Karen Carroll, Managing Director and Julie Morse, Senior Client Care Manager working the Cottage Caregivers booth at last week’s Senior Service Networking Conference. A great event!

Unfortunately, most families are finally able to convince their senior parent to accept in-home care after a medical event such as a fall or other health related hospitalization. Seniors are often hesitant to accept in-home care as they feel they are quite capable of managing on their own. Hiring a caregiver is seen as a threat to their independence and an invasion of privacy. Below are a few suggestions to help you navigate what can be a challenging process at times

      

1. Ally with the more independent parent.

When your parents are both living and reside in their own home together, direct your attention to the less needy one. For instance, suggest that their spouse would be the one to benefit from outside assistance even when they both might. By allying yourself with the more independent parent, you may ultimately be able to get them both to accept the help they require. This is important as well as studies have shown that the primary caregiver in the home will often experience additional health issues to do the fact they are truly caring for two people.

2. Start with a Caregiver trial period to focus on general support versus personal care

Another approach might be to suggest hiring a caregiver to manage some household chores and NOT actual hands-on care or personal assistance. Often this is seen as less threatening to a loved one’s independence and will serve as a means to “get the caregiver’s foot in the door”. Suggest help with food shopping and traveling to appointments, particularly when driving is no longer an option. If you also let them know it is a trail period they are often more accepting and once they see the value they will almost always continue with the services.

3. Make it about “You” versus “Them”

If your parent is living alone or with you, redirect the attention on YOU as the caregiver needing the home care assistance for peace of mind. Emphasize that you would be the one to benefit a lot from such help as many parents place concern for their children’ welfare before their own. If a Caregiver can come in to assist your loved one with bathing and personal care, you would have more time to manage other household responsibilities. As a working caregiver, suggest that by having a companion or assistant stay with your loved one, it would relieve you of worries and concerns while away.

4. Use a Health Professional to help with the discussion

Another idea might be to seek the help and advice of a trusted professional who is someone your parents hold in high regard. They might surprise you by their willingness to accept the advice of a long-time family physician, a former or current home health nurse, or a family friend in the medical field. Many home care agencies will have a Nurse on staff for assessments which can help with the discussion as well.

5. Don’t take their resistance personally.

In many families, your conflicting role as the child and caregiver hinder your well-meaning attempts at helping your parents. The basis for your actions should not be confused by misguided guilt. Therefore, do not take their rebuttals personally or offensively, but rather focus on a necessary means to an end. As mentioned earlier, it is important to have them get the support they need prior to an event such as a fall or other health related issue due to not getting the support they need as soon as they need it.

 

Studies show that animals can be wonderful companions for older adults—their presence can calm agitation, alleviate loneliness and even lower blood pressure. A family pet can truly be a best friend to an aging adult who lives alone, and pet therapy is a popular approach in long-term care facilities for enriching residents’ lives.

While animals can make wonderful companions, they also require care and must be a good match for their human partner’s personality, functional abilities and financial situation. Use these pointers to ensure a senior is up for pet ownership before matching them with the perfect new furry friend.

 

Look Beyond the Breed

A dog’s breed can tell you some things about him, but it can’t tell you everything. While people tend to only take looks into account when adopting, the best way to choose a pet is to carefully consider what you’re looking for in terms of personality, size, age, maintenance needs, and energy levels. Typically, the only instances where breed is of utmost importance is if the potential owner needs a “hypoallergenic” dog or one that does not require intensive grooming.

Personality Is Everything

Although dog breeds are often associated with certain temperaments, every dog has a unique personality. Will the senior want an outgoing companion who will keep them company on their daily walks, or more of a lapdog type who is content watching movies on the couch? Think about the potential owner’s average daily routine and consider how an animal would ideally fit into it.

It is important to interact with an animal before taking them home in order to get a good feel for their personality. Some dogs are anxious or aggressive, and some do not get along with strangers, children or other animals. This doesn’t mean that a particular dog is “bad” or will always be difficult, but it could indicate that they’ll need special attention or extensive training to help them socialize and feel more secure. A good rule of thumb is to look for a dog who is friendly and capable of calming down within a few seconds while in a comfortable setting.

For Dogs, Age Is More Than a Number

While most people favor puppies for their cuteness and playful antics, adult dogs are equally as adoptable, if not more so. For this reason, adult dogs make for a more confident match.

Another benefit of adopting older dogs is that they are typically house trained already and do not require as much rigorous exercise. Starting from scratch with a puppy requires a great deal of energy, time, attention and patience, which a senior may not want to deal with.

Weigh the Costs

Many seniors are living on limited incomes, and a pet of any kind is a serious investment. There are initial expenses for adoption/purchase, spaying/neutering, supplies, and vaccinations as well as ongoing expenses for food, toys, grooming, medical exams, preventive treatments, and flea and tick control.

Veterinary care is undoubtedly the most expensive aspect of pet ownership, so be sure to ask about an animal’s health issues prior to adoption. Some breeds are prone to specific medical conditions, and just as in humans, dogs tend to develop more problems as they age. Emergency vet visits are another reality of having a pet that can get expensive very quickly.

An Alternative to Ownership

If a senior does not have the financial means or stamina for pet ownership, there are other options available. Shelters and rescue groups are always in need of volunteers to help care for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other animals. Some even run foster programs that allow volunteers to bring animals home temporarily and provide one-on-one attention that will help increase their chances of adoption.

Visiting pet therapy programs are another source of valuable interaction. Senior centers, adult day care centers and long-term care facilities often host activities with therapy animals, and some animal therapy organizations even offer home visits.

For seniors who are living with dementia, a cuddly stuffed animal may provide sensory stimulation and companionship without the walking, training and vet bills. There are even robotic products on the market that make realistic animal movements and sounds.

Making a Decision

There is no doubt that a pet can provide unconditional love and play a part in improving a senior’s quality of life. Just be sure to carefully consider the commitment and see to the wellbeing of both the senior and the animal.

 

Cottage Caregivers is very excited to announce that Julie Morse has joined our team as Senior Client Care Manager. Julie has tremendous experience in the home care space and most recently served as the Home Health Aide Manager and Scheduler for a local home care agency.

Julie grew up with a family working in home care and hospitals. Julie received her Bachelors of Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studied public health. Julie has a passion for helping people and has worked as a peer mentor and counselor, health educator and care coordinator for adults with mental illness.

Cottage Caregivers is also very excited to announce that Karen Carroll will serve as Managing Director of Cottage Caregivers. “Karen has been so instrumental in our overall growth and played a key role in managing every aspect of the business since we launched in 2015. Karen passion for helping both our clients and our caregivers is unmatched and has really helped differentiate our agency in a very competitive marketplace.  We are so lucky to have such a dedicated, compassionate and positive leader driving Cottage Caregivers forward every day” stated Sean McDonnell, President of Cottage Caregivers. Karen Carroll recently completed her CNA studies at Quincy College.

 

About Cottagecaregivers.com

Cottage Caregivers, LLC is a locally owned business committed to providing professional, non-medical home care to the people of Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol Counties in Massachusetts. We provide customized, affordable, basic home care services, which allow individuals to maintain their independence and stay in the comfort of their own home environment.

Cottage Caregivers is a proud winner of the Best of In-Home Care Award from SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America. This recognition represents the top tier of in-home care, assisted living, and other senior living providers, based on the online reviews written by seniors and their families.  This exclusive designation places the winners in the top one percent of senior care providers according to those who matter most – the consumer.

The annual SeniorAdvisor.com Best of Awards celebrates the best of the best in home care and senior living across the United States and Canada.  Of the nearly 100,000 providers currently listed on SeniorAdvisor.com, just over 1,000 were recognized with this award.

Cottage Caregivers is one of the only home care winners in Massachusetts, and has consistently ranked at the highest levels in family reviews across multiple online channels including Facebook, Caring.com. Care.com and the Better Business Bureau.

Cottage Caregivers has offices in Hingham and Marshfield, MA and serves

Please Check out the list of Senior Discounts Cottage Caregivers has pulled together. We hope you enjoy your day or night out!!

Applebee’s Senior Discount: 10-15% off (varies by location) MAY require Golden Apple Card (60+) verified
Arby’s Senior Discount: 10% off – Also reports of a free drink (55+) varies by location
A&W Senior Discount All American Food: 10% Senior discount varies by location verified
Backyard Burger: Free drink with purchase
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off for seniors (60+) varies by location verified
Bennigan’s Senior Discount: Discount varies by location (60+)

Bob’s Big Boy: Discount varies by location (60+)
Bonefish Grill Senior Discount: AARP members 10% off verified
Boston Market Senior Discounts: Discount varies by location (65+)
Burger King Senior Discount: 10% off (60+) plus additional discounts on coffee and soft drinks
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company: 10% off for AARP Members, 10% military discount verified
Captain D’s Seafood: “Happy Wednesday Offer” Choice of 8 meals + drink for $4.99 or less- varies by loc. (62+) verified
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 10% off entire meal for AARP Members- not valid at Kirby and Woodway locations in Houston, TX verified
Carrows Restaurants: Golden 55 Menu: Offers discounted breakfast, lunch & dinner (55+) verified
Chart House: 10% off for AARP members only verified
Chick-fil-A Senior Discounts: Chick-fil-A offers a free refillable senior drink, not including coffee. – Varies by location.
Chili’s Restaurants Senior Discounts: Chili’s offers a 10% senior discount (55+) verified

CiCi’s Pizza: From website “Many of our stores do offer (senior) discounts” varies by location verified
Claim Jumper: 10% off for AARP members verified
Corky’s Homestyle Kitchen & Bakery: Offers special senior menu AND a Senior’s Frequent Diner Card (buy 9 get 1 free) (55+) verified
Country Kitchen: Great Senior Menu (55+) verified
Culvers Corner: 10% off senior discount (60+)
Dairy Queen: 10% off for seniors (15% for coaches) varies by location (free small drink at some locations)
Denny’s: Senior discount varies by location, 15% off for AARP members verified

Dunkin’ Donuts Senior Discount:  AARP members receive a free donut with the purchase of a large or XL beverage (at participating restaurants) verified
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off (60+)
El Pollo Loco: 10% senior discount (60+), 15% military discount verified
Fazoli’s: Join “Club 62” for special senior menu items (62+) verified
Friendly’s Restaurants: 10% off meal w/ free coffee at breakfast or free small sunday during non-breakfast hours verified
Fuddrucker’s Senior Discounts: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)

Golden Corral: Senior discount varies by location verified
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday -also reports of 10% off (52+)
IHOP: Great discounts on senior menu items (55+) verified
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: Free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme Senior Discount: 10% off (50+) (age and discount varies depending on location). Free donut with purchase of coffee Feb 6-28, 2017 verified view details
Landry’s Seafood Senior Discounts: 10% off for AARP members (50+) verified
Long John Silver’s: Various discounts at locations (55+)
McCormick & Schmick’s: 10% savings on food and beverages (excluding alcohol) for AARP members (50+) verified
McDonald’s: Discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
The Oceanaire Seafood Room:  AARP members receive 10% off of food and non-alcoholic beverages (every day). verified

Outback Steakhouse: 10% off AARP members for meals (alcohol excluded) verified
Old Country Buffet: Daily discounts for seniors (55+) verified
Papa John’s Senior Discount: Papa John’s says to check with your local stores (meaning no standard senior discount policy). Try coupon codes GET40 or 25OFF.  AMAC members receive 25% off, enter code “25SAVE” verified
Perkins Senior Discount: Fifty-Five Plus menu Offers special deals (55+) verified
Polo Tropical: 10% off (50+)
Ponderosa Steak Houses: Senior Discounts Vary- Senior menu available (60+)
Rainforrest Cafe: 10% off for AARP members (50+) verified
Richie Roman’s Barbecue: 10% off (52+)
SaltGrass Senior Discounts: Save 10% for AARP members (50+) verified

Sizzler: Offers “Honored Guest Menu” (60+) varies by location verified
Subway: 10% off (60+) varies by location verified
Sweet Tomatoes: Senior Meal deals Mon-Thu 2-5pm $7.99 all u can eat incl. fountain bev. and/or coffee. All other times 10% off (60+) verified

Souplantation Senior Discounts: Senior Meal deals Mon-Thu 2-5pm $7.99 all u can eat incl. fountain bev. and/or coffee. All other times 10% off (60+) verified
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off for seniors (50+)
The Old Spaghetti Factory: Spaghetti Factory “Senior Menu” offers discounted list of menu items verified
Traditions Restaurant (East TX): Senior platter meal for $4.71 (50+) verified
Uno Pizzaria & Grill: “Double Nickel Club” 25% off on Wednesday (55+) verified
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)

Waffle House Senior Discounts: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s Senior Discount: Senior age and special offer will vary depending on the restaurant location. Please ask the restaurant for details. verified
Whataburger: Free drink w/ purchase of a meal- varies by loc. (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

There are so many options families need to review before choosing the right home care solution for their loved one. Below you will find a quick & easy grid which breaks down the keys items you need to consider when choosing the right fit for your family. Please reach out if we can answer any additional questions and hope you find this information useful. Good luck in your search!

 

 

Comparison of 3 different non-medical home care solutions

 

	Agency – Aides are W-2 employees (Cottage Caregivers)	Agency  – Aides are  independent contractors	Privately hired caregiver
Background checks	Provides all background checks & criminal history investigation	Varies. Most provide some form of background check & employment verification	Must be done by family. Most families do not have access to criminal history information & must depend on caregiver to provide it. All reference checks must be done by family.
Training	Provides on-going training for all caregivers.	None	None
On-site supervision	Provides on-site supervision with periodic visits by qualified supervisor. Visits may be scheduled or unscheduled (surprise visits).	None.	None.
Payroll taxes	Provides for all employer/employee tax withholding and reporting.	None. Family is responsible for all payroll tax withholding & reporting.	None. Family is responsible for all payroll tax withholding & reporting.
Substitution	Assures smooth substitution should the caregiver be ill or should the family wish to change caregivers.	None.	None.
Insurance & Bonding	All caregivers are fully insured & bonded.	None.	None.
Cost	Best value based upon factors noted above MA state average is $26-$28/hour.	Hourly rate is usually that of the private caregiver plus a “fee”	Cheapest rate based upon the factors noted above Range: $20-$23/hour