Throughout your entire life, you may have heard how important nutrition and exercise are for a healthy lifestyle. As you age, you may begin to push regular exercise to the side but you shouldn’t. Aging does not mean you need to cut exercise out of your routine, it just means you will need to do modified versions of exercises. 

Researchers and physicians have found that seniors should remain as active as possible without overexertion. This is where home caregivers for elderly adults come in. Exercise allows elderly individuals to live longer and healthier lives.

Physical activity helps to promote the ability for seniors to remain independent by completing their regular tasks such as cooking, bathing, eating, dressing, and using the restroom. We have compiled some of the best at-home exercises for seniors that can be completed with the help of home caregivers for elderly individuals. 

Chair Yoga

Yoga is a lighter exercise regime and although an adult in their 30s and 40s may be able to participate in higher intensity yoga routines, older individuals need low impact forms. Chair yoga can help improve strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. Chair yoga requires less stress and strain on the body than conventional yoga. Some of the yoga exercise that home caregivers for elderly adults can help with are:

• Seated cow stretch
• Seated cat stretch
• Seated twist
• Seated mountain pose 
• Overhead stretch

Resistance Band Workouts

If you have ever seen the stretchy strips of rubber these are resistance bands. Working with a resistance band helps reduce stress on the body and is user-friendly for beginners. Through these workouts, you will be strengthening your core which will help to improve mobility, balance, and posture. 

Pilates

Pilates involves exercise that promotes breathing, concentration, alignment, and core strength. You will be using pilates balls, mats, and other inflated accessories. Older adults who participate in pilates have shown improvement in balance, core strength, and an increase in flexibility. 

Walking

It may sound obvious but home caregivers for elderly adults find that one of the least stressful and accessible forms of exercise for seniors is walking.  You do not need any extra equipment or instructions. You simply get up and walk. 

Light Dancing

Music has been known to have healing properties for the soul. However, it also promotes dancing. 

You may not consider dancing to be a workout but it is actually a great form of aerobic exercise. Many parts of your body are activated when you dance and most importantly you will smile and laugh from all the fun you are having. 

Dumbbell Strength

Dumbbell exercises promote strength in the elderly through basic workouts. It has also been found that osteoporosis, back pain, diabetes, and depression have been lessened or alleviated to some degree with dumbbell training. 

It is important to take the appropriate precautions when completing dumbbell exercises. 

Stretching

As obvious as it sounds, stretching is the key to performing daily living activities and keeping your independence. It promotes flexibility which can help prevent falls. You may start with small stretches and work your way into incorporating higher intensity stretches with the help of home caregivers for elderly adults. 

Call Davetta Care in Philadelphia For Help With Home Exercises

If you or someone you know finds that they are in need of a professional caregiver, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Davetta Care. We care deeply about each individual and always aim to provide the best treatment possible.

If you need a home caregiver to help with at-home exercises, contact Davetta Care at 267-534-3656 today. 

The post 7 Home Exercises for Seniors to Keep Active and Keep Healthy appeared first on Davetta Care.

There are many reasons you will need to find home care services for hire whether it be on a temporary basis or on a long-term basis. Davetta Care has been around for years now and has seen home care services for hire popping up at what seems to be every corner. 

We have also seen some of these care centers close down rapidly as they do not have the experience or knowledge to provide the best care for your loved one. Davetta Care takes home care to heart and we ensure that all of our care providers feel the same and can offer your loved one the best care and respect. 

Highest Compensation

Davetta Care does home care services for hire better because we offer the highest compensation in the industry. When our care providers are appropriately compensated for their work, they are motivated and happy. This leads to them providing better care to your loved one. Without the added stress of bills piling up at home, our care providers can focus on what they are actually here for and that is your loved one. 

Training

Something else that sets Davetta Care from the rest is our training standards. We understand that every patient requires special care and we strive to provide just that. We will go over a treatment plan and ensure that it fits your needs. Once a plan has been established we will then provide any additional training to our home health care workers who are trained and can implement the plan effectively. 

Bonds

When you are looking for home care services for hire you do not want someone who will simply come into the home and not establish any connections with the patient. At Davetta Care we want to establish long-term bonds with our clients and their families. We aim to care for your loved ones as if they were our own family. We understand that home care makes an impact on day-to-day life, and so, we set out to make a positive impact.

Around the Clock Care

Companion care does not end when you get home from work or when you go to bed at night. We understand that every patient and family will have needs that do not fit under the typical care umbrella. That is why we offer around-the-clock companion care. This is often a service that is requested by individuals who live alone. This does not necessarily mean that someone will be living with you but instead, there will be a schedule established by you and our caregivers. The goal is to ensure that you or your loved one is never alone. 

Helping Others 

Caregivers get into the home care industry to help others and that is at the forefront of everything that Davetta Care stands for. We want our clients to keep their independence and by providing home care services for hire we work to do just that. Plans will be established so that your loved one stays independent while still getting the care they need. 

Davetta Care Can Help Your Loved Ones

Hire us and see for yourself why Davetta Care does it better than the rest. We value each individual we care for as if they are a member of our own family.

When you are looking for professional home care services for hire, contact Davetta Care at 267-534-3656 today. 

The post Homecare Services for Hire: Here’s Why Davetta Care Does it Better appeared first on Davetta Care.

Your loved one has been needing extra help around the house lately — either because of a medical episode or they’re simply just getting too old to be physically active. You’re considering home care services but can be unsure as to whether you need short-term or long term home care services.

Before determining which to choose, you need to understand the differences between the two. Many clients think that the differences only lie in the time that care is provided. However, the care that is provided also differs depending on whether it is short or long term care services. 

What is Long Term Home Care Services?

Long term home care services are aimed at helping seniors with chronic or progressive health conditions. These conditions often require ongoing assistance or care. In-home care services are meant to help your seniors maintain some level of independence while still obtaining the care they need. 

Oftentimes, patients will recover enough to live without long term care services while others will need this care for the rest of their lives. This long-term care can be done at home or at a care facility depending on the needs of the patient. Long-term care also typically requires skilled care, although in some cases unskilled care is appropriate. 

What is Short Term Home Care Services?

The goal of short-term home care is to rehabilitate someone after an injury, illness, surgery, or hospitalization. This means that the care can be a few days up to a few months. This will vary depending on the situation. This care is provided in-home and can consist of skilled or unskilled care. 

Skilled care includes wound care, monitoring vital signs, and providing therapy. Unskilled care is when the patient needs help with daily living activities like laundry, cooking, bathing, and preparing meals. These services are not exclusive to seniors as anyone can need in-home care at any point in their life. 

What Can You Expect?

The major difference between short and long term home care services is that the former is goal-oriented with an expected end as opposed to long-term care that is geared at preserving the patients’ health and quality of life as much as possible. 

Short-term care can also consist of companion care which means spending time with the patient and participating in social activities. Long-term care whether done at home or in a care facility requires some medical training and treatment. 

Who Needs Long-Term Care?

Although anyone can find themselves in a position where they will need long term home care services, there are some factors that may increase that need. 

As we age, long-term care may become inevitable. It has been found that women are at a higher risk of needing care, primarily because women usually live longer than men.

Marital status can increase your chances of needing care as single people may need to depend on a provider more often than a married person. Your health and family history are the main indicators of whether you will need long or short-term care in the future. 

Hire Davetta Care Services Today!

Regardless if you need short or long term homecare services, you can trust that the experts at Davetta Care will provide the best services around. Our company is deeply committed to ensuring you or a loved one are treated with respect and delicate care.

When you’re ready for quality service, contact us today at 267-534-3656.

The post Short-Term Homecare vs. Long-Term Homecare Services: Which is Best for Me? appeared first on Davetta Care.

The need for personal caregivers in Philadelphia can come by surprise to some while others may see it coming for some time. There are different kinds of personal caregivers in Philadelphia and who you hire will vary greatly by what your specific needs are. 

You may need short-term care after an injury or surgery, while long-term care is typical for patients with chronic conditions. There are also companion care services that are like having a friend around that keeps you healthy and helps you around the home. 

1. Companionship

Companion care services are typically sought by older adults who live independently but may need some help. 

A companion is essential to one’s mental health, which can often be overlooked. Older adults are known to suffer from depression and other disorders because they feel isolated or alone.

This personal caregiver will create a schedule with you and your loved one where they come to the home at specified times throughout the week. They will do social activities with the patient and spend time with them. This typically leads to an upbeat patient and can help to deter mental disorders like depression.  

2. Housekeeping

Personal caregivers in Philadelphia can help older adults with household chores that have become difficult to accomplish. This is typical when the adult is facing mobility issues. 

Personal caretakers will handle light housekeeping such as laundry, vacuuming, washing dishes, or taking out the trash. Other chores like watering plants and light yard work can be discussed with caregivers prior to the beginning of their employment in your home. This service allows clients to stay independent and in the home while knowing that they have help. 

3. Basic Needs

One of the most important services that personal caregivers provide is help with basic needs. This includes grooming, eating, bathing, and using the bathroom. 

These are sensitive areas for some and it can take some convincing a patient to agree to have someone help with basic needs. You should ensure that all parties are comfortable with someone being in such close contact and intimate with a person. This is often a difficult decision for families to make and should also be discussed with the patient’s primary care doctor.

4. Meal Preparation

Preparing meals may become difficult whether it be due to a medical condition or from age. Nutrition is crucial to staying healthy and if your loved one is not cooking meals or doing groceries they may not be getting the nutrition they need. Personal caregivers in Philadelphia can craft a meal plan for your loved ones that they can adhere to. 

5. Transportation

One final and important service that a personal caregiver can provide is transportation services. If you notice your loved one is having difficulty driving or is unable to use public transportation, a caregiver can help. They will be able to provide transportation to and from doctors’ appointments, grocery stores, or to social activities. This will bring you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is not driving around town alone.

Call Davetta Care Today

If you are looking for affordable personal caregivers in Philadelphia, you should call Davetta Care at 267-534-3656. We offer different kinds of care services to meet your needs. 

Through our services, you can trust that you or a loved one will be treated as if they were a member of our own family.

The post 5 Services Affordable Personal Caregivers in Philadelphia Can Provide appeared first on Davetta Care.

Companion care in Philadelphia has a wide range of services that can help your loved one maintain as much independence as possible. There are many reasons why you may need companion care and an agency will be able to find the best fit for your needs. One of the services that a companion can help your loved one with is keeping track of bills. This is often one of the most common areas where seniors need assistance. If you notice that bills have become past due or are left unpaid, this may be a sign that your loved one needs assistance. 

Bill Payments

Paying bills and managing money can become so overwhelming and difficult for many seniors. You care for your loved ones and may want to help them pay their bills. At some point, this may also become overwhelming for you. Having someone who can take charge and help your seniors pay their bills on time can be such a relief. You never want to visit your loved one and notice that the power is out or there is no running water. A companion will also help to balance their checkbook and negotiate with creditors if need be. 

Shopping

Shopping for groceries and other essentials may become difficult. Companion care in Philadelphia can help to ensure that groceries are done and the fridge is stocked. A caregiver will also shop at the desired stores instructed by the client. 

If your loved one prefers to do groceries on their own and only requires help with paying we can also provide those services as well. This will allow them to have some independence but also provide peace of mind knowing that someone is there with them. This does not only apply to groceries but also picking up medications, dry cleaning, and more. 

Mail And Paperwork Organization

Many seniors choose to receive their bills through the mail. The problem with this is that they can sometimes forget to check the mailbox or even go through their mail entirely. 

Companion care in Philadelphia can help your loved ones stay organized with their mail and other paperwork. If directed to do so, our companions can also open and read the mail to the person being cared for. 

Independence

Hiring companion care in Philadelphia can allow your loved ones to keep their independence while still getting the help they need. 

A companion is often seen as a friend by many seniors. With a companion, seniors won’t have to feel alone and they can feel as if they can trust them. 

Your loved one may have been independent for so long and the potential loss of that independence can be scary for them. Having someone help them instead of entirely taking over their finances allows them to keep some independence. 

Call Davetta Care in Philadelphia Today

If you are looking for companion care in Philadelphia, you will need an agency that truly cares for you and your family. Davetta Care offers a range of services to help your loved ones. Not only do we offer companion care but also personal care, and hospital and appointment accompaniment. Call us today at 267-534-3656 or visit our contact page. 

The post 4 Ways Companion Care in Philadelphia Can Help a Loved One Keep Track of Bills appeared first on Davetta Care.

You believe that you can take care of your loved one on your own because after all, they have cared for you in the past. Sadly, there may come a time when you have to make the difficult decision to find affordable caretakers for your loved one. 

Making the decision to hire a caregiver for your loved one is only the beginning. Finding one that meets your needs is another hurdle all on its own. In order to make this process easier, we have compiled some tips on ways to find affordable caretakers. 

1. Make a List

Before you begin the search for affordable caretakers there are a few things you need to consider. You will first need to make a list of what you would need assistance with. Some families only need help with chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Other cases may need more care like tending to bed sores or medications. The best way to compile the list is to go through your day-to-day routine and write down where you need help. Turn this into a checklist that you will use when interviewing potential affordable caregivers. 

2. Consider Finances

A major determining factor in any decision is money. You will of course want the best care for your loved one but you should not get into debt as a result. You will need to be honest with yourself and your potential caregiver about what your finances allow. You should also contact the insurance company to see if they offer any type of coverage as well. They may cover all or a portion of caregiving services. This will allow you to better balance your finances.

3. Start The Search

Once you have a better idea of what you will need and how much you can afford, it is time to start the search. You should find an agency that will connect you with the best affordable caretakers available to meet your needs. You can also create a job posting online yourself but this will make the process longer and less secure as you will need to conduct your own background checks. 

An agency will conduct background checks for you and screens all caregivers before placing them with a family. 

4. Background Checks

If you choose to place a job listing online, once you have selected your chosen candidate you will need to next conduct a background check. This is not just obtaining a police record but also verifying their references and education. You will need to ensure that their licenses are up to date as well. You should also review their past experience. Conduct several interviews until you are comfortable with the person who will be taking care of your loved one. 

Get The Right Candidate With Davetta Care

Davetta Care has a 24/7 on-call team always readily available to assist you or a loved one. Contact us when you need affordable caretakers for your loved one. 

Call us at 267-534-3656 or visit our contact page.

The post 4 Ways to Find Affordable Caretakers appeared first on Davetta Care.

The need for a caretaker can sound scary but it does not have to be. There are different types of caregivers that are trained to meet different needs. You may need skilled or non-skilled caretakers for your specific circumstances. 

The major difference between the two is that one can provide medical care while the other cannot. There is a possibility that you may need both caretaking services at some point during your care. You may also need to consider if you will need these services in the short or long term. 

What is a Skilled Caretaker?

A skilled caretaker can provide medical services at home or at a facility depending on the needs of the patient. Skilled caretakers can provide the following:

• Injections
• Wound care
• Physical therapy
• Intravenous (IV) therapy
• Catheter care
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Monitoring medical equipment

What is a Non-Skilled Caretaker?

Non-skilled caretakers cannot provide any medical services. They instead help with the following:

• Memory care
• Personal care
• Companionship
• Mobility assistance
• Bathing and dressing
• Household chores
• Meal preparation

Unskilled caretakers are meant to help patients maintain a level of independence by staying in their homes. They cannot administer medications or check vital signs. Your needs may change and evolve over time and caretakers can adapt as necessary. 

At Davetta Care, we will come up with an initial care plan and as your needs change we can revisit that plan. There may come a time when non-skilled caretakers are no longer beneficial to your condition. 

We have various kinds of caretakers we work with. So if you need to transition from an unskilled caretaker to a skilled caretaker, we can make the process easier.

Skilled Caretakers And At-home Care

Non-skilled and skilled caretakers can provide their services in the home so you can stay comfortable. There may be times when you or your loved one will need to seek these services at a facility. This can be due to the ailment progressing and at-home care no longer being an option. Certain medical procedures and care may not be able to be done at home which is another reason why services may need to be done at a facility.

Other Services Offered by Skilled Caretakers

When it comes to other types of services offered by skilled caretakers, some of these services are focused on different forms of therapy. The first we briefly discussed is physical therapy. This requires a team to come up with a plan that must then be followed by your nurse.

Occupational therapy which consists of coordination, memory training, and basic tasks like getting dressed is another therapy a skilled caretaker can help with. Speech therapy is another service that skilled caretakers offer. This involves patients who have communication issues, a swallowing dysfunction, or other speech impediments. 

Hiring Skilled Caretakers Provided by Davetta Care

Your family may need to come to the decision to hire skilled or non-skilled caretakers and now that you know the difference the process can truly begin. The goal of caretakers is to help your loved ones with their needs whether it be for a short time period or a long time period. 

Call Davetta Care at 267-534-3656 today if you ever find that you need a skilled caretaker to assist you.

The post What are the Differences Between Skilled Caretakers and Non-Skilled Caretakers? appeared first on Davetta Care.

We all strive to keep our independence and this desire does not change as we get older or have a chronic condition. The need to hire a caregiver may not be obvious and can be something you will want to avoid. Sadly, there comes a time when you need to have this difficult conversation with yourself and your family. 

Hiring a caregiver does not by any means replace family members, it is simply a way to provide assistance at home for an adult who needs it. There are signs you should look for that may indicate the need to hire a caregiver. 

Personal Hygiene 

If you notice your senior loved one is putting off showering and taking care of basic personal hygiene, it is not because they are gross or do not care. It can actually be a sign that they can no longer complete these tasks. A caregiver can ensure that they brush their teeth, bathe regularly, and are taking care of all of their personal hygiene needs.

Unpaid Bills

You may begin to notice that bills are piling up and your loved one has no plan on paying them. You may also notice stacks of mail throughout the home. No one is a fan of paying bills or answering mail, however, if bills become months late to the point where services are being shut off there may be a deeper issue. 

When you hire a caregiver they will be able to go through the mail and ensure that bills are paid on time. This will keep your loved one on track and independent. 

Depression

Depression is common among older adults who live alone. As we age, it can be normal to lose interest in certain things. The problem occurs when your loved one loses interest in hobbies they have been doing for years or there is a sudden change in weight. Another sign to look for is if they become distant from the rest of the family. These are all signs of depression. 

A caregiver can provide a level of companionship to help deter these behaviors and traits. 

Fall Hazards

Falling is a major cause of injuries in older adults. If you see an abundance of clutter, uneven flooring, lifted rugs, or other potential hazards you may need to hire a caregiver. They can ensure the house stays organized and your loved one’s risk of a fall is decreased. 

Spoiled Food

When there is spoiled or rotten food in the fridge there can be several things going on. Your loved one may be unaware that there is spoiled food in the house and is eating it without giving it a second thought. This can also mean that your loved one cannot safely get to the grocery store so they are not eating. Having a caregiver on board can ensure that groceries are done and there is no longer any rotten food in the fridge. They can also prepare meals. 

Missed Medication

Forgetting to take medication can be a sign of short-term memory loss or even depression. It has been reported that 75% of older adults make an error with taking their medications. If you notice missed medications a caregiver may be an option. 

When it’s Time to Hire a Caregiver, Hire Davetta Care

Davetta Care houses some of the most experienced and reliable caregivers you will ever find. Our staff always makes it their goal to provide quality care and treatment to those who need it most.

When you are looking for trusted caregiving services, contact Davetta Care at 267-534-3656 to hire a caregiver.

The post 6 Signs It May Be Time to Hire a Caregiver appeared first on Davetta Care.

When the pandemic began, the topic of what business and who was allowed to continue to work was a hot topic in every city and state. A new title was introduced to describe those who could continue to work; essential workers. This title included hospital staff, healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and more. 

You would think that home care workers would fall under that umbrella. However, the title of being an essential worker did not always mean you would be treated as such. Home healthcare is essential to the lives of millions of Americans across the country.

Essential Work But Not Essential Workers

Although home healthcare is essential for keeping many people alive, not every service was able to be provided during the quarantine. We understand the importance of maintaining a bubble especially for older adults who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus. Davetta Care has been able to provide essential in-home services while keeping our clients and care workers safe. 

Home health aides have seemingly been pushed to the side whether it be on commercials and ads thanking essential workers but not including home health aides to not seeing an increase in pay. So, in theory, a home health aid or caretaker is considered essential because of the work they complete but they are not treated as other essential workers. 

Labor Protections

Although Davetta Care went above and beyond to keep our staff and clients safe not every care provider was able to do the same. There have been stories of care workers being given paper towels and rubber bands to create their own face masks, while also needing to buy their own supplies. 

Essential workers in other fields were given personal protection equipment to ensure their safety. In some industries, essential workers were even given hazard pay and an increase in salary. There are many theories as to why home healthcare took a back seat when it came to these issues. 

Services Provided

In addition to the services already being provided to patients, home healthcare workers also had to implement new services. Many patients have had worsening conditions or have begun to suffer from depression due to the restrictions placed by local, state, and federal government officials. So a patient who may have been accustomed to a certain routine for their ailment will now have other issues or see a progression in their illness. 

This adds on more responsibilities to home care aides. They must now be counselors and find innovative ways to face depression and other mental illnesses caused by this period of isolation. Even when things begin to reopen and people are vaccinated, some of these issues may persist. 

As the older population was found to be at a higher risk, home health aides also had to take additional precautions so COVID-19 was not brought into the home or spread to other members of the family. 

Provide Care to Patients With Davetta Care

The role of home healthcare has changed drastically over the last year or so and although we are considered essential workers, we were not always treated as such. Davetta Care has gone to great lengths to ensure our staff and clients have remained safe during this time. 

When you are looking for a care provider that actually cares, call 267-534-3656 or visit our contact page to speak with a Davetta Care representative.

The post Are Home Healthcare Workers Considered Essential Workers? appeared first on Davetta Care.

You may have noticed that your elderly loved one is in need of further assistance around the house. While some of it may be due to age and medical conditions, there may be other things you cannot explain or even help with. Companion care in Philadelphia may be an option to consider when your loved one needs extra help around the home.

What is Companion Care?

The first question many people ask is, what is companion care? 

Companion care is a home care service that is not medically involved. This is different from a personal care aide who assists with health care and personal care needs. A companion can help with emotional support and socialization. They are not just there to be a friend but can also provide assistance with other tasks around the home.  

What Can a Companion Provide?

Companion care in Philadelphia offers a range of services. Although socialization and entertainment are major aspects of the role of a companion there are other things they can assist with. Companion care in Philadelphia also covers:

• Light housekeeping
• Running errands
• Laundry and dishes
• Scheduling appointments
• Planning social activities
• Meal preparation
• Communicating with the care team
• Communicating with family
• Transportation to appointments and activities
• And more. 

A companion can assist with various tasks that are not listed here. If you have other specific tasks you will need to discuss this with the caregiver services prior to being placed with a companion. 

How Does Companion Care Work?

Companion care works in several ways, it can be formal or informal. Depending on your needs there are volunteer programs that provide a companion to come and make visits to seniors. Formal companions are on a paid basis and require more work than a volunteer companion. If your loved one is already receiving hospice or other home care services you should also inquire about companion care. 

A companion will make regular visits depending on the needs of the senior. They can be frequent or infrequent. Typically these visits are on a weekly basis but the frequency is up to you. During these visits, the companion will not only spend time with the senior but will also help with tasks around the house. Another contributing factor in scheduling is dependent on any scheduled appointments as a companion can also provide transportation to these appointments. 

Is Companion Care Right for You?

Companion care in Philadelphia is not the right fit for everyone but can be for some. If your senior is still able to live independently and is having a hard time managing household tasks, you may want to look into companion care. 

They may be experiencing loss of mobility or dementia. Families will try to care for their loved ones as much as they can on their own but there may come a point where this is no longer possible. It can be that your full-time job or even other responsibilities do not allow you the flexibility to care for your loved ones. 

Finding Companion Care in the Philadelphia Region

When you are in need of companion care for your loved one you will need someone with experience and flexibility. Davetta Care can send you a professional who will help care for your elderly loved ones to ensure they’re given the attention and care they need.

When you’re ready for quality care, Call Davetta Care at 267-534-3656 or visit our contact page today.

The post Here’s Why You Should Seek Companion Care in Philadelphia appeared first on Davetta Care.