Greater st louis home health care solutions

Following a hospitalization and/or rehab stay:

• The doctor prescribes home health care for your aging loved one
• Based on insurance, the discharge planner offers about 3 home health agencies options
• How to choose your home care company? Ask:

1. Do you provide both medical (home health) and non-medical (caregiver) services?
   (Most people need both types of care for their best outcomes.)
2. Are you certified and/or accredited?
   (Medicaid, Medicare, and accrediting organizations provide important oversight.)
3. Do you have 24/7 on-call employees?
   (After-hours help is best from an actual employee.)
4. Do you have a Medical Director?
   (Medical oversight is important.)

• Once home, your home health agency will call to tell you when they are coming
• Nursing, and/or physical, occupational, and speech therapies will see you about 2 times per week
• Every 30 days, the agency evaluates if you would benefit from continued nursing and/or therapies
• The ultimate goal of home health care is for you to return to your pre-hospital/rehab functioning levels, and to avoid being re-hospitalized

Wait! I am also worried about my aging loved one’s safety at home alone!We agree; especially for older adults, home health nursing and therapies may not be enough for them to return home safely. At least in the beginning, they may be high-risk when left alone

Non-medical caregiver services are the most affordable way to supplement care until you are stronger and safer.

Here are common scenarios

• A caregiver can help your aging loved one safely shower at home after discharge (this is very helpful when a daughter cares for her aging Dad; a son cares for his aging Mom)
• A morning shift to help with rising, dressing for the day and breakfast meal prep and clean-up; they can do the same in the evening
• Caregiver mid-day “well-checks” to ensure all is okay, including lunch meal prep and clean-up
• Temporary, awake overnight shifts ensure your aging loved one safely gets in/out of bed and on/off the toilet as needed through the nightYou can start and stop care as needed, following a free assessment that takes about an hour.

Regardless of your home care decision, Cooperative Home Care is committed to your aging loved one’s best outcome. Our Cooperative 360 program qualifies you for every type of home care funding, ensuring you receive the care you need as affordably as possible.

Resources:

• Going Home Guide® front and back
• What is Cooperative 360?
• Learn more with our Cooperative Home Care Inc Overview

Cooperative Home Care is a licensed home health agency in Missouri. Our Civil Rights Coordinator is KristyAnn “KAP” Pfister; she may be contacted at 1924 Marconi Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 and at 314-772-8585.

Home Health Care refers to a wide range of health and social services provided at a person’s home for an illness or injury. It is usually more convenient, less expensive, and just as effective as the care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The goal is to treat an illness or injury, improve the individual’s health, and regain independence.

What risks do seniors face without home health care?

Several problems can arise if an older relative does not receive the necessary home health care. Here are some of the key issues:

• Neglect of Medical Needs: Without proper monitoring and management, chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can worsen. Missing medications or not following prescribed treatments can lead to complications and hospitalizations.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Lack of assistance and supervision can lead to falls, a significant cause of injury among the elderly. This can result in fractures, head injuries, and other complications.
• Decline in Mental Health: Isolation and loneliness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Regular social interaction, even with a caregiver, can have positive mental health benefits.
• Poor Nutrition: Older individuals may struggle with meal preparation and grocery shopping, leading to malnutrition or dehydration. This can exacerbate existing health conditions and weaken the immune system.
• Decline in Personal Hygiene: Without assistance, some elderly individuals may struggle to maintain personal hygiene, leading to skin conditions, infections, and a general decline in well-being.

What are the benefits of home health care?

Benefits for Older Relatives:

Home health care ensures that your older relative receives personalized and tailored services according to their specific needs. This could range from assistance with daily activities to medication management and specialized medical care. Receiving this care in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home can positively impact their mental and emotional well-being. This environment allows seniors to maintain independence while still receiving necessary support. The companionship caregivers provide is also invaluable in reducing loneliness and isolation.

Moreover, the constant safety monitoring and quick response in emergencies offer an additional layer of protection. Caregivers can also oversee nutrition, ensuring that meals are not only appropriate for any dietary restrictions but also contribute to overall health. Furthermore, the assistance with physical therapy and exercises, along with medication management, ensures a comprehensive approach to health care at home.

Benefits for You:

For family members, the peace of mind of knowing that a loved one is in professional hands cannot be understated. Home health care provides respite for family caregivers, allowing them time to focus on their work, health, and responsibilities. The flexible schedules offered by home health care mean that care can be arranged to suit the convenience of your older relative and yourself. Additionally, the educational support and information provided by these professionals can be invaluable in helping you understand and contribute to the care of your relative.