Hiring Private Duty Home Care Workers? Here’s What you Need to Know

Considering hiring private duty home care workers? You are not alone. More and more Americans are hiring private duty nurses to take away the enormous pressures of caring for their loved ones and juggle multiple chores simultaneously. Unlike home health care services, private duty services are different. Here’s a look at what private duty services include and what to look for when hiring private home care duty workers for yourself or your loved ones.

What is private duty care?

Private duty home care services include client home visits that don’t require any medical care. Their main work is to ensure the client completes all their daily activities.

Private duty home care is non-medical care provided by caregivers who are not licensed medical personnel. When a person cannot complete their daily tasks because of an injury or an illness, a private home care duty caregiver can assist with:

• Personal care and dressing (bathing, grooming, hygiene, brushing hair, shaving, etc.)
• Preparing light meals and feeding.
• Grocery shopping.
• Help with pet care.
• Light homemaking chores like laundry and house cleaning.
• Following a medication regimen, monitoring medications, and medicine reminders.
• Making phone calls, sorting mail, and other communications.
• Mobility and transfers, and walking.
• Providing companionship and emotional support.
• Ensuring safety in the home.

How to find a private duty home care agency

Whether you feel unsafe at home or have difficulty completing everyday tasks because of health or age-related issues, private duty care can help within the comfort of your home. Agencies, nurse registries, and private caregivers all provide these specialized services. There are differences in the care each of these services provides. But they all aim to make the client comfortable, safe, and independent in their home.

When you begin looking for a private duty home care worker, the first step is to scout all the agencies in your area. Also, look for agencies that will provide private duty home care workers to your locality. Going through the website and online brochures of all the companies on your list is the next step- however, it’s also important to vet each organization thoroughly.

Fifteen questions to ask when hiring a private duty home care agency

Here are 15 questions to ask when hiring private duty home care workers:

1. Does the agency have experience managing the type of senior care you need?

2. How often does the agency supervise its caregivers?

3. What procedures should you follow if you are dissatisfied with the care provided or require backup care?

4. How long has the agency been in business?

5. Is the agency registered and licensed? Insured and bonded?

6. What screening process does the agency use for the caregivers? Background checks are critical.

7. Do caregivers receive ongoing training? Will training impact the care your loved one receives?
8. What is the agency’s policy about care on holidays?

9. Does the agency assign supervisors to ensure high quality of care? How often will a supervisor get in touch with the client/the client’s family?

10. Does the agency have a 24×7 customer service number in case there is a problem?

11. How does the agency ensure the right caregiver match for your loved one?

12. What range of private care duties does the agency provide? Will they meet any special needs?

13. Does the organization have malpractice insurance?

14. Will a therapist or nurse evaluate your home care needs?

15. Will the agency provide written statements regarding all the costs and payment plan options?

Conclusion

Home health care services are a fantastic option for those who need assistance at home. However, choosing the right agency and caregiver cannot be left to chance.

Looking for private home health care Seminole? There are over two dozen private home health care agencies in Seminole. Follow these tips when choosing an agency, and you have a better chance of finding the perfect agency and caregiver for your loved one.

About No Place Like HomeCare

No Place Like HomeCare is a leading caregiver and nurse referral agency that provides home health care services and senior assistance in Florida. No Place Like HomeCare is licensed to provide private home health care Seminole.

Importance of Mental Health and Fitness in Elders

Physical activity is important at any age in your life. As seniors grow older, it can often be much more challenging to maintain strong physical health. However, there are so many different exercises that seniors can do to improve their overall physical health. You have heard it time and time again. When you look good, you feel good.

There are so many studies that prove exercise is linked to stronger mental and physical health. Sometimes it can be challenging for seniors to feel motivated to exercise, however with eldercare and in-home assessment services in Tampa such as No Place Like Home Care, receiving the motivation to go on walks daily has never been easy.

If you are looking for trusted elder care and live-in service in the Seminole County area, check out No Place Like Home Care for some of the best home care for the elderly in Hillsborough, Florida. It can be so tricky to find an elder care agency in Seminole County. Finding a company that has trusted employees to look after your loved ones is essential.

Continue reading to learn more about the importance of mental and physical health in elders, as well as how elder care and in-home assessment services in Tampa can help you or a senior loved one.

Prevent Diseases

Studies have proved that maintaining a regular physical activity routine can help prevent many heart disease and diabetes diseases. Exercise improves your overall immune function, which is one of the most important things for seniors to maintain as they grow older.

As a senior, it can be challenging to get yourself into a routine. However, with the help of elder care agencies in Seminole County, the nurses and home care experts will be able to motivate the seniors to get out and move daily.

Improve Mental Health

Mental and physical health are directly correlated and linked together. As you exercise, your body produces natural endorphins that work as a natural stress reliever that leaves you happy and feeling healthy.

Exercise is also proven to improve sleep which is very important for older adults with insomnia or lack of sleep. When exercising as a senior, it is important not to overwork yourself and find a balance. Home care for the elderly in Tampa employees will be able to find a healthy balance of daily physical activity for the seniors they are caring for.

Decrease Risk of Falling

As adults age, the risk of falling increases exceptionally. Falling can be very dangerous and lead to many other risks, such as head injuries. Exercising regularly can improve seniors’ strength as well as flexibility. When seniors have more power and endurance, they can help them from falling down the stairs or slipping accidentally.

Social Abilities

When seniors spend most of their time in their homes, it can be hard for them to have a social life anymore. A variety of eldercare and live-in services in Seminole county promote social engagement among the seniors.

Seniors tend to feel isolated, lonely, and depressed. These are everyday things that come with old age. However, they can be decreased with proper mental and physical health. As a senior, take advantage of going on daily walks in the neighborhood with friends or loved ones. Exercise does not have to be done alone and can be a great social event to partake in.

Exercise Can Reduce Eary On-Set Dementia

Studies have proven that exercising is directly correlated to preventing dementia. Starting these healthy habits young is very important so that when you grow older, your body is used to it. Things may not come as easy as they once did before, but your body will thank you for exercising it over time.

What Are Some Exercises for Seniors?

Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day when you grow older can immensely improve your overall quality of life. Exercises like strength training, flexibility, and water aerobics are fun and safe for seniors to partake in.

Start a New Hobby

Staying active in retirement is vital to strong mental health. If you are looking for assistance in finding a new safe hobby, look to No Place Like Home Care for the best elder care and in-home assessment services in Tampa. The trained professionals at this elder care agency in Tampa have years of experience helping seniors check off their “bucket list” safely.

Hobbies such as cooking, knitting, painting, gardening, and even sewing are great things to help seniors occupy their time and improve their overall mental health.

Volunteer

Volunteering kills two birds with one stone. It is excellent for improving mental and physical health. Volunteering gets seniors out of the house and moving and allows them to impact the community positively. There are so many different organizations that could use the assistance and vast knowledge from seniors daily.

Donating your time is one of the most rewarding things for seniors to do. Various establishments need assistance from seniors, including working with children, the food bank, animal shelters, or hospitals. Volunteering is also a great way to make new friends that enjoy the same activities as you.

Care for a Pet

Caring for a pet or another companion can help seniors feel like they are independent again. Pets come with quite a few mental and physical health benefits such as decreased blood pressure, reduced feelings of isolation or depression, and increase opportunities for socialization.

Final Thoughts

If you know someone looking for elder care and live-in services in Seminole County, contact No Place Like Home Care for the best home care for the elderly in Hillsborough. It is vital to ensure that seniors are properly taken care of during their time of old age.

Exercise and strong mental health is vital for seniors as they grow older. There are so many different things that seniors can do daily to improve their overall health. Be sure to be as active as you can and look to family and friends when you feel depressed for assistance.

Homebound Seniors – Stay Connected Through Technology

People are hardwired for connection. We need to stay in touch with our loved ones no matter where we live or what we do. Good communication has a positive impact on our physical and mental health, so it’s very important to keep it active. According to a research paper published by Mental Health America (MHA), good social connections improve health, increase happiness and lengthen life expectancy. The positive correlation between social interaction and the well-being of seniors is obvious.

Click here to learn more about in-home services for seniors in Seminole. We provide the best home health care for seniors in Tampa.

Unfortunately, staying in touch with our loved ones is tough during this period. Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, visiting parents or grandparents is difficult and risky. This leads to communication problems and seniors may feel isolated and lonely. Social distancing has created a variety of communication issues, but technology can help us keep in touch with our loved ones. Here’s how:

#1 – Use social media platforms

Facebook is the best platform to keep in touch with parents or grandparents. According to a report published by the Pew Research Center, seniors aged 65 and older are the fastest-growing demographic on Facebook. This group has grown 11 percent from 2018 to 2019, while millennial users only increased by 2 percent. There are a lot of seniors on Facebook, and the primary reason is the platform’s popularity – almost 70 percent of Americans have a Facebook profile. This means sharing photos, videos, or chatting with friends and family much easier.

All you have to do is search for a person in the search bar, send a friend request, or join groups or events. The platform also has a live-video feature, voice chat, and phone call tools.

#2 – Join an online community

The social media environment has evolved tremendously over the last decade. There are dozens of social media platforms to choose from and a variety of online communities to join. These platforms can help seniors stay in touch with others who share similar interests. For instance, there are online groups where you can talk and share opinions on a variety of topics, from crafts and hobbies to theater, film, and television, but also sports, history, arts, and countless more. Similarly, small local groups focused on a specific activity or club are also present. These include hobbyist groups, family circles and groups, high-school graduating classes, or arts and crafts groups.

Click here to learn more about in-home services for seniors in Seminole. We provide the best home health care for seniors in Tampa.

#3 – Use video calls vs. regular phone calls

Virtually all modern communication devices – smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, and laptops have webcams that let users make video calls for free. Participants on both ends can physically see who they are talking to during the call, improving communication immensely. Various video-call services are also free of charge, such as FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts. These services work anywhere, as long as you have a good internet connection.

Video calls are great ways to communicate with your loved ones as they add a new layer to your conversations. Video calls make the experience special and help you communicate non-verbally much easier. Essentially, you see the person, so communication can be more complex. What’s more, video calls let you organize family meetings, where everyone can participate, see and hear each other, even if they are across the country. This is a major advantage for seniors who have adult grandchildren, as you can see how everyone is doing by seeing how they look like, but also how they sound like. Of course, you can also talk to the caregiver during the same video call.

#4 – Using the right apps

There are thousands of apps designed for senior users. These apps help both seniors and caregivers in a variety of ways. For instance, you can use the smartphone to track medication, monitor vital signs like respiration and heart rate, but also keep track of their location. Although there are a lot of different apps to choose from, try to choose apps that focus on a few basic functions. Go to the appropriate store (Google’s Google Play – for Android phones or Apple’s App Store – for iOS phones) and choose the app that does exactly what you are looking for. Make sure you check reviews and try it for a few days before using it.

Apps can also gather information about the user. This information can then be sent to caregivers, family, or doctors. For example, apps can gather data about a senior’s medical condition, mobility, and the medication administered. Apps also include geolocation features, so you know precisely where your parent or grandparent is at any given time.

Apps are amazing entertainment tools for seniors. According to a recent study, seniors often prefer to spend time reading or pursuing religious activities. Many apps are designed to help seniors stay informed, read news, watch television shows, read books or attend various virtual religious events.

Here are some of the most popular apps for seniors:

• Luminosity – free for basic plans – the perfect tool to train your brain
• Skype – free for basic plans – the ideal tool to keep in touch with your loved ones
• Zoom – free for basic plans – an amazing video-call app to keep in touch with parents and grandparents
• Pandora – free – the best music app
• Goodreads – free – book reviews and free books
• WebMD – free – free medical guides and resources
• MediSafe Medication Reminder – free – the ideal app for medication scheduling
• Readeo – $9.99 per month for full access – lets you have virtual story time with grandchildren; you can read more than 150 children’s books over video chat

Click here to learn more about in-home services for seniors in Seminole. We provide the best home health care for seniors in Tampa.

Caring for Elders While Holding a Job – Balancing Work and Caregiving

You work, you come home and you have another job – caregiving for your older parent or grandparent. You help someone who means everything to you, but you also have to work, and it’s incredibly demanding. You feel exhausted, you are overwhelmed and you don’t have time to rest.

Work can be rewarding, and so is caregiving. But together, they can be a disaster for your wellbeing. You often feel you have too much on your plate, and you want to get a break. However, you’ll need a strategy to balance both your work tasks and caregiving for a loved one.

Are you looking for a home health care agency in Tampa? Contact us here to get the best home healthcare nurse in Hillsborough!

How to manage day-to-day tasks

Get organized

You’ll have a lot to handle, and you won’t have enough time to organize everything properly. You must keep track of all your tasks. Create a calendar to help you schedule your tasks, track activities, doctor appointments or other simple issues you need to focus on. Try to make a schedule to include everyone who helps you.

Contact your local agency

Every urban area has a local agency on aging – contact them and explain your situation. They can provide help and may put you in contact with professional caregivers, if required.

Read the employee handbook

Your employer may have special policies for employees who also work as caregivers. Ask about flexbile work options or family leave. Check whether the company has an employee assistance program, which is a great resource for caregivers.

Keep your work separate

Try to separate your work tasks from your personal problems. This will help you become more productive and focus on your work tasks. Take care of your caregiving duties in your personal hours, not during work hours. For instance, schedule doctor appointments during your lunch hours.

Have a backup plan

Don’t do anything in a hurry. Make sure you have a backup plan if something goes wrong. For instance, if there’s an emergency, contact a coworker or a friend to help you. Talk to a co-worker to replace you while you attend to the emergency.

Are you looking for a home health care agency in Tampa? Contact us here to get the best home healthcare nurse in Hillsborough!

Talk to your manager

If you are taking care of a loved one, it’s important to be open about it. Talk to your boss – make sure he or she knows about your responsibilities and that you have an important commitment. Also, make it very clear that you are still putting in 100 percent at work and you will still be devoted to the company.

Ask about flexible work opportunities

Flexible work is a great benefit if you are also caring for a loved one. It will make your life easier, and you will still be able to be productive at work. Ask if the company offers flexible work opportunities or if there’s a possibility to work remotely. Data shows that most companies can make this possible – in a recent study, over 68 percent of companies said they are able to make work accommodations for employees who care for elders. Also, ask whether you can work remotely a few days per week. Try to come up with a plan that meets all your needs – this will help you when negotiating with your manager.

Schedule a meeting

These matters should be discussed in a meeting. Don’t bring this up during the lunch break or the coffee break. Talk to your HR representative and manager openly about your needs. Schedule a meeting with everyone involved in the decision-making process.

Make it clear that you are still focused on your job

Whenever you ask for a day off or to work remotely, make sure you explain that work is still your #1 priority. Your boss should be sure that you get your work done according to plan. For instance, if you can’t work during the morning, be open about this, and make sure you can work during the evening. It may be tough for your schedule, but it’s important.

Don’t wait for an emergency

Unfortunately, many people bring this up only when an emergency occurs. Don’t do this, as it can cause a lot of stressful situations at your workplace. For instance, you may not be able to take a day off, or your manager won’t be supportive about your problems. Be open about your personal issues before any emergency occurs.

The FMLA may help you

The Family Medical Leave Act, also known as the FMLA, may help you a lot. Under this legislation, you may be eligible to take up to 12 weeks off every year, without pay. The law has some special provisions:

• you must meet specific requirements – firstly, you must work for a company that has at least 50 employees, a government agency or school; state laws may include other provisions; you must be employed there for at least 12 months, and must have worked for at least 1,250 hours before taking the time off;

• you may need to use your vacation first – your employer can ask you to use your vacation time first, in order to maintain FMLA eligibility;

• you are not required to take your leave all at once – you can take smaller chunks as you see fit, depending on your situation.

Have a contingency plan

Life happens, and a lot of well planned situations can go awry. Try to have a detailed contingency plan for these scenarios. Perhaps even consider having a contingency plan for the contingency plan. Consider everything that can cause problems. For instance, consider every “what if” situation and analyse it in-depth. For instance, think about business travel – what if the company asks you to fly to a different city for a business trip? What if you have an important deadline at work and simply cannot take care of your personal responsibilities? Try to look for help everywhere you can – family members, friends or coworkers.

Are you looking for a home health care agency in Tampa? Contact us here to get the best home healthcare nurse in Hillsborough!