Parkinson’s Disease Knows No Barriers
Oct 14th
It is impossible (as of today) to predict who will get Parkinson’s disease. Medical researchers still do not fully understand the causes of Parkinson’s. A combination of health factors both genetic and environmental may be the culprits. Men and women can be afflicted with Parkinson’s. The disease seems to know no social or geographic boundaries. Research results regarding whether certain ethnic groups or regions of the world are more susceptible to Parkinson’s disease are difficult to interpret in light of regional and ethnic variations in access to health care, perceptions of illness, and mortality. At this time it seems all people have the same chances of falling victim to Parkinson’s disease.
Even age does not seem to be a good enough indicator as there is a wide variation. In very few cases, Parkinson’s has developed in individuals before the age of 20 and others not until after age 90. Many people over the age of 50 are most often afflicted by Parkinson’s. The average age of onset is 60. As physicians become more adapt at watching for and distinguishing signs of Parkinson’s disease, more cases of “early-onset” are being discovered. Most “early onset” is estimated to develop between the ages of 30 and 50 with an estimated 5 to 10 percent of known patients under the age of 40.
Signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be attributed to other causes such as aging, exhaustion, stress, progressive supranuclear palsy, and the use of certain drugs. Since many other diseases have similar features, diagnosing the disease can be difficult. Neurological examination and sometimes brain scans can aide in making a precise diagnosis. Consult your neurologist for a neuropsychological consultation if you suspect certain signs of those related to Parkinson’s.
Home Health Care Defined
Oct 14th
Home health care and home care represent services that promote health, provide assistants with essential daily living, or offer medical advice. These services are usually provided by professional health care personnel. The skills and responsibilities of home care personnel vary, but all have one thing in common – making it possible for care recipients to remain safe at home, in an environment that provides them with independence, familiarity, and comfort. Home care recipients include the disabled, mentally disabled, ill, and elderly. Home health care providers include:
Homemakers – provide personal services such as toileting, dressing, and bathing.
Companions – provide essential skills such as making meals, light cleaning, transportation, as well as mental stimulation.
Registered Nurses – provide skilled medical care, including monitoring vital signs, dressing wounds, and teaching family caregivers how to use complicated equipment.
Caregivers – can be professional aids or family members who provide much of the same services as homemakers and companions.
Therapists – provide rehabilitation care to restore or maintain speech, motor, and cognitive skills.
Home Health Care Guidance
When considering whether home care is right for you or your loved one, there are several things you need to consider and know before making your choice.
- Are there any objections to home health care? There are many care recipients who object to the idea of home care. If you encounter opposition try to understand what issues may be the cause of the refusal. It is important for all involved to understand and be comfortable with the idea of letting someone else take on the tasks you’ve been doing yourself.
- Define your needs. What will be the home care provider’s tasks? Answering this question will tell you what type of home health care personnel you need.
- Find out what monetary assistance you may qualify for. When all parties agree and you understand the type of care needed, the next question is how much will the care cost and if the cost is covered by insurance and/or government programs. Review your insurance benefits and look into state funded programs. The sad truth is that most home care costs will have to be paid by you so make sure you can afford the services.
Choose the Right Home Health Care Agency
Oct 13th
Home health care agencies are a valuable resource of respite care, assistance, and knowledge. Home care is designed to meet various needs. Since home health care is a service that ranges from professional medical assistance to personal aide, not all home care agencies offer the same services. Once you have a good understanding of your needs, it’s time to start searching for a home care agency that meets all the services you require. Below is a list of questions you can ask home health care agencies as you determine which one is right for you.
Questions to Ask Home Care Agencies
- How long has the home care agency serviced your community?
- Are caregiver references available?
- Does the home care agency perform background checks on their caregivers?
- Does the home care agency provide an assessment or consultation to determine if home health care is appropriate for the care recipient?
- Do you have the flexibility to change caregivers if there is a lack of compatibility or if the care recipient’s health care needs change?
- How does the home care agency choose their caregivers?
- Does the home care agency meet all of your caregiving needs?
- Can you receive literature explaining the home care agency’s services, fees, and conditions?
- Will the home care agency include the care recipient and family when developing a care plan?
- Can the home care agency offer help to coordinate and assist the family by filling in around job schedules, travel plans, or other responsibilities?
- Can the home care agency ensure recipient confidentiality?
- Does the home care agency offer payment plan options?
- What resources does the agency provide to help you get financial assistance, if needed?
- How does the home care agency staff respond to your first (and second) call?
- What is the home care agency’s procedure for resolving complaints?
- How soon can you receive home health care services?
- What are the responsibilities and procedures of the emergency home care agency and caregiver in case of an emergency?
When you have found a home health care agency that is reliable and suits your needs, be sure to monitor the care provided. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have regarding the care you are receiving.
If you have any questions regarding home health care, contact A Better Living Home Care. We have a caring staff and qualified caregivers who are ready to assist you with your needs.