How Much Can Our Caregiving Services Benefit You?Keeping fit is an important part of maintaining ones heart health. Exercise can be both safe and helpful for many people with heart disease, with and without surgery, state the authors of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions (Bull Publishing, 2012). Exercise can lower your risk for future problems, reduce the need for hospitalization, and improve your quality of life.The American Heart Association, which suggests 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week to prevent heart disease. Walking is one of the exercises recommended by the AHA. There are tips for what to wear when walking, how many miles to walk, how many minutes to walk, how to stretch for walking, and the best time of day to walk all on the American Heart Association website.Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit program that pairs local doctors and healthcare professionals with walkers in local communities. These informal gatherings occur on a weekly or monthly basis in parks and other outdoor public spaces and can be a pleasant social activity too.Examples of Beneficial ExerciseSwimming, light calisthenics, and riding a stationary bicycle are generally considered safe conditioning activities for those with heart disease.People tend to be more successful with their exercise regimen when they have an accountability partnersomeone who provides encouragement and assistance to make it possible to reach goals.Communicate with a health care provider to get the most out of an exercise program and to ensure the safety of any new exercise regimen.Some heart conditions limit the kinds of and amount of exercise you do, explain the authors of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. Poor circulation, irregular heartbeats, or severe heart disease require that a health care provider might need to give clearance before a person should exercise. Always remember that if you develop new or different symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or rapid or irregular heartbeat while at rest or while exercising, you should stop what you are doing and contact your physician.Contact Homewatch CareGivers. Were happy to answer any questions you have regarding our caregiving services.  Call us today at 952-260-6223

Heres the situation: people are living longer, but not always healthier and therefore may need more assistance as they age. At the same time, family members are often stretched too thin to provide all the help someone living with a chronic condition may require.So, if more people need more care and in-home care is not covered under traditional health insurance, how can it be paid for so that people can be helped? The help needed is often non-medical home health care such as transportation, meal preparation, respite for family caregivers and other activities of daily living.MedicaidMillions of people rely on Medicaid, which is a federal and state program that provides access to healthcare resources for people who qualify based on their income level. People of all ages (not just those over age 65) can qualify for Medicaid.The opportunity to use Medicaid to pay for in-home care will depend first on meeting the qualifications and then the state in which the person needing care resides. The National Care Planning Council provides some information on this method of payment by state on their website. However, Medicaid is not traditionally a reliable method of paying for in-home care services which can help people with their activities of daily living such as safely grooming and bathing, meal preparation, running errands and the like.MedicareThe ability to use Medicare to pay for in-home care services is evolving. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are over age 65 (as well as some people who are younger living with certain disabilities) and it has three parts: A, B, D, as well as Medicare Advantage (sometimes called Part C, or the all in one). Each part covers specific services such as hospital stays and prescription drugs.According to the Department of Health & Human Services, Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called Part C or MA Plans, are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare pays these companies to cover your Medicare benefits.As of 2019, a small percentage of Medicare Advantage plans will offer non-medical in-home care support services. Given recent legislation designed to offer more benefits to individuals living with chronic conditions such as heart disease and COPD, experts anticipate the number of plans that will cover these costs to expand over the coming years, but there are no specifics available.Availability of expanded services covered under Medicare Advantage plans will depend on the state and county and also the insurance provider. Insurance plans may require documentation of medical need to cover things such a set number of hours of personal care or transportation for a set number of trips to a health-related appointment.While the complexity of these plans can be overwhelming and even off-putting, the good news here is that these government payor sources are increasingly recognizing the need for non-medical home services and finding ways for people to access them and pay for them.Learn about other ways to pay for in-home care here.

Recover in the Comfort of Your Own Home with Post-Operative CareIt is essential that post-operative care is received following a surgical procedure. Once discharged from the hospital, the risk for falls and mismanaged medication, as well as pain management needs, can significantly increase.Weve earned a reputation for being compassionate, professional, and reliable. Call now for after surgery medical care in the comfort of your home at (952) 260-6223.Planning Your Return Home After SurgeryAfter-surgery caregivers know the right questions to ask the discharge planner, nurse, or surgical coordinator, creating a personalized plan of care that meets any situation. We specially train every member of our post-op care team with the process that occurs when patients are discharged. We are here through every step of that process.Why Choose Homewatch CareGivers?Homewatch CareGivers are ready to help support recovery comfortably at home with personalized services designed to meet individual post-surgery care needs. Caregivers are accessible 24/7, have passed background checks, and are known for being compassionate and professional.The first few days after surgery can be the most challenging, since there may still be pain, impact from medications, limited ability to walk far, or a need for extra support. Well support a persons recovery through expert care while ensuring that safety and daily tasks are never ignored.Post-op caregivers can assist with care needs such as:Transportation to and from post-operative follow-up appointmentsPrescription pickup, grocery shopping, and other errandsMedication remindersMeal planning and preparationAuthorized communication with healthcare providers and loved onesWhile everyone wishes to be at home to help their loved one recover, this isnt always possible. Having children, work, and other unavoidable obligations can make caring for someone after surgery difficult. Our mission is to give you the peace of mind you and your family deserve.Call us today for help from an after-surgery care provider thats been trusted for decades. We can take your call and answer your questions now at (952) 260-6223.

When deciding on home care for yourself or someone you love, it is important to consider and plan for the associated financial costs. Typically, the cost of using a home care company such as Homewatch CareGivers depends on how many hours of assistance are needed, if there is a need for any special services, or if a serious health condition exists. The cost of services is different for each client based on those factors, but you can learn more about the average cost of home care in specific areas by clicking here. If paying out of pocket is not an option or there are not enough private funds to cover the cost of in-home care, there may be other options available to consider so that you or someone you love can benefit from home care. Homewatch CareGivers can provide more information on:VA Aid & Attendance Benefits:  Veterans are often eligible for additional senior discounts and a VA pension. Spouses of veterans should also inquire about VA benefits.Long-Term Care Insurance:  Most long-term care insurance policies can be used for home care services.Medicare:  Benefits through traditional Medicare are often limited, especially for day-to-day care and assistance with activities of daily living.Medicare Advantage:  As part of the Supplemental Benefits portion of Medicare Advantage, a limited number of plans may cover some home care services.Medicaid:  Medicaid provides federal assistance to people in need, as well as the elderly. However, even after qualifying, it may not be enough to cover care costs.Back-Up Care:  If care arrangements change or fall through unexpectedly, back-up care can provide you with additional support for dependent family members. Back-up care benefits are sometimes offered through your employer and can be used for dependent family members of all ages, including children and adults.Other Options:  Various grants and special funding may be available via local programs and projects, such as from the Area Agency on Aging, disease organizations, etc. Workers compensation and auto insurance may cover the services.  Its important to note that many of these options can vary by state, county, insurance plan, and eligibility. Not every office can process each type of payment source. Call your local Homewatch CareGivers for more information. If you or a loved one is in need of caregiving services, we encourage you to call us at(952) 260-6223 for more information regarding the cost of in-home care and financial options available.  Or visit our website at https://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/home-care-services/

Dementia is often viewed as a progressive, incurable, and ultimately fatal disease, with care created based on decline and disability. At Homewatch CareGivers, we will develop a unique plan of care that focuses on abilities and not decline; one that focuses on living as full of a life as possible. The goal of in-home dementia care is to strengthen overall well-being that can be altered as the condition progresses.How Dementia Affects a PersonAffecting about 50 million people worldwide with nearly 10 million new diagnoses every year, dementia impacts every aspect of a persons life. Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that can come from different diseases. All forms of dementia involve changes in the thinking process that are significant enough to interfere with ones daily life. Over time, the affected person can experience changes in how they react to environmental stimuli, changes in executive function, as well as physical decline.If you or a loved one lives with dementia, contact us today for a complimentary consultation so that we may begin customizing an appropriate plan of care.GET CARE TODAYTypes of DementiaDementia is caused by diseases such as Vascular, Huntingtons, Parkinsons, Frontotemporal (FTD), Creutzfeldt-Jakob, and more. Two of the most common causes of dementia are Alzheimers and Lewy body dementia (LBD).Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting more than five million Americans. Typically, memory and executive function gradually decline over time due to degenerating brain cells. Unless the individual has other diseases or illnesses, physical deterioration does not usually occur until the disease has significantly progressed and caused impairment in basic function and motor skills necessary to physical health.Lewy Body DementiaLewy body dementia is another common cause of progressive dementia. Initially, individuals may experience symptoms similar to Alzheimers or Parkinsons, while others may have vivid visual hallucinations. Lewy body dementia may also cause unusual sleepiness during the day and blanking out, as well as problems with movement like trembling.How Dementia Home Care Services Can HelpIf you or someone you care for is diagnosed with dementia, it is important to work with a trained home care professional who understands the underlying diseases and their progression. With Homewatch CareGivers, quality in-home dementia care is not one-size-fits-all, but is instead redefined in a way that is more holistic and without over-emphasis of disease or deficits.Completing a home audit is essential in providing supportive dementia care services focused on:Safety in and around the homePromoting independence by modifying steps to an activityAllowing time for the person to participate in their careEngagement at the right time and the right amountArranging closets and drawers to promote successful independenceLooking for reactions to the environment, like temperature or noiseKnowing when it is time for quiet and restStaying engaged in physical activity to promote circulation and muscle strengthWe truly care for the whole person, not just their condition. Get in touch to see how you or someone you care for can benefit from dementia home care. Call us today at (952) 260-6223 to learn more.

How Do I Pay for Home Care Services? When deciding on home care for yourself or someone you love, its important to consider and plan for the associated costs. Typically, the cost of using a home care company such as Homewatch CareGivers depends on how many hours of assistance are needed and whether there is a need for any special services.  How to Pay Caregivers: What Are Your Options? If you do not have enough private funds to cover the cost of in-home care, there may be other options to consider. Your local Homewatch CareGivers can provide more information about: Private Long-Term Care InsuranceMost private long-term care insurance policies can be used for home care services.  Private PayPrivate pay means an individual or their family will use existing savings and assets to cover the cost of home care services. VA Aid & AttendanceThis program provides monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for Qualified Veterans and Survivors These funds can be used to pay for home care services.Workers CompensationProvides services to employees injured in the course of employment that may include bathing, using the bathrooms, preparing meals, light housekeeping, and medication reminders.  Other OptionsVarious grants and special funding may be available via local programs and projects, such as from your local/regional Area Agency on Aging, Alzheimers Association, etc. Options can vary by state, county, insurance plan, and eligibility. Not every Homewatch CareGivers office can process every type of payment source. If you or a loved one is in need of caregiving services, we encourage you to call us at (952) 260-6223 for more information regarding the cost of in-home care and financial options available.  Frequently Asked Questions about Paying for In-Home Care Whats the average cost of a caregiver? The cost of services is different for each client based on many factors. Learn more about the average cost of home care in specific areas by visiting this resource.  How much does the VA pay for in-home care? Depending on eligibility, the Veterans Administration Aid & Attendance Pension benefit may provide up to $1,794 per month for a veterans home care needs. Veterans spouses and survivors may also qualify for home care benefits.  Will Medicare pay for in-home care? At this time, Medicare Parts A and B only offer funding for medically necessary skilled nursing care for homebound individuals. Elective services such as companion care and personal care do not qualify.  Does Social Security pay for in-home care? Neither Supplemental Security Income (SSI) nor Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will pay for home care services directly. However, Social Security benefits can be used to pay a home care provider.For further information, please call Homewatch Caregivers Edina at 952-260-6223.  

At Homewatch CareGivers, Safety is Always Considered For Your Loved OneEntrusting your loved ones care to Homewatch CareGivers means you will have an extra pair of eyes looking for any safety hazards. Something as simple as extra clutter on the floor or a dim light in the hallway could lead to an accident. Caregivers are especially alert to in-home risks, and can be there to help minimize the risk of injury.Experts in home safety, including:Food Safety: Caregivers are trained to be vigilant in the handling, preparation, and distribution of snacks and meals.Fall Prevention: Risk for falls are unfortunately high amongst the senior population. Specially-trained caregivers detect these risks and find solutions before they become a problem. We also conduct complimentary in-home consultations prior to service to identify any possible hazards.Emergency Preparedness: In order to reduce the risk of a fire, there should be a regularly-checked smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the home, as well as a fire extinguisher, preferably in or near the kitchen.Medication Safety: In-home caregivers specialize in providing support for seniors. One way is by reminding them to take their medicine to stay healthy along with any dietary consideration associated with medicine.Appropriate supervision and an in-home safety consultations can make it safer for seniors to live at home, and the risk of injuries can be reduced when the right steps are taken to improve safety where they live.Concerned about the health, happiness and safety of your loved one? Reach out today for a complimentary in home safety consultation so you can get a customized care plan. Contact us today at (952) 260-6223 for more information.

Dementia is often viewed as a progressive, incurable, and ultimately fatal disease, with care created based on decline and disability. At Homewatch CareGivers, we will develop a unique plan of care that focuses on abilities and not decline; one that focuses on living as full of a life as possible. The goal of in-home dementia care is to strengthen overall well-being that can be altered as the condition progresses.How Dementia Affects a PersonAffecting about 50 million people worldwide with nearly 10 million new diagnoses every year, dementia impacts every aspect of a persons life. Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that can come from different diseases. All forms of dementia involve changes in the thinking process that are significant enough to interfere with ones daily life. Over time, the affected person can experience changes in how they react to environmental stimuli, changes in executive function, as well as physical decline.If you or a loved one lives with dementia, contact us today for a complimentary consultation so that we may begin customizing an appropriate plan of care.  Get Care Today.Types of DementiaDementia is caused by diseases such as Vascular, Huntingtons, Parkinsons, Frontotemporal (FTD), Creutzfeldt-Jakob, and more. Two of the most common causes of dementia are Alzheimers and Lewy body dementia (LBD).Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting more than five million Americans. Typically, memory and executive function gradually decline over time due to degenerating brain cells. Unless the individual has other diseases or illnesses, physical deterioration does not usually occur until the disease has significantly progressed and caused impairment in basic function and motor skills necessary to physical health.Lewy Body DementiaLewy body dementia is another common cause of progressive dementia. Initially, individuals may experience symptoms similar to Alzheimers or Parkinsons, while others may have vivid visual hallucinations. Lewy body dementia may also cause unusual sleepiness during the day and blanking out, as well as problems with movement like trembling.How Dementia Home Care Services Can HelpIf you or someone you care for is diagnosed with dementia, it is important to work with a trained home care professional who understands the underlying diseases and their progression. With Homewatch CareGivers, quality in-home dementia care is not one-size-fits-all, but is instead redefined in a way that is more holistic and without over-emphasis of disease or deficits.Completing a home audit is essential in providing supportive dementia care services focused on:Safety in and around the homePromoting independence by modifying steps to an activityAllowing time for the person to participate in their careEngagement at the right time and the right amountArranging closets and drawers to promote successful independenceLooking for reactions to the environment, like temperature or noiseKnowing when it is time for quiet and restStaying engaged in physical activity to promote circulation and muscle strengthWe truly care for the whole person, not just their condition. Get in touch to see how you or someone you care for can benefit from dementia home care. Call us today at (952) 260-6223 to learn more.

We realize that living with or caring for an individual with a chronic condition can be overwhelming. For that reason, Homewatch CareGivers is committed to easing the stress of symptoms from chronic conditions as well as caring for someone with a chronic or degenerative disorder.Homewatch CareGivers specializes in care for people of all ages living with chronic health conditions. Caregivers develop specific skills to care for individuals whose condition may require assistance with daily life activities such as bathing, personal hygiene care, healthy menu planning, and meal preparation. Transportation services get clients to and from healthcare appointments, grocery shopping, and social outings.Paying for Home CareExplore Funding (or Financial) OptionsCaregivers can also assist with medication reminders and facilitate adherence to prescribed medication or other therapies. The focus of care is to strengthen overall well-being with a customized plan of care that focuses on more than just a persons condition. The care is centered around the individual and their schedule.In-home caregivers work to support those living with conditions such as:ArthritisALS(Lou Gehrigs disease)Alzheimers careCancerCompromised immune systemCOPDDementiaDevelopmental disabilitiesDiabetesHeart diseaseLung diseaseMultiple sclerosis (MS)Parkinson's DiseaseStrokeVeterans care (PTSD)If you or someone you care for is living with a chronic health condition and need a team of experts to assist with maintaining independence and quality of life, we are your long-term care partners. Contact us today at (952) 260-6223

Transitional In-Home CareSometimes individuals need to transition from home to community living. Until the time is right for the move, professional home care services can keep potential residents safe in their current home. At Homewatch CareGivers, we will customize a plan of care to include a safety and fall consultation to identify any risks or concerns.Keeping Individuals EngagedGradually introducing the person to their new community makes the transition into a full-time resident more comfortable. Caregivers are dedicated to developing engaging relationships while the future resident is waiting for the move.Bridging care from home to community involves:Establishing relationships and developing trust with community and staffEstablishing friendships with existing residentsEngaging in activities, meals, and outingsBecoming familiar and comfortable with life at the communityIn-home care between settings consists of:A fall risk assessmentMedication remindersHealthy meal planning and preparationTransportation services to appointments and social outingsAssistance shopping for groceries and other itemsLight housekeepingLaundry and linen changesCustomized companionshipCaregivers receive ongoing specialized training, are insured, and are screened annually with extensive national background checks. Ensuring the safety and overall well-being of potential residents before and during the transition is the goal.Learn more about bridge care by contacting us today at 952-260-6223

How Homewatch CareGivers Can Address Your Home Care NeedsThere are many options for home care, and it can be overwhelming to try and sort through all the websites, articles, mailers, phone calls, and more. Our goal is to provide information that will help you make an educated decision and the right choice for your unique home care needs, whether for yourself or a loved one.Download this handy guide to learn which questions you should ask to ensure you or someone you love is getting everything needed for proper in-home care and safety.Homewatch CareGivers helps along every step of the waymeeting in person to discuss specific needs and answer questions, helping you understand funding options, providing a customized plan of care, caregiver matching, coordinating with other healthcare providers to create a cohesive care team, performing regular quality assurance checks, and so much more.Know that Homewatch CareGivers will:Select, screen, and employ caregiversInsure caregivers and pay for taxes and workers compensationRequire annual training for employees providing careAnswer the phone live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a yearOffer same-day careCustomize personal care deliveryOffer consistent staffingConduct regular quality assurance visitsPartner with other healthcare providers to coordinate care and offer additional resources and support that will improve well-being and health outcomesEmpower meaningful engagement that fosters lasting relationshipsProvide information and resources on funding optionsContact us today to learn more about your home care options and the Homewatch CareGivers difference. It is also important to understand your funding options when selecting care. 

Aging can sometimes be difficult for your loved one and you and your family. The wide array of mixed emotionsguilt, stress, confusion, frustrationyoure feeling is common, and your local Homewatch CareGivers franchise is here to help make sense of it all. Our local team of professional caregivers can give you the peace of mind you've been missing, all while doing everything they can to ensure the comfort and safety of your elder loved one.Each Homewatch CareGivers locations in-home elder care services are personalized to meet the unique needs of your family, type of living arrangements, and at-home care needed. The caregivers are screened and receive continuous training to include skills validation checks. Homewatch CareGivers believes that anybody's quality of life can be improved with the right type of elder care. Senior care, also called elderly care or elder care, covers a range of in-home care services for people who are age 65 and older in need of assistance with activities of daily living in the home. Everyday activities can be difficult when experiencing the challenges brought on by aging or living with chronic conditions. Even the simplest tasks such as meal preparation, grocery shopping, or tidying up around the home can become taxing to complete.The exact type of care that is needed depends on the type of assistance required and challenges you and your loved one may be currently facing, such as scheduling, distance, and physical limitations. Providing elder care for the senior in your life can help them re-engage with activities, family, and friends as they age, leading to improved well-being and a renewed sense of independence!Types of In-Home Care for EldersIn-home care offers impactful one-on-one engagement for seniors. While assisted living communities and nursing homes provide reliable care, many people prefer to age in their existing home. At Homewatch CareGivers, our team helps seniors age in place around familiar surroundings.We offer a large variety of specialty senior care services that are tailored to your needs:Companion CareSocial isolation can lead to chronic loneliness, noticed significantly more often in the elderly. A cornerstone of our senior care services is companion care. Caregivers engage with their clients with friendly conversation, learn more about them, and participate in their favorite hobbies or activities. This helps your loved one stay involved, feel appreciated, and remain connected.Personal CareCaregivers assist with any day-to-day personal care needs that may have or will become challenging to perform for people who are living with chronic conditions or in advanced age. A highly qualified team is here to help your senior remain independent while still providing help with personal care tasks, such as:Grooming and bathing assistanceBathroom assistance and other personal hygieneAmbulation and mobility assistanceNursing CareTo meet the needs of seniors with significant medical conditions, some Homewatch CareGivers offices may provide in-home nursing care that is performed by one or more:RNs Registered NursesLPNs Licensed Practical NursesLVNs Licensed Vocational NursesNursing services* can help your loved one continue to get the care they need in the home, including healthcare coordination and referrals as well as other recommendations to improve their well-being.24-Hour CareTo ensure the safety of your aging loved one and the peace of mind of you and your family, 24-hour care may be the best option. This is completed via a team of caregivers scheduled throughout the entire day or possibly a single live-in caregiver in some locations. This type of care will be tailored to meet your needs and ensure someone is on standby in-home for your loved one or family around the clock.Respite CareCaring for a loved one is very rewarding but doesn't go without its demands. While it's often overlooked, Homewatch CareGivers understands the importance of the health and well-being of family caregivers. Whether you're a son, daughter, spouse, other family member or friend each caregiving team provides the relief you need to take a well-deserved break to rest and recharge.After Hospital CareThe transition from a facility back home can be challenging for seniors, not to mention critical to their health. This transition needs to be handled with compassion and person-centered care. A Homewatch Caregivers team can help ensure the discharge plan is followed and the transition and care after that goes as smoothly as possible for the well-being of your loved one.Chronic Condition CareCaring for and living with chronic disease, conditions, and the challenges that come with it can be overwhelming. We create comprehensive in-home chronic condition care for elders, focusing on more than just a person's condition. Each caregiver is qualified and receives training in specialty chronic condition care. Homewatch CareGivers will help your family and loved one establish a plan of care to assist with the specific condition and the hardships presented.Dementia CareWhile dementia presents several challenges related to daily tasks and cognitive function, Homewatch CareGivers strives to create care plans that focus on your loved one's current abilities instead of what may be declining.  Elder dementia care focuses on promoting positive well-being, continually tailored to meet any needs as the condition progresses.After Surgery CareHomewatch CareGivers provides after-surgery care to help your loved one return back to health in the comfort of their home. The transition from the hospital back home is crucial to seniors' well-being, so care plans will reflect the discharge instructions created by medical professionals. A caregiver can help to reduce the risk of falls, provide medication reminders, all while proving to be reliable and compassionate.  Contact us today at 952-260-6223 or visit us at www.homewatchcaregivers.com/edina/