Page 29 - Leisure Living Magazine May 2019

In Home Care, When Is It Time??
By Theresa Bowen, Ph.D., Email – theesajb@gmail.com
Often our senior loved ones need help and assistance but it is difficult for them to ask for help. They certainly would like to maintain their independence; however this can worry family members and friends. Some noted concerns to watch for may be poor diet or weight loss, difficulty with walking or balance, forgetfulness, missing appointments or succumbing to scams. Other signs to watch for may be: poor personal cleanliness such as not showering, body odor, not taking care of their teeth or wearing dirty clothing which can indicate that hiring home care can assist your loved one. Some seniors may need daily care help with opening mail, doing laundry, shopping for groceries and transportation to and from appointments. The occurrence of any of these signs does not mean a move to assisted living or a nursing home is necessary. It may only indicate that daily supportive care is needed by a family member or to look into an in home health care provider for help, especially if you are working full-time and caring for your own family.
is not qualified to give medicine to a senior. On the other hand, a home health care service can administer medicine, monitor vital signs, and assist with recovery from illness or injury. This type of home health care medical service may require a prescription from a doctor. However, they do offer expertise in medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease in the early to middle stages. There can be an overlap within some agencies providing both types of services. It is recommended by AgingCare.com to contact the Area Agency on Aging in your region for help. This is a state agency that provides information and referrals to community services for seniors. In our region the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. is at 2155 Arlington Avenue, Toledo Ohio 43537, phone (800) 472- 7277. This agency can provide services in our area that includes Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie, Defiance, and Henry counties to name a few. They provide mobility assistance programs, meal plans and housing, individual counseling, support groups and caregiver training. They also help with expertise and advice on eligibility and advice for Medicare, Medicaid, and veteran’s benefits.
Another helpful website is Find Your Local Area Agency on Aging - Paying for Senior Care at www.payingforseniorcare.com. This site explains types of Senior Care and how to pay for it. This site and the Eldercare Financial Resource Locator ToolareownedbyCaring,LLC.Theirmissionis to help individuals plan and implement Senior Care. They are based in California but provide information nationally.
On the national front, on March 8, 2019 at the International Women’s Day conference there was a session featuring the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM) founder Maria Shriver. She inspired women across the nation to lead a global movement for Alzheimer’s disease because many patients and caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease are women. A #RaiseYourVoice4Alz social media campaign has started too, for more information on these efforts see thewomensalzheimersmovement. org.
There is a difference between Home Health Care and non- medical Home Care services. Non-medical home care can provide personal care, companion care, household chores and assist with daily living such as preparing meals, doing laundry, bathing and dressing or providing transportation. Be aware that a home care service person
Maria Shriver is founder of the Women’s Alzheimer Movement (WAM). Look them up online
or #RaiseYourVoice4Alz.
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