Blog - Page 22 of 22 - Green Tree Home Care

What is the cost of home care in San Diego? Great question – short answer: it depends! But, we will get into hard numbers farther down the article.

Home care in San Diego is a slightly different beast then other areas of the country. There are a few unique factors that make this market a little pricier and complicated. Hourly costs are pretty broad between private caregivers, domestic referral agencies, and licensed home care agencies.

The following factors influence the cost of home care in San Diego county. Understanding why home care costs as much as it does helps put you in the driver’s seat when creating a home care plan for your loved one!

Licensure Adds Restrictions on Home Care Agencies but Not on Private Caregivers

In 2016 home care agencies were required to join the Department of Social Services Home Care Licensing Bureau. As you can imagine, new government regulations add cost burdens to San Diego Home Care Agencies. But, the new licensing requirements create a more protected environment for consumers. Companies have to meet certain standards for insurance coverage, training, hiring, background checks, and record keeping.

Unfortunately, the consumer protection requirements do not extend to private caregivers. While it is a very good idea to treat your private caregiver the same way a licensed agency would, many people do not know how to properly set up a private caregiving arrangement. For more information about San Diego Home Care, be sure to check out this article, San Diego Home Care: Everything You Need to Know. It gives deeper information about hiring privately, and how to work with San Diego agencies.

San Diego is Experiencing a Caregiver Shortage

The numbers of available caregivers go up and down all the time. But, the current trend shows more senior adults need care than there are caregivers available. This means that great caregivers stay busy, and care recipients must compete for the best, reliable caregivers. Years ago, San Diego home care agencies ran ads in the newspaper and Craigslist. Many caregivers would apply, and agencies could place the best applicants. Now, the hiring landscape for both agencies and private caregivers has changed dramatically. Hundreds of websites boast access to the best caregivers. Many of those sites have signup requirements and fees. Hopeful employers need to try several different channels to recruit the best caregivers. Social platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn may help connect you to excellent caregivers, but it takes more time than ever to find, recruit, interview, and hire great caregivers.

Rapid Rise in Minimum Wage Rates

First, most caregivers do not work for minimum wage. In fact, some caregivers make $20 plus dollars an hour depending on their skills and experience. But, as all wages rise, a ripple of wage increases progresses. In 2014, many caregivers worked for $11 per hour. Now the average wage for an agency employee is $14-16 per hour. Consider, every $1 increase equates to around $1.30 cost to the employer. And, small increases in hourly costs significantly affect overtime rates. Be sure to keep that in mind as you higher privately or compare pricing from agencies.

Socio Economic Gaps Around the County

San Diego is an expensive place to live. Some areas are significantly higher cost than others. Because San Diego ranges so much in affordability, there are pockets of caregiver shortages. Costal, and North San Diego county often have fewer local caregivers. You may have to look in surrounding areas for excellent caregivers. Sometimes, enticing caregivers outside their local area presents difficulties. Agencies may offer mileage for the best caregivers. The area your loved is in might affect of the cost of home care in San Diego.

What are the Care Requirements of Your Loved One

While many agencies and private caregivers don’t charge extra for more than one care recipient, others do. Make sure to clarify that point before you move forward with a provider. When you meet with a prospective care provider, he should ask you in-depth questions about the scope of care, and your expectations. Complicated dietary restrictions, specialty equipment, or behavior issues may limit the number of caregivers who are willing or able to provide support. Thus, costs may be higher. You should have a care partnership with your provider. All questions concerning payment and current and future job duties should be clear with a plan in view.

Cost of Home Care in San Diego

As of 2020, you can expect the cost of home care in San Diego to range from $13.00-$30 per hour. You might find private caregivers willing to accept $13.00 per hour. Most private caregivers charge $15-20 per hour. But remember, this does not include any of the tax, insurance, and management costs that are essential to protecting you and your loved one. San Diego home care agencies charge between $28-$34 per hour depending on the case and schedule. Of course, agencies are higher because they comply with licensing, deeply vet employees, carry insurances, and manage all employment responsibilities.

Falling is easily one of the greatest fears among seniors, and for good reason. According to one estimate from the CDC, 1 out of 4 people over the age of 65 experience a fall annually. This statistic is frightening enough, but it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the broader ramifications of falling accidents among seniors.

Here are a few more stunning statistics that highlight the necessity of implementing a fall prevention program if you are over the age of 65:

Falling accidents are responsible for 95% of hip fractures among the senior population and at least 300,000 seniors are hospitalized for hip fractures annually.
1 out of every 5 falls results in a serious injury such as a head injury or fractured bones.
8 million seniors are treated by emergency rooms for fall injuries every year.
Falling is the most common cause of serious brain injuries.
According to one study, falling accidents are responsible for a loss of $31 billion dollars annually.

One look at those statistics and it’s crystal clear that falling is a serious problem that needs to be addressed among the senior community and their caregivers. So, what can be done?

Improving Balance and Mobility May Be The Best Way To Combat Falling Accidents

Impaired strength and balance are considered some of the strongest indicators of a person’s likelihood of falling. There are many other factors, such as cluttered living spaces, impaired vision, and complications from pharmaceuticals. But reductions in balance and strength are two of the most prominent causes.

Luckily, these are two of the easiest factors to address because they only require dedication to exercises designed to improve muscle tone and balance. Proper exercise plans also offer unexpected secondary benefits to seniors who stick with them like heart health and improved jar opening.

Here are a few tips to help you improve your mobility and balance and help you prevent the dreaded fall.

1. Keep Active to Prevent Falls

Seniors have a tendency to live a more sedentary lifestyles as they age. However, it’s more important than ever to exercise because we lose muscle strength and bone density as we age. These factors add up to an increased fall risk and increase the likelihood of serious injury as a result of a fall. Exercise addresses decreases in physical strength and health.

Try to find ways to work low-impact exercise into your daily life. Many people like to join walking groups that gather at chosen locations to chat and stroll at their own pace. This is a great way to keep yourself active, prevent falls, and also an excellent opportunity to socialize with others. If you are uncomfortable walking alone, you can find a caregiver who will relish the chance to get outdoors for a little leg stretch.

It’s important to keep active, even if you are experiencing impaired mobility. Look into a bed or chair exercise program to help keep that blood flowing and get your heart rate up! Ask your doctor about exercises or stretches she can recommend.

2. Body Appropriate Weight Training

Keeping up your physical strength is a great way to prevent falls and minimize their damage when and if they occur. Ask your doctor about how you should go about finding a weight training program that suits your specific health challenges. She will be able to help you formulate a specific plan with concrete goals you can shoot for.

Don’t let age scare you out of taking the steps you need to take to keep yourself fighting fit! If you start slowly and work your way up (always check with your doctor first), you can build up strength and stamina.

3. Find an Experienced Trainer

Once you have talked to your doctor and assessed your needs, you can find a trainer to help you put your plan into action. Find a trainer who has experience working with physical rehabilitation and has experience working with seniors.

Discuss your goals and physical needs with your trainer. If possible, have him work with your doctor to maximize your physical benefit and reduce your physical risks. You’ll be feeling great and experiencing massive health benefits in no time at all with the help of a caring, experienced personal trainer.

4. Improve Your Balance

Balance is obviously an important factor in preventing falls. Many seniors are turning to alternative forms of exercise to help improve their physical and mental well-being.

Talk with your doctor about taking a class in Yoga or Tai-chi. These exercise forms improve a number of health problems common among the senior community. Both exercises can improve circulation, promote healthy hearts, boost flexibility, and alleviate depression.

Many yoga and Tai-Chi schools offer classes specifically geared for older people and those with mobility concerns. It’s a great way to prevent falls, meet new friends, and keep socially active.

5. A Little Help from Man’s Best Friend

You might want to consider working with a dog if you’re the type of person who likes animals. Walking or even just playing fetch with a dog is a fun way to get outdoors and exercise. If you don’t own a dog, this can also be an excellent opportunity to score some points with your neighbors by volunteering to walk their dog, or you could volunteer at a pet shelter.

Interacting with animals also has some surprising secondary benefits. Studies have shown that petting an animal can reduce blood pressure, alleviate the symptoms of depression, and even help you survive a coronary event! Besides, who could resist those puppy dog eyes?

Ultimately, when you set out to prevent falls you should have a specific functional goal in mind. Improving your strength and mobility through physical fitness should start with a doctor consultation. Take it slow, work your way up, and stay positive and dedicated to accomplishing your goals.

Staying fit and exercising may seem a bit intimidating at first, but neglecting your body out of fear is one of the best ways to make your fears a reality. So, put your fears to rest, get out there, meet people, get fit, and prevent falls!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports: one out of three adults aged 65 years and older fall every year in the US. As we age, our ability to bounce back from a major injury significantly diminishes. A few days in the hospital can cost precious muscle strength, and mobility. Fall prevention is an essential component for maintaining adult independence.

One fall is a strong indication that more falls are likely. Many seniors experience a regular cycle of falls and hospitalizations until they can no longer remain safely at home. According to the San Diego County Department of Health and Human Services, 7 older San Diegans are expected to die from falls every day in 2030 if there are no changes to current fall trends. Creating a safe living space, getting the appropriate tools, and lining up caregiver support all ensure an environment of fall prevention.

2. Maintain and Build Strength and Balance

As we age we naturally lose muscle mass and flexibility. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t fight to win it back. Staying active, and focussing on appropriate strength exercises can help seniors remain strong, independent, and upright. Even if your loved one has already experienced a reduction in strength and balance it is never too late to speak with your doctor about doing more. Fall prevention is about maintaining proper form and stamina. Strength and balance are very much use it or lose it skills, especially as you age. If you or your loved one feel weakness or balance issues try adding a few of the following activities to your routine ( with your doctor’s permission of course):

Go for a daily walk with friends or your dog
Join a yoga class
Body appropriate weight training
Medicare reimbursed physical therapy support
Water based activities
Bed and chair exercises

There are so many ways to maintain strength and balance for fall prevention! Find one that fits you or your loved one and get moving!

2. Practice Medication and Health Management

Side effects for miss-management of medications and chronic health issues contribute to the high fall rates in San Diego county. If you or your loved one often miss medication doses, it may be time to enlist outside help to ensure medications are properly dosed. Conditions like fluctuating in blood pressure or unmanaged diabetes can cause dizziness and may contribute to falls. There are many health issues that affect the senior community. If you notice a medical condition is contributing to the weakness or instability of a loved one, you should bring it up to his doctor. Sometimes changing medications or making lifestyle modifications can greatly reduce the incidence of falls. Even something as simple as drinking more fluids and eating more nutritious, health appropriate meals can do a lot for fall prevention.

3. Use Assistive Devices Correctly

Have you ever seen a person carry a cane like an umbrella rather than the assistive walking device it is? Yep – it happens all the time. Sometimes, people don’t like the mental stigma they feel goes along with walkers, wheelchairs, and canes. It is important your loved one feel comfortable using whatever assistive device is most appropriate for his needs. If you or your loved one need help using assistive devices, the doctor is a good place to start. Doctors can order therapy services. Home health physical therapists can work with a patient to get the most out of an assistive device.

4. Bring in a Caregiver to Help with High Fall Risk Activities

Bathrooms are high fall areas. Bringing in a caregiver can help with fall prevention, especially during tasks like bathing and using the restroom. If your loved one is repeatedly falling at night or when showering there is a good indication you can help reduce falls by hiring support during those times. Caregivers can also assist with nutrition and medication support. They can offer a level of oversight on critical tasks to help with fall prevention. If you are interested in finding out more about San Diego Home Care, check out this article.

San Diego Home Care – Everything You Need to Know

5. Home safety modification

Take a look around your loved ones home. Most of the falls that occur in San Diego County are the result of slips trips and stumbles. Walkers and toes can get caught up on the edges of carpets and other obstacles in the walkway. Take a look along walking paths, and make sure there is lots of clearance so feet and assistive devices don’t get caught up. Adding grab bars in the shower area supports fall prevention. Make sure to look through the house for places your loved one might have trouble navigating. Steps in and out of the house can transform into ramps. First floor offices can convert to bedrooms to cut down on stairway risk. You can easily add chair lifts and bed rails to help a loved one navigate a cherished home.

The hardest part about fall prevention is getting used to necessary changes that support a safe environment. Talk to your loved one about the risks of taking no action. Take small steps to create big gains in mobility and independence. If your loved one has a history of falls, take immediate action and work together to make the environment one he can remain in safely for years to come!

Your mom has always been there to help you through life, but as time passes the roles shift. Now, your mom needs your help. Finding the best way to support your mom can be a struggle in today’s busy world. Whether your mom lives with you, in the same town, or across the country, finding a balance to meet everyone’s needs feels overwhelming.

Using a caregiver agency is a great way to support your family’s needs. So, what can a caregiver do to help your mom? The article below covers 7 things that caregiver services can help with.

1. Meal Preparation and Feeding

Helping your mom get the nutrition she needs is very important. Caregivers can help cook and prepare meals. They can also do the grocery shopping and meal planning for her. A good caregiver can help prepare not only nutritious meals but meals that can meet any dietary restriction that mom may have. If your mother needs help with the physical action of eating, they can provide support for that also.

Caregivers give fluid reminders and encourage your mom to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause dizziness or vertigo which can lead falls.There are some limitations with meal support. A caregiver cannot administer food via feeding tube. But, short of skills considered medical, a caregiver can make sure your loved one gets plenty of food and fluids.

2. Transportation Services

Most caregivers can offer transportation services. Transportation can include critical activities like doctors appointments. It can also mean a trip to a favorite restaurant, or shopping for pants. Transportation support is often about promoting independence, and keeping your loved one engage in her favorite activities. Transportation services can help your loved one adjust to losing a driver’s license.

3. Personal Care

One of the biggest struggles as we get older is losing our independence and requiring help in areas of our lives that are more personal. Caregiving services can offer your mom help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming. Great caregivers can provide help with these sensitive tasks gracefully. In some cases as people get older they may develop a dislike for bathing (don’t feel alone this is common!) Caregivers can help balance your mom’s personal desire with safety and skin care.

4. Movement and Transfer Support

A big risk, as mom gets older, is the occurance of a fall. How do you prevent them? Caregiver services can provide support with movement and transfers that can help decrease the chance of a fall. This can range from stand by assistance to full bed bound care. Helping your loved one up from a chair or supporting her as she goes for a walk in the garden can give both you and your loved one peace-of-mind. Caregivers can also give reminders and encouragements for mom if she uses walkers or other assistive devices like grab bars.

What if mom is bed bound? Bed bound care is a specialty area. When someone losing the ability to walk their care needs are different. They are at risk for rapid muscle loss, and bed sores, also called pressure ulcers. If your mom is bed bound, she needs to be repositioned every two hours to help prevent bed sores. Caregivers can help with the repositioning and help monitor for signs of pressure sores. There are also some devices like pressure relief mattresses, that you can get to help with pressure sore prevention.

5. Medication Reminders

An important part to keeping mom healthy is making sure she is taking any prescribed medications. Caregiver services include providing medication reminders. This service is limited to reminders only as caregivers cannot administer the medication themselves. They can assist you mom by handing her the pre-dosed medications but cannot administer it into her body. If your mom needs more support with administering her medications there are other medical services available to assist.

6. Light Housekeeping

Helping with the daily household chores is also in the scoop of a good caregiver. Caregiver services can include light housekeeping, such as washing dishes, helping with laundry, dusting, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Caregivers can even help with chores associated with taking care of your mom’s beloved pet.

7. Communication, Appointments, and Technology

Caregiver services can include helping your mom get and stay organized. Helping with her communication needs helps reduce the stress and anxiety for you and your mom. Caregivers can help schedule and keep track of appointments. They can also help mom with her technology needs such as using the internet or social media.

Great caregivers fill out daily notes to keep you updated and involved with your loved one’s care. Some agencies even provide online programs for families to get daily updates. Please note, caregiver services should not include helping with bill pay or other financial decisions. If your mom needs additional support with her finances, you can contact a fiduciary for more information.

Taking care of your loved one is top priority. Using caregiving services can help provide both you and your mom with regular expert support.

For more information about caregiving services in San Diego check out this guide:

San Diego Home Care – Everything you need to know

As much as you might want to take care of your aging parents 100% of the time, few of us are capable of doing so. Even the most dedicated family caregivers need help from time to time. It’s important that your chosen caregiver is the right fit and able to make your loved one feel safe, cared for, and comfortable at home. Great caregivers will take amazing care of your loved one’s emotional and physical needs. They will provide companionship to keep your loved one from feeling isolated.

Caregiving is not an easy job and not everyone does it well. It takes a special kind of person to be a stellar caregiver and sometimes it is not immediately apparent whether the person you have chosen fits the bill. It’s important that you keep a close eye on the situation and honestly evaluate the quality of care your loved one is receiving.

Evaluating the quality and connection your caregiver and your loved one can be complicated. Cognitive impairment, complicated medical needs, and simple interpersonal chemistry can create grey areas. Sometimes poor connection or undone job duties may be the result of dementia related agitation or an unforeseen crisis.

All of these complications and more mean that even the most skilled caregiver might not be a perfect fit for your loved one. So, how do you know when your caregiver is the right fit, or if it’s time to find someone new?

Here are 5 important signs that mean it might be time to start looking.

Your Loved One Isn’t Clicking With The Caregiver

The major goal of home care is to provide your loved one with an elevated quality of life. This definitely includes social interaction and general mental well-being. Sometimes, poor connection between your loved one and a caregiver is simply a matter of chemistry. Often, poor connection doesn’t reflect on the quality of the caregiver. Sometimes people just don’t get along. This is especially true if your loved one is not happy to have a caregiver in his home, or is suffering from cognitive impairment.

You may need a different caregiver if you notice signs of increased agitation, aggressive behavior, or withdrawal in your loved one. You know your loved one best. If she seems to act differently in the presence of her caregiver, it’s important that you take note.

Issues With Reliability And Punctuality

We depend on our caregivers to be trustworthy. After all, we are trusting them with the safety and well-being of our loved ones. It would be hard to imagine anything more important than that!

The fallout from a caregiver who is frequently late can be disastrous. Many people are on a very tight, demanding schedule. Tardiness can lead to complications for you and other caregivers . You compensate good money to ensure this doesn’t happen!

The subject of reliability can be especially sticky in situations where the caregiver is otherwise a superstar and this leads a lot of families to simply put up with it. No matter how personable and effective your caregiver is, if you can’t rely on them to be on time, you should probably find someone who can do both. You want the best for your loved one. You shouldn’t settle for good enough when there is someone out there who can give you better.

The Caregiver Doesn’t Work Well With Family Members

Taking care of your loved one is a team effort, and a team is only as strong as its weakest link. If your caregiver adopts a know-it-all attitude that leads to arguments with other members of the team or tries to isolate the family from the patient, you should definitely draw the line there.

Sometimes this behavior can stem from your caregiver becoming overly protective. Caregivers spends lots of time with their clients and may feel they know what is best. However, it can also be a way to hide less-than-stellar care or even abuse. Either way, this sort of behavior is simply unacceptable.

Your loved one will be happier and better taken care of in an open environment that fosters feelings of trust, teamwork, and positive energy. Don’t let a bad apple spoil the bunch!

The Caregiver’s Personal Life Affects The Quality Of Care

Your loved one’s care should always be the main concern of the caregiver. Full Stop. Senior care, unfortunately, is fertile ground for abuse. Abuse begins when the needs of the caregiver start to overshadow the needs of her client. It’s a slippery slope and you should never tolerate this sort of behavior.

Now, everyone has a bad day from time to time. Nobody is perfect, but if you notice a pattern of personal problems creeping into the work environment, you should consider a new care provider. Your caregiver is there to provide comfort to your loved one, not the other way around!

Poor Quality Of Care

It’s incredibly important to monitor the level of care your loved one is receiving. Keep watch to ensure your caregiver is completing all required duties. You hire a caregiver because you need additional support and want piece-of-mind. If you notice a tendency to leave “little” things undone, your caregiver may neglect more important things, as well.

There is often “downtime” in home care. Your caregiver should utilize that time to meet your loved one’s needs. If you notice a lack of tidiness, decline in your loved one’s hygiene, or lack of task completion from your caregiver, you need to take immediate action. If you aren’t sure what all your caregiver can do for your loved one, check out this article:

San Diego Home Care – Everything you need to know

Sometimes a conversation with the caregiver is enough. If that fails to remedy the situation, you shouldn’t hesitate to look elsewhere for help.

Ultimately, trust your instincts. If your gut is telling you that your caregiver isn’t up to snuff, you should pay attention to that feeling. Additionally, it’s important to have a conversations with your loved one about her caregiver, from time to time. If you feel there are gaps in the care you are receiving, don’t be afraid to ask your caregiving agency to send someone new. Or, if you hire privately don’t settle for mediocre care. There is an outstanding caregiver who is a great fit for your loved one – you just need to find her!

Families often struggle with when to initiate home care.

Each situation is so unique, and depends on the needs of the client, the day to day support a person already has, resources, and care goals. Adult’s who could benefit from care support sometimes worry they will lose independence, or won’t like having someone in their personal space. Adult children don’t want to force care on their parents, and hesitate to get involved when they aren’t sure care is necessary. While thoughtfulness is an important part of the care planning process, there are times when outside help is very appropriate, and should be a priority.

Falls

When a loved one has a history of falls, and is still at risk of falling, it might be a good time to bring in outside help. Identifying fall triggers like nighttime bathroom trips, or shower times can help families decide when care would be helpful, and might augment a person’s independence. Initiating physical therapy through a doctor is often covered by medicare, and can help regain some strength and stability. In home care professionals can work with client’s to make the home space more maneuverable. Geriatric care managers are often medical professionals that can offer unbiased advice to families making care plans. The often charge for their services, but have resources and experience that can help clients make informed plans.

Retirement from Driving

Changing driving habits can be a good time to initiate outside care support. Making the decision to retire a driver’s license often means some limitations in flexibility and independence. Offering seniors support with transportation is one important function of non-medical home care companies. Changes in transportation style do not mean a person cannot continue participating in activities. Professional caregivers can help support a person’s regular activities and routines, making driving retirement an easier transition.

Changes in Behavior

Cognitive changes can happen slowly over time, or can suddenly become pronounced and pervasive. Sometimes individuals suffering from dementia need help with following routines that involve toileting, eating, and sleeping. Outside professionals can help a client navigate daily activities, and find tasks that are enjoyable and engaging. Even having a caregiver prepare meals a couple of times per week, can help a loved one remain safely at home.

The cost of home care can vary widely depending on regional laws and wages, company policies, and the level of care required by a client. A few factors like how many daily hours, required experience and skill level, and support services offered can impact the final cost of care.

Factors that Influence the Cost of Home Care

Often companies charge a premium for shorter shifts. They may require a minimum of four hours to provide a care professional. Companies often use the additional revenue to entice quality care professionals to accept fewer hours in a day. A willingness to include more daily hours spread over fewer days my help save money in the overall cost by reducing the hourly rate. Shifts requiring overtime also impact the cost of care. Clients can potentially choose to reduce home care rates by splitting 24 hour shifts into eight or twelve hour rotations.

One of the first steps a home care company undertakes is learning about a client’s care needs. It is the company’s job to ensure client needs are met by an experienced care professional. During the discovery process, a home care company will ask about tasks a care professional is expected to fulfill. A client who requires transfers, round the clock toileting, medication reminders, and complete food assistance may be charged a higher rate. That level of care may require a professional with specialized training and experience.

Different Types of Home Care Companies

There are several different types of home care companies providing service. Some act as placement agencies, and offer very little oversight or guidance. They often screen potential care professionals, and may run or offer background-checking services. They range from large data bases, families can comb through, to local domestic referral agencies who meet every care professional in person, and provide matching services for clients. These companies do not shoulder the employment responsibility, or maintain any responsibility for the care professional once services are initiated. The cost of home care is generally a little more than half of traditional agency rates. It is important for clients to understand what taxes or insurances they may be responsible for when comparing rates. Full service agencies may charge from $19-$35 per hour, but should cover all costs of hiring, taxes, scheduling, and insurances.

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