Monday, March 25, 2013

Finding A Place for Mom and Dad: Senior Placement Services in Rock Hill, SC

By Phil Davidson
 If your parents are aging, you may find yourself worrying over their safety at home. Are they able to take care of themselves? Can they keep up with the demands of homeownership as the years go on? You may find it time to talk to your elderly loved ones about moving into an assisted living facility, as it could prove beneficial to both them and other members of your family to ensure that your parents are settled in a safe community. Finding a place for Mom or Dad in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and surrounding areas, including Charlotte, is not always easy; however, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Hickory Grove, are able to assist you in this task by offering free assisted and independent living placement services.


What Are Assisted and Independent Living Placement Services?
The senior care professionals at Always Best Care are highly knowledgeable about the nursing homes, assisted living communities, retirement homes, and other elder care facilities in the area. As such, they are able to provide counsel when it comes to choosing the best community for Mom or Dad. Because these services are free, you can partner with these professionals to ensure that you have access to the information you need to make the right decision for your elderly loved one.


How Do Placement Services Work?
When you collaborate with the professionals at Always Best Care to choose the right community for your senior, you will have the ability to sit down with one of the company's representatives and discuss the individual needs of your loved one. The goal is to match the level of care that your senior requires with the services that are offered by local facilities.


When going through the placement process, make sure that you are honest with the representative with whom you are working, as it is important that they know exactly what you are looking for in order to provide your senior with the best assisted living options. Additionally, provide feedback after visiting the recommended communities to help narrow your search. 


Are you ready to find a place for Mom or Dad, where they can live safely in or near Rock Hill, South Carolina? Give the experts at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com/; 803-329-0079) a call, as they can help you find a place for Mom or Dad—the best place. And remember, this service is always free to you!


Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, visit us at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X


If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's and dementia care, contact the professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill at (803) 329-0079 or visit their website at http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/us/sc/york-county/rock-hill.aspx.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Rock Hill Senior Care: How Does Aging Effect Memory?

By Phil Davidson
As your parents get older, you may notice that they forget certain details about their day or week. While severe memory loss is something that should be addressed by a medical professional, the aging process naturally brings about a certain degree of memory loss. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Sharon, know that any slips in your elderly loved one's memory may cause you to worry. To help you understand how the aging process naturally causes such lapses in memory, here are a few pieces of important information.

  • Memory loss is caused, ultimately, by the inability of the brain to work as efficiently as it once did as it ages.

  • The areas of the brain that are associated with cognitive function—including memory—are those that are most often impacted by this slowing down of mental activity.

  • Memories are created through two processes: encoding and retrieving. Encoding occurs when a memory is stored by the brain cells. Retrieval takes place when stored memories are recalled.

  • The inefficiency experienced by the brain due to age interferes with the encoding process. The brain cannot keep up with the demand to make new memories throughout the day. As such, small details, such as what an individual had for lunch two days ago, may go missing.
  • \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\hort-term memories are those most impacted by this form of memory loss. Long-term memories, including knowledge and facts, are most often untouched by the aging process' effects on the brain and its ability to maintain memories, as they have already been encoded.


The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill understand that dealing with any form of memory loss can be difficult; however, understanding why this condition is taking place can make it easier to cope with the aging process. If your elderly loved one is experiencing small lapses in short-term memory, their doctor will most likely not be too concerned. But it is important to remember that more severe memory loss, such as that which interferes with daily life, is something that requires medical attention. Should the severity of your senior's memory loss continue to grow, it may prove necessary to find a place for Mom or Dad that can provide them with the support they need—such as a nursing or assisted living community.


Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, visit us at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X


If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's and dementia care, contact the professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill at (803) 329-0079 or visit their website at http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/us/sc/york-county/rock-hill.aspx.


Call Always Best Care of Rock Hill today for your free consultation!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Senior Placement Services: Finding the Right Community for Your Senior


Senior placement services in Rock Hill is a specialty of the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communitiesRock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Hickory Grove. We understand that at a certain point, it may prove in your elderly loved one's best interest for them to move into an assisted living, independent, or continuing care community. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, Hickory Grove, and McConnells, encourage you to assist your senior in choosing the perfect community for their needs by taking advantage of the placement services that Always Best Care has to offer.


Always Best Care specializes in providing placement for independent, assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities. The professionals who manage the placement services are highly educated regarding the offerings of local facilities and have a great deal of experience matching the needs of seniors to the communities that will best fit their lifestyles. A free service, placement is an integral part of the Always Best Care mission, as the company strives to ensure that elderly individuals have access to high quality care no matter if they are aging in place or looking to move into a senior community.
While placement services are valuable to elderly individuals who have family living nearby, they are even more important for those seniors who do not have family living locally. As such, Always Best Care works with individuals who live in other areas of the country but have family members looking to move into a senior care facility in the Rock Hill area, as well as those who have seniors living in other parts of the country who are interested in relocating to Rock Hill. In addition to providing traditional placement recommendations, the professionals at Always Best Care can arrange for local transportation and hotel stays for individuals who are visiting from out of town in an effort to choose the right facility.


Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill, the safety and wellbeing of seniors are the top priorities. At a certain point, the professionals know that it is in your loved one's best interest to move into a community that affords a higher degree of care. By understanding the differences between independent, assisted, and skilled nursing facilities, you can help your senior choose the right community for their needs. 


We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson
803-329-0079

Assisted Living Rock Hill: Understanding the Differences Between Communities

By Phil Davidson
Assisted Living in Rock Hill is a specialty of the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communitiesRock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Hickory Grove. We understand that senior living communities come in many varieties. In fact, there are three main categories of these facilities: independent living communities, assisted living communities, and nursing homes. We know that choosing the right facility for your loved one is not always easy—but you can better weigh your options by understanding the differences between these categories.

  • Independent Living Communities: These neighborhoods are for residents over a certain age (most commonly 55) who do not need elder care assistance. People living in these communities are responsible for their homes and can benefit from the social events that are often planned by residents. This is a wonderful option for seniors who are looking to live near people who share their interests.
  • Assisted Living Communities: In an assisted living community, residents benefit from non-medical care, such as assistance with personal hygiene, meal preparation, grooming, etc. Like independent living communities, assisted living facilities frequently provide an active social calendar that allows residents to participate in a variety of events. For instance, they may host fitness classes, book clubs, art classes, trips to local museums, etc.
  • Nursing Homes: Also called skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes provide medical care to seniors who have health conditions that require special attention. Staff members are on call 24 hours per day to ensure that elderly individuals have access to the care that they need. Some social activities may be provided, but the focus of care in a nursing home is health, rather than social interaction. A nursing facility is a good option for seniors who can no longer take care of themselves at home or rely upon extensive in-home care provided by skilled professionals.
Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill, the safety and wellbeing of seniors are the top priorities. At a certain point, the professionals know that it is in your loved one's best interest to move into a community that affords a higher degree of care. By understanding the differences between independent, assisted, and skilled nursing facilities, you can help your senior choose the right community for their needs. 


We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson
803-329-0079

Alzheimer's Care Rock Hill: Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease


Alzheimer's Care in Rock Hill is a specialty of the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Hickory Grove, know that Alzheimer's disease is a condition that cannot be cured; however, they also understand that early detection is key to helping your elderly loved one access the healthcare they need to slow the progression of the condition. Early detection entails learning to recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and identify them should your senior develop them. Here are the ten warning signs associated with this condition, per the Alzheimer's Association.[1]

  1. Disruptive memory loss: The most common symptom of Alzheimer's disease, memory loss that impacts daily life should be investigated.  
  2. Difficulty planning and problem solving: Problem solving is frequently impacted by Alzheimer's disease.
  3. Challenges performing familiar tasks: Activities like driving to a frequently visited store, managing money, or playing a game can become difficult.
  4. Disorientation regarding the time or place: The inability to keep up with the passage of time and the tendency to believe it is a different year are common among individuals who have Alzheimer's disease.
  5. Misunderstanding of spatial relationships and images: Vision impairment can indicate Alzheimer's disease in some individuals, as they may find it hard to read, judge distance, or differentiate colors.
  6. Difficulty with written or verbal communication: Stopping in the middle of a conversation, using the wrong words, and repeating certain phrases may occur in an elderly individual who has Alzheimer's disease.
  7. Inability to retrace steps and the increased misplacement of items: Not remembering where they placed something, or where they would normally place a certain item, can cause seniors to have difficulty pinpointing the location of certain items or retracing their steps to try to discover where they had them last.
  8. Impaired judgment: Because Alzheimer's disease can impact the area of the brain that makes decisions poor judgment is something that seniors may experience as this condition develops.
  9. Isolation from social and other activities: Alzheimer's disease may cause seniors to withdraw from events and activities that they once enjoyed.
  10. Alterations in mood, behavior, and personality: Confusion, anxiety, and disorientation caused by Alzheimer's disease can result in changes to an individual's personality.


The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill encourage you to schedule a doctor's appointment for your senior if you notice any of these warning signs. By doing so, you can assist them in accessing the healthcare they need to manage Alzheimer's disease and slow its development.


We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson
803-329-0079



[1] http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Rock Hill Senior Care - Medication Management: Handling Your Senior's Prescriptions Responsibly


In dealing with Senior Care, medication management commonly falls into the hands of friends and family members who are providing senior care to an elderly loved one. An important responsibility, the task of managing prescriptions involves more than simply filling them and picking them up. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that proper medication management can make the task of providing care a bit easier—and protect the health of your loved one should an emergency arise. 

Stay Organized
By keeping all of your senior's prescriptions, medications, and important medical documents in one location, you can make it extremely easy to access necessary information. Not only will this make daily medication management tasks simpler, it will allow others to quickly find the medical details they need should your elderly loved one have an emergency.

Additionally, keep a calendar or notebook with information regarding which pills are administered when, and in what dosage. This is particularly important if your loved one is taking several prescriptions simultaneously.

Pick a Primary Pharmacist
Having your elderly loved one's prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy will ensure more thorough care. With your senior's records at hand, the pharmacist will more easily detect any potential drug interactions.

But building a relationship with a pharmacist is equally as important. Should you have any questions regarding your loved one's medications, this is the person to whom you should be able to turn.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Go with your elderly loved one to the doctor if they are comfortable with you doing so. Make sure that any questions that either of you have regarding recommended medications are answered. When your senior starts a new medication, ask if they are suffering from any side effects. Is the medication doing what it was prescribed to do? Does the dosage seem to be too high or too low? 

The senior care providers at Always Best Care of Rock Hill understand that medication management may seem a bit overwhelming at first. Certainly, it is an important responsibility. But by staying organized and adhering to these tips, you can ensure that your elderly loved one's prescriptions are managed effectively. Should you need assistance with this task, the professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill are available to help.


We have additional resources available to help you in caring for your senior here in Rock Hill - click to go to our resource page.

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson
803-329-0079

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Senior Services Rock Hill: VA Aid and Attendance Pension - Does Your Senior Qualify?


The VA Aid and Attendance Pension (A&A Pension) was created to assist veterans and their surviving spouses in affording the services of elder care providers. Sometimes referred to as the "Secret Benefit," this particular form of financial aid is often difficult to secure. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that, although approval can take between three and six months, the A & A Pension starts distributing aid during the first month after the application date. By turning to elder care professionals for guidance throughout the A&A Pension application process, individuals can determine if they qualify for the assistance and, if they do, gain approval faster.  

The services covered by the A&A Pension include those required to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, etc. Additionally, the Pension can contribute to nursing home or assisted living facility expenses for individuals who are blind or mentally or physically incapacitated.
Elderly individuals applying for the A&A Pension must have documentation provided by their doctor confirming that they require daily care. Additionally, applicants must file the appropriate documents. For veterans, the Form 21-526 is required; for surviving spouses, the form 21-534 is required. Additionally, applicants may need a DD-214, separation papers, a medical evaluation, and information about medical conditions, net worth, net income, and current medical expenses.

The amount that the A&A Pension provides on a monthly basis is subject to change, so it is important to contact the VA to find out exactly how much is available. Currently, veterans may receive up to $1,704 per month and surviving spouses may receive up to $1,094 per month. Couples who file together are eligible for up to $2,020 per month. Additionally, a veteran who files with a sick spouse may receive up to $1,338 per month.

Many veterans and their spouses need financial aid to cover the medical and senior care expenses that they incur. Oftentimes, though, information pertaining to financial aid is not always readily available. Elder care professionals encourage seniors and their families to research the benefits and pensions for which they may be eligible. The A&A Pension is a great example of a benefit that is available to veterans and their spouses that many families are unaware of.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of RockHill understand that living on a restricted or fixed income, as many elderly individuals do, can interfere with their ability to access proper care. Individuals are encouraged to contact the professionals at Always Best Care for guidance throughout the application process—which can prove extremely difficult to navigate. By seeking the assistance of senior care professionals, individuals can be referred to a VA-approved attorney and enhance their chances of being approved for the Pension.

We have additional resources available to help you in caring for your senior here in Rock Hill - click to go to our resource page.


We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson 
803-329-0079