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Choosing an expert in-home care provider service requires thoughtful consideration. There are several issues which need to be addressed in order to choose the right home care services. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself before selecting a home care provider.

1. Are your Home Care Providers Certified?
The first thing to check for is whether your home care providers are certified by Medicare or not. A number of Medicare certified agencies also offer services which are usually not covered by Medicare. These services may include assistance with everyday activities and are often referred to as “private pay.” Make sure you are not hiring amateurs for something as serious as in-home care to waste your time and money.
2. Does your Home Care Service possess it’s own Employees or hire a contract staff?
Sometimes, home care providers are not able to discover satisfactory nursing or rehabilitation staff to meet the needs and requirements of their patients. In such a situation, these providers may require to contract with other providers or staffing agencies to utilize professional staff for part-time or full time basis. Whatever kind of staff they use, make sure they have enough credibility to successfully provide you the best of in-home care services and also cover your needs professionally.
3. Do they Document Clear and Specific Agreements?
Agreements are an important part of availing home care services. Your written agreement with the home care provider must deal with one or more of the following, if relevant:

The time-period for which the quoted rate is guaranteed
In case of any rate increases, there must be advance notices
Rates for holidays, night shifts or emergencies should be mentioned separately
Any other significant requirement

4. Safe and Secure Payment System
For your services to be covered by your Medicare insurance, you have to check whether your home care providers are Medicare certified or not. You need to inquire your home care providers whether they allow the process of “Assignment of Benefits” which allows the insurance company to pay the home care providers directly. While you are paying the agency directly, make extra efforts to completely understand all the payment terms. Information regarding the grace period from the end of the billing cycle or late fee come in handy for a smooth and swift payment process.
5. Make sure your loved one’s daily activities and health conditions are Monitored
Several in-home care providers make the home care staff responsible for keeping a daily log of activities and episodes. The home care providers at all times make notes about every individual patient’s mood, energy and appetite. You must inquire your providers, whether these logs are ever evaluated by a professional clinical staff for any future concerns.

Author Bio

Anaida Robert is a content writer for Geriatric In-Home Care, a Fresno based In-Home Care Provider. Follow @AnaidaRobert for more updates.

Posted in Family Caregivers and Care Management, Home Care/Adult Day Care

Super Foods

Apr 29

Posted by National Care Planning Council

What are super foods? These are nutrient dense foods and no cape included. We all could use better nutrition in our lives and super foods are a great way to do it, let these super foods not only save your health but also save you from bland eating. Here is a list of SOME super foods that you can easily find, I did not include super foods such as Gogi Berries because they usually carried at your local grocer.

1. Chia. Not just something you grow on a ceramic head anymore. Chia is packed with Omega-3s, Protein, Anti-Oxidants and Fiber. These are more digestible than Flax Seed, so you can sprinkle it on your dinner, on salads, make a smoothing, pudding or even put it in your water. The Chia Co. has these in packets called Chia Shots, making it easy to carry around. These can be purchased in most health food stores. [i]

2. Eggs . Each egg has 6 grams of protein but just 72 calories. Eggs can be purchased almost everywhere and cook quickly. [ii]

3. Prunes. Packed with polyphenols, which have been shown to boost bone density by stimulating your bone-building cells. They also provide that sweetness for those of you with a sweet tooth. [ii]

4. Walnuts. Full of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (an Omega-3 fat), which has been shown to improve memory and coordination. Plus they are a handy snack to eat while watching tv, also great to add to salads. [ii]

5. Brussels Sprouts. These are full of Glucosinolates, which combat cancer and detoxify our body. Saute these up with some other veggies as a side dish. [ii]

6. Apples. An apple a day keep the doctor away, as the old adage states. Why? They contain Antioxidants. [ii]

7. Bok Choy. Who figured this leafy green is a Calcium-rich veggie? It may even ward off PMS symptoms. [ii]

8. Salmon. 3 oz of Salmon will get you those Omega-3s you need for the day. [ii]

9. Avocados. Healthy fats in avocados help bodies absorb other nutrients. [ii]

10. Spinach. Great source of Vitamin K, which helps blood clot and build strong bones. [ii]

11. Cauliflower. These full of Glucosinolates, which combat cancer and detoxify our body. [ii]

12. Scallops. Besides being my favorite they are full of Protein without being full of calories, 3oz has about 14 grams of Protein and approximately 75 calories. [ii]

13. Collard Greens. Full of essential vitamins like Vitamin A, Zeaxanthin and Lutien. [ii]

14. Olives and Olive Oil. Both have the same heart-healthy Monounsaturated Fat and are low on calories. [ii]

15. Brown Rice. Full of Magnesium. Go for the long grain version, which is the best for you. [ii]

16. Oysters. Great source for Iron, Zinc and Selenium which is all great for your immune system. [ii]

17. Edamame. Super packed with Protein, Fiber, Folate and Phytosterols, which helps lower cholesterol. [ii]

18. Strawberries. Loaded with Ellagitannins and Phytochemicals, halt the growth of cervical and colon cancers. [ii]

19. Lentils. Great source of Protein, Folate and Vitamin B. [ii]

20.Kiwi. High in Vitamin C, not to mention they are yummy. [ii]

21. Black Bean. Loaded with Protein, Fiber and Antioxidants. [ii]

22. Sunflower Seeds. Full of Vitamin E, which keeps your heart healthy and fights infection. [ii]

23. Asparagus. Full of Vitamin K and Folate. Asparagus also helps banish bloating. [ii]

24. Bananas. Loaded not only with Potassium but with Fiber as well. [ii]

25. Baked Potatoes. Packed with even more Potassium than a banana. [ii]

26. Sweet Potato. Get more than you daily dose of Vitamin A, which boosts your vision and your immune system. [ii]

27. Flaxseed. Filled with Omega-3s, it also has more lignans than any other food. You can sprinkle this on anything including yogurt, cold cereal and oatmeal. [ii]

28. Tea. Both green and black tea prevent hardening of the arteries. [ii]

29. Peanut Butter. Full of Amino Acids. Great on and in almost everything. Add it to your smoothy, pudding, on celery and more. [ii]

30. Grapes. A great source of Resveratrol. [ii]

31. Soy Milk. Vegetable Protein and has as much Calcium and Vitamin D as traditional cow’s milk. [ii]

32. Blueberries. Improve memory with these yummy super foods. [ii]

33. Orange. We all know these are full of Vitamin C, what about Calcium and Folate? Bet you didn’t know that! [ii]

34. Barley. Top source of Beta-Glucan, a fiber that lowers cholesterol and helps control blood sugar. [ii]

35. Shiitake Mushrooms. Full of Vitamin D and if you’re trying to eat less meat or want to try something new, try grilling Shiitake Mushrooms, they taste very similar to steak. [ii]

Some Super Food Recipes

Chia Berry Delight