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At Home Care

Caregivers: nursing home vs. at-home care

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Of the 1,000 adults polled in a recent survey, 75% said they would prefer recovering at home instead of in an institutional setting after a serious health event. 

According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has only solidified this opinion: “As consumers live through the ongoing public health emergency and read about the dangers of facility-based care, many are hoping all health care shifts into the home.” 

This is great news for the at-home care industry, not only, but also for the many caregivers facing a decision between finding a job in a medical facility or in an at-home care setting. As more and more seniors choose to enjoy care in the familiar comforts of home — whether help recovering after surgery or ongoing assistance with activities of daily living — opportunities for caregivers will continue to grow. 

But the growth of at-home care and its advantages for long-term job security isn’t the only benefit for caregivers. Here are a few more reasons to choose to work in at-home care: 

  • The at-home setting can be calmer and more relaxed. In at-home care, workers can generally choose more flexible hours and work at a slower pace. In each home, there typically is just one person needing care. Instead of rushing from bed to bed, caregivers can focus their time and attention on one person — getting better acquainted with the person’s needs, not only, but also with the actual person, building lasting relationships that are so important for well-being. 
  • The flexibility of the at-home care setting also means that services can be better customized to the needs of each individual. Some people might simply need a companion to help with cooking and groceries, while others might need help remembering to take medications, getting dressed and attending doctors’ appointments. 
  • The home setting is more comfortable and familiar for those receiving care. Many long-term care facilities attempt to replicate for residents the feeling of living at home, but there is nothing like the real thing. At-home living is much more comfortable for residents — which can make at-home caregiving a more pleasant experience, too. 
  • Restrictions due to COVID-19 aren’t as broad. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many restrictions have been placed at the county and state levels on long-term care facilities, restricting such things as who can visit and when. In at-home care, caregivers have more flexibility to care for clients according to the clients’ wishes. 

Further reading: Why work in at-home care? 

If you are a nursing assistant or caregiver looking for fulfilling employment in Whatcom County, please consider Take My Hand At-Home Care. 

Founder retires, transitions ownership of Lynden caregiving company

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Longtime Lynden caregiving company Take My Hand At-Home Care has a new owner. 

Matt Obermueller, owner,
Take My Hand At-Home Care   

Matt Obermueller, a Whatcom County native, assumed ownership of the company in late September and has been managing its affairs since then. Sue Sorensen founded the business more than a decade ago, in 2010. 

Obermueller lived in Whatcom County for 47 years before leaving to operate a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in the San Diego area, which he has done since 2015. Seniors Helping Seniors is an in-home care business similar to TMH, with locations throughout the country. 

“I am excited to have a residence in Lynden again and to be back in Whatcom County on a regular basis,” Obermueller said, “helping local seniors and their families stay happy and healthy.” 

Though he will primarily have a management role in the company, Obermueller plans to help with the caregiving as needed. He has served as a caregiver in San Diego, and he also gained experience and insight guiding his parents through the aging process a few years ago. 

“Caregiving is a state of mind,” Obermueller said. “It’s giving of yourself for the benefit of others. It’s a very rewarding job, and it’s challenging, too.” 

Previously, Obermueller worked for Sterling Health in Bellingham for roughly 11 years. His work there focused on senior insurance and Medicare. 

Sorensen’s daughter-in-law, Heidi Sorensen, will continue to manage much of the day-to-day operations of the company. 

“I am thrilled to be working with Matt to serve the clients we have here in Whatcom County,” Sorensen said. “Sue started Take My Hand At-Home Care because of her love for the elderly, and I am glad that they and our staff will continue to be in such good hands.” 

Sue Sorensen, too, said she is excited for the future of the company. 

“Operating Take My Hand At-Home Care since 2010 has felt like a calling,” she said. “There is no greater work than to help individuals and families transition through the final phases of life. I know in my heart that Matt feels the same.” 

Sorensen will continue living in the Lynden community and is available to Obermueller in the weeks and months ahead to help ease the business transition. 

Obermueller said that no changes are planned for the company, and business will continue as usual. 

Is now the right time to choose at-home care?

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For most of us, there will come a time in our lives when our parents – the reliable and strong adults who took care of us as children – will need care of their own. It might be short-term, such as after surgery or a hospital stay. Or it may be longer-term, as parents face aging in place challenges like needing help with personal care or household tasks that have become harder with time.  

Although the thought of bringing in a caregiver from outside of your family might initially bring up some uncomfortable feelings, exploring some level of at-home care might be important for your loved one’s well-being. 

While you or a parent might be resistant, choosing at-home care assistance in meeting your loved one’s needs can relieve you or other family members of full-time caregiving burdens while preserving privacy and dignity by leaving care to a trained, non-related professional. 

Take My Hand At-Home Care provides help at home from licensed Whatcom County caregivers for elderly or disabled individuals. Services are customized to each client’s needs.  

Hospital discharge planning, which provides post-op care for those who’ve recently left Bellingham’s PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, is another great service Take My Hand caregivers offer. 

Caregivers can help with a variety of non-medical care, including meal preparation, medication reminders and prescription pickups, personal hygiene and supervised mobility. In addition, light housekeeping can include such tasks as cleaning laundry, washing dishes and changing bed linens. Take My Hand caregivers also can tackle household errands, grocery shopping and pet care, and they even can assist in social hobbies such as light gardening, crafts or holiday decorating. 

At-home care benefits also extend to the bank account, as hourly care can be less expensive than a higher level of care offered at assisted living or long-term care facilities. When working with at-home caregivers, clients pay only for the level of care they need. 

If this type of care sounds like something you or a parent could benefit from, Take My Hand offers complimentary and confidential home care assessments at no obligation. These at-home care assessments help determine what level of care may be needed while ensuring that Take My Hand is a good fit.  

While beginning at-home care is another of life’s transitions, it doesn’t have to be an overly burdensome or stressful one, and its benefits can leave you and your loved one feeling more at ease during an important life phase. 

Aging is something each of us will face, and there’s no need for shame or guilt if a little extra help is needed. Contact Take My Hand to learn more. 

Surgery coming? How to plan your recovery

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If you have the luxury of knowing that a surgery is coming — maybe you’re having a planned hip replacement, for example — it is important that you help ensure a successful recovery by planning ahead.

Many people choose to recover at home after surgery. That can be a wonderful option for recovery, provided that your house is ready and that you have adequate post-op care.

Here are some areas to consider:

Remove or plan around obstacles. Take some time to look around your house at potential hazards. Stairs — up to a bedroom or even onto a porch — can be difficult to manage. Bathrooms and kitchens, especially when surfaces are slippery, can present trip hazards. It also may be difficult to get into and out of bed. 

What to do: Spend some time cleaning potential hazards, such as stacks of magazines or loose-lying electrical cords. Consider renting a hospital bed that can be placed on the first floor, if necessary.

Plan your meals and other food. After your surgery, you probably won’t have time (or be able) to shop. And will you be mobile enough to cook your own meals?

What to do: Before your surgery, ensure you have your needed supplies on hand. Stock your refrigerator and pantry and make a plan for who will cook your meals. Consider calling on friends and family or hiring outside help.

Prepare for safety and security. Depending on the nature of your surgery, you might need help around the house to ensure you have the care you need and that someone is able to help if you need it. Falls can be common after certain surgeries, for example — what would you do if you fell and needed help?

What to do: Make sure you have phone numbers (and a phone) handy for calling people can help. Let some friends and family know what’s going on, and ask them to check in on you. Consider hiring an at-home caregiver who can be with you during the days or nights while you recover.

Get the scoop on rehab and medication. Depending on the type of surgery you have, your doctor likely will give you instructions for medications, rest and activities to help you recover.

What to do: Before the surgery, ask your doctor what might be involved and determine whether you will need help at home or some other accommodations.

Read more: Before and after surgery: Why you might need help at home.

How to prepare a home for aging in place

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On July 26, the United States celebrates National Disability Independence Day in commemoration of the signing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

Celebrating this day each year helps us recognize the importance of the ADA and the many protections and improvements it provided. The act also placed a spotlight on important accommodations for people with disabilities, such as wider doors and ramps for those who use wheelchairs, and assistance technology to help people read.

As you look around your home, there probably are many accommodations you could make to help those who need assistance. In honor of National Disability Independence Day, here are a few changes to consider making to your home to make it more accessible for those with disabilities:

  • Simplify the furniture arrangements. Improving accessibility throughout the home can be as easy as removing unnecessary furniture and other trip hazards. Do couches partially obstruct walkways? Are there stacks of magazines or trinkets that could be stored safely away?
  • Install lever door handles and faucets. Knob-style faucets and door handles can be difficult to operate for many people, especially those with arthritis or muscular difficulties.
  • Remove steps at entryways. Stairs are barriers for many people, especially older people and those who use wheelchairs. Exterior ramps can help, and it’s even better if your home layout will allow a step-free threshold. It’s also important to ensure that your house has a first-floor bathroom so there’s no need to try to navigate a flight of stairs.
  • Widen doorways and hallways. Anyone who uses a wheelchair, walker or cane needs additional room to maneuver. Ideally, all doorways and hallways will be at least 3 feet wide.
  • Add grab bars and other enhancements to the bathroom. Because of the often-slippery surfaces, bathrooms represent particular trip hazards. Easily accessible grab bars can make it easier to use the toilet, bathtub and shower. A stool or bench in the shower can help prevent falls. You could even consider a shower that allows wheelchair users to roll right in.
  • Increase the lighting in dark areas. Extra light can make it easier to spot and avoid obstacles, especially for those whose eyesight is diminished. While you’re at it, make sure that the switches are easy to operate.

In addition to these changes, another way to help improve life for those with disabilities is to ensure that there is extra help around the home. Engaging the services of a part-time, at-home caregiver can be an enormous boost in helping people with the activities of daily living. Take My Hand employs certified nursing assistants throughout Whatcom County who can help with daily tasks and activities and provide respite for family caregivers. Reach out today for your free in-home assessment.

Caregivers: nursing home vs. at-home care

Of the 1,000 adults polled in a recent survey, 75% said they would prefer recovering at home instead of in an institutional setting after a serious health event.  According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has only solidified this opinion: “As consumers live through the ongoing public health emergency and read about the dangers of … [Read More...]

ABOUT US

Sue Sorensen became involved with Whatcom County eldercare and aging-in-place services in 2009. She launched Take My Hand At-Home Care in January 2012 … Read More...

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