Caregiving and Family Economics

Approximately 66 million Americans serve as unpaid family caregivers.  Not only do most caregivers underestimate the physical and emotional challenges of caregiving, the majority also fail to realize what a significant financial impact caregiving will have on their families.  While only 40 percent of caregivers anticipate contributing to cover costs of caregiving, 83 percent will end up doing so.  Obviously this leaves most families unprepared for the financial stress caregiving brings.

According to a study that researched the financial impact of family caregiving, the out-of-pocket expenses for caring for an aging parent or spouse averages $5,531 each year.  This number is more than double previous estimates and is greater than the average American household spends on health care and entertainment combined.

The financial study also revealed:

·         63 percent of caregivers experience a reduction of income, although only 38 percent expected such a loss.   
·         74 percent of caregivers have either had to change jobs or are not working at all.
·         49 percent say their finances have gotten worse since becoming caregivers.

Many caregivers are forced to decrease their hours at work or turn down promotions in order to keep up with caregiving responsibilities.  One study from 1999 discovered that each caregiver has the potential to lose more than $650,000 in wages, Social Security and pension.  Such lost wages and missed opportunities result in smaller retirement funds and inability to finance home maintenance.  Fortunately, home care systems make it possible for families to put a stop to financial strain.

If you are a family caregiver, you may feel as if you have no choice but to continue on as you are.  The truth is that you do have a choice.  Home care systems have been designed with you in mind.  ClearCare has developed the most sophisticated home care system in the industry and is more affordable than you may think.

Rather than dipping into your personal savings to cover costs, consider how home care can save you money.  Countless family caregivers are integrating a dependable home care system into their lives and providing reliable care for their loved ones at a cost considerably less than paying out-of-pocket.  Call ClearCare to find out how your family can save time and money today.

Seniors Fight Cancer - Homecare Software

More than 50 percent of cancers are diagnosed in seniors over the age of 65.  Although cancer is the second leading cause of death among the elderly, recent years have seen a small decline in the number of cancer deaths.  According to Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, author of A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, cancer deaths are decreasing because of three factors: prevention, early detection, and proper treatment.  Thanks to homecare software such as ClearCare, more cancer patients are able to treat their disease from the comfort of their own home.  Many patients agree that staying at home has helped them maintain a more positive outlook and a healthier lifestyle overall.

ClearCare is happy to help cancer patients maintain their independence by offering the most innovative homecare system on the market.  A reliable homecare system benefits cancer patients and their families in numerous ways, including:

·         Detailed daily itineraries available for viewing 24/7
·         Immediate alerts for family members
·         Dependable medication management
·         Doctor appointment reminders
·         Clear communication between client, caregiver, doctors and family

Taking advantage of ClearCare’s outstanding homecare system gives caregivers the simplest way to track patient care and treatment.  Cancer patients need careful monitoring, which is nearly effortless with ClearCare’s quality homecare software.  Caregivers using such software can take note of the cancer patient’s daily activities, treatment progress, medication side effects and other essential health details.  Such competent supervision eases the burden of care for family members who are then in a better position to provide comfort to the cancer patient.

Research shows that seniors with cancer who live at home fare much better than those who receive treatment in a care facility.  ClearCare’s ground-breaking homecare system makes homecare easier than ever before.  Relying on a competent homecare agency allows families to stay more organized – which is extremely important in the event of an emergency.  Caregivers will always be able to get in touch with family members, doctors, and other health professionals whenever necessary.

Coping with cancer at home may be challenging, but with ClearCare’s helpful homecare software the journey will be much smoother.

Determining if Your Elderly Loved One is Being Cared for Properly

The decision to hire a professional caregiver for your elderly loved one is an important one.  You may wish you had the luxury of staying home with the senior yourself, but circumstances aren’t allowing it.  Fortunately, a paid caregiver can still give your loved one the time and commitment they deserve.  Knowing your parent or grandparent is being well cared for is the best way to combat any feelings of doubt or hesitation – so make sure you hire the right caregiver.  Using an agency that offers care software technology gives you a distinct advantage.

According to a survey that interviewed the elderly and infirm, 90 percent preferred home care over institutional care.  If you have a parent or grandparent that needs help with day-to-day tasks but wishes to remain at home, hiring an in-home caregiver is undoubtedly the best solution.  By using an agency that utilizes ClearCare’s homecare management software you will always know your loved one is being properly cared for.

Choosing the Right Caregiver

The most important first step in guaranteeing your loved one is cared for properly is to hire the right caregiver.  The following criteria will aid you during the interviewing process.

·  Insist on a criminal background check.  Never rely on the caregiver’s word for it; always ask to see the proper documentation.
·  Check references.  It’s recommended to speak with two or three past clients and ask questions to get a real feel for the caregiver.  ClearCare’s care software technology makes it easy to keep track of caregiver credentials and past work.
·  Consider hiring a Licensed Vocational Nurse or RN.  Such specialists are adequately trained, recognize early symptoms of illness, and have high standards of care.
·  Interview several caregivers.  Even if you are meeting with an agency administrator, ask to meet with the specific caregivers who may be assigned to your relative.  If you are not comfortable with one of the providers you meet, it’s okay to request a different one.
·  Ask about the agency’s homecare management software program.  ClearCare’s care software technology gives excellent peace of mind to families because of the real-time visibility to daily care.

Stay Involved

Ensuring reliability is easy when you use a system like ClearCare.  This innovative care software technology notifies you when the caregiver arrives at your parent’s home and when each specific daily task is completed.  Such technology proves not only that your loved one is indeed receiving care, but also that medications are administered on time and meals are served as scheduled.

ClearCare’s homecare management software also facilitates good communication between you and the caregiver.  If you have given the caregiver detailed instructions and outlined clear expectations, the caregiver will know exactly what her job involves.

With the help of ClearCare’s homecare management software, good communication and active involvement, you can be assured your loved one is being cared for properly.

10 Signs a Senior Needs Help at Home – Part Two

Somtimes seniors don’t always like to ask for assistance.  The responsibility of suggestiong extra help often falls on the shoulders of the children.  Using an agency that offers ClearCare’s home care system has been the solution for countless seniors that need more help at home.  If your family notices any of the following signs with regard to your loved one, it may be time to look into hiring an in-home caregiver.

6.   Decline in housekeeping.  Have you noticed dirty dishes constantly piled in the sink at your parent’s house?  Does the laundry seem like it’s never finished?  If you notice more than the normal amount of clutter and dust, it may be time to bring in an in-home caregiver that can help with the housekeeping.  A caregiver that uses ClearCare’s home care software can easily track what tasks the senior needs assistance with.

7.   Signs of injury.  Abrasions or bruises on a senior (that she can’t or does not want to explain) are likely the results of a fall.  If your parent is showing bruises on a regular basis, there is cause for concern.

8.   Vulnerability to predators.  Seniors are at high risk for being taken advantage of because of their age and circumstances.  If your parent shows poor judgment, impulsive behavior, or a naive attitude, he may be a prime target for criminals.

9.   Reduced or limited mobility.  Joint problems and muscle weakness make everyday activities a challenge.  Seniors who are unsteady on their feet or have trouble accomplishing normal tasks can easily become frustrated.  ClearCare’s home care system is perfect for seniors who need a little help but still want to maintain their independence.

10.   Decreased physical activity or interest in hobbies.  If you start noticing that your parent is staying home more often, turning down social invitations, and not spending much time with friends, it could indicate depression.  Drastic mood changes can also be indicative of illness, so stay alert for such behavioral changes.

Seniors might not always appreciate your suggestion of hiring in-home help, but if you approach the issue calmly and present the benefits of ClearCare’s home care software, your parent will understand you are only trying to help her “age in place” at home.