Tag Archive for: aging parents

Premier Caregiver Services offers healthcare services to those with dementia.

The Vital Role of Familiar Environments for Persons Suffering from Memory Issues

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Blog written by:  Jen Hull, Home Care Coordinator, Premier Caregiver Services

Like many of us, I have personally witnessed the profound impact of nature and familiar surroundings on individuals grappling with dementia or some type of Alzheimer’s disease. Specializing in providing dedicated support to those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s, Premier Caregiver Services, a non-medical caregiving service ensures the highest standard of care through extensive caregiver training. In this blog, I aim to illuminate the pivotal role that nature and continuity of familiar surroundings play in the well-being of individuals with Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the benefits of utilizing non-medical caregivers within the comfort of their own home.

“Our commitment at Premier Caregiver Services is to provide compassionate and personalized care that recognizes the unique needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s. By fostering an environment that embraces nature and preserves familiar surroundings, we aim to enhance the quality of life for those in our care, promoting comfort, security, and a sense of well-being.” – Jennie Adams, Care Manager at Premier Caregiver Services.

Facts:

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, transitioning a person with Alzheimer’s out of their familiar environment can be profoundly disorienting and distressing, often leading to increased agitation, confusion, and anxiety. Studies have shown that individuals with Alzheimer’s can experience heightened behavioral symptoms when placed in unfamiliar settings, resulting in a decline in overall cognitive function. Furthermore, research indicates that the nurturing effects of nature and familiar surroundings can significantly reduce stress and improve mood for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Exposure to natural settings has been linked to decreased agitation and improved relaxation, promoting a sense of calm and contentment.

Approach:

As a non-medical caregiving service, we recognize the significance of maintaining continuity and stability in the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s. Our approach emphasizes the preservation of familiar routines and environments, allowing individuals to remain connected to their cherished memories and surroundings, ultimately fostering a greater sense of comfort and security.

In conclusion, the integration of nature and the preservation of familiar surroundings are integral components of Alzheimer’s care, and the utilization of non-medical caregivers within the home environment can offer invaluable support in promoting the well-being of those we serve. At Premier Caregiver Services, we are dedicated to upholding these principles in our commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Premier Caregiver Services is a uniquely passionate, in-home caregiving service. We focus on effective and reliable non-medical care of your loved ones with dementia in the Louisville, Kentucky area. Aimed at helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and independence at home, we offer a tailored experience from the first point of contact. We go above and beyond to make sure that you, your family, and your loved one have best dementia care.

Navigating Peace of Mind: The Advantages of Choosing a Licensed Caregiver Agency

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Blog Written By: Jen Hull, Home Care Coordinator, Premier Caregiver Services

In the realm of caregiving, the decision between hiring a licensed caregiver agency versus a private caregiver is a crucial choice that profoundly impacts the quality and reliability of care provided. At Premier Caregiver Services, we understand the significance of this decision, and our commitment to excellence sets us apart in Louisville, Kentucky.

Why Choose Premier Caregiver Services?

We recognize that peace of mind is paramount when it comes to the well-being of your loved ones. Here are the key benefits of opting for a licensed caregiver agency like ours over a private caregiver:

Comprehensive Background Checks:

As a matter of fact, our caregivers undergo a meticulous five-point background check. This included checks for TB, drug screening, criminal history, license validation, and thorough reference verification. Basically, our rigorous screening process ensures that our caregivers are not only qualified but also trustworthy and reliable.

Professional Employees:

At Premier Caregiver Services, our caregivers are not independent contractors; they are our valued employees. This distinction allows us to provide ongoing training, support, and supervision to maintain a consistently high standard of care.

Licensed and Bonded:

Most important, we are a licensed non-medical caregiver service, providing an added layer of assurance to our clients. Being licensed and bonded reflects our commitment to compliance and accountability, as well as instilling confidence in the quality of service we deliver.

Reliable and Consistent Care:

By choosing our licensed caregiver agency, clients benefit from a team of caregivers, ensuring continuity of care even in unexpected circumstances. Our commitment to reliability is a cornerstone of our service, further providing families with the assurance that their loved ones are in capable hands.

Licensed Caregiver Agency, Louisville KY

Personalized Care Plans:

In fact, Premier Caregiver Services takes a client-centric approach, tailoring care plans to individual needs. This personalized care ensures that every client receives the specific attention and assistance required for their unique situation.

Ongoing Training and Mentor Program:

Additionally, our caregivers undergo continuous training to stay updated with the latest skills and information in caregiving.  Our mentor program provides a supportive environment for caregivers to learn from experienced peers, thus fostering a culture of growth and excellence.

Explore Peace of Mind with our Comprehensive Long-Term Care Insurance Support

Finally, we not only accept most long-term care insurance policy’s but also can serve as your dedicated liaison. In doing so, we ensure a seamless experience by navigating the complexities of insurance reimbursement on your behalf. Trust Alex Anderson, our Office Manager to safeguard your future with expertise and care.

Kelly Wood, Premier Caregiver Services Agency Vice President says, “The decision to entrust the care of a loved one to a licensed caregiver agency like Premier Caregiver Services is an investment in peace of mind, reliability, and the highest standards of care. We are here to alleviate the challenges of caregiving and provide your loved ones with the attention and support they deserve.”

For more information about our licensed non-medical caregiving services, please contact Premier Caregiver Services at 502.718.8727.

Premier Caregiver Services is a uniquely passionate, in-home caregiving service. We focus on effective and reliable non-medical care of your loved ones with dementia in the Louisville, Kentucky area. Aimed at helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and independence at home, we offer a tailored experience from the first point of contact. We go above and beyond to make sure that you, your family, and your loved one have best dementia care.

Preventing Holiday Crisis Care: Your Trusted Partner, Premier Caregiver Services

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Blog written by: Jen Hull, Home Care Coordinator, Premier Caregiver Services

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also bring about challenges, especially for those caring for loved ones with memory care issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s. At Premier Caregiver Services, we are not only dementia and Alzheimer experts but a non-medical service committed to providing companionship and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for individuals with memory care needs. In this article, we’ll emphasize the importance of having a support system in place during the holidays to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable season.

Understanding Our Expertise

Premier Caregiver Services specializes in memory care, but our services extend beyond that. We are equipped to handle various levels of care, including critical care. Our caregivers are trained to provide the highest quality care and companionship, making us a versatile choice for families seeking reliable support during the holiday season. However, the goal is to prevent crisis care especially during the holidays.

Preventing Crisis Care Over the Holidays

The holiday season can be a chaotic time, and with increased gatherings and festivities, the risk of accidents or emergencies can rise. It’s crucial to have a plan in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones. Here are some essential steps:

  • Assessment-Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your loved one’s needs and capabilities. Whether it’s managing medications or providing companionship, we can assist you in identifying these requirements.
  • Companionship- Loneliness and confusion can be particularly challenging during the holidays. Our caregivers offer compassionate companionship, engaging in activities that stimulate cognitive function and create a sense of belonging.
  • Safety Measures-Ensure the home environment is safe, including removing trip hazards, securing handrails, and installing non-slip mats where needed.
  • Emergency Plan-Develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes important contact information, medical history, and clear instructions for caregivers or family members.
  • Caregiver Support- Consider engaging our caregivers to provide dedicated support during the holiday season. Our trained professionals are available to assist with ADLs, medications, and more.
  • Check out this Guide to Navigate Refusal of Care for additional tips. 

Understanding Respite Care: A Valuable Option for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers often need a well-deserved break to recharge and take care of themselves. That’s where respite care comes in. Respite care is a temporary caregiving service provided by trained professionals, allowing family caregivers to step away while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive the care they need. Premier Caregiver Services offers respite care to provide family caregivers with the support they require during the holiday season or any other time.

At Premier Caregiver Services, we recommend a checklist to help you prepare for the holidays:

“During the holidays, having a reliable support system in place is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. We’re here to ensure that your loved ones can enjoy the season safely and with the companionship they deserve.”, Jen Hull, Home Care Coordinator, Premier Care Coordinator.

The holidays should be a time for joy and connection. However, ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones, especially those with memory care issues, is paramount. Premier Caregiver Services, as Alzheimer experts and providers of non-medical care, is here to assist you in preventing crisis care during the holidays and beyond. Contact us to discuss your specific needs, including respite care, and provide your family with the gift of a safe and happy holiday season.

 

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Premier Caregiver Services.

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Hello, I’m Jen Hull, the Home Care Coordinator at Premier Caregiver Services.  We understand the importance of non-medical caregiver services in ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors, especially in preventing hospital stays. In this blog, we’ll explore key aspects of senior care, including fall prevention and creating a safe home environment to prevent injuries. We’ll also delve into our expertise in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, highlighting the significance of early intervention and specialized support.

The Challenges Seniors Face

As we age, our risk of falling and sustaining injuries increases. For seniors, a simple fall can have devastating consequences, often leading to hospitalization and long-term health issues. Alzheimer’s and dementia further compound these challenges, making it essential to address these issues proactively.

Fall Prevention Tips

Preventing falls is a top priority when caring for seniors. Here are some practical tips to minimize the risk:

  1. Home Safety Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the senior’s living space to identify potential hazards. Remove loose rugs, secure handrails, and ensure proper lighting.
  2. Exercise and Mobility: Encourage regular exercise to improve strength and balance. Gentle exercises like yoga and Tai Chi can be beneficial.
  3. Medication Management: Review the senior’s medications to prevent side effects that may lead to dizziness or loss of balance.
  4. Footwear: Ensure that seniors wear proper, non-slip footwear, both inside and outside the home.
  5. Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups to monitor any health issues that might affect mobility.

Creating a Safe Home Environment

A safe home environment is crucial for seniors’ well-being. Here are key steps to consider:

1.Bathroom Safety: Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom to prevent accidents.

Premier Caregiver Services Owner/CEO, John O’Callaghan

2.Kitchen Safety:  Organize the kitchen with easy access to essential items to reduce the risk of fall

3. Stair Safety: Install handrails and non-slip treads on stairs, and consider a stairlift if needed.

4. Emergency Plan: Create an emergency plan with the senior, including a list of emergency contacts and procedures.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

For seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, specialized care is essential. Early diagnosis and appropriate support can greatly improve their quality of life. At Premier Caregiver Services, we offer tailored  services to meet the unique needs of each individual.  Our team is trained to provide compassionate care and engage in activities that stimulate cognitive function, memory, and social interaction. We understand the importance of maintaining a familiar and safe environment, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety for those with memory-related conditions.

John O’Callaghan, Owner/CEO of Premier Caregiver Services, says “Preventing crisis caretaking involves proactive measures to safeguard the health and well-being of seniors. Fall prevention, creating a safe home environment, and specialized care for Alzheimer’s and dementia are vital components of this effort. It is important to be to have a plan verses being reactive in crisis mode.” We have created two very important guides to navigate your journey with your loved one.  One is A Guide to Refusal of Care and the other is Best Practices- Memory Care at Home.

At Premier Caregiver Services, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality non-medical caregiver services, ensuring that seniors can age in place safely and comfortably. Premier Caregiver Services is a uniquely passionate, in-home caregiving service for the effective and reliable non-medical care of your loved ones with dementia in Louisville, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas. Aimed at helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and independence at home, we offer a tailored experience from the first point of contact and go above and beyond to make sure that you, your family, and your loved one have best dementia care. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jen at 502.718.8727 for more information.

 

Q3 Caregiver Spotlight: Mary Kaylor

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Each quarter Premier Caregiver Services hosts an in-person meeting with for all our caregivers and we bring in guest speakers for on-going training.  Our guest speaker was Britt Riddle DMin, MAMFT who is a marriage and family therapist associate at The Mindfulness Center.  She spoke to our caregivers about learning how to use mindfulness when facing frustrating situations.

Being a caregiver can be challenging and we want to recognize one of our caregivers,  Mary Kaylor for her dedication. Mary brought in a letter given to her from a client’s family for whom she cared. She cared for a client’s mom with Paraneoplastic Syndrome for several months and was there when she passed. We love and appreciate that families take the time to express their gratitude. It is what motivates all of us to serve others with the best of our ability, as Mary obviously did here. Way to go!

Mary has over 35 years of experience being a caregiver and has been with Premier Caregivers Service for 1 ½ years. Mary loves animals and has 2 dogs, 1 cat, and husband, Tom.  When she is not caring for our clients, she loves practicing her culinary skill, watching do it-yourself craft shows and her spending time with her grandchildren.

Mary is also one of our Care Specialist and Mentor Caregivers. This means she has completed an extensive training in many areas of caregiving but especially in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. She has successfully completed the CARES Training Program. The CARES Dementia Certification is a 6-hour training program that recognizes and tests a user’s dementia understanding and dementia care knowledge from the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations and published CARES research studies of select CARES online dementia care training programs. In addition, Mary participates in our Mentor Program which a 4-part program, (Companionship, Personal Care, Mobility and Memory Care). For each part, our caregivers are mentored in a client’s home for two hours and then another two hours to be completed and checked out for that part. That is 16 hours of mentoring and training that takes place in a client’s home and is no additional costs to our clients. We do this to develop and grow our caregivers to ultimately provide the best in home care for all our clients.

Premier Caregiver Services is a uniquely passionate, in-home caregiving service for the effective and reliable non-medical care of your loved ones with dementia in Louisville, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas. Aimed at helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and independence at home, we offer a tailored experience from the first point of contact and go above and beyond to make sure that you, your family, and your loved one have best dementia care.

Home health care is an iportant conversation to have. Read more about these 5 tips.

5 Expert Tips on Talking to Aging Parents about Home Health Care

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Home health care is an important conversation to have. Learn more with these 5 tips.It can be extremely difficult to talk to aging parents about getting extra help at home. In a current report that discussed a survey by AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors expressed interest in staying in their homes while aging. However, it is estimated that 70% of seniors will need in-home assistance to stay safe while aging in place. So, how do you speak to your aging parents about getting outside help from a home health care agency? While it can be extremely difficult to do so, it can be done. It must be done with care and sensitivity. Otherwise, you risk the discussion turning into an argument or an immediate shutdown on the topic.

A lot of aging seniors see home health care as a surrender of freedom. While it may seem that way, hiring an in-home care provider can actually bring more freedom to a senior’s situation than anything else! Whether aging parents are resisting because they see home health care as a surrender of independence or fear they will become a burden, these 5 expert tips will help make the discussion easier.

5 Tips on Starting a Discussion about Getting an In-Home Provider

1. Don’t Discuss the Limitations, but the Advantages to Home Health Care

One of the most important things to know about talking to your parents about home health care is that you should go into it positively. Most people will get defensive when first confronted with the idea of giving up independence. However, if you discuss the advantages of home health care instead of the limitations, they are more likely to be open to the idea. One of the best advantages to discuss with aging parents is that in-home health care is better than assisted living. As we stated earlier, 90% of elderly adults want to age in their home. That is one of the biggest advantages of home health care and making clear from the very beginning often makes the discussion a lot easier.

2. Suggest Home Health Care Instead of Insisting on Assistance

Being told to do something is never easy. This is especially true when role reversal is involved and a parent is being told to do something by their child. By suggesting home health care as an option instead of insisting on assistance, elderly parents are more likely to be open to the idea. Daily Caring – an award winning caregiver resource – has great insight into how to suggest home health care. They recommend that you “talk about how they’ve [your parents] reached a point in their life where they deserve a personal assistant to make life easier and smoother”. By spinning a home health care assistant as a luxury, parents may be more open to the idea of making their life easier. 

3. Focus on Others Who Have Tried Home Health Care and Benefited

Before approaching the subject of home health care with a parent, do some research. Do they have close friends who use home health care assistants? Who do their friends use and how do they like having help around the home? By focusing on others, especially close friends, who have tried home health care and benefited from it, your parent is more likely to open up to the idea. As the common saying goes, “the proof is in the pudding”. If their friends are really happier with some in-home assistance, why wouldn’t they be? Focus on the benefits of home health care including: 

4. Include Them in the Decision Making Process

When it comes down to it, the suggestion for home health care can be yours but the decision should be your parents. Make it clear to your parent that they will be a part of the entire process of choosing a caregiver. They will be the one person spending the most time with this caregiver, so it is important they like them and feel comfortable with them. By giving your elderly parent a say in the process, it will help them feel more in control. Control is extremely important during a time in which they are losing some of their independence, so be sure to include them in each decision. 

5. Run Care Giving Trials with Different Agencies

It is always better when you can test something out before purchasing it. When it comes to home health care, most agencies will offer “trial periods” to see if in-home care is the right option. By making it clear to your parent that the first run is a trial and nothing permanent, they may be more open to giving it a shot. Homecare.com has a great tip, too, regarding trial runs. While your parent is getting to know their home health care professional, take a trip! Being out of the picture can give your parent a real chance to get to know the caregiver and what it would be like to have home health care assistance without it feeling permanent.

Home health care is a sensitive topic for parents and children alike, but these tips can help make the approach easier. By softening the idea of home health care with familiarity, inclusion, and test runs, parents often warm to the idea as time goes on. In the end, in-home care providers can help relieve the burden of aging off of parent’s shoulders as well as children’s. The benefits of home health care greatly outweigh the drawbacks. However, for some, it takes a little longer to realize that than it does others.

At Premier Caregiver Services — in Louisville, KY and Eastern, KY — is an independent and locally owned agency specializing in personal care services. We strive to offer the best in home health care by providing dependable and experienced caregivers to elderly adults across the area. We offer a wide variety of home care services, have multiple payment options available, and are happy to provide a free assessment to get you started! Contact us through our website or by calling 877-724-3678 today!

Premier Caregiver Services Sponsors Norton Healthcare Event

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Aging Gracefully: Creating a Senior Care Plan for Mom and Dad

Moderator, Jackie Hays speaks at the “Aging Gracefully” event hosted by Norton Healthcare.

On Wednesday, March 30, 2016, the Norton Healthcare Employee Resource Group for Women or NWIRED, hosted an event called, “Aging Gracefully.” This free program sponsored by Premier Caregiver Services and the Norton Healthcare Foundation, discussed the details and conversations involved in creating a senior care plan for mom and dad. With this topic, a panel of speakers addressed the fact that many times it’s the eldest daughter who is responsible for making the decisions for her parent’s long term care. This conversation covered many topics related to senior caregiving and care planning including: developing a care plan, taking away the car keys, learning your parents’ medical history and understanding your parents’ preferred care preferences.

Panelists include (right to left): Mary Kate Probst, Amy Jo Condo, Merrily Orsini and Misty Clark Vantrease.

A group of four female panelists, guided by moderator Jackie Hays, helped conduct this discussion. Moderator Jackie Hays is an Emmy award-winning journalist that currently writes and produces health-related stories for Norton Healthcare. The women on the panel presented different areas of expertise and experience on senior home care planning. Merrily Orsini, an elder care professional, brought her extensive knowledge to the panel, along with pharmacist Dr. Mary Kate Probst. The panel also included Misty Clark Vantrease, an attorney with Kentucky ElderLaw PLLC, and  Amy Jo Condo, a daughter that discussed her experiences caring for her 92-year-old mother.

50 guests attended the “Aging Gracefully” event hosted by Premier Caregiver Services and the Norton Healthcare Foundation.

All of the panel participants brought their diverse experience and knowledge to the discussion to provide a 360 degree perspective on senior caregiving and creating a care plan. Mary Jo Condo is  a busy mom and business owner that spoke about the challenging and humorous experiences that coincide with caring for aging parents. These personalized stories from a person who has been through the senior caregiving experience and truly understands helped connect everyone who attended the event. The panelists were on hand to answer any types of questions and to connect participants to resources in the Louisville, Kentucky community.

While many may find the topic of creating a senior care plan for aging parents challenging, this panel showed how beneficial it is to take the time to do it. Starting the conversation isn’t always easy, but with the help of Norton Healthcare, Premier Caregiver Services and these panelists, the 50 attendees left the event with a deeper understanding and more confidence to open up the conversation with their parents and other aging loved ones.

For additional information about senior home care services in Louisville, Kentucky and Eastern, Kentucky, including how to address home accessibility and safety, meal preparation, transportation assistance and much more, give Premier Caregiver Services a call at 877-724-3678. We look forward to hearing from you.

For quality, compassionate dementia care in Louisville, KY, contact Premier Caregiver Services today!

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502-718-8727

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