Always Best Care of the Midlands is pleased to announce that JD Brunson is our Caregiver of the Month for May, 2013. JD recently completed our company-wide training on heart failure, then recognized the symptoms of the disease at one of our clients. She insisted that our client go to the hospital, then accompanied her there. As it turned out, she was right, and our client was admitted and treated.

Not only did JD help identify the client’s health problem, she visited our client every day in the hospital and continued to show her that she cared about her well-being. JD has also shown a willingness to jump in when we have other clients in need.

This is what we value in JD – genuine, compassionate professionalism. We appreciate having her on our team and we are proud to recognize her as our Caregiver of the Month.  TO learn more about our in-home care, please call us at (803) 403 1895 or visit us on the web at http://seniorcarecolumbia.com/always-best-in-home-care/.

Recently, Always Best Care trained its caregivers on treatment of patients who had been hospitalized for pneumonia, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.  We conducted this training as part of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, a nationwide initiative by ABC to help hospitals avoid readmission of patients having these three conditions.  Most of our caregivers participated in this optional training program and passed certification testing to ensure their knowledge of the correct treatment of these serious conditions.

One of our caregivers completed the training and passed the courses, then when she arrived at her client the next day, found her in distress.  Our client was complaining of shortness of breath and moderate pain in her arm and shoulder.  Our caregiver quickly identified these as symptoms of congestive heart failure.  The client was unaware that her condition was severe, and the caregiver persuaded her to go to the hospital.  Sure enough, the caregiver was correct, the client was admitted to the hospital, and she was treated for congestive heart failure.  She spent 4 days in the hospital.

At Always Best Care, we’re proud of our caregivers and the effort they undertake to build up their skills and knowledge for helping our clients.  We’re especially proud of our caregiver who was able to provide valuable assistance to a client in need and help her get the treatment she required.  At Always Best Care, we take our name seriously.  Call us at (803) 403 1895 or visit us at www.SeniorCareColumbia.com to learn more about our compassionate care for your senior loved ones.

One element of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was to encourage hospitals to reduce readmissions within 30 days of discharge for certain conditions.  For 2013, the target conditions are pneumonia, heart failure and heart attack.  (Additional conditions will be added in 2014 and beyond.)  Hospitals that have higher-than-normal readmissions will face reduced reimbursements from Medicare.  This means hospitals must work on patient health after discharge to avoid readmissions for the same diseases.

Quite often, discharged patients will be sent to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation after a hospital stay, and there is little readmission risk while a patient is in one of these facilities.  The greatest risk comes when those patients leave skilled nursing and return to their homes.  Since changes in diet, exercise, and disease education are the recommended courses of action to prevent readmission, there is a strong role for in-home care companies to ensure that at-risk patients follow their care plans, avoid return trips to the hospital, and get better.

Always Best Care of the Midlands recently trained and certified its workforce in post-acute care to prevent readmissions for heart attacks, heart disease, and pneumonia.  We implemented online training so that our caregivers could study the material at a time of their choosing, in the comfort of their homes, where they would not have to be in a classroom at an inconvenient time.  We had record participation in this optional program, and most of our caregivers completed this training in hospital readmission reduction.  This makes Always Best Care the company of choice for in-home care for any senior who has been hospitalized for one of these conditions.

Call us at (803) 403 1895 if you or your loved one has been hospitalized for heart attack, heart disease, or pneumonia.  We are happy to provide you with a customized plan of care that is designed to prevent readmissions to the hospital.   We’re Always Best Care, and we’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations…always!

Managing Hostility: How to Navigate a Difficult Transition

The aging process naturally requires individuals to undergo a series of transitions—some of which are easier to endure than others. Elderly individuals, in particular, are faced with a long list of physical, mental, and emotional transitions to which they may find it hard to adjust. From having a family member move in to receiving home care to experiencing new medical complications, elderly individuals may feel strained by the number of transitions they must accept.

John, from Lexington, South Carolina, takes care of his grandmother. When he decided to go back to school to earn his college degree, John knew that he needed to hire a senior care professional to look after his grandmother when he was in class. Although his grandmother was happy that her grandson was going to school, she felt as though he was giving up on her. Despite her best efforts, she became a bit hostile when he brought up the subject of school or of finding the right home care provider.

After hiring a senior care professional, John talked to the caretaker about the increase in hostility that his grandmother was feeling. The caretaker offered several tips to manage this hostility—and attempt to avoid it in the future.

1. Ensure that you communicate with your loved one regarding upcoming life transitions. Ask if your senior has any questions, explain the importance of the transition, and, if the change is happening by choice, tell your elderly loved one why it is important. By talking to his grandmother, John was able to reassure her that he was not abandoning her; he simply wanted to ensure that she had the best care while he was at school.
2. Talk to your senior about an upcoming transition in advance. This will give your loved one time to prepare for and learn more about the change.
3. If your elderly loved one is able, allow them to participate in decisions that will affect them. The transition may be less stressful if it is something they are choosing for themselves.

John knows that communication and patience are important when managing hostility. With these tips, you can guide your loved one through major transitions in a more positive manner.

Call Charlene Richardson at Always Best Care of the Midlands at (803) 603-6935 or visit www.seniorcarecolumbia.com today for help managing your families’ senior care needs.

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Caregiver Stress: How to Help Your Friend Overcome It

Virtually any responsibility can be stressful; however, caring for an elderly loved one can prove extremely difficult to bear. While it is certainly a wonderful opportunity, as you will be able to create a lasting bond and lifelong memories, the emotional and physical toll that care giving can take can become overwhelming. As such, it is only natural that caregivers become worn out and stressed from time to time. The best thing you can do, as a friend, is to support caregivers who are facing the challenges that this position presents.

See to the Emotional Health of Your Friend

The home care professionals of Irmo, South Carolina, know that caregivers may be a bit apprehensive about discussing their stress. They might feel ashamed of the fact that they are having a difficult time taking care of a loved one. This is normal—and it is important to remember that feeling worn out from providing senior care is also natural.

Talk to your friend about their challenges and be supportive when they indicate a need. For example, a friend who is worried that she isn’t getting enough time with her husband between caring for an elderly parent and her children would benefit immensely if you volunteered to watch her kids one night.

Remember the Importance of Physical Health

Oftentimes, people who are stressed overlook the importance of a healthy diet and exercise routine. Encourage your friend to go on a walk with you, or find new recipe books at the local bookstore together. Physical health is extremely important not only to your friend’s wellbeing, but to their ability to provide quality care to their loved one.

Your support regarding working out and eating healthy might make all the difference in the world to your friend. Ultimately, paying attention to these details can improve your friend’s health and the quality of care that their loved one receives.

Elder care professionals understand that home care is a difficult thing to provide—particularly if you are the sole person responsible for your loved one. This is why it is crucial that caregivers support one another.

Call Charlene Richardson (803-603-6935) at Always Best Care of the Midlands, or visit www.seniorcarecolumbia.com to get help managing your senior care today!

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Senior Care: Getting Your Siblings Involved

Taking care of an elderly loved one is often a family responsibility, one that is only achieved through cooperation of siblings. Oftentimes, the majority of the responsibility falls to the shoulders of one caregiver; however, you will need the support and assistance of your siblings to ensure that you are able to maintain a balance between care giving and raising your own family. The in-home senior care professionals at Always Best Care of the Midlands and Richland and Lexington counties, including Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, and surrounding areas, understand that getting your siblings involved in the care of an elderly loved one is not always easy; however, the following tips can help you ask for assistance.

1. Consider the individual contributions that your siblings can make. For instance, a brother who lives in California, when your loved one lives in South Carolina, cannot help with daily tasks. But this brother can assist with making doctor’s appointments, managing finances, and calling in prescriptions. Likewise, a sister who lives nearby can contribute by providing transportation for your loved one to and from the grocery store and other locations.
2. Think about the things you need help with. Consider this scenario: You are raising two children who are both in school and your brother, who lives one neighborhood over, is single and works during the day. To best manage your time, it is most effective to ask your brother to assist with evening tasks. This way you can care for your parent during the day and spend the evening with your kids.
3. Create a schedule. If your siblings are looking to you as a leader, it is important to act as one. Create a schedule that clearly identifies each person’s responsibilities. Talk to your siblings regularly regarding their availability and how they can help. Remember that schedules will change, so try to be flexible. Doing so will encourage your siblings to help, rather than make them unwilling to pitch in.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of the Midlands (http://midlandssc.alwaysbestcare.com/franchisee2.aspx) know that the help of your siblings is invaluable when caring for an elderly loved one. It is not always easy to get your brothers and sisters to commit to assisting with the home care that your senior needs; however, the previous tips should help you in recruiting their support. Most importantly, keep the lines of communication between you and your siblings open and honest. This will make coordinating care responsibilities much easier.

Call Charlene Richardson (803) 403 1895, or you can email her at CRichardson@abc-seniors.com, to help manage your senior care requirements today. You can also get help at www.seniorcarecolumbia.com now.

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Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects the areas of the brain that control judgment, behavior, and memory. Alzheimer’s can manifest with a long list of symptoms and, as a result, be difficult to diagnose. There is no one test to pinpoint the illness. In fact, diagnosis can only be confirmed after an elderly individual has passed, but differential diagnosis, or a diagnosis made by ruling out other potential health conditions, can be used to determine if a senior has Alzheimer’s disease.

Charlene, a senior care provider in Lexington, South Carolina, has spent a great deal of time assisting elderly individuals and their families in their mission to determine if dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnostic process can be stressful and frustrating, as it requires many tests and can take time to complete. Doctors must look at several different aspects of a senior’s health to determine if Alzheimer’s disease is a possibility. Some of these aspects include physical and neurological examinations, medical history, mental status tests, and other tests, including brain imaging and blood analysis, to rule out any other conditions.

Differential diagnosis is important in determining if Alzheimer’s is the condition doctors will treat. As such, physicians will test for other illnesses, such as depression, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid disease, to determine whether or not they are causing the symptoms that a senior is experiencing. If all of these conditions are ruled out, then Alzheimer’s disease may be listed as the official diagnosis.

Charlene understands that, while primary care doctors are certainly capable of diagnosing Alzheimer’s, they may refer patients to specialists if their case calls for it. Neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists can all contribute to the proper diagnosis of this condition.

Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult illness to detect, as today’s doctors do not have the ability to simply test for the condition. The diagnostic process can be hard on seniors and their families; however, it is well worth the effort. While Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, it can be treated in an effort to improve quality of life and slow the progression of the illness. Call the senior care professionals at Always Best Care of the Midlands (www.seniorcarecolumbia) today to help your family manage Alzheimer’s care.

Alzheimer’s Care: Providing Your Loved One with a Secure Environment

Alzheimer’s disease makes seniors feel disoriented and insecure. This condition can lead them to behave unnaturally and overlook issues of judgment that they otherwise would consider. For this reason, one of the most important aspects of providing dementia care to an elderly loved one is creating a secure living environment.

The Alzheimer’s care professionals in Irmo, South Carolina, understand that creating a stable living space may be difficult when you cannot predict how your loved one will feel or act from one day to the next; however, there are things you can do to establish a home that helps your senior living with Alzheimer’s feel secure.

1. Create and stick to a routine. By following this daily schedule, your loved one will better know what to expect. From waking up at the same time each day to eating lunch at the same hour, following a routine will create a sense of stability for your loved one. This is extremely important, as Alzheimer’s disease can cause them to feel disoriented and out of place. This little piece of familiarity will help improve their quality of life.
2. Encourage your elderly loved one to stay active. While following a routine is important with Alzheimer’s, it is also important to leave room for your senior to experience new things. For instance, go on a walk each day, but try walking in new places to keep your loved one mentally focused on their surroundings.
3. Retain the familiar comforts to which your loved one is accustomed. For example, make sure that your senior’s favorite quilt is clean and ready for use each night. These seemingly small details are of crucial importance to individuals who are fighting to retain a sense of normalcy living with Alzheimer’s.
4. Try to be patient. It is true that acting as an Alzheimer’s care provider can be trying at times. The physical and emotional toll that comes with Alzheimer’s will, eventually, become overwhelming. But taking your frustrations out on your loved one will only make them feel more insecure. Call upon respite care services or the help of family members to ensure that you have at least one day off each week in an effort to avoid caregiver burnout.

A secure environment is crucial for the wellbeing of a senior with Alzheimer’s disease. By following these tips, you can create such an environment for your loved one. Contact a senior care professional at www.seniorcarecolumbia.com about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s today.

When Should Your Family Consider Hospice Care?

Hospice services are an integral part of today’s nursing industry. Through these services, elderly individuals are able to live out their last days in comfort and amongst their loved ones. Always Best Care of the Midlands provides senior care in Richland and Lexington counties, including Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, and surrounding areas. The senior care givers who work for this organization understand that deciding to call in Hospice services can be a difficult task; however, professional senior care givers know that Hospice provides invaluable services to families whose elderly loved ones are facing the end of life.

The mission of Hospice is not to provide medical treatment. Hospice organizations provide the medical assistance necessary to help patients remain comfortable during their final days. Such services include personal hygiene and managing pain, among others.

Calling in Hospice is often a doctor’s decision; however, you may find yourself having to make this choice. Here are several factors that may indicate it is time to call upon the services of Hospice care givers:

1. Your elderly loved one’s physician estimates that they have six months or less to live
2. Doctors have exhausted all available treatments and your elderly loved one’s condition has not improved
3. Your elderly loved one has decided to forgo further medical testing
4. Your elderly loved one has declined to take any more medication or try any new therapies or treatments
5. Your elderly loved one has indicated that they are ready to move on and your family accepts this decision
6. The health condition your elderly loved one faces is beyond the reach of current medical treatments and therapies

Several Hospice organizations may be available to your family. For this reason, it is important that you consult with professional care givers and choose the Hospice service that best represents your family’s goals, values, and wishes. Remember that your family will rely upon Hospice care givers for information regarding your elderly loved one’s health—as well as an understanding of when it is time to say goodbye. For this reason, it is crucial that you hire a Hospice service that you trust and that you know holds your elderly loved one, and your family, as a top priority.

The professional senior care givers at Always Best Care of the Midlands (http://midlandssc.alwaysbestcare.com/franchisee2.aspx) know that calling in Hospice is a difficult decision to make. By understanding the role of Hospice, and how valuable its services can be to your elderly loved one, you may find better peace with your decision.

Background Checks: Why Are They Important in the Senior Care Industry?

Hiring a senior care provider to assist with your elderly loved one’s daily needs is no small decision. This is a choice that families must make together, with their seniors, to ensure that the right senior care professional is hired. But how are you to know what to look for in an in-home senior care provider? You should only hire a professional who is qualified, experienced, certified, and able to meet the needs of your elderly loved one.

In Columbia, South Carolina, senior care professionals work day in and day out to keep elderly individuals safe, healthy, and happy. They provide assistance with daily activities of living, such as grooming, dressing, eating, and more, and offer the companionship that seniors who are aging in place need. Naturally, these professionals have a great deal of responsibility on their shoulders. For this reason, it is recommended that all professionals in this field undergo a background check before they are offered a position as a senior care giver.

A background check will reveal any criminal or unprofessional behavior. While you never want to discriminate against a potential candidate because of their personal history, a criminal history is important to be aware of when hiring an individual to take care of your loved one in their home. The amount of responsibility that senior care providers uphold is tremendous—and it is important that you can trust them to handle it.

The hiring of an in-home senior care professional requires great attention to detail and a lot of work. Odds are you have enough on your schedule as it is. Furthermore, the task may take even longer and be much more stressful if you have never done it before. For this reason, it is often recommended that individuals turn to senior care agencies.

A senior care agency, such as Always Best Care of the Midlands (http://midlandssc.alwaysbestcare.com/franchisee2.aspx), will validate the certification and qualification of potential home care providers for you. In doing so, the agency should conduct the proper background screenings, confirm educational certifications, and consult with professional references. By going through a senior care agency that performs its due diligence, you can rest assured that the senior care professional you hire is well-equipped to take care of your elderly loved one.