Category: Coastal

  • Is Home Care Covered by Insurance?

    Is Home Care Covered by Insurance?

    Those of us with an aging loved one in our lives must keep a close eye on them. This can be a difficult and delicate task, especially if your senior requires medical support. And while a caregiving service can provide extra support, that comes at an additional cost. Will your health insurance cover that bill?

    Although it can be difficult to discuss, you should speak with your family about caring for your elderly loved one. In reviewing the options, discuss the medical services offered at Coastal Home Care. We provide professional home care, hospice support, post-operative care, and other services in Sussex County, DE, and the surrounding area. Our expert staff is dedicated to treating patients with respect and empathy. Together, we can help your loved one maintain their independence and live on their terms.

    Below, we lay out the costs associated with home care as well as payment and financial assistance options for it:

    How Our Services Work

    Since we previously discussed the benefits of home care, let’s outline its functioning. Also, note the difference between home care and non-medical support services. Professionals in the latter field can help seniors with daily living activities but not their medical concerns.

    We start all our new patients with a personal assessment, carried out by one of our Registered Nurses. Then we develop an individual “Plan of Care,” which defines each patient’s daily medical needs. It may also incorporate support with self-care activities: showering, meal prep, cleaning, etc.

    Once a patient’s Plan of Care is developed, one of our Certified Nursing Assistants travels to that patient’s home to carry it out. Some clients receive a few hours of daily care, while others require round-the-clock assistance. Either way, our staff accommodates your loved one’s needs.

    Pricing & Payment Options

    We price our services at an hourly rate, and you can estimate an overall price using our online cost calculator. However, different services and Plans of Care may vary in specific price points. We suggest that you reach out to us for a more accurate estimate.

    There are several payment options for our services. Many private health insurance plans pay for home care, though coverage amounts vary between providers. You might also purchase a long-term care policy, which private insurers offer just for assisted living or home care services.

    Furthermore, Medicare will temporarily cover one’s home care costs at a qualifying care agency if a physician deems them necessary. Finally, veterans can receive VA-covered home care if they qualify, though further conditions may apply.

    Financial Assistance

    If you or your loved one cannot utilize any option listed above, you still have other avenues to afford home care. Several financial support options exist, including Medicaid as well as Delaware and other states’ non-Medicaid programs.

    Those with a life insurance policy could take out a loan on its cash value or convert it into cash. Assets can be liquidated or a reverse mortgage taken out on a home to cover the cost. You should consider home care loans if you must wait for other financing options to become available.

    If you’re still unsure of how to find coverage, speak with either your local area agency on aging or call our office.

    Personal and Professional Home Care Services Available in Sussex County, DE

    Seniors, like everyone, want to live on their terms. They deserve that independence even if they suffer from medical conditions that require daily assistance. Now, you can support them by reaching out to Coastal Home Care. We are an experienced caregiving service that offers professional home care, hospice support, and other services across Sussex County, DE. Call our Delaware number today at (302) 752-1800 or fill out our online form for a consultation.

  • Spending the Holidays in Hospice Care

    Spending the Holidays in Hospice Care

    The holidays are looking a little different due to pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most out of it. While this time of the year is usually spent with your loved ones, those spending the holidays in hospice may find it incredibly challenging.

    At Coastal Home Care, we provide trained hospice care nurses to tend to your loved one as well as your family. With 10 years of extensive experience in the private home care industry, our Registered Nurses go above and beyond to maintain your loved one’s safety and independence.

    Terminal illness is one of the most difficult issues any person can encounter. Our team can assure the following below to ensure your loved one is comfortable and surrounded in love.

    Comfort First

    Our hospice care consists of support that ranges from emotional, social, and spiritual. Our experienced team will come to your loved one, get to know them better, and create a comfortable environment that helps them feel at ease.

    We also work together with family and friends to create the most desirable level of comfort possible. Feeling pain or fear of pain often drives the behavior of patients encountering the end of their life, but we will treat your loved one like our own family, and we will stay at their side.

    Care With Respect

    Our team has cared for many patients, so we understand that not every end-of-life journey is the same. We ensure our promise to be considerate of your family’s values around the clock.

    Our trained nurses help your loved one maintain their dignity during this difficult time by protecting their independence, personal information, and physical appearance. Not only do we uphold this respect with your loved one but we also give it to your family as well.

    Enrichment

    When someone encounters the end of their life, the most important thing you can do is cherish the time you have left with them. If your loved one would like to fulfill any particular goals or wishes, our team would be happy to help.

    An example of this would be any family members your loved one would like to make peace with or maybe they would like to establish a connection with a grandchild. Completing the goals you have in life is only made possible with help of others, and Coastal Home Care is dedicated to making sure your loved one’s life is well-lived.

    Choose a Compassionate Hospice Nurse in Wicomico County, MD!

    Determining whether hospice care is right for your loved one is a difficult decision to make. At Coastal Home Care, we take into consideration the thoughts of family members, friends, and caregivers to ensure we provide the best hospice care nurse and support possible. Over the last 10 years, we have conducted comprehensive background checks on all caregivers as well as have a Registered Nurse supervising them before they become part of our team. We welcome feedback from our clients to ensure our support is of the highest quality.

    Read our testimonials to get a better idea of our care or contact (410) 572-5606 to speak with a hospice team member today!

  • Alzheimer’s Support During the Holidays

    Alzheimer’s Support During the Holidays

    The holidays are filled with family reunions, hugs, laughter, good food, and making lasting memories. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us will have to adjust our usual celebrations to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Older adults with underlying health conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, have been among those most affected by the virus, and may feel an acute sense of loss due to the changes they’ve experienced.

    If you are looking for assistance in caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, reach out to the experts at Coastal Home Care, who provide professional Alzheimer’s Support to folks throughout Wicomico County, MD. Our experienced caregivers employ strategies and best practices to ensure your loved one continues to live safely and productively. Our services include assistance with daily tasks, comfort and safety management, and more.

    Below, we discuss a few ways you can celebrate the holidays safely with your loved ones living with Alzheimer’s:

    Manage Expectations

    In their efforts to make the holidays special for their loved ones, caregivers can feel overwhelmed as they juggle maintaining traditions with providing care and adhering to safety precautions. It’s important to remember that your health as a caregiver matters as well.

    In order to reduce stress and manage expectations, arrange a virtual group meeting with family members to discuss holiday celebrations and what precautions you’re taking as a caregiver to keep your loved one healthy. This is also an opportunity to update them about what changes they may see in the person suffering from Alzheimer’s.

    Finally, remember to only take on what you can comfortably and safely manage. This may look like smaller, more casual gatherings or activities.

    Celebrate with Social Distancing

    There are numerous ways to make the holidays special while social distancing. For example, you can leave a care package with some favorite baked goods and a card at your loved one’s front door.

    Drive by celebrations have also grown in popularity during the pandemic. Plan a festive “Holiday Parade” and ask friends and family members to decorate their cars with festive decorations and homemade signs.

    If you want to visit with your loved one in person, consider an outdoor activity like taking a walk around the neighborhood to look at the lights, or sit outside with blankets and hot cocoa. Remember to wear your mask and maintain six feet of distance between yourself and anyone outside your household.

    You can also use technology to connect during the holidays. Face-to-face interactions can reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness, so consider setting up video calls with software like Zoom or Skype. These can be a simple time to chat, or take on a more structured form such as playing a trivia game, watching a movie together, or singing carols.

    Another option is to video record special moments, like children opening gifts, to send your loved one to include them in the memories.

    Keep them Involved

    To make them feel included, think of different ways you can involve your loved one in safe, manageable tasks such as preparing food, wrapping gifts, setting the table, or putting up decorations.

    At the same time, it’s important to maintain a sense of normalcy throughout the holidays for the person living with Alzheimer’s. Have them continue with their daily routine as much as possible to avoid causing any disruption or confusion.

    Coastal Home Care: Alzheimer’s Care in Wicomico County, MD

    As different as things may seem this year, it’s still possible to make cherished memories with your elderly loved one. We realize that caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s presents unique challenges that can feel overwhelming when faced alone. At Coastal Home Care, we come alongside you and your family to provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s Support with an emphasis on professionalism, respect, and empathy. As the leading provider of elderly support services in Wicomico County, MD, we also provide senior companion care, hospice support, and post-operative care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

  • Home Care for Elders Living in Their Own Homes

    Home Care for Elders Living in Their Own Homes

    As we age, we gain more and more independence. And part of growing older means you’ll need the support of others in order to take care of yourself. These changes inevitably occur for all of us, notably our aging loved ones. Though aging can inhibit their activities, many elderly people still want to live independently in their own homes rather than in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

    At Coastal Home Care, we help families provide the consistent care their elderly loved ones need. Through our dedicated elderly home care, our trained nurses ensure your loved ones remain active, independent, safe, and healthy while living in their own homes. Coastal Home Care has provided quality home care services to families throughout Sussex County, DE, including hospice support, Alzheimer’s care, and more.

    Below we discuss the details of providing home care for elders who seek to continue living in their own homes:

    Why Skilled Caregivers are Important

    Home caregivers are vital for helping their elder patients continue to live their daily lives independently while assisting them with routine tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, washing, or getting themselves dressed in the morning.

    However, proper home care involves more than having an extra set of hands and eyes. It also requires a caregiver to have the necessary knowledge and skills in order to provide the long term care your elderly loved one will need. For example, a caregiver should have a certain degree of medical training to provide the necessary treatment to keep your elder loved one in stable health.

    Comprehensive  knowledge and training is especially important if a caregiver is assisting a patient with a diagnosis that affects their ability to function, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

    A caregiver that is trained and experienced in dealing with patients with chronic illnesses is better equipped to handle situations in which their most severe symptoms arise. Their help at those crucial moments will ensure that your loved one will live longer and more comfortably.

    Thus , when seeking options in home caregiving for your elderly loved one, remember to search for companies that offer certified nurses and trained caregivers, such as Coastal Home Care.

    Patience is Key

    Our elders have spent much of their lives taking care of themselves and others. So, when you decide to hire a caregiver for your elder loved one, remember to focus on being patient, as your loved one will likely not want to change their independent lifestyle.

    Both you and the caregiver should work together to gradually familiarize your loved one with  having a companion in their home that will help develop their new routine.

    To help navigate these difficulties, our team at Coastal Home Care begins the process of caregiving by collaborating with you and your elder to create what we call a Plan of Care. It is a personalized plan that outlines the best possible course of action toward providing your loved one with the care they need in a way that fits their personal preferences.

    More Than One Way to Care

    There isn’t a one-size-fits all way to properly care for an elderly individual. Each individual is different with specific needs and conditions that will need attention.

    Some senior patients may only require assistance with simple tasks around the home, and others need a nurse with medical expertise to ensure they get the quality palliative or hospice care they need.

    One key advantage of home caregiving is flexibility. The ability to make changes to the home or customize the type of caregiving  facilitates easier and more comfortable care. This is often why we like to see elder home care over support through nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

    Our elder home care experts seek to provide responsive and effective support. They will look for unique ways for your loved one to improve in body and mind and work with you to find opportunities for your loved one to remain comfortable and healthy for as long as they can.

    Coastal Home Care: Quality Elderly Home Care in Sussex County, DE

    While assisted living and nursing homes can be useful options for many families, they may not be for everyone, especially for elders who desire to continue living in their own homes. Coastal Home Care offers your loved one the ability to continue living independently while helping them sustain their health and activity.

    Our certified nurses are trained in attentive elderly home care, as well as in hospice support, dementia care, medical assistance, and more. Families throughout Sussex County, DE have depended on and continue to trust in our services. Contact us at (866) 687-7307 for more information about elder care services today and schedule a consultation.

  • How to Protect Your Loved Ones During COVID

    How to Protect Your Loved Ones During COVID

    The pandemic has continued to place a tremendous amount of pressure on so many people across the country and the world. One group who has had it the hardest, and are also the most affected by it, are the elderly. They are the most at risk, but also the most in need of assistance and caregiving. Many families and services have had a difficult time figuring out how to provide proper care.

    Since the beginning of the pandemic earlier this year, we at Coastal Home Care have trained and outfitted our certified caregivers with everything they need to continue performing excellent senior companion care services to our patients throughout Sussex County, DE. We have also added numerous procedures to our operations to prevent any chance of infection, such as daily screenings and regular virtual communication among staff.

    Below, we discuss how the virus can spread and ways to prevent it from doing so to keep your elder loved ones safe and comfortable during this time.

    Ways COVID-19 Spreads

    Those who have caught and been infected with COVID-19 can spread the disease, even if they no longer have or seem to have never received serious symptoms of it. Here are some of the ways that the coronavirus has spread:

    • Prolonged close contact, usually within six feet.
    • Contact or inhalation of breath or water vapor after a cough or sneeze.
    • Contact with high-touch or potentially infected areas, then touching sensitive areas that could lead to infection, such as the face, eyes, and mouth.

    How to Protect Your Elders from COVID-19

    As we grow older, we become more susceptible to serious illnesses. According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 adults who received a severe illness from COVID-19 were over the age of 65. This means that our elders are at higher risk than most others, which requires us to be more careful and vigilant when providing them care. Here’s what elder caregivers should do to keep their loved ones safe from any potential harm from the coronavirus:

    • Perform proper social distancing procedures with your elder, especially if you are aware that you or someone with you have been showing symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth, especially if you haven’t sanitized and/or have been in a high touch area.
    • Clean and disinfect any shared objects or surfaces.
    • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap
    • Stock up on medicine and groceries to reduce the amount of trips you take outdoors.
    • Stay home as much as possible, since doing so is a vital way for your elder loved one to remain safe and protected.
    • Always wear face masks and gloves whenever you and your loved one are outside of your home to ensure you both are protected from spreading or receiving infection.

    Coastal Home Care: Quality Senior Companion Care in Sussex County, DE

    Giving care to our elders has become a significant challenge due to this pandemic. However, in following the tips and procedures listed above, you’ll at least be able to provide comfort and safety for your senior loved one. We at Coastal Home Care can help, as well, as we continue to provide reliable senior companion care to families and elders across Sussex County, DE. Our registered nurses and caregivers are trained to combat the virus while providing the essential elder care services that are needed now more than ever.

    Contact us at (866) 687-7307 for more information about our companion care services today.

  • Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Assistance at Home

    Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Assistance at Home

    For many people, parents are role models who help to shape their decision-making processes. Parents teach right from wrong, healthy from harmful, and how to care for oneself. However, aging parents can get stuck in their ways and may ignore the very advice that they offer to you. 

    If you’ve noticed that one of your aging parents struggles with chores and self-care, you should reach out to Coastal Home Care. We offer numerous at-home care options so that your loved one can remain self-sufficient in their own house. Our patients throughout Sussex County, DE, receive companion care services, Alzheimer’s or dementia care, hospice support, or medication management. And these services aren’t one-size-fits-all. We create a “Plan of Care” for each patient to promote personalized, flexible support that fits your parent’s needs. 

    Here, we outline the shifts in daily tasks, moods, or conditions that could signal a need for companion caregiver:

    Changes in Physical Appearance and/or Activity

    You may first notice some bodily changes in a parent. Sudden weight change, for instance, may attest to a struggle with cooking, diet, or grocery shopping. Likewise, poor hygiene and sloppy appearance can speak to difficulties with self-care. 

    Daily activities may change as well. A parent might start struggling with routines: bathing, dressing, toileting, or even moving around. Likewise, a sudden loss of motivation or interest in hobbies suggests that they struggle with doing these formerly amusing endeavors. 

    The prospect of a senior care center tends to alarm older adults, as they equate it with a loss of autonomy. But Coastal Home Care services promote aging in place, where seniors can choose to live and age in their own homes. Thus, in hiring us, you can assure your loved one that they don’t have to give up their home. 

    Changes in Behavior and/or Mental State

    Oftentimes, the most difficult part of watching a parent age is to see their struggles with moods and mental health. Coastal Home Care offers Alzheimer’s and dementia care specifically for such struggles. Still, you and your family must remain alert for symptoms of these conditions. 

    Along with a general loss of interest and motivation, your loved one may struggle to keep track of time. This frustration, in turn, can increase their confusion and anxiety. Such mood swings are unfortunately common for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. 

    Sleep cycles tend to shift as well. A senior parent may start sleeping into the day, which in turn affects their mood and energy levels. They may also start forgetting to call family members back – again, loss of memory is a distressingly common symptom. 

    Changes in Their Household

    Even if your loved one insists that they are fine, their home may indicate otherwise. After all, taking care of a house or apartment takes a great deal of work. If your loved one struggles with it, the burdens stack up quickly. 

    The most obvious indicators will be mess and clutter: dirty dishes and surfaces, spoiled food, piles of unopened mail, and so on. Additionally, general upkeep tasks like lawn care, snow removal, or trash collection may be noticeably incomplete. 

    These concerns are particularly distressing at a time like now, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 situation. Our caregivers can help with some light housekeeping for their patients. Plus, with daily testing for themselves and their patients, our senior companion care during COVID-19 helps to keep your family safe. 

    Compassionate Companion Care Now Available In Sussex County, DE

    When a parent ages and shows signs of physical and mental constraints, you can turn to Coastal Home Care for personal care. Our comprehensive companion care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice support, and other services are available for Sussex County, DE, residents. With us, your loved one can age in place, sustain their quality of life, and remain independent. Call us at (302) 752-1800 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation. 

  • 4 Ways to Help Your Elder Recover After Surgery

    4 Ways to Help Your Elder Recover After Surgery

    Recovering from surgery is difficult for anyone, but it’s especially hard on elderly folks. Seniors need more time to heal and are prone to injury and infection during their recovery. However, they must also continue with their daily routines for mental well-being.

    If you want to help a loved one sustain a comfortable recovery, hire a trained caregiver from Coastal Home Care. We provide all forms of home caregiving including dementia care, hospice support, and attentive post-operative care to seniors throughout Sussex County, DE. Our personalized, high-quality service has made us a trusted name in caregiving.

    Here, we describe 4 ways you can help your loved one have a speedy recovery after a surgical procedure:

    Organize Their Home For Their Needs

    After an operation, it will be difficult for your elder loved one to move around his or her (or your) home as normal. It will also be difficult for him or her to reach for important items like phones, remotes, plates, glasses, and more. A crucial aspect of post-surgery care involves reorganizing to accommodate the needs of the patient.

    First, you should create open paths throughout the home’s interiors by arranging furniture to clear obstructions in your loved one’s way. Also, move any rugs or other items that present a falling or tripping hazard.

    Then, ask your loved one for the things he or she needs and place the key items within his or her reach. Later on, offer to get any other items. And if you live in a two-story home, create a comfortable sleeping area on the ground floor so your senior loved one won’t risk him- or herself by going up or downstairs.

    Plan Out What Your Elder Needs

    Before the surgery, try to have everything your loved one may need on hand. Discuss with their physician what the likely effects of the surgery will be and what equipment or other items he or she will need for a comfortable recovery.

    Make a list of the items and purchase them according to the needs of the patient. Planning in this way will ensure both a faster and easier recovery for your loved one as well as a less strenuous experience for you and any caregivers.

    Attend Follow-Up Appointments

    Another way to facilitate a faster recovery is by attending your loved one’s post-op appointments. Although he or she may not have memory issues, the doctors may give overwhelming amounts of details about conditions, recovery needs, and medicine. Hearing all this first-hand can help you accurately remember these details later on.

    Plus, attending appointments with your loved one provides you a chance to ask his or her doctor about questions and concerns you’ve had when taking care of them. You can get the answers needed to ensure you continue giving the best care possible.

    Ensure Support in All Circumstances

    Finally, recognize that not all circumstances are the same. You can manage some challenges, but there will be others where professional help is required. That’s when you’ll want a friendly and expert caregiver from Coastal Home Care.

    Our nurses provide all manner of post-operative care and form personalized care plans that suit each patient’s needs. Hire a trained post-operative care nurse and discuss your loved one’s preferences to ensure they get the care they need.

    Coastal Home Care: Dependable Post-Operative Care in Sussex County, DE

    Seniors struggle with recovering from surgery, but they can return to full health and a higher quality of living with the right support and caregiving. At Coastal Home Care, we aim to ensure that all of our patients get the best personalized post-operative care possible. We also provide other home care services to patients and their families throughout Sussex County, DE. Our quality services are flexible and affordable for almost any schedule and budget.

    Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to learn more and make an appointment with one of our trained post-operative caregivers today.

  • Is Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care Right For You?

    Is Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care Right For You?

    Everything gets a bit more complex when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia. All of the sudden, he or she may be confused or forget schedules and plans. And such forgetfulness may upset or depress your loved one. At that point, you must decide whether to be a devoted caregiver yourself or to hire outside help.

    Recently, these conflicts gained a new dimension: COVID-19. Now, you must reduce your loved one’s risk of infection from both the outside world and yourself. Instead of trying to manage this burden alone, turn to Coastal Home Care. We proudly provide reliable Alzheimer’s and dementia care to folks in Wicomico County, MD. Our home care services allow your loved one to live where they choose, and our updated care methods will help maintain their health.

    Here, we discuss how Alzheimer’s and dementia care can help ease the dangers posed by COVID-19:

    Our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

    First, let’s outline our standard care practices for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. We strive to help them enjoy their independent lives by focusing on specific concerns:

    • Instead of solving all issues at once, we work through daily obstacles. We help patients to create routines and practices that help them manage symptoms and care for themselves.
    • We also try to help patients feel comfortable. The memory loss that occurs with Alzheimer’s and dementia can make them feel baffled and depressed. So, we tweak common tasks and give them chances for self-expression.
    • We maintain our patients’ well-being. Dementia patients often wander or stop physical activities. Thus, we adapt patients’ homes for safety and prepare for accidents.

    How We Have Adapted Caregiving for COVID-19

    Next, let’s detail how caregivers adapted their processes for Alzheimer’s and dementia care in response to the pandemic. We have summarized the strategies for COVID-19 care on our website already, but let’s review them here.

    We’ve added wellness checks to our routine duties. Now, both caregivers and patients are screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms. We also conduct mental health screenings on patients to address symptoms of loneliness and depression.

    We’ve also boosted our cleaning procedures. Caregivers already helped patients with cleaning, but now they disinfect frequent-use surfaces including light switches, countertops, faucets, and so on. What’s more, caregiving now requires increased hand washing.

    And since many families are protecting their loved ones’ health through distance, caregivers promote activity and connection. We help patients combat boredom by urging them to perform daily activities and hobbies as well as self-care. We can also help your loved ones stay in regular contact with Zoom and Facetime.

    Benefits of Hiring a Dementia Caregiver during COVID-19

    So, how can hiring a caregiver for your senior loved one help you (and the rest of your family) in the COVID environment? We’ve already posted advice on caring for elders during COVID-19 and how the pandemic might affect them. But our services suit Alzheimer’s and dementia patients particularly well.

    Even though many families mean well by isolating their loved ones, this may confuse a dementia patient. So, our caregivers can remind them about the situation during visits. We can also check for symptoms while ensuring that we don’t introduce the virus ourselves.

    Also, if your loved one has coronavirus symptoms, you and your family should avoid contact with them. A caregiver can get them to a hospital safely thanks to our training with infectious diseases. You need not endanger yourself or your family’s health.

    Contact Coastal Home Care for Reliable Caregiving in Wicomico County, MD

    In such a difficult environment, we know the challenges of an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient can feel hopeless. That’s why you should not take it on alone: by reaching out to Coastal Home Care, your loved one can receive professional Alzheimer’s and Dementia care at their home in Wicomico County, MD. Call us at (866) 687-7307 to discuss your options for home care. We’re available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!

  • COVID-19 Advice for Caring for Sick Elders

    Caring for a loved one during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic can be challenging if you don’t have the proper guidance you need to provide care efficiently and safely. As the CDC has provided expert recommendations for seniors who are already sick, elder care providers at Coastal Home Care are prepared to help your loved one if they require additional care and companionship.

    At Coastal Home Care, our companion care providers are taking the necessary safety precautions and adhering to the CDC, state, and local health guidelines. We understand that we are being faced with difficult times, but our team remains current on the pandemic and is trained to provide the companionship your elder needs at this time.

    Here’s what we recommend if you are caring for a sick elder or are considering additional companionship support:

    Watch for Signs & Symptoms

    The CDC has stated that people with “underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.” If your elder is experiencing the signs below, seek medical assistance immediately:

    • Difficulties breathing
    • Chest pain and/or pressure
    • Confusion
    • Insomnia
    • Bluish lips or face

    Be attentive to your elder and have their primary care doctor’s contact information ready in case of an emergency. Coastal Home Care providers are trained in cases of emergencies so you can trust us to ensure your elder will receive medical attention immediately, especially in emergencies.

    Take Care of His/Her Basic Needs First

    Keeping your senior hydrated with a lot of fluids and having them rest regularly will help their systems function properly. As they consistently receive those essential needs, their body will be strong enough to fight off whatever sickness they may have.

    Be sure to contact their primary physician for instructions for proper care. If they recommend over-the-counter medications, then help your elder take those in a timely manner and refill prescriptions as needed. Our companion care providers not only offer assistance with this, but they provide a real connection with your elder so they are able to find more contentment in their daily lives.

    Assist them with grocery shopping. During the pandemic, grocery shopping has been made more accessible and easy with online shopping apps that are available for people who feel more comfortable staying home. For example, Instacart allows you to choose a grocery store, shop, pay online, and have your groceries picked up or delivered to you.

    Provide pet care as needed. As a companion, taking care of an elder’s pet is often an additional task we are given. Just as much as our companions care for your elder, we care for their beloved pets too. If you are providing elder care, maintain distance between your elder and their pet while they’re sick to ensure your elder is receiving a sufficient amount of rest.

    Keep Yourself Protected

    Considering the on-going pandemic, limiting contact with yourself and your elder is crucial. You might need to eat in separate rooms and avoid sharing common objects or implement increased cleaning and disinfection routines. Making sure you are wearing personal protective equipment is also a requirement our companion care providers adhere to while providing the companionship your elder needs.

    If you are caring for an elder at this time, ensure you are also following standard social distancing, cleaning, and disinfection procedures as necessary.

    Choose Compassionate Companion Care Providers in Sussex County, DE

    At Coastal Home Care, we have the experience and training to provide personalized companion care support for your senior’s needs. We understand that each individual has their own personal needs and will create a customized Plan of Care that’s specific to each individual. Companion care options will vary depending on what the individual’s specific quality of life needs are.

    Let’s discuss your elder’s needs today! Call our companion care team at (866) 687-7307 to schedule a consultation.

  • How COVID-19 is Affecting Your Aging Loved Ones

    How COVID-19 is Affecting Your Aging Loved Ones

    The pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives. Those affected most by these changes, along with the risks in contracting the coronavirus, are the elderly. Limitations have made it difficult for them to perform their normal activities and access the resources they need to live healthily and comfortably.

    At Coastal Home Care, we have taken strides to improve our services in response to the pandemic so that we are able to continue providing the highest quality caregiving services possible. Our nurses are trained to provide personalized post-operative care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and hospice support. Along with our service, we also ensure our caregivers are prepared to follow local and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19.

    Here is what we’ve learned about the potential effects of the pandemic on your elderly loved ones:

    Lack of Physical Activity

    Among the biggest effects the pandemic has is the overall reduction and limitation of physical activity. Most of us, including our elders, end up becoming more sedentary while in quarantine, which can lead to some very detrimental health effects.

    Some of these include:

    • Reduced strength and muscle mass
    • Joint flexibility
    • Bone strength
    • Higher blood pressure
    • Higher risk of stroke and harmful diseases

    While it can be difficult to stay active during these times, it’s best to support your loved ones by ensuring they do what they can. Take them out for a walk through the neighborhood, or help them perform indoor exercises at home with whatever equipment you have, along with some instructional videos you can find online.

    Increased Isolation

    Another effect that can deeply impact your elderly loved ones is the absence of family and friends due to social distancing. For many, this can lead to feelings of isolation, further leading to depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

    According to the CDC, such conditions can result in raising a number of health risks for elders, including an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke.

    To diminish these risks, we recommend making as much contact as possible with your loved ones, whether it be by phone call, or through online video calls such as with programs like Skype or Zoom. Also, depending on your family’s social distancing practices, try meeting outside or for short increments of time.

    Additionally, you can also hire a caregiver from Coastal Home Care, who is trained and equipped to maintain current health and safety standards while assisting with and caring for the needs of elderly patients.

    Insufficient Medical Care

    The availability of healthcare providers has also been affected by the pandemic, with many hospitals and practices maintaining strict holds on non-emergency visits and appointments.

    This is done in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19, as many potential carriers could be mixed in with other patients seeking care for other conditions.

    Although it is good that your loved one avoids any chance of getting sick, they may need medical care at some point during quarantine, and it could put them at risk if they don’t receive it when they need it.

    We recommend having family regularly check on their condition, while also utilizing telemedicine services as a temporary alternative to a direct doctor’s visit.

    Ultimately, if an emergency arises, you can and should seek medical emergency services. Hospitals and practices all take the proper precautions to prevent exposure.

    Coastal Home Care: Qualified Post Operative Care in Wicomico County, MD

    The ongoing pandemic has deeply impacted everyone, and while many of us are able to manage the effects, it’s important to take care of those who are more vulnerable, especially our beloved elders. One way to do this is by hiring a caregiver from Coastal Home Care.

    Our registered nurses are trained in providing high-quality post-operative care, medication management, and many more personalized caregiving services. We provide regular companionship, as well as thorough health monitoring and welfare management.

    Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to schedule an appointment with a professional caregiver.