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22 Years Serving the Ones We Love

Home Helpers Home Care of Drexel Hill, PA Celebrates 22 Years of Serving the Community They Call Home

This September is a milestone, a season of thanksgiving and humility, as Home Helpers Home Care of Drexel Hill celebrates its 22nd anniversary. For twenty-two wonderful years, we have been privileged to serve the community we love. This is not just a testament to how long we’ve been in business but to the trust and support that the surrounding community has blessed us with.

When we opened our doors twenty-two years ago, we had one simple yet profound mission: to provide compassionate, personalized care that allows our elderly and disabled neighbors to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. Little did we know this would tie us so deeply, and for so long, with the families we serve.

A Legacy of Compassion

Over the last twenty two years, Home Helpers Home Care of Drexel Hill has seen innumerable heartwarming moments:

  • The reaction when a client realizes they are able to stay in their cherished homes where they raised their children and watch their grandchildren grow
  • Relief in the glance of family members, knowing well that their loved one is set up with services that provide peace of mind
  • The pride that our caregivers feel when they have genuinely made a difference in the life of a senior

These experiences formed and nurtured great inspiration in us, fuelling our passion for in-home care.

Our Commitment to Excellence

We have always taken extra measures and gone beyond. Our extensive Cared-4℠ program makes sure we provide not only for the physical needs of our clients but also for their emotional and social needs. From personal care and meal preparation, companionship, to 24-hour monitoring, we seek to provide holistic care that truly uplifts each individual’s quality of life.

Growing with Our Community

We have grown over the years within the Drexel Hill community. We continue to update our services, add new technologies, and enhance the training of our caregivers in response to any changing needs that our clients may have. One thing has remained unchanged: our unwavering commitment to treating each client like family.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate twenty two years in business, we are excited about what the future may bring. In-home care is a constantly evolving landscape, and we are committed to staying abreast of the changes. From introducing state-of-the-art monitoring technologies and innovating programs that foster mental health and social engagement, we pledge to evolve our services to give the best to our community.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To those families who have trusted us with the loved ones in their lives, words can barely express our deepest gratitude. Your trust has formed the bedrock of our success, and we are humbled by the faith you’ve placed in us.

To the great team of caregivers, your commitment to your clients is expressed with compassion and professionalism; you are the heart and soul of this organization. May your tireless efforts inspire new life to continue making our community a better place.

And to the healthcare professionals, community organizations, and local businesses that have joined us over the years: thank you for your collaboration and support. Together, we’ve created a network of care that has truly made a difference in the lives of so many.

Here’s to Many More Years of Service.

With the next twenty two years and beyond, we renew our commitment to serve you, our neighbors. We continue to pledge the highest level of care for your needs and treat your loved one as part of our own family.

From all of us at Home Helpers Home Care of Drexel Hill, thank you for twenty-two incredible years. We look forward to continuing to grow with you, serve you, and be part of this wonderful community that we call home.

Here’s to many more years of compassionate care, lasting relationships, and joy in helping our neighbors live life to the fullest, right where they belong – at home.

Coping in a Marriage When Your Spouse Has Dementia

When Love Faces Its Greatest Test

Dementia is a harsh thief that gradually takes away the memories and personalities of our loved ones. Watching a spouse gradually lose recognition of their shared history is heart-wrenching. When your spouse forgets they’re your husband or wife, it can feel like a terrible betrayal of all the love and companionship you’ve shared. Yet, this happens more often than people think. There are, however, ways to handle it with kindness, strength, and the ability to bounce back.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: Acknowledging Your Feelings

It’s important to acknowledge and accept the range of feelings you’re likely going through. Feeling grief, anger, frustration, and loneliness are all normal responses and are okay when dealing with such a tragedy. You might feel guilty about these feelings, but remember they don’t lessen your love or commitment. Let yourself feel these emotions without being critical. Think about joining a caregiver support group or talking to a therapist who knows about caregiving problems. Talking about your feelings with people who understand can be incredibly cathartic and help you find ways to deal with problems.

Redefining Your Relationship: Love Beyond Recognition

While your spouse may not recognize you as their partner, the essence of your relationship – the love, care, and commitment – has not gone anywhere. Update the way you think about your relationship. Focus on creating positive moments in the present rather than what is lost. While your role might have evolved from partner to caregiver, your foundation is still intact.

Engage in activities your spouse enjoys and finds comforting, even if they don’t remember being married. These activities can range from simply listening to their favorite music or viewing old pictures (without pressuring them to remember) or just sitting together in a quiet and serene garden. Bonding and satisfaction can result from shared experiences, even without recognition.

The Art of Communication: Speaking the Language of Love

When your spouse no longer recognizes you, you’re faced with a new level of communication challenge. Dealing with this challenge involves:

1. Maintaining a calm, reassuring tone of voice.

2. Keeping eye contact and gentle touch to show warmth and care.

3. Letting relationship misconceptions pass without correcting them.

4. Reacting to the emotion behind their words.

5. Using simple, clear language and allowing them time to process information.

Remember, even if the words are not understood, the emotion behind the words often is. Your loving presence can comfort and reassure them, even when they do not understand. 

Self-Care: Nurturing the Caregiver

It is emotionally and physically demanding to care for a spouse with dementia. It’s not selfish to put yourself first at times; it’s a necessity. Make time for activities that nourish your soul, whether reading, exercising, or just visiting with supportive friends. Don’t be afraid to request help from family members, friends, or professional caregivers. Respite care can give you critical breaks, allowing you to refuel and go back to your caregiving role refreshed and energized.

Building a Support Network: You’re Not Alone

No one should have to battle this alone. Develop a strong support network that includes:

1. Your local Alzheimer’s and dementia support groups

2. Forums and resources online for caregivers

3. Your friends and family: Stay in touch, even if it’s just a call or text

4. Use a care manager who can coordinate services and be a guiding source.

5. Find community resources that provide adult daycare services or memory cafes.

Remember, asking for support is a sign of strength and allows you to continue supporting your spouse in the most effective way possible while taking care of yourself.

Legal and Financial Issues: Planning Ahead

It can be challenging to contemplate matters such as legal and financial issues early in the course of a dementia journey. However, it’s beneficial to resolve these as soon as you can. Ensure that you have these in place:

1. Durable power of attorney for health and finances

2. Will 

3. Living will/advance directive

4. Long-term care financing plan

The peace of mind that comes with having these in place will free you to concentrate on your job as a caregiver without additional worry nipping at your heels.

Finding Moments of Joy: Embracing the Present

There can still be moments of joy and connection within your relationship amidst the challenges. Celebrate the good days and the small victories. Celebrate those times when your spouse has a moment of clarity or even a small display of affection, even when it is very brief. Find the humor in absurd situations that come up quite frequently with dementia; laughter can be very healing.

The Journey Continues: Love Endures

It can be a significant challenge to deal with a spouse who has developed dementia and no longer recognizes you. However, it is also an opportunity to demonstrate the incredible resilience of love. Being there and caring for them transcends the words, even if your spouse can’t show their appreciation. After all, the person you love is still inside, buried behind the fog of dementia. Focus on the moments, adapting a new approach, and self-care will help you to honor your bond and continue to find meaning in the changing relationship.

Care Management: A Lifeline for Families in Need

Balancing Life and Care

The demands of modern life often leave families with no choice but to divide their attention among many different areas. For those with senior family members, this means the direction of the elder’s care might fall to them. This is where care management can come in and help quite a bit. For seniors or other family members who need some extra help now and then, it’s very much like having a life coach. Care management helps families steer the whole ship, making sure that everything is taken care of so that the individual in need can lead a more normal life.

Finding Your Perfect Support System

An excellent aspect of care management is that it greatly simplifies the task of finding and establishing in-home care services for families. When it comes to that urgent matter of selecting a care agency, many families feel daunted by the decision that looms over them. A care manager can take the lead in assessing the prospective client’s needs and in researching agencies of both local and national repute. After that trip to the virtual bookshelf of the Internet, a care manager is positioned nicely to help a family make a decision when the matter at hand is so fraught with emotion and necessity. And if a care agency is selected, a care manager can help with the transition of services to a loved one in a very capable and competent way.

Staying Tuned to Client Needs

Effective care management includes regularly scheduled check-ins. A care manager touches base in person or by phone with the client as often as dictated by their needs. They inquire about health changes; how the living conditions are holding up; and if the client is happy with the care they’re receiving. One of the crucial reasons for doing this is to stop potential problems from snowballing.

Solving the Medication Maze

Another area in which care managers prove their worth is medication management. It often becomes a real challenge for older adults, who typically have more prescriptions, to keep their medications organized and to understand how to take them. A care manager assures that a client takes the right medications and reminds clients of the right times to take them. If a client is getting low on a medication, a care manager can prompt the client to call the right person so that a refill can be ordered before it becomes an emergency.

Care managers can also deal with the reverse problem: ensuring that a client does not take too many medications and monitoring clients to be sure they don’t have dangerous or even life-threatening interaction between two or more medications.

The Emotional Backbone of Care Management

Providing emotional support is another necessary and significant aspect of being a care manager. Enough cannot be said about the emotional and psychological toll caring for an aging loved one can take on families. Care managers can certainly offer calm and collected reassurance to families. They also might serve as an organizational backbone for families and provide advice as to how they might proceed with the help of certain services. Some families might be able to manage most of the things that need to be done in a day, but others might just find themselves at the end of their rope. Care managers can also serve as connectors to services and support groups that families might need to reach out to.

Your First Encounter with Care Management

For families thinking about care management services, the first step is usually a conversation with a care management professional. During this initial meeting, the care manager will assess the potential client’s needs, talk with the family about what their concerns are, and outline what services and solutions might work for them. The care manager does this because it’s a good idea to make sure that families and care managers are in sync. After all, they are both ultimately trying to achieve the same goal: the best possible care for the loved one.

Orchestrating a Symphony of Support

Resource management could be an invaluable tool for families with loved ones in care. It could help manage whatever needs to be managed. Tell the family what the care team is doing and what the family can do to help. Be this family’s GPS. As long as the care management system gets the loved one to the route of high-quality, individual need-comprehensive care, the family’s doing all right. They just have to let go and let experts handle everything else.

References:

The Advantages of Securing a Private Caregiver – Assisted Living Selection: Tips For Finding The Perfect Place. http://hotel-caramulo.com/2023/12/20/the-advantages-of-securing-a-private-caregiver

Elderly Home Safety Checklist | Lockly. https://lockly.com/blogs/news/elderly-home-safety-checklist-how-to-choose-the-right-security-system-for-your-parents-home

Have you seen the signs? 5 Signs you must know! – Senior Options Inc.. https://www.senioroptionsfl.com/have-you-seen-the-signs

Understanding Hospital Discharges: A Guide for Families

When a loved one is ready to leave the hospital, understanding the discharge process is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to home care or another care facility. This transition period can be complex, involving various healthcare professionals and detailed planning to ensure the patient’s safety and continued recovery.

Understanding the Discharge Process

The discharge process starts when a physician determines that a patient is medically stable enough to leave the hospital. However, discharge is more than just leaving the hospital; it involves meticulous planning to ensure the patient continues to receive the necessary care outside the hospital setting. This process typically involves a team that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists who work together to create a comprehensive plan tailored to the patient’s ongoing needs.

The plan covers everything from medication management and medical equipment needs to follow-up appointments and home modifications, if necessary. It’s designed to facilitate not just a safe return home but also to prevent complications that could lead to readmission.

The Role of Social Workers in Discharge Planning

Social workers play an essential role in the discharge process. They act as coordinators who bridge hospital care with home or community care resources. Social workers assess the patient’s needs and help connect the family with necessary services such as home healthcare, meal delivery, or medical equipment providers. They ensure that the transition is not only smooth but also that the patient and their caregivers are well-prepared for what’s to come.

For example, if home modifications are needed to accommodate a wheelchair or walker, social workers can guide families on how to arrange for these changes. They also help in understanding and accessing community resources that can assist with transportation, emotional support, or financial aid, ensuring that the patient’s care continues seamlessly outside the hospital.

Transitioning to In-Home Care

If in-home care is suggested as part of the discharge plan, it is vital for families to understand their options. A reputable in-home care provider can offer personalized care that ranges from help with daily activities to more specialized care, depending on the patient’s needs.

In-home care can be an excellent option for many families, providing not only the necessary care but also peace of mind knowing that a loved one is in good hands. Good in-home care providers will take the time to answer all your questions, helping you understand the services they offer, the qualifications of their caregivers, and how they tailor their care plans to meet individual needs.

Why Comprehensive Discharge Planning Matters

Effective discharge planning is crucial for several reasons. It enhances patient recovery, reduces the likelihood of hospital readmission, and ensures the patient’s safety. A well-thought-out discharge plan addresses all aspects of a patient’s care, including their physical, emotional, and social needs.

Patients and their families must be actively involved in the discharge planning process. They should feel empowered to ask questions and express any concerns they might have. It’s important to understand each part of the discharge plan and its implications for their loved one’s care.

Moreover, it’s essential to recognize that sometimes, despite the best planning, adjustments may be needed at any step of the process. Continuous communication with healthcare providers and the in-home care team can help address any issues that arise, ensuring that your loved one continues to receive the best possible care.

You’ve Got a Friend at Home Helpers Home Care of Drexel Hill

The hospital discharge process is a critical step in a patient’s journey to recovery. Understanding this process helps families ensure that their loved ones receive the care they need after leaving the hospital. 

If you or someone you know needs assistance or has questions about the hospital discharge process or the next steps, please feel free to call us at (484) 730-2201. 

We are more than happy to answer your questions and be a resource for you during your loved one’s transition.

References:
Sterling, M. (2017). Palliative Care Through the Eyes of the Family Caregiver. Caring for the Ages
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carage.2017.01.011

Challenges in Discharge Planning with Adolescents Receiving Recurring – Chastity Richey
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4943/

Senior Care Options – What Works for You? – Tucson Assisted Living Retreat. https://tucsonassistedlivingretreat.com/senior-care-advice/senior-care-options-what-works-for-you/

Making the Most of In-Home Care: Tips and Tricks from the Pros. https://blog.likenhomecare.com/making-the-most-of-in-home-care-tips-and-tricks-from-the-pros

Miami Guardianship and Estate Planning Attorneys – EPGD Business Law
https://www.epgdlaw.com/guardianship/

Hospital Discharge Planning: A Guide for Families and Caregivers – Family Caregiver Aliance
https://www.caregiver.org/resource/hospital-discharge-planning-guide-families-and-caregivers

Hospital Discharge Planning: A Guide for Caregivers – Givers
https://www.joingivers.com/learn/hospital-discharge-planning

Hospital Discharge Planning Overview – Kaiser Permanente

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.hospital-discharge-planning.ug5158

How Can Home Care Help Me?

As most people, especially seniors, prefer the familiarity and comfort of their own homes, home care is an invaluable service. It provides a wide range of services that can greatly enhance our loved one’s quality of life by helping with daily activities, promoting independence, and encouraging continued social interaction.

Comprehensive Assistance with Daily Activities

One of the most significant benefits of home care is its ability to provide a variety of assistance with daily activities as they are needed. This includes running errands, taking care of light housekeeping tasks, managing laundry, and other tasks necessary to maintain a clean and organized living environment. For many seniors, these tasks become more challenging as they age. Having personalized support can make a substantial difference in their day-to-day lives.

Promote Supportive Nutrition and Meal Preparation

Proper nutrition is crucial for older adults. Home care services often extend to meal planning and preparation, making sure nutritious meals are tailored to meet dietary needs and preferences. This kind of support is invaluable for those who find cooking cumbersome or even physically challenging.

Personal Care and Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene is essential but becomes more difficult for us as we age, especially for seniors with mobility issues or other physical limitations. Home caregivers can help with the personal hygiene-related activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. This not only preserves the dignity of the one being cared for but also promotes better health through improved hygiene.

Medication Management

While non-medical home caregivers are not licensed to administer medications, they play a critical role in medication management by offering reminders. This support is crucial for individuals with complex medication regimens to ensure adherence and proper health management.

Companionship and Emotional Support

Social isolation and loneliness can be mentally crippling for seniors, particularly those who’ve lost a companion. Home caregivers can help alleviate the pain of loneliness and its negative impact on mental health by furnishing much-needed companionship, engaging our aging loved ones in meaningful conversations, and escorting them to outings, and recreational activities. This consistent social interaction supports overall well-being and increases their quality of life.

Mobility Assistance

For our loved ones with limited mobility, home caregivers can assist with walking, transferring, and positioning. This support helps maintain safety and independence, allowing seniors to navigate their homes comfortably.

After Surgery Care and Injury Recovery

The recovery process after surgery or an injury can be daunting for anyone, but older adults often have added challenges. While our loved one recuperates, their home caregiver can manage daily tasks and offer personal care. This type of support creates a safer and potentially quicker healing process.

Peace of Mind for Family Members

Knowing that their loved ones are being cared for by professionals gives family members peace of mind and creates a flexibility of care that is crucial to the evolving needs of the client, something that is less feasible in institutionalized care settings.

Home care is more than just a service; it is a way of enabling individuals to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and the peace of mind afforded by a familiar, comforting environment. It represents a preferable alternative in many cases to residential care facilities, offering personalized care that significantly enhances our loved one’s quality of life.

 Home care offers a range of benefits tailored to meet the individual needs of those who choose to remain at home, making it a valuable option for many families seeking quality and compassionate care for their loved ones.

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