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Weekly Caregiver Tip

(April 24, 2000)

Home Health Care, Part 1

When to use home care

The use of home care agencies has grown dramatically because hospitals look to less expensive ways to provide care. But hospitals aren't the only ones who gain from the increased availability of home care.

According to the National Association for Home Care, those who benefit from home care include:

--persons recently discharged from a hospital or nursing home who need additional care.

--frail, ill or disabled persons who need extra help to live independently at home.

--persons with a chronic health problem, such as diabetes, respiratory disease or congestive heart failure.

--terminally ill persons who choose to die at home.

--persons recovering from outpatient surgery who need short-term assistance at home.

We've come up with several more reasons to use outside help. Here's the list:

--when you take your care recipient to physician appointments. Wouldn't it be nice to drop off your care recipient at the front door of the medical building so the home health aide can assist your him or her inside? Just think, no more long walks from the parking lot and no more maneuvering a wheelchair through a door that doesn't automatically open.

--when your care recipient's physician changes the care regime. For instance, your mother's physician wants her to forgo the incontinence pads for a few days so that a rash can heal. You know how tough getting your mother to the bathroom is. This is a great time to get some help.

--when your care recipient moves into a period of difficult behavior. Sometimes a new face and a different voice can work wonders in calming your care recipient.

--when your care recipient is recovering from the flu or a cold. Rather than wearing yourself out trying to do everything, enlist the help of a home health aide until your care recipient feels better.

--when your laundry seems to control your life. Just one day without laundering soiled sheets. Wouldn't that be nice?

--when your sister wants to go out for coffee to complain about her youngest daughter.

--when your care recipient suffers from cabin fever. A young face visiting three times a week for a few weeks to help with personal care and housekeeping may put the spark back into him or her.

--when you're working overtime during your company's busy time. With a home health aide in the evening, you can work late without worrying.

--when you're expecting company for the holidays. An extra pair of hands may take the air out of your elevated anxiety level.

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