Senior care services - Questions and Answers:
My family member is on Hospice. Do you work with hospice patients?
Yes and I highly regard the Hospice organization and staff because my own Aunt
and Uncle were well cared for during their illnesses. I am very familiar and
comfortable with their organization as a result.
My loved one needs a Visiting Nurse throughout the week. Do you work along side
of Visiting Nurses? Yes, I am comfortable working with professional nurses assigned to
my clients. These are medical professionals and I'm happy to help assist them to
see to the wellness of a patient.
NOTE: If you have need of a visiting nurse or other referrals and don't know how to obtain their
services, I'll be happy to work with you in finding one.
My loved one is very difficult to handle and I'm afraid I can't get them the
help they need because of it. Can you help me with this?
Sometimes there are clients who are at a more difficult stage due to illness
or declining mental processes. This can be very hard on family members that are trying
to do all they can for their loved ones. As a person who has had close relatives
with severe cognitive disruption and illnesses - I'm very aware how this can affect
the CARE GIVING environment and often simply using a soft voice and a kind touch
diffuses a frustrating situation.
My loved one lives in my home and I've been the primary provider for all of
their needs, I need a break. Do you do interim and respite care?
Yes, I do. I can provide short or long term care while you take a break. As
a caregiver, I do my best to pick up where you leave off with your loved one as well
I try to be sensitive while in your home.
I or my loved one is in a wheel chair or can't walk. Do you do lifting?
Yes, I can maneuver an average weighted person safely.
Do you Care for married couples?
Yes! However, two people can be managed best if they are both comfortable with
the idea of a caregiver in their home and/or if one client is less disabled than the
other.
Do you charge more for two people?
Yes, the charge is the normal rate plus half.
Do you charge more for taking care of a pet while
care giving?
No, not normally. However if there is more than one pet or if the pet requires
a great deal of attention and care and the level of your loved ones care is above
average then a slightly higher rate will be charged.
What kinds of other duties do your services provide?
Dressing, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, toileting, medication
prompting, cooking and meal preparation. A variety of activities and games to engage
your loved one. Light housekeeping and laundry. If you need heavier cleaning
and additional home services please see our housecleaning and home organizing services.
What about a person who is having difficulty accepting they may not be able to
do what they once did or that some decisions are being made for them?
This is always tough. But a caregiver should be able to put themselves in
another persons shoes and understand with compassion that an elderly person would naturally
have a need to feel they still have a say in what goes on around them. I try to
always bear this in mind with every client no matter what their disability is. If I
am working for the clients family it is important that their needs and
sensitivities be understood as well.
What do you do if a client hits or bats at you?
I use the same technique as above. If that doesn't work sometimes a firm voice
and a direct gaze will. Yet at other times I simply step back and tell the client I am
going into another room for a few minutes but will be back to check on them. This
gives them a moment to decompress and hopefully their mood will be redirected.
Do you assist with only severely disabled or sick people?
We assist with both. In fact many people we've helped are quite mobile and active! Their needs are
of a lighter nature and it is desirable that they maintain their independence for as
long as is possible!
I or my loved one are or will be in an Assisted Living or convalescent
situation. Do you work from places other than a clients home?
Yes, I will go to a facility to provide
companionship, care and to help oversee the health and happiness of a
client.
I am nervous about the changes my loved one is going through and need direction
and assistance. Can you help me?
Yes, I think I can! If you find you don't need my "in home" services I
can certainly provide you with helpful strategies to assist you in finding the right
situation for you and your loved one.
Can you work or share the job of care giving with another person I have
already employed?
Yes. If you already have somebody working for you and are happy with their
services it is best retain them for the benefit of your loved one. I can work with that
person as an affordable alternative to hiring somebody else from an agency or as
interim care when that person goes on vacation.
Can you drive your own car if the client doesn't have a car?
Yes, I will drive my own car to appointments or other places the
client needs. I do not charge for mileage, but normal gas charges will
apply. My car is large enough to accommodate 2 clients and a wheel
chair. If you would like me to drive owners car - your insurance
policy must cover additional drivers. NOTE: Please, no large
SUV's!
Do you offer personal bill paying services along with the
care giving?
If the client or family of the client wishes that I do so - and the case load
is light then I will be happy to help at no additional cost. If the clients needs
are extensive then the higher fee will apply.
Do you have employees and do you mind working with male clients?
When needed, I can employ additional people to help if the demand is there. No,
I don't mind working with male clients. If it's necessary for a male assistant to be
present, I can call on the expertise of my husband who has been of tremendous help
with both sides of our families as well as in other care giving
assignments.
Will you ever bring another person into a clients house without telling the
client or the clients family? NO!! I will always communicate with
a client if there will be someone besides myself in their home. Most
of the time - this is only related to my spouse who may be there in
the role of assisting me with a couple.. There is no charge for his
services unless he were the primary caregiver himself which is most
often while assisting a client where a male companion is preferable.
Why are your fees low?
Simply put - to make it affordable for people who may not be able to stretch
their incomes or who have limited insurance coverage and those who can't pay the high
cost of agency fees.
Are you a certified nurses aid?
No. I have worked as a front and light
back office medical assistant in years past.
Do you know CPR?
Yes. Are you licensed as a nurse? No. I am considered non-medical staff. My experience is limited to
care giving that has included some aspects of light "nursing" such as giving medications per doctors
orders and in accordance to family requests. Assisting with oxygen tubing and
related apparatus. Light wound care and maintenance. Personal Hygiene, cooking and light housecleaning.
Do you smoke? Do you mind working in an environment with a client who smokes?
I am a non smoker but do not mind others who smoke.
Do you have references?
Yes. They will be furnished at your
request.
Are you only in Long Beach?
No, I also go to Seal Beach, Bixby Knolls,
Signal Hill and if needed will go to Los Altos, Lakewood, and most
of Orange County down to Laguna Beach. Please ask about any other destinations.
Why are you called "All In One...?"
I set my sights on providing services to the needs of the home and to those
that reside in them. My background has always been dedicated to the service oriented care of
people and pets, house & office.
What are your fees?
They are quite affordable and are much
less than that of an agency!! The fees differ from one case to another
and rates are defined by the needs and category of the client(s) we
serve. Category refers to the level of care and service involved.
Please call directly or use our request form. We are no pressure and
appreciate the opportunity to serve you.
I NEED HELP NOW! CAN YOU HELP ME??
If you need urgent help, contact me
directly by cell phone....OR simply fill out the request form and you will get a response within
minutes.
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