The Flu is Real this Season!  

Here is some general advise to help you during this time of year:

1.)  It's possible for you to get the flu even if you received the flu vaccine.  Especially since this years taken is just 10% successful in some areas.

2.)  You've got a virus using a span of 7-14 days during which you're likely to feel as if you would like to perish; you may/will have fever, chills, severe headache, sore throat, chest congestion, nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing, sore throat, acute weakness/lethargy, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and severe body/joint aches. 

3.)Viruses DON'T get treated with antibiotics, so it must run its course.   Proceed to your primary care physician, urgent care, or telephone triage nurse FIRST, however, understand there is little they can do to help you.  The one thing that they can help you with is medication for acute coughing unresponsive to over the counter drugs or acute diarrhea/vomiting.  You don't need antibiotics unless you build a secondary lung infection.   

4.)  DON'T GO TO THE ER. . .UNLESS you have shortness of breath, you cannot keep down fluids for 24 hours, have persistent liquid stools accompanied by nausea, speedy heartbeat or low blood pressure.   Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that is found to be somewhat effective, and also comes with important side effects and cost tag

5.)  DO take Tylenol AND Advil/Motrin/Aleve in MAX doses (unless contraindicated with other wellness issues) to alleviate fever, headache and body aches.   Talk to your doctor!

6.) DO take over-the-counter flu remedies.  Be cautious taking combinations of different medications to prevent overdosing and overtreating (for example, some flu medications already have Tylenol (Acetaminophen) in them, read the bottle. 

7.)  Use home remedies such as "hot toddies" (whiskey/lemon/honey FOR ADULTS ONLY), hot showers, vapor rubs, vapor humidifiers, essential oils, etc..    Drink a Lot of fluids!  Hot liquids and soups may be helpful. 

8.) Try to keep nutritious intake.  Milk products may thicken mucus and aggravate coughs.  If your urine is yellow or darker, you aren't drinking enough. 

9.)  IMPORTANT: A rule of thumb about coughing! . . .If it is productive (coughing up sputum), DO NOT suppress it with meds.  If it's non-productive (annoying and dry), then DO suppress it.  Make sure that you're properly hydrated, especially with a productive cough (it thins secretions and makes them easier to cough up and outside).  Elevate your head when you sleep to decrease coughing/secretions. 

10.) PLAN AHEAD if you can --stock up today on essential medications, juices and beverages, soups, popsicles, and broth so you are going to be ready.  This time of year it is not strange to find store shelves empty.  You won't need to go shopping if you or a loved one is ill. 

11.)  LIMIT THE TIMES YOU GO OUT IN PUBLIC!  An elderly person or someone in poor health or with respiratory disease can certainly die from the flu and you do not want to be the one who exposed them.  Do NOT send a child with a fever to school during influenza season.  Help out your school nurses. 

12.)  WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER REGULARLY!! 

13) Consider Elderberry as a powerful remedy against flu symptoms as well as other homeopathic medications like Oscilloccilum.   I also like additional immune support herbal products like emergen C, echinacea and golden seal as well as zicam for colds.

14.)Take meds responsibly, this information is my opinion from personal and professional experience, and I'm not liable for any action taken based on these recommendations so speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications.

15.)  As always if you are interested in more informtion about healthy liivng please read our Blog and visit www.acaringhandformom.com for more information on assisted living options.  Follow us on  facebook as well.  

Assisted Living Care Vs. Nursing Home Care

What kind of care do I need?

Arizona assisted living, provides housing for those who cannot live alone, and who do not need the higher level of skilled medical care given in nursing homes. These facilities provide assistance with activities of daily living “ADL’s”, (assistance with bathing, eating, medication assistance and dressing) to services that used to only be provided in skilled nursing facilities such as the use of assistive devices such as Hoyer lifts, feeding tubes and wound care.   This is not to say that all Assisted living communities provide these services but some do.

This higher level of care can be found in many Group homes which are also licensed assisted living homes. These homes generally provide a higher level of supervision and care, because of their size and ability to provide closer supervision and manage these services with the assistance of outside services like home health services for wound care management and outpatient P.T., O.T., Speech therapy.

Seniors still enjoy a good degree of independence especially in assisted living communities -- many live in private apartments or studios -- with options for socializing with other residents and 24-hour help nearby. Larger assisted living community’s general offer more options for socialization with larger scale recreational activities and entertainment that comes to the community as well as restaurant style dining. Group homes provide a more homelike atmosphere with home cooked meals and small scale recreational activities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines assisted living facilities as facilities that provide help with bathing, dressing, and medication.

Some assisted living communities also provide Memory Care for those with advanced stages of dementia in a special wing (dedicated Memory Care Unit), or are a stand-alone Memory Care communities. Not all facilities offer this option and not all residents with Memory care needs require a special unit or community for their care.  Many residents especially in the earlier stages of their disease progression can be safely managed in a more open assisted living setting. 

It's important to note that assisted living facilities are private pay establishments, which are not covered by programs such as Medicare or third party insurances, though they may be covered by some long-term care insurance policies and ALTC’s (Arizona’s Medicaid program requiring Long term care who meet medical and financial eligibility).  Assisted Living costs range from $2000-$6,000 for most assisted living residences but can run $5,000-$8000 for memory care in Arizona.  Most Assisted Living communities charge a base rent plus levels of care and medication administration fees,  whereas Group homes are generally charge a flat fee which includes care except for incontinence supplies.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes, also called "skilled nursing facilities," are licensed facilities for those who require long-term care or short-term rehabilitation services. They are for those individuals who require a higher level of “24 hr. a day Skilled Care” not provided by assisted living. A nursing home is a place for people who don't need to be in a hospital but can't be cared for at home or in a assisted living community or group home because of their need for 24 hour skilled care. Most nursing homes have nursing aides and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day.

Some nursing homes are set up like a hospital. The staff provides medical care, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy if it falls under Medicare guidelines for coverage. There is usually a nurses' station on each floor and residents may share rooms, meals are served in a central dining hall (unless a resident is too ill to leave the room). This type of care is covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, though private payment options are also available and allow for more choices, such as private rooms.  Private rates are usually based upon the current Medicare rates for the rooms currently running around $220-280 a day for semi private and private rooms plus ancillary charges.

Some nursing homes have special care units for people with serious memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. Some will let couples live together, Nursing homes are not only for the elderly, but for anyone who requires 24-hour care.

A common concern of some skilled nursing facilities is that some seniors find them depressing because many of the residents have numerous medical problems, and that these facilities do not provide the best care due to higher staff turnover, inadequate staffing patterns, requiring extra attention and monitoring from family members.

Help to determine the best setting can be obtained from an experienced healthcare professional such as your family physician or other medical providers as well as the licensed healthcare professionals at A Caring Hand for Mom who with their extensive experience can guide you.  We look at factors such as care needs, wandering potential, safety in an apartment setting, group home or Memory care unit, and overall functioning capability.  We can help you find the best options available for your loved one and will always give you honest unbiased answers. Call us today at 800-881-7706 and visit our website at www.acaringhandformom.com.

What is the difference between a senior living community and a group home?

Retirement is, for most people, the best period of their lives. They have a lot of free time when they can travel or engage in their favorite past time. With the kids grown up and a lovely husband/wife or companion, a person can enjoy a lot of time outdoors or meet with friends and spend time together; generally one can do whatever he/she wants. But as we age does not bring only positives; there are also downsides. Our bodies are incredible machines that are “designed” to help us survive in this world. But, as they grow older, certain functions which we take for granted may not come as easily as they did in the past. Eye-sight, problems with the joints, heart issues; all these are inherent once we grow older. As a result, more and more day-to-day tasks become more difficult, including maintaining a clean household our body, interacting with other people or ensuring the daily supply of goods and services. When the time arrives, it’s better to look for professional help, instead of opening the door to the possibility of harming ourselves. There are plenty of organizations out there that could provide help to us or our loved ones. The best known are senior living adult communities, places where lots of older adults live together and enjoy their retirement years. But these are not the only ones so contact the professionals like those at www.acaringhandformom.com to help you find all the resources in your area that best suit your needs.  So let’s find out more.

Most people opt for the most independent form of living possible depending on how early they chose to move in their retirement years and their health needs. A person’s options range from independent living and assisted living communities with villas or patio homes and apartments to group homes, which are also a smaller version of assisted living. 

The main characteristic of larger independent living communities is that in this type of residence individuals and couples living there have their own home or apartment and share common areas where they have many opportunities to socialize with other residents. The concept is built around common activities and a sense of belonging. Many of the residents in these facilities had been living alone in their homes or apartments before they decided to move there. The opportunity to socialize and make new friends again brings new meaning to life for so many. But as with everything your health plays an important role in utilizing these opportunities. The main aim of senior living facilities is to help residents live a happy and fulfilling life. The organization running the facility takes care of everything, from gardening, to a chef preparing meals which are served in the main restaurant style dining room, providing security and organizing various activities and events for residents. Because residents in these facilities can take care of themselves, medical assistance is not provided but many communities have access available to home health services onsite. Basically, senior living facilities help residents take it easy during the last part of their lives. Most residents would be able to live normal lives by themselves, but they like to enjoy a care-free time in a community setting.

Assisted living communities are geared more towards persons who genuinely require assistance usually because of a medical condition or physical need. Many people living in assisted living communities require attention when it comes to bathing, doing the laundry or other daily household chores. Doctors and nurses, as well as physiotherapists, in some cases, follow those residents who are living in assisted living residences while the staff provides care 24/7. The larger assisted living communities provide numerous social activities, including birthday celebrations, large holiday celebrations, dining in a restaurant style dining room, entertainment and community trips as well as transportation to local doctor’s offices.

On the other hand, a group home is literally a shared household of between 5-10 residents. The home provides assisted living care usually at a higher level than most bigger communities because of the caregivers close  proximity to the residents and their higher staffing levels then bigger communities usually 1-5 staffing ratio. Group homes provide a home like setting with homemade meals. Residents live normal lives and have either a private bedroom or shared accommodation’s based on their financial situation. Many people living in group homes require attention when it comes to bathing, doing the laundry or other daily household chores. Doctors and nurses, as well as physiotherapists, podiatrists come to the homes and follow those residents who are living there while the staff provides care all hours of the day and night. Depending on the residents psychological or physical abilities as well as their desire to participate in social programs, activities are provided for the residents.

Finally, financial issues also need to be taken into consideration. Costs vary widely depending on your location and the type of community or group home you chose.  In an independent living facility, residents pay rent and other fees like meal plans, external trips which vary from community to community. In assisted living communities residents also pay rent for their apartment and also pay for items such as medication administration and level of care fees which vary widely from $300-$2000 additional per month. In both independent living and assisted living communities resident usually provide their own furnishing for their apartments.  On the other hand, in group homes, the rent includes furniture and care costs are included, usually the only additional cost would be for incontinent supplies, doctor’s visits and medications which are usually covered by Medicare. Group homes are staffed by state certified caregiver’s as well as the manager who is also certified by the state.

I usually tell families if you are more of the social butterfly  and you are still able to participate in larger scale activities and programing the larger communities offer more opportunities for socialization.  Group homes offer more opportunities for supervision and closer monitoring.  If you fall in a larger community in your apartment you will need to be able to push your call button for help or it may be some time before knows you have fallen, if you live in a group home and call for help there is someone there who can hear you. Hopefully this information will prove useful when considering the options you have in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.  Call us today at 800-881-7706 and let our licensed healthcare professionals help you when looking for the best assisted living options for either yourself or your loved one.  

Evaluating the Best Senior Care Options

If you have an elderly loved one that you are taking care of by either visiting them daily or they live with you, it can be overpowering at times. This is especially true if you have a full time job or have a family at home to take care of as well. There are other choices you have in making sure your elderly loved one is taken care of and not feel guilty about it. When evaluating senior care options you want only the best for your loved one. Depending on what type of careyour loved one need’s as well as their financial resources there are many variables which can affect which facility to look into. The types of senior care in Glendale AZ range from independent living, assisted living communities, group homes, memory care, and skilled nursing care.

Importance of a Checklist

The importance of a checklist will weigh heavily when it comes to making the final decision on senior care for your loved one. The checklist will have important factors for you to take into consideration when checking on the different types of senior care facilities. You not only want a quality, clean and professional staff at the facility you choose, but you also want the facility to feel comfortable, safe and friendly towards your loved one. It is highly important that your loved one feels at home and likes the environment they are in.

Depend upon a company that is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals to assist you in finding options for your loved ones care. Rely on Professional Recommendations

You can rely on professional’s recommendations because they are experienced and licensed healthcare staff. They provide you with free help and will assist you in making well-informed healthcare decisions, which will save you time and keep you from feeling stressed out as you prepare to find your loved one a senior care facility. If you prefer to do the search on your own you can use our directory on our website or for quicker assistance you can email or call us.  We can usually save you money because of our relationships with the communities and homes in your area as well as the fact that we are aware of which communities are offering specials and when it comes to group homes we can help you find the care you are looking for at the price you can afford. The senior care choices include assisted living communities, memory care, , group homes independent living and Skilled nursing.  With our assistance no matter which senior care facility your loved one needs you will be able to find the right one at an affordable cost.  Call us today at 800-881-7706 for immediate assistance.