Just for You

Here is some additional information about homecare and issues related to care in the home. We hope you find this information useful, but please remember, the best source of information will be professionals such as your physician, social services representative and homecare providers.

We appreciate your comments and suggestions.

• 10 Tips for Those Caring for a Loved One
• What Activities do People 65 + Consider Most Important?
• Homecare by the Numbers in the U.S.
• Homecare Providers Support Family Caregivers
• Respite Care can Help

10 Tips for Those Caring for a Loved One

1. Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved one's illness or disability always take center stage.
2. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you.
3. Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
4. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
5. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering.
6. There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
7. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
8. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
9. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
10. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

Source: National Family Caregivers Association

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What Activities do People 65 + Consider Most Important?

One study listed these activities as most important to people age 65+: (Responses are not ranked according to importance.)

• Socializing with Friends
• Shopping
• Doing Household Chores
• Hobbies and Leisure Activities
• Church
• Volunteer
• Work

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Homecare by the Numbers in the U.S.

In United States:
Medicare certified homecare agencies: 7,830
Hospices: 2,255

In Pennsylvania:
Medicare certified agencies: 337
Hospices in Pennsylvania: 117
Personal Care Agencies: Estimated 500

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Homecare Providers Support Family Caregivers

More than 12 million men, women and children in the United States need some kind of help with daily activities. About five million are working age adults. About half a million are children under 18. Where do they get the help they need? Primarily, they are cared for at home by an estimated 18 million family caregivers.

It is best to get information, training and sometimes professional assistance in providing basic care. If caregiving involves giving medications, operating medical devices, or monitoring physical signs and symptoms, proper training is essential.

If you need more information about caring for a loved one at home, please call a local homecare provider or PHA at 1-800-382-1211. They will be pleased to answer your questions.

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Respite Care Can Help

Respite care is temporary relief care designed for families of children or adults with special needs. Respite care can range from a few hours of care provided on a one-time basis to overnight or extended care sessions. Respite care is provided in a variety of ways. Most typically, someone comes to the home. Depending on the care needed, the respite care person may be a nurse or homecare aide.

Would it surprise you to know many people in family caregiver roles are unfamiliar with a simple yet extremely important service called "respite care"? Family caregivers can experience enormous stress. Sometimes that stress affects their health and hence their ability to provide assistance. An article from the AARP says:

"A study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that more than half of those who provide major care for parents experience stress and strain. Studies show that experiencing stress in not just unpleasant - it can negatively affect your health, well being, and ability to provide care. When you are caring for others, taking care of yourself and your needs is like doing regular maintenance on your car. It is critical to staying in shape over time."

The breaks that respite care provides allow caregivers time to tend to their own needs and the needs of other family and friends. Although there are different approaches to respite care, all have the same basic objective; to provide caregivers with relief from the daily responsibilities of caring for the care recipient. Respite care is essential for all family caregivers.

Locate a homecare provider in your area that offers respite care nearest you.

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