Most families in need of assistance for senior caregiving have two questions: "Can you, please, help us? How do we go about this? We don't even know where to start." This is the overshadowing climate that exists until a navigational chart is presented. Assisting Seniors at Home: A Planning Guide for Families and Caregivers is designed to harmonize the unique perspectives and roles of the three entities involved: the seniors, the family, and hired caregivers. Each role is described with specific intervention priorities for our aging family members. Within this guide, there are two skill level indicators, one for the general aging population and another for those with dementia. Each provide a clear description of specific needs as changes occur. This is the compass by which all family members may intercede proactively to bring seniors from early intervention to the final stages of hospice care. The skill level indicator is the most valuable element as it designates the amount of care needed, how to establish a care plan, and when to make necessary changes. In summary, this adds up to effective in-home care, inclusive of home modifications and safety as a top priority for all involved.

Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults.

"Nurses play a vital role in improving the safety and quality of patient car -- not only in the hospital or ambulatory treatment facility, but also of community-based care and the care performed by family members. Nurses need know what proven techniques and interventions they can use to enhance patient outcomes. To address this need, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), with additional funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has prepared this comprehensive, 1,400-page, handbook for nurses on patient safety and quality -- Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. (AHRQ Publication No. 08-0043)." - online AHRQ blurb, http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nurseshdbk/

Home Healthcare for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide for Families and Caregivers As our population ages, more families are exploring the option of home healthcare for their loved ones. Home healthcare offers a blend of medical care and daily living assistance in the comfort of one's own home, promoting independence and quality of life for seniors. "Home Healthcare for Seniors" is designed to be a comprehensive guide for seniors, their families, and caregivers. This book aims to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to create a safe, supportive, and effective home healthcare environment. Key Features: Enhanced Quality of Life: Learn how staying at home provides a sense of independence and dignity, allowing seniors to maintain routines, stay close to loved ones, and live in a safe and secure environment. Personalized Care: Discover how home healthcare services can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, ensuring the most appropriate care for health conditions and personal preferences. Cost-Effectiveness: Understand how home healthcare can be more affordable than institutional care, helping reduce the burden on healthcare facilities and better allocate medical resources. Reduced Hospitalizations: Explore ways to manage many conditions at home, reducing hospital visits, lowering healthcare costs, and minimizing the risk of hospital infections and complications. Emotional and Mental Health Support: Recognize the importance of a familiar environment surrounded by family and friends in boosting emotional and mental health, combating loneliness, and depression. Comprehensive Chapters Include: Assess and Plan: Use practical sections on assessing needs and creating a personalized plan to evaluate specific requirements and set realistic goals. Create a Safe Environment: Follow guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable home, including safety assessments and modifications. Work with Providers: Learn about finding and working with healthcare providers, including choosing the right providers, interviewing, and hiring caregivers. Manage Medical and Personal Care: Detailed information on managing chronic conditions, medication, daily activities, and personal hygiene. Support Emotional and Mental Health: Tips on recognizing signs of depression and anxiety, providing emotional support, and engaging in cognitive and recreational activities. Support for Caregivers: Advice on balancing caregiving with personal life, accessing respite care, and coping with caregiver stress. Financial and Legal Guidance: Understand the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and essential legal documents. Leverage Technology: Insights into utilizing telehealth services, assistive technologies, and online resources. End-of-Life Planning: Guidance on hospice care, discussing end-of-life wishes, and supporting a dignified end-of-life experience. Access Resources and Support: Information on national and local organizations, support networks, and educational materials. Each chapter is designed to stand alone, allowing readers to skip to the most relevant sections to their current needs. Practical tips, checklists, and real-life examples are provided to help apply the information to unique situations. By the end of this guide, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of how to create and maintain a home healthcare environment that enhances the quality of life for seniors. Equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and implement effective care strategies, this book ensures that loved ones receive the best possible care in the comfort of their own home.

Do you have a shadow of a life? Did you know that 67% of caregivers die before the person they are taking care of? Are you sleep deprived, physically, emotionally, financially or mentally drained, or bankrupt? In Saving Seniors’ Savings, Gerontologist Therese Johnson explains where to find resources to get caregivers and the money to pay for them, as well as plenty of financial resources that are available to everyone. Do you need a day off? Do you feel guilty because you don’t have enough time to care for your loved one or, enough money to get help for them? In this book, you will learn: -How to find the money to pay for Senior Care Services -How to eliminate your stress, exhaustion, time and money restraints that cause you guilt -How to prevent you or your loved one from losing their hard earned savings -How to get the help you need for your loved one so you can stay healthy and happy -How to create a personalized plan for yourself and not just the ones you love As a caregiver, if you’re not healthy, and you are constantly stressed, you won’t be able to continue to take care of your loved ones. If you’re under financial stress, this book will show you how to get the help and resources you need. Author Therese Johnson is a freelance writer and book author, local TV producer, radio show host on Money 105.5FM’s “Senior Moments”, and the founder of Senior Care Of Sacramento. She is a Gerontologist, community and social service specialist, continuing education provider, and administrator for residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE). She is also an Alzheimer’s Specialist and certified nurse’s assistant. Johnson is passionate about optimizing the quality of life for senior citizens, through taking an integrative medicine approach to their care, as well as engaging in social and financial advocacy on their behalf. Johnson is also the founder and Executive Director of the Integrated Alzheimer’s Research Group, which provides Alzheimer’s intervention and prevention training. She is the founder and president of the Alzheimer’s Reiki Program, which offers continuing education for nurses and caregivers, taking a holistic approach to treating and holding in remission Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Johnson is also a volunteer for Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice.

For many years, you have had someone older looking out for you, making sure you are safe, fed, and taken care of. Now it’s your chance to return the favor! This book will show you the many ways you can help the elderly in your community. It will give you ideas to consider, as well as stories of others who have made a difference in older adults’ lives. You can find resources for every state, plus suggestions of simple, easy ways that you can make an older person’s day brighter, safer and happier!