Senior Resources Northeast Directory 2018-19

H OME C ARE / N ON -M EDICAL of daily living activities. Services often include, but are not limited to: Personal Cares, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Cares, light housekeeping, meal prepa- ration, medication reminders, assistance to/from appointments, gro- cery shopping, laundry, assistance with bathing, and many others. In many cases, simple companionship and super- vision are the most impor- tant services a caregiver can offer. Sharing a meal, going for a walk, playing cards, and reminiscing are great examples of companionship that do wonders for enhancing an older adult’s quality of life. On the other hand, many seniors suffer- ing from Alzheimer’s or other dementias, benefit from the protection and supervision a caregiver can offer by simply helping them safely navigate their own residence. Most home helper/com- panion services can provide care for as little as a few hours per day, up to 24 hours every day of the week. They will usually offer an initial no-cost con- sultation to meet the family,

W

here do you turn when the older adult in your life can no longer live indepen- dently - and safely - in his or her own home or apartment? Perhaps she has fallen a time or two, failed to take her medication in a timely man- ner, or has forgotten a meal on the stove top. Maybe it’s just that you wince every time you think of grandpa navigating his vehicle to and from the store - considering his poor eyesight and dimin- ishing reflexes. At the same time, you know he loves his home and would be devastated if mov- ing to an elder care facility were the only option. Maybe it’s not! The solution may be Home Helper/Companion Services. Home Helper/Companion Services are designed to help a senior remain in the com- fortable and familiar sur- roundings of their own homes or apartments. These services generally provide caregivers or companions to assist the elderly in routine daily tasks, so they can enjoy the freedom and indepen- dence of remaining in their own residence for as long as possible. Most services provide assistance with a wide range

discuss client needs, and arrange a care plan.

It is important at the initial investigation of services to learn whether or not the care- givers offered by the service are their own employees. Otherwise, you may assume various legal employment and supervisory responsibili- ties. If the service does employ their own caregivers, they will take full responsi- bility for withholding federal and state payroll taxes, and covering the employee with worker’s compensation insurance. Services providers should also thor- oughly screen their care- givers, complete background checks, bond their employ- ees, and provide various lev- els of training and supervi- sion as well. private pay basis, covered under a long term care insur- ance plan, or if the senior is eligible, perhaps through a county Medicaid waiver pro- gram, or Medicare. Steve Nooyen Franchise Owner - Home Instead Senior Care, Green Bay- Fox Cities-Oshkosh-Door Co. Most care is arranged on a

94 | S E N I O R R E S O U R C E S

2018-19

F or information on S enior S ervices in Wisconsin, visit our website www.seniorresourcesonline.com