Tag Archive for: Dementia

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

December 5, 2023/in Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiver Services, Elder Care, Family Issues, Home Sitters, Premier Caregiver Services' Events, Private Caregivers, Respite Care, Senior Care, Senior Helpers, Uncategorized/by Premier Caregiver Services

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.

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

November 19, 2023/in Alzheimer's Disease, Avoiding Injuries, Blog post, Caregiver Services, Caregiving Support, Respite Care, Uncategorized/by Premier Caregiver Services

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:

Reach out to discuss Jen Hull, Home Care Coordinator, or our office staff.
Don’t be afraid to ask for including respite care.
Schedule a complimentary assessment
Enjoy the Holidays! With a comprehensive plan in place, you can truly enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.

“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.

–

Premier Caregiver Services.

November 6, 2023/in Alzheimer's Disease, Family Issues, Uncategorized/by Premier Caregiver Services

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:

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.
Exercise and Mobility: Encourage regular exercise to improve strength and balance. Gentle exercises like yoga and Tai Chi can be beneficial.
Medication Management: Review the senior’s medications to prevent side effects that may lead to dizziness or loss of balance.
Footwear: Ensure that seniors wear proper, non-slip footwear, both inside and outside the home.
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

October 24, 2023/in Caregiver Spotlight/by Premier Caregiver Services

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.

Premier Caregiver Services Invites You to Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

November 17, 2016/in Premier Caregiver Services' Events/by Premier Caregiver Services

Please join Premier Caregiver Services for our ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, December 9th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Premier Caregiver Services is celebrating opening a second location with a ribbon cutting ceremony that will take place at
our new office:

1340 South Laurel Rd.
Eastern, KY 40744
(Highway 25 next door to Kemper’s Furniture.)
Directions

Please spread the good news and invite others to join our celebration! It’s going to be an event to remember.

Dementia and Driving

April 3, 2015/0 Comments/in Caregiver Services, Caregiving Support, Family Issues/by Premier Caregiver Services

When to Take Away the Keys: Dementia & Driving

If you have a family member suffering from Dementia, one of the many issues that will arise is dementia and driving: letting them operate a vehicle. Early on, it may not seem like such a topic to concern yourself with. Over time, however, we become desensitized to the dementia, meaning we know they have it and we deal with it and “forget” as time goes by.

It is almost impossible to gauge the aggressiveness of dementia, as it moves at its own pace and can accelerate without any sign. There are multiple differences in dementia itself: your loved one can have long term memory loss (not remembering life-long friends) or short term memory loss (not remembering what they ate for dinner). Or even a combination of both.

Personally, I can only speak on short term memory loss. Even though my mom has short term loss, driving a car is a long term thing she has been doing for years. This is where it starts to get tricky – you have to remember you are more than likely taking away an aspect of the dementia’s patients life that is older than you are! Driving may have been their first feeling of freedom and perhaps their last bit of independence as they age.

This decision does not have to come from their doctor. You can try talking with them individually but it may end up a moot point as the person with dementia sees (or remembers) nothing wrong. No matter how well you explain it, you have to remember that tomorrow can be a whole new day in their mind!

Our first plan was to try and slip the keys out of her purse which did not go over well. We ended up giving the keys back because we could not rationalize why we did it. We then tried the doctor thing and that did not work well either. Finally, we found something that did work; telling her the car had some problems and needed to be fixed. She agreed to have it put in the auto repair shop. It took about 2 weeks of daily reminding, then we changed the story to tell her that there was a serious engine problem that could not be fixed. She came to the conclusion that she was not going to buy a new car and agreed to sell it (we did). Most importantly, we reinforced the idea that we would still take her to wherever she wanted.

Although this is a indirect and non-confrontational way of taking away the keys, it leads my mom to believe it was her decision to give up the keys and sell the car. It still requires us to remind her every day that it was her own decision to sell the car. Our fall-back plan ended up being disabling the car by pulling the negative battery terminal. If all else fails, you may have to resort to something as simple as this to keep your mom safe and off the road.