Getting Quality Home Health Care In New Jersey: Ask The Right Questions

For many New Jersey families the choice of providing live in care for an elderly family member is a much preferred option since home health care provides many obvious benefits for the client as well as the family when compared to a nursing home. The real challenge is choosing an agency who is competent, trustworthy, and caring. This is not a babysitting job, as the client will have very specific medical needs and the caregiver must be ultra-attentive to them. At the very least, this caregiver will need to know how to provide companionship, monitor medications, assist with personal grooming and meal preparation and perform other tasks relating to activities of daily living. Many states require home health care providers to be licensed or certified, but regardless of state requirements, a concerned family member should have very stringent standards when vetting caregivers. Thankfully, there are reputable NJ home care agencies using the best standardized screening procedures available to provide you with these experienced and skilled professionals.

Why Do This All By Yourself When You Do Not Have To?  

Obviously proper screening is essential, but how does one go about it? Even if a prospective caregiver hands over a stack of references and credentials, how do you know if these items are adequate or authentic? You need to have a thorough verification process in place to make sure the person is legitimate and trustworthy, but in reality, most people are not qualified to do this. Even the most resourceful and intelligent person would need some help, especially if this is the first time he or she has ever had to perform this task. Fortunately, there are agencies in New Jersey who specialize in hiring qualified, experienced care providers so that all you have to do is evaluate the company itself.

Now You Need to Choose the Right Company

When choosing a home health care agency, it is important to scrutinize the company’s history and procedures. A truly exceptional agency will only employ Registered Nurse (RN) supervisors and certified aides who pass thorough background screenings and skill assessments, and they will use standardized procedures to ensure that all employees will provide a consistent level of care. Additionally, the agency will handle all of the business management paperwork like payroll and tax forms and bonding. Most importantly, the best home health agencies provide personalized care that fits the client’s needs. This is especially important with patients who suffer from illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease or terminal illnesses because the provider’s skill set should include experience with the specific physical, mental, and emotional features of such conditions.

When you are considering a home health agency, be sure to ask up front about the company’s certifications and licenses and its screening procedures. Make sure that the company requires its nurse supervisors to have state licensing (RN) and that home health aides are supervised by them. The company should also make sure that the providers have appropriate insurance and bonding. Rest assured that your loved one will receive the best possible care if you ask the right questions when evaluating New Jersey home health care agencies.

Alzheimer’s – 10 Signs Early Detection – New Jersey Elder Home Care

The biggest thing most family members wished they’d known about Alzheimer’s disease is the importance of understanding the ten signs of early onset. When you understand the difference between normal aging and the early signs like your loved one’s negative behavior becoming more aggressive with the onset of Alzheimer’s, then you would know that your elder loved one is not just getting old. This might put you in the drivers seat… to find the right doctors to perform testing like blood, neurological, memory, CT and PET scans and help uncover Alzheimer’s or dementia sooner.

Expert Home Care in New Jersey wants adult children to pay close attention to the early signs of Alzheimer’s and take proper action if you see a parent displaying one or serveral. Consult with a neurologist who specializes in dementia. A neurologist or an medical doctor who specializes in geriatrics will do the proper testings and evaluations to uncover Alzheimer’s or dementia early on. They will prescribe the right medications that help delay the progression of the disease. Hopefully the medications will help your aging parents and potentially keep them in that early stage for a longer period of time.

Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a normal part of aging – It may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal brain disease that gets worse over time and causes changes in thinking, reasoning and behavior. Although the disease is more common in people 65 and older, it can also strike those in their 30s, 40s and 50s.  Alz.org.

Visit us in a day or two when we give more information of the signs of the disease.

Expert Home & Live-in Care for seniors and elders in New Jersey.

Call us for help at 800-848-2336.

Diabetes – Elder Care – New Jersey

New Jersey Elders and Seniors need to pay attention to their diet and nutrition.. must take the time!

The most frequently cited reason why we don’t treat our bodies and minds to healthy, nutritious food or even a moderate amount of healthful exercise for seniors living in NJ is, “Too much to do, and not enough time to do it!”

One study found that approximately 64 percent of people combine eating with some other activity, such as reading, working or watching television. The same study disclosed that approximately 50 percent of those people surveyed rely on frozen, packaged, or take-out for their evening meal.

Most seniors in New Jersey are aware of the fact that what we eat today will affect our future health. Lowering our consumption of fats and red meat are the two most frequently mentioned ways that people say they are trying to improve their diets. Others, unfortunately, look for shortcuts through dietary supplements that promise effortless “miracles” of weight loss without any changes to one’s eating habits or physical activity.

Physicians warn against relying exclusively on miracle weight loss drugs, and suggest that the most sensible course of action is a healthy balance between a good diet and moderate and regular exercise.

If you have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, or are thinking about it, we urge you to keep the following in mind:

  • Always consult your physician before making any radical changes in your diet or exercise routine.
  • Always demand to see the clinical and medical research evidence that substantiates the claims of any dietary supplement. If in doubt, consult your physician or a professional nutritionist.
  • Remember, there is no substitute for nutritious food, properly prepared, combined with physical activity, to keep your mind and body healthy.

 

If you have an aging family member living in New Jersey and they need in-home or live-in care, contact Expert Home Care in NJ for a consultation. We can be reached at 800-848-2336.

 

Assisted Living – NJ Prevent Elder Falls

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care for Elders and Seniors provides care for your aging loved ones since 1984. Please call us when your loved one needs help – 800-848-2336.

Assisted Living prevents falls In senior’s home

Approximately 25 percent of the population age 65 and older requires treatment for injuries received from a fall every year. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury for people in that age group.

So, what can the average “senior” do to protect themselves from a fall? There are several things to consider:

  • Keep Your Home Safe. A majority of falls happen in the home. To make your home more fall proof, you should eliminate as many trip hazards as possible.
  • Make sure all throw-rugs have non-slip backing pads.
  • Make sure all stairwells and hallways are well lit and free of clutter.
  • Equip bathrooms, bathtubs and shower stalls with securely attached grab-bars and use non-skid mats or treads to help prevent slips and falls.
  • Stay Active. An active lifestyle is one of the best of all possible ways to reduce your “risks” in many areas, not just falling.
  • Physical activity keeps your muscles strong, helps maintain bone density, keeps you limber and flexible, as well as helping you maintain a good sense of balance.
  • Walking, gardening and stretching exercises are all good ways to help maintain optimum body mechanics no matter what your age.
  • Live Healthy. Remember, eating a well balanced diet, limiting your consumption of alcohol, which may interact with your medications.
  • Staying active and getting regular health check ups can all help you avoid falls, as well as many other health problems that could keep you down.

 

New Jersey’s Expert Home Care for Elders and Seniors is here to help provide care for aging seniors in New Jersey. Please call us if you have questions or concerns about your loved one – 800-848-2336.