Columbus Elder Care for Chronic Conditions
Homewatch CareGivers of Columbus specializes in elder care for those with chronic health conditions with the expertise of our care coordinators and caregivers, which is achieved through on-going training and education. Treatment-related medications and home care regimes can be overwhelming to keep track of; many aging individuals have difficulty managing this and family members want to know that a reliable care team in Columbus has a handle on these. When mobility becomes difficult, we can properly and safely transfer our clients from bed to bathroom to living areas using whatever equipment is needed, not forgetting to get our clients outside and the importance of fresh air on emotional well-being. Whether elder care is needed because of recovery following a procedure or ongoing issues related to a chronic condition, our Homewatch CareGivers University-trained caregivers can provide the comfort needed to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible.
We are your long term partners in care alleviating the stress caused by the unpredictable changes to your loved one diagnosed with a chronic health condition. Managing family caregiver burnout through respite care is an important component of caring for individuals with chronic health conditions; our elder care professionals in Columbus can step in to give you a much needed break. Our care coordinators update your loved one's customized care plan based upon physical and emotional changes and as health conditions dictate so that our caregivers can deliver the right amount and intensity of care while being sensitive to overall quality of life. Specific curricula for our caregivers have been developed for each chronic health condition we see regularly- diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, ALS, heart and lung disease- to ensure that we provide care that addresses the particular needs of these clients and we understands the signs of life-threatening situations.
Diabetes
For someone living with diabetes, even small daily changes can make a big impact on future health and wellbeing. Our professionally trained caregivers enable your loved one to live healthier by encouraging lifestyle choices that help manage their diabetes and give them more time to enjoy with family. A critical service for those living with diabetes is healthy meal planning and preparation to promote overall health; we will take your loved one to the grocery store and encourage healthy choices within their prescribed diet plan, taking into consideration their tastes and preferences. Our professionally developed Homewatch CareGivers University training equips our caregivers with the tools they need to report changes in foot appearance so we can share this with the medical professionals treating your loved one.
Parkinsons Disease
When the progression of Parkinson’s impacts activities of daily living, we understand the frustration that is felt by the entire family. We can help specifically by assistance with the use of new ambulation or transfer devices as conditions progress, encouragement with prescribed exercise for muscular strengthening and development, and by alleviating burdens often left to family caregivers such as errands, housekeeping, transportation to and from appointments, and even personal grooming assistance like bathing. Our caregivers have specialized training to help if your loved one experiences cognitive symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
Stroke
Let Homewatch CareGivers provide relief for you and your family with knowledgeable caregivers who understand the chronic care needs of those who have experienced a stroke. Our compassionate caregivers patiently work through your loved ones communication difficulties to promote their dignity, preferences, and lifestyles choices. With specialized training through our Homewatch CareGivers University, our caregivers know the strategies to help promote a healthy diet and lifestyle.
ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease
ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease leads to muscle weakening and affects the clients ability to control voluntary movements of the muscles including those that control breathing. There is a progressive loss of ability for the patient to be independent in their care; our caregivers understand through special training how to best care for someone living with ALS. They can assist with mobility and transfers, plan and prepare special diets to facilitate good nutrition, and offer emotional support allowing the client enough time to communicate, always being sensitive to the preservation of the clients dignity.
Heart Disease
We provide support for those living with heart disease through our personalized care plans that encourage your loved one’s commitment to their new, healthy lifestyle. Specific services include assistance with grocery shopping and meal preparation to promote a heart healthy diet. We can recommend Remote Care Technology devices that monitor important health measure such as weight, blood pressure and oxygen levels, personal grooming assistance, housekeeping, errands, and transportation to and from appointments. With a caregiver keeping an eye on your loved one day-to-day and trained to report changes, we can help to reduce unnecessary visits to the hospital.
Lung Disease
Caring for a loved one who is often short of breath and anxious can be taxing, overwhelming, and sometimes even scary. We are your long term care partners in alleviated the stress caused by these unpredictable changes. Our caregivers help keep an eye on your loved one day-to-day and are trained to report any important changes, provide assistance adjusting to a new lifestyle with an oxygen tank, facilitate ease of social outings and daily errands which can alleviate family caregiver burnout.
ALS Articles and Resources
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cellsin the brain and the spinal cord, and is diagnosed in more than 5,500people in the U.S. each year, cites the ALS Association. Do you know the signs and symptoms? Full Story
Learn more about Lou Gehrig's through the ALS Association.
Stroke Articles and Resources
Life after a stroke is inevitably full of challenges and adjustments that require re-learning themotions of everyday life to coping with such a life-altering event.While in the recovery period, it’s important to keep in mind thathealing emotionally is just as important as healing physically. Full Story
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Stroke Association
American Stroke Association
Diabetes Articles and Resources
Central Ohio Diabetes Association
The Central Ohio Diabetes Association helps Central Ohioans living with diabetes detect their condition, prevent onset and complications, and learn to live well with the challenge of diabetes.
Founded by a group of local physicians, the Central Ohio Diabetes Association has provided service to the Central Ohio community for forty-five years. The agency is not affiliated with a national organization. It is a local, private agency with a direct service focus serving Franklin County and 10 outlying counties.
Visit Central Ohio Diabetes Associationwebsite for more helpful information.
Chronic Care for Diabetes: Caring for someone with diabetes is a daily challenge that can causestrain on relationships and alter the dynamic between family members. Full Story
23.1% of Americans (12.2 million people) age 60 and older are diabetic,and therefore require a therapeutic diet low in high glycemiccarbohydrates, or carbohydrates that metabolize quickly and cause adrastic spike in blood sugar. If you’re considering the needs of adiabetic in mealtime planning, you’re not alone. Full Story
Lung Disease Articles and Resources
According to the World Health Organization, COPD is on track to becomethe third leading cause of death by 2020 and it is on the rise. Lung Disease is a caregiving reality. Full Story
Visit the American Lung Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute websites for more information.
Heart Disease Articles and Resources
Heart disease encompasses a myriad of heart conditions, such as coronaryartery disease, heart attack and heart failure, among other less commondiseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart diseaseis the leading cause of death in most ethnic groups throughout the U.S. Full Story
Visit the American Heart Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for more information about heart disease.
Parkinson Disease Articles and Resources
The Central Ohio Parkinson Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to individuals and families affected by Parkinson's disease through support groups, education, awareness, and the support of research.
The society sponsors the activities of over 25 support groups in central and southeast Ohio and offers free classes for speech therapy, Tai Chi, Alexander technique, and Exercise.
Central Ohio Parkinson Disease Association