Home Care services can be the solution to aging-in-place When dad was released from the hospital, it was clear he was not going to be able to continue doing the grocery shopping, housekeeping and caring for my mother at the level he had previously. So now what? Home Care was the answer. NOTE: This is the final of three installments on this topic. Jump to: Lessons … [Read more...]
What Happens When You’re Released From The Hospital, But Still Need Medical Services?
Medicare Certified Health Care at Home Is One Solution. My father’s release from the hospital was the miracle we had been praying for, but I had no idea how we would manage. (Jump to Lessons Learned) Two years after dad was admitted to the hospital, I find myself comfortable with a language I never knew existed: “Event”; “Compliance”; “Case Manager”; the list goes on. My … [Read more...]
The Visiting Nurse Association – Who Are They? What Services Do They Provide?
The VNA Gave Dad Medical Support at Home After His Hospital Stay. Organizations with the title ”Visiting Nurse Association” (VNA) are one of many nonprofit, mission-based Medicare certified home health agencies that provide physician-prescribed medical services, along with home care and caregiver assistance services. (Jump to Lessons Learned) There is no singular “Visiting … [Read more...]
Heart Attacks and Sleep APNEA Are Connected
Sleep studies, CPAP's and other technology for sleep APNEA have come a long way. After my father’s heart attack in 2005, would the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) sleeping device have prolonged his life? Possibly. (Jump to Lessons Learned) Dad underwent a sleep study in a lab after his initial heart attack. The study showed he was waking up many times … [Read more...]
How Alzheimer Caregivers Can Be Effective Advocates
Being a health advocate for parents with Alzheimers brings unique challenges. If you follow this blog, you know our family story is one of congestive heart failure and not dementia. But the sheer number of caregivers I meet dealing with parents that have dementia is staggering. Over 5 Million Americans are living with Alzheimers and this number climbs if you include all forms … [Read more...]