Category: Brand Specific

  • 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.

  • Bpc #4: Taking Control Of Medications

    Bpc #4: Taking Control Of Medications

    BPC SERIES: A 9-Part Series on BEING a PRIMARY CAREGIVER (BPC)
    Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. *
    This series is dedicated to the heart and soul of this informal, unpaid, caregiving group, the primary caregivers. Silver Lining is dedicated to a healthier Delaware by using our expertise to empower a group of incredible people to give their loved ones the best care possible.

    What is a Primary Caregiver?
    A primary caregiver is the title given to anyone that is primarily (first-up) responsible for caring and providing for another living thing. A primary caregiver could be:the sole available person caring for anotherthe person who cares for another in the primary role (and has additional support people)the individual who lives with the person that needs cared forUltimately, a primary caregiver is responsible for making sure that the person they’re caring for gets the support and care they need. Our goal with the BPC Series is to support this amazing group of primary caregivers with resources, shout outs and access. We see you and we are here for you.

    * National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S

    Medication compliance is a key factor in well-being. If you’re thinking that a medication “should be skipped”, “isn’t important” or “they have too many medications,” then be an advocate and talk to the prescribing physician(s) about it, but never modify a prescription on your own accord. The importance or significance of a medication and its dose or frequency should always be discussed with the prescribing physician(s). Write down your concerns ahead of your discussion so that you can be thorough in talking about side effects, any new symptoms, or whatever the reason is for wanting to make a change. Even if an individual does end up going off of a medication, there are often specific ways of doing this to prevent side effects (i.e., weaning).

    We have a robust Medication Management Checklist made just for you that you can view or download here, as well as an in depth video on how to maintain Medications here.

    If your loved one needs a little extra prompting with meds and lives on their own, look into something like the Livi. The Livi is a smart home medication dispenser that simplifies managing multiple medications for patients while giving caregivers support.

    Visit our YouTube channel for talks around aging topics and to watch our Coffee Chats with Tiffany where RN Tiffany Rubin talks about matters you care about.

  • Bpc #3: How To Be Sure Your Loved One Is Eating Enough

    Bpc #3: How To Be Sure Your Loved One Is Eating Enough

    BPC SERIES: A 9-Part Series on BEING a PRIMARY CAREGIVER (BPC)
    Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. *
    This series is dedicated to the heart and soul of this informal, unpaid, caregiving group, the primary caregivers. Silver Lining is dedicated to a healthier Delaware by using our expertise to empower a group of incredible people to give their loved ones the best care possible.

    What is a Primary Caregiver?
    A primary caregiver is the title given to anyone that is primarily (first-up) responsible for caring and providing for another living thing. A primary caregiver could be:the sole available person caring for anotherthe person who cares for another in the primary role (and has additional support people)the individual who lives with the person that needs cared forUltimately, a primary caregiver is responsible for making sure that the person they’re caring for gets the support and care they need. Our goal with the BPC Series is to support this amazing group of primary caregivers with resources, shout outs and access. We see you and we are here for you.

    * National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S

    By Brittany Stoltzfus, RD, LDN, owner of Simply Nutrition LLC in Pennsylvania

    Being a caregiver of a loved one involves multiple responsibilities. This role can be stressful at times, especially when meal and snack times arrive. As people age, different medications, disease states and emotional health can influence one’s ability to eat. How can you as the caregiver know if your loved one is eating enough? Every person is unique in their exact nutrient needs so overall goals can vary person to person. A person can show physical signs of not eating enough through increased weakness, increased fatigue, and a high level of weight loss. While working with your loved one, patience is helpful. Remember, your loved one will have good days and challenging days with food intake and that is okay. Read the tips below to aid with increasing your loved one’s food intake.

    NO RESTRICTIONS

    When your loved one has a decreased appetite, allow them to choose what foods sound good to them. If they are interested in seconds, offer another portion. If your loved one is on a restricted diet, speak with your physician first before loosening restrictions.

    AMBIANCE

    Creating an enjoyable eating experience for your loved one is key. This can include eating together at the table, playing soothing music, and presenting the food in an appealing manner.

    MEAL SCHEDULE

    Offer 4-6 small portions throughout the day versus 3 meals. This approach provides manageable portions and variability based on individual’s needs.  

    FOOD CHOICE

    On days your loved one is not as hungry, offer high calorie options such as nut butters mixed in yogurt or oatmeal, avocado toast or smoothies to boost calories.

    SIMPLE FLAVORS

    Prepare foods with few spices or flavors. Choosing bland food such as bread, applesauce, rice, or bananas can be helpful or protein with limited seasoning.

    If you notice your loved one is struggling to eat most days (4 out of 7 days), working with a registered dietitian or the team at Silver Lining Home Healthcare can be helpful for a personalized plan for your loved one.

    Simply Nutrition LLC is a registered dietician-owned nutrition and wellness company focused on bettering every client’s relationship with food. They focus primarily on remote interactions (through Telehealth) to enable access to anyone. If you’re interested in learning more, visit their website.

  • Bpc #2: How To Get Your Loved One Out Of Bed

    Bpc #2: How To Get Your Loved One Out Of Bed

    BPC SERIES: A 9-Part Series on BEING a PRIMARY CAREGIVER (BPC)
    Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. *
    This series is dedicated to the heart and soul of this informal, unpaid, caregiving group, the primary caregivers. Silver Lining is dedicated to a healthier Delaware by using our expertise to empower a group of incredible people to give their loved ones the best care possible.

    What is a Primary Caregiver?

    A primary caregiver is the title given to anyone that is primarily (first-up) responsible for caring and providing for another living thing. A primary caregiver could be:the sole available person caring for anotherthe person who cares for another in the primary role (and has additional support people)the individual who lives with the person that needs cared forUltimately, a primary caregiver is responsible for making sure that the person they’re caring for gets the support and care they need. Our goal with the BPC Series is to support this amazing group of primary caregivers with resources, shout outs and access. We see you and we are here for you.

    * National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S

    Getting safely in and out of bed, or doing transfers of any kind, can be physically taxing. Our resident nurses, Tiffany and Amy, offer these steps in learning the ropes:

    STEP 1: DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF ASSISTANCE YOUR LOVED ONE CAN PROVIDE YOU. TYPICALLY, IT’S ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

    • Independent – no assistance is needed
    • Partial assist – light assistance is needed (i.e., to get the feet to the edge of the bed, to get them sitting up)
    • Dependent – your loved one can’t get out of bed without someone helping the entire time

    STEP 2: DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF WEIGHT-BEARING CAPABILITY YOUR LOVED ONE HAS.

    • Full weight-bearing – able to fully stand on their own feet/own accord
    • Partial weight-bearing – able to stand but not able to put all their weight down (common in hip and knee surgeries)
    • No weight-bearing – unable to stand or bear weight on their own

    STEP 3: DECIDE ON YOUR METHOD:

    For someone who is dependent or non-weight-bearing, you MUST use an assistive device to safely get them out of bed. A hoyer lift is the type of equipment you will need. They come in manual or electric options as well as  floor or ceiling options. If the hoyer device will be temporary, renting a it may be most beneficial. Go through your insurance company first. If the hoyer lift will be permanent, then adapting the floor layout, home modifications and adjusting the type of lift is necessary.

    For someone who is a partial assist, there are a variety of options. If you can safely get them to the edge of the bed on your own, there are sit-to-stand lifts, transfer boards and walkers that can safely allow them to pivot to a chair. A transport chair or light wheelchair is a preferred type of seating to transfer to in these cases.

    If you can’t safely get your loved one to the edge of the bed on your own, then look at adjustable bedframes/hospital bed options (for two-person beds, there are adjustable beds that offer different settings for both sides) so you can elevate the head of the bed prior to turning your loved ones legs to hang over the side of the bed. This eliminates you lifting them up and straining your back.

    STEP 4: LEARN PROPER BODY MECHANICS!

    You can’t care for your loved one if you are hurt. Always bend your knees/hips and keep your back straight. Lift with your legs (not your back), and keep your loved one as close to your body as possible (pretend you’re dancing!). NEVER twist. Here are some additional resources that offer direction on proper body mechanics:

    Body Mechanics During Transfers for Caregivers

    Prevent Injury! Use Proper Body Mechanics for Lifting and Transferring

    ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

    If you anticipate your loved one will have issues getting out of bed, ask your physician for a Physical Therapy home health referral. A trained professional can assess your situation, provide recommendations, and discuss appropriate exercises. This should be covered by most major medical insurance policies.

    Visit our YouTube channel for talks around aging topics and to watch our Coffee Chats with Tiffany where RN Tiffany Rubin talks about matters you care about.

  • Bpc#1: How To Get The Right Medical Equipment

    Bpc#1: How To Get The Right Medical Equipment

    BPC SERIES: A 9-Part Series on BEING a PRIMARY CAREGIVER (BPC)
    Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. *
    This series is dedicated to the heart and soul of this informal, unpaid, caregiving group, the primary caregivers. Silver Lining is dedicated to a healthier Delaware by using our expertise to empower a group of incredible people to give their loved ones the best care possible.

    What is a Primary Caregiver?
    A primary caregiver is the title given to anyone that is primarily (first-up) responsible for caring and providing for another living thing. A primary caregiver could be:the sole available person caring for anotherthe person who cares for another in the primary role (and has additional support people)the individual who lives with the person that needs cared forUltimately, a primary caregiver is responsible for making sure that the person they’re caring for gets the support and care they need. Our goal with the BPC Series is to support this amazing group of primary caregivers with resources, shout outs and access. We see you and we are here for you.

    * National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S

    Getting the right durable medical equipment or DME (which is the official umbrella term for any medical equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc.) can be cumbersome and difficult. Why? Because in order for an insurance company to approve DME, they need information from your physician (and sometimes this includes backdated notes/information). If your insurance company approves the DME, then the DME company needs to get you what you need and submit a reimbursement claim to the insurance company. Medicare, through which a lot of individuals over 65 get their DME, has a list of approved DME. They’ll cover 80% of the allowable cost. You cover 20% plus your Part B deductible.

    You can typically get equipment in two main ways:

    1. Pay for it out of pocket. This makes it easier to pick what you want and you typically can get it faster because the insurance company doesn’t have to be involved..
    2. Use your insurance. This usually means it’s free or you have a low co-pay. It may take more time to get it, but not having to pay for it is a plus, especially if it’s something expensive like a hoyer lift.

    RESOURCES

    Tomorrow Health is an excellent resource in helping you find the right medical equipment and in navigating your way through the insurance process. They’ll work with your doctor and your insurance to get you the right products at the right prices.

    DME Supply USA is an online DME store through which you can view, sort, and purchase DME.

    Visit our YouTube channel for talks around aging topics and to watch our Coffee Chats with Tiffany where RN Tiffany Rubin talks about matters you care about.

  • 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.