We’ve certainly covered this topic before, but I was recently struck again by the careful, thorough process required to successfully match caregivers and clients. I overheard a Warman “Care Coordinator” on the phone with someone exploring their options; someone who just learning how home care could work for their loved one. The Warman representative really needed to ask a range of questions to even begin to recommend the level of care and support required, from medical conditions, to medications, mobility, lifestyle, expectations, and more.

Even when it appears to be a good fit, a Warman representative, usually a registered nurse, will first visit the home, meet the client and further assess their needs. They are primarily working to match the ideal caregiver in terms of skills, experience – and personality. But they are also making sure that additional, skilled care is not warranted. At the same time, they often also make simple, but important recommendations on how to make the home environment safer and easier for a senior, regardless of their decision on home care support.

If you are inquiring about care, you should be concerned if a provider is NOT this thorough. It is common for adult children beginning their research to want to “cut to the chase” and hone in on the bottom line cost – but I submit that a little patience with an initial conversation will give you far more of an indication of whether a home care provider is a good fit for your Mom or Dad. Click for more on the unique approach Warman Home Care or discover a few tips on when it’s time to consider home care.

We just had to share this one with our extended Warman Home Care family! If you love working with seniors as we do, you will appreciate this story. It’s about a couple, Harry (98) and Barbara Cooper (93). Their grand-daughters became their primary caregivers several years ago, and soon thought of starting a blog to preserve – and share – their touching, humorous, and no-holds-barred take on life. They’ve been featured on TV and radio shows, and now people send in questions for Grandma to answer. Without hesitation, she looks straight into the camera, and tells you exactly what she’s thinking. Click to visit their blog, or to hear and read the story that NPR ran.

There’s no easy way to bring it up these issues up, “Mom it’s time to stop driving.” Or, “Dad I think we need to get a little help around the house for you.”  But it’s our responsibility to the same great people who carefully nurtured then set us free in the world. Too many times, someone calls and asks about home care only because of a very scary close call – then they were suddenly struck by the need to get some help for Mom or Dad.

Bringing Up Your Concern

Try to start talking about these issues, these milestones long before they are actually upon you, so you and your loved ones can all have an open discussion that is not yet immediate and urgent. Hopefully, you can reach agreement in advance, that when it’s time, we’re going to take steps so that they can continue to live safely at home as long as possible. Keep it light, but bring up this discussion from time to time and keep it current, top of mind.

If you have a particularly stubborn loved one, you need to choose your words and actions carefully. But you can’t let it go. For their safety, you can’t put off the discussion. Often starting with a low level of weekly care makes sense. It feels like just a little help around the house, not a big deal. It doesn’t greatly impact their daily routine, but it can provide an added check on Mom and Dad daily. And seniors usually make good, quick adjustments to leave the tough tasks until the caregiver comes tomorrow – heavy lifting or reaching that top shelf for example.

Read More About Adult Aging

Check out one of our past blog posts that talks about some of the warning signs that let you know it may be time to bring in some care. If you could use a little more preparation to have a tough talk, here are a couple of good resources. David Solie has written a good book called “How to Say it to Seniors,” and maintains a blog at www.davidsolie.com. You might also want to check out Dr. Rosen’s inspirational blog, www.AginginPlace.com.

The way we can and should take care of our parents as they age is changing. Everyone’s living longer – which is great. Chances are, Mom and Dad would like to stay at home (or in a retirement community) as long as possible – and not make the final commitment to a nursing home or assisted living facility until it’s absolutely necessary.

Our Own Families

We love our parents dearly, but as their adult children, we have jobs and families of our own. As much as we wish to help around the clock, there is just not enough time to be there to make sure they are safe at all times, help with household chores, to buy groceries, or visit the doctor.

Making the Right Choice

There are a growing number of reputable companies providing Home Care services. Good ones have great caregivers and work for just a few hours a week up to live-in care. This is far better than making the once-and-for-all move to a nursing home. It’s a better way to live and  it’s less expensive than a nursing home, but the costs still add up.

This scenario is very common and has becoming the most compelling reason to consider Long Term Care Insurance. It is typically the only way non-medical home care can be covered so it is NOT an out of pocket expense.

Interested in Learning More?

This has become such an important and frequent discussion that two of the area’s leading providers, Hope Joyce, a director at Warman Home Care and Kris Kornemann, a financial planner with Financial Advantage Associates, have teamed up to offer a short presentation to explain the pros and cons of Long Term Care Insurance and how to shop for quality home care.

It’s not a sales pitch, but rather a 30 minute, strictly informational presentation. If your parents are approaching this point in life, this is a great way to start doing a little research and potentially make some smart financial and quality of life decisions for your family. Kris and Hope are available to offer their presentation to any groups interested in DC, northern Virginia and surburban Maryland.

Contact Hope Joyce directly at 888-243-6602 or hjoyce@warmanhomecare.com for details.

Long Term Care Insurance coverage is a topic that comes up a lot at Warman Home Care because it is a type of insurance that often pays for “non-medical care” that Warman provides clients. It may not be right for everyone, but it makes sense fo rmany who want to stay independent, living safely on their own for longer, but needing a little bit of support.

Long term care is generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, so exploring alternate options is a must for those that need the help. Although age is not a contributing factor to those who receive help, about 60% of people over the age of 65 will require some sort of long term care services at some point in their lives. Having insurance for this will help cover costs of home care, assited living, adult daycare, respite care, hospital care, and more.

Everyone should explore insurance options on their own to determine what makes sense for your own situation.If you want to learn more, this blog gives a great snapshot of how long term care insurance works.

With the holiday season coming up, we are sure that you all are looking for something special to give your loved ones. But with the limitations that this economic state has put on us, it may be difficult for some to give the way they have in past years. But sometimes we may forget that giving can be more than just buying a present for somebody.

So thinking of new ways to give is something to think about this season. Carol for a Cause is one way to do that. You can download the free Christmas song and “play it forward.” Basically, the idea is to pass the song along to others, which will in turn inspire holiday feelings of goodwill and charity. The song is meant to inspire you to do more this holiday season, whether you do something nice for others or donate to a cause you believe in.

So enjoy the song and the holiday season. Share it to inspire your friends and family, and do something more this holiday season.

A few weeks ago, we posted about a flu shot clinic, hosted by Warman Home Care and Iona Senior Services. If you came, thanks for coming out! We hope everyone is healthy and flu-free. Here are a few pictures we snapped at the event.

With flu season officially here, how are you guarding yourself against disease? Sure, washing your hands and getting plenty of rest helps, but you can do more. Getting a flu shot can protect you from getting sick.

Tuesday, November 17, from 10 am to 2 pm, Warman Home Care and Iona Senior Services will be distributing flu shots. Massage chairs, provided by Washington Chiropractic, will be there to help you relax. To get your flu shot, head Iona Senior Services, 4125 Albermarle Street, NW, Washington DC, 20016.

Keep in mind that this flu shot will not help guard you from the H1N1 disease, but it will help guard you from the flu. Take all the precautions you can. Hope to see you there!

Have a question about caring for a senior? Want to learn more about senior home care? Check out our Care Share Forum, which is an extension of our blog. More specifically, our forum allows people like you to discuss their questions and concerns regarding the well-being of their loved one. Our experts, who are knowledgeable about all senior issues, will answer quickly and thoroughly.

The forum may also be a place that can help you calm your fears and know that others are concerned about the same topics. Have you ever been concerned about reverse mortgages? When is the time right to choose home care? When is a case manager appropriate? All these topics are covered, along with others. Check them out. If you don’t seem one that is specific to you, go ahead and suggest one or ask a question. It is always better to be in the know.

Grandparents Day is right around the corner, and everyone at Warman Home Care is getting excited as we see many photos and videos being submitted to our Warman Fuzzy Grandparents Day photo and video contest.

Yesterday, Michelle Vocke, a columnist on the Web site, examiner.com, highlighted our contest and shared her own “Warman Fuzzy” photo. The photo (left) Michelle shared  is of her Grandmother, who left her with precious memories and continues to inspire her every day.

We hope that everyone continues to sumbit their treasured photos, and we can’t wait to share all of the submissions on flickr and YouTube. And on Sunday, September 13, make sure you give those special seniors in your life lots of attention. This Facebook event,  hosted by grandparents.com, is a great way to help you remember to give them a call. If they live close to you, make the visit…just don’t forget to take your camera with you!