Whether living in a private residence or in an apartment in a senior community, most seniors say they want to “age in place.” The reality, however, is that most seniors require help to achieve this goal safely.
One of the greatest risks to seniors is injury from falling. An astonishing 1 in 4 seniors fall each year according to the CDC, leading to over 3 million ER visits, and 32,000 deaths annually.
Dementia is another risk factor for seniors. Alzheimer’s is the most common and best-known type of dementia. Approximately 6.7 million American seniors are living with Alzheimer’s. Reports from the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging show that seniors with dementia are three times more likely to be hospitalized than those without cognitive impairment.
Difficulty managing medications as well as chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes also create significant challenges for seniors who want to maintain independence as they age.
Professional home care services have an important role in helping seniors address these challenges. Studies show that seniors receiving home care services experience a 25% lower rate of hospitalizations and a 40% lower rate of rehospitalizations compared to those without in-home support.
When selecting an in-home care agency, it’s crucial to ask the right questions and recognize warning signs. The following are some questions to ask:
- Is the agency accredited and do they follow evidence-based clinical practices?
- What screening and background checks are conducted on caregivers?
- What training do caregivers undergo before providing in-home care?
- Are specialty programs offered for conditions like dementia?
Look out for red flags such as the following statements:
- “We will never miss a shift.”
Unforeseen events happen. Ensure the agency has a backup plan for last-minute call-offs and a dedicated person to respond to your calls after hours. - “You’ll love every caregiver we send.”
Not every match is perfect, and it might take some adjustments. - “We don’t receive complaints.”
Feedback is normal. Look for an agency that handles complaints transparently and professionally.
Why Choose ComForCare Home Care?
Since 2005, ComForCare has been dedicated to helping people live their best life possible. Our team of RNs and Home Health Aides is committed to delivering high-quality care. For clients with more complex needs, we also provide specialized Nursing services such as medication management, wound care, and more. We are a fully licensed and accredited agency, with a team of experienced, bonded, and insured professionals who prioritize the unique needs of every client.
We are thrilled to announce that ComForCare Home Care in Somerville, NJ, is under new ownership. On October 14, 2024, Naomi Noto, an RN and Certified Dementia Practitioner, took the reins from Nancy Lorince, who launched the agency in 2005. Naomi has been with ComForCare for nine years and is deeply committed to upholding the same standard of compassionate, person-centered care that ComForCare is known for. We invite you to call us at 908-927-0500 and speak with Naomi to learn how we can help your loved ones live comfortably and safely at home.
