Home Care

Home care however in the longer term is one of the key components in helping older adults and people with disabilities maintain a higher degree of independence with help in their own home.  As a person’s inability to keep up with their daily tasks themselves, home care commonly  begins on a part time basis, a few hours a day several days a week.  As the needs change for the client, the schedule and tasks to be completed can be adjusted to the needs and expectations of the client/family.

Elder Options’ care managed home care is model of home care unusual for its inclusion of Care Managers for each client.  This model of care has shown over the years the value of having a credentialed professional on board who with the client/family can address all issues around the client’s needs, expectations and safety.  At the initial home visit  (IHV) the Care Manager begins a complete psychosocial assessment specific to the client’s diagnosis and the overall plan for this client now and in the future.  Once the IHV is complete and home care is requested, the Care Manager works with Staffing to find the right person(s) for the client. Skills, personality, geographic proximity and personal preference are all considered when choosing the best care provider(s).

• A written application with personal and professional references, education & experience.
• Face to face interview to determine suitability for the position & clarification of type of work requested.
• Background investigation before offer of employment.
• Orientation & field training with E.O. mentor trainer.
• Initial training and ongoing in-service training both in person and electronically per state regulations.

TB test, DMV printout & proof of current auto insurance.

• Meal preparation/grocery shopping/meal planning/kitchen clean up
• Light housework
• Laundry
• Transportation to medical appointments, errands, social outings, etc.
• Assistance/supervision with bathing/showering – laying out clothes, dressing/undressing
• Personal Care including toileting, incontinence issues, combing hair, brushing teeth.
• Assistance with walking, transferring out of chair, on/off toilet, bed, etc.
• Companionship & socialization – doing crafts together, discussing current events, playing a game/cards.
• Medication reminders – Knowing what/when the client needs to take medications and reminding the client with a glass of water and medications ready for client to take. Note:  Non-medical home care companies are not allowed by California law to dispense any medications nor give injections of any kind.  Reminders are permitted.
• Respite break for primary caregiver/family taking over necessary tasks/duties to allow caregiver/family time away.

For clients who are ill or are diagnosed with a terminal disease, in-home care providers are trained to:

• Care for a client who is no longer able to get up and is bedridden.
• Provide personal care including changing depends, chux, dressing/undressing and changing the bed linen.
• Feed client and provide liquids as requested to assure client’s needs in this manner are met.
• Sit with client throughout the day/night to give comfort and support and address needs as they might arise.
• Coordinate with E.O. Care Manager, Home Health , Hospice and/or Physician regarding provider responsibilities and client’s needs.

Additional Services Available Through Elder Options:

• Technology Assistance for adult clients
• Short term vacation home care
• Transportation
• Veterans Services programs
• Home monitoring system – Vital Link – Emergency Response
• Assistance with packing to move/downsize.
• Placement evaluation, assessment and recommendations by Care Manager.