Over the last decades, life expectancy in the US, as well as in other parts of the world, has gone up significantly. As a result, there’s an increasing demand for professionals in senior care. This presents an excellent career opportunity for many, as well as a means to assist families and improve the quality of life of their senior relatives.
However, to become an in-house caregiver you need to fulfill certain standards. This career path isn’t for everyone, so you should tread lightly. Additionally, if you are looking for professional home care for your loved one around Studio City, read on to learn how to recognize the best.
What makes a good caregiver for the elderly?
Licenses or certificates proving you have attended and passed relevant courses are great, but they’re not necessarily sufficient. Anyone who intends to become a successful in-home caregiver for seniors, should exhibit the following qualities:
- Positive demeanor
- Empathy
- Patience
- Reliability
A caregiver needs to act positively, interact with clients sincerely, clearly, and with a genuine intention to alleviate their stress. Also, you should consider their perspective, tune in and provide necessary emotional support. Make sure you respect their time and pick the right pace.
Most importantly, you should be someone they can count on. Be punctual with your appointments from the very beginning, remain consistent in your assistance, and you’ll create an atmosphere of trust.
What are the skills needed to be a senior living caregiver?
Apart from favorable personal qualities, competent caregivers need a set of skills to assist their clients appropriately. Some of these skills can be polished in practice, while others require first-hand experience. Let’s consider the most important ones.
- Interpersonal skills
First of all, you need to be an attentive communicator: this involves tact, active listening, and asking the right questions, when necessary. In addition, make sure you follow this advice:
- Speak clearly and loud enough
- Sit face to face and maintain eye contact
- Focus on one topic at a time
- Allow your client enough time, don’t rush them
- Give them the opportunity to ask questions
- Try to summarize what you have talked about
- Physical strength & fitness
You would need to be strong enough to assist the elderly and accomplish a number of chores. For example, you’ll need to help them out of bed, go to the bathroom, help them get into the car from the wheelchair etc. This requires that you are in good physical health as well, and that you can do all of this without hurting yourself.
- Problem-solving skills
Sometimes, you need to approach issues creatively and with some out-of-the-box thinking. While you might take some things for granted, your elderly client could have difficulties with even the basic needs you wouldn’t otherwise anticipate.
Also, you need a keen eye for detail in order to identify issues on time. See these problems not as obstacles, but opportunities to improve the well-being of your clients.
- Flexibility
Having a flexible mindset is vital to catering to the unique needs of any elderly patient. While there are some universal basic needs, remember that each individual is different, so combine patience with flexibility. By adjusting to the specific requirements, you’ll provide a sense of companionship and make this experience worthwhile.
- Organization
Caregivers should be skilled in organizing the space in such a way that allows them to quickly prepare meals for their clients, find their medication, help them get dressed, etc. Also, a well-organized professional will have a list of contacts, and will be able to react readily in case of emergency.
- Time management
Good time management includes efficient multitasking, setting priorities, and handling a varying schedule. This skill allows you to maintain a healthy daily routine for your client, run their day-to-day errands, avoid missing doctor’s appointments, and reduce stress that comes with it.
- Initiative
If problems occur, you’ll not wait for instructions, but you’ll proactively take action. For example check if there are some parts of the house that need repairs, or if there are some light gardening tasks you can help with, water the plants etc. Avoid being too confrontational, as you still want to keep your elderly clients feeling independent.
Who offers reliable home care across Studio City and neighboring communities?
A Better Way in Home Care is the leader among non-medical assistance providers in Studio City. Our goal is to make a perfect match between a caregiver and your elderly relative. Whether you’re located near the CBS Studio Center or anywhere else in the vicinity, you can count on us.
Our professionals can assist your elderly with everyday tasks, such as meal preparation, bathing, grooming, grocery shopping, etc. What’s more, if you’re seeking a career in the field and you have relevant experience, you can apply online and we’ll gladly provide necessary guidance.
To check all the benefits and improve the quality of life of your loved ones, call us today!
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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.
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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!
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Home care for seniors is a growing industry in the United States. In many cases, family members are unable to take care of their elderly parents and grandparents because they cannot afford to take time off work or don’t have the skills needed to do the job. Here is where professional caregivers come in. These selfless and empathetic individuals improve senior’s quality of life by offering them companionship and comprehensive assistance with daily activities.
If you’d like to take up home care in Toluca Lake, this guide will help you learn how to become a provider so that you can render this valuable service and make some money while doing it. Read on to go over the process that is involved in becoming a professional caregiver.
How to become a home care provider?
When you love caring for people and want to make a career out of it, the job of a home care provider may be perfect for you. Follow these steps to set out on this new career path:
Training
The first step is deciding what type of qualification you need. Depending on your state, there may be different types of certifications required. Start by checking your state’s requirements for certification as a home care provider. Next, you can look for suitable programs at a community college or vocational school because they often provide ones on the subject. Some agencies also provide training to new hires, but you have better chances of being hired if you acquire qualifications beforehand.
Gaining experience
As you begin your search for a home care provider job, look into volunteer opportunities to gain experience. You can use the time spent working in someone’s home as an interview opportunity if asked what prior work history you have and how it relates to being a caregiver. Volunteering will also show employers that you are willing to invest your own resources in gaining skills they see as valuable such as compassion and understanding of people at different life stages or with disabilities.
If there aren’t any volunteer positions available where you live, consider taking on clients who are family members while still maintaining another full time position elsewhere.
Applying for jobs
A home care agency serves as an excellent resource for someone who wants to start a career in the senior home care industry. Many agencies are always looking for new employees, so it is likely that you will be a good fit if you have your certifications ready. Look for relevant job openings that exist in your area by searching online or contacting local agencies about their current needs. Also, create a resume highlighting any education or experience related to working with seniors.
How do I find quality home care in Toluca Lake?
Old age comes with unique challenges but they can be successfully overcome with the specialist assistance provided by A Better Way in Home Care. We’re an experienced agency who handles in-home senior care with unwavering diligence, reliability, and compassion. If you have an elderly relative who requires some help with everyday activities, we’ll match you with the best trained caregivers in Toluca Lake and the vicinity.
These competent professionals will assist seniors with getting dressed, using the bathroom, going to the doctor, staying on schedule with meals and medications, and possibly even taking a walk by the Los Angeles River. We’ll design your plan of care based on your specific needs. Give us a call to discuss your requirements and schedule your part-time, full-time, temporary, or hourly service. We love making seniors live fulfilling lives!
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If you’re looking for a meaningful career that will make the world a better place, home care may be just what you’re looking for. This career choice is an excellent opportunity to spend time with elderly people who need your help and provide them with the compassion and comfort they deserve. By providing important services to our aging population, you’ll be both giving back to society and making an important career move.
If you’re considering becoming a home care provider in Toluca Lake, read on to discover the most rewarding aspects of this line of work.
Why work in home health care?
At-home care offers much more than just physical support – it improves quality of life by providing social interaction, medication management, and mental stimulation. Discover the advantages of providing such a vital service and get a step closer to becoming a professional caregiver for the elderly.
- The opportunity to make a difference
People who work in senior home care often have a large impact on the community. These professionals help seniors stay at their homes for as long as possible, which reduces stress on families to provide constant assistance with activities of daily living. The opportunity to make a difference is one reason why people choose careers in senior home care. Many employees are recruited from caring families that see firsthand how valuable these jobs can be.
- Invaluable professional experience
Caregivers have a chance to develop their skills in fields like medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and more. For example, you’ll have experience thinking on your feet, managing difficult situations, adapting to changing circumstances, and addressing varying types of client needs. This skill set may allow you to take on bigger opportunities in the future. And all of these benefits are available without ever having to leave your hometown or relocate from family and friends.
- Chance for personal growth
Professional caregivers have an opportunity to practice patience, empathy, selflessness, problem solving skills, communication abilities, and active listening. They have a privilege of having access to people who might not open up with others around them because of their age or generation gap. Seniors often trust professional carers more than family members and they can share fantastic insights from their extensive life experience.
- Good employment potential
There are many in-home senior care jobs available. Most senior caregivers help with bathing or activities like walking around the block. Some of them also involve providing transportation for seniors, as well as some housekeeping and meal preparation services. Even if someone doesn’t want to work full time, they can still find something that fits their schedule and works with their situation.
- Flexible work hours
You can work in home care full-time or part-time, depending on your preferences. Depending on your client’s particular needs, you could only be at work for a few hours a day. This type of flexibility could be perfect for a student, pensioner, or stay-at-home parent looking for a side job.
Where can I find dependable home care in Toluca Lake?
If you wish to give your elderly relative best-in-class care, count on A Better Way in Home Care in Toluca Lake or the nearby neighborhoods in Los Angeles. We partner seniors with competent, understanding, and background-checked home care professionals. The services are either full-time, part-time, hourly, or temporary – you can choose the arrangement that best matches your needs.
Your package will be customized to meet the specific challenges that your senior loved one faces. For example, the carer may help them go to the bathroom, shower, get dressed, groom, and walk as well as look after their home and pets. We always strive to improve our approach to care and cater to the unique needs of our elderly clients. Make your loved one’s old age pleasant and comfortable!
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In life, things can take a rapid turn for the worse when we least expect it. The best we can do is plan ahead and secure the best outcome to the best of our ability. And sometimes, it is the simplest answers that are the best ones, even when it comes to issues as complex as senior care.
While you may feel it is your duty to take care of your aging loved one, this may not be in anyone’s best interest, which makes it all the more important that you take your time and do your research when helping your aging parent decide about their future, and all the more so if the decision-making is entirely up to you.
For instance, homecare in Santa Monica may be an excellent option for the majority of seniors in the area, but it may not be a viable solution in your current situation. Read on to learn more about all the senior care options available.
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As your elderly loved one ages and their health further deteriorates, you find yourself having limited options for their care.
Even thinking about putting them in a nursing home or an assisted living facility may be a source of frustration and put you in a difficult situation where you are riddled with feelings of guilt and anxiety, as well as the conflicting sense of relief. You want them to know that they are not alone and that you have not abandoned them, but sometimes life just happens and you have too many responsibilities on your hands.
If there are reasons why hiring a provider of homecare in Santa Monica is not a viable solution, you may decide to take a nursing home in the area into consideration. For some seniors, entering a nursing home or another type of care facility truly is the best and safest option.
So what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of nursing homes?
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Grief and the pain of loss can be overwhelming. It takes time to move on with one’s own life, even though the pain never truly goes away. Getting over bereavement seems to fall especially hard on the elderly. Still, there are healthy coping mechanisms that can help with the healing process and quality senior homecare in Hollywood and the surrounding communities can be instrumental in helping the elderly get better.
Read on to find out more.
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As intimidating as dementia sounds, we have to face the facts: the disease affects around 50 million people around the world. The only way to make this condition more manageable and maximize your elderly loved one’s quality of life is to learn to recognize its signs early on, even before the official diagnosis has been confirmed.
Professionals caregivers providing homecare in Beverly Hills, CA have experience in assisting elderly clients in the early, middle and late stages of dementia. Struggling with the impact of dementia is an enormous challenge and families of the elderly suffering from dementia look for caregivers who are familiar with the symptoms of dementia patients and capable of providing an appropriate response to their behaviors in a timely manner.
So how can you learn to recognize dementia and differentiate between dementia and normal age-related memory loss?
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Memory loss indicates loss of cognitive function, something no one wants to contemplate if they can avoid it. But memory loss is very much real, especially as we age. For various reasons, forgetfulness and memory loss tend to strike nearly one half of the elderly population in the U.S.
While characteristic of old age, memory loss can also be intimidating and a cause for concern. Depending on its extent and cause, it may even put your elderly loved one in grave peril.
Providers of comprehensive homecare solutions in Beverly Hills have devised insightful strategies of helping the elderly combat and manage memory loss and retain some level of independence and ability to function.
To find out how to help your elderly loved one overcome memory issues and keep these issues under control, read on.
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