When creating a care plan for a family in Hammond, Ponchatoula, or Walker, we start by meeting with the older adult. We identify what they are having a hard time doing, what things they wish they could still do on their own, and then figure out how best to support them. It’s important to note that we do not require the older adult to start their care with assisted activities in order to provide them with care. We are flexible to work within their daily routines as much as possible.
Understanding the First Visit
The first visit is free of charge, lasts about an hour, and carries absolutely no obligations. We understand that for some people, especially older adults, asking for help can be tough, which is why we try to create as welcoming of an environment as possible. We strive to learn more about the older adult’s activities of daily living. We try to take into account the things that the older adult may be able to do throughout the day, while also taking into account all of the things that may be challenging for them.
It is often helpful for care to be individualized based on what activities the older adult wishes to maintain control over. For example, would the older adult wish for help with meals or showering? Would they prefer assistance with driving or other errands?
Our goal is for the older adult to maintain as much independence as possible. We are flexible and will adjust activities and routines based on the older adult’s preferences. We will work with the family to help determine what things should be prioritized and also to identify what things the older adult may need assistance with.
When talking with someone evaluating home care options in Hammond, I find it helpful to ask questions like:
- What part of the day do you have the most difficulty with?
- When is your family able to help?
- What tasks do you need help with?
- When do you need help the most?
- What would help you the most with your weekly tasks?
The consultation is always free and you are not obligated to purchase any services. The cost of services depends on the level of support provided and a plan is developed to meet the family’s needs.
Beginning with Four Hours a Week
Most people believe that when home care services are first utilized, support will be provided on a daily, all-day basis. This may not always be the case.
For example, if support is needed on a daily basis to help an individual take a shower, or if a family caregiver needs support for the same reason on a daily basis, then four hours of home care support each week would be appropriate. If support is no longer needed to help the individual take a shower, then the home care support can be modified or stopped.
Most people are surprised when they learn about home care support options.
In 4 hours, we can usually cover a good part of the agreed actions during a visit. Other households may prefer a different time frame. The important thing is to try to fill the free time in the week with what is really the best option for that household, and not to automatically choose the most expensive home care service available.
We can create a care schedule to help a client with companionship, performing various activities of daily living, and/or other household tasks, and/or transportations, as specified in the care plan.
I would rather have the family identify what 4 hours, if any, really pose a problem to them, than to try to devise a workable plan based on a schedule that may or may not work for the household.
Tangipahoa & Livingston Parish Locations
I also want to challenge the preconceived notion that home care services are limited to large, urbanized areas.
This is not just a Hammond service.
Our office serves families to the north in Amite and Ponchatoula. To the west in Livingston Parish, we provide service in Walker.
For families living further away, home care may be a limiting factor.
A family living in Amite or Independence may be justified in thinking that home care is not an available option. However, you should check with us first to see if this is really the case.
Let’s talk about the schedule first.
If the demand for care is for only a single block of time each week, then the plan should reflect that. If care at different times throughout the day is required, then the plan should reflect that as well.
The plan should accommodate the times at which the older adult needs help.
When describing the plan, it should be determined if the times, locations and tasks align with the caregiver’s availability.
How is a match between the older adult and a caregiver determined?
A match extends beyond availability. The needs and the preferred routines of the older adult should also be taken into consideration. The caregiver’s personality and communication style should also be factored in as the caregiver will be working in the older adult’s home.
That’s why I like to have the older adult participate in the initial meeting.
Preferred styles of communication and routines differ among older adults, and caregiver mismatches should be expected and addressed.
Comfort with a new caregiver is expected, but if a new caregiver becomes a barrier to the care plan, then the caregiver should not be used. Care should be personal.
If that’s the case, the office should be notified. New feedback should be provided to the office to help them better understand and determine the reason care is not aligning with the care plan.
It is important to not force a personal relationship, but rather develop a plan that provides the Care Pro clear boundaries and an arrangement that is comfortable to the older adult.
What We Do Not Do
Home Instead does not provide medical services.
The boundary between medical and non-medical services should be clear.
Home care offers assistance and support with activities of daily living and helps people with the tasks of everyday living. Home care can help with the support of transportation to and from medical appointments. Home care can help with the preparation to attend medical appointments. Home care can help to reinforce the treatments ordered by the medical professionals. Home care can help provide transportation to and from pharmacy to pick up prescriptions.
However, home care should not replace health care professionals to provide assessment, treatment and/or management of a medical condition. Home care should not replace a medical professional to provide a diagnosis. Home care should not replace a medical professional to make treatment recommendations or alter the course of treatment.
Home care can make a valuable difference by providing assistance with activities of daily living. Knowing the difference makes it easier to obtain the correct support and services.
Starting In-Home Care - Frequently Asked Questions
When is the right time to consider home care?
It is time to consider care options if you are having difficulties during a particular day of the week. If you are having problems with any part of your daily routine, i.e. you need help preparing meals, or you could benefit from help with any household tasks, or you just need companionship, or you could use help with personal tasks, you should speak with the Case Manager to see what options are available to you.
Do you have to use your home care services on a daily basis?
Not at all. Home care services can be arranged based on your specific needs, and can be offered on a case by case basis. If you or a family member just needs help with a few household tasks, you can arrange for home care services to come once a week to help out for four hours, and adjust the schedule based on your needs.
What are the costs for in-home care in Hammond?
The costs are based on your specific needs and care options. The first and most important discussion is always free. To get an idea of costs you should speak with our Hammond office.
Are the home care services available in the towns of Amite and Independence?
Our office in Hammond provides in-home care options for the town of Amite and Independence. Just because you are located outside of the city of Hammond, does not mean care options are not available to you.
What happens if my parent doesn’t like the first Care Pro?
Let the office know if there are concerns. Some issues require adjusting to a new person, and others require a change. To adjust a care pro, give specific reasons. Examples include, but are not limited to, care pro’s communication style or routines.
Can Home Instead provide medical care?
Home Instead provides care in the home, but not medical care. If a family member needs medical care or treatment, they should consult the appropriate medical professional. Home care services can be provided to assist with the non-medical aspects of the family member’s day.
Have you been thinking about what home care services would mean for your family? You don’t have to develop a complete plan or schedule of home care services before having your first home care services consultation. Contact Home Instead in Hammond to learn more and discuss what services may be available.
About the Author
Matt Cohn has spent more than 25 years helping older adults and their families find the right support to remain safe and comfortable at home. He is the owner of Home Instead locations serving Hammond and Baton Rouge in Louisiana, along with locations in Georgia.
