Category: Brand Specific

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

    What Care Options Exist for Elders with Alzheimer’s?

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

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

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

    Alzheimer’s Care Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Professional Alzheimer’s Support Available in Kent County, DE

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

  • How Home Care Compares to Other Forms of Elderly Care

    How Home Care Compares to Other Forms of Elderly Care

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

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

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

    Defining Home Care

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

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

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

    Comparison with Hospice Care

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

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

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

    Comparison with Palliative Care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Defining “Home Care”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 4 Ways That Companion Care Boosts Seniors’ Health

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

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

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

    1. Nutrition

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

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

    2. Companionship

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

    3. Relief for Family Caregivers

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

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

    4. Keep Tabs On Their Mental Health

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

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

    Compassionate Companion Care Now Available in Salisbury, MD!

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

  • What Do Home Care Services Provide?

    What Do Home Care Services Provide?

    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!

  • Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

    Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

    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 vs. Home Health Care

    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.

  • Is Hospice Care Right For You?

    Is Hospice Care Right For You?

    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.

  • The Care Advantage Difference: 5 Differences that Set Us Apart

    The Care Advantage Difference: 5 Differences that Set Us Apart

    Finding a home health care provider for yourself or a loved one isn’t a casual decision. And why should it be? You’ll be inviting someone into your home for four to 24 hours a day. You need to trust that person — and their employer — as if they were members of your own family.

    At Care Advantage, we’ve spent over 30 years listening to the hopes, needs and anxieties of our clients and their loved ones in order to earn that level of trust. That listening informs everything that we do. We’ve developed ways of working that distinguish us from other options for personal care and household help in Richmond and beyond. Here are five things that set Care Advantage apart from the rest.

    1. No cookie-cutter plans

    Part of what makes Care Advantage unique is our recognition that every client is unique. We set out to learn not only your specific needs but also your likes and dislikes. Do you prefer to bathe in the tub or shower? Are you loyal to a particular store, or do you pick up groceries here and there? Is your ideal companion a chatterbox, or someone to watch TV with?

    Considering everything from the client’s home layout to their habits and personality means that we can roll out truly satisfying individualized care plans. What you need is not always exactly what you want. But, our goal is to put your desires first whenever we can.

    1. Same-day start if you need immediate care.

    As the song goes, life happens when you’re busy making other plans. You may not find out you need extra help until you’re back home after a hospital stay. Or, assistance may become more urgent following a sudden illness, injury or the absence of a regular caregiver.

    At Care Advantage, we understand all this. That’s why we do our very best to provide you with helpers within 24 hours of your request.

    1. “24 Sure” — Our promise to you

    It’s our belief that home care offers tremendous value for the money, compared with other options. But it’s your investment, and you shouldn’t just take our word for it. That’s why Care Advantage promises to refund the fees for any shift within your first 24 hours of service if you are not satisfied.

    1. Agile response time: A best-in-class COVID strategy

    From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our highest priority has been to keep people safe and healthy. Care Advantage was quick to invest in personal protective equipment, to apply stringent universal health precautions, and to offer patient health assessments. Our front-line staff are screened daily using 15-minute, rapid-response tests, ensuring that both you and your caregiver feel secure. Even as the vaccination program accelerates, Care Advantage will maintain our philosophy of “calm but cautious.” This lets us evaluate our choices and positions us to act swiftly in the event of future outbreaks.

    1. Commitment to the continuum of care

    Care Advantage’s expansion from its base in Richmond, Virginia, to encompass nursing agencies and home health care centers across the Atlantic Mid-South benefits our clients as well as the company. Access to a growing range of specialized services means that the type of care we offer you can evolve along with your needs.

    How can I find home health care near me?

    We’d love to tell you more about Care Advantage. More importantly, we want to hear about your expectations. Contact us today to learn more about our award-winning services.

  • How In-home Care Services Benefit People with Dementia

    How In-home Care Services Benefit People with Dementia

    How In-home Care Services Can Help People with Dementia Live Their Best Lives

    If you believe you have few choices for safe memory care, hope may be on the way. An enduring myth around dementia is that patients and their loved ones must inevitably choose between an increasingly risky life at home, and the security of a nursing facility. That’s an oversimplification; many times, middle ground can be found.

    With the right team and care plan, people living with dementia can get the same high-quality safety, supervision and daily help at home as they would in an assisted living or memory care community. In some cases, our loved ones can continue to live in an environment they know and love, while their caregivers work to minimize common risks associated with cognitive impairment.

    Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of home care for dementia patients—and how an agency like Care Advantage can help make it happen.

    Advantages of memory care at home

    While Alzheimer’s and other dementias are currently untreatable, there’s plenty of evidence that suggests that staying active and sociable helps people with these diseases live life to the fullest. Staying at home makes it easier for friends and family to drop in for a cup of tea or to simply provide some companionship. By contrast, moving to an outside assisted living situation uproots and disorients people.

    Familiar spaces feel peaceful and secure instead, and home environments can be customized to individual needs in a way that a senior facility rarely can. Daily schedules can be personalized, too. We often talk about dementia patients benefiting from set routines, as if taking medications at the right time or watching “Jeopardy!” every night is enough. But they’re not.

    As anyone who’s tried sleeping on the “wrong” side of the bed understands, rituals and habits are deeply ingrained in all of us. But pursuing a good night’s sleep, for instance, may require light and temperature control as well as the best position. Likewise, someone with dementia may struggle to retrieve memories. But sitting in their favorite armchair, at their favorite time of day, with their favorite view of the yard can evoke powerful feelings of continuity and contentment.

    A common argument against in-home care for dementia patients is that the world is too often unkind or unwelcoming to them. There are signs this may be changing. Take memory cafés, for example. Meeting in churches, community centers or public libraries, these are places where both caregivers and patients can socialize and take part in activities like board games and sing-a-longs. There are places near home where they can feel included.

    Why use an in-home care agency like Care Advantage?

    More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. For many caregivers and recipients, this arrangement works, particularly in the early stages of the disease when symptoms and impairments are easier to manage.

    In the longer term, however, stress and exhaustion take a toll on informal caregivers and the quality of care they provide. Hiring a professional team can help — but what happens when one of your nurses calls in sick? How can you be sure that everyone you hire follows proper COVID-19 protocol? The challenges can quickly mount.

    An agency like Care Advantage shoulders these burdens. It coordinates everything from companion services to skilled care and allows you to simply spend quality time with your loved one. There is hope, and there are options, for a better lifestyle for everyone.