Tag: Caretaker Services

Why Choose Nurse At Home Instead Of Old Age Home?

Family is that one bond that lasts forever. No matter how old you become, no matter what your achievements are, no matter how far you are from them, your parents will always love you for who you are. When you cannot always be available for your old parents that is the time when you trust someone. And that someone will take your place when you are not available for your parents. That’s where caregivers/ caretakers come into the picture.
A sudden need of any urgency and you are relieved, your caregiver is there at that moment to ensure their needs are being met which will be lacking at an old age home. Because your caregiver is available 24/7, making you and them at ease. Also, it is very natural for you to worry about your parents, as they grow older, you think about how they will get along from day to day.

There are numerous advantages of having a trained, trusted, and responsible caregiver at home. They can make the elderly recover from an ailment, injury, post-surgery hassle-free and easy. This caregiver will also help the elderly with physiotherapy sessions at home. An elderly who is bedridden or unable to move freely will find it difficult to use the washroom or maintain personal hygiene which is taken care of by a trained nursing caretaker. Having a trained caregiver will ensure any mishappenings like falls, injury and ensure their safety in that feeble age of theirs. In addition, the elderly who stay at home tend to be physically and mentally healthier compared to old age homes.

For the elderly who are suffering from dementia, it is challenging to take care of them which requires knowledge, patience and understanding. Families, generally, lack the experience and skills to understand the age-related conditions and fail to care for their beloved ones properly. Also, it is quite painful to view your beloved parents deteriorate mentally. A Qualified nurse at home can provide a lot of support, as they understand the condition and have all skills and experience to deal with dementia patients rightly.

A medical survey has revealed that people who have a home nursing services facility at home live a longer life. Receiving emotional, physical, medical, and specialized care in their comfort zones helps senior citizens live healthier and longer life. Because no comfort zone can replace one’s own home. Especially your parents may be attached to a particular couch, a favourite chair, a favourite routine, or a favourite view from a specific corner in the house. Besides, relocating can be very stressful. Also, they are left with all the memories of us in that place, when remembered would make them feel nostalgic and happy which will lack at an old age home.
Because ‘IT FEELS LIKE HOME’, with a responsible and trusted nurse at home. You will definitely want to give your parents the best just like they did when you were young! So, consider these points before making a decision.

How can you help your senior family member bond with a caregiver?

Building a bond and relationship between your caregiver and your elderly is extremely essential. Establishing this bond and relationship will encourage open and honest communication which will work both ways out. Firstly, when you decide to bring in a nurse at home, it is very important to hire a professional from a Home Nursing Services Agency, who has experience in taking care of the elderly. If your elderly is suffering from dementia, ensure you hire a professional who has dealt with such patients rather than a newbie.

Caregivers often observe things that no one else does. So, make sure you listen to their observations and points with an open mind. The positive energy that you give to a caregiver that relationship will be awarded back! As it is important that even your caregiver feels at ease in the surroundings and when they deal with the elderly. You may also engage with some personalized activity session frequently between your caregiver and your elderly like watching some movie classics together, reading out their favourite book or poem to them, if your elderly can walk without support then going out to outdoor garden walks together, observing nature together etc., also the hobbies can always vary according to the elderly’s lifestyle and choices. This will create a bond of friendship and openness between the two and make their bond grow stronger. Because having a good companionship is a huge part which is required to fill the gap between the two.

As it is said, “Building relationships encourages independence, which has a positive impact on overall happiness.” Having cheerful and positive energy between the nurse at home and the patient, in turn, will aid in a fast recovery if your elderly are suffering from certain ailments or post-surgery recovery. Respecting and understanding each other’s personal space is also very important. It’s important for one to understand that caregiving or having elderly care services at home is one of life’s most difficult jobs. So, one must respect the person who is assigned to take care of the elderly and make sure you be polite to them. As they deal with these patients with the utmost care, empathy, and patience. They go through a lot more than you think.

The bond and the connection between a caregiver and the elderly can be achieved only over a period of some time. No relationship happens in a day or two so patience and time are the factors that one must keep in mind. As Pablo Casals says, “The capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.” When handled in the right way, caring for a loved one can bring meaning and pleasure to you, your nurse in service and your elderly. Staying calm and relaxed and taking time to connect and know each other will release stress-free hormones which will reduce stress and aid to a good mood and speedy recovery. As one’s environment is also an important factor while creating that bond between your caregiver/nursing caretaker and your elderly.

Once that bond is made between your elderly and your caregiver, it will make them at ease and create a relationship of trust, empathy, and transparency.

Basic Duties And Responsibilities Of Home Nurse

When we think of a home nurse, the first thought that probably comes to mind is elderly care or caring for senior citizens. While this is the most common requirement, a home nurse can be helpful in many other cases too. Think about a high-risk pregnancy where the mother is completely bed-bound for several months. Maybe a young person has suffered a severe injury or accident and needs care and rehabilitation. Post-surgery care is quite common too, whether young or old. A home nurse can be helpful wherever there is a medical condition that needs special care, right from newborns to senior citizens.

So what does a home nurse really do? Think about all the things a patient needs in the hospital. Administration of injections and medication, charting of various parameters, reporting to the attending doctor, assistance with toileting and so much more. 

A home nurse is qualified to do all that and more in the comfort of one’s home, but let’s take a closer look.

Care plan

With healthcare at home, your home nurse can create an individualized plan of care based on his or her evaluation of the patient’s health, advice from the attending physician and the patient’s lifestyle. This care plan will be tailor-made to suit the patient and help them live up to their best potential.

Medication

Having a nurse at home means you will have assistance with monitoring and giving out medications, administration of injections or IVs, assistance with pain management and changing or draining of catheter or urine bag where necessary.

Wound management

With healthcare at home, the patient’s wounds (where applicable) can be cleaned and dressed at home itself.

Symptom watch

With certain conditions, family members may not be aware of certain symptoms, but a certified nurse at home will be alert and monitor all existing and new symptoms and vital signs. They will maintain a chart to see the patient’s progress.

Monitoring

Patient health will be closely monitored and the care plan will be updated accordingly.

Guidance

Your home nurse will be able to instruct both the patient and the family on proper home care guidelines. This will help you be aware of dos, don’ts and not to worry’s!

Safety

Due to their extensive training, they may be able to provide suggestions to improve safety at home as well as facilities to enhance their mobility such as handlebars and anti-skid mats in the bathrooms, organization of furniture to accommodate a walker or wheelchair and so on.

Coordination

A nurse at home will constantly be in communication with the patient’s physicians, dietician or other health advisors.

Support

Lastly, your nurse will be able to extend encouragement and support to the patient themselves as they grapple with their condition. This is important for the overall mental wellness of the patient.

The great thing about one on one care is that a patient is able to benefit from the same quality of qualification and experience as institutionalised care, but with a personal touch and individual attention. It’s no wonder home healthcare is growing today.

How Winters Affect the Elderly

Winter is just around the corner. In many places, temperatures have already begun to drop, warm jackets are coming out and, the days get longer and darker. While winter may be an enjoyable and exciting time for some, there is a category of people who may struggle more than others with the cold. 

Surprisingly, winters can have a negative impact on the overall health of the elderly or senior citizens. It is important to keep a watchful eye on them, have the contact number of the best physiotherapist around and even sign up for home healthcare in some cases to ensure their safety.

So how does the winter impact their health:

Increases risk of hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body becomes so cold it starts to shut down. In cases where there is extremely cold weather, the risk of hypothermia goes up exponentially. This happens because their bodies cannot withstand the cold as long as younger people. Elderly people naturally create less body heat, which means they are often colder than younger individuals to start with. Watch out for slowed reactions and movements, sleepiness, slurred or slow speech and confusion.

Cardiac troubles

Patients with existing underlying heart conditions are at greater risk for cardiovascular troubles during winters. The cooler temperatures lower the overall body heat. This can cause the blood vessels to contract, reducing oxygen supply to the body, increasing the risk of a stroke. The extra work that the body has to put in to stay warm can also lead to higher blood pressure and heart attacks. If you have a senior citizen at home who has pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, having a nurse at home may be a good idea. 

Respiratory illness

The drop in temperature commonly leads to respiratory infections in older people. The main reason for this is that excessive cold lowers their immunity and weakens lung function. Asthma patients and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) need to maintain special care during winters.

Increased pain

Another side effect of the cold is that muscle and existing pains tend to worsen in the cold weather. This can be especially difficult for those suffering from arthritis and other conditions as it may hinder their mobility significantly. Look out for the best physiotherapist to help you out through this as it can impact their movement significantly. 

These realities may sound scary and a little bit daunting, but a few simple steps will help keep your loved ones safe and cosy. 

Here’s what you can do:

  • Ensure they wear lots of layers.
  • Use heaters indoors.
  • Get regular check-ups.
  • Keep a very close eye on them and pay attention to anything that may seem a little off.
  • Hire help – Look around for a nurse at home from the SSSPS home healthcare provider to lend a hand.

Having a helping hand can put your mind at ease and your beloved ones safe and cared for at all times!

Reasons Why We Need Caretakers for Elderly at Home

As our parents get older, we may notice that their age begins to catch up with them. Suddenly, the videos they watch seem louder, they take longer to process what you’re saying to them and moving around doesn’t seem as breezy as it once did. At first, things may begin subtly, but over time, you may see that things are becoming quite challenging for them. 

Parents and grandparents are important to us, and we know that we need to care for them, but sometimes, it may not be so easy. They are physically, mentally and emotionally dependent which can often take a toll on the family who undertakes to look after them. In such cases, home healthcare may be a wonderful option for you and here’s why:

  • Caretakers for elderly can monitor their health.

As non-medical professionals, we may not always be alert and attentive to certain symptoms. Confusion for example, in some cases, maybe a medical symptom, but to us, we may not know when to sound the alarm. However, by having a nurse at home, they will be well aware of your parent’s conditions and monitor them closely. 

  • Bathroom & hygiene.

For a patient who struggles with mobility, assistance with going to the washroom and maintaining basic hygiene can be a relief. When a person struggles with their motor skills, oftentimes, hygiene is not fully maintained as they may not be able to clean themselves well. Caregivers for elderly help in changing adult diapers, if required. This is a big support to the family members as they might not be able to drop everything to attend to them each time and as a result, the patient may end up waiting too long to go to the washroom or having a delayed diaper change. 

  • Personalised homecare.

By remaining at home, they have their attendant all to themselves along with all the elements of their comfort like their blanket, their clothes, shower, washroom and all that’s familiar. They are able to set their own routine and they remain in charge of how they live their life, giving them a sense of independence and individuality. 

  • Peace of mind for the family.

For the family, knowing that their parents are in their own home, with their own devices and accessible at all times. There is less to worry about in terms of safety, comfort and knowing that they are always in good hands.

  • Ability to customise the environment.

An important factor is that when the senior citizen is at home, you can customise the environment to fit their needs. Whether it is installing handlebars in the shower, moving around furniture to accommodate a walker, lower shelves and cabinets or carpeting the floor to prevent slipping. Whatever your parent needs, you can arrange for in their home environment giving them the ability to be independent even if they do have home healthcare. 

  • It may be more affordable.

In cases where the patient needs round the clock care, it can be more economical to have a nurse at home administering the care they need rather than institutionalised care. 

Most importantly, you get to keep your loved one near and dear. These memories of their final years are memories that you and your family can really cherish, especially when you have the necessary help to make things easy. 

WHAT IS A CAREGIVER AND HOW CAN THEY HELP YOU OR A LOVED ONE?

Who comes to your mind when you think about the word ‘caregiver’? It may be a parent, a loved one or someone who you think of a kind, caring and nurturing and you’d be right! A caregiver, however, can also be one who has decided that they are going to be fully dedicated to caring for, looking after, and nurturing those who are ill and ailing – like rare treasures for those in need.

There are many situations where one would look out for amazing caretaker services like a caregiver for elderly or a patient that may have suffered major injury. When anyone suffers from crippling conditions due to illness, disease or injury, great caretaker services can be pivotal. How?

Well, think about an aging loved one. We all want the absolute best for our loved ones, but often, we may not be able to be at their back and call 24/7. We want to give them time, attention, and utmost care, but may have to divide our time between caring for them and keeping up with our other responsibilities. That’s where a caregiver for elderly comes in. A caregiver will always be dedicated to our loved one. They will be there to take care of the patient’s needs immediately without distraction or division of attention. The caregiver will ensure that the patient’s needs are being met round the clock and coordinate and liaise with you so that you’re up to date with all the occurrences. Your loved one will have the opportunity to feel safe, cared for and looked after as they battle their condition.

What makes them absolute gems is the fact that these caretakers have made it their mission to ensure that patients in a vulnerable and needy state are treated with kindness, dignity and are given the quality of life they deserve. They take joy and pride in pampering and showering the patient with the attention and tenderness that they need to remain in a healthy mind space. With the help of caregivers, social interaction and communication is maintained to avoid loneliness and depression, keeping the sick jovial and chirpy despite their difficult circumstances.

So how can the caregiver really help you or your loved one? It’s simple – they can do just about anything. They may help with daily basic tasks like getting dressed or feeding meals, but also more complex things like preparing meals, household chores, maintaining a hygienic environment. The caretaker may also help medically by monitoring the patient’s vitals periodically, coordinating with the attending doctor, keeping wounds clean and ensuring the right medicines are taken at the right time. On the pampering side, caretakers are often great at giving massages to stimulate the muscles, aiding with exercise to build strength, and dressing up the patient in a way that they always feel good and presentable. In short, they’re the jack of all trades that you need them to be.

Why are caretaker services booming in modern-day Mumbai?

Mumbai – the beautiful financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India and capital of Maharashtra is undeniably known to be one of the most populous cities in the nation. With beautiful buildings, unmatched transportation networks and businesses thriving, it is undoubtedly booming. With the young working generation soon becoming the most predominant demographic, the question remains, “is there room for quality patient care services in such a busy city?”

With the fast-paced lifestyle that the we must live in order to survive, caretaker services are becoming an increasing demand. With expenses mounting and demanding jobs, caring for a loved one who may need medical care post-surgery, injury or due to age can be very challenging. As a result of this, families begin to rely on caretakers for Elderly or patient care services. Here’s 3 reasons why this has become the go – to option.

Availability ­– Owing to the increasing demands of jobs, house care, education and more, being available to care for the patient may pose a challenge. By opting for caretaker services, the patient is not neglected even for one minute, while the loved ones are occupied fulfilling their other responsibilities.

Companionship – It goes without saying that we all need company. Patients however, need more companionship than most as they battle through their suffering. By ensuring that someone is with them at all times, not only will the patient have company, but family and loved ones are able to be more mentally and emotionally present for the patient since the upkeep and patient care has been taken care of.

Accessibility – By opting for caretakers for elderly or home healthcare services, the family is able to have the patient in their own home and therefore access them and spend time with them freely as opposed to an institution with fixed visiting hours. This allows for quality time together and peace of mind knowing that the patient is surrounded by their loved ones.

While the city may be thriving and booming with opportunities, but it is also encompassed by qualified, trained professionals – the absolute best of the best. In fact, it is said that family members who are employed in Mumbai, would rather relocate their elder parents to be alongside them rather than provide for similar care back where their hometowns may be, despite the cost difference. One of the reasons is because it is home to the highest standard of professionals there are. This means that not only will the family have their parents close by, but also they can ensure that they receive the absolute best treatment for them. Afterall, this incredible place is home to the first woman who built the Mumbai – Pune railway line, the first car owner in India, the author of The Jungle Book (Rudyard Kipling) and the country’s first ever airport. The city of greatness, a city where legends are born! That’s why caretaker services are booming! It is these caretakers that shower love, care and concern for the patients that allow the working generation to pursue the greatness that the city is so fertile for!