All About Caregiving: Numbers, Facts, and Meaning

AmeriBest Home Care - All About Caregiving: Numbers, Facts, and Meaning

You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers!

Individuals with older parents, neighbors, friends, or family may be acting as unpaid caregivers without even knowing it. Read on to find out what caregiving is, what it means to be a caregiver, and what you can do about it.

All About Caregiving

Caregivers are individuals who care for others- friends, family, patients.

Caregiving is what they do.

Caregivers dedicate hours of their time and energy to help care for the medical, emotional, mental, and physical needs of older adults. Caregivers make it their mission to help elderly live their best lives, as happily and healthily as possible.

Caregiving is usually done in a facility or at home, with many seniors now opting for at-home services more and more.

Caregiving At-Home

At-home caregiving services have become increasingly popular over recent years. With at-home caregiving, seniors are able to age comfortably in the familiarity and calmness of their own homes. Whether with a family caregiver or a professional health aide, seniors are able to continue to live their “regular” schedules with just a bit of help.

Caregiving services include:

  • Light housekeeping
  • Meal prep
  • Oral hygiene
  • Showering
  • Dressing
  • Repositioning in bed

More medical at-home services include:

  • Skilled nursing
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Medial social work

Caregiving Statistics

Although there is great meaning and reward to a job like this, it’s not all roses and rainbows for caregivers. Many caregivers work unpaid, simply helping friends and family. This means doing the work of a full-time job, without the pay. And, 24% of caregivers even care for more than one senior at a time.

Unfortunately, the time restraints and stresses of caregiving can have a real negative effect on health and wellbeing. In fact, 21% of family caregivers view their health as fair to the poor.

Over the past five years, the number of American citizens providing unpaid care for others has increased significantly. In 2015, stats showed that approximately 43.5 million Americans acted as family caregivers. Now, in 2020, the statistics show a mighty 53 million. That’s a 3% increase in just 5 years. Meaning, that around one in five Americans acts as some kind of family caregiver.

What this Means for You

For friends:

If you think one of your friends, neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances might fall under the category of unpaid caregivers in America- offer them support. You may think there’s not much for you do to, but as a friend, you can lend emotional and physical support. And, that support may just make the difference between a happy caregiver and an overwhelmed caregiver.

For seniors:

It can be hard to rely on others for help. But know: your family, friends, and aides are helping because they want to because they deeply care about you. So, say thank you, accept the help, and appreciate the time and effort they are putting into their relationship with you.

For caregivers:

If what you’ve read here rings true- you might be functioning as an unpaid caregiver. Ease the stress, and get paid for the work you’re already doing! Contact us today, with us you can get paid to be a caregiver. You’ll even get paid training, a flexible schedule, benefits, bonuses, and other great employment opportunities!

6 Ways Caregivers Can Safely Celebrate this Holiday Season, 2020

AmeriBest Home Care - Ways Caregivers Can Safely Celebrate this Holiday Season

Working closely with elderly and at-risk patients- caregivers this year have to be extremely cautious with their holiday plans.

However, that doesn’t mean that caregivers can’t still celebrate.

Here are 6 safe ways caregivers of the elderly can have fun and enjoy the holiday season this 2020:

1. Shop Online

Instead of fighting through crowds or waiting on extremely long socially-distanced lines, do your holiday shopping on the internet this year. Stores and brands have put almost all their sales online this season, so you won’t be missing out on savings. Not to mention, it’s easier to shop around for the best price when it’s all just on your computer. Write a cute message, send the gift straight to the recipient, and stay safe the all way through.

2. Participate in Mail-in Gift Exchanges

It’s extremely popular nowadays to do gift exchanges amongst friend groups and larger families. Unfortunately, in-person gift exchanges are not highly recommended this year. But, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Conduct your gift exchange this holiday season through the mail! Send your gift with a secret message, and see if your recipient can guess if it’s from you! Getting gifts in the mail is always something different and exciting.

3. Do a Drive-By

Close physical visits may not be so safe for your senior. However, appropriately distanced visits can be okay. A cute way to do this is with a drive-by! Stay in your car and drive by your senior’s house slowly. You can bring fun signs, balloons, costumes- be as creative as you want! A drive-by visit is a great way to show you care and make your senior feel a part of the holiday celebrations.

4. Make Your Parties Virtual

You may not be able to host a big holiday bash, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate with a party! Invite your friends and family to a virtual holiday party. Play games, chat, laugh and have a blast in a setting that’s safe for all. Simply be sure to set up the virtual call for your seniors ahead of time, because they may not be able to join the call by themselves.

5. Use Water on Your Envelopes

This tip is more to protect others than yourself. If you’re sending holiday cards, letters, money gifts- don’t lick the envelope closed. Instead, use a soft sponge and a bit of water to wet the envelope seal. Using water instead of saliva will help protect all those who come in contact with your letter. Just be sure not to put too much water on the envelope or it may have trouble staying sealed.

6. Order in a Holiday Dinner

If you’re eating by yourself this year, or you’re eating with others virtually- spice things up with a fancy restaurant dinner. Order your favorite holiday foods and drinks. You can even have the same foods delivered to your senior’s home and enjoy a quaint virtual dinner together.

Contact AmeriBest Home Care to learn more about what we offer. Many people feel good about our services because they make their loved ones happier!

Coronavirus Holiday Safety for Seniors

Coronavirus Holiday Safety for Seniors

With a vaccine nearly here, health officials are still strongly encouraging mask wearing and social distancing. In fact, many states have recently added new safety precautions – including limiting indoor gatherings to 10 people at a time.

This makes holiday planning a little tricky for seniors this year.

But, not to fear! Seniors can still celebrate and partake in all the holiday cheer. They just have to do it smartly and safely.

In this article, we’ve included tips on how to keep your senior safe throughout the holidays, as well as suggestions on how to help your seniors make the most of their celebrations this year.

How to Keep Seniors Safe This Holiday?

As a word to the wise, here are some basic safety precautions to take this holiday season. You may be tired of hearing these tips, but it’s always good to have a reminder every so often. Especially, when it comes to the health and wellbeing of seniors we love. And, make sure your senior is following all CDC health guidelines.

  1. Avoid large parties.
  2. Social distance.
  3. Wear a mask.
  4. Wash hands frequently.
  5. Keep some hand-sanitizer nearby.
  6. Find out the health status of your guests.
  7. Sit 6-feet apart when eating.

How to Make the Most of the Holidays This Year?

Just because there are extra rules and regulations this year, doesn’t mean the holidays are ruined. In fact, you may find that some of these safety precautions actually have some positive impacts on the holidays. 

1. Focus on What Matters

Over the years, the holidays have become so commercialized, that we’ve easily lost sight of what truly matters. The real meaning behind the holidays.

Now, we have a chance and a reason to get away from the huge parties and instead stay home with family. The stricter safety regulations this year have given us a chance to spend quality time with our seniors and the people we truly love.

2. Send Gifts Ahead of Time

Sales have already begun. This means, that you can easily start your holiday gift shopping now.

If you can’t spend the holidays in-person together, sending gifts ahead of time to your senior is a sweet way of showing that you care. You can also make it an activity over the phone, and help your senior send his or her gifts to friends and family.

3. Learn How to Entertain Virtually

If you’ve got a big family, video calls will be your best friend this holiday season. Put your senior on a video call to keep him or her safe, but included. You can unwrap gifts together, watch holiday movies together, sing together, play games together, or even just sit and chat.

Video calls are a wonderful way to spend time with everyone this holiday season, while still being cautious.

4. Send Some Holiday Cards

Phone calls and video calls are nice, but there’s something extra special about a hand-written card. It may sound old-school, but sending a hand-written holiday card or thank you card, will really show your senior how much you care about them and how much you miss them. You may even want to help your senior write out some cards as well! 

Ready to provide caring and capable Home Health to a loved one in the comfort of their very own home? AmeriBest Home Care can help you! Call us today by number: 215-925-3313!

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month: A Brief Guide

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month

Put your hands together for National Long-Term Care Awareness Month!

For seniors and caregivers alike, this is an incredibly important month. National Long-Term Care Awareness Month brings attention to the emotional hardships, the medical benefits, and the financial advantages of lasting homecare and caregiving.

In honor of the month, we’ve put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about long-term care.

What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care for seniors is centered around individual health and personal care. The goal of long-term care is to help with everyday tasks, enabling seniors to live their best lives stress-free and comfortably.

Long-term care is generally intended for seniors with disabilities, serious injuries, or ongoing medical conditions.

What Does a Long-Term Caregiver Do?

A home health aide providing long-term care usually helps with:

  • Dressing
  • Meal prep
  • Hair, skin, foot, nail, and oral care
  • Laundry
  • Transportation
  • Light housekeeping
  • And more

Trained health care providers can also offer long-term medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing.

A caregiver providing long-term services doesn’t just go through the rote motions of routine but also creates a safe and warm environment for seniors.

How to Get Paid for Caregiving?

The majority of long-term care is done at-home. And, it is mostly done un-paid by family or friends. While providing care for a loved one is an extremely rewarding endeavor, it can also be time-consuming and emotionally draining.

If you or someone you know is providing long-term care, lighten the burden, and get paid to be a caregiver! You can get paid to do the work you’re already doing by simply signing up as a home health aide.

When you sign on to work with a premium home care agency like AmeriBest Home Care, you’ll receive more than just a job,  you’ll receive a lifelong career. AmeriBest provides its caregivers with paid training, competitive pay, flexible hours, medical benefits, career encouragement, and more.

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month

Who Can Get Paid for Caregiving in PA?

Pennsylvania has multiple programs that offer un-paid caregivers a chance to get reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses pertaining to their caregiving. Expenses such as food, medical supplies, health services, and more.

With these programs, many adults acting as primary caregivers can receive compensation for their work, even if they are caregiving for family members or friends.

However, if you’re looking for more than just reimbursement, working as a professional caregiver can provide you with financial security and life satisfaction.

At AmeriBest Home Care, we are committed to providing exceptional home health and personal care services to seniors and members of our community. And, when you join the AmeriBest family, you’re joining a cause. A cause to make sure no senior gets left behind. That every senior, no matter physical ability or financial status, is given a real opportunity to live their very best lives.

What could be more rewarding?

Join the AmeriBest family, and get paid to be a caregiver!

Сall today at (215) 925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE (for PA residents).

Caregiving Discussions: Lifestyle or Career?

Caregiving as a Lifestyle

Whether short-term or long-term, acting as someone’s primary caregiver requires time, money, emotional stamina, physical stamina, and mental wherewithal to make critical decisions regarding medical treatments.

And, when you’re devoting so much of yourself and your life to a role, it’s no exaggeration to say that eventually, that role becomes your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a way to alleviate the burden of family caregiving, read on! In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of caregiving lifestyles you may fall into, caregiving as a career, and how you can get paid to be a caregiver.

Caregiving as a Lifestyle

According to a study conducted on family care, caregivers can be categorized into five distinct groups of care: compressed generational, broad generational, intensive parent care, career care, and serial care.

Each group represents a different lifestyle. The lifestyles are based on the number of care patients, the age at which one first becomes a caregiver, the length of the caregiving, and the exhaustion of the caregiver’s abilities due to overlaps.

Compressed and broad generational care:

Compressed and broad generational care are the two most common forms of caregiving, according to Fast et al.’s study. These two categories of caregiving involve caring for a family member or close relative and start during the middle to a late period of one’s life. Compressed and broad generational care run for shorter periods of time, with an average of 4-14 years.

Caregivers who fall under these two categories generally care for an aging and/or ailing parent. According to www.caregiver.org, nearly 85% of caregivers care for a loved one, 42% of which for older parents.

Intensive parent care, career care, and serial care:

Caregivers who have taken on intensive parent care, career care, or serial care, constitute the smallest population of caregivers but are overcome with the largest stresses of caregiving.

These caregivers take on the burden earlier in life, between the ages of 30-50, and labor for the longest duration, 10-30 years.

On average 40% of caregivers are classified as being in “high-burden” situations, with the financial encumbrance ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 a year.

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Caregiving as a Career

If you fall under one of the five categories of lifestyle caregiving, it might be time to turn your caregiving into a career, and get paid for the work you already do! Become a professional home care aide, and get paid to take care of aging parents and grandparents.

At AmeriBest Home Care, we understand the burdens involved with caring for a loved one. And, how those burdens can often get in the way of good caregiving. That’s why we do all that we can to create a stress-free, enjoyable experience for our caregivers.

When you sign on with AmeriBest, we’ll provide you with professional training, health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, holiday pay, overtime pay, sick days, 401k, PTS, and competitive pay.

With AmeriBest Home Care, caregiving isn’t just another stressful obligation, it’s a wonderful and meaningful career.

Give us a call today at (215) 925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE (for PA residents).

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Tips and Advice for New Cancer Caregivers

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As we begin Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to take a moment and help all those new to the caregiving world.

Caregiving is a wonderful and fulfilling role, but it comes with its hardships. That being said, we’ve put together a list of easy tips and helpful advice for new caregivers who will be working closely with patients diagnosed with cancer.

In solidarity with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are 5 tips for new caregivers:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It

Breast cancer is not taboo.

In fact, one of the best ways to help cancer patients, past and future, is to talk about breast cancer and raise awareness. By openly discussing breast cancer, you remove the stigmas that dance around it. You allow men and women to feel comfortable asking questions and getting tested. You give victims and survivors an opportunity to share their stories and emotions. And, you offer knowledge and insight to those who would otherwise go unaware.

In a sense, talking about breast cancer is almost just as important as any treatment could be.

2. Brush up on Your Facts

The medical industry is constantly publishing new research and documentation. Reading these findings and staying up-to-date on the latest breast cancer news can help you better serve your seniors. Knowing the facts will enable you to make informed decisions in regard to your seniors’ health care, as well as allow you to have constructive conversations with your seniors about breast cancer.

It’s also wise to brush up on the basic facts regarding breast cancer (what it is, preventative care, treatment, etc.), so that you can feel comfortable answering your seniors’ questions on the topic.

3. Ask for Guidance When Needed

Sometimes you just need an outside opinion or new perspective. There’s no shame in that. Even the most experienced medical professionals ask advice from one another. Because, at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.

If you’re feeling uncertain or unsure, never be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to other medical professionals in the field, caregivers, or experienced friends for a little advice and guidance.

4. Separate Your Emotions

Make sure you’re taking your own emotional health into account.

As a caregiver, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the emotions of those you care for. And, sometimes those emotions are extremely intense.

For that reason, it’s important to listen to your seniors and understand what they are going through, but do not let their pain become yours. Know where your emotions end and where your seniors’ emotions begin.

Sympathizing without taking on another’s emotions is a skill that often comes with years of practice. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, the best thing to do in the beginning is give yourself a little break – a morning, an afternoon, or a day off. And, be sure to remind yourself of the wonderful work you are doing as a caregiver.

Join our caregivers’ team, contact us today! 215-925-3828

Is this the Last Pandemic? Tips for Seniors and Caregivers to Prepare Mentally and Physically

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It’s crazy to think, but COVID-19 isn’t the first pandemic the world has suffered, and it most likely won’t be the last.

If you check back in history, you’ll notice that pandemics just happen every few decades or so. And, there’s no stopping them. At least for now.

So, the best we can do is prepare in advance, physically and mentally, and be ready for anything.

Here Are 5 Ways Seniors and Caregivers Can Prepare for a Pandemic in the Future

1. Make a list of essentials

It’s hard to think properly in the moment. When Covid-19 first hit, people went running out to the stores, buying everything in sight. This caused major chaos, as well as shortages of even non-essential items.

Avoid the panicked over-buying, and stick to a list. While you have the time to calmly think, now is when you should make a list of all the items you would want to buy if another pandemic hit.

2. Keep an emergency bag handy

You never know how badly a pandemic is going to strike, and how isolated you may end up. So, it’s good to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Knowing that you’re prepped and ready for even the worst possibilities is a huge stress reducer.

You can buy pre-made emergency kits. Or, you can put one together based on what you, personally, may need. Consider items like: gauze, band aids, pain relievers, heat packs, tissues, fully charged power banks, solar powered flashlights, rope, water, etc.

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3. Stock up on non-perishables and freezer-food

Another item that will make you feel much calmer knowing that you already have is food.

Take some time now before another pandemic comes along to stock up on non-perishables and freezer-food. Nowadays, there are plenty of options out there, so you can really choose what you would actually enjoy eating (and not just old-school camping food).

Some foods you may enjoy are: BPA-free canned salmon, tuna fish pouches, boxed milk, nut or rice milk, coffee, spices, crackers, frozen fruits and veggies.

4. Include some self-care products

It’s important to remember that items for our mental and emotional states are just as essential as items for our physical health. While you’re stocking up on grocery items, throw in a few things for your mental health as well. Things like: face masks, puzzles, adult coloring books, or even a novel or two.

5. Look for sales

Buying all these extra supplies at once can really add up in expenses. And, if you’re looking at your list of things to buy and thinking you need to buy them all at once, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.

The good news is that since you’re doing this in advance, you have time.

You don’t need to go out of your way to do extra shopping. Simply buy doubles (or triples) of things you’re already purchasing. And, look for sales! For instance, if you’re already buying toothpaste one week, buy an extra tube or two to add to your stockpile. If you are already in an electronics store fixing your computer, grab an extra power bank for your emergency kit.

Prepping should reduce stress not add to it.

If you need our help, AmeriBest Home Care will always be happy to help you prepare for any necessary situation regarding our care for you.
Call the number: 215-925-3313 so that we can be useful to you!

 

5 Popular Pandemic Hobbies for Seniors and Caregivers

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While the world begins to re-open stores, schools, theaters, amusement parks, and more- many seniors and caregivers are still sitting at home waiting for safer conditions before they fully re-enter society.

And with so much time on their hands, they’re looking for more to do than just watch TV or read a book.

If that sounds like you, or someone you know, here’s a list of 5 popular pandemic hobbies to help you occupy your time!

Make the most of your days with worthwhile and enlightening activities.

1. Gardening

As we all strive to navigate through this uncertain time, some hobbies have skyrocketed in popularity.

Gardening is one of those hobbies. In fact, gardening went up 100% on Google Trends– a whopping twice as much as last year!

Gardening is a great way to spend some quality time out in the fresh, open air. And, there’s so much to do: planting new flowers, designing topiaries, growing fruits and vegetables, creating raised gardens beds. The creative possibilities are endless.

2. Cooking

Another fan favorite has been the #QuarantineFifteen.

During the months of quarantine and social distancing, many caregivers and seniors have finally found time to not only enjoy the food they eat, but also the cooking process beforehand. Searches for “recipe” of all kinds went up 100% when compared to 2019’s search trends.

Sitting or standing, humming along to music or listening to a podcast, chatting on the phone or pondering in silence- there are so many ways to enjoy yourself while cooking. Not to mention, the delicious food that comes after!

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3. Pet Fostering

One good thing to come from this pandemic is that animal shelters have emptied tremendously.

Animals give people joy and companionship. So, it’s no surprise that during these trying times, people have flocked to animal shelters to help not only the animals, but also themselves.

One act, two kindnesses.

If you’re looking for way to boost your mood at home, consider fostering a pet for a little extra love and fluffiness in your life.

4. DIY Projects

“Do it yourself” activities have become a huge hit in recent months. With most people stuck at home, it’s been hard to make purchases and hire others to do work around the house. This struggle has encouraged many to start fixing up their homes on their own and even making their own products.

For seniors and caregivers who are goal oriented, DIY’s are a wonderful hobby. There are plenty of easy-to-follow DIY videos online, as well as books and magazines that feature various projects.

Furniture, cosmetics, clothing, stickers, home renovations, jewelry- there’s so much to choose from that you’re bound to find something you just can’t wait to make!

5. Backyard Birding

Spending so much time at home has also allowed seniors and caregivers to gain a new appreciation for their homes and the wonders that reside in their own backyards.

Backyard birding is a calming activity that brings a sense of excitement to your own backyard. You’ll suddenly take note of things you never noticed before like rare birds, unusual melodies, interesting migration patterns, and more.

AmeriBest Home Care caregivers are ready to assist you or your loved one with daily activities so that you can peacefully enjoy your favorite hobbies.
Call AmeriBest Home Care today by phone: 215-925-3313
We will always be happy to take care of you!

Sit Back and Relax with Passive Stretching for Seniors

What is passive stretching?

When it comes to stretching, there are two important categories to know: active and passive.

Active stretching is when you target a specific joint or muscle and work to stretch it using only that same joint or muscle.

Passive stretching, on the other hand, is when you target a specific joint or muscle using external pressure to stretch it out.

For instance, if seniors were interested in stretching their fingers, here is what the two types of stretching might look like:

  • For active stretching, seniors would try to wiggle and move their fingers about, with no external help.
  • For passive stretching, seniors would use their other hand (or something else) to physically push the fingers back and forth.

What are the benefits of passive stretching?

If you try out the finger stretching example, you’ll see that passive stretching (moving your fingers with external pressure), allows you to stretch your finger much further and much faster than active stretching. Because, you can push your fingers further than they can bend on their own.

This means, that with passive stretching, seniors can get to their stretching end goal much faster than with active stretching.  Not only that, but passive stretching can give seniors an opportunity to sit back and relax while someone else does the hard work for them. Since the stretching is coming from an external pressure, seniors can get help from friends, family members, or caregivers. This makes passive stretching more enjoyable for many seniors, and makes it easier to psychologically maintain a steady schedule.

Note: If you’re still not sold on the benefits of passive stretching, here’s a fun fact that might just change your mind. According to research published in the Journal of Physiology, regular passive stretching done for a consecutive 12 weeks can help reduce stiffness in arteries, allowing for improved blood flow. This, in turn, can help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.

How to successfully engage in passive stretching?

As with all types of stretching, passive stretching requires consistent work if you want to reap the benefits. Stretching a little bit every day is better than stretching a lot every few days.

Each day that you stretch, your body builds on what it could do the day before. Like steps on a ladder. The more rungs you move up, the higher the rungs you can reach.

However, when you skip a day (or days) of stretching, your body doesn’t just stay where it was before. It actually moves down a rung.

So, essentially, on days that you miss stretching, you’re not just not moving forward, you’re actually moving backward. Which is why, consistency is key when it comes to passive stretching. 

Passive stretching tips for caregivers.

As a caregiver, your job is two-fold for helping your senior successfully stretch.

First, you need to give your senior motivation and inspiration to keep stretching regularly. It can be difficult making a habit out of something new. And it’s all too easy to skip days or become lax with a new routine. However, for the best results, seniors need to passively stretch on the regular.

Second, you need to equip your senior with the tools to stretch whether you’re there or not. This might mean buying stretchy exercise bands so your senior can stretch on his or her own. Or, it might mean putting up signs around the house reminding your senior to stay on track.

And, just remember, stretching doesn’t have to be a chore. 

It can be a fun and relaxing activity too!