AgingCare.com recently published an article called, “What Nurses Wish Caregivers Knew“. It is the result of some interviews done with hospice and hospital nurses. While there are some nurses we have met, through our own work at Support For Home … Continue reading
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An Alzheimer’s blog recently posted an article called “5 Things to Remember when Moving a Loved One to a Nursing Home“. The five things are access to the following services: Beautician Podiatrist Eye Glasses Hearing Aids Dental Services All of … Continue reading
On AgingCare.com recently, a woman posted a cry for help, titled “How to get rid of our caregiver?” I have pasted it below, with a very large dose of [sic]: Mom is 93. I live with her and the male … Continue reading
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I have written a number of articles over the last couple of years concerning the cost of home care in California increasing dramatically as the Legislature passes new laws governing wage and hour issues for caregivers, including: Overtime Exemption for … Continue reading
As a state coordinator for California, I am proud that Support For Home In-Home Care is a member of the Elder Care Matters initiative. The ethics of its members and the advice offered there is pretty darned solid. That continues … Continue reading
I just saw a tweet from a company that “certifies” family caregivers, claiming that if the family caregiver is not “certified,” they are probably guilty of elder abuse. All one has to do is buy the company’s “distance learning (study at home) educational course” and everything will be wonderful.
There are a number of problems I have with this sales technique.
Family caregivers are working their butts off to do everything they can for their loved ones, and most of them feel guilty they cannot do more. Well, now they find out they are actually “abusing” their loved ones, because they are not “certified” by this company. However, by paying only $265 plus sales tax, they will be taken off the list of abusers.
The company proudly states they are “NOT FOR PROFIT organization.” As someone who actually managed a not for profit company for ten years, I know that there is nothing sacred about that status. There may not be shareholders, but that does not mean there cannot be some very hefty salaries, commissions and bonuses being paid out. I wish folks would stop trying to parlay non-profit status into a halo.
As a company that provides in-home care, Support For Home works with a whole lot of family caregivers. Do some of them need more knowledge about their loved one’s dementia or dietary needs or proper transfers? Yes. Are companies that can help with some of that knowledge a good thing? Absolutely, although there are so many great (and free) support groups where family caregivers can get hands on help, understanding and training. But, stop trying to guilt dedicated family caregivers into writing your non-profit company a check!
Best wishes, from a frustrated Bert.
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I have talked about this problem before, and I know I will again, as it is one of the major causes not just of injury among our elders but of death – falls. The leading causes of geriatric death from … Continue reading
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At Support For Home Health Care, we have a lot of experience with the concept and realities of power of attorney (POA) status. When used properly, it can truly be a life saver for the person who cannot manage their … Continue reading
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In the last two posts, we responded to a number of very critical elements from a study done by Dr. Lee Lindquist, whom we met last week at the 2012 National Private Duty Association conference. She is extremely impressive and … Continue reading
My last post dealt with two very serious, absolutely valid objections raised in a study done by Dr. Lee Lindquist and her colleagues concerning the practice of too many home care agencies. The issues are so important that I want to … Continue reading
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