Home » Home health
Tag:

Home health

The Greatest Fears in Grief
Caregiving

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

How to Talk About Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-in Caregiver and What to Look Out For

When you’re a live-in caregiver, your No. 1 priority should be the health, safety and well-being of the person you’re caring for. Given the rising tide of prescription drug and alcohol abuse among today’s seniors, that entails knowing the signs of drug and alcohol abuse—and being able to talk about a potential problem with drugs or alcohol when you have suspicions. Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

Substance Abuse and the Elderly

Substance abuse by elderly Americans—particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs—is “an invisible epidemic,” a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration warned in 1998.
By a recent estimate, more than half of older adults (ages 65 and older) drink alcohol, and of these seniors, roughly one in five drinks to excess at unsafe levels, according to a CBS News report in 2015.

Prescription drug abuse, too, is cause for concern, as evidenced by the fact that a vast majority (87 percent) of older Americans take at least one prescription drug on a regular basis, according to a 2005 report by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Among elderly people who seek medical attention, the rate of prescription drug abuse is reportedly between 13 and 15 percent. (The actual rate of drug abuse is likely much higher, given that many instances of abuse go unreported.)

Signs of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – What to Look for

The signs of alcoholism and/or drug abuse in older Americans can be harder to miss—hence the term “invisible epidemic.” For example, a reliable sign of a substance use disorder (SUD) is having problems at work, but many older Americans are retired and no longer working. They may therefore not manifest this more obvious warning sign of a drug or alcohol problem. Sometimes, too, the symptoms of a SUD can masquerade as merely the natural symptoms of aging.

Live-in caregivers, by virtue of dwelling in close proximity to their elderly clients, are uniquely positioned to catch the signs of a potential SUD, however. In this sense, they are first responders on the frontlines of catching a substance abuse problem before it’s too late. Below are signs to look for if drugs or alcohol may be a source of concern: Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

  • Drinking alone and often
  • Ritualized drinking (for example, needing a drink at a certain hour of the day and becoming frustrated, irritable or belligerent when that’s not possible)
  • Drinking in spite of label warnings on prescription drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs
  • Slurred speech, the smell of liquor on one’s breath and/or signs of intoxication
  • Changes in mood (seeming down, anxious or depressed or more prone to sudden outbursts)
  • Memory problems
  • Unexplained burns, bruises, falls or other injuries
  • Other worsening health problems—or, chronic health complaints that seem to have no physical cause
  • A loss of interest in hobbies that once brought pleasure
  • A history of alcohol abuse or a recent life-changing event such as the loss of a spouse or retirement (coupled with one or more of the above signs)

Tips for Talking About Drug or Alcohol Abuse

If you suspect drug or alcohol abuse is at play based on the above signs, talking about your concerns may be the next step (depending on the circumstances). When you broach your concerns regarding drug or alcohol abuse, the following guidelines may help:

  • Talk with the person when they are not drinking or under the influence. If the person is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or another drug, he or she will be less likely to hear you or more prone to defensiveness.
  • Emphasize your love and concern. Someone with an addiction problem is more likely to listen to your concerns when on the receiving end of a loving attempt to connect. This is not the time for barking orders or flushing pills or liquor down the toilet or sink dispenser. Instead, stay positive, by noting the qualities you admire in the person, the memories you’re grateful for, and the positive core values he or she has modeled for you (such as the love of family or the importance of faith). These core values can also be a way to reinforce the positive motivation(s) someone with a potential SUD might have for getting treatment. For example, if you know family is important to him or her, spending quality time with grandchildren may be a good incentive to enter drug or alcohol treatment.
  • Be gentle but direct about your concerns. In a great number of instances, just because a client is elderly does not mean he or she is not able to understand you, or needs to be babied or sheltered from the truth. Matter-of-factly and as non-judgmentally and non-confrontationally as possible, mention the behaviors you’re noticing that are causing you concern and why.
  • Avoid the terms “drug addict” and “alcoholic.” Because these terms can be stigmatizing, they can perpetuate people’s sense of shame and/or denial, thereby pushing them further away from receiving help. Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

 

By Linda Williams
Linda Williams is the Executive Director of Beach House Center for Recovery. She is also a seasoned clinician with specialization in addiction and trauma.
For additional information please visit The National Council on Seniors Drug & Alcohol Rehab: https://rehabnet.com/

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Senior woman holding cane
Seniors & Covid

Companion Care Aids Families During Pandemic

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching for the millions of families with aging loved ones, leaving many adult children anxious about more than their parents’ immediate health.

More than 77 million baby boomers turn 65 years old –a rate of 10,000 per day –with the Census predicting that seniors will outnumber children by 2035. Each of these individuals will ultimately need some level of care and aging support.

This care will fall mainly onto the shoulders of family members who will either become the primary caregiver or must navigate the many considerations of senior care options. In a restrictive pandemic environment, trying to make the best strategic, financial, social, and safety-conscious choices is challenging.

Choosing Assisted Living

More than two million of our senior Americans have moved of their own accord, or been relocated at the behest of their children, into long term care communities, many of which provide the daily care support and the amenities one could find in an elegant hotel.

Today’s assisted living developments offer “carefree” living with ample leisure time, peer connections, meal preparation, transportation, and minimal caregiving support. Those communities with transitional living options allow seniors to move within the property to higher levels of care.

But with the stringent COVID-19 health protocols, maintaining a healthy and well-trained staff has become exceedingly difficult. Add to this that residents are mandated to remain socially-isolated from family and peers, feelings of anxiety and depression are increasing and reports of neglect are on the rise. In the case of loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related disease, one of the most critical components of quality care is knowing the person’s habits, disease stage, personality, and quirks. These tasks take time and attention; short-staffing hurts.

According to the U.S. Elder Justice Council, an initiative funded by the U.S. Dept. of Justice and supported by the Dept. of Health and Human Services, a lack of adequate staffing is one of the primary factors affecting preventable harm in seniors and costing $2.8 billion in Medicare hospital costs alone. These statistics were gathered before the pandemic.

Aging in a Private Residence or Family Home

The National Council on Aging reports that nine out of 10 seniors plan to continue living in their current homes for another five to 10 years. The most significant reason for doing so is that they like where they live and have family and friends nearby. At least 66% do not want the hassle of moving, which includes the difficult decisions of selecting what personal items will fit into often much smaller accommodations and how to manage the actual move.

A benefit to aging in place at home is the independence of choice, especially during COVID-19 quarantine requirements. Mom or dad is free to pick who they socialize with, what hobbies they pursue, and create their schedule as they desire. For disease prevention, living independently also allows one to self-select contact with others.

There are downsides to aging in place: potential social or mobility-related isolation, home maintenance concerns, safety from falls or other injuries, and the costs of dealing with the unexpected.

Cutting Risk, Enhancing Life with a Professional Caregiver

Many families avoid the downsides of senior living communities or aging at home by introducing a professional caregiver to mom or dad.

Spouses and family members can work with companion care companies like Georgia-based Angel Companions to tailor non-medical care specific to the needs and schedules of their loved ones.

In senior communities, a professional caregiver can fill in the gaps and support a busy staff. They are an excellent liaison for family members unable to visit loved ones, and they can be of tremendous support during a loved one’s final days as emotion and obligations collide.

In the home, in addition to supporting activities of daily living, professional caregivers can perform a variety of tasks designed to enhance aging in place and family integrity. Managing social engagements and hobbies, meal prep, performing light housekeeping, shopping, and attending medical appointments are among the tasks that many families integrate into a care plan.

Health and Financial Benefit of Companion Care

In the United States, 16 percent of elderly adults with Medicare insurance return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Top reasons for readmission include confusion-related mistakes, improper follow-up care, or not understanding how to care for an aged love one properly.

In addition to being an extra hand – and heart –the use of professional caregivers has been shown to lower these rates, which reduces insurance costs and positively affects overall health.

Most of all for families, professional caregivers provide peace of mind for that mom and dad will remain safe, secure, and at peace as they age in the place they call home.

Lisa Parks is a marketing and communications consultant, and Alzheimer’s Community Educator, who advocates for seniors and people with disabilities. www.imagecomgroup.com

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Caregiving

What to consider when choosing an in-home care provider

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

If you are looking into hiring an in-home care provider here are some things to consider:

Service availability

Home health aide schedules vary between agencies. This can impact affordability and convenience when hiring a service.

  • Home for the holidays: Does the agency offer holiday service? Many elderly people celebrate in their own homes, making it crucial for an assistant to be available during these days.
  • Part-time option: Not all seniors need round-the-clock care, so a part-time option helps keep costs low.
  • Overtime service: Family members responsible for primary care may face a late day at the office, bad traffic or any number of factors that could leave them running late. Be sure that a caregiver can remain on site when a complication arises.
  • Respite care: Family caregivers need breaks from time-to-time to tend to their own needs. Home health aides can fill in so that the care recipient remains safe while the family caregiver is away.

Clear communication

Communication between the family of the senior receiving care and the provider organization is critical to creating a comprehensive schedule of services. Slow response times could leave a senior alone, or put them in danger by delaying reports on issues that could impact their health.

  • Health reporting: How often does the service provider give a comprehensive report about the senior’s continued ability to live alone?
  • Schedule changes: For many people, caring for an elderly parent does not reduce other demands on their time, leaving them to schedule around school plays, nights out with friends and work functions. Flexible and emergency scheduling is a must.
  • Live operators: As effective as voice mail can be, waiting for a call back can be nerve wracking. Make sure your service provider routinely answers the phone, rather than responding to messages.

Provider screening

Any time you let someone into your home, you take a risk. The elderly are particularly at risk, so before inviting someone in, it is important that they pass screening and a background check which should be provided by the agency.

  • Background checks: A credit check and scan of criminal history could provide a sense of security.
  • Reference checks: Reference checks are a quick and easy way to find out whether someone has a history of quality performance, and they are also something that many employers neglect to do.
  • Caregiver interview: Instead of simply assigning someone to a case, it is important to allow the caregiver, senior and their family to meet in an informal environment. Compatibility is a foundation for building trust.

Absentee policies

Everyone needs a day off occasionally, so what happens when a caregiver calls out?

  • Immediate notification: Before sending a replacement, the agency should notify you of the conflict. You might prefer to take some time off rather than have a stranger take on the job.
  • Available replacement: If they have a call out, can the agency send out someone else without missing the service window?
  • Permanent replacement option: While occasional call outs are inevitable, repetitive issues with missed work can be a major issue. It is important to know how many you might deal with from a single provider.

Cost

When trying to provide care on a limited budget, the cost can be a major issue. Medicare rarely covers in-home care costs, leaving much of it to be out-of-pocket. You can see what benefits you or your loved one are eligible for by visiting benefits.gov. Long-term care insurance and Medicare supplemental insurance might be viable options to help cover costs.

  • Daily charges: Is there a daily maximum on charges?
  • Hourly charges: Hourly charges can rack up fast, particularly for those that need round-the-clock care.
  • Extra therapy charge: If the primary aide only helps around the house, but is supplemented with a physical therapist or nurse, is there an additional charge for these occasional services? There almost always is.

Article provide by ConsumerAffairs.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Caregiving

How to choose a home care provider

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

1. Write down all the care services needed

Start by making a complete list of all the tasks you or your loved one needs help with. Once you have this list, you can decide whether you need one provider or a few with different specialties.

2. Screen over the phone first

Next, call the companies that advertise the services you need and confirm that their employees can do everything needed. Use the list of questions from Eldercare.gov to ensure your loved one will receive quality care.

3. Interview in the resident’s home

If a provider meets your standards after talking to them on the phone, have an in-home interview with the people who will work with your loved one. Make sure you and the care recipient feel comfortable and confident.

4. Call the provider’s references

Anyone who will be working in your loved one’s home should be willing to give you a list of references, including current clients. Call these people to learn more about the provider and ensure they’re someone you want to hire.

5. Run a background check

Run a background check on each individual who will be helping your loved one in their home.

Article from ConsumerAffairs.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care
Caregiving

Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

When someone you love requires senior care, it’s important that they receive care from a provider who puts seniors first. The sudden boom in America’s elderly population has made senior care one of America’s most lucrative industries. While many owners of senior care agencies and facilities are getting into the industry for the right reasons, too many others only see dollar signs. Instead of putting seniors first, they’re prioritizing the bottom line. Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care
At Visiting Angels®, we’ve been focused on seniors’ well-being for more than twenty years and have become one of the most trusted names in the senior care industry. We know that a profit-first approach to senior care is not the right answer. What’s more, we believe in giving families the information they need to find trustworthy care for their loved ones.
Here’s why. As a business-owner, the bottom line is always a concern. There’s a simple reason. If you’re losing money, you can’t stay in business. And if you can’t stay in business, you can’t provide care to the seniors who need your support. But if maximizing profits is a bigger priority than optimizing quality of care, that’s a problem.
Nothing has underscored this more clearly than a New York Times report on American nursing homes published this January. Reporters discovered heartbreaking stories of malpractice and mistreatment in a series of nursing homes engaged in shady business practices. It turned out that the owners were buying services and supplies from companies they owned separately from their nursing homes. By making these purchases at artificially high prices, the owners were able to mask how much money they were actually making.
Thankfully, these transactions are unlikely to occur in the at home care industry.

Choosing a Trustworthy Senior Care Provider

The good news is that there are still senior care agencies and facilities that put seniors first instead of focusing solely on profits. Here are a few tips on how to steer clear of senior care agencies and nursing facilities that put profits ahead of the seniors in their care.

  • During your initial consultations with care providers, gauge how flexible they are with regards to your loved one’s care concerns, personal preferences, and scheduling requests. High-quality providers understand the unique needs of their clients and customize their services accordingly.
  • If possible, research their reputation within the community. A quality provider will happily provide references from past clients. Online reviews can be an excellent resource, particularly for well-established agencies and care facilities.
  • When a provider is part of a national brand, pay close attention to the wider reputation of that brand. Different brands hold their locations to different standards and operate according to different values. Trusted names, like Visiting Angels, are trusted for a reason.

For home care services that put seniors first, contact your local Visiting Angels. Call 800-365-4189 or contact your local office to get detailed information on our senior care services or to schedule a free in-home consultation with your local director.

Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care

Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care Steering Clear of Profit-First Senior Care
 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay
Caregiving

Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

One of the most challenging experiences for seniors and caregivers can be managing the recovery process after a hospital stay. Often, it’s not the hospitalization that is most difficult, but the specialized follow-up care that many seniors require to avoid complications or readmission into the hospital.

This follow-up care, called post-acute care, is one of the most important parts of the recovery process. It’s also one of the most misunderstood and difficult to navigate parts of our healthcare system. Seniors who receive high-quality post-acute care after an injury or illness experience better, faster recoveries and have lower out-of-pocket healthcare. Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay

Usually, your healthcare provider will inform you of the follow-up care you or your loved one will need upon admission to the hospital. Sometimes, however, you may not find out what services are needed until it’s time to leave the hospital. For these time-constrained and stressful situations, it’s important that you make an informed decision for optimal recovery. Patients are often assigned a case manager who can guide you through the post-acute care process and coordinate recovery as you or your loved one transitions from the hospital back to their home. The case manager can be a great resource to discuss post-acute care options.

To ensure that you select the best post-acute care for your condition, it’s important to understand the different options and identify what best suits your personal needs. There are four main types of post-acute care – each provides unique services in different settings.

4 Types of Acute Care:

  1. Home health care agencies send medical professionals to patients’ homes to receive skilled nursing and rehabilitation services without having to go to a separate facility. Common services provided through home health care are wound care, physical therapy, and help with medicines, such as injections.
  2. Skilled nursing facilities are residential healthcare facilities for patients who no longer need to be in a hospital but who require a higher level of medical care than can be provided at home. Common services provided include physical/occupational rehabilitation, speech and language therapy, and complex wound care.
  3. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities are residential healthcare locations that provide intensive hospital-level care for patients with complex conditions such as spinal cord diseases or traumatic brain injuries. Common services provided through inpatient rehabilitation facilities include intensive physical therapy and stroke rehabilitation.
  4. Long term care hospitals offer the same level of round-the-clock care as traditional hospitals or intensive care units, but over a longer period of time (usually a month). Common services provided at long term care hospitals include ventilator care, intravenous therapy, and dialysis.

 

After determining the type of post-acute care provider best fits your needs, there are some other important factors to consider before making a decision.

  • Meet with a medical professional to understand medical needs and determine the best post-acute care options. If you have a specific medical condition (diabetes, chronic disease, Alzheimer’s), you can narrow down your search based on specialty services offered through the provider.
  • Verify insurance coverage to make sure that the post-acute care facility is within your insurance network and that the treatment is covered under the insurance policy.
  • When evaluating healthcare providers, it’s important to compare Medicare quality data and other key information such as patient/family reviews and health inspection reports.
  • Talk to staff members at the provider to discuss patient care plans, how patient needs will be addressed, and how they handle different situations. If possible, visit the location and talk to current employees and residents about their experiences. Evaluate the facility’s cleanliness, amenity options, and medical specializations.

 

Navigating follow-up care is a challenging and emotional process, especially for seniors who have just gone through a major medical operation or hospitalization. If you’re a caregiver or family member supporting your loved one in the transition, be patient and understanding throughout the decision-making process. There are many online communities and discussion forums to find out more about post-acute care and learn from others’ experiences to make the most of the recovery journey. Remember, leaving the hospital is just the first part of the road to a happy and healthy recovery!

Ryan Miller is a recovering healthcare policy wonk and co-founder of repisodic, a health technology company that helps seniors, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals find the highest quality, personalized post-acute care. He was previously Director of Policy and Strategy for Siemens Healthcare, one of the largest medical device companies the world, but now enjoys building up and providing free profiles of health providers as well as guides and articles on a variety of senior healthcare topics. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife and dog. www.repisodic.com

Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay

Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay Post-Acute Care Advice after a Hospital Stay

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population
Conditions & Treatments

Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Cases of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have increased sharply in the US over the past several years. The reason why it is taken for granted: as the American population grows older, dementia becomes more prevalent. But Alzheimer’s and other dementias may be spreading faster than many people think. Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population
A new study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has found that cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia are projected to increase from 6 million cases in 2017 to 15 million cases by 2060. That’s an increase of 150%. Over the same period, America’s population is projected to grow from 323.1 million to 416.8 million. That’s an increase of just 29%.

If these projections hold true, this means that cases of dementia in America will increase at 5 times the rate of the US population across the next four decades.

So why is the dementia rate growing so much faster than the American population? An aging populace is the main reason — America’s senior population will more than double over the next 40 years. But this doesn’t completely explain the discrepancy. When you crunch the numbers, an aging population only explains 3 out of every 4 cases of dementia projected by the NIH study. No matter how you look at it, cases of dementia are spreading faster than they should be.

While nobody has a definitive answer, there are a few theories as to why Alzheimer’s and dementia seem to be spreading at faster-than-expected rates.

  • Medical advances in other areas may be extending lifespans, meaning more Americans are reaching the age where they develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
  • Changes in the typical American lifestyle — including changes to diet and exercise habit — may be putting more people at risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
  • Changes to home, work, and community environments may be exposing more Americans to environmental risk factors that increase dementia rates.
  • Another common explanation is that Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis practices have become more accurate in recent years. This could mean that cases of dementia aren’t actually rising — they’re just being accurately diagnosed more often. However, most modern studies go to great lengths to account for this possibility, and this theory wouldn’t explain the projections of the NIH study.

Preparing for Higher Rates of Alzheimer’s & Dementia

As important as it may be to know why cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia are spreading, it’s equally important that we know how to respond. Unfortunately, as a nation, we are underprepared for the spread of dementia in the coming decades.

Here’s how we can change that. First, we need to increase awareness and education. Most Americans have a limited understanding of Alzheimer’s, the different types of dementia, and age-related cognitive impairment more widely. We need more people to understand the risk these conditions present, along with how we can prevent, manage, and address their development.

Next, we need to put more resources into dementia treatment and management. This includes expanded research into Alzheimer’s prevention, treatment, and the search for a possible cure. It also includes advance planning for the care needs of those with different types of dementia. This means addressing America’s shortage of professional caregivers, increasing the availability of home dementia care and home Alzheimer’s care services, and encouraging families to plan ahead for the care needs of loved ones.

Finally, we need to do everything possible to defy these projections. After all, they’re just that: projections. Americans have the power to prove them wrong. Research has given us a number of proven ways to prevent, delay, and slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If Americans — particularly those of us who know that we’re at risk of Alzheimer’s — can make adjustments to our diets, our exercise habits, and the spaces where we live and work, we can stop dementia from spreading so rapidly.
10 Dementia Warning Signs

Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5 Times as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5 Times as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5 Times as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia

Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US PopulationWhy is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population Why is Dementia Rate Rising 5X as Fast as US Population

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers
Caregiving

7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Writing about yourself in the form of a resume is never an easy task. However, it’s an essential part of the job-seeking process and always the first impression you’ll have with a future employer, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s perfect. 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers
The caregiver industry is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world so if you’re looking for your next job; there’s never been a better time to do so. So you don’t miss out on your next opportunity, here are seven tips you need to know about writing the best resume possible.

Start with Formatting

As with all resumes, the way you format your document is one of the most important aspects to consider, even more so when it comes to caregivers. In this profession, having an eye for detail is a key element that you’ll need to show you have, and what better way to show it than in your resume?
“Before you start writing, start by laying out your resume on your page, adding in the title, your contact details and subheadings for the sections that you’re going to be talking about,” shares Alan Thompson, a resume writer from Academized.

Always Be Honest

When writing your resume, it’s essential that you’re honest in everything you say. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to stretch the truth, so an employer is more likely to hire you, but this is only ever going to backfire in the long-term. As a caregiver, honesty is one of the most important traits you can possess.

Customise Your Resume for Each Job

There’s a standard rule in the world of resume writing that you have to write a new resume, or at least edit your resume, for every single job you apply for, and the same is true for a caregiver’s resume.
When you’re applying for a job, read through the job description and make sure you edit your resume, so the skills you’ve listed first are the closest match to the skills that the company is looking for to maximise your chances of securing an interview.

Include as Much Detail as Possible

As we mentioned above, your resume is likely to be the first impression a company will ever have of you, so you’ll want to make sure that it counts. With this in mind, you need to make sure that you include as much detail as possible in all your sections.
This includes the experience and education sections, so you really highlight what makes you special and suitable for the job role that you’re applying for.

Writing the Perfect Resume

Not everybody is born to be a professional writer and, as a caregiver, the chances are that you probably don’t have time to learn. However, thanks to modern-day technology, there is a wealth of tools out there that can help. Here are a few to get you started;

  • Then VS Than & Grammarix: These are two online blogs you can use to improve your grammar skills for writing your resume.
  • Resume Writing Service: This is a resume-building service where you can use and download templates to follow while writing.
  • Boom Essays: This is an online writing agency with professional writers who can guide you through the resume writing process, as recommended by the HuffingtonPost in Write Me an Essay.
  • State of Writing & My Writing Way: These are online writing websites full of writing guides you can follow when writing your resume.
  • UKWritings: This is an online service you can use to help you improve your interview skills, as suggested by Best Essay Writing Services.
  • Cite It In: A free online tool you can use to add professionally formatted references and quotes to your resume.
  • Essayroo & Assignment Help: These are two custom writing services that can write your resume for you on your behalf.
  • Easy Word Count: A free online tool you can use to track and monitor the word count of your resume.

Include References

Since you’re working with other people and providing them with care, an employer will want to make sure they are getting the perfect person for the job. There’s no better way to prove that you’re capable than getting a reference from a previous employer.
This proves that you have the experience that you say you have and uses the credibility of the last company that you worked for to boost your chances of securing an interview.

Don’t Forget the Basics

There are a few basics you’ll want to remember when it comes to resume writing and it’s vital that you don’t forget them while trying to remember everything else. Firstly, check your contact details to make sure they’re right. You don’t want to have been selected for an interview, only for the employer to find it impossible to get in contact with you.
Secondly, try to keep your resume to a single page, so it’s not overwhelming to the recruiter. Finally, don’t forget to proofread your resume, so it’s free from spelling mistakes and typos.
Mary Walton is an editor at Australian Assignment Writing Service and BigAssignments, tutoring websites that help Aussie students. She blogs on Simple Grad, read her Best Essay Writing Services article there.

7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers

7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers 7 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Caregivers

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Senior man in hospice
Caregiving

If It’s Time for Hospice – Here’s some Help

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

When someone tells you it’s time to call hospice for someone you love, it’s one of the toughest bits of news you’ll ever hear. However, when you do get that news, you’ll still need good information. Here are a few tips.

Find the Right Fit

First of all, you have a choice about which hospice agency or provider will give care to your loved one. You will often be given the names of one, sometimes up to three, agencies that provide hospice care. A doctor, a hospital social worker, your elder’s nurse practitioner or someone at your elder’s care facility usually gives hospice agency referrals.

You can call one of these agencies and/or you can do your own research on which agencies have the best reputation in your elder’s community. You have a choice. You don’t have to use one of the agencies that was referred to you. Remember this.

Sometimes it is very convenient to use a referral. Often, the person or organization referring the hospice agency to you has experience with that agency. They refer agencies that work well with the system that shares their name. That’s good in many ways.

How to identify the right fit –

  • The right hospice provider will understand your elder’s wishes, will work with the family as partners in care, will be very effective communicators and will be responsive to any changes needed or requested.
  • Interview each of the hospice agencies before you select one.
  • Ask neighbors, friends, coworkers (and even on social media) if they have had any experiences good or bad with hospice agencies. Who would they recommend?
  • Read this helpful list from the American Hospice Foundation. americanhospice.org/learning-about-hospice/choosing-a-hospice-16-questions-to-ask/
  • Check with your state hospice accreditation agency (search Internet for this in your state) on the reputation of each hospice group you’ve identified. Each state does this differently. You can find out if an agency has any complaints filed against them or if they are currently accredited.
  • A list of hospice associations by state can be found at https://hospicefoundation.org/Hospice-Directory
  • Remember you can change hospice agencies if you are not satisfied. Specifics at Medicare.gov – see next point.

Learn What Medicare Covers in Hospice Care

  • Visit Medicare.gov and use the Search box to find information on Hospice.
  • Download Medicare’s publication on Hospice Care. medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/02154-Medicare-Hospice-Benefits
  • It is important to know what Medicare does and doesn’t cover in the hospice program. Don’t just rely on the hospice agency personnel to tell you. Verify any information you receive.

Read some Good Information

  • The best book that I’ve found on situations you’ll encounter in end-of-life care is Final Gifts by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley. It is a must-read for families experiencing hospice for the first time. Take the time to read it.Please.
  • Visit hospicefoundation.org – the website of the Hospice Foundation of America. Good info available here on all sorts of topics.
  • National Association of Home Care and Hospice at nahc.org. They have a hospice patient’s bill of rights.

Have the Paperwork in order

  • Make sure your elder has an updated Advance Directive – delineating their wishes for end-of-life care (and that you and their providers have a copy of it)
  • Verify that their will is up-to-date and accessible to their attorneys and/or family members designated to be personal representatives.
  • Review Power of Attorney (POA) documents to make sure they match your elder’s wishes. Provide copies to care providers and anyone designated as POA.

Be a Good Advocate

  • Now is the time to speak out or speak for your elder. Their own voice may grow weaker but your advocacy should grow stronger. Find your most diplomatic voice and use it to make sure your elder’s wishes and your family’s wishes are respected and carried out.

You will make it through. You will. It’s hard, it may be long, but it may also bring some of the best, most touching moments you’ve spent with your elder.

By Suzanne Blankenship

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts