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The Nursing Team

Bringing JOY to Home Care™

senior care

Top Questions to Ask A Home Care Agency

The Nursing Team ·

Inviting someone into your home to care for yourself or a loved one, whether they are visiting a house or an assisted living center, is a very big decision, so it’s important to ask the right questions when interviewing a home care agency. Use this as a helpful guide in your discussion.

1. How are you different than other home care agencies? They should be able to easily tell you clear, understandable unique points of differentiation that benefit you, the client and family.

Our answer? The Nursing Team has distinct advantages for our clients and their families. Our first and perhaps most important unique feature is that we can provide non-medical services (i.e. companionship, meal preparation and hygiene care) as well as medical care (ie, wound care, catheter insertions, ostomy care, medication administration). This is something you won’t find with most home care agencies. Secondly, we provide a Meaningful Match™ that ensures our client is thoughtfully paired with the best caregiver based on personality and interests. Thirdly, we like to say we are “family owned and lovingly operated” which we believe brings and extra layer of accountability and passion. And lastly, our corporate culture is one of JOY™, with a daily mission of transforming lives for the better.

2. Can you provide both non-medical and medical services? Just in case it doesn’t get covered when asking the first question, be sure to ask this specifically. You will be glad you did, even if your situation right now does not really call for any medical needs.

Our answer? (See answer to question #1.) Additionally, being able to access non-medical as well as medical care from the same agency will provide much needed consistency in caregiving, billing, communication and logistics, along with our focus on continuity of care. This means it will make the client’s caregiving experience (and the family-member’s handling of it) just a little bit less stressful since WE can coordinate the two services working together instead of the client needing to.

3. Caregivers: Tell me about your caregivers. Ask how they are screened, what their qualifications are and how long they have been with the agency. (Note: A short time with an agency isn’t a red flag, but longer tenure speaks volumes about the company itself.) Ask what happens if you (or your loved one) doesn’t get along with the caregiver provided. Ask if you will have the same caregiver every visit. And don’t forget to ask if your caregiver is certified. A certified caregiver can make a difference as your loved one moves from non-medical to medical care.

Our answer? The Nursing Team knows that our caregivers are our front line. We conduct thorough background checks, criminal record checks and medical screening. We truly care about our team members and that attitude works its way into the home of every client. Every decision we make is made in the best interest of the client.

4. How do you communicate with clients and family members? Communication protocols are an important part of the process, especially when one or more family members are involved and/or if the situation involves more high-level services. Be sure to understand how you will get updates and stay abreast of important information.

Our answer? The Nursing Team has a proven process that ensures family members will be made aware of daily activities, pertinent information and notable changes. We also have an efficient online system for communicating with our caregivers and documenting every visit. Our caregivers have access to a nurse 24/7 for any questions or concerns they might have during a visit. Working together is important to us.

5. What is your company culture…why are you in this business? We can’t emphasize this enough. While this is not a “check the box” kind of question, this will give you a good personal feel about the people who will be creating your care plan and overseeing the care for you and your loved one.

Our answer? The Nursing Team tagline “Life Changing Home Care” means that we want to beautifully transform the lives of our clients and their families. Our owners, Tom and Kathleen Chastain, both served as caregivers for their own mothers and value the beautiful gift of that experience. They both have a passion for easing the stress of caregiving for families while bringing JOY™ to the aging process and the caregiving journey for anyone they are privileged to serve.

6. Do you have experience in (insert specific concern here)? This may be a specific condition like Alzheimer’s, a specific physical challenge like wheelchair limitations or a challenging client personality. If it is something that concerns you, be upfront and be sure to ask about it.

Our answer? The Nursing Team is confident and prepared to handle any situation presented. Our caregivers have, literally, decades of experience spanning home care, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities. The caregivers—and owners — have dealt with dementia and conduct ongoing training to stay up-to-date on research and best practice care techniques. With each new client, we use our Meaningful Match™ process to assign a caregiver that will have the most success with the given situation.

7. Ask about cost and billing. How much does it cost? Can I auto pay or do you send a monthly invoice? How are the hours tracked? Is there a required minimum or a contract? Can I increase or decrease hours at any time or do you have a required notification. Be sure you are clear on what you are looking at since most home care situations are private pay and not covered by insurance.

Our answer? This is a huge finanical decision for families. We love to work with families to develop a care plan that makes sense for any sized budget. This can be a very stressful time and we’re here to help ease these concerns and answer all of your questions so the right decision can be made. Every situation is different, but we do not require long-term contracts.

8. Is there anything you DON’T do? Last but certainly not least. Be sure to ask this question as it’s just as important to know what an agency doesn’t do. And sometimes they may not specifically point that out.

Our answer? While The Nursing Team is a very comprehensive home care service, there are a few things we do not do. We do not provide hospice care. Instead, we prefer to work in tandem with hospice services and provide the consistency needed to the client. We consider it an honor to be with our clients until the last breath. We do not provide live-in home care but do provide 24/7 care. This just means that our clients will typically have two caregivers — one during the day and one at night.

In closing, we encourage clients and families to interview multiple home care agencies. This will make you feel more confident in your decision and will give you a good idea of the differences between your various options.

The Nursing Team would love to talk with you about how we can serve you and/or your loved one. Feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation to review your situation and to answer any other questions you may have.

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10 Holiday Traditions to Start With Grandparents

The Nursing Team ·

When we think of holiday traditions, we typically think of the immediate family….mom, dad and kids, but here are 10 holiday traditions to start with grandparents. Including grandparents in traditions, especially with their grandkids has a two-fold affect. First, it makes the grandparents feel special and valued during the holiday season — a time when many seniors are prone to depression. Secondly, it creates a special bond between generations that brings priceless benefits to both parties.

Here are 10 holiday traditions to start with grandparents. Now, it might take some adaptations depending on the age of the grandchildren and dexterity of the senior, but if you’re open-minded and flexible you can make it happen. Even if you don’t live in the same area, many of these things can be done separately and shared via Facetime or other apps.

Bake and decorate cookies together

It can be the entire baking process from scratch, or you can buy pre-made cookies from a bakery and just have fun decorating. Added bonus? Take pics and post them to family members to vote on the best decorated cookie. Have prizes for prettiest, ugliest and most creative! (COVID Modification: Do this via a Zoom or Google Meet connection or depending on where you live, you might be able to socially distance outside.)

Make your own wrapping paper together

Get a large roll of either white or kraft paper, some markers and make an afternoon of doodling, coloring and decorating as much as you want of the roll! Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Toddler scribbles next to Grandma’s beautiful handwritten Christmas messages creates a fun holiday memory — especially when you see it covering the boxes under the tree. (COVID Modification: Do this via a Zoom or Google Meet connection or depending on where you live, you might be able to socially distance outside.)

Drive and see lights together.

This is an easy one. And to make it more fun, take turns deciding what music to play in the car. (COVID Modification: Go for the drive, show any homebound elders the lights via Facetime or similar apps while having conversation and voting on your favorites.)

Surprise for Mom and Dad

How fun would it be to have an annual tradition between grandkids and grandparents to come up with some kind of gift or fun surprise for mom and dad. While mom and dad are working feverishly behind the scenes grandparents and grandkids could be bonding over plans to do something special. This teaches the children to NOT forget about mom and dad and helps the grandparents do something special for both their children AND grandchildren. Let your imagination fly! (COVID Modification: This could be done over the phone and would spark great conversation between the generations.)

Make a commemorative ornament

Again, this will be interesting when the kids are really little, but what great momentos to look back on years later. Get creative every year. Maybe take turns on who comes up with the idea each year. (I secretly wish I’d done this one.) (COVID Modification: Do this via a Zoom or Google Meet connection or depending on where you live, you might be able to socially distance outside.)

Take an annual photo

Of course, this one really does require being in the same area — and the same room, but it would be fun to have a photo of every Christmas with just grandparents and grandkids. An easy tradition that most people probably do already. Maybe you put a creative spin to it. Like doing some silly pose every year, or in different iconic locations. Or crazy outfits. (COVID Modification: Still take the photo, but put Grandma and Grandpa’s faces on tablets or computers in the photo. It’s certainly one way to remember this holiday season.)

Be philanthropic together.

This is a great way for the older generation to teach the younger generation about giving. Do something (age appropriate) every year, like find a local non-profit and you each donate money. Or go to lunch together and secretly pay for another table. Have fun choosing which table to pay for. “Adopt a family” at your local church and shop, wrap and deliver the gifts together. (COVID Modification: Similar to buying gifts for mom and dad, a simple phone call discussion various organizations or charities could suffice. Again… creates great conversation between the generations.)

Game night with grandparents!

This would be a fun tradition. Brew up some hot cocoa, make a buffet of holiday snacks and just have a fun night of Candyland with the young ones, a heated game of RISK with the teens or a die-hard battle of scrabble with the adult grandchildren. (COVID Modification: Take it online at Chess.com or online scrabble.)

Decorate grandparent’s home for the holidays

This one may be difficult with the younger ones, but if Grandma and Grandpa are still able to do most of the work, younger ones could still be included and gain more responsibility as they get older. What a beautiful transition this could be also for older grandchildren to help less-abled grandparents make their homes feel special for the season. The time spent together will be cherished by both parties over the years.

Record a holiday video message together

What an amazing keepsake this will be later in life. Imagine every year, grandparents sit with their grandkids and record what they’re grateful for, or have a conversation about the holiday season and what it means to each of them. (COVID Modification: Simply use the record mode on Zoom or other similar services and you have your keepsake!)

Hopefully these 10 holiday traditions to start with grandparents have sparked your creativity. We encourage you to keep your older family members involved this holiday season — as best as you can given the current COVID-19 situation.

The Nursing Team is a family owned and locally operated home care agency based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and serving the surrounding areas. If you need someone to take over some caregiving responsibilities during the holidays, so you can focus on the planning and inclusion of loved ones in activities, call us for a free consultation at 816.282.6998. We’d be happy to help you make their holiday memorable.

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/

The Importance of the Grandparent Connection

The Nursing Team ·

As we all get older we tend to reflect on how “things used to be” and how different life is for kids today. One of the big changes is the slow decrease in the grandparent connection. Up through the 60’s and 70’s grandparents played a significant part in the raising of families simply by just…being around. With dual-income, career driven professionals chasing opportunities with ease across the country — and the globe — that connection has been diminishing.

I grew up with grandparents that we saw once, maybe twice, a year and never really thought twice about it. My best friend had lots of relatives nearby; a grandma that treated me as her own grandchild; lots of cousins and family get togethers. It was just … different. It wasn’t until I became a mature adult that I truly realized how important the intergenerational connection is and the benefits that can come from that type of relationship. Here is my completely unofficial, not-backed-by-research take on why it’s important to have grandparents (or any senior) in your life—especially throughout childhood.

Grandparents are just NICE!

Grandparents are meant to spoil their grandkids. While parents have unconditional love, of course, grandparents have it ten-fold. Why wouldn’t you want to be around someone that hugs you and loves to see you and thinks you hung the moon? They ask about your life and want to play games, make cookies and tell stories. Grandparents have already raised their kids and are usually retired, so let’s be honest, they’re less stressed than most parents, which makes them fun to be around.

Being around grandparents creates an appreciation for elders.

If you’ve never been around someone different than you, you’ll find it harder to be comfortable around them when you’re older. For example, if you have never been around someone in a wheelchair, you may be uncomfortable or not know how to converse with them when you are. When kids grow up around grandparents, they gain a comfort level and respect for older generations. They can carry on a conversation with an adult. They understand where they came from and things they went through and experiences they had—because they’ve talked about it all.

Grandparents teach kids things and kids teach grandparents things.

Grandparents love to teach. Whether it’s working on the car, needlepoint, cooking, talking about history…they are a treasure trove of information and life experience. And way, way, way more interesting that sitting in a classroom. Kids learn from their grandparents ten times more than they realize. Likewise, the older generation learns from the kids too. Technology, current events, trends, social issues and even just getting them to do things they may think they’re too old for. It’s definitely a win-win relationship.

Kids appreciate history more and learn about their heritage.

There is this subconscious acknowledgement and appreciation for history when children grow up with a strong grandparent connection. For example, learning about WW2 was much more impactful knowing that your grandfather was part of it. Or hearing them talk about significant historical events that their own grandparents experienced. When you are around family you learn about your ancestry, roots, and that adds to your own self-identity and importance in the family tree.

A relationship with grandkids makes grandparent’s lives better and lowers depression.

Being around grandchildren can actually decrease depression in seniors. Simply the energy and vitality of being around someone young “rubs off” on others. It makes them feel loved and needed and happy.

It creates a “tribe” and teaches respect.

Children learn by watching. When grandparents are around, it’s one more layer of the family tribe to watch and learn from. They watch the relationships between grandmother and grandfather. They see the relationship between their own parents and grandparents. A lot of learning goes on from just watching and experiencing the relationships.

Obviously, not everyone’s family is a Norman Rockwell painting, but talking in generalities, the importance of the grandparent connection can have foundational significance on children throughout life. So if you don’t have grandparents nearby, maybe spend some time with an elderly neighbor or someone from church. You’ll be amazed at the benefits.

Connecting with grandparents during COVID

You may be thinking, “Um, hello? We’d love to connect with the grandparents, but we can’t during this pandemic.” We realize these are strange times, but keep communicating. Make phone calls. Face time if they have the technology to do so. Wave from the street. Have a socially distanced picnic. Try to keep connecting as seniors are more prone to feel isolated during this time. Just a phone call telling them you miss their hugs will make their day, week or month!

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