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ADUs can be part of cost-effective option for eldercare

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As we age, the options for health care and assistance only get more expensive. Nursing home care, for example, can cost $90,000 to $100,000 per year in Washington state. Assisted living can cost approximately $50,000 per year and up.

However, one option for caring for aging parents and loved ones is to add an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, to your property to aid in the provision of at-home care. Doing so allows families to keep their aging loved ones nearby, not only being able to oversee their care but also to spend more time with them as they age.

ADUs have been around the Whatcom County area for a long time. The rules for ADUs — whether free-standing structures or finished basements or attics — can vary depending on your location, so it’s important to check with your local jurisdiction before getting started. The rules in Bellingham are different than the rules in Lynden, Ferndale and unincorporated Whatcom County.

In general, here are some options you might consider when thinking about adding an ADU to your property to help care for an aging loved one at home:

  • Refinish a basement or attic. Especially after children grow up and move out, homeowners often find themselves with extra space inside their homes that can be remodeled to accommodate a loved one. Adding a bathroom and small kitchen to a finished basement, for example, can turn unneeded storage or play space into important living quarters for a loved one.
  • Buy a prefabricated ADU to place behind your house. As ADUs become increasingly popular, more and more companies are offering prefab ADUs — built to your specifications — that can be sited on your property with minimal construction costs and delays. At a cost of less than one year in a nursing home, a gorgeous prefab ADU could provide years of comfortable living. A prefab accessory dwelling unit can provide some autonomy and privacy while also keeping loved ones nearby.
  • Convert a shed or detached garage to a “granny flat” or cottage dwelling. Do you have a shed or garage on your property that’s just storing unused junk? Converting it to an accessory dwelling unit could be a wonderful way to reclaim that wasted space.

No matter what type of ADU you decide on as an alternative for assisted living, remember to check your local government’s website or put in a phone call to find out exactly what rules and regulations govern the construction of an ADU on your property.

You’ll also want to consider how to get your loved one the help he or she needs. Will family members be providing the care, or will you hire part-time help to assist with activities of daily living, such as grocery shopping, transportation to doctor visits, cooking and more? For information on how Take My Hand At-Home Care might be able to help provide care in your new ADU, please feel free to give us a call.

Today, prepare for tomorrow’s healthcare decisions

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Planning ahead isn’t always an easy task. But it’s almost always an important one.

When it comes to making preparations for caring for your aging loved ones — or yourself, for that matter — the sooner you get started, the better. National Healthcare Decisions Day is coming up on April 16, so let that be a motivator for you to begin the process of planning for old age.

The first step in the preparation process is to make yourself aware of the various options available for eldercare.

At-home care: It should be no secret that we at Take My Hand At-Home Care are big fans of care that takes place in the comfort of home. Every single time our caregivers step foot in a client’s home, we see the immense value of care that takes place in a familiar environment. For starters, at-home care can be less expensive than living full-time in a long-term care or assisted-living facility. Aging in place also can allow for greater comfort and flexibility, both for the elderly and for their loved ones. The National Institutes of Health has wonderful tips for growing old at home, including tips on meals, money management and getting around.

Regular or occasional support from a licensed and insured caregiver can help the elderly stay in the comfort of home while alleviating some common worries, such as how they’ll shop for groceries, get to doctor’s appointments or even get dressed. TMH caregivers can help with all of that and more, and it’s a wonderful option for those who want long-term care at home in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Assisted living and long-term care: When staying at home is not an option, for health or other reasons, long-term care away from the home remains a good option. One thing that Take My Hand At-Home Care always tries to do in our free, in-home consultations is offer advice for what seems like the best level of care. We do offer 24-hour care, but in situations where TMH is not able to help, we try to recommend alternative options, such as long-term care in a separate facility. If you’re curious what might be the best option for you or for an aging loved one, feel free to set up a complementary home consultation with Take My Hand.

As you’re thinking about this topic, you might want to reach out to other local services that provide assistance to the elderly. Whatcom County is home to numerous wonderful resources.

Four ways to say ‘I love you’ to the elderly

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Search Pinterest for quotes about love, and you’re likely to come across some version of the following statement: “There are a million ways of saying ‘I love you’: ‘Watch your step.’ ‘Get some rest.’ ‘Put your seatbelt on.’”

It’s true; there are myriad ways of showing your loved ones exactly how much you care. With that in mind, we thought it would be nice — it is the month of love, after all — to offer a few ways of saying “I love you” to the elderly in your life.

Essentially, they all come down to one thing: time. When it comes to gifts, physical presents typically aren’t ideal — they often just clutter up the home. Instead of things, here are some time-based gifts you can share with the elderly in your life:

Cook and serve a meal. More even than the food, which itself can make a large impact, the benefit to cooking and serving a meal to an elderly loved one is that you simply took the time to do it. Loved ones will enjoy spending time with you as they try out a new dish or enjoy an old favorite. After the meal, be sure to clean up and wash the dishes!

Look through old photos together and chat about memories. Once you’ve done this, you’ll probably be asking yourself why you haven’t done it more often.

These reminisce-and-gab sessions can be a treasure, and they’ll probably also lead to stories you’ve never heard before about family history.

Take them for a walk and/or help them run errands. Let’s face it: Moving around gets harder the older we get. Without someone to help, we can lose trust in our ability to walk without falling. Helping loved ones enjoy the great outdoors — and maybe accomplish a few tasks while they’re at it, like picking up a prescription or buying groceries — can really make their week. Give it a chance, and it’ll probably make yours, too!

Set up a complimentary in-home assessment with a licensed caregiver. A no-obligation, completely free consultation with an at-home care provider like Take My Hand At Home Care can help loved ones discover areas to make life more enjoyable. A typical assessment will cover a number of topics, including:

  • Home safety: Is the home safe for your loved one to age in place?
  • Daily routines: What does your loved one like to do on a daily basis, and what are his or her personal preferences? What are your loved one’s personal background, interests, family and hobbies?
  • Medical needs: What medications are being taken, and what other medical information is important? Does your loved one need assistance with doctor visits?
  • Service cost: What is the cost of at-home care services, and what insurance will cover it?

For more information, contact the licensed caregivers at Take My Hand At Home Care in Lynden.

 

How to prevent those with memory loss from wandering off

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Wandering is a not-uncommon feature of memory loss and dementia. When our loved ones get confused or disoriented, when they fail to recognize where they are, or when they forget what they’re doing, they might start to wander in search of something they do recognize or remember.

Stats show that six in 10 people with dementia are prone to wandering.

The good news is that it’s a well-known phenomenon, and there are strategies that we can employ to keep our loved ones as safe as possible. Here are some ideas:

Maintain routine. An established routine of certain activities at certain times — especially during those times your loved one is most prone to wander, such as in the evenings — can go a long way toward preventing spontaneous exits.

Discourage exit. Wandering isn’t a well-planned activity, and thus placing a few cognitive barriers can reduce the likelihood of wandering. For example, locks on exterior doors should be placed out of sight. Car keys, too, should be kept somewhere safe, not on the kitchen counter where a loved one might spot them and leave during a moment of confusion. The Alzheimer’s Association maintains a helpful home-safety checklist full of great advice.

Use technology. Devices are available that can help to track your loved ones if they leave the house. The local Alzheimer Society of Washington, for example, has a program called Project Lifesaver through which it hands out free bracelets that can be worn by wanderers. The bracelets use radio frequency to keep tabs on a person’s location. The bracelets are free, but there’s a $15 monthly fee for the batteries and changing. Other tech options also are available, and some combination of various ideas might be best for you.

Rely on others. Wandering can be especially dangerous at night, when the rest of the house is asleep. That’s one reason why Take My Hand At-Home Care offers overnight and even 24-hour shifts, so loved ones can sleep while our caregiver companions watch the home and ensure everyone is kept as safe, healthy and happy as possible. We’re a locally owned and operated eldercare provider seeking to help the people of Whatcom County live their best lives.

Remember that wandering can be common among loved ones with dementia, but with planning and support from those around you, it’s manageable. For additional guidance and support, feel free to contact Take My Hand At-Home Care.

 

Whatcom County resources for older adults and their caregivers

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Occasionally, we sit back and think about how fortunate we are to have such amazing resources available in Whatcom County for senior care. Truly, there are wonderful support systems in place in Bellingham and throughout the area.

With the new year approaching, many are thinking about how to make positive changes in life (and in the lives of those in their care). These resources can help. Here are a few we often rely on at Take My Hand At-Home Care:

Northwest Regional Council: The NWRC is the hub of the wheel when it comes to resources for senior citizens in Whatcom County. Begun in 1971 as a collaboration among Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom County elected officials, NWRC focuses on providing services for adults with disabilities and the elderly. As Northwest Washington’s Area Agency on Aging, it provides a host of services for everyone needing long-term care. With information both for the aging and for their family caregivers, NWRC is a lifeline for those who need it. Just give them a call to see what options might be available for your unique family situation.

Whatcom Council on Aging: The WCOA, an independent nonprofit serving local senior citizens since 1964, offers a number of services for area adults, including the Meals on Wheels and More program, Bellingham Senior Activity Center and Bellingham at Home, a virtual community for area seniors.

Elder Service Providers: Speaking of support for caregivers, Elder Service Providers does wonders in Whatcom County for those who care for others including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, caregiver agencies and more. Their mission is to build up the community of caregivers in Whatcom County, and they do it in a number of ways, including monthly luncheons and an annual caregiver conference.

Alzheimer Society of Washington: Those caring for individuals with dementia or other memory issues can benefit greatly from the Alzheimer Society of Washington, which is based in Bellingham. In addition to a number of support groups for caregivers and support groups for individuals with memory loss, the Alzheimer Society provides Staying Connected classes to provide ongoing support for those with early memory loss and dementia-related diseases.

These are a handful of Whatcom County organizations that provide wonderful support both for caregivers and for their loved ones. Of course, you may always contact Take My Hand At-Home Care for more information; we can help guide you through the process of caring for an elderly loved one at home. We are here to help!

 

Caring for a loved one with dementia

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“Please remember the real me when I cannot remember you.”

This quote, sometimes referred to as the dementia creed, speaks to the pain experienced by those on both sides of a relationship with dementia. As memories fade from the minds of the elderly, they experience the loss of those they’ve loved. Meanwhile, their family caregivers do their best to look beyond the disease to the person they’ve known and loved for decades.

Nearly 16 million people in the United States are caring for a family member with dementia, according to figures from the Alzheimer’s Association. It often can seem like a lonely and overwhelming job, but help is always available.

Here are a few tips for coping with daily life as an adult family caregiver of an individual with Alzheimer’s or some other form of memory loss:

Start by learning as much as you can about dementia. Knowing about the details of the disease can help you make sense of the changes that are happening to your loved one. One great way to educate yourself is by attending the Alzheimer Society of Washington’s fall conference on Oct. 13, 2017. This year, the theme is “the changing brain.”

Be realistic about what you can and can’t do. If you’ve had children, try to remember what it was like for those first few years (well, all of them, really). Try as you did, you weren’t a perfect parent, and nor were your kids little angels. When dealing with dementia, know that there will be bad days and good days. Don’t beat yourself up if either of you struggles.

Communicate simply, clearly and positively. Starting with a smile and positive disposition can change the entire tenor of a conversation. Speak simply, with short sentences, and don’t ask complex or open-ended questions.

Love who your loved one is. Yearning for the return of the good old days can lead to dissatisfaction and depression. Instead of wishing that your loved one was like he or she was several decades ago, mourn the loss and meet your loved one in the present. Many caregivers avoid this step because it seems like such a loss. It’s true; it is a loss, and recognizing that can help you move on.

Use technology to your advantage. A number of recent tech innovations have made it easier to know that your loved one can be located should he or she wander off. The Alzheimer Society of Washington uses Project Lifesaver, which outfits those who are prone to wander with a bracelet that emits a special radio frequency, allowing them to be located by first responders in an emergency. The bracelets are free, but the service costs $15 per month for batteries and changing. Other options:

  • Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return, which partners with MedicAlert to provide a 24-hour, nationwide emergency response service.
  • MindMe is a GPS personal alarm that also comes with 24-hour emergency service.
  • Instead of being worn like a watch or pendant, the GPS SmartSole fits into a shoe; like other GPS devices for wanderers, it allows the wearer to be tracked from a computer or smartphone.

Seek assistance when needed. Call on family members to provide companionship and other help whenever possible. Join a caregiver support group to seek the advice and solace of others in your shoes. Hire a part-time caregiver to give you regular (even overnight) respite. Take My Hand At-Home Care is a locally owned and operated eldercare provider with years of experience caring for older adults with dementia in Whatcom County.

How to ensure the people in your life are eating healthy

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As people age, their dietary needs change, and a good selection of proper nutrients becomes all the more important.

Most people are familiar with daily food recommendations. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for people over age 50 recommends a variety of types of foods, such as fruit, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy and oils.

But as people age, even those who know what to eat can find it difficult to get the nutrients they need. Especially as mobility decreases.

If there’s someone in your life who is in this situation, there are several great options available for those living in Whatcom County.

Have meals delivered: The Meals on Wheels program from the Whatcom Council on Aging is a great place to start. Formerly known as the Senior Nutrition Program, Meals on Wheels helps older adults in Whatcom and San Juan Counties remain healthy and independent by ensuring they have access to nutritious food, education and counseling on healthy nutrition, and the social benefits of community mealtimes. Every year, Meals on Wheels feeds more than 170,000 delicious, nutritious meals to more than 2,000 seniors in the Pacific Northwest.

To be eligible for Meals on Wheels, an individual must be considered homebound, or usually unable to leave home without assistance. They also must be at least 60 years old, the spouse of an eligible person, on the COPES Program or a disabled dependent of an eligible client.

If you know someone who can benefit from home-delivered healthy meals, contact the Whatcom County Meals on Wheels program.

Elder care services in Lynden and Whatcom CountyHire a caregiver to prepare meals (and do myriad other things): As part of the 12-hour home assistance package, nurses from Take My Hand At-Home Care prepare nutritious meals (and even shop for the groceries needed). Not only do they ensure that those in their care are eating well, but they also provide a good mix of just what they need. TMH’s at-home care caregivers are careful to determine the unique food preferences and dietary needs of each client so that they can tailor the meals they prepare.

To get started, contact Take My Hand At-Home Care for a personal, in-home assessment.

In addition to healthy meals, licensed caregivers from Take My Hand provide such benefits as companionship, assistance with personal hygiene, medication monitoring, light housekeeping and much more. Truly, they make it possible for the elderly to maintain their independence and age in place in the comfort of home. Take My Hand At-Home Care provides 12-hour shifts (including meal preparation) throughout Whatcom County, including Lynden, Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Everson, Nooksack, Sumas and Birch Bay.

Long-term care at home

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It’s one of the most difficult family conversations there are: “What are we going to do with mom and dad when they’re no longer able to live alone? How can they live best in their elder years?”

Inevitably, the discussion comes down to a choice between In-Home assessment for Whatcom Countyhelping mom and dad keep living in their own home or transitioning to a nursing home or assisted living center when they need long-term care.

We have seen many times over the years, that there truly is no place like home for growing old.

Yes, when it comes to long-term care, there are great assisted living facilities in Whatcom County. But there’s nothing like receiving care in the family home, surrounded by comfortable, familiar surroundings.

Your parents have worked hard all their lives to provide for themselves and their family. They deserve to grow old in the familiar surroundings of the home they’ve built with love over a lifetime. At-home care by licensed nursing assistants allows for much greater levels of privacy and personal attention; private, in-home caregivers can truly transform your parents’ ability to enjoy their sunset years.

Receiving long-term care assistance at home also has the benefit of keeping your parents near the people they’ve grown to love. In addition to the familiar surroundings, friends and family can stop by to visit anytime instead of only during visiting hours, which is extremely important for many older adults.

Take My Hand At-Home Care offers all levels of caregiving at home, from part-time help to 24-hour long-term care. You only pay for the level of service needed to allow your dad or mom to receive long-term care in the comfort of their home.

No two people are the same, after all, and everyone’s needs are different. For every client, Take My Hand conducts a confidential, complimentary in-home assessment to help everyone involved make informed decisions about the level of care needed. Some care recipients only need part-time assistance – four hours a day, two or three days a week — and some need more robust, 24-hour long-term care. Take My Hand’s caregivers have the experience to handle it all.

With the right help your parents can receive long-term care in the comfort of their home. Our licensed Whatcom County caregivers can make meals, provide accompaniment to doctor visits, help with medication monitoring and much, much more.

For more information, just give Take My Hand a call or send an email. We provide affordable eldercare services in Lynden, Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County.

Ways to reduce a return trip to the hospital

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Going to the hospital is no small matter. But having to go back because of complications related to your first visit? That’s unfortunate.

It’s one reason that the federal government has been penalizing hospitals with high readmittance rates. The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program links what Medicare pays to hospitals to the number of people who have to return within 30 days.

The good news, of course, is that there are simple ways ― both for hospitals and for patients ― to help reduce costly and unnecessary return trips. These are the primary ways that HRR works to reduce readmittance:

  • Improved coordination of care and communication among providers, patients and caregivers.
  • Improved discharge planning, education and follow-up for patients.
  • Improved continuity of care using electronic medical records.

After they leave the hospital, patients need to pay close attention to discharge planning and follow-up care. This can be a lot to manage especially when you’re not feeling well after a procedure or illness. Hiring a caregiver to manage the post-hospital care such as wound dressing, medication management, mobility aid and doctor communication can make all the difference between smooth post-op recovery and a return to the hospital if things go south.

Take wound care, for example: According to a 2015 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, surgical-site infection was the leading cause of unplanned hospital readmission after surgery. Having a trained person at your home to help with wound dressing and care can make a major difference.

Assistance with mobility, too, is key. Because falls ― especially after hip or knee replacement surgery ― can be large factors for readmission, many hospitals encourage patients to have caregivers or family members on hand to help with therapy and to assist in mobility. The protocol encourages patients to move around as soon as possible, but it also asks that they don’t do it without the aid of a nurse or caregiver.

At-home aides also can assist in communication with doctors on therapy plans, fall-prevention programs, medical needs and other important topics, relieving another burden from patients and acting as a critical liaison to reduce misunderstandings or missed information.

Take My Hand At-Home Care provides licensed caregivers who help individuals with post-discharge support throughout Whatcom County, including Lynden, Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Everson, Nooksack, Sumas and Birch Bay. Their hospital discharge planning services help older adults safely return home ― and stay there ― after surgery or illness.

 

Top 3 caregiving tips for spouses

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Caring for a spouse can provide tender and enjoyable moments. It can also be an immense challenge.

Based on our experience as a licensed caregiving company in Whatcom County, here are three tips for making the best of caring for a loved one:

  1. Choose to see the situation for what it is. It can be easy for spousal caregivers to focus on negatives and play the “what if” game. Instead, choose to be positive, to be realistic. Take a step back, assess the situation and find opportunities to be thankful. Getting to spend extra time with your spouse, for one thing, is a treasure ― even if you don’t always feel that way.

Tip: When you’re feeling less than positive, chatting with another person in your situation can sometimes make a difference. Northwest Adult Day Health, for example, offers a Caregiver Connection group in Lynden, and local senior centers often offer support groups for caregivers. A five-minute phone call to a friend or family member also can be an immense help.

  1. Find ways to enjoy the time together. What do you both love? Maybe it’s listening to music, going for walks, watching a baseball game or planting geraniums. Scheduling time each day for activities that you both enjoy can help remind both of you how much fun life can be with a partner.

Tip: Take time for yourself, too, to do what you love. Read a book, cook a special dinner, work on a crossword puzzle… Even if you feel you don’t have much time in your day to relax, a few minutes here and there can help.

  1. Take extended breaks. When a few minutes’ rest isn’t enough, schedule a longer break. Caring for a spouse can be a 24/7 job, but it doesn’t have to be. Find someone who can give you periodic breaks to rest, recharge and step out of the house.

Tip: Two eight-hour breaks each week can help. Regular, scheduled time off allows caregivers to rest from the pressure of caregiving and to get some other tasks done.

The licensed caregivers at Take My Hand At-Home Care offer a wide array of respite services for Whatcom County caregivers. Give us a call today to learn more about the benefits of hiring a caregiver for spousal respite. (And ask us what else we can do to help, such as make dinner or handle light housekeeping while you are taking a break.) Take My Hand also offers overnight care, for those times when you need to be away or just need a full night’s sleep.

We are here to help!

 

Five simple ways seniors can lower cholesterol

Many of us, during our regular checkups with our doctors, are told we need to lower our cholesterol. LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, as opposed to HDL, or “good” cholesterol) can increase our risk of heart disease or stroke because it sticks to the insides of our blood vessels and restricts blood flow. As we get older, our bodies tend to produce more cholesterol, so our … [Read More...]

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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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