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Newly released Assisted Living Regulations- Georgia

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

As a strong supporter of the Assisted Living- Age in Place Bill I am pleased to announce that the Department of Community Health has published the final rules and regulations for the new category of service called Assisted Living Communities. These regulations will allow the newly created category of Assisted Living to allow residents to age in place and provide greater services than personal care homes. What does this mean for all of us?

Well first off it will allow the communities who apply for this new licensure category to have medication techs that are trained, pass a state test and are registered with the state to administer medications. This lowers the cost of care especially when the only people able to administer medications prior to this were nurses. Next it will allow individuals who over time become unable to ambulate due to a functional condition, like severe arthritis, to remain in their home at the assisted living center and not be uprooted to a nursing home or to apply for a limited number of waivers.

Another advantage of the new rules is it also will allow personnel to accept a DNR whereas previously you had to have a nurse on staff to recognize a DNR. All of this is good news to the citizens of Georgia as we all age and want to stay in the place where our friends and staff we know are.

To get more info you can hit the link below. http://dch.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,31446711_144097918,00.html

Filed Under: Alzheimer's, assisted living, Caregiver Resources, discharge planning, Uncategorized, Veterans Tagged With: , ,

New Year Cheer

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

As we begin the New Year let us evaluate what stressed us last year and how we want to address it this year. Caregiving is emotionally draining. You often fell bad when you think less than kind thoughts. Give your self a break as you are only human. Learning to forgive your thoughts and looking at how you can give your self some space each day is important to caring for a loved one. We are so engrained in helping and solving that often we go into autopilot mode in caregiving.

You have to pace, take breaks and learn if things get too much that it is okay to reach out for help. One of the main reasons I developed CaraVita Home Care is because I saw the emotional toll caring for my grandparents took on my mom. She had no resources or even someone to provide her with a break. For the cost of a good meal, you can get a caregiver once a week to give you some time off. You are worth it and you are a better careprovider when you are refreshed. Just as a machine cannot go 24/7, neither can you.

You are blessed with the mercy spirit so lavish a little on you and you will find ‘things’ said will slide off a little easier as you can look forward to your time.

Filed Under: Caregiver Resources, CVHC Services, Geriatric Case Management, Support Group Information, Uncategorized Tagged With:

Homemade EGGNOG – Savannah Style

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Make it in batches of 9.  It will feed 9-12 people as rich

Ingredients
eggnog

9 eggs

9 Tablespoons of Sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

8 oz. of Whipping Cream

9 Tablespoons of Bourbon-

Nutmeg to sprinkle

Directions:

Need also a mixer for whipping cream and egg whites.

Several large bowls and one large serving bowl or if more than one batch a punch bowl.

You can use egg separator or try it the old fashioned way of breaking the egg on edge of large glass and pour off white into glass and then dump the egg yellow into a bowl.  Do not  mix yellow into white or white will not whip up.

Prep time of about 45 minutes- but so worth it.

 

Separate 9 eggs into white and yellow.

Mix the yellows with the sugar, vanilla and Bourbon and let cure for at least 30 minutes

Beat the whipping cream til it has peaks

Beat the egg whites until they are frothy

Fold the whipping cream and egg whites together in a large serving bowl

Pour in the mixture of sugar, eggs, Bourbon and vanilla and stir until mixed and creamy

Place in bowl in refrigerator for couple of hours covered.

Stir prior to serving as Bourbon mixture will go to bottom.

Pour into small cups and top with nutmeg.

This is great served within 2 hours minimum but fantastic if you can serve up to 6- 24 hours later.

Filed Under: Senior Nutrition Tagged With: ,

Safety in the Home for Seniors

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have an aging parent or relative living in their own home, you may be concerned about their well-being. It’s important that their safety in the environment in which they live be assessed. According to the Home Safety Council, more than 7,000 adults age 65 and older die each year from injuries sustained in the home. Over half of those are caused by falls.

The good news is that many injuries are preventable. Making simple changes to the home such as installing smoke detectors, providing adequate lighting, and eliminating tripping hazards can literally mean the difference between life and death for seniors.  It’s important to look out for personal safety, too. While older people are statistically less likely to be victims of violent crime, taking simple measures can ensure it doesn’t occur.

Home Safety Check List:

  • Maintain proper lighting. To prevent falls, make sure pathways in and around the home are well-lighted. Make sure the top and bottom of stairs have plenty of light.
  • Install and maintain secure handrails for all stairways, even those with just two or three steps. Handrails on each side of stairway and that extend the full length of the stairway are recommended.
  • Keep walkways and stairways free of clutter. This includes sidewalks and outside stairs.
  • Fix broken steps immediately.
  • Wear shoes in the house with non-slip soles.
  • Install grab bars in bathtubs and showers. Use non-slip bath mats or strips to prevent falls.
  • Wipe up spills immediately.
  • Make sure throw rugs and area rugs don’t slip by securing them with tape. Install smoke alarms on every floor
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms outside every bedroom.
  • Change the batteries on fire and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a year. Check fire and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
  • Create a fire escape plan that identifies two exits out of every room, if possible.
  • Review prescriptions at least once a year with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Consider purchasing a Knox Box that provides fire department and EMS access to the home.
  • Ask your local fire and police departments to do free safety inspections of your home.

Personal Safety Check List:

  • Leave at least one light on inside and outside the home when you’re not home.
  • When you’re away for an extended period, don’t let it show. Use timers to turn on lights at varied times to make it look like you’re home. Cancel newspaper deliveries, have the post office hold your mail, and let neighbors and police know when you’ll be away.
  • Consider purchasing a home alarm system that monitor for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide and medical emergencies.
  • Install good locks on doors and windows. Make sure door locks are at least 40″ from any glass on or near the door.
  • Do not leave keys in mailboxes or around the home. Leave with a neighbor or friend.
  • Keep garage doors closed and all doors locked at all times.
  • Keep bushes and trees around the home neat and trim – don’t provide hiding places for thieves.
  • Don’t enter your home if you think someone unknown may be inside. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Install peepholes that are accessible for the user in all access doors.
  • Don’t let just anyone into your home. Always ask for photo I.D. from service or delivery people, even if you’re expecting them.
  • Don’t leave notes on the door when going out.
  • Never tell anyone on the phone you live alone. The same goes for your answering machine message.
  • Use Direct Deposit! Criminals know when government checks arrive.
  • Have a mailbox with a lock. A lot of personal information that can be used for theft identity can be found in your everyday mail.
  • Only take out money from bank accounts for yourself – never for anyone else.
  • Don’t give out personal information over the phone. That includes your name, address, social security number, and credit card numbers. If the person claims to be calling from a bank and asks for personal or financial information, hang up.
  • If a deal or financial opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
  • Be sure to report all crime and suspicious activity. If you’d been had, don’t be embarrassed! Letting the police know what happened will help prevent further crime.

Financial Safety List:

  • Use Direct Deposit! Criminals know when government checks arrive.
  • Have a mailbox with a lock. A lot of personal information that can be used for theft identity can be found in your everyday mail.
  • Only take out money from bank accounts for yourself – never for anyone else.
  • Don’t give out personal information over the phone. That includes your name, address, social security number, and credit card numbers. If the person claims to be calling from a bank and asks for personal or financial information, hang up.
  • If a deal or financial opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
  • Be sure to report all crime and suspicious activity. If you’d been had, don’t be embarrassed! Letting the police know what happened will help prevent further crime.
Filed Under: Caregiver Resources, Health Tips, Home Care Education Tagged With:

Geriatric Care Management 101

October 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This year, CaraVita Home Care began offering a relatively new service for seniors called geriatric care management. Since so many of you have asked our team about the service, I thought I might take a moment to elaborate on what geriatric care management is, and how it can benefit your family.
Geriatric care management is an individualized set of services provided to seniors and family in which a certified senior care professional plans and executes a tailored care plan to improve the life, happiness, well being, and functionality of your loved one. This can range from assisting seniors in their medical treatment and doctors visits, to advising and advocating for a client as they navigate through insurance considerations. In its essence, geriatric care management provides something akin to a privatized social worker, a medical professional who will assist you or your loved one through many of the challenges of senior care. The programs are customized to each senior’s specific needs, and can include a wide variety of services.

Geriatric Care Management in Action: Touching Lives and Families.

Earlier this year, one of our geriatric care management clients had fallen gravely ill. His immediate family and children lived abroad, and so they directed our geriatric care manager to take charge of his medical treatment management. As an advocate for the client, we listened to their doctor’s advice and made treatment decisions as they were presented. As the severity of the situation progressed, our geriatric care manager stayed in close daily contact with the family, giving them updates as information became available.

When it became clear to doctors that the patient would soon pass away, our geriatric care manager called the family to deliver the news. They were, sadly, unable to travel to Atlanta in time to say their goodbyes. So, our team set up a video conference via Skype between the family and their father. The family of this gentleman was able to see their father for the last time, cry with him, offer their expressions of love and say goodbye. He passed away a short time later.

 

This incredible experience would not have been possible without the creativity and compassionate leadership of the family’s geriatric care manager. I think this particular example highlights what geriatric care management is all about. It’s more than services, it is guidance. If your loved one needs leadership, advocacy and management as they traverse their senior years, Geriatric Care Management can not only provide solutions for day to day concerns, but can also make an immeasurable impact on the lives of those closest to you.

From Routine to Extraordinary
While our geriatric care managers are a powerful resource illustrated in the story above, they are also a daily advocate, a behind the scenes assistant, and a resource for expert information.
Whether your loved one needs the expert counsel of an experienced senior care leader, the daily management of medical concerns and doctors visits, client advocacy and navigation through the labyrinth of insurance considerations, or just someone there to ensure they are in good hands, a geriatric care manager can provide the service with a skilled hand.

It is certainly our pleasure to announce these service capabilities; call us today for more information!

 

– Beth


Filed Under: CVHC News, CVHC Services Tagged With:

Small Business In America – Meeting Seniors Needs

September 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Recently I had the honor of being named a Finalist for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2011. During the interview process, I was able to reflect on what it means to be involved in a small business in America that is meeting a growing need of seniors.

All of us have a story inside of us. I have always heard when passion and job intersect- therein lies your life story. It was a proud moment as I reflected to the panel how caring for my relatives and watching the care burden on my mom planted a seed in me that would harvest later in life. Mine has been a journey out of the corporate world of health care into that of a small business owner and direct line provider. In my previous work, I had been well educated in how to care for seniors, but often distant in my direct approach to families.

After being with a health care company that was sold and finally having access to seed money, I took the leap to nurture the seed inside of me. I founded CaraVita HomeCare where my vision was to create a company that allowed seniors to stay as independent as possible with enriched lives in their own communities. I wanted to create a company where I could share what I had learned in caring for seniors, and directly help families with support and services.

With the founding of CaraVita, I leapt from a large health care company into the world of small business owner and operator. Nothing prepares you for doing it all like doing it all. When you are in the corporate world, there are layers of people to intervene on business problems. But when you start a small business, you are it! The job postings, the insurance bids, the policies and procedures, the appeal for unemployment hearings, phone calls with employees who did not get checks or families not understanding their bills…well, those calls come to you. At times you wonder how far the day to day concerns of running a business are from your passion of serving seniors. But in a small business you have little time to wonder. You just have to set your sights ahead and begin trusting that all of your labor will deliver the outcomes you set out to achieve.

Not that I am complaining at all. I am thankful that I can live my dream. I am proud that I could start a successful, meaningfulsenior care business, and honored to have been nominated for the Small Business Person of the Year. Now, unlike the early years, I have a team who can help with the myriad details it takes to run a small business serving seniors and their families. It makes me reflect on how important what we do everyday is for those we serve; you are not data, or numbers, or sales figures – you are families, and families we can help.

I believe we in senior care hold some of the most important jobs in the coming decade; and I am proud to serve. Many thanks to the Greater North Fulton Chamber for recognizing what we do, letting us reflect how we got here and applauding what it takes to be a great small business. Special thanks to my coworkers and employees who work every day to continue the vision. And a very special thank you to Suzanne Brown, Nick LaDart and Brenda May for your part in this.

Looking forward to many more great years serving our community,

– Beth

Filed Under: Caregiver Resources, CVHC News, Home Care Resources Tagged With: ,
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