Caring for Seniors: The Caregiver Option
July 7th, 2020Caregiver Employment, Caregiver Service, Home Care, Home Healthcare, Homecare, House Cleaning, In Home Care, in home care assistance, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services,
If your elderly loved one is struggling with daily activities like shopping, bathing, or dressing independently, and wants to stay in their home, consider hiring a caregiver. This article discusses what a caregiver is, what their duties are, and tips for hiring one for your loved one.
What is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is someone who provides in-home care for someone who needs extra help doing daily tasks on an ongoing basis. They can also be employed when a loved one is recovering from a temporary illness or surgery.
What a Caregiver Does and Limits to Consider
A caregiver can help with things like driving to appointments, shopping, dressing, and bathing and serve as companions. Caregivers can also help seniors with any prescribed exercises given by therapists, attend appointments, and report any health concerns to family members or doctors that they observe. The duties of the caregiver will ultimately depend on the care needs of a loved one. But there are limits.
When hiring a caregiver, consider what the care needs of your loved one are realistically speaking. Senior care needs can change over time. So be prepared to consider other care options such as increasing hours, round-the-clock care, or moving to a facility if that is what is necessary and appropriate.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Caregiver
Considering your loved one’s care needs is important but it’s not the only thing you should factor in.
Finances- Insurance does not cover the cost of caregivers the majority of the time. Can your loved one or family afford to pay for caregivers now and increased needs in the future?
Family Agreement- Make sure that your loved one and family members involved with them and their care agree with the decision. If your loved one or other family members have different ideas about who the caregiver should be, it can cause significant conflict.
The Right Fit- Hiring a caregiver independently or going with the first agency you call may not be the right fit for your loved one. Talk with your loved one and family, ask questions of prospective agencies and do your research before you hire anyone.
If you’re not sure where to start in your caregiver search, contact Polish Care Services. Our staff will be happy to discuss our services with you!
Using Ultraviolet UV Rays for Coronavirus Covid-19 Sanitizing
April 19th, 2020aging in place, Caregiver Employment, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, Home Care, Home Healthcare, Homecare, House Cleaning, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services,
Because of the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, Polish Care Services team has been researching global solutions to eliminate viruses and bacteria, to better understand how to improve on care quality for its seniors and disabled clients, also to improve its residential and commercial cleaning operations.
Our primary source has always been the CDC and its guidelines. However we believe in gathering and analyzing enough scientific data from credible sources to make informed decisions, for more effective outcomes.
During our research for a no mess solution, we were enlightened about the benefits of Ultraviolet rays for sterilization purposes.
Coronavirus Covid-19 Survival and Transmission
According to the Annual Reviews Covid-19 type viruses transmission is seasonal and cyclical and will primarily occur during December through April. Transmission was found to be most efficient under 23°C/ 73.4°F/ 30% relative humidity RH conditions, and least efficient at 23°C/73.4°F/ 50% RH and 5°C /73.4° F/ 70% RH.
What is Ultra Violet light
Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is used for for summer tans, sunburns also makes black-light posters glow. However, too much exposure to UV radiation is damaging to living tissue.
UV is generally divided into three sub-bands:
● UVA, or near UV (315–400 nm)
● UVB, or middle UV (280–315 nm)
● UVC, or far UV (180–280 nm)
The greater the intensity and exposure, the more dangerous it is for organisms. UV-C is considered the most safe when used with precautions.
How does it Work
According to the National Institutes of Health NIH Ultraviolet short-wave radiation destroys DNA in living microorganisms.
The effectiveness of UVC’s is directly related to its intensity and exposure time.
Although UV-C LEDs are relatively new to the commercial market, it is becoming more popular in global communities.
UV-C LEDs targets a specific wavelength needed for disinfection. This is important considering that pathogens vary in their sensitivity to specific UV wavelengths. The benefits of LEDs are unlimited daily cycle, instant on/off and mercury free. Most handheld ultraviolet LED sanitizer wands has a shield that minimize light and radiation contact with user.
What are the Dangers
Dangers of too much exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer, skin aging, eye damage, and may affect the immune system.
Further research is needed for the consistent use of Ultraviolet sterilization, although most studies shows that the use of these devices with the proper precautions, can be effective and relatively safe. Virus in hard to reach areas such as cracks and crevices may not have the adequate exposure to be eradicated, and can still survive.
It is recommended to use sanitizing solutions with ultraviolet rays to be more effective.
Best Solutions
Best solutions are still social distancing, hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and wearing mask when necessary. If possible, seniors and those with preexisting conditions should avoid areas with large groups or gatherings, as the risk of contracting the virus is more elevated in these settings.
In home care with a personal caregiver may be the best viable option. Without a vaccine, and because of the cyclical nature of the Covid-19 virus, this indicates occurrences will be seasonal and cyclical December – April.
Polish Care Services provides caregivers for seniors and disabled, we also provide cleaners for homes, and janitors for offices and business.
Please visit us at polishcareservices.com or phone 860-255-8278 or email [email protected] so we can better understand your needs.