Frequently Asked Questions About Common Home Care Services
Do you still feel independent when you use home care?
Of course. Using home care services means you’re in control of your
activities and retain as much independence as your situation allows. Many
clients just need a little help to continue their lifestyle as usual.
Others might be recovering from a fall or surgery or living with a permanent
condition. Regardless of the circumstances, your professional caregiver
is there as an extension to your limitations.
Who should consider home care services?
Services are not limited to seniors. Any adult who needs assistance with
activities of daily living, for a short time or permanently, can enjoy
the benefits home care services have to offer. It also allows individuals
to remain independent at home, which has such a positive impact on one’s
physical and emotional health.
Whether you need a few hours a week or 24-hour around-the-clock care, home
care services are customized to fit each family’s needs.
What is the difference between home care and home health?
Home care services are typically non-medical in nature and focus on both
the activities of daily living and the instrumental activities of daily
living such as bathing, dressing, meal prep, medication reminders, etc..
Home Health care, on the other hand, focusses on skilled medical services
such as changing bandages, handling IVs, wound care, various types of
therapies and administering medications. Both are performed either in
the home or in a facility and are complementary services to one another.
I’ve never heard of a professional caregiver. What should I know?
Like nurses and doctors, professional caregivers have chosen a career in
caring for others. Many are either Certified Nursing Assistants, Home
Health Aides or Personal Care Attendants. Less than 5% of all applicants
meet our screening standards, and we only refer caregivers we would trust
in our own home.
How does Griswold attract the best caregivers?
Our founder set a high standard in 1982, and we still use it every day.
Like any great working professional, the best caregivers are attracted
to organizations that respect, value and dignify the profession of caregiving.
They also look for organizations that are empathetic, compassionate and
that share their drive to help others and give back. We encourage you
to meet office team members and experience how they treat you with as
much compassion and dignity as they afford to each caregiver they refer
into the home .
What if I don’t like a caregiver?
We always stay in touch with you about your satisfaction with the caregiver,
but if you are unhappy with them, always feel free to reach out to the
office. We will be happy to match you with another caregiver quickly and
at no additional cost.
Will I have a choice in selecting the caregiver?
Absolutely! Feedback from clients indicates that a personality match is
the #1 factor in a caregiver-client relationship, so we highly encourage
client input! We also work with each family in an initial home visit to
understand what unique skills and personality they are looking for in
a caregiver.
What is the process of finding a caregiver?
It starts with finding a home care services partner that you trust to help
you select the right caregiver. The process should be thorough, yet simple
and quick. Just give us a call so we may explore your needs. Then, we
will set up a meeting at your home or in a place of your choosing. During
that visit, we’ll make sure we understand everything you require
in a professional caregiver and we will answer any additional questions
or meet additional requests before matching you with a caregiver. We do
our best to accomplish this within 24 hours.
Can home care services help with Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Yes. Home care is often critical to managing this disease. In fact, according
to the Alzheimer’s Association of America, approximately 70 percent
of people with dementia or cognitive impairment live at home so continued
interaction is important to exercising the brain. The only exception is
for clients in the late stages of the disease who need intensive medical care.
Remaining at home or in familiar surroundings that include friends, family,
and routines is extremely important to Alzheimer’s and dementia
patients. Caregivers can help create balance and consistency for clients.
Can caregivers assist with medication?
Medication adherence is essential to remaining safe at home and is one
of the leading causes of hospitalizations if not managed properly. Caregivers
cannot administer medications, but they are able to remind clients when
to take their medication and to make sure they are taking the proper dosage
as prescribed by a medical professional. Drug treatment plans that include
sorting and administering medications should only be handled by a family
caregiver, nurse, or physician who is authorized and qualified to provide
this service.
How flexible is Griswold Home Care with individual home care needs?
Completely flexible! Service plans are tailored to meet your specific needs.
So, if your needs change, the care plan can change right along with the
services as well.
