Denver Catholic

SENIORS I 11 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I JULY 31, 2013 Home care can aid quality of life BY LISA M. PETSCHE up mail, taking out garbage and assisting with pets. Companionship – Taking the client for a walk, taking them out on errands, accompanying them to medical appointments, escorting them on leisure outings (for example, to a concert) and engaging them in leisure activities at home for stimulation and enjoyment (for example, playing board games). Transportation for outings may or may not be provided by the caregiver. In the latter case, the caregiver can make appropriate arrangements. Specialized Services – For situations that require expertise beyond the clinical scope of a nursing assistant, registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can be arranged as appropriate to coordinate complex needs, manage medications and assist with injections, tube feeding, wound care and other needs requiring skilled assessment and treatment. Home health care agencies may have specialized programs addressing particular needs or diagnoses, such as diabetes care, respiratory care and palliative (end of life) care. Specially trained caregivers work closely with clinical nurses, not only preventing problems as much as possible, but also identifying symptoms of potential concern before a crisis develops. Early identification and treatment of complications reduces the need for oftentimes traumatic trips to the hospital emergency department. This helps to maximize the quality of life of both the care receiver and caregiver, which is ultimately the goal when seeking professional support. Agency nursing services are available on an hourly basis (a minimum number of hours per visit may be required) or a shift basis. Help can be provided around the clock, as when a family caregiver is temporarily unavailable or at the end of life when a person with significant care needs wishes to die at home. The financial cost of home care is often a concern for caregivers and care receivers. However, publicly subsidized programs, employer benefits, veterans' benefits, long-term care insurance and other resources may fully or partially cover the cost of needed services. Many home health care agencies assist with investigating options. Caregivers may also wish to explore whether other family members are able and willing to contribute to the cost of hiring help. Family members may take on a variety of responsibilities to keep a chronically ill, disabled or aging relative at home. But despite their best efforts, there may come a time when outside help is advisable, if not imperative. Many circumstances can precipitate the need for home care on a short-term or long-term basis. For instance, the care receiver may need extra help while recovering from a serious illness, injury or surgery, or they may have a progressive medical condition that gradually erodes their independence. Conversely, it may be the caregiver who becomes acutely ill or has an accident or surgery and requires a period of convalescence. Caregivers may also find themselves "burning out"—experiencing significant psychological distress or physical ailments—due to the ongoing demands involved in their role, especially if they are trying to do everything alone and overlooking their own needs. When lay people hear the term "home nmentscare," assistance with personal care activr Forceities readily comes to mind. What some rquette,don't realize is that home health care Alaska,agencies provide many types of medical Misawaand non-medical nursing support. Read AFB inon to learn about the variety of services n Texas,that typically are available. ppines, Personal Care – Assisting with hygiene ifornia,and grooming activities, including mouth Mexico,care, nail and hair care, bathing, dressing, Langleyshaving and applying moisturizer and lis AFB,cosmetics. Other types of help include allationgiving medication reminders, checking of thevital signs and weight and encouraging activity and rest as appropriate. stances Toileting – Assisting the client to the eer, hebathroom or onto a bedside commode, r. assisting with the use of a urinal or bedon thepan, providing incontinence care and fter as-emptying a catheter or colostomy bag. men in Nutrition – Preparing appropriate . types and textures of meals and snacks, moraleassisting with feeding, monitoring nutrirefresh-tional intake and encouraging or limiting piritualfluids as per physician recommendations. police- Mobility – Assisting with walking or transferring between bed and chair, rey in thepositioning someone confined to bed d at 14and assisting with home exercises receturnedommended by a physical therapist or cese tophysician. pro tem Home Support Services – Assisting Mary inwith routine household chores such as making the bed, changing linens, doing contin-laundry, maintaining kitchen and bathLisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a , whereroom cleanliness, washing dishes, dusting freelance writer specializing in family life nce hisand vacuuming, watering plants, picking and elder care. which dio-vidies that inutes. ve time ked. ker, Fazest for everyespond ng how nd how Cathoxaggerthe opnistry at 03-715den.org; ster See why Lakeview stands out. Lakeview Senior Living is an affordable luxury independent community with care options. • Locallyownedandoperated • Longevityofmanagement team and staff • Newestcommunityin Lakewood • Exceptionaldiningprogram Our residents are our best referral sources! Actual Spectrum Residents $1,000 Off Second month's rent* *Must sign by 8/31/13 303-872-7538 7390 West Eastman Place Lakewood, CO 80227 LakeviewSeniorLiving.com A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Independent Retirement Living with Care Options LV Cath Register 7 17 31 13 We Share Your Faith. Back row: Dan Davis, Deacon Sam Lopez, Jessica Polak, Jason Faris, Michael Wellensiek, Christine Sandoval, Anthony Spano and Kevin Kassner Seated: Carleen Johnson-Garcia, Casey Coghlan, Troy Ruda, John Horan, Valerie Horan and Kerreen O'Connor. Not pictured: Ron Chamberlain, Mona Lisa and Mariah Schafer, Marisa Casillas, John Pavlakovich, Dan Monchunski, Paul Dwyer, Chace Griffin, and Dena Winters. Convenience and excellence - when it matters most. Catholic Owned Pre-planning Services Seven Metro Area Locations Serving All Catholic Cemeteries HoranCares.com/Catholic Call Today 303.743.8804 Colorado's Most Preferred Family-Owned Funeral Service, Crematories and Cremation Gardens.

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