Category: Coastal

Once an elderly loved one demonstrates that they can no longer live without support, determining the next step can be tricky. But you should consider something that offers a balance between maintaining their independence and providing them with the help they need. Specifically, hire a nurse from an adult home care service like Coastal Home Care. Home care allows seniors to continue living in their homes while also receiving the assistance of a friendly caregiver.

Coastal Home Care offers quality caregivers and trained nurses to those in need of assistance across Ocean Pines, MD. We provide standard senior home care as well as specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care, hospice support, and medicine management. Each new patient gets a personalized assessment so that we can determine the best methods of care according to their needs and preferences. We then put together a Plan of Care for your loved one.

Top 3 Services that Coastal Home Care offers to our Patients

Daily Living Assistance

As one gets older, certain tasks are no longer feasible to do alone. Some can be uncomfortable and difficult, while others may result in dangerous accidents. Thus, the primary service that home care provides is assistance with daily living activities.

In any case, having a home caregiver at your service doesn’t necessarily mean you are completely dependent on them—only that, naturally, as everyone does, you’re getting some help that you could use more of during this time in your life.

Some examples of daily activities that our caregivers help with are:

• Changing clothes
• Bathing, showering, and maintaining hygiene
• Cooking fresh, nutritious meals
• Cleaning and storing things in hard-to-reach areas
• Driving to the store, family gatherings, and other places

These and many others are some of our caregivers’ things to help you get through your daily routine and ensure you maintain a great degree of comfort and health.

Basic Medical Care

Another very important service that home caregivers provide is essential medical assistance. This comes in many forms, such as detailed prescription management, which is vital for many elders as it involves their caregivers ensuring they take the correct dosage of their medication at the right time.

Our caregivers are also trained to recognize symptoms of serious medical conditions and provide their patients with care until they can meet with their physician or specialist. Having a home caregiver provide daily assistance ensures you have an extra set of eyes and ears on the state of your health and wellness.

Regular Social Interaction

Finally, among the most important things that home care provides are companionship and social support. Among the biggest challenges that elderly seniors deal with is living day-to-day while feeling isolated without regular social contact.

A caregiver can provide that–either directly or indirectly–by being your daily companion throughout the day or by providing you safe transportation to meet with friends and family or to various events and activities for you to spend time and meet with others. At Coastal Home Care, we aim to help you get every bit of enjoyment and comfort out of every day.

Coastal Home Care: Adult Home Care in Ocean Pines, MD

Home care for elders covers several different services all rolled up into one. At Coastal Home Care, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring the elder home care we provide precisely serves the needs of our patients and their families. For over a decade, we have provided certified nurses who serve top-quality adult home care throughout Ocean Pines, MD. Combining our shared experience, skills, and knowledge, we seek to build a tradition of excellent elder care together with you and your loved ones. Contact us today at (866) 687-7307 to learn more about our services and schedule a caregiver!

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia develop in stages, all of which are difficult for caregivers and patients to navigate. As patients’ behaviors change and their disease progresses, caregiving requires a great deal of flexibility and compassion. However, the support of a professional Alzheimer’s and dementia care provider can help make their lives more comfortable and easier.

Coastal Home Care’s team in Somerset County, MD, has comprehensive knowledge on caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Our caregivers are familiar with the best strategies and practices to help aging adults live safely and productively. Below, we discuss the stages and how we can help.

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Early (Mild)

During the mild stage of memory loss, individuals may be able to function independently. They can drive, work, and socialize as they normally would – but they may also forget words or lose items.

While symptoms may not be glaring during this stage, close friends and relatives may notice these memory lapses. They should speak with the individual’s doctor, who can provide a proper diagnosis.

Middle (Moderate)

Also known as the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s, it is known for being the longest stage that tends to last for many years. Throughout this stage, the individual experiencing severe memory loss symptoms may require extensive care.

Symptoms of dementia become distinct, and the individual may get frustrated or irritable due to the increased memory lapses and nerve cell brain damage. This may include confusing words and refusing to do certain activities like bathing.

Late (Severe)

Dementia symptoms in the final stage are more severe. Individuals have immense difficulty responding to their environment, sustaining a conversation, and even controlling their movement.

While this doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t speak or move, their communication skills are much more limited as it becomes challenging for them to express their pain. Personality changes take place during this stage as well and necessitate round-the-clock care.

How Our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Team Can Help

Coastal Home Care caregivers are trained with tending to adults suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. They offer professionalism, respect, and empathy to each individual, and they acknowledge that each situation is unique. Our Alzheimer’s and dementia disease support is personalized to each individual’s needs and provides the following:

• Day-to-day routine management
• Assistance with bathing, showering, and grooming
• Grocery shopping
• Medication management
• Appointment transportation
• Comfort and coping strategies
• Frequent communication
• Flexibility & respect
• Establishing a safe environment

Professional & Compassionate Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Somerset County, MD

At Coastal Home Care, our team is specially trained to provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We understand that each situation is different, and we are flexible to each patient’s needs. No matter what stage they are at, our team is available to care for them whether they require emotional and/or physical support.

Call an Alzheimer’s and Dementia care provider at (410) 572-5606 today to see how we can help.

Home care and home health care are often interchangeable in conversation, but they are both fairly different. Before you decide on the support you or your loved one needs, it’s important to distinguish the differences between professional in-home caregivers and home health care experts in Worcester County, MD.

Below, we delve into how these two services  differ and which one may be right for you.

What’s the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care?

Home Care

Home care is non-clinical, which means it’s a more personable experience rather than one strictly related to medical support. As adults age, they may not be capable of doing certain tasks as well as they used to and may need extra help around the house.

Home care involves the following:

• Companionship
• Transportation to and from appointments
• Daily living support (getting dressed, bathing, and grooming)
• Meal preparation
• Assistance with chores and getting organized
• Financial assistance

Reasons You Need Home Care

• Loved ones deciding to age in place
• Aging adults who need additional support with their daily routine
• Elders who require transportation to and from appointments
• Seniors who need additional assistance preparing meals, cleaning, and organizing finances
• Elders who experience frequent loneliness and desire a companion

Home Health Care

Home health care is focused on providing clinical and medical support. Care is provided by licensed and registered nurses, occupational therapists, and/or physical therapists. Depending on one’s needs, you may require the assistance of one or more of these professionals. Home health care is prescribed by a doctor, especially post-operation or after a surgery.

Home health care involves the following::

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Medication management
• Medical testing
• Wound care
• General health monitoring

Reasons You Need Home Health Care

• Aging adults released from an operation, a hospital stay, or rehabilitation
• Elders who have adjusted to a new medication
• Loved ones who need assistance with monitoring their health
• Those who need support with maintaining adequate wound care
• Seniors with declining physical or mental functions

Connect With Our Professional In-Home Caregivers in Worcester County, MD

If you or your loved one needs home care and/or home health care, Coastal Home Care in Worcester County, MD, can help. Our in-home caregivers and Registered Nurses offer individualized and compassionate home care support. We personalize a Plan of Care for each patient we assist to ensure they are receiving the level of care they require.

Looking for one-on-one care? Call our in-home caregivers at (410) 572-5606 today to schedule a consultation.

In the last phases of a terminal illness, a patient’s primary needs are comfort, assistance, support and their loved ones at their side – all of which can be provided with the help of experienced hospice care nurses. Nurses well-trained in hospice care services are ready to provide domestic, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones to soften the hardships they are facing together.

At Coastal Home Care, our nurses are highly experienced in hospice care support, along with all other forms of elder care. Our caregivers are trained and certified to assist elders and ill patients with all types of special needs, including dementia support, pain and medication management, and more. Our patient-centric Plan of Care process ensures each patient’s caregiving experience reflects their needs and preferences. This focused approach has made us one of the best caregiving providers in Somerset County, MD.

Below, we discuss how hospice care may work best for you or your ill loved one:

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a form of caretaking focused on ensuring the comfort and quality-of-life of individuals with terminal illnesses. It is specifically performed during the last stages of their illness, when they and their families are most in need of support.

Home care nurses assist hospice patients by managing their symptoms and ensuring they are well enough to spend the time they have left with their loved ones. They also help them get the emotional and spiritual support they need.

Our hospice care is centered around giving the best treatment possible to ease the patient’s symptoms, instead of focusing on curing their disease. That way, your loved one can spend their days in as much comfort as possible.

Benefits of Hospice Care Support

Suffering from a terminal illness puts a tremendous strain on an individual and their family. Hospice care helps ease the burden on those afflicted and their loved ones, allowing them to  focus on spending  time together. Here are a few such benefits our hospice care offers:

• Previous studies have found that terminal patients who receive hospice care live longer than those who did not.
• Hospice care involves a team of professionals coordinating to ensure patients receive excellent medical, nutritional, and bedside care, as well as assistance with pain and medication management, holistically treating them to improve their overall quality-of-life.
• Both the patient and their loved ones benefit from services provided in hospice care – from emotional and spiritual support, to assistance with chores and meal preparation.
• Hospice care is also a worthwhile alternative to hospital care, as it is often more cost-effective, providing financial relief for families who seek support but can’t afford the high costs of a hospital stay. It is also far more comfortable, as for most, hospice care takes place at home.

 

Why Hospice Care Could Be Right For You

If you or your loved one are suffering from a terminal illness, hospice care may be a wise choice. While some view choosing hospice care as admitting defeat, we believe it is a worthwhile option to consider. Rather than expending time and energy seeking unlikely ways to cure your illness, you can enjoy the time you have left in comfort beside your loved ones.

Of course, hospice care is a better choice for certain patients than others. We recommend hospice care for terminal patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less, as well as for those seeking to focus on managing their symptoms and staying comfortable.

Coastal Home Care: Hospice Care in Somerset County, MD

Hospice care, as with any caregiving service, provides a comfortable alternative to the strenuous and often financially burdening aspects of hospital care. We believe the sick and the elderly deserve to feel comfort and at ease in their final days, which drives us to provide the best hospice care possible. Coastal Home Care provides excellent caregiving services  to patients in need all across Somerset County, MD. Contact us today at (410) 572-5606 and schedule a service with one of our trusted and highly-trained nurses.

As nationwide vaccination efforts have begun over the past few months, people have received mixed messages about eligibility. For instance, seniors above a certain age can get the vaccine – but that age requirement differs from state to state. However, health providers like elderly home care organizations can help you to determine you and your family’s vaccination standing.

If you or a loved one require elderly home care services in Sussex County, DE, turn to Coastal Home Care. Along with elder care, we provide Alzheimer’s, dementia, and hospice support services for homebound seniors. Our tested caregivers strive to keep our patients fit and independent within the comfort of their homes. Plus, we share insights about vaccination eligibility as well as follow safety policies that keep everyone healthy.

Below, we outline the state vaccination policies in our primary service areas as well as our caregivers’ current safety procedures:

COVID-19 Vaccination Procedures in Maryland and Delaware

Maryland

First, note that each state follows distinct vaccination procedures, and what works for one may not for others. Maryland’s vaccine distribution is a 5-phase system, within which we are currently in the third phase. At this stage, vaccines are available to adults aged 65 or older as well as lab, agricultural, and manufacturing workers.

If you or your senior meet the requirements, use Maryland’s location database to find a nearby vaccination site. You’ll need to make an appointment, though that may be a struggle due to the limited vaccine supply. Nevertheless, the vaccine’s security against the virus makes it worth the hassle.

Delaware

Similar to Maryland, Delaware’s vaccine distribution works in a multi-phase system. However, it differs in the details: Delaware’s process has 6 stages and currently stands in the second. Thus, the vaccine is open to adults aged 65 or older as well as emergency service workers and teachers.

The state is offering vaccination events, all of which require an appointment. In addition to this, several primary care practices and urgent care facilities have limited vaccine supplies.

 

Coastal Home Care’s COVID Safety Policies

While vaccination offers protection against COVID-19, it is only part of your senior’s defense. You and/or they must also follow social distancing guidelines and curb public interaction. These recommendations follow the CDC’s policies, and Coastal Home Care supports their instructions.

As providers of healthcare to sensitive populations, our caregivers have studied COVID’s hazards. They all completed COVID safety training and receive daily health screenings. We will continue following these steps and enforce our policies through the remainder of the pandemic.

Additionally, health workers – such as Coastal Home Care’s nursing staff – were among the first to receive vaccination access. Thus, we have that extra layer of protection from infection. Our staff is happy to explain further steps to protect your senior during the health crisis.

Safe and Reliable Elderly Home Care Options Available in Sussex County, DE

Although they seem frustrating at times, the large-scale vaccination efforts will lead us out of the COVID crisis. But while that process plays out, you can rely on Coastal Home Care for safe elderly home care services. Our tested caregivers work throughout Sussex County, DE, supporting seniors in their homes. We can help you to get your loved one vaccinated and keep them comfortable throughout the rest of the pandemic. Call our Delaware number today at (302) 752-1800 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.

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.

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!

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.