The Personal Touch, LLC is now offering quality medical supplies that can be delivered to your home. We are a home care agency committed to personal service and quality products. We care for your loved ones as we would care for our loved ones.
When the quality of care for your loved one is your number one priority, call for your free assessment at (360) 895-3980.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Baby Boomers
Due to the abundance of excellent health care available in Washington State, California and the surrounding area, we are living longer than ever anticipated. But as seniors age, some may need help if they want to continue to live independently. More often than not, it is the already overscheduled children of the baby boomer generation that are called upon to assist their parents to age with dignity.
On a recent visit to your parent's home you notice the mail is three days old in the mailbox, medication is scattered haphazardly over the kitchen table, the refrigerator is empty and neither parent has apparently bathed since your last visit. Your parents are adamant that "everything is fine".
How do you identify when your loved one needs help and how do you help without taking away their autonomy? The following may be helpful in your conversation and observation of your parents:
Be Honest. If you are concerned about their needs, say so. State this in an "I" message. Example, "I am concerned about your diet, you seem to be loosing weight." Or "I noticed that you call me often and forget we have just talked, are you concerned about your memory?". "I am ...".
When parents call you frequently and complain about vague symptoms, sometimes they are telling you that they are scared or lonely. Try to get to what the underlying issue is and don't focus so much on the vague symptoms.
All medical complaints need evaluated by a health care professional.
Tell your parent(s) that you respect their autonomy. Wanting them to be independent and to support their independence, you need to know a few important items to help them when and if an emergency presents itself:
What kind of legal planning have they done? If they become disabled could you or another party take over without going to the court system? This means they have a Durable Power of Attorneys for both Health and Finances in place.
Talk about their finances. What is their monthly income? Where does the income come from? What are their assets? Get a list of bank accounts and brokerage accounts. Is the income sufficient to meet their needs? They could be entitled to some governmental programs if they are low or even middle income.
What is their medical insurance and what numbers are associated with those policies. What is their social security number? Do they have life insurance policies or long term care policies? If they have this insurance get the names and phone numbers of these companies.
Have they pre-paid for funeral and/or burial expenses? Where have they done this? What are the phone numbers of the mortuary and/or cemetery?
Who are their doctors? What medications are they currently taking? List all the medications and determine what they are taking them for. Ask them if they take any over the counter medications or vitamins or herbs.
How often do they see friends? Do you have the names and phone numbers of their friends?
Ditto for their religious community.
Are they drinking alcohol? If yes, how much?
Are they driving safely? Do they have convenient transportation?
Identifying when your loved one needs help is not difficult when a medical emergency of accident occurs. However, the slow progression of dementia or depression might not be apparent through telephone calls or short visits. If both of your parents are alive, the well spouse often compensates for the other's failing and may deny anything is wrong. It is a good idea to think proactively when caring for aging parents.
Below is a list of "Red Flags" to watch for when visiting your aging family member:
Change in weight
Change in short term memory
Change in usual routine
Change in speech and/or ambulation
Bills not being paid
Entering contests
Refusing to go with friends on outings or going to church
Refusing suggestions as well as agreeing with everything without giving consideration to consequences
Mood swings, getting angry quickly
Refusing to see medical providers
Inability to take care of activities of daily living: cooking, dressing, bathing, housekeeping to name a few.
Once you have decided to become proactive in helping your aging parents, your next step is where do you go for help?
If you are in a crisis mode, or do not have the luxury of time to gather this information options like The Personal Touch, LLC for Elder Care is available to work closely with your siblings, other relatives and parents to design the most cost and care effective plan. (options for eldercare)
Call today for a free assessment 1-877-896-3980
On a recent visit to your parent's home you notice the mail is three days old in the mailbox, medication is scattered haphazardly over the kitchen table, the refrigerator is empty and neither parent has apparently bathed since your last visit. Your parents are adamant that "everything is fine".
How do you identify when your loved one needs help and how do you help without taking away their autonomy? The following may be helpful in your conversation and observation of your parents:
Be Honest. If you are concerned about their needs, say so. State this in an "I" message. Example, "I am concerned about your diet, you seem to be loosing weight." Or "I noticed that you call me often and forget we have just talked, are you concerned about your memory?". "I am ...".
When parents call you frequently and complain about vague symptoms, sometimes they are telling you that they are scared or lonely. Try to get to what the underlying issue is and don't focus so much on the vague symptoms.
All medical complaints need evaluated by a health care professional.
Tell your parent(s) that you respect their autonomy. Wanting them to be independent and to support their independence, you need to know a few important items to help them when and if an emergency presents itself:
What kind of legal planning have they done? If they become disabled could you or another party take over without going to the court system? This means they have a Durable Power of Attorneys for both Health and Finances in place.
Talk about their finances. What is their monthly income? Where does the income come from? What are their assets? Get a list of bank accounts and brokerage accounts. Is the income sufficient to meet their needs? They could be entitled to some governmental programs if they are low or even middle income.
What is their medical insurance and what numbers are associated with those policies. What is their social security number? Do they have life insurance policies or long term care policies? If they have this insurance get the names and phone numbers of these companies.
Have they pre-paid for funeral and/or burial expenses? Where have they done this? What are the phone numbers of the mortuary and/or cemetery?
Who are their doctors? What medications are they currently taking? List all the medications and determine what they are taking them for. Ask them if they take any over the counter medications or vitamins or herbs.
How often do they see friends? Do you have the names and phone numbers of their friends?
Ditto for their religious community.
Are they drinking alcohol? If yes, how much?
Are they driving safely? Do they have convenient transportation?
Identifying when your loved one needs help is not difficult when a medical emergency of accident occurs. However, the slow progression of dementia or depression might not be apparent through telephone calls or short visits. If both of your parents are alive, the well spouse often compensates for the other's failing and may deny anything is wrong. It is a good idea to think proactively when caring for aging parents.
Below is a list of "Red Flags" to watch for when visiting your aging family member:
Change in weight
Change in short term memory
Change in usual routine
Change in speech and/or ambulation
Bills not being paid
Entering contests
Refusing to go with friends on outings or going to church
Refusing suggestions as well as agreeing with everything without giving consideration to consequences
Mood swings, getting angry quickly
Refusing to see medical providers
Inability to take care of activities of daily living: cooking, dressing, bathing, housekeeping to name a few.
Once you have decided to become proactive in helping your aging parents, your next step is where do you go for help?
If you are in a crisis mode, or do not have the luxury of time to gather this information options like The Personal Touch, LLC for Elder Care is available to work closely with your siblings, other relatives and parents to design the most cost and care effective plan. (options for eldercare)
Call today for a free assessment 1-877-896-3980
Friday, July 17, 2009
5th Annual Private Duty Leadership Summit
Private Duty Homecare Association would like to invite you to attend the 5th Annual Private Duty Leadership Summit & Exposition, January 24-26, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Point Hilton*Tapatio Cliff Resort
Visit www.nahc.org
Point Hilton*Tapatio Cliff Resort
Visit www.nahc.org
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thank you for considering the Personal Touch, LLC for your home care needs.Our experienced caring staff ensures reliable and professional services. We are looking forward to exceeding your expectations.
Personal Assistance and Home Care Services
Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(360) 895-3980
The Personal Touch LLC
P.O. Box 1996Port Orchard, WA 98366
Providing the personal touch in home services to care for you and your loved ones.
Some of our services include: (but not limited to) Home Care:(hourly and live-in services available)
Companionship
Personal Care
Respite Care
Meal Preparation
Transportation
Medication Reminders
Homemaker Services
Personal Assistant:
Travel Arrangements
Shopping
Errands
Flight Reservations
Household Managers
Time Out Program
Maybe you just need a break?Husband on deployment? Need time for yourself? Ask about our 'Time-Out'
Professional Services:
AFH / Attestation verification
We also provide staffing for adult family homes, nursing homes, retirement & hospice centers, hospitals and private individuals.
Now accepting Veteran Administration Benefits
Our staff members are:
Insured Licensed Registered Nurses and certified aides
Trained, reliable and professional
Caring and compassionate
24 hour on-call emergency staff
(360) 895-3980
Personal Assistance and Home Care Services
Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(360) 895-3980
The Personal Touch LLC
P.O. Box 1996Port Orchard, WA 98366
Providing the personal touch in home services to care for you and your loved ones.
Some of our services include: (but not limited to) Home Care:(hourly and live-in services available)
Companionship
Personal Care
Respite Care
Meal Preparation
Transportation
Medication Reminders
Homemaker Services
Personal Assistant:
Travel Arrangements
Shopping
Errands
Flight Reservations
Household Managers
Time Out Program
Maybe you just need a break?Husband on deployment? Need time for yourself? Ask about our 'Time-Out'
Professional Services:
AFH / Attestation verification
We also provide staffing for adult family homes, nursing homes, retirement & hospice centers, hospitals and private individuals.
Now accepting Veteran Administration Benefits
Our staff members are:
Insured Licensed Registered Nurses and certified aides
Trained, reliable and professional
Caring and compassionate
24 hour on-call emergency staff
(360) 895-3980
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