August 2019 - Juniper Home Care

having help from a Nursing assistant

By definition, a certified nursing assistant, also known as a CNA, is a healthcare professional who assists patients with various healthcare needs, under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. As a CNA, we are able to provide daily care to those who need light assistance. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, personal residences and assisting living facilities. The rising need of CNAs is due to the amount of elderly individuals who are aspiring to age in place. With the help of a nursing assistant our senior loved ones have been able to stay in their home much longer. While this is an astounding accommodation we are able to provide our community, it is something that many do not know about.

Responsibilities of a nursing assistant

HELPING LOVED ONES WITH BASIC DAILY ACTIVITIES – This includes any regular task in which the recipient can no longer do for themselves. Some of these are cleaning and bathing, helping with combing hair, and caring for nails and brushing teeth. Many patients have a great deal of difficulty keeping themselves clean when they are in a nursing home due to the lack of direct care. Assisting in the use of the toilet and to get dressed. Preparing meals and assurance of proper nutrients.

HOUSEKEEPING – This is one of the jobs that most family members do not think about, but it definitely is important. As a loved one ages, the chores become difficult for families to keep up with. Our nursing assistants will help with cleaning the bedroom in which the person is staying in every few days. We will keep the kitchen, bathroom and living areas clean.

TENDING TO ISSUES AND CONCERNS – While you have a lot of responsibilities in your daily lives, having help from professionals is key! Our team recognizes, notifies, and prioritizes anything that may arise. This includes any medical concerns physically or mentally. We document all medications being taken and any appointment that needs to be met.

COMPANIONSHIP – Sometimes just having someone around to talk to, to have lunch with, or to run errands with. Sometimes when the work stops so does the daily camaraderie we once had. Not everyone has a group of buddies to have coffee with every morning. And that’s okay. Our assistants love what they do. And the seniors can see it too!

how to obtain a nursing assistant

If you are interested in seeking more information on the services a nursing assistant or personal care assistant can provide please reach out to us at 860-523-1418. Our staff will be happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have. Some insurances may approve the need to assisted care at home. Otherwise, we offer very affordable rates to everyone.

Our biggest goal is to inform the community about all of the options available. You see, we understand the struggles people go through when a loved one can no longer fully care for themselves. And like most people, you do the best you can. But not having all of the information or utilize all of the resources available to you only makes this harder.

Please share this post with anyone you may know who is caring for a loved one. Help may be available that they just do not know about yet!

The benefits of home health care

Whether you are in need of 24 hour home care, recovery care, personal care or part time companionship, home care can help you. And the best part is, it happens in the comfort of your own home. A place you are familiar with and have probably lived for quite some time. A study recently done by students at the University of Harvard showed the following outcomes for patients who have been cared for at home rather than healthcare facilities.

reduced number of falls and hospital readmissions
provides better safety from illness and infections
higher tailoring of needs to individual patients
better medication management
overall happier well being

cost of home health care

More and more clients and families are choosing compassionate home health care services as their best solution to help them stay at home and enjoy their best quality of life. This is truly a blessing seniors have been able to experience. Let’s explore your payment options.

medicare

Medicare is one of the largest payee of home health care services. To be eligible, you must be age 65 or over, or be disabled under Social Security. The Medicare home health benefit is designed to help with individuals recovering from an injury or illness or to help with other daily necessities. It may cover a range of services such as nursing, personal care assistance and more. In 2013, Connecticut started to offer the Adult Family Living Program. This allows loved ones to age in place and have their family members be the primary caregiver. We will cover this more in depth later.

Long term care insurance

If you have been contributing to a long-term insurance plan, it may be time to take advantage of it. Long term care plans are usually set up much earlier in life to be able to reap the benefits. It may be difficult to enroll in a long-term insurance policy if you’re in poor health or currently require long-term care. Either way, check with an insurance provider to learn more about what plans are available to you or your family.

health insurance

If your loved ones have private health insurance, because they are under the age of 65 or a spouse is still employed, check your policy coverage for home health care. Most private insurers will cover the costs of short-term care after a surgery or an injury. High deductible plans tied to health savings accounts may offer tax advantages if you have been adding to them over the years.

private pay

Some families choose to pay for home health care expenses out-of-pocket. If you do choose to pay out-of-pocket, discuss the benefits of this with an attorney or financial advisor. Your ability to customize you own care plan and tailor it exactly to your needs is the most beneficial part of self pay. Most home health care agencies are happy to work out payment terms with you.

adult family caregiver

This one has taken on a huge interest in the community since its inception. Most senior loved ones want to stay in the comfort of their own home. Eventually they will need to have someone care for them nearly 24/7. This was almost impossible unless family members were able to sacrifice an income from one person to now stay at home and care for the recipient. The state of Connecticut offers an amazing compensation program to not only ease the financial burden to families, but most importantly, please the interest of seniors wanting to stay at home.

If you are interested in this program and want to find out if you qualify or how to apply please visit this site here. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to one of our Juniper Homecare staff members at 860-523-1418.

Month: August 2019

What Does A Nursing Assistant Do