Comfort Keepers – Is It Time for in-Home Care?

1301 Trumansburg Rd. Ste. F, Ithaca, NY
607-272-0444
teresanix@comfortkeepers.com

Helping your loved ones reclaim all that life has to offer. Caring for the ones who cared for you.

Hope, connectedness, purpose, and joy. These are all qualities that we want to maintain throughout our lives. But as our loved ones begin to age, it can quickly become apparent that, in order for them to experience all that life has to offer, they may require some additional help such as cdpap. Choosing to find care for your loved ones doesn’t have to be negative—but it’s important that you find someone you can trust.

We’re here to help you do that.

Initiating a conversation. Positive and productive. These are the two words to keep in mind when discussing your loved ones’ need for care. Instead of approaching it as “The Conversation,” treat it as an ongoing series of chats. Remember to address one issue at a time rather than trying to resolve everything at once. Below are additional tips for starting discussions:

• Begin early when your parents’ health allows them to fully share their wants, needs, and preferences.
• Choose a time and place that makes everyone comfortable. Avoid special family occasions or events with time constraints so that you can have a relaxed, unhurried conversation.
• Make the experience non-threatening by letting your parents know you’re concerned for their wellbeing and want to help.
• Offer options, not advice. Pose questions, listen, and offer more than one acceptable solution.
• Maintaining peace, joy, and comfort at home.

It’s normal if your first thought is to move your loved ones to a facility. But it’s important to know that moving seniors against their wishes can lead to frustration and depression. Formerly independent adults suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar and stressful environments, forced to comply with pre-set schedules. By contrast, helping them remain in their homes allows them to feel better and live fuller, happier lives. Aging in place has other benefits, not the least of which is cost savings. For those who already own their homes, growing old is often much less of a financial burden. Residence in an assisted living facility can cost hundreds of dollars per day. On the other hand, with the help of a caregiver or private duty nurse, care dollars stretch much further.

What to look for in a care provider

With so many reputable care providers across the U.S., it can be hard to weigh the right choices for you and your family. For some agencies, caring is a job—but for others, it’s a calling. How do you tell the difference?

Here are a few questions to ask:

1. How do you provide care that is geared toward physical as well as mental and emotional wellbeing?
2. How many years have you been in business?
3. How do you keep the family informed and engaged in care?
4. Do you have a method to match a caregiver to my needs?
5. Does your agency have liability coverage?
6. Are caregivers bonded and insured for theft?
7. Do your employees go through national and local background and driving checks?
8. Are all of your caregivers employees of your company (not contract workers), and are they covered by workers’ compensation?
9. What is your system for tracking when caregivers arrive and leave a client’s home?
10. Does your agency have a physical location where I can meet your staff and is there 24/7 phone service?

All caregivers are bonded. For more information—please call 607-272-0444 or email teresanix@comfortkeepers.com.