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The Blessing of Caregiving

The Nursing Team ·

What is “the blessing of caregiving?” The first thought of any normal, busy human would be that, as a caregiver, WE are the blessing to our recipient, whether he/she is a client, spouse, family member, neighbor or friend. But the true blessing… the one that often gets overlooked is the gift the caregiver receives in return.

See the Beauty in the Battle

This may not happen at the beginning of a caregiving journey, but eventually you will see the beauty in the battle. At The Nursing Team, we like to remind people that after every storm is a beautiful rainbow. After the spring rain, the grass is just a bit more green and flowers blossom. Adopting a mentality that something good always comes from something that at first seems overwhelming or dark is the first step in finding the blessing in this new role.

Realize We’re Born to Serve

Researchers have studied human nature since the beginning of time and there is evidence that we are literally born to serve. As parents we care for our children. The happiest professionals have a clear idea of how they are serving the end customer. We even get an endorphin lift when we do something as little as open the door for another or help someone with a minor task. We are wired to serve. It feels good — let the endorphins in! If you realize how much you mean to the person you are caring for, it should make you feel just as good.

Find the Opportunity

Look for the opportunities this situation presents. Is this the opportunity to give back to an amazing parent that was always there for you? Is this the opportunity to spend time with a neighbor that suddenly lost their spouse? Is this the opportunity to give to someone else wholeheartedly? Is this the opportunity to be completely selfless? What is the opportunity?

Consider it a Privilege

Perhaps the most important key in viewing your role as a caregiver a blessing is considering your role a privilege. You will take on a whole new understanding of the term “unconditional love.” Once you can put yourself in their shoes and give care with 100% compassion, you will see the beauty in every task. Every smile that comes to their face will leave one on yours.

Choose to Embrace Life

Whether your caregiving responsibility is ongoing or an end-of-life situation, it allows you to see and appreciate the gift of life — the gift of your ability to come and go as you please. It will make you slow down, have deeper conversations and appreciate the little things. It’s very easy to fall into negativity when burdened and stressed, but you can choose to fall down — or look up.

At the end of the day, the blessing of caregiving may be different for everyone. Most people you ask that have been caregivers for loved ones will say it was a blessing — even, or especially — if it involved caring until the last breath. Witnessing someone’s life coming to an end makes us question our own lives. What we do with the answers may be the biggest gift of all.

One of the best ways to allow yourself to see the blessing in caregiving is to alleviate the responsibilities that cause you the most stress, like medication management, daily hygiene, meal preparation, etc. This allows you to focus your attention on your loved one, spending more quality time together. The Nursing Team caregivers are ready to be your back up support. Learn more about our services at https://thenursingteam.com/home-care-services/

Taking Over Your Parents’ Finances: The Do’s and Don’ts

The Nursing Team ·

Taking over your parents’ finances is one of the most important responsibilities family caregivers can be faced with. And unless you’re a certified CPA, it can be overwhelming, too. While we all think of evil-minded phone solicitors being the culprit of senior financial issues, sometimes it is simply their own inability to maintain this task that derails their financial security. Keeping up with finances is a task that becomes easily daunting as we age. This includes paying bills, monitoring investments, monitoring spending and balances, paying taxes and even making sure we don’t fall prey to those solicitor scams. Most seniors have a nest egg that needs to last and/or a fixed income that needs to cover monthly expenses, so keeping finances in check is critical. Here are some tips to help you start navigating this new world.

DO start early.

The best time to have a conversation with parents about setting up a Power of Attorney is before it’s needed or before something happens that could be detrimental to their financial well-being. This way you’ll have a good understanding of the depth of financial management necessary and help them protect their nest egg.

DO get the proper authority.

Whether you start early or not, it’s important to get legal authority to handle their finances. Setting up someone you trust (usually a family member) as the fiduciary, or Power of Attorney, will give the assigned person legal access and accountability for the senior’s financial management. If your parent is no longer able to understand what he/she is signing then you’ll need to work with an attorney to gain guardianship or conservatorship. This can be much more time consuming and costly, which is why it’s good to have these conversations earlier in the aging process.

DO an audit of all accounts.

The first step would be to familiarize yourself with all of their financial dealings including investments, retirement accounts, savings, income, spending habits, subscriptions, recurring bills, outstanding loans, etc. Look through their checking or debit account to see where there might be auto-payments. Contact any financial planners or CPAs they work with to get recent statements and notify of the change. You may even check their credit report to make sure there are no red flags based on their social security number.

DO get organized.

Once you have everything gathered, it’s time to get organized! Set up a system that works for you and, if they are capable, keep your loved one in the loop on where they stand financially. Cancel expenses that are unnecessary, set up auto-pay where possible and set a regular time to sit and review monthly or quarterly finances.

DO seek professionals if necessary

While keeping track of a simple checking account may not seem too hard, you may want to seek professional advice on investments, retirement accounts and other areas of finances you’re not familiar with. In the end, it will be worth the expenditure to be sure you’re making their money go further and helping them use it to their benefit.

DO create a budget.

Once you’ve gotten advice and feel good about where things stand, it’s recommended to sit with them and create a budget which takes into consideration their lifestyle and possibilities for future care needs.

DON’T leave them out of the process.

Depending on your situation, and out of respect, it’s important to include them in the process as much as possible. Remind them you are doing this to ease their burden and worry. However, if you are dealing with Alzheimer’s/dementia, be sure you have the right authority to be making these important decisions on their behalf.

DON’T select people they don’t trust.

Whether it’s a certain family member or a professional, be sure to seek the advice and help of people they would trust. This is just a given.

DON’T fight over inheritance

Taking over your parents’ finances can sometimes ignite heated debates within the family. If you have siblings or close extended family, have a discussion together and agree keep your parents best interest in mind and not squabble over possible inheritance. Remember these are your loved ones and their money should be used for THEIR quality of life now, not yours later.

DON’T try and go it alone.

Seek help when you need it from other family members and trusted friends and professionals. Finances can get complicated so don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.

DON’T overwhelm them with details.

Again, depending on your situation, you may want to simplify your communication about financial dealings. If there are too many details they don’t understand it could cause unnecessary worry and anxiety.

DON’T keep them from enjoying their money.

If you are afraid they will “run out” then seek the guidance of a financial professional. They deserve to use the money they have saved and earned to live life to the fullest and treat themselves if possible.

At the end of the day, taking over your parents’ finances is an important responsibility. Our experience is that finances are typically a task the family would prefer to handle while letting a home care resource like The Nursing Team help with other lifestyle tasks including meal preparation, daily hygiene, medication management and more.

Don’t hesitate to call us if we can be of any assistance while navigating this transition, In the meantime, here are some additional links to help you along the way.

AARP has a great article HERE about this topic.
A simple explanation of Powers of Attorney are explained HERE.
Some guidance on creating a budget is HERE.

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Follow us on LinkedIn HERE!

Are you suspecting dementia?

The Nursing Team ·

It can be frustrating when our body doesn’t move like it used to as we age. Getting up from the couch may take a little more momentum, or it may take a few more minutes to straighten all the way up in the morning. And let’s not even talk about walking on gravel without shoes! That ship sailed years ago. But perhaps even more frustrating is when our mind doesn’t work like it used to.

Suspecting dementia is a valid concern for those experiencing memory loss and forgetfulness, or those with loved ones exhibiting similar behavior. Oftentimes, it can start out so slight that the only ones who can pick up the subtle cues are close family members.

First, let’s define what dementia is.
The dictionary describes it as “severe impairment or loss of intellectual capacity and personality integration, due to the loss of or damage to neurons in the brain.” Alz.org describes it as “a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.”

Signs of dementia:
• Short-term memory issues
• Keeping track of frequently used items like glasses, wallet, purse, etc.
• Everyday tasks seem more complex like paying bills, preparing meals, using a phone or remote
• Keeping track of appointments becomes confusing or overwhelming
• Getting lost while driving familiar routes, losing a sense of direction
• Difficulty remembering certain words
• A shift in personality
• Loss of interest in hobbies or social outings
• Repeating oneself

While this is a pretty good list of red flags, this doesn’t mean a diagnosis of dementia. These early signs can come in a variety of combinations and degrees. If you have been suspecting dementia — or that something neurological is going on with a loved one, here are the steps you can take:

  1. Have a difficult conversation
    While this can be hard to do, talking to your loved one about your concerns and encouraging them to see a doctor is the first line of defense and one of the most important steps in caring for a loved one. The earlier you can get medical tests done, the better chances you have of slowing the progression, if diagnosed. Offer to go with them for support and to help communicate with the doctor. Additionally, now is a good time, if you haven’t already, to discuss assigning a Medical Power of Attorney. This will allow the assigned person or family member access to medical information and enable them to discuss openly with any physicians on their behalf. Oftentimes, because it’s an uncomfortable conversation, this important decision is delayed until a time when it’s critical which makes it more complicated.
  2. Visit a general practitioner
    The first step when suspecting dementia is to visit a GP. Tell them your concerns and give examples of behavior that is concerning to you. In this situation, and depending on the loved one’s willingness to go, it’s good to be sure the GP is aware of why you are coming in beforehand so you can convey any pertinent information privately which will allow the physician to most effectively — and tactfully— conduct the evaluation. If deemed necessary, he/she can refer you to a neurologist for further testing.
  3. Visit a Neurologist
    An experienced neurologist will conduct more in-depth testing and determine if the concerning behavior is dementia or another cognitive problem. Your loved one will most likely complete a thorough series of memory and mental tests, a neurological exam, blood tests, and brain imaging tests.
  4. Treatment
    Treatment for dementia can consist of a wide range of things including:
    • Medications
    • Lifestyle changes to reduce frustration and confusion
    • Daily activity to engage the mind
    • Therapeutic approaches (occupational, art, music, pet, massage, aroma)
    • Watching video or looking at photos of family and loved ones
  5. Educate yourself and be patient
    One of the most important things is to educate yourself on how to provide loving support to a family member with dementia. A common practice, although difficult for some, is Validation Therapy. This means agreeing with the ideas of the dementia patient to reduce stress on them and encourage communication. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important.

If you are suspecting dementia, there ARE ways to slow the progress of this disease through diet, lifestyle, medication and even some research studies being conducted. The key is to catch it early and make changes. For current information on treatments for dementia, visit alz.org/ or dementia.org/

Dementia can progress quickly when big changes occur in the patient’s life—like moving out of their home. This is why it’s always beneficial to have dementia patients remain in the home as long as feasibly possible. If you have received a diagnosis and feel like home care will be needed, call The Nursing Team at 816-282-6998 for a complimentary consultation. We can create a customized care plan for your loved one that will make everyone in the family feel better about their care and safety.


Home Care vs. Home Health Care

The Nursing Team ·

When I first ventured into the role of caregiver with my own mother, I had a lot of questions. One of the first things I wanted to know more about was home care vs. home health care. In a nutshell, home care is any in-home assistance that is non-medical, while home health care is in-home care that requires a certified or licensed health care professional and is usually prescribed by a physician.

What are the difference in services?

Home Care can provide:
Companionship
Light Housekeeping
Transportation
Grocery Shopping and meal preparation
Financial management
Hygiene and dressing

Home Health Care can provide:
Health Monitoring
Medication Management
Injections
Wound Care
Pain Management
Physical/Occupational/Rehab Therapy
Skilled Nursing

Who needs home care or home health care?

It really could be anyone that needs assistance. Some examples of each are:
Home Care clients could be:
• New moms adjusting to life with baby
• Someone recuperating from hospital stay but needs basic assistance with daily activities
• Wheelchair bound clients that needs assistance with tasks and daily activities
• Seniors who need companionship, help with tasks and daily activities
Home Health Care clients could be:
• New moms with special needs child that requires continued medical attention
• Post-Operative recovery patients needing ongoing rehabilitation or therapy
• Seniors with medical needs such as medications, wound care, injections, etc

Are they both covered by insurance?

Home Care is typically NOT covered by private health insurance or medicare. It is almost always a private pay service. The only exception would be if the client has long-term care insurance and it is covered in the policy. However, Medicaid will pay in some instances and all states have different waivers and income qualifications. For more information visit https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/in-home-care/
Most Home Health Care should be covered by insurance when prescribed by a physician. However, an important aspect to keep in mind is that many times the insurance/Medicare/Medicaid will only cover a certain amount of time or visits. (ie. For wound care, the patient may need a week of care, but insurance only covers three visits for that week. After three visits, you’ll need to supplement with private pay.) So it’s good to find home care providers that also have health care services and licensed health care professionals to help with those needs.  

Is there a contract or time commitment required?

For either home care or home health care services, you’ll want to look for a service that does not lock you into a contract of time. Some caregiving will have a short window of time needed, such as post-operative recovery help. When the client is “back on their feet” the service may no longer be needed. Other situations may require ongoing help, like aging parents that want to stay in their home and will progressively need more assistance and care. Most home care agencies will require a minimum time of a few hours, but usually it’s a longer period of time.

Home Care or Home Health professionals may visit the home for a couple hours or all day, depending on the care plan that is created for the client based on the amount of assistance needed. Every home care or home health care plan/schedule is different. It should cater to the client’s schedule and needs.

What are other benefits of home care or home health care?

It relieves stress from family members.
Oftentimes, caregiving falls to the immediate family, which can cause an extraordinary amount of added stress, especially if they have other responsibilities and/or are uncomfortable with certain aspects of caregiving. (hygiene, medical, etc) Knowing a professional is taking care of a loved one’s physical and medical needs allows family members to focus on fewer specific tasks (ie, handling finances or grocery shopping).

It’s safer.
Hiring medical professionals for any medically related care is not just wise, but reassuring. From simple medication management to more complicated procedures like wound care and catheter insertions, having a trained and licensed professional handling these tasks lets your loved one have the best care possible.

It promotes healthier aging.
The best way to help aging seniors maintain the most optimum physical, mental and emotional health is by allowing them to “age in place.” In other words, stay in their home as long as possible. Enlisting home care or home health care services will enable aging seniors to remain in their homes and continue living a fairly independent life without the major emotional disruption of moving. Additionally, starting a caregiving service early on, with simpler tasks such as light housekeeping or grocery shopping, will help seniors to adapt to the idea of having “help.” Many times with aging seniors, the greater the need of the client, the greater their resistance to accept help. (Here is some more helpful information about Aging In Place: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home)


One Final Tip

When learning about home care vs home health care, interview potential care giving services and ask lots of questions. They will become your extended family so it’s important that you have a good feeling about whoever is helping to care for you or your loved ones. Many times the situation will call for a combination of home care AND home health care, so be sure to talk that over with any caregiving services so you have a clear picture of what the process will look like.

The Nursing Team is dedicated to transforming the lives of our clients and their families by providing extraordinary home care services. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to set up an initial free consultation.

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