The decision to seek senior care services for a loved one can feel overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, you want to make sure you choose only the best for the person you love. This is especially true if youre worried about honoring your loved ones wishes to keep living at homewhich is important to nearly 90% of adults. If you want to make aging in place a reality, youve likely come across two similar senior care options: home care and home health care.Home Care vs. Home Health Care: A Comparison GuideWhile these terms may sound alike, they actually refer to two different services. To help you get a better idea of what these services are and which is best for your family, ComForCare has created this helpful guide.What is Home Health Care?Home health care is a service that provides medical care in a persons home or place of residence. A doctor may prescribe home health care for a person who is recovering from surgery or illness as an alternative to staying at a skilled nursing facility.In these situations, a medically licensed caregiver will arrive at your home, usually for a few hours per week, to help care for your loved one. They can perform necessary medical services during these times, such as:Medication administrationWound care, shots, and IV administrationSpeech, occupational, or physical therapyWhat is Home Care?Home care aides offer personal care services to support seniors who dont have serious medical concerns. These services are flexible, meaning they can provide as much or as little care as a person needs and on a schedule that works best for them. Typically, home care is not prescribed by a doctor but is instead used as a way to help seniors age in place safely.Home caregivers can offer numerous support services, including:Personal care, including bathing, dressing, toileting, and groomingLight housekeeping & choresTransportation to doctor appointments, shopping, and moreMeal planning & preparationCompanionshipThe Benefits of Home CareHome care offers numerous, deeply meaningful benefits for older adults who require assistance with some aspects of daily life, but do not require skilled nursing care. Can Supplement Home HealthcareSome families choose to supplement a home health program with home care to cover gaps in services. Because home health aides typically only visit for a few hours each week, seniors and their families often need extra support when those aides cant be there. ComForCare is ready to be part of your loved ones care team, stepping up to fill important roles whenever we are needed.Great for Seniors Who Need Support to Stay IndependentPlenty of older adults need some assistance around the house but dont require specialized medical or rehabilitative services. With ComForCare, your loved one can remain in familiar, comfortable surroundings safely. Our caregivers support seniors in numerous ways, from preparing nutritious meals to helping out with laundry to preventing fall risks. No matter what services you or your loved one needs, ComForCare can provide them with respect for independence and dignity.Flexible Care Whenever & However You Need ItSome families only need a short break from their own caregiving duties. Others hire caregiving services for their loved ones 24 hours a day. At ComForCare, each family receives a personalized plan designed to meet their needs, schedule, and personal preferences.Home health services are typically only offered for a set period of time. Once a person no longer meets strict eligibility requirements from their doctor or insurance provider, this kind of care comes to an end. Home care, on the other hand, can continue for as long as you need and want it to.We offer a range of in-home services to suit many levels of assistance, including:Remote patient monitoring (varies by location)Respite and short-term carePersonal in-home careIn-home care for Alzheimers Disease & other forms of dementiaDevelop a True Relationship with Your CaregiverHome care can be particularly important for older adults who are at risk of isolation or loneliness. The 2019 National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 1 in 3 seniors feel lonely, which has an impact on both their mental and physical well-being. Elder care can be an effective solution.At ComForCare, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in seniors lives. Part of the way we achieve this goal is our unique, patient-centered approach to caregiver matching. We match each of our clients with a caregiver that most closely aligns with their lifestyle, personality, and needs. When you choose ComForCare, youll never be just another name on a listyoull develop a real relationship with your caregiver.Support for Chronic Conditions, Including Memory Care for DementiaWhile home health care often provides medical monitoring, usually they monitor for very specific complications that may arise after a hospital stay or serious illness. But other aspects of wellness can also benefit from having a home care aides ongoing perspective. ComForCares caregivers are trained to watch for signs of progression in chronic conditions and illnesses, from heart disease to Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Through our premier DementiaWise training program, our employees learn how best to help seniors and their families cope with dementia, navigate its challenges, and optimize the time that families can spend together as the disease progresses.Finding Home Care ServicesIf youre not sure what level of care your loved one needs, reach out to your local ComForCare. Our highly trained and compassionate teams can help you assess your needs and recommend a solution that fits your familys budget and lifestyle. With a wealth of resources and team members who are passionate about helping seniors in their communities, ComForCare is your partner in living your best life.Choose ComForCare: Compassionate Senior Care in the Comfort of Home. Call us today with any questions, 720-575-5576.

Are you taking care of an aging family member at home? Is an older adult in your life beginning to show signs that it's time for home care to keep living at home safely? Family caregivers do a great deal for the people they care aboutbut they cant do it all, and sometimes, hiring a caregiver is the best option for everyone involved.Of course, its easier for friends and coworkers to suggest getting outside help than it is to make that decision. After all, you may not know what to expect from in-home senior care, or even where to begin. But its important to recognize when you need help, both for yourself and for your loved one. Lets talk about how to find a caregiver who will not only take care of basic care needs but also forge meaningful bonds with your family. 3 Steps to Take to Find Caregivers in Your AreaStep 1: Assess Your Loved Ones Care NeedsIts important to have a clear vision of what youre looking for before you begin your search. Start by making a list of all the daily needs and tasks your loved one requires help with. That might include managing chronic conditions, like diabetes or COPD, or personal care tasks like dressing and grooming. This list can also include more personal things like your loved ones strengths and limitations, their favorite hobbies, what they like and dont like, and other preferences. The more detailed the list you can compile, the easier it will be to make a perfect match!Types of Senior CaregiversThere are several categories of in-home caregivers, and knowing the difference early on will help you focus your search.Caregivers/Personal Care Aides (PCAs) serve as companions, helpers, and supporters for a wide range of needs. They can help older adults with light housekeeping, activities of daily living, meal preparation, and much more.Home Health Aides do all of the above, plus they have more specialized skills and certifications that prepare them to provide mobility support, medication reminders, health monitoring, dementia care, and more.Private Duty Nurses are skilled, licensed registered nurses (RNs) who can perform medical tasks like wound care, IV infusions, tracheostomy management, and more. They are better suited for people who need ongoing health care outside of a hospital setting.Types of In-Home Care ServicesIn-home care isnt a one-size-fits-all service. The best caregivers and home care agencies will have flexible, customized care plans that you can use for part-time or full-time assistance with many in-home care services, such as:Preparing mealsRunning errandsLight housekeepingGrooming, bathing, toileting, & moreFall prevention and safety adjustments in the homeMonitoring chronic conditions, medication reminders, etc.Transportation to doctors offices & social engagementsStep 2: Choose Your Search MethodThe ultimate goal of this journey is for you to find a professional, qualified, and personable caregiver that meets all of your loved ones needsand preferences. Your two main methods of finding a caregiver will be to work through an agency or to look for independent contractors.If you choose to seek an independent home care worker, be prepared for the search to take a long time. You may need to write your own caregiver job description, sift through registries or staffing services, check references one by one, and set out hourly rates. Then, when youve found someone, youll also be responsible for contractor protections like workers' compensation and withholding taxes.Benefits of Working with a Home Care AgencyHome care agencies can connect you with trained, qualified, and compassionate caregivers quicklyin some cases, you can even find next-day care. Working with an agency means you can find a caregiver who is:Prescreened and background-checkedTrained and experienced in diverse care needsAble to call in backup if they are sick or have an emergencyWell-equipped to handle and respond immediately to changing care needsInsured and paid by the agency, limiting your burden of responsibilityStep 3: Find the Most Reputable Home Care AgencyMany people find and choose caregivers through word of mouth and testimonials. This is a great way to begin your search for a home care agency, too. Look for a company with many great reviews that is open and willing to share client testimonials, certifications, and other details about their hiring, training, and assignment processes. Awards, certifications, and accreditations are also important. Look for accolades both in terms of care provided to clients and how they take care of their employees. If an agency is a Certified Great Place to Work, you know that the caregivers are well-supported, well-trained, and well-prepared to provide excellent care to your loved one!Questions to Ask an Agency Is your agency licensed and accredited?Are your caregivers insured and background checked?Can I talk to any of your current clients for a recommendation?Are care plans flexible and customizable? How are needs assessed?How are questions, issues, or concerns about my caregiver handled?Are your caregivers trained to handle my loved ones unique needs, health conditions, and/or behavior challenges?What to Look for in the Best Home Care AgencyWhile some guides to finding senior care cite several downsides of working with agencies, you can avoid these pitfalls when you work with a reputable and responsible agency like ComForCare. We go above and beyond to remove the usual pains and restrictions of caregiving agency work and deliver exceptional service every time.Expense: Were more than happy to identify realistic ways for our clients to afford a caregiver. We have a wealth of senior care cost resources, budgeting tips, and flexible scheduling options to help you get the care you need. In fact, youre likely to find in-home care the more affordable choice compared to assisted living or other options.Caregiver Choices: Many agencies assign caregivers based on availability alone, meaning you could end up with someone who isnt a good personality fit for your loved one. At ComForCare, we use our in-depth caregiver matching program to align people who share interests and values.Flexible Hours: While many agencies dont offer part-time scheduling, ComForCare can cover any need. Whether you need a caregiver for a one-time respite period, a few hours a week, or 24/7 care, were there to meet you where you are.Looking for a Caregiver? Find Your Match TodayWhether youre urgently searching for a caregiver or just beginning to do your homework, we welcome you to ask us questions 24/7. We understand that finding someone to care for your loved one can be a stressful and confusing process. Were here to take as much off your plate as we can with round-the-clock support and a commitment to outstanding client service. Call us today for more information, 720-575-5576.

When it comes to caring for an older person, someone leaving hospital, or someone who has a disability, it can be difficult to know what resources are available to you. You may wonder if your loved one needs to enter a rehab facility, hospital, or nursing home or if they are eligible for home care services, allowing them to stay in familiar and comfortable surroundings.At ComForCare, we offer a range of flexible home care services to meet the needs of many people who could use a helping hand. If youre interested in learning whether home care could be right for your family, read on for some of the many ways we offer support in the home.In-Home Senior CareHome Care is a service that provides support for the day-to-day activities of living. Older adults who need a helping hand to stay on top of household duties, personal care, meal preparation, and similar activities are great candidates for home care services. An in-home caregiver can help older adults maintain their independence in the comfort and safety of a familiar space. Nearly 90% of adults over 65 want to age in place, staying in their homes and communities as long as possible. With in-home elderly care services, that dream can be a reality for many.Transitional CareWhen a loved one is moving from a hospital, rehabilitation center, or skilled nursing facility to home, providing a safe transition is crucial. Seniors are at an elevated risk of hospital readmission and other hazards after hospitalization. In fact, people ages 65 and over account for about 56% of 30-day readmissions after discharge from care facilities.  Transitional care, otherwise known as short-term services, can help support seniors during this critical time. ComForCares professional caregivers are advocates for their clients health, and they can:Assist with personal care, such as bathing and groomingHelp implement discharge instructions from doctorsPick up prescriptions and provide medication remindersHelp schedule and attend follow-up medical appointmentsReduce fall and injury risks with home safety recommendationsRespite Care & Short-Term CareSometimes, older adults who live at home receive the care they need from family members. While this arrangement can be wonderful, it can also be taxing on their loved ones. Up to 35% of family caregivers rate their health as fair or poor, which can lead to burnout. To ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your family member, you need time to take care of yourself!  Thats where respite and short-term care come in. Hiring a professional caregiver temporarily can give you the time you need to recharge, refresh, and resetwhether for a weeks vacation or just a weekend break. This service can also help provide a fresh perspective so you dont have to feel alone in the care and keeping of your loved one.Disability ManagementThough in-home care is most often associated with seniors, many adults with disabilities also need compassionate, hands-on care. Whether your loved ones disabilities are physical or cognitive, institutions cant always provide the kind of personalized one-on-one care that your family member needs.Advocates and researchers have seen the positive impact that home and community-based services make in the lives of people with disabilities. At ComForCare, our disability management services can help make that difference in your family members life. We provide care services including, but not limited to:Light housekeepingHelp with hygiene and incontinence careMeal preparationTransportation assistanceAlzheimer's and Dementia CareMany people believe that once an older person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, they cant live at home anymore. However, with ComForCares unique approach, DementiaWise, we can give older adults the freedom to remain at home as long as possible. With flexible scheduling, personalized care, and meaningful activities that keep your loved one engaged, calm, happy and utilizing their remaining abilities, you can rest assured that your family member is living their best life, physically and mentally.Find the Best Home Care ServiceNow that you know who a good candidate for home care services is, its time to find the best team to look after your loved one. At ComForCare, we continually strive to provide the most compassionate, consistent and competent care to those who need it. With flexible care options suited to each individuals needs, well care for your loved one like family. ComForCare: Long or Short-Term Home Care with Joy and Dignity. If you have any questions, please call 720-575-5576.

Millions of older people fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While younger people may not think much of a simple household trip, falls are much more serious than many realize. Their aftermath can drastically alter a persons quality of life, putting their physical and mental health at risk. Thats why fall prevention is so critically important.At ComForCare, our mission is to help older adults live at home safely and confidently for as long as possible. We work alongside families, providing not only expert care but also educational resources to support healthy relationships and healthy families. Lets take a look at why fall prevention matters, how to recognize risk factors, and what you can do to prevent falls!Why Fall Prevention MattersWhile not every fall results in a serious injury, one in five doesand the consequences can be life-altering. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures, and they account for 3 million emergency department visits each year. And while its painful to think about, the CDC estimates that by 2030, falls could cause dozens of deaths per day.Even if the fall itself doesnt result in death, the complications can be devastating. Seniors may experience severely limited mobility and cognitive function, restricting their activities, leading to physical decline and even depression and social isolation. All of these outcomes are linked to a shorter lifespan.Most Common Risk Factors for a FallMedications: Some medications or combinations of medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and delayed reaction times as side effects. Cognitive impairments: Alzheimers disease and dementia can slow down reaction times or make it easy to become distracted and overlook a fall risk.Nutritional deficiencies: Many older adults dont get enough protein or vitamin D in their diets, leading to muscle loss and weakness that increases the risk of falling.Lower body weakness: Many health conditions and simply aging itself can lead to weakness in the lower body or difficulties with walking and balance. Health care issues: blood pressure that is too low or too high, vision impairments, and even podiatric issues can all contribute to falls.What Can Seniors Do to Prevent Falls?For optimized comfort and safety at your or your loved ones home, use these steps to prevent falls!Home Safety InterventionsFall-proofing your home is one of the most important interventions you can make. To start, remove any throw rugs, floor clutter, or electrical cords that can be tripped over. Additional changes to consider include:Fixing any broken or uneven steps & flooringMoving furniture so loved ones using an assistive device like a cane or walker can easily navigate around itInstalling grab bars in bathroomsFor additional steps, download our fall risk reduction guide! To fully safeguard your loved one and account for their needs, you may also consider a personalized fall risk assessment. Exercises for Balance & StrengthIn some cases, older adults may need the help of a physical therapist or occupational therapist to regain their strength and balance. But all seniors can benefit from exercises to reduce the risk of falls. Even simple exercises can help! One of the easiest leg-strengthening exercises is the calf raise. From a standing position, rise up on your toes, keeping your heels above the ground. Then, slowly return to your normal position. Try doing three sets of ten calf raises with one to three minutes of rest in between. Call in a friend or family member to help with balance!Improve Awareness & Reduce the FearFall risk awareness sits at the middle of a spectrum. On one hand, some people dont realize that falls arent a normal part of aging and therefore dont understand their risk factors. On the other, some people become afraid, reducing or restricting healthy activities out of a fear of falling. Fall risk management programs like Gaitway are designed to help older adults overcome those fears and minimize their risks. Gaitway helps people view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, and take manageable steps to reduce their fall risks at home.Consider In-Home CareIf your loved one has one or more fall risk factors or has fallen in the past, it may be time to consider in-home care. ComForCares caregivers are trained in all aspects of fall prevention, performing safety assessments and screenings, recommending adjustments to the home environment, and so much more. Our caregivers understand senior nutrition and can prepare meals to support their vitamin, mineral, protein, and hydration goals. They can provide mobility assistance to boost confidence and make getting around easier. They can manage medications and coordinate with healthcare providers. And above all, theyre an additional resource for families supporting elderly loved ones, establishing open lines of communication about fall fears and concerns.Schedule a Home Safety Evaluation with ComForCareBeing an active fall manager for a loved one is an important role. But it can be a lot to manage, and important things easily go unmanaged or unnoticed. If youre ready for a partner to close the gaps and provide an expert perspective, choose ComForCare. We provide in-home care services to help seniors age comfortably and safely at home. Well match your family member with a caregiver ideally suited to their preferences, personality, and needs so you can rest assured that theyre receiving the best assistance possible.Schedule a home safety evaluation with ComForCare today to protect your loved one and support their needs!Contact ComForCare to Be Matched with Your Perfect Caregiver call today, 720-575-5576.

Making the decision about senior care for a loved one can be difficult. Not only do you have to determine that care is necessaryyou then have to decide what kind of care to pursue. Usually, when its no longer safe or possible for an older person to take care of themselves alone, the decision comes down to two options: home care or assisted living. But how do you decide?Whether home care or assisted living is best isnt a one-size-fits-all decision. Its important to take your loved ones needs and their own feelings about the matter into account. But home care may be a more realistic option than you thinkeven if your family member struggles with dementia or another illness. Lets talk about some of the considerations to make when choosing between home care and assisted living, and the benefits that home care can offer.A Few Things to ConsiderHow Much Care Does My Loved One Need?One of the major factors in your decision will be the level of care your loved one needs. Its important to be realistic about what they need help with and how involved you, as a family caregiver, can be. Their needs can range from assistance with activities of daily living to emotional supportso take several key areas of life into account as you assess:Medical needs: will your loved one require extensive, specialized medical care?Personal care needs: do they need help bathing, grooming, and/or dressing?Social needs: are they in need of extra companionship or transportation to social engagements?Cognitive health: will they need specialized dementia care?Mobility & safety: is their home safe from fall risks and easy for them to navigate?At ComForCare, were here to help our clients come to terms with these needs and will recommend the most appropriate level of care suited for them.The Difference Between Home Care & Assisted Living CareIn-home caregivers come to the clients home as often or as little as needed, from a few times per week to 24 hours a day. They provide personalized, non-medical care to their clients that can grow and change as their needs change. In doing so, they allow seniors the opportunity to live at home and in the communities they love, which a majority of people over 65 prefer.At an assisted living facility, clients live on-site in private bedrooms or small apartments with shared common areas. Many facilities offer a range of services, so finding one to fit your loved ones needs is crucial if you choose to go this route. While the care and level of involvement is not as flexible or tailored, this option can be better for those who require a great deal of skilled medical supervision and care.Benefits of Choosing At-Home Senior Care ServicesMaintain IndependenceIndependence means different things to different people, but its a key component of a persons identity and dignity. For some, it means remaining in the community theyve spent so much time cultivating. For others, it means maintaining their beloved home and the possessions theyve collected over the years. Home care gives them the ability to stay independent and feel in control of their golden years while getting the assistance they need. Research suggests that older adults who have their needs met through home care report a higher overall satisfaction with life!Caregiver MatchingOne of the many benefits of home care is the one-on-one attention that a home caregiver brings to the table. At ComForCare, we go above and beyond to ensure that our caregivers are matched with clients that they can build meaningful relationships with. We dont just assign caregivers at random. Instead, we have a dedicated process for aligning your loved ones needs, preferences, and personality with the right person. Relief for Family CaregiversIf youve been caring for a family member, you know that it can take quite the emotional and physical toll. Home care allows you to focus more on your relationship with the person you love while we take care of other responsibilities. Our caregivers are highly trained not only to provide daily assistance around the house but to coordinate care, provide transportation, prepare meals, and so much more. Whether you need one day of respite care or a more long-term plan, were here to help you be the best caregiver and family member you can be.Safety, Comfort, and PerspectiveAmong the many services that home caregivers provide is safetyand with it, peace of mind. At the very earliest stage of your relationship, your caregiver will perform a comprehensive safety check of the home, minimizing fall risks, assessing accessibility needs, and more. And because home care is so personalized and one-on-one, your caregiver will be able to watch your loved ones condition over time, looking out for any signs that medical intervention or extra care is necessary.Choosing the Best Home Care AgencyWhen choosing a home care agency, its important to seek one that offers flexibility to meet your needs and schedule, sets a high bar of excellence for its caregivers, and offers transparent, honest, and compassionate communication every step of the way. At ComForCare, we have over 20 years of experience doing just that, and we strive to meet and exceed these expectations every single day.If youre not sure whether home care is right for your family, set up a consultation with your local ComForCare representative. Well help you assess your needs and provide personalized recommendations to get the ideal care for the person you love.ComForCare: Here to Support You Every Step of the Way. Call for more information, 720-575-5576.

When it comes time for your parent to get more assistance at home with cleaning, personal care, cooking, etc., you might be met with some resistance, which can be frustrating.  There are usually two main reasons older adults dont want extra help.  Caregiving (in-home care) services may be perceived as a transition from the known to the unknown. Your parent could see this transition as irreversible; caregiving will happen whether they are ready or not and that their abilities will quickly decline until they are entirely dependent on someone else. These feelings can be overwhelming.  As the adult child or caregiver, how can you inspire them to accept help? Frame caregiving services as a trial; convey that if they dont like it, they can try a different caregiver or try something else. Emphasize this and repeat it often. Continue to encourage your parent that they can remain as independent as possible if they have in-home care. Another approach is to compromise: instead of eight hours of caregiving services each day, try a few hours a week.  The second major reason is that many seniors dont feel the need to fritter their life savings away on expensive care options, while the adult child feels that in-home care is the best use of their savings. Explain that their savings and caregiving services are to ensure good quality of life and dignity as they age. Those saved dollars, in other words, are fulfilling their intended purpose.   How to Become Your Parents CaregiverThere may be times where you need to step in as your parents caregiver. Planning, communication and inclusion are key to making the transition easier.   When forming a plan for caregiving, try to stick to your loved ones current routine to ease them into the adjustment. Dont forget to communicate the plan, and its occasional required deviation, often and openly. Always include your parent, provide options and choices, and allow them to make the final decision if possible.  The golden rule is to be involved only in ways that enhance and enable your parent to preserve their remaining abilities and intervene only in ways that provide support as they lose abilities. For example, if your older loved one finds walking difficult, instead of bringing everything to them, add accessibility options such as handrails and encourage exercise and fall prevention strategies to strengthen their muscles and balance. As your parent ages, you may need to increase your duties as their primary caregiver. You may need to gauge your own comfort level with certain tasks, as well as your overall burnout level. For example, you may not feel comfortable helping your parent with showering. This is where professional respite care comes in. This allows you to retain the position as the primary caregiver and receive help from a home care company. Respite care is most effective when used to unburden the adult child; removing tasks and worries so you can focus on the special moments and deepen the connection you have with your loved one. Getting your parent to accept care is achievable with proper expectation setting, giving them choices, and keeping them involved in the decisions as you go. If you have questions about home care, please review our Resources page or call with any questions 970-575-5576. Our goal is to help seniors and their families live their best lives possible.

For many families, the holidays are the only time they have to spend together, and COVID-19 has made that more challenging. Phone calls and emails are great ways to connect with loved ones from afar, but the distance can make it hard to notice changes in a persons appearance or surroundings that could indicate they need help. During socially-distanced, masked visits or on video chat, families should pay attention to: The Condition of the HomeIs it messier or more cluttered than usual?Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator or cupboards?Are bills not being paid on time?Are household goods being put away in the wrong places?The Persons ConditionDo they have unexplained weight loss?Are they wearing clothes that are dirty or inappropriate for the weather?Are they having trouble with toileting or basic hygiene such as showering or brushing their teeth?Have they fallen recently?Do they appear to be off-balance?Are they having difficulty sleeping?The Persons BehaviorsAre they missing scheduled medical visits or telehealth appointments?Are they forgetting to refill prescriptions or take medications as prescribed?Do they seem confused when you talk to them about topics theyd normally understand?Are they exhibiting any personality changes or mood swings?These sorts of deficits could be a sign that they need extra help. At ComForCare Home Care, we understand the challenges that can arise with aging. Home care can help older adults continue to live independently in their own home and do all the things they love. Contact us today to learn more about how we help people live their best lives possible. Please call us with any questions, 720-575-5576.