The Demographic Divide & Senior Living

grandfather and childIn the past half century, the world population has experienced a demographic transition where people are living longer than ever before. There is now a demographic divide where the elderly population is reaching heights that society has never seen. In the United States, the average life expectancy is estimated at 78 years old, an increase of almost 10 years since 1990. Although people are living longer, that is not to say that the quality of life for all senior adults has improved correspondingly. However, with the help of Home Care Assistance, seniors in Albuquerque are able to maintain a high quality of life while remaining in the comfort of their own home.

At Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque, we are committed to helping seniors live a happy, healthy life during their elder years by encouraging a balanced diet, physical exercise and mental activity for all our senior clients. Through our proprietary, research-based approach to senior care known as the Balanced Care Method™, our caregivers help elderly individuals attain balance, moderation and variation. This approach to care promotes a sense of purpose, enhances overall wellbeing and helps to reduce the risk of illness. With a Home Care Assistance caregiver by your loved one’s side, you can rest assured knowing they are safe and receiving the high quality care and assistance they need and deserve.

If your aging parent or loved one is needs help with their daily tasks, maintaining a balanced lifestyle or specialty elder care for a chronic illness, contact Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque. Our Care Managers are available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and are happy to answer any of your questions or address your concerns. We do not require long-term contracts and your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Call 505-798-0800 and schedule your free in-home consultation today.

Explore Your Options For Albuquerque Senior Care

Senior lady and her granddaughterAre you assisting an aging parent or loved one with their daily tasks? Are you struggling to provide specialty care for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Thousands of family members in North America currently provide care for an elderly loved one who is no longer able to take care of themselves due to frailty, immobility, memory loss or an advanced illness.

Family members often step up and demonstrate unbelievable strength, courage and passion when they find themselves in a caregiving role. At Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque, we understand that caring for an elderly adult can be stressful and full of daily challenges. If you are an overwhelmed family caregiver, there are a variety of respite care options available to help lessen the burden of your caregiving responsibilities. Here are the top three Albuquerque senior care options:

Nursing homes. Nursing aides and skilled nurses are available twenty four hours a day and are able to provide medical care at a nursing home. Additional assistance with daily activities and personal care is also available. The cost of nursing homes varies depending on the type of facility and the level of care required. Genworths Cost of Care study shows Albuquerque nursing homes avg $4,400 – $8,221. Per month.

Assisted living facilities. Assisted living facilities are similar to nursing facilities but are designed for seniors who do not need full-time medical care. Seniors receive help with cooking meals, getting to the bathroom and transportation to appointments. Costs are based on the services required and the total agreed amount stated in the contract including room and board, which is either a shared or private room. Genworth’s Cost of Care study shows assisted living facilities in Albuquerque averaged $3,500 – $5,125 per month.

At-home care. Care provided at home is the overwhelming preference of seniors. With home care, seniors receive the assistance they need on a flexible schedule. An expert caregiver is available on an hourly or full-time basis to help with daily tasks, personal care, medication reminders and transportation. Caregivers provide personalized, one-on-one care and offer companionship. Care is usually billed at a per hour rate, without the need for long-term contracts. Genworth’s cost of Care study reports Albuquerque home care to cost $2,000 – $8250 per month.

Home Care Assistance is the leading provider of live-in home care in Albuquerque. Recognized for the high caliber of our caregivers, premier home care services and tailored home care plans, we are highly recommended by professionals in the medical community. The flexibility of our care plans provides respite for family caregivers, offering assistance whenever necessary. With Home Care Assistance in Albuquerque, seniors receive help with meal preparation, cleaning, bathing, dressing, transportation and more. Specialty care for seniors with an advanced illness such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s is also available. To learn more about how home care can enhance the life of your elderly parent or loved one, contact a Care Manager today at 505-798-0800 and schedule a free in-home consultation.

Why Choose Home Care Assistance in Albuquerque

GettyImages_98537707_fullBGAn overwhelming majority of senior adults prefer to remain at home as they age, surrounded by their personal belongings, family and friends. Unfortunately, physical limitations and advanced conditions often make living at home unsafe for a senior. If you have an elderly parent or loved one who does not want to leave their home but is unable to take care of them-self, consider assistance from an Albuquerque home care agency.

In-home care provided by a reputable agency enables seniors to receive the care they need and deserve without leaving the comforts of home. Unlike nursing homes or assisted living facilities, home care is available on a flexible schedule that is decided by the care recipient and their family. The cost of home care typically coincides with the amount of care provided, while senior facilities charge a flat rate that is stated in a contract.

Home care also provides seniors with personalized one-on-one care and assistance with a range of daily tasks. Caregivers help with cooking meals, light housekeeping and cleaning, as well as personal care such as bathing, dressing or grooming. Seniors who suffer from immobility can also receive assistance with movement around the home or to and from the bed or wheelchair.

Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of in-home care in Albuquerque. Our caregivers are among some of the best in the industry, demonstrating a genuine passion for caring for elderly adults. In addition to assisting with daily tasks and mobility, they are highly trained in specialty care, able to help manage the symptoms and challenges associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer. Specialty post-hospital care following a stroke or injury is also available for comfortable and safe recovery at home.

Gain peace of mind knowing your elderly parent or loved one is in caring and professional hands and contact Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque today. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide or would like to schedule a free in-home consultation, call 505-798-0800.

Financing Alzheimer’s Care in Albuquerque

alzheimersAn Alzheimer’s diagnosis is difficult for an elderly patient as well as their family. If you provide care for an aging parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s, the daily responsibilities may eventually become too difficult to handle both physically and emotionally. For caregivers who feel overwhelmed by their care responsibilities, it may be in their best interest, as well as the best interest of their loved one, to seek professional assistance from a certified Albuquerque Alzheimer’s care provider.

Many families feel they cannot afford professional help and take the burden of providing care for their loved one upon themselves. However, there are many options available to help finance senior care including long-term care insurance, Medicaid and veterans assistance. With the proper research, families can learn more about the programs designed to help finance care for seniors with Alzheimer’s.

Home care in Albuquerque is often the preferred method of care for Alzheimer’s patients. With home care, seniors receive help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing and medication reminders from the comfort of their own home. Caregivers also provide elderly Alzheimer’s patients with companionship to enhance their mood and reduce depression. Careful supervision on behalf of the caregivers helps to decrease the risk of wandering and falls. In addition, because most Alzheimer’s patients become scared or anxious in new environments, a consistent in-home caregiver is the ideal care solution, providing the patient with stability and familiarity.

Home Care Assistance is the trusted provider of home health care in Albuquerque, specializing in Alzheimer’s care. Our advanced Alzheimer’s care services include all of the above, as well as memory care to support existing cognitive ability. All Home Care Assistance caregivers have previous experience in caring for seniors and are professionally trained in specialty Alzheimer’s care. Their expertise helps ensure the safety of your elderly loved one, while allowing them to remain in the comfort of home.

Home Care Assistance also works with long-term insurance providers. We handle all long-term insurance paperwork and provide required updates on a weekly basis for faster reimbursement to our clients. Long-term care insurance coverage varies widely depending on provider and policy and is different for each patient. Contact a Client Care Manager at 505-798-0800 to schedule a free in-home assessment today.

3 Tips to Help Your Elderly Loved One Move

Albuquerque Senior Care

 

An estimated 1.5 million Americans over the age of 65 will be moving this year.  Whether your parents are moving into a retirement community, an Albuquerque elder care facility or are downsizing to a home that is more appropriate for their lifestyle, moving is stressful for seniors, as well as their families. In addition, many seniors find leaving their home emotionally difficult, not wanting to leave familiar and comfortable surroundings.

Home Care Assistance, a trusted Albuquerque home health care provider, offers a few tips to help make for a successful and smooth move for seniors.

  1. Prepare for the move.  The first step in helping your elderly loved one is preparing and planning for the move. This involves deciding when and how you are going to pack all of your loved one’s belongings and if storage units are going to be required.  Try to set deadlines to ensure the move stays on schedule.
  2. Communicate with your loved one.  Before you begin packing up items and throwing things out, discuss the move with your loved one.  Try to stay organized and help them sort the items that they want to keep and the items that need to be donated or discarded.  If they are having trouble making decisions, try to be as understanding as possible as it is an emotional and difficult time.
  3. Hire outside assistance.  Moving can be time consuming and exhausting.  Ask friends and family for help or consider hiring professional movers.  There are many companies who specialize in moving senior adults and help make the overall experience easier and more enjoyable.

If your loved one insists on staying at home but requires professional help, consider Home Care Assistance Albuquerque.  Our care services enable seniors to remain within the comfort of home while providing them with the professional care and assistance they need.  Our compassionate caregivers help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life by assisting with cooking, cleaning, light housekeeping, personal care, and more.  Transportation for medical appointments and errands is also available.

For more information about our flexible hourly or live-in care plans, contact an Albuquerque Home Care Manager today at 505-798-0800.

Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Senior Stress

Recognizing Senior StressThe senior population continues to grow and is larger than ever before.  Albuquerque elder care professionals estimate that there are currently 36 million seniors aged 65 and older living in the United States.  While an increase in the average life expectancy for Americans is a positive change, there are many stressors that accompany old age.  Seniors often struggle with financial difficulties, rising medical costs and declines in health.

Although many individuals suffer from some form of stress at some point in their lives, seniors are often not as physically and mentally capable of handling stress.  As a result, seniors may experience physical side effects including increased blood pressure and elevated heart rates, as well as emotional side effects that range from feelings of anxiousness and irritability to depression and anger.

Some common warning signs of being stressed include lack of energy, an inability to make decisions, constantly feeling on edge, a drastic change in eating habits and sleeping more than usual or difficulty getting to sleep.  For seniors who feel overwhelmed and experience any of the previous symptoms, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible.  A doctor will diagnosis the problem and will be able to suggest any plans of action such as assistance from an Albuquerque home care agency.

At Home Care Assistance Albuquerque, we provide compassionate care and assistance to seniors within the comfort of their own home.  Home caregivers take on activities the senior finds difficult, allowing them to relax and spend more time doing things they enjoy, as well as more time to spend with children and grandchildren.  Professional Albuquerque caregivers can also help provide medication reminders and transportation to medical appointments to help ensure overall health and wellbeing.

If you or your loved one is experiencing feelings of stress due to aging, contact one of our Care Managers today at 505-798-0800 and schedule a free in-home consultation.

8 Things to Pack for an Unexpected Trip to Emergency Room

Seniors experience an increased risk for sudden falls, injuries and accidents with age.  As a result, the need for a trip to the emergency room increases as well and is often a frightening and stressful experience for a senior.  For concerned family caregivers, the last thing on your mind in case of an emergency is what to pack.  Home Care Assistance in Albuquerque recommends having a small travel bag packed with copies of important medical documents and items to help minimize the stress with an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

Albuquerque senior care provided by Home Care Assistance offers family members a list of items to pack and bring to the emergency room to make sure your elderly loved one has all the necessary documents for care and is as comfortable as possible.

  1. Description of Current Medical Treatments
  2. List of Current Medications
  3. List of Allergies
  4. Doctors and Specialists Names and Numbers
  5. Photo Identification
  6. Insurance Cards and Information
  7. Emergency Contacts
  8. Comfort Items

At the emergency room, you may encounter long wait times in a noisy, uncomfortable environment.  In addition, you will likely be asked to answer the same medical questions about your loved one repeatedly.  Being well-prepared in this situation is necessary to providing comfort and peace of mind to your elderly loved one. 

Additionally, by providing emergency personnel with accurate information about the current health and medical treatments of your loved one, you ensure they receive the best care possible.  Family members who are prepared help lessen feelings of worry and anxiety.

If you loved one requires hospitalization after a trip to the emergency room and you are unable to stay with them, a personal caregiver offers the ideal solution.  Home Care Assistance caregivers provide hospital care in Albuquerque that includes personalized bedside care to provide comfort and companionship for seniors.  If hospitalization results in the need for additional care at home, our care services also include post-hospital care for recovering seniors.  We take on our senior client’s activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning and light housekeeping, and help with personal care, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery.

For more information about our specialty Albuquerque home care plans, call us at 505-798-0800 and speak with a Care Manager today.

Albuquerque Home Care Provides Personalized Assistance

As people age, they tend to encounter problems with their health that can range anywhere from minimal disability to life-threatening disease.  When it comes to your loved ones, no matter what the situation, you want to be able to adequately address their health concerns.  However, you may not be able to provide the necessary assistance for your senior loved one. Albuquerque home care offers the ideal solution for families to ensure their loved one still receives the level of care they deserve, regardless of their health problems.

For families whose loved one is suffering from a condition such as Diabetes, making the decision for their care can be an overwhelming process. Often times, the main problem or illness is accompanied with other complications you may not have previously considered or know how to manage.

Type II Diabetes is an example of a disease where the risk increases with age and is accompanied by a slew of negative effects.  Factors such as nerve damage, poor circulation and vision complications can come into play when diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.  In these situations, it is best to consult a professional with the proper knowledge to give your loved one the best possible care. Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque can tailor a program that will meet your loved ones specific care needs.  If there are certain known issues such as those that accompany Type II Diabetes, our Albuquerque elder care professionals will be sure to adequately address them.  Along with medication reminders, our caregivers provide assistance with daily activities such as light housekeeping, dressing, personal grooming and transportation. Our caregivers also provide companionship and offer the highest quality and most reliable care to their clients.

Home Care Assistance is the leading provider of non-medical, in-home senior care in Albuquerque.  You can rest assured that no matter what obstacles your loved one is facing, we will use our expert knowledge to provide the best care possible.

Albuquerque Home Care Improves Senior Safety and Comfort

For your elderly loved one, daily activities such as bathing or getting dressed may be unsafe to attempt without assistance.  Many older adults in the United States have trouble getting in or out of a bathtub or shower stall and accidents can occur frequently.  Studies show that for older adults, losing the ability to bathe independently can also be associated with falling and fracturing bones.  The ability to prevent an accident before it occurs can help ensure your loved one’s overall well-being.

Albuquerque home care professionals understand the importance of safety in the home for seniors. Here are some was to help prevent accidents while bathing:

  • Use a bathtub rail while entering or exiting the bathtub or shower stall.  The rail can be installed at a custom height with a grip that suits the user’s personal needs.
  • Purchase a bench or chair that that will make getting into the tub easier.  Chairs that have back rests can also help with back support once in the bathtub.
  • Install non-slip bath mats inside the bathtub as well as outside surrounding areas.  Minimizing slippery surfaces can help prevent falls.
  • Plan plenty of time for a bath or shower.  Rushing can only increase the risk of falling.

Implementing these simple suggestions can help your loved one stay safe when using the shower or bathtub.  Independence in these situations can help them maintain a quality standard of living.  While we applaud your elderly loved one if they are able to complete tasks like bathing independently, it is never a bad idea to have someone available in case of an accident.  Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque offers hourly in-home care to assist seniors with their daily activities such as bathing, getting dressed and personal care.

For cases where twenty four hour support and care are necessary, Home Care Assistance is the leading provider of live-in care. Our Albuquerque caregivers can help with variety of household chores from laundry to grocery shopping, allowing your loved one to remain at ease.

Providing your senior loved one with the necessary tools to prevent injury, becomes more important as they age.  If your loved one needs non-medical assistance and companionship, our dedicated caregivers can provide services to help improve their quality of life.

In-Home Care 101

As we growing older, it is important to consider your post retirement options of living. You’ve heard of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, but neither option sounds attractive to you. So what can you do? Is there another option?

Home Care Assistance in Albuquerque offers a viable solution to your worries. Senior home care programs have quickly been developing over the past several years. In home care allows seniors to age in the comfort of their own homes, while receiving necessary assistance with activities of daily living.

Home Care Assistance understands that as we grow older, maintaining a home, remembering appointments and medications, personal hygiene and living a healthy lifestyle becomes difficult. Our professional caregivers aid older adults in everyday tasks such as bathing and grooming, housekeeping, transportation services, medication reminders, companionship and so much more. The senior care services range from hourly to live-in care, depending on the level of care needed.

Some seniors only require assistance with transportation to and from appointments or errands. Others require assistance during the night or on weekends, while some with more severe conditions require around the clock assistance. We tailor our in home care to meet the needs of the individual client.

As retirement and old age approaches, you may want to make plans for your future situation. In home care offers seniors support and daily assistance in the comfort of home. Our clients and their families can rest assured they are always taken care of. Our staff is on call and available at any time to offer our services. Call 505-798-0800 now if you are ready to move toward a higher standard of senior living.