Hearts of Gold Preserving Dignity Providing Senior Home Care In Lake County Illinois

As we age, all of us reach new stages in our lives. We take on different roles. First we are children being cared for by our parents. Then we are teenagers. Learning , growing coming into our own. All of a sudden we are adults living our own lives, working, raising our own children, managing our own home life and stress. Sometimes our lives take a turn and we must reverse our roles. All of a sudden we are parents to our children as well as our parents. Life at this point becomes very challenging not only for the children but also for the aging adult. Families can manage and balance their lives and still care for mom or dad.

Allowing our parents to have choices and remain in a structured home environment of their choice instead of placement in a facility can preserve their dignity. Encouraging mom or dad to retain as much independence as possible is very important to their self-esteem and well-being. Having the time to provide choices and care can become overwhelming at times. Having control and choice over your own life is very important to the health and well-being of aging adults as well as their children.

Taking on the responsibility of care provider, feeling overwhelmed by this new stage in your life, trying to handle work, family, children and private time for yourself can remain balanced by enlisting home care assistance services. Home care services give you options and choices to help everyone retain a better quality of life. It provides and promotes dignity and independence for both families and aging adults.

Hearts of Gold Senior Home Care Lake County IL Giving You Options!

Since starting our home care business, it has been our mission to promote and provide dignity, independence, safety and the highest quality of in home care services in the Lake County Illinois area.

Fulfilling our mission means fulfilling our clients requirements and encouraging choice, independence, dignity, support, guidance and the health and well-being of all aging adults. We have the highest standards
for all our caregivers. Only the most compassionate, qualified and trained candidates are handpicked and screened to be able to provide care for our clients. Your satisfaction matters to us.

Not all home care services are the same. It is not easy to find qualified people, but that is our job. We find, interview, screen, train and manage the kind of people that we will feel comfortable with when they come into your home. The most important thing is that you are satisfied with the person providing your care. We never rotate caregivers. That means the person you choose is the same person that will be there each time you need assistance. When you enlist our agency to manage your care we follow up by in-person weekly home visits with all of our clients. Not just a phone call. We are available 24/7. You become a part of our family as well as we become a part of yours. That is what care is all about. That is why our clients keep coming back week after week. Because we earn it everyday.

Allow us the privilege to earn your loyalty. Collaborating with many organizations such as senior centers, health care providers, home health agencies, and businesses allows us to provide a more independent, better quality of life for all our clients. Clients and their families come to depend on us because of our integrity, caring and the highest quality of senior in-home care that we provide.

If you have been deciding about your options for care, or about joining the hundreds of American families and aging adults who have found independence, choices, better quality of live in the comfort of home by turning to a professional in-home care services- or if you are not satisfied with the service you are presently using- allow us the privilege to earn your loyalty and call us today! We are available for supplemental assistance services in assisted living or nursing facilities as well. The choice is yours. www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com

Senior Care Lake County Illinois- The Importance of Medication Management

As we age, we tend to develop more health issues. For every health issue a new medication may be prescribed. By the time an individual reaches their 70's he or she may have several health conditions. Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, eye disorders, or depression. The more medication you take the higher your chance of an adverse drug reaction. ( visit RX GUARDIAN) http://www.agingwithgrace.net.net. The average seniors takes 6 to 7 medications daily. Adverse reactions to medications account for more than 30% more hospital admission, nursing home admissions. For this reason medication management in the senior population is important.

People today have multiple doctors and visit different pharmacies. In this sense you have no coordination of medication management. Improper use of medications can often contribute to the cause of falls in the elderly. Medication affects elderly people differently. Intervention of a family member is very important when a loved one is confused or forgetful in taking his or her medication.

Seniors may sometimes not take their medication properly because of memory issues, lack of knowledge, fear of side effects or financial concerns. It is important for seniors to understand why and what they are taking. Families may be unaware that their loved one is not taking their medication correctly or at all for that matter. Families and seniors may not always be aware of the drug interactions. But with every added medication there is a safety issue.

Medication can have a significant improvement for seniors in their physical and mental health and well-being. Taking medications properly can significantly improve the overall quality of life. At Hearts of Gold Home Care (http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com) our Medication Management Program advocates on your behalf. The most important factor for medication management is for your loved one to keep their doctors appointments. Our Certified Nurse Aides will make sure that your loved one keeps their doctors appointments. Assessing your unique situation and the medications you are taking is important. We document and work with physicians or home health to help prevent drug interactions before they can occur. We document and make sure that each physician your loved one visits is aware of all the medications they may be taking. This can reduce medication errors and keep your loved one in their home longer. We provide complimentary visits to set up, pick-up prescriptions, manage and refill medication boxes on a needed basis. We can provide medication reminder calls daily as a reminder as well as a safety check for your loved ones well-being on days when services are not retained. This is in our clients best interest. Our Medication Management is a free program for families and seniors concerned about a loved one and their medication. It is an added value benefit for our clients that retain their in-home care services through us.
To learn more about our Medication Management Program today please call us at 847-740-1550 or e mail us at heartsofgoldcare@att.net

The Silent Issue-Alzheimer's Disease

When it comes to health care issues, policy makers need to look at a very serious issues that is affecting American families everyday. The cost and toll that providing care for a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer's/Dementia has on families across America. Having personnally experienced first hand in providing care for my father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, I feel that policy makers are not doing enough to help families ease the burden financially for those that are care providers. Policy makers are ignoring the inevitable. We are ignoring our seniors the right to better quality care. Not every family chooses or can afford to pay for a facility to provide long term care for a parent or spouse struggling daily with Alzheimer's Disease. When children have to provide care for a parent, financially things become very difficult.

The fastest growing segment of our popualtion is over the age of 80. And as life expectancy continues to increase, the problem will only get worse. In America today there are 4.5 million American men and women diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Generally, the other spouse takes on the responsibility of providing care. The caregiver then is greatly affected in their own health and emotional well-being. With so much pressure placed upon them, they start to neglect their own needs and health. In turn the care provider can become ill as well.

In-home care, which is more cost effect than a facility, can provide families and caregivers with much needed breaks away from the stress of caregiving. To be able to regroup and have time for caring about their own health and well-being. To be able to live their own lives without the guilt because they feel overwhelmed. To alliviate stress that families feel in providing daily care. For the children providing care to their parents, being able to continue their own lives on a daily basis knowing that mom or dad is well taken care of and safe is worth everything. Not missing important things in their children's lives because becoming care provider for a parent has taken over their life. Once a person is diagnosed with this disease, he or she will spend the rest of their lives fully dependent on their families for their needs. The pressure and tension that is placed on families quickly becomes extemely difficult and overwhelming.

In trying to provide a better quality of life for their parent, families lose their own quality of life. Across America families are stuggling daily to balance their own lives, working, taking care of their own children while providing care for their parents as well. Never having their own quality time.

Families should have the choice and financial help if they choose to care for a parent at home. Policy makers need to look at this isuue and realize that more and more seniors are opting to remain at home and not be placed in a facility sometimes prematurely. Familie are realizing that they need financial assistance to provide care for their parents. In America, we should have the choice for our care. Policy makers need to address the issue that financially in-home care can be more cost effective when it comes to health care for seniors and families. Everyone deserves the best quality of care. Our parents are what made America strong. They have been our backbone. They have worked hard all their lives.
They do deserve that choice of remaining in the comfort and privacy of their own home. To be able to live in a dignified manner. To be able to age in place. But also to financially be able to alliviate the burden on their own children or spouse.

Senior Care- Activities Still Important For Dementia Care

Families caring for loved ones that have been diagnosed with Dementia still should be able to provide safe activities for their loved ones. The activites should be safe and provide meaning and a feeling of accomplishment for the individual. It helps maintain a healthy way of life. Just because your loved one may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia does not mean that they cannot participate in a stuctured activity. but remember, boredom or frustration can set in quickly, so spending long periods of time on a particular activity may not be a good idea. Mental stimulation is very important. It can help promote sef-esteem and a better sense of well-being. Activities like painting, board games, easy crafts, outings, gardening, memory stimulation, listening to favorite music, reminiscing and short walks all can help alliviate frustration and ease boredom for your loved one and yourself. Always make sure that your loved one is safe no matter what they are doing. Engage your loved one in the things that you do daily. Praise them for their effort or a job well done. Help them retain their dignity through this difficult time in their life. Let them help with folding of the laundry, meal planning, meal preparation, dusting furniture, washing or drying dishes. This allows you to keep your loved one on a schedule, which can help with behavior issues along the way. Most most of all it will allow you to spend quality time with your loved one and cut down on frustration.

Senior Care-When the Choice is a Nursing Facility

Sometimes, even though families may want to continue caring for their loved one at home, it may be necessary to place them in a nursing facility. Since this decision most of the time is made because of a crisis situation and not a planned effort here are helpful tips to help you in assessing the facilities that you visit. First, ask your doctor for a list of nursing facilities in the area of interest. Also talk to your neighbors and friends to see if they already have a loved one in a nursing home. Bring a list of question to ask. Take notes so that you can remember the differences. First call each facility. How was your phone call answered? Was the person kind and considerate? Did they take their time with you, or were you rushed? Schedule an appointment for each facility. Try to make the appointment toward the afternoon. The residents should by then be well into their day. You can tell by the way they look the quality of care they are receiving. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! Forget the pretty wallpaper and decor. Do the residents look well groomed? Do their clothes look clean? Is there any odor in the air. If there is an odor present, the staff is not taking proper care of the residents. It is not the housekeeping. As you walk through each facility, take notice and count the people that work there. They should all be wearing uniforms and name tags so you will be able to spot them easily.. Write it down on your list. Do the staff member look happy to be there? Are they sitting around or attending to residents? Do they look tired? This might clue you in if there is adequate staff provided. Do the residents look happy? Does the facility look warm and inviting, reminding you of a home like setting or a hospital? Use the bathroom. Is there an odor? Does it look clean? Are there paper towels, soap and toilet paper? Do you feel rushed by the representative showing you the facility? Can they answer your questions easily? Change from home to a nursing home will be a difficult thing for mom or dad. How will the nursing home help in the transition of your loved one to life in a nursing home. Make a note of the answer, since this is important. This may be your loved one's home. How a nursing home helps in the transition will tell you how they may care for your loved one's emotional well-being. All nursing homes have a basic charge. Basic charges only cover room and board. Ask what those charges are and what services are extra? What about special needs? What if mom or dad has Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia? Most nursing home charge more in these cases. So make sure you find out the cost. What about the cost of a private room, or semi-private? Are personal hygiene products provided or is this an added expense? What about payment sources. Always ask for an itemized list of ALL charges. How often is the facility inspected? Ask to see the inspection report, that is your right. Are they licensed? Is the administrator licensed? What is the policy of the facility in regards to using restraints? Are all the staff members background screened, trained and qualified? Is the staff respectful, warm and caring towards the residents? Are they warm and respectful towards you? Are they willing to answer your questions? Do they say hello as you pass by? Is there enough privacy for your loved one? Is it a home like setting and can mom or dad decorate their room with personal belongings? How do they ensure safety of your loved one's belongings? Changing a person's routine can make things more difficult. If mom or dad is used to a certain routine, can they keep that routine to ensure an easy transition? If mom or dad likes milk and cookies before bed, can they still have that? What about hygiene? How often will mom or dad be able to shower or bathe? Does your loved one have to go outside the facility for grooming ( haircuts or salon visits) or is there a hair salon on- site? Being well-groomed helps the self-confidence and well-being of your loved one. How often does a doctor make visits? Don't assume a doctor visits regularly. Will assistance be provided by the same caregiver daily, or does the facility rotate the caregivers. This can also be difficult for your loved one. How are emergencies handled? Will you be notified immediately? Does the nursing facility provide dental check-ups? How many assistance are there for each resident? How many are there at night? What is the policy of moving residents to new rooms? Will you be consulted? How do they provide continuous stimulus for their residents? What activities are offered? What does the nursing home do to improve the quality of care for their residents? When you narrow down your list, make a second unscheduled visit to the nursing facility at different times. Once in the morning and once in the evening. The staff in the day may be different than at night. You will be able to notice if any staff are there in the evening as well as daytime meaning they are working double shifts. This may mean that the facility is understaffed. Participate. Have lunch or dinner. This will allow you to sample the food. Talk to other residents. Ask how they like the facility. Ask the residents if they receive enough portions. And what about if they would like more food, can they have a second helping? What about snacks? Are they provided and when? Ask the residents if the activities provided by the facility meet their interest. Can you or your family visit at anytime or only during designated visiting hours? What about laundry? If the facility provides laundry service is there an extra charge? Do the clothes smell fresh and clean? Are they free from wrinkles and stains? Always TAKE YOUR TIME and observe. You have that right. You have the right to ask any and as many questions to put your mind at ease. You have the right to visit more than once before making a decision. Always think as you walk through each facility, would I want to live here? Is this comparable to my loved one's home atmosphere? Can they provide the care that my loved one may need? Remember, you are representing the interest of your mom or dad. How do you think they would feel about the facility? Is this the facility that mom or dad would have chosen if they would have planned ahead? This is a very difficult decision so choose wisely. This may be your loved one's home. If you need any support, guidance or information visit us at http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com we will be more than happy to help.

Senior Care- When Mom or Dad Needs Care

Families everyday are faced with the decision of care for their loved one. With the rising cost of care, many families take on the tremendous added responsibility of care provider. Supporting our parents to live independently can sometimes be extremely difficult. Families need to address the important issue of whether they can continue to support and care for mom or dad for as long as it may be necessary. This can be very emotional and difficult. Most people seem to think that Medicare pays for long term care. The fact is, it does not. After a hospital stay, Medicare covers skilled nursing, meaning a nurse, a speech and physical therapist under strict guidelines with orders from a physician until the condition improves. Skilled nursing is usually covered for 100 days. Medicare does not cover the cost of in-home care, like personal care, housekeeping or meal preparation. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE for any questions. After any illness, assistance in the home is very important in the recovery of any individual. When assistance is provided, the person recuperates better and quicker. Let us explore some options for living arrangements when it comes to our parents.

What is senior independent living? Senior independent living is a community setting of seniors living independently among their peers. They have to be healthy and capable of managing their own home or apartment as well as their personal needs. One can either rent or purchase. This can turn out to be expensive on a monthly basis. This is paid for privately. What is assisted living? Assisted living is a place where seniors that may need a little help with the AD L's (activities of daily living). They offer services packages to assist your loved one between 60 to 90 minutes per day with their care. their meals are prepared for them. This cost can range widely, and depending on service packages can be expensive and is often paid privately. Some long term care insurance may cover it. There may be limitations for people with dementia. Sometimes your loved one may have to share living space. What is a nursing home? A nursing home is a facility where aging adults reside because they no longer can manage their AD L's (activities of daily living) on their own. They may have no family to care for them, or families can no longer provide care for their loved one. You normally pay for nursing home costs privately until your assets run out. Long term care can cover these costs as well. But what happens when you run out of funds? The best thing families can do is to prepare ahead for mom or dad's care. Families need to prepare a care plan that will ensure that parents can be properly taken care of. This means opening the lines of communication with our parents about their wants and needs for their long term care. This is the most important thing that you can do. What is in-home care? In-home care can be an added benefit and extension of the care a family provides for their loved one. In-home care can also provide much needed relief for families who have taken on the responsibility of care provider. In-home care is when mom or dad make the choice to remain in their home safely with assistance. Personal Companion Aides come to the home and provides help with AD L's (activities of daily living) if necessary and with light housekeeping, personal care to meal preparation, shopping, errand, escort to doctors etc. There is an assessment made with the family regarding the care that mom or dad may need, and a plan in implemented. Weekly visits to the home and reported changes allow family members to be on top of their loved ones care. Constant communication with family members is very important. Since senior independent living communities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes as well as in-home care are all paid for privately, family member, when choosing the option for care for a loved one, should compare the cost of all four before making a decision. What is best for mom or dad? The transition to a nursing facility can be tremendously difficult for any individual. Continuing the family bond on a daily basis is extremely important to seniors. You can never be sure that just because your loved one is in an assisted living or nursing facility that their medical and personal needs are correctly taken care of. What about day to day companionship? With in-home care, your loved one receives one on one personalized attention. Howe many aides are there in an assisted living or nursing facility per resident. What amount of personalized attention will your loved one receive? This can have a great impact on their health and well-being. Reverse mortgages for seniors are available today if families choose to allow their loved ones to remain at home. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage at times can be a very good solution for seniors who prefer to remain in their homes but may need assistance with AD L's ( activities of daily living). It can also be used for other expenses. This is not a regular loan. It allows seniors to tap into the equity of their home for cash. The funds can be disbursed on a monthly basis or a whole lump sum. This is tax-free supplemental income for the senior. There are no monthly payments. The loan is re -payed at the time that the owner moves out or dies. Talk to your financial advisor or banker for any information. Seniors can also tap into their life insurance policy, for any supplemental income. When you are getting ready to make a decision for the care of your loved one, make sure it is the best decision for them as well as for your family. Make sure you are well informed about all of your options, choices and cost. If you or someone you know may need any information, support or guidance about in-home care services please visit us at http://www.heartsofgoldcare.com/. We will be more than happy to help.

Staying Healthy Means Staying Active and Social for Seniors

As we age, we have a tendency to slow down. As we age we need to increase our activities to be able to stay healthy and strong. This is very important in our retirement years. Simple stretches and mild exercise with permission from your physician can help you live a longer healthier life. Staying socially in touch with our peers is also very important. For seniors, there are numerous seniors centers in every town to help you stay social, make new friends, and have fun. Senior centers provide a great deal of planned activities for the aging adult. Being involved with your peers and activities can help alleviate depression. The cost to join is as little as ten dollars a year and can provide you with exercise programs that fit your pace, interesting speakers, bingo and other games and special outings. You can always enjoy a great lunch with the friends that you will meet. Once you become a member, you will receive a monthly calendar listing the different activities for each day that are offered at the center. To ease in, you can pick and choose according to the schedule things that are of interest to you. Start by going once a week. For a bingo game for example. Maybe you will enjoy it. You can win prizes as well. If you choose not to drive, or cannot drive you can arrange to carpool with one of your friends that happens to be a member and have them pick you up on the way. There is always a member there that may be going your way. There is always something of interest going on at the senior center. Families should strongly encourage their loved ones to participate and join. Maybe your loved one is reluctant to go on their own for the first time. To make it easier, take your mom or dad and visit a senior center in your area for a few hours to see what it's like. You can observe and take a tour. This may help them overcome any fear or anxiety they may have. Staying social is just as important to aging adults as staying physically healthy. It is extremely important to the emotional well-being of aging adults. When you feel better emotional, you stay healthier. Hearts of Gold Home Care participates at the Grayslake Senior Center in Grayslake, Il and at the Libertyville Senior Center in Libertyville, Il. Every second Tuesday of the month we are at the bingo game in Grayslake, Il. Stop by and say hello, we would love to see you there. Check out the pictures of the wonderful Christmas party we enjoyed with all the members at the Grayslake Senior Center this Christmas. The entertainment was wonderful. The dinner was delicious and every member received a goody bag with a gift. Barbara Medel who is in charge of the center did an excellent job at putting the whole event together. You can contact the Grayslake Senior Center at 847-543-1041 for more information. The Grayslake Senior Center is located in Grayslake at 50 Library Lane. Please stop in and say hello! If you or someone you know may be in need of assistance visit us at http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com/