Monday, December 31, 2012

Free Assisted Living Placement Services: Finding the Right Home for Your Senior


Choosing an assisted living facility can be a daunting task—particularly if you have never had this responsibility before. Who can you trust? What facility will best meet your loved one’s needs? The home care providers at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communities of Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that this decision can weigh heavily on your shoulders. That is why Always Best Care offers free assisted living placement services.

Finding the Right Assisted Living Facility
Your elderly loved one has specific needs when it comes to their care. For instance, they may require medical assistance. A variety of assisted living facilities are often available; however, they frequently offer different levels of care—and not all of them may meet the needs of your elderly loved one. This is why it is important to trust the recommendations of individuals who are well-versed in the senior care industry.
At Always Best Care of Rock Hill, your senior’s needs will be matched to facilities in the community. This ensures that the recommended facilities are able to care for your loved one in the necessary way. Additionally, it takes a great deal of the stress out of the facility tour process. When you visit the recommended assisted living homes, you will be able to focus on the details of the facilities, like the living arrangements, instead of whether or not the organization can provide the right degree of care to your loved one.

Asking the Right Questions
The professionals at Always Best Care are committed to assisting you in finding the right living arrangements for your loved one. For this reason, they are happy to answer any questions that you may have—and you are certain to have questions.
When touring a facility, ask about the care that residents receive. How often do they interact with senior care professionals? Are there any scheduled activities for members of the community?  The quality of life that your senior will experience is of the utmost importance. For this reason, it is crucial that you understand the lifestyle that they will enjoy if they choose the facilities that you tour.

Most importantly, Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com) wants you and your loved one to be comfortable with the assisted living facility that you choose. With its free placement services, you can find the perfect community for your loved one without having to spend a fortune. 

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, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Elder Care Rock Hill: Winterizing Your Senior's Home


During the winter months, the harsh weather can take a toll on the home of your senior. If you are helping to provide in home care, if your loved one's house is not adequately prepared for the season it can negatively impact the comfort of their living space. 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 Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, and other nearby areas, know that winterizing your senior's home is an important concern. As the colder months approach, consider the following ways in which you might prepare your senior's house.
Enhance seals in windows and doors to reduce drafts.
Drafts can actually have a major impact on the comfort of your elderly loved one. As cold air comes into the home, it can decrease the temperature of the living space. This can cause your senior to catch a chill. To avoid this, check all the windows and doors to ensure that they close and seal properly. If necessary, repair any seals that are letting cold air into the home.
Improve insulation to ensure that warmer air stays in the home.
If your senior's attic is not properly insulated, all of the hot air that their heating system creates will rise to the top of the home and escape out of the roof. It is crucial to invest in quality insulation in order to keep your loved one comfortable and reduce their heating costs throughout the winter months.
The market offers a wide range of insulating products, so it is probably a good idea to speak with a home maintenance professional to ensure that you get the right insulation for your senior's home. Additionally, these professionals can instruct you regarding the installation of the new insulation material.
Check the heating system for efficiency.
If the heater has not been run since last winter, it is a good idea to turn it on and walk through the house, making sure that each room is properly heated. If a room isn't getting the heat it should be, have an HVAC professional come check the system for problems. You will also want to ensure that the system has a clean filter.
The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com) understand that winterizing your loved one's home is an important task this winter. Through your efforts, you can create a more comfortable living area for your elderly loved one. 
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, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Elder Care Rock Hill: Collaborating with Siblings to Provide Senior Care

 
Elder care and caring for an elderly loved one is no small responsibility. In fact, many individual must quit their jobs in order to provide the elder care and in home care their seniors need. This is why it is important for families to work together to ensure that their loved ones receive the attention they deserve. The home 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 Clover, Hickory Grove, Sharon, and other nearby areas, encourage siblings to collaborate with one another in order to offer the care that their parents and grandparents need.
It is not always easy to get everyone on the same page when it comes to sharing elder care responsibilities. This is particularly true when siblings live in different states or all have families of their own to look after. But it is possible to work together to ensure the safety and health of an elderly loved one. Here are some ideas that siblings may find useful in creating a care plan that works.
Create a schedule, ensuring that everyone knows when they are responsible for their senior. Make the schedule ahead of time so that siblings are able to plan around the care they are providing.
  Try to remain flexible whenever possible, as conflicts are certain to arise. For instance, be willing to trade "shifts" with a sibling if their child falls ill and they need to change their schedule. Likewise, ensure that each sibling has time to take vacations and enjoy their own families.
  If a sibling lives out of state, have them chip in by making doctor's appointments, calling in prescription refills, or even managing finances. This way they can still contribute and are able to alleviate some of the stress from their brothers and sisters who are providing in-home care.
Ensure that the lines of communication remain open. All siblings must understand the goals of care and when it is time to call in professionals for assistance. Talking with elderly loved ones about this will allow siblings to prepare to enact more intense care options if the need arises.
The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com) know that working with siblings is not always easy; however, sharing senior care responsibilities will allow family members to maintain a balance between caring for their elderly loved ones and raising their own children.

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, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.
 

In Home Care Rock Hill: Hoarding - How to Remove Clutter from Your Senior's Home


When dealing with In Home Care and Elder Care situations in Rock Hill we come across hoarding issues, a problem that has gained national attention, thanks to documentaries and television shows that spotlight the condition. In addition to creating an uncomfortable living space, hoarding is actually a very dangerous activity. It decreases the ability of a senior to get out of the house in case of an emergency. Additionally, the clutter created by hoarding can actually cause emergencies, such as a fire. The home 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, Sharon, and other nearby areas, know just how important it is to remove the clutter from your elderly loved one's home.
In many cases, hoarding can create lasting emotional issues that are best discussed with a professional. If this is the situation in which you find your elderly loved one, senior care professionals encourage you to address the problem through the use of a therapist. If you find that your loved one will allow you to assist them in cleaning their home, though, go ahead and provide the support they need to get their house in order.
Here are some tips to assist you in creating a safer, cleaner living space for your senior:
1.     Be patient with your senior. The process of cleaning a home after hoarding has occurred is overwhelming, as there is a great deal to do. Keep the project as organized as possible and try not to push your loved one too hard to get things done. The best course of action may be to have them direct you in the work.
2.     Create a system. In each room, designate a box or pile for things that are to be kept, that are to be thrown away, and that are to be donated. Regularly move the boxes or piles as they accumulate so that you can see the results of your hard work. Additionally, removing the items from the space will reduce the chances that your loved one will change their minds and try to keep things that they do not need.
3.     Finish each room as you go. By completing one room at a time, you and your senior can better retain your motivation to finish the task. Cleaning an entire home is a major undertaking; however, seeing the results of your work will allow you to keep your goal at the forefront of your mind. Additionally, finally having rooms free of clutter may encourage your loved one to keep working and, ultimately, stop their hoarding habit.
The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com) know that hoarding can pose a serious threat to the well being of your loved one. By cleaning their home, you can help them overcome this problem.

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, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

Friday, October 26, 2012

What Do You Do Now? Where to Turn for Senior Care in Rock Hill

As individuals age, they naturally need assistance with daily activities. Many families step in and provide the basic care that their elderly loved ones require whether it be in home care or other assistance. In numerous cases, the assistance of a family member with housekeeping, grooming, meal preparation, and other simple tasks is enough to ensure that seniors are safe and well-cared for. But there often comes a time when families need the help of senior care professionals to ensure that their loved ones have the support they need to continue aging in place. Or, if necessary, they may need to look into assisted living or nursing facilities. 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 the search for qualified caregivers can be daunting; however, they are available to help families determine the best form of care for their loved ones. 


Choosing the Right Form of Care
For families who need professional help caring for their elderly loved ones, there are three options. First, they may turn to in-home care providers. If your senior wants to age in place and owns their home, the services of an in-home care professional may be ideal. This is a great option if your loved one needs basic care and does not required skilled, or medical, assistance. 

Another option is an assisted living facility, which offers 24/7 security and support while providing abundant opportunities for your elderly loved one to remain socially active. These communities host events, provide transportation, and offer assistance with activities of daily living. 

Finally, you may want to look into a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home, if your senior needs medical attention. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals who can provide the high degree of care your loved one needs. 

The professionals at Always Best Care can help you determine what level of support your loved one needs. Additionally, they may be able to assist in matching your senior to a facility that will best meet their expectations. 


Paying for Senior Care
The services of home care, assisted living, and nursing professionals can quickly add up in terms of cost. While it is a worthwhile expense, it is important to prepare for this added bill. Long-term care insurance may be an option, and your family's insurance and financial planning professionals can explain your choices in terms of paying for the care your loved one requires. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill encourage you to consider the options available to your loved one when determining the care that they need. Choosing the right professionals to look after your senior is not always easy, but Always Best Care can help.

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, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.
  

Saturday, September 15, 2012

In South Carolina, Can You Legally Have Your Parents’ Driving Privileges Revoked?


Who Will Your Parents Listen to about Giving Up Driving?

Safety when driving is a major concern for families of elderly individuals. When seniors continue driving after they should give up their licenses, they can prove to be a hazard to themselves and the other drivers who are sharing the road. 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 this can be a sensitive subject to bring up with your elderly loved one; however, it is an important discussion to have if you believe that your senior needs to give up their keys.

Determining When It Is Time to Stop Driving

In the state of South Carolina, there are no special requirements for older drivers when renewing their license.* With a five-year in-person renewal cycle, individuals looking to maintain their license must only take a vision and knowledge test if they have over five points on their driving record. Additionally, if drivers have not had their license revoked, canceled, or suspended within the last two years, they can renew their license by mail.

Because the state doesn’t have many detection measures in place regarding when it is time for a senior to stop driving, it is largely up to the family to determine when it is time for their loved one to turn over their keys. This decision should be made when you are concerned about the safety of your loved one and other drivers on the road. Impaired vision, slower reflexes, and similar physical issues may contribute to this decision. Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and other mental concerns could play a part.

Calling Upon the State

If you believe that your elderly loved one’s license should be revoked but you cannot get them to stop driving willingly, you may want to call upon the help of the state. South Carolina can assist in your efforts if you call the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Explain your situation and the DMV’s representative can refer you to the Medical Department. The professionals in this department can guide you through the rest of the process.

The senior care providers of Always Best Care of Rock Hill are dedicated to the safety of elderly individuals. This is particularly true when it comes to driving, as operating a motor vehicle can prove exceedingly dangerous if the driver is not able to do so safely.

*All information about South Carolina driving and licensing regulations taken from Caregiverlist.


We at Always Best Care 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
Email: pdavidson@abc-seniors.com

Friday, September 14, 2012

Free Assisted Living Placement Services: Finding the Right Home for Your Senior


Choosing an assisted living facility can be a daunting task—particularly if you have never had this responsibility before. Who can you trust? What facility will best meet your loved one’s needs? The home care providers at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communities of Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that this decision can weigh heavily on your shoulders. That is why Always Best Care offers free assisted living placement services.

Finding the Right Assisted Living Facility

Your elderly loved one has specific needs when it comes to their care. For instance, they may require medical assistance. A variety of assisted living facilities are often available; however, they frequently offer different levels of care—and not all of them may meet the needs of your elderly loved one. This is why it is important to trust the recommendations of individuals who are well-versed in the senior care industry.

At Always Best Care of Rock Hill, your senior’s needs will be matched to facilities in the community. This ensures that the recommended facilities are able to care for your loved one in the necessary way. Additionally, it takes a great deal of the stress out of the facility tour process. When you visit the recommended assisted living homes, you will be able to focus on the details of the facilities, like the living arrangements, instead of whether or not the organization can provide the right degree of care to your loved one.

Asking the Right Questions

The professionals at Always Best Care are committed to assisting you in finding the right living arrangements for your loved one. For this reason, they are happy to answer any questions that you may have—and you are certain to have questions.

When touring a facility, ask about the care that residents receive. How often do they interact with senior care professionals? Are there any scheduled activities for members of the community?  The quality of life that your senior will experience is of the utmost importance. For this reason, it is crucial that you understand the lifestyle that they will enjoy if they choose the facilities that you tour.

Most importantly, Always Best Care of Rock Hill wants you and your loved one to be comfortable with the assisted living facility that you choose. With its free placement services, you can find the perfect community for your loved one without having to spend a fortune.


We at Always Best Care 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.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Aging in Place: Helping Your Senior Stay at Home


Aging in place is important for many seniors, who want to live in the comfort of their homes for the remainder of their years. In fact, an AARP survey reveals that over 80 percent of seniors would prefer to age in place over moving into a nursing, assisted living, or other care facility. For many seniors, staying at home is more comfortable, allows them to retain their independence, is more convenient, and offers a stronger feeling of security. Additionally, it allows many seniors to stay close to family members. The home care providers 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 aging in place is the wish of the vast majority of seniors; however, this requires families to plan for the needs of their elderly loved ones.

Aging is a process that requires seniors to go through many transitions. As they get older, individuals undergo physical, psychological, and mental changes that can affect the level of care that they need. For this reason, it is important that your family understands the services that your loved one will require. Some of these services include:

•    Yard maintenance

•    Maintenance of the exterior of the home

•    Transportation

•    Cleaning

•    Meal preparation and assistance eating

•    Meal delivery

•    Bathing and personal hygiene

•    Dressing

•    In-home care

•    Emergency care

If your elderly loved one wants to age in place, it is important that your family understands what these services are and where to access them. For this reason, you should consult with resources within your senior’s community to learn where you will need to go to secure these services when the time comes.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill offer invaluable resources regarding senior care. Through in-home care, they are able to provide companionship, assistance with activities of daily living, and similar services. Although these professionals do not provide all of the services that your elderly loved one will require, they can assist your family in determining the kind of care that your loved one needs while helping you locate resources that can provide the services your senior will rely upon. The professionals at Always Best Care can also provide a free assisted living placement service, which is invaluable in situations where aging in place is no longer the best option.



We at Always Best Care 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.


Monday, August 27, 2012

Medication Management: Handling Your Senior's Prescriptions Responsibly

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. 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?