Archive for September 2021

The elderly are a rapidly growing population group and families don’t always have the time and resources to cater to their needs. This has required improvement in both medical and non-medical care. Here will be described and discussed how we can improve the patient care of the elderly in a non-clinical context.

This refers to all aspects of care that are not done by a physician or other health practitioner. The focus is on the patient’s social, physical and psychological needs. It is important for this type of care to be as effective as possible because it can help improve the quality of life for those who need it most. In this blog we will discuss how you can improve non-medical care of your senior relatives or clients by providing some ideas on how you can do so effectively.

How can we improve the quality of patient care?

Elderly patient care has become increasingly demanding, especially during the last couple of decades. The major contributing factor has been the growth of the population above 65 and changing medical policies. Another challenge has occurred due to growing concerns over the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. 

If you’re seeking a successful career in senior care industry, or you’re an established company, consider the following advice how to improve the experience of your clients: 

Better access

Many practitioners agree that improved non-medical assistance should include improved access  to services. This is the first and foremost requirement to enhance the scope in which professionals can address patient needs. This means greater availability of medical and non-medical personnel, as well as more affordable care.   

Reducing waiting time

In both non-medical and medical care, prolonged waiting time can cause unnecessary stress and inconvenience. This is why all services should work to optimize their procedures. Increasing demand dictates that the waiting time be reduced as much as possible. The changes need to be implemented to adequately address patient needs and requirements. Also, it’s crucial to take patient feedback seriously. 

Clear information 

Clients and families deserve proper and clear information about all aspects of the provided services. This should include the following: 

• Precise instructions
• Clear and timely updates
• Opportunities to educate clients about new procedures
• Careful explanation of medical and administrative processes
• Contact information of all professionals that can help out

Administrative reforms

Administration can often feel like an unnecessarily cumbersome part of any medical procedure. If it involves a lot of paperwork you can lose a lot of precious time and energy. When people are looking for a solution for their senior relatives, the last thing they need is additional worries. Hence, any such procedures should be designed in a client friendly way. Hiring professional client care professionals is one step toward a more streamlined approach and more welcoming atmosphere. 

Enhanced communication

Communication is vital to overcome feelings of social isolation and loneliness. To make sure that you achieve the best results, keep it open. This means that you should allow more time for questions and focus on building rapport. 

Openly expressing gratitude and appreciation can be mutually rewarding for everyone involved. Encouraging the patient to express their wishes without hesitation is vital to safeguard their feelings of autonomy.

Also, many providers are taking a leap forward with technological advancements. This reflects the general trends and changes in the non-medical care industry, as clients can rely on telehealth and similar support services. 

Encourage client engagement

You want to map out your journey together, especially if you’re aspiring to provide the best service possible. Your clients should be involved in shaping your policies, by providing constant feedback. Also, do the following in order to improve overall patient and family engagement:

• Involve family members and friends in daily activities
• Build trust through collaboration
• Make sure that patients have a say in their daily plans
• Treat patients with utmost respect
• Focus on potentials, to overcome limitations

Where can I find reliable in-home senior care in Toluca Lake?

Whether you’re living in North Hollywood or anywhere else in Los Angeles County, you can rely on our experts in Toluca Lake. We refer only the most trustworthy professionals that can assist you with a range of daily tasks. 

For instance, they can help your elderly relatives manage their personal hygiene, prepare meals, take medication, engage in light physical activities, water the plants or take care of the pets around the household and do some minor cleaning tasks. Call us today to check all the benefits you can reap from our services.

Throughout the world, medical advances have helped prolong life expectancy and improve the quality of life of seniors. However, with an ageing population come different challenges in terms of public health policy.

If you’re looking for experienced residential caregivers for your elderly relatives in Toluca Lake and surrounding communities, you can rely on companies specialized in home care. However, finding in-home help wasn’t always that easy. Read on to learn how the industry has changed over the last couple of decades.

How senior home care has changed

Speaking about technological changes and advancement, the system of in-home medical and non-medical assistance has made great strides forward. Only two decades ago, the caregiver role was more about the maintenance, now it’s more complex. Let’s take a look how the industry of in-home assistance has changed: 

Rising demand

The elderly represent a rapidly growing demographic in the United States. According to Census projections, the age group above 65 is expected to account for 20% of the population by 2030. The aging process is not uniform among all Americans; some groups are more likely than others to experience declining health and disability as they age. The following 

• People who suffer from dementia
• Elderly people that struggle with depression
• Seniors whose families can’t keep up with their daily care

Delayed admission to nursing facilities

Nursing home mortality rates have led to the increase in in-house assistance that is paid through Medicaid. Such services might prolong the time before people need to turn to assisted living facilities. Also, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic families are hesitant to send their elderly relatives to hospitals or nursery homes. 

The pandemic has given rise to many new issues which need to be addressed about how healthcare and in-home assistance is provided for this segment of society. In addition, it has caused the known issues of social isolation and loneliness to become more severe. Here, in-home assistance can play yet another significant role. 

Insurance changes

Another factor that has a significant impact are changes in insurance policies. As of recent, non-skilled home care has been approved for Medicaid Advantage recipients under the following criteria: 

• As a compensation for physical impairments,
• To reduce the effects of injuries or chronic conditions
• As a means to decrease the chances of avoidable emergencies

Telemedicine

Studies have shown that many patients favor telehealth over the usual doctor checkups and are willing to use it for non-urgent purposes. This technological advance has proven to be the right means to improve in-home patient care. 

Seniors living alone or with limited support systems at home can benefit from it, this allows them more time to live independently. It reduces numerous factors, such as falls, dehydration, malnutrition, skipping prescribed medicine etc. 

Increased use of technology

Providers of non-medical assistance are increasingly using technology to improve their communication with clients and between staff. Using tablets and other smart devices gives the opportunity to update and monitor the status of the patient in real time. This is especially important, as it keeps the family members informed and reduces stress. Other improvements are also taking place: 

• Increased use of sophisticated software in the recruitment process.
• A more comprehensive use of scheduling software that enhances communication across the board.
• CRM technology, that allows users to better integrate various client information and implement useful changes. 

Retention of staff

As the demand for domestic services has greatly increased, retention of staff in medical and non-medical settings becomes a major priority in the care industry. People are encouraged to join the industry, as there are many reasons to become a professional caregiver. You would need to receive some guidance on how to take care of the elderly first, but you can definitely find opportunities for your career. 

Where in Toluca Lake can I find dependable home care?

Elderly residents of Toluca Lake don’t have to look far, as A Better Way in Home Care is just around the corner to make their life easier. We serve many thriving communities along the San Fernandino Valley and beyond.

We can match you with caregivers who offer a variety of services. Whether you need live-in care, or part-time help, you can count on us. Our caregivers can help with many daily tasks, including personal hygiene, walking, doing simple household chores, taking care of plants and pets, and driving the client to see the doctor.  Before we recommend the caregiver that will suit you best, we conduct meticulous background screening.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts and questions about our services. We are awaiting your call!