Home Care – Health at Home https://healthathome.care Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:26:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 Companion Care: Elevating Emotional Wellbeing for Seniors https://healthathome.care/senior-home-care/companion-care-elevating-emotional-wellbeing-for-seniors-in-palm-beach/ Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:20:34 +0000 https://healthathome.care/?p=3541 A woman who is providing companion care and her senior client laugh and enjoy their time togetherMany seniors may suffer from isolation and loneliness, adversely affecting their health. Companion care can help. See how!]]> A woman who is providing companion care and her senior client laugh and enjoy their time together

For one reason or another, many seniors in Palm Beach, feel lonely and isolated. When those negative feelings are allowed to persist, it can have a detrimental effect on a senior’s physical, emotional, and mental health.

As a viable alternative to friends and family, many home care providers now offer companion care services to help aging adults get the socialization they desperately need. The remainder of this article will explore the importance of companion care and how it can elevate the emotional wellbeing of seniors and restore their loved ones’ peace of mind.  

Why Don’t Seniors in Palm Beach Socialize Enough?

Although it is essential for their emotional and mental health, many aging adults don’t stay connected with others or engage in social activities as much as they should. These are some life-changing events that may keep you or your loved one from socializing enough:

  • Physical limitations
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Grown children move away
  • Lack of reliable transportation
  • Financial constraints
  • Fear of socializing (social anxiety disorder)
  • Health issues

To maintain their quality of life, seniors must find ways to overcome these socialization barriers. When provided by a reputable home care agency, companion care services are a proven way to help aging adults lead more fulfilling lives by staying socially engaged.

What is Companion Care?

Companion care is a type of home care service that provides seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from surgeries or illnesses emotional support, socialization, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Usually provided by a home care company, companion care is intended to improve a client’s overall quality of life by helping them maintain their independence and dignity in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

Tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, companion care services may include a variety of activities, such as conversation, playing games, reading, watching TV, going for walks, and shopping. While there, most companion caregivers can also assist with light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation to and from appointments and social events.

The Emotional Benefits of Companion Care for Seniors in Palm Beach

One of the primary benefits of companion care is the emotional support it provides to clients and their families. Companion caregivers are trained to engage clients in meaningful conversations and activities that can help reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. This human interaction can have a positive impact on a senior’s mental health and overall wellbeing.

Seniors who receive companion care often enjoy these benefits as a result:

Emotional Support

Whether it’s a spouse, partner, close friend, or child, all seniors experience loss and grief. Those negative emotions can be difficult for most to manage on their own. Having someone to talk to and share feelings with can be a source of comfort and support.

Safety and Security

Companionship can also provide a sense of safety and security. For instance, an older adult who lives alone may feel more secure knowing they have a regular visitor or companion who can check in on them and offer assistance if needed.

Keeps Seniors Connected

One of the biggest challenges facing seniors in today’s fast-paced digital world is isolation and loneliness. Once they start to feel disconnected from society, a senior may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Professional companionship can help seniors feel less alone and more connected to the world around them.

For example, having a regular visitor or companion can restore a sense of routine and structure to a senior’s life. Having a caregiver in the home will give them someone to talk to and share their innermost thoughts and feelings with. This benefit can be notably important for elders who live alone or have limited social interactions.

Enhances Mood and Self-Esteem

Companion care can also have a positive effect on a senior’s mood and self-esteem. When people feel valued and appreciated by others, it can improve their confidence and self-worth. Having someone to talk to and spend time with can also be a source of joy and happiness.

Furthermore, studies have determined that social interaction can increase the production of endorphins, which are natural “feel-good” chemicals in our brains. As a result, spending time with others can improve one’s emotional wellbeing – a fact notably important for seniors dealing with age-related health or other issues.

Improves Cognitive Function

Another key aspect of senior companion care is that it can improve cognitive function. When seniors engage in meaningful conversations and social activities they exercise their brains and keep them active. This brain-stimulating activity can help prevent or delay mild cognitive impairment or even dementia.    

For instance, playing board games or doing puzzles with a companion can be a fun and stimulating way to engage a senior’s mind. Even simple activities like going for a walk or watching a movie together can provide mental stimulation and help keep a senior’s brain active.

In summary, companionship is an important aspect of emotional wellbeing for seniors, as it can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, enhance mood and self-esteem, improve cognitive function, and provide emotional support.

How to Find the Best Companion Care Provider in Palm Beach

If you or an aging loved one might benefit from companion care services, finding a reputable senior home care provider is possible by taking these steps:

  • Seek referrals from friends, coworkers, relatives, or healthcare professionals.
  • Find out what services they offer and how much they cost.
  • Ask how they screen their caregivers, including drug tests and background checks.
  • Read their online reviews and client testimonials.
  • Speak to someone who works or previously worked for them.
  • Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Conduct your own screening interviews with potential caregivers.

Quality In-Home Companion Care for Seniors in Palm Beach

When you or a loved one needs senior companion care, look no further than Health at Home in Palm Beach. We are a fully licensed and insured provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate caregivers can perform various duties, including Personal Care, Respite Care, private duty care, 24-hour care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and more.

 While assisting clients in Boynton Beach, Broward, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie, our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit Health at Home  online now to learn more about us or schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.

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The Ripple Effect: How Self-Care Impacts Your Ability to Provide Quality Care https://healthathome.care/careers-in-caring/the-ripple-effect-how-self-care-impacts-your-ability-to-provide-quality-care-in-palmbeach/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:00:28 +0000 https://healthathome.care/?p=3535 A woman takes a break to relax and practice self-care, something vital for professional caregivers.Self-care is a term often talked about regarding family caregivers, but see why it’s vital to prioritize as a professional caregiver.]]> A woman takes a break to relax and practice self-care, something vital for professional caregivers.

More than 4.5 million strong, professional caregivers are a vital part of the American healthcare system. Although it is a highly gratifying job, being a caregiver can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. While working long hours in hospitals, residential care facilities, and private residences, many direct caregivers battle stress, fatigue, and burnout which can interfere with their ability to provide quality care. Read on to learn more about this important topic, along with self-care tips every professional caregiver in Palm Beach should know.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is the act of taking intentional steps to prioritize one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. This process may include various activities, including exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, and participating in hobbies and other relaxing activities. Because self-care is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach, formal and informal caregivers alike must experiment with different activities to determine what works best for them.

Why is Self-Care Important for Caregivers in Palm Beach?

Working long hours, dealing with difficult personalities, and managing multiple tasks at once can be challenging for even the most seasoned professional caregiver. Caregivers who routinely practice self-care enjoy these benefits as a result:

Prevents Burnout

As was mentioned earlier, caregiving is a demanding job that can take a toll on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Without proper self-care, caregivers may experience burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that may lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, and detachment. As they become less engaged and less productive on the job, caregiver burnout can decrease one’s ability to provide quality care.

Maintains Physical Health

In addition to the mental challenges, caregiving can be physically demanding, with duties such as lifting and transferring charges, assisting with personal care, and supporting mobility. Failing to practice proper self-care can lead to various physical ailments, including back pain, joint discomfort, and fatigue. Participating in physical activities that include regular exercise can help prevent those issues and improve one’s overall health.

Enhances Emotional Well-Being

Because their jobs are so emotionally demanding, professional caregivers often experience negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, frustration, and sadness. Engaging in self-care activities like meditation, spending time in nature, or journaling can help alleviate stress and improve emotional well-being. These healthy activities can also enhance job satisfaction in the workplace by giving caregivers a greater sense of fulfillment.

Improves Productivity

And finally, self-care can also improve productivity and overall job performance by helping caregivers feel more focused, energized, and engaged in their work. Caregivers who take better care of themselves are often better equipped than their peers to provide high-quality care to charges – leading to improved patient or client outcomes and an elevated sense of job satisfaction.

How Self-Care Benefits You

Whether you are a nurse, CNA, HHA, or other healthcare professional, being a caregiver can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. However, it can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. While working long hours, dealing with challenging personalities, and managing multiple tasks at once, you must prioritize self-care so you can avoid stress, fatigue, and burnout – all of which can interfere with your ability to provide quality care.

Self-Care Tips for Professional Caregivers in Palm Beach

Taking these steps as a professional caregiver will help you stay refreshed so you can provide your charges with the care they deserve:

Take Regular Breaks

Even Superman has limitations. As a caregiver, it’s essential to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus. While doing so, spend a few minutes stretching, breathing deeply, or going for a short walk outside, as these simple activities can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment while contemplating your thoughts and feelings without judgment. As a caregiver, be sure to incorporate mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, for instance, during meal breaks or when commuting to work.

Eat Healthier

Following a nutritious, well-balanced diet can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall health. Try to incorporate healthy meals and snacks into your daily routine, including fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Stay Hydrated

Regardless of your age or profession, drinking enough water is essential for maintaining good health. Conversely, dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and other health issues. As a caregiver, drink plenty of water or comparable beverages throughout the day.

Get Plenty of Sleep

In addition to giving your body time to heal, sleep is essential for restoring your mind. Getting at least seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night will help ensure you are well-rested and ready to take on the busy day ahead.

Connect with Others

Because professional caregiving can sometimes be a lonely job, it’s important to connect with others regularly. Reach out to friends, family, or coworkers to talk about your day or share your latest experiences and challenges. Online caregiver chat rooms and social media pages are other ways to share your innermost feelings and get advice without being judged.

Set Aside “Me” Time

Another self-care tip is to schedule time off to rest and recharge. Use your “me” time to pamper yourself with a spa day, weekend getaway, or something else you enjoy, like reading a book, hiking in the woods, or binge-watching your favorite TV shows. Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty for taking a personal day. After all, you’ve earned it!

Become an In-Home Caregiver

If you feel overworked, overstressed, and underappreciated in your current caregiving role, it may be time for a change. For reasons like instant gratification, flexible scheduling, job security, competitive pay, and a healthier work-life balance, many professional caregivers in Palm Beach are now making the transition to senior home care.

Is Home Care Your Career Calling? Let’s Have a Conversation.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of others by serving as a professional home caregiver, Health at Home of Palm Beach invites you to join our winning team. Due to our expanding client load, we are currently seeking qualified individuals to fill several exciting caregiving positions. While proudly serving communities in Boynton Beach, Broward, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie, we support clients and their families with services that include personal care, respite care, private duty care, 24-hour care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and more

As a highly valued member of the Health at Home team, you’ll enjoy a fast-paced, positive work environment where your input is appreciated, and hard work rewarded. We also offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, ongoing staff training, and career advancement opportunities galore. No matter your experience level or education, we’d love to hear from you! To learn more about our open positions, please visit us today at healthathome.care.

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Choosing a Caregiver: Agency vs Independent Contractors – What You Need to Know https://healthathome.care/senior-care-advice/choosing-a-caregiver-agency-vs-independent-contractors-palm-beach/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:31:35 +0000 https://healthathome.care/?p=3511 An independent caregiver, like this one, can be a great choice, but come with responsibilities you need to be aware of prior to hiring.Considering hiring a caregiver? Discover the risks and benefits of working with an agency or independent caregiver as well as what you need to know before making your decision.]]> An independent caregiver, like this one, can be a great choice, but come with responsibilities you need to be aware of prior to hiring.

Given the choice, most independent seniors in Palm Beach would prefer to remain at home for as long as possible. And although that’s an admirable goal, roughly two-thirds of all aging adults eventually need caregiving assistance to maintain their independence. When that time comes, families must make difficult decisions about their loved one’s care, including whether to hire a professional caregiver directly or go through an agency. What follows are some things you’ll need to know before making your decision.

Key Considerations When Hiring Independent Caregivers

Families often believe they will save money by hiring a caregiver directly versus working with an agency. While they may be quite capable of caring for your loved one, be sure to consider these factors first:

IRS rules for household employers

For federal tax purposes, someone is classified as your household employee if you dictate what work they perform in the home environment, and how that work is done. An independent caregiver is technically your household employee if they receive instructions on how to care for your loved one from you or another family member and you provide the equipment and supplies they need.

Conversely, self-employed individuals like independent contractors decide how they perform their work and furnish their own supplies and equipment. That said, most private-duty caregivers are not independent contractors. Be sure you understand the difference.

Employment eligibility verification requirements

Once you’ve determined that your private caregiver will be classified as a household employee, the next step is to verify they can legally work in the United States. That will require the two of you to fill out IRS Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) and produce documentation that proves their eligibility to work in the US.

Although the completed I-9 Form does not have to be formally filed with any US government agency, you, as their employer, must keep a copy for your records. You’ll also need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and document your household employee’s Social Security number.

Tax obligations of a household employer

The federal and state tax amount that you must contribute for an independent caregiver who is a household employee will vary depending on which state you live in and how much you pay for their services.

For example, in California, a household employer is defined by the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) as anyone “who has paid $750 or more in cash wages (checks and cash) to one or more household workers in a calendar quarter.” If you are paying a private caregiver $15 to $20 an hour, hitting that threshold won’t take long.

Once that threshold is met, by law you must withhold State Disability Insurance (SDI) from the wages paid out and remit the withheld money to the EDD. If you pay more than $1,000 in wages during a calendar quarter, you must also remit Unemployment Insurance and Employment Training Tax payments to the EDD.

With all these requirements, it’s vital to maintain detailed records related to your employee’s wages and taxes. Employment tax records must also be kept for at least four years after whichever is later, the due date of the tax return or the date when the taxes were paid.

Each time you pay the caregiver, be sure to record the date of the payment and itemize the following:

  • Employee’s cash and non-cash wages
  • Federal income tax withheld
  • State employment tax withheld
  • Social Security tax withheld or paid for your employee
  • Medicare tax withheld or paid for your employee

Advantages of Using a Home Care Agency in Palm Beach, Fl

Most home care agencies hire caregivers as employees, while others arrange for the services of home care workers on an independent contractor basis – also known as 1099. Known as “registries,” their caregivers are not employees but rather employed directly by the clients. If you hire a registry that contracts out their work, you’ll be dealing with most of the same issues mentioned above.

These are the benefits of hiring an employee caregiver through a reputable home care agency:

Peace of Mind

A home care agency that employs caregivers is not only bonded and insured, but they also cover their employees under worker’s compensation. Independent (direct hire) caregivers not employed by an agency do not carry liability insurance or worker’s compensation. If an accident or other incident occurs on the job, you would likely be responsible, which could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

An agency will also screen its employees during the recruiting and hiring process, including a thorough criminal background check and drug test. That saves you the time and expense of doing so.

Supervision

This key aspect is not included in the average registry provider’s business model. If the caregiver is not performing up to your expectations, for instance, they repeatedly arrive late or miss shifts, you are on your own and will need to speak to the caregiver directly.

Home care agencies implement disciplinary policies that help their employees improve. Once you voice your concerns to a supervisor, they will speak to the caregiver or, if you prefer, send you a different caregiver. As opposed to a registry or direct hire, agencies also have backup plans in the event your regular caregiver is unavailable.

Training

Because there is no risk of a labor relationship, training is yet another dimension that only reputable home care agencies can deliver. If hiring a caregiver directly, the client must assess the quality and skill of the caregiver. This becomes even more essential if they require hands-on personal care or have limited mobility, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.

A trusted home care agency routinely trains and tests its caregivers, giving you one less thing to worry about!

Overall Value

Although hiring an independent contractor will cost less per hour, saving money should not be primary determinant when your or your loved one’s care weighs in the balance. Agency advantages such as experience, training, supervision, and peace of mind usually result in better caregiving outcomes and more satisfied clients that you cannot put a price tag on.

Final Thoughts

Most seniors aren’t interested in becoming an employer, filing payroll taxes, or obtaining worker’s compensation and liability insurance. When having “the talk” about home care with your senior, please remember they are trying to make their life easier, not harder.

Your Family-Trusted Home Care Source in Palm Beach County

When you need caregiving assistance, contact Health at Home in Palm Beach, Fl. While proudly serving families in Broward, Martin, St. Lucie & Indian River Counties, we are a licensed, bonded, and insured home care provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing our clients’ need. As an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate caregivers can perform duties like light housekeeping, personal care, dementia care, companionship care, medication reminders, and even live-in and 24-hour care.

Our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, as well as their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit us at healthathome.care now to learn more about us or to schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.

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Working for an Agency vs. Being an Independent Contractor or Household Employee https://healthathome.care/careers-in-caring/working-for-an-agency-vs-independent-contractor-palm-beach/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:48:27 +0000 https://healthathome.care/?p=3508 Working for an agency, like this caregiver who’s with a client, can be a choice that leads to a good job.Looking for a career in home care? Learn more about the benefits of working with an agency, as opposed to independently or as a household employee.]]> Working for an agency, like this caregiver who’s with a client, can be a choice that leads to a good job.

Being your own boss sounds great in any profession, including senior home care. Due to the growing demand for professional in-home caregivers, most have the option of being self-employed or working for a home care agency. If you live in Palm Beach County and currently find yourself in this position, there are pros and cons of each. Should you work for an agency or work for yourself? Read on to learn more about how to answer that life-changing question.

Working for Yourself as a Senior In-Home Caregiver

For reasons that include the potential to earn more money, be your own boss, and create your own schedule, working for yourself can be tempting. But there are also pitfalls to working as an independent caregiver; ones you need to be made aware of.

For starters, professional in-home caregiving comes with high risk. After all, another human being’s health and even life are in your hands. You may also find yourself working one-on-one with clients in their private residences with no one else around. When self-employed, it’s your responsibility to obtain sufficient liability coverage and ensure you are working with trustworthy individuals.

If you wish to obtain additional training or certifications to specialize in an area such as Alzheimer’s or dementia care, you’ll need to do that on your own too. Notably, if you are new to a community like Palm beach, you’ll also have to market your services until you can get enough clients to pay the bills.

Then, and perhaps most importantly, there are the federal income tax implications. While it may seem logical for you as an independent contractor to file your taxes using Form 1099, the IRS may have other ideas. In Publication 926, the IRS clearly states that domestic workers (those who work in a family’s home) are considered to be household employees (W-2) and not independent contractors (1099).

Which filing option should I use?

The main difference between employees and independent contractors is the tax forms they must file. As a household employee, you are required to file your personal income tax return using a W-2 form, which shows the wages you earned and the taxes your employer – or employers –withheld from you throughout the year.

Your employer, in this case, your caregiving client, should provide a W-2 form by the end of January following the year in which you worked for them. Conversely, independent contractors file Form 1099 themselves to report payments they’ve received throughout the year and taxes they’ve paid to the IRS.

How can I tell if I’m a household employee or an independent contractor?

In addition to income tax reporting, the IRS says that the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor relies on which party controls the working relationship. If the client dictates employment details, such as the days and hours you work or specific procedures you must follow, they are a household employer, and you are their employee (W-2).

Someone who is a rightful independent contractor notifies the client when they are available to work and arrive when it is convenient for them. That caregiver would perform their job on their terms and may have several other clients they are working with simultaneously. They would also be able to find other caregivers to relieve them when unable to work, which employees are rarely allowed to do.

What if I misclassify myself as an independent contractor?

When filing Form 1099, and because you are self-employed, you are required to pay twice as much (15.3% vs. 7.65%) in Social Security and Medicare taxes as would an actual employee. If misclassified as an independent contractor, you also won’t be eligible for unemployment benefits if you lose your job through no fault of your own.

Why? Because the client/family is not paying unemployment insurance taxes to the state like they would be if you were a household employee. When you file for benefits, the state will have no record of the client being an employer and will deny your claim until the client pays all back taxes due. Worse yet, you and the client could be audited and required to pay additional back taxes and fines.

Bottom line: According to the IRS, most professional caregivers hired directly by an individual are not independent contractors but rather household employees.

How does my IRS classification affect my clients?

Working for yourself can also be stressful for your clients. Because they are trying to make life easier and not harder, most seniors aren’t interested in becoming an employer, processing payroll, filing payroll taxes, and getting worker’s compensation and liability insurance.

The Benefits of Working for a Home Care Agency in Palm Beach

While working for an agency as a W-2 employee, they will handle the payroll obligations for you. In addition to reducing your risk of getting audited, these are other pros of working for a reputable home care agency:

Job Security

Most agencies are busy and constantly in need of caregivers, which means steady hours and reliable income for you. If your client no longer needs in-home caregiving, your employer will find you a new client. Not having to continuously market yourself and find new clients also means steady pay and more time for yourself.

Vetted Clients

One of the main advantages of working for a home care agency as a caregiver is that they assess and screen clients before you’re brought in. This fact can be a real time saver and safety enhancer if the potential client isn’t serious or seems difficult or unsafe to work with. Most agencies make every effort to match caregivers with compatible clients and families.

Team Camaraderie

Working solo while caring for elderly and disabled individuals can be emotionally draining. Even if you spend most days working one-on-one with clients, being part of an agency means working with a team of care managers, schedulers, trainers, and office staff that support you in your job and value a healthy work-life balance.

Less Stress

If you’re with an agency, you’ll spend most of your time caregiving rather than managing business operations. Your employer will handle most administrative tasks, including scheduling, billing, finding a backup if you need to call out, client follow-up, and marketing. Professional caregivers who work for themselves must find time for all these other duties.

Employee Benefits

Independent caregivers miss out on numerous money-saving employee perks, such as paid training, pay increases, health insurance including vision and dental, paid time off, paid holidays, incentive programs, bonuses, referral fees, and backup care providers. As an agency employee, you can take advantage of these benefits.

Take the Hassle Out of Caregiving by Working for Us

Are you tired of working for yourself or otherwise prefer not to? If so, Health at Home invites you to join our winning team in Palm Beach County. Due to our expanding client load, we are currently seeking qualified individuals to fill several exciting caregiving positions. While proudly serving communities in Boynton Beach, Broward, Indian River. Martin, St. Lucie, we support clients and their families with services that include Personal Care, Respite Care, Private Duty Care, 24-Hour Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, and more.

As a highly valued member of the Health at Home team, you’ll enjoy a fast-paced, positive work environment where your input is valued and hard work rewarded. We also offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, ongoing staff training, and employee benefits galore. No matter your experience level or education, we’d love to hear from you! To learn more about our agency and our open positions, please visit us today at healthathome.care.

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The Role of a Caregiver: What You Can Expect as a Professional Caregiver https://healthathome.care/careers-in-caring/the-role-of-a-professional-caregiver-what-you-can-expect-palm-beach/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:34:22 +0000 https://healthathome.care/?p=3505 A professional caregiver explains some of her responsibilities as a caregiver to her senior client.Curious about a career in caregiving? See what you can expect to do as a professional caregiver each day.]]> A professional caregiver explains some of her responsibilities as a caregiver to her senior client.

Are you presently stuck in a dead-end job that leaves you feeling unfulfilled at the end of the day? Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others while working in the healthcare industry? If so, professional caregiving may be your calling. For starters, caregiver jobs in a community like Palm Beach are plentiful.

A career in caregiving will also allow you to unleash your full potential while serving fellow human beings. If becoming a professional caregiver interests you, read on to learn more about what the job entails and why it could be the most rewarding career you’ll ever have.

What Does a Professional Caregiver Do?

A professional caregiver, or direct caregiver, is someone who gets paid to provide care and support to the elderly or those with disabilities or special needs. Those responsibilities may include companionship, daily care, homemaking, meals, personal care, emotional support, and medical assistance. These diverse caregiver demands require different levels of education and training depending on which role you choose.

Caregivers often work in these care settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Medical clinics
  • Assisted living communities
  • Residential care facilities
  • Private residences (Home Care or Home Health Care)

What Do Caregivers Love About Their Jobs?

Using home care as an example, if you were to poll the average caregiver in Palm Beach they would probably mention these reasons why they enjoy coming to work each day:

Personal Fulfillment

For starters, you’ll feel instant gratification knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of others. As a caregiver, you’ll develop personal relationships with clients – and their families – and experience a sense of accomplishment that can only come with knowing that you are enhancing another human being’s quality of life.

Healthy Work-Life Balance

As a home caregiver, you’ll be able to pick and choose your work hours. This makes for a great career for any person at any stage of life, especially parents with young children or part-time students. Whether you’re in the middle of pursuing a degree or raising a family, a career as an in-home caregiver offers many rewards and opportunities, including a healthy work/life balance.

Benefits Others

When an older adult doesn’t have dependable family caregivers to look after them moving into a residential care facility is a distinct possibility. Your efforts will allow them to live comfortably and independently in their home. Generally speaking, seniors who remain independent tend to be happier, healthier, and even live longer than those who aren’t.

Skill Specialization

Being a caregiver also allows you to specialize your skills. Through home care, you can either focus on adult care or pediatrics while building a career working within a specialty you enjoy. Whether you love assisting new parents bringing their infant home for the first time or an older client with complex medical needs, becoming a home caregiver puts you on the right career path to success.

Career-Enrichment

Personal development is also essential when working at any job. A career in the healthcare field will allow you to grow on both a personal and professional level. Through a supportive and nurturing environment, there are many different options each home caregiver will experience, which then allows them to choose a specific path for career advancement.

Recession-Proof

According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations – including home care – is expected to grow 15 percent over the next decade. Even during an economic recession, the demand for qualified in-home caregivers will only continue to rise. That means you will be able to take advantage of a robust market for home health jobs for many years to come.

What Traits Do Successful Caregivers in Palm Beach Share?

Becoming a professional caregiver requires specific skills, passion, and a commitment to serving clients cheerfully even when you are having a bad day.

In general, the characteristics of a good caregiver include:

  • Willingness to put others first
  • A cheerful, loving heart
  • Dedication
  • Flexibility
  • A respectful and supportive demeanor
  • Teachability
  • Strong communication skills

In addition to these qualities, caregivers must also be physically fit and in good health because of all the client lifting and transporting they may be asked to do.

Again, using home care as an example, “cream of the crop” caregivers also possess these job skills:

  • An understanding of different client needs and care environments.
  • The ability to function well in a private home setting.
  • A firm grasp of home safety and accident prevention.
  • An understanding of how to manage the day-to-day responsibilities of a home.

How Can I Find the Best Employer in Palm Beach County?

Once you’ve decided to become a professional caregiver, look for these employer qualities when narrowing down your job search:

Flexible Scheduling

If you are currently pursuing a degree or have a family, job flexibility is an important consideration. Look for an employer that allows you to set your hours and schedule. Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, therapist, or something else, you’ll enjoy a healthier work-life balance by working for a company that offers its employees flexible scheduling options.

Steady Hours

Like everyone else, you have bills to pay. Does the home care company offer consistent hours on a regular basis? Given that assignments may vary, be sure the agency has plenty of opportunities to work and that maintaining a set number of hours every week won’t be an issue.

Reputation

Another way to gauge whether your decision is sound is by learning what others say about the agency in their own words. Discover all you can about the agency’s reputation by speaking to current and past employees, reading online client reviews, and checking out any awards or certifications they have received within the past few years.

Company Culture

If you place a high value on workplace diversity and inclusion, you’ll want to choose a home care company with a culture that aligns with your own beliefs. Working with like-minded people in a family environment that encourages the open sharing of ideas will keep you motivated even on days when nothing else seems to be going right.

Professional Development

Does the agency provide employees with personal development and growth opportunities, including education and certification courses? Look for an employer with staff training programs that will enable you to expand your skills and advance in your career. For instance, they might offer staff education programs on how to prepare meals for clients with dietary restrictions or effectively communicate with those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Income Potential

As a trained healthcare professional, you’ll want to be well-compensated for your efforts. Look for an employer that offers you the ability to make a good income upfront, along with the potential to increase your earning power through education, training, additional work responsibilities, and performance bonuses.

Join Our Winning Home Care Team in Palm Beach County!

Are ready to make a difference in the lives of others while serving as a professional home caregiver? If so, Health at Home invites you to join our winning team in Palm Beach County. Due to our expanding client load, we are currently seeking qualified individuals to fill several exciting caregiving positions. While proudly serving communities in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Indian River County, we support clients and their families with services that include Personal Care, Respite Care, Private Duty Care, 24-Hour Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, and more.

As a highly valued member of the Health At Home team, you’ll enjoy a fast-paced, positive work environment where your input is valued and hard work rewarded. We also offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, ongoing staff training, and career advancement opportunities galore. No matter your experience level or education, we’d love to hear from you! To learn more about our agency and our open positions, please visit us today at HealthAtHome.care.

The post The Role of a Caregiver: What You Can Expect as a Professional Caregiver appeared first on Health at Home.

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Private Duty Care: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Caregiver https://healthathome.care/paying-for-care/private-duty-care-in-palm-beach/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:46:15 +0000 https://healthathome.care/?p=3494 A senior woman enjoys the benefits of private duty care as her caregiver checks in on her.What is private duty care? Do you need it? See what you need to know about this type of care and if it’s the right fit.]]> A senior woman enjoys the benefits of private duty care as her caregiver checks in on her.

For various reasons, home care has become one of the most popular long-term care options for seniors living in Palm Beach. Typically provided through a licensed home care agency, private duty care falls under the much broader in-home eldercare umbrella. As a vested family member or potential recipient, you must also understand that private duty home care is not the same as home healthcare. If you still have questions about private duty care and whether it’s right for you, the remainder of this article should provide the answers you need.  

What is Private Duty Care?

As one type of home care, private duty care is a service typically provided to elderly or disabled individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Private duty aides assist clients with daily tasks such as housecleaning, meal preparation, companionship, and bathing. The overall goal of private duty care is to help seniors and others remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their private residences.

As opposed to moving into a nursing home or assisted living community, private duty care is an ideal way for you or your loved one to remain independent while receiving the care that’s needed.

The average private-duty caregiver is trained to provide these services:

  • Personal care (bathing, dressing, hygiene, transfers, and ambulation)
  • Food shopping, preparation, feeding assistance, and cleanup
  • Light housework and homemaking services
  • Medication reminders
  • Transportation for doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc.
  • Respite care to give informal caregivers a break.
  • Specialize care such as Hospice, dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.

Who Pays for Private Duty Care?

Private duty care may also differ from traditional home care because of the payment method. Sometimes called “insurance-paid home care services,” there are two main types of payments:

  1. Full-coverage medical insurance where the insurance provider pays claims for their customers.
  2. Medicare supplemental insurance where a medical insurance policy either supplements or replaces the customer’s Medicare insurance.

With private duty paid home care services, some clients (or families) pay out of pocket for the services or use a long-term care insurance policy. Hybrid forms of payment are also available, including combinations derived from Medicare, Medicaid, private duty, and other commonly used types of insurance.

How to Maximize Your Private Duty Care Experience

Once you’ve hired a professional caregiver through a reputable home care provider, you’ll still need to create a care plan that addresses your or your loved one’s present and future needs.

Use these tips to get the most out of your private duty services:

Prioritize your loved one’s caregiving needs.

Based on the provider’s initial care assessment, compile a prioritized list of caregiving needs by ranking them in order of importance. For instance, you may want Dad to eat healthier this year or for Mom to get out of the house more to socialize with others.

While compiling your home care “to-do” list, don’t forget to also respect your loved one’s wishes now and if their condition would happen to grow worse. As an aside, you can also use this same approach to help them prepare for long-term objectives like advance care planning, estate planning, financial planning, or funeral planning.

Form a private duty “dream team.”

When thrust into the role of a family caregiver, the tendency is to try and do everything yourself. But embarking on this journey alone can be overwhelming and lead to significant physical and emotional consequences resulting in caregiver burnout.

Along with Mom’s private duty caregiver, form a caregiving team comprised of trusted family members, community volunteers, and friends. Inventory all resources at your disposal and assign tasks based on each member’s skills and availability.

Then, recruit specialists like doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, dieticians, and pharmacists to fill in any remaining caregiving gaps. Eldercare specialists like elder law attorneys, benefits counselors, financial advisors, and certified public accountants can also be reliable additions to your care team. A geriatric care manager can offer valuable insight for organizing, monitoring, and facilitating your loved one’s care as their needs become more complex.

Communicate openly and often.

Keeping with the last point, communication is always key when partnering with a home care provider. Don’t hesitate to ask your loved one’s caregiver for periodic updates on their condition and changing needs. Once you’ve discussed their health status, be sure to share what you’ve learned with other family members.

Most reputable home care agencies will provide periodic updates and offer caregiving advice – for instance, ways to modify your loved one’s home to create a safer living environment.

Do periodic caregiving assessments.

In addition to updates from the provider, don’t be afraid to personally assess how well the home care is going. Be sure to ask your loved one for input along with other vested family members. If the current private duty caregiver is not adequately meeting your senior’s needs – or their personalities don’t click – discuss the situation with a supervisor so that they can find a suitable replacement.

Fill in any remaining caregiving gaps.

If your care plan still has holes, don’t hesitate to fill them with outside resources like a meal delivery service, online pharmacy, ride-sharing service, or adult day care. Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can also be an invaluable resource for locating eldercare services you may otherwise not be familiar with.

Flexible In-Home Private Duty Care for Seniors in Palm Beach

When you or your loved one need assistance, contact Health at Home. We are a fully licensed and insured home care provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate caregivers can perform various duties, including Private Duty Care, Personal Care, Dementia Care, Companionship Care, medication reminders, and even Live-In Care and 24-Hour Care.

While assisting clients in Boynton Beach, Broward, Indian River. Martin, St. Lucie, our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit HealthAtHome.care online now to learn more about us or schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.

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What is the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care? https://healthathome.care/senior-care-advice/home-health-care/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 13:00:39 +0000 https://designtheme1.wpengine.com/?p=3187 Your Guide to Home Care & Home Health Care ServicesWhether you’re an elderly care recipient or a concerned family member, knowing how to tell the difference between home care and home health care will no doubt matter when important decisions weigh in the balance.]]> Your Guide to Home Care & Home Health Care Services

Although they share some similarities, home care and home health care are also quite different. For example, Medicare provides coverage for many home health care services, but not for home care. Whether you’re an elderly care recipient or a concerned family member, knowing how to tell the difference between home care and home health care will no doubt matter when important decisions weigh in the balance. What follows is some information that can help guide your decision-making process. 

What is Senior Home Care?

Home care services are designed to help age-in-place seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs) that they can no longer do on their own. The level of in-home care that’s provided by professional aides varies depending on the situation and ranges from grocery shopping or transportation assistance to bathing and incontinence care.

And although home care aides are trained to understand most aspects of senior care, they are usually not licensed to perform medical services.

Examples of senior home care include:

  • Companionship
  • Light housekeeping
  • Transportation
  • Food shopping, meal preparation, and meal deliveries
  • Bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Toileting and incontinence care
  • Bill paying or financial management assistance
  • Medication reminders

Who Might Benefit from Home Care?

In general, otherwise, active older adults who might benefit from home care services include those who:

  • Need transportation to and from activities and medical appointments
  • Need help with cleaning, cooking, and other household responsibilities
  • Feel lonely and isolated in situations when companionship might be beneficial
  • Need assistance with personal care

What is Home Health Care?

It is clinical, medical supervision that’s provided by a licensed healthcare professional like a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or social worker. Home health care services are usually delivered through home health agencies or, in rarer instances, by hospice agencies.

Oftentimes referred to as “skilled” care, and may include these services:

  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Administration of prescription medications or shots
  • Medical testing
  • Monitoring of the recipient’s health status

When Might Home Health Care Be Ordered?

Home health care is usually ordered by a doctor as part of an overall health care program following a hospital stay or serious injury.

Elderly individuals who might benefit from home health care include those who:

  • Have recently been discharged from the hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or a rehabilitation center
  • Need monitoring after a recent medication change
  • Are in fragile health that prevents them from safely traveling to and from appointments
  • Are experiencing an overall decline in function and who might benefit from therapy to regain their independence

Who Pays for Senior In-Home Care?

Home health care falls under the medical services umbrella, while home care does not, so insurance providers tend to cover each type differently. Here are some general insurance guidelines to help you during the planning process:

Medicare and private insurance

These plans cover home health services when prescribed by a doctor. Home health care coverage is available to any senior who qualifies for Medicare insurance.

Medicaid

This covers both types of in-home care for income-qualified seniors, although coverage amounts vary by state.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance

If you have an LTC insurance policy it may provide at least some coverage for home care services.

Using a Holistic Caregiving Approach

Some families find that combining both types of in-home services is the best way to maintain their aging loved one’s quality of life- for example after a lengthy hospital stay. Under this holistic caregiving approach, healthcare professionals provide essential medical care, while home care aides assist with ADLs- combining their efforts to ensure that the senior’s physical, mental and emotional needs are being met.

Meeting All the Care Needs of Families We Serve

At Health at Home, we provide reliable home care services for aging-in-place seniors, backed by a compassionate approach that’s designed to maintain both qualities of life and peace of mind. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency, our carefully screened aides perform duties ranging from personal care, companionship, and light housework, to transportation, meals, and medication reminders.

We also accept most insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and LTC insurance. To learn more about Health at Home now, or to schedule a FREE in-home assessment for a senior in our service area, please visit us today at: healthathome.care!

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