaining a Routine

    Along with their other various functions, companion caregivers also help develop your loved one’s everyday routine. As we age, the tasks that we frequently attend to can become more difficult and even dangerous to accomplish. With a caregiver providing assistance, our elders can feel purposeful and productive as they complete all their daily tasks, with less risk of accidental injuries.    

    Food & Nutrition

    For older individuals, having a well-balanced diet is integral to maintaining their overall health. When most of us cook to feed ourselves, we may not choose the healthiest options. However, a companion caregiver can assist your family member by cooking fresh, nutritious meals, which they can then share together, providing a social aspect that will boost their enthusiasm to stay healthy and eat better.  

    Coastal Home Care: Kind-Hearted Professional Senior Helpers in Wicomico County

    Our elders should be able to spend their daily lives with as much comfort and ease as anyone else, and with one of our certified senior helpers in Wicomico County, you can rest assured that they will. At Coastal Home Care, we certify our caregivers through a rigorous interview and training process, ensuring that we employ the most compassionate and attentive professionals. We have been the leader in private home care for nearly 10 years and strive to continue providing the best service to elders in our community. Contact us at 866-687-7307 to begin discussing how we can help you and your loved one live more comfortably.

  • Four Benefits of Private Home Care

    It can be difficult providing adequate care at home for your elderly parents or relatives, especially if you work full-time or have a family of your own. Moreover, while senior assisted living can be a helpful alternative, you shouldn’t be forced into separating from your loved ones because of a busy schedule. Giving your elders the support they need, when they need it, is possible with excellent senior companion care services provided by Coastal Home Care.

    At Coastal Home Care, we have provided professional home care since 1978 and setting industry standards ever since. Our highly-experienced and skilled nurses deliver personalized assistance to our elderly clients for their every daily need. We make sure our services are affordable for everyone by serving a broad range of private pay services. Let us help take care of your loved ones when and where they need it, so that you can spend time at home together without worry. Here are 3 major benefits to getting home care assistance for the elders in your family:  

    Assistance with Daily Living Activities

    At-home care allows your love ones to do their daily routines while maintaining their quality of life as they receive assistance with anything they may need. These personal tasks may include grooming, bathing, and taking medication on time. The last task is most important since many elderly folks have multiple prescriptions that are necessary for their health. With a nurse to help properly manage what medications to take and when to take them, you can ensure your family member keeps up with their health.

    Providing Companionship

    Research shows that elderly people tend to live longer and healthier lives if they have consistent social interactions. Having a home health care provider gives your loved one or elderly relative someone to talk to, take walks with, go grocery shopping, or any other outdoor activities they may be interested in. This encourages them to maintain an active and independent lifestyle.

    Diet and Nutrition

    Diet is a key necessity for the health of all individuals especially those who are much older.  Among the biggest health risks for adults over the age of 65, as well as people with chronic illnesses or have returned from treatment at a hospital or nursing facility, is the inconsistency of maintaining a healthy diet and nourishing their bodies physical needs. A home health aide can assist an elderly patient by helping them make delicious home-cooked meals and maintain a well-balanced diet.  

    Insuring the Safety of Your Loved Ones

    The constant presence of a trained professional with your elderly parents or relative is greatly reassuring. All of our home care specialists must learn to use medical equipment and emergency techniques in case of any crisis situations. For any unexpected injuries or near-fatal illnesses, a home care assistance expert can act quickly and efficiently to save your loved one’s life. Having this arrangement in place provides you and your family with peace of mind and further ensures they are in safe hands.

    Coastal Home Care: Professional Senior Companion Care in Maryland

    Coastal Home Care has provided home care services for several decades, including diet, health, and living assistance for thousands of our aging and elderly patients within the Maryland and Delaware areas. Our licensed nurses assist your loved ones by providing the best senior companion care services possible. Our home care providers are well-trained and highly-certified as we provide a broad range of services that are affordable and effective in covering all of your loved one’s needs.

    Contact us today at (866) 687-7307 to schedule a consultation with a staff member! Learn more about our senior care services.

  • Three Ways Senior Assisted Living Can Help Your Loved Ones

    As your loved ones age, it may be difficult to accomplish daily tasks on their own, and if you already have a tight schedule, you might be unable to help them throughout the day. When it comes to this point in your loved one’s life, seeking out extra assistance is necessary. Whether you choose home care or a senior assisted living home, your family member will receive the care they need to live a comfortable life.

     

    Coastal Home Care strives to serve those with the utmost care and companionship they deserve. Our team has the experience and professional training to make sure your family member lives independently while experiencing a quality social life. Here are several of the benefits your loved one can receive from senior assisted living services.

    Daily Exercise and Physical Therapy

    Assisted living communities offer many daily exercise and physical therapy programs to help residents stay active and happy. Many communities offer a variety of different types of classes such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and Zumba classes, and your loved one will be sure to enjoy any of these. Staying active in a group setting will be good for your loved ones mental and physical health as they will be happier while keeping their bodies actively engaged.

    Social Atmosphere

    One of the most common concerns that people have about their elderly loved ones is that they are not getting the care and attention they need. Once further into retirement, your loved may not have to opportunity to socialize, especially if their friends and spouse have passed, then they are even more prone to experience major periods of isolation. In assisted living communities, your loved ones will be able to spend time with their peers in common areas and various group activities, including events and fun outings.

    Assistance with Daily Living Activities

    Daily household activities like yard work, laundry, and other types of housekeeping can become too difficult or hazardous as we get older. In an assisted living community, your loved one won’t have to worry about any of these daily living activities. Everything will be taken care of for your loved one by a kind and attentive staff member.

    Coastal Home Care: the Best Elder Care Services in the Greater Washington D.C. Area

    Our Coastal Home Care team is dedicated and driven to support your loved ones on a daily basis. Your family will be sure to be at peace with our elder care services that provide help with various tasks including showering, establishing and implementing a consistent medication routine, changing and more. Our caregivers and registered nurses provide above and beyond services to ensure your family member is comfortable in a safe environment.

    Contact us today at (866) 687-7307 to schedule a consultation! We look forward to speaking with you further about our senior home care services!