Category: Age Friendly Advice

Advice for Older People, Age Friendly Advice

Types of Homecare Services Available: Our Guide for Families

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Caregiver and old woman

Types of Homecare Services Available: Our Guide for Families

Many families worry that they don’t have the time or resources needed to properly take care of their loved ones, but help is available in the form of homecare services. These services are available for loved ones in need of medical care and support. This support can be required for various reasons such as illness, disability or old age. There are several types of homecare services available and our guide for families will assist in helping you to make an informed decision about which one is best for your loved one.

Every care setting needs to be staffed by the right people, which is exactly what Myhomecare provides: the right people, with the right skills and knowledge in the right place, at home. Ensuring your loved one receives the care they need while remaining in familiar surroundings.

Did You Know?

From 2020 to 2050 it is estimated that the Irish
population aged over 65 will increase by 82.2% from 14.6 (thousand) to 26.6 (thousand).
This will result in them requiring health and
social care services as they age.

Two hands Types Types of Homecare Services Available: Our Guide for Families

Personal Care Services

This involves the caregiver offering assistance with a variety of daily tasks. Sometimes the simplest of tasks can be difficult to do when you are ill or elderly. A personal care assistant is there to ensure that your loved one is able to maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own home. With compassion and strong attention to detail, personal care assistants can make a real difference for families seeking to give their loved ones the care and attention they deserve. While being extremely useful, it helps to make life easier and more manageable daily and can include:

  • Personal hygiene care: Includes assistance with bathing, oral hygiene, hair care and dressing.
  • Incontinence care: transferring your loved one to and from the toilet and other related toileting tasks.
  • Mobility and transfer support: the caregiver can assist with transferring your loved one from one location to the other using mobility aids.

Personal care services maintain cleanliness and comfort for your loved one within their own home so they don’t have to worry. It empowers them to live with dignity in the knowledge that they will receive the best possible care.

At Myhomecare each client has their own needs and requirements which is why we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach.

Our tailor-made homecare services and packages cover a wide range of services.

From basic home help and befriending, to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge, you can find out more in our brochure.

Myhomecare Brochure

Homemaker Services

Taking care of a home can be a big task for an elderly or sick loved one. Sometimes assistance is needed to make sure everything runs smoothly. Homemaker services can provide the necessary support for those who need help with daily tasks, reducing the strain on family members. These services can improve the quality of life for your loved one and may involve the following:

  • Doing laundry
  • Washing dishes
  • Shopping for food and other items
  • Light housekeeping such as cleaning and dusting
  • Maintaining a safe and clean home environment in general

The above can contribute to a functional and stress-free environment for everyone involved. Tasks carried out by the caregiver can vary and depend on the needs and abilities in a way that supports your loved one best.

Respite Services

When a loved one needs medical care at home, it can be overwhelming for families to know where to turn. That’s where respite services come in. It is understandable to be nervous about entrusting a stranger with such an important responsibility, but with the right respite service, you can feel confident that you loved one’s needs are in good hands. This type of care involves:

  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Medication management in the form of pills or injections
  • Physical therapy to help with rehabilitation after an accident, injury or medical operation
  • Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension

Whether it’s a few hours a day or a few weeks a year, respite services offer a break from the demands of caregiving from family members, while ensuring your loved one receives the attention and care they need to feel well again.

By understanding these options, it is possible to make informed decisions and choose the right type of home care services that can help provide comfort and quality of life. As a compassionate guide, we are here to support and navigate these options with you.

Need help deciding what type of homecare is right for your loved one?

Contact Us Today
Elderly woman and caregiver. Types of Homecare Services Available: Our Guide for Families

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Advice for Older People, Age Friendly Advice, Caregiver Advice

The Benefits of Homecare for Seniors: Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

The Benefits of Homecare for Seniors: Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life

Are you looking for ways to ensure that your elderly loved one is looked after? One of the best options is homecare. It has a range of benefits, not only does it keep your loved one safe but it also enables them to remain comfortable and independent in their own homes. It allows for personalised care from trained caregivers while ensuring a good quality of life. Homecare for seniors is important as care itself is an inevitable part of aging. Here are some key benefits on how homecare for seniors helps to maintain independence and a better quality of life.

Maintaining Independence

One of the key benefits of homecare for your loved one is that it allows them to maintain their independence, which is extremely important in life for everyone. When this sense of independence is provided, they are able to live with dignity in their own homes. They are then safe in the knowledge that they will receive the best possible care. Aging can bring with it various health challenges such as mobility issues, and other conditions that can make it difficult for your loved one to live on their own. However, with homecare, your loved one can receive the support they need while still living independently. In fact, evidence has shown that people are happier and live longer within their own homes. 

Here are some ways homecare can help your loved one maintain their independence:

Personal care: Support bathing, dressing and grooming.
Mobility support: Support getting in and out of bed, walking, and using a wheelchair.
Medication management: Managing their medications, ensuring they are taking their medications as prescribed.
Home safety: Making their homes safer, such as installing grab bars, modifying bathrooms, and removing tripping hazards.

Home care nurse giving medication to an elderly man medica

Your loved one can continue to live in their own homes and carry out their daily routines with the help of a caregiver. Homecare services can also be tailored to meet the individual needs of your loved one allowing them to retain a sense of familiarity.

At Myhomecare, each client has their own needs and requirements which is why we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. Our tailor-made homecare services and bespoke packages cover a wide range of services from basic home help, to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge.

Home care worker visiting elderly woman

Myhomecare can offer routine medical services such as vaccinations or pharmacy deliveries in the comfort of your loved one’s home. Myhomecare also works with medical practitioners and suppliers to provide a wide range of supportive solutions such as home adaptations, essential medical supplies and partnership with your primary care team.

Myhomecare’s Technology for Independence

Myhomecare’s combined approach to care and technology supports independence for all age groups. Caregivers and nurses promote the use of app technology which features reminders for appointments, low-intensity exercise programmes and medication reminders.

At Myhomecare, we believe in providing the highest quality care and support services to our clients 24/7. This is why we have partnered with Isaac Care, a world class assistive technology solution. Isaac Care supports independence by combining care and technology, including monitoring health and wellbeing, a fall alarm and a circle of care app. 

Myhomecare’s Isaac Care:

Isaac Care provides a complete wraparound service, including remote health monitoring with 24/7 support, underpinned by a network of dedicated personal carers.
This allows your loved one to feel safe at home while they live independently.

Find Out More
Isaac Care App for Independence

Providing independence to your loved one can have numerous benefits. It is important that they are provided with a standard of life they wish to live, growing old should not mean a lesser life. With sufficient homecare and assisted living technology, they can maintain their sense of self while having sufficient support when needed.

Quality of Life

Senior man in wheelchair with home care provider

Being able to provide your loved one with the best quality of life is something every family wishes for. When your loved one can perform tasks and carry out activities when they want, safe in the knowledge care is available to them, this greatly enhances their state of wellbeing. By providing the below, homecare can significantly help loved ones live their lives to the fullest.

Homecare tailored to the individual needs and preferences for your loved one. This helps ensure they receive the specific support they need.

Personalised Care

Personalised Care

With homecare, your loved one can receive care in their own homes, promoting a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Comfort and Convenience

Comfort and Convenience

Homecare providers can assist your loved one with hobbies such as gardening, painting and playing games. Helping them maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Hobbies and Interests

Hobbies and Interests

As your loved one receives the support they need to manage their health conditions in their own homes, their health outcomes and overall quality of life are greatly improved.

Reduced Hospitalisations

Reduced Hospitalisations

Homecare provides your loved one with a familiar and comfortable environment, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness. They can continue to enjoy their hobbies or can keep visiting friends and family. Homecare providers can also provide companionship, which is important for overall mental and emotional well-being. By giving families that reassurance, they are then provided with a peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is being taken care of and is safe in their own home. This takes the stress off of an otherwise worrying situation. Here is a testimonial from one of our happy clients:

Ireen gives my mother the attention she needs, her personal hygiene is especially looked after and she loves the company. Delighted with the service!

Homecare for your loved one can help to maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, provide comfort, offer tailor-made care, and provide peace of mind. If you are considering homecare for your loved one, be sure to do your research and find a reputable provider, allowing your loved one to be taken care of in the best possible way.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way.

Contact Us

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Advice for Older People, Age Friendly Advice

A Month of Wellness: Celebrating Wellbeing, Self-Care, and Healthy Habits

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

A Month of Wellness: Celebrating Wellbeing, Self-Care, and Healthy Habits

Did you know August is National Wellness Month. This means focusing on self-care, managing stress and creating wholesome habits in your lifestyle for the month of August.  In this blog, we will discuss the importance of Wellness and why we should be making our wellbeing a priority this month and all year round.

What Is Wellness and Why Is It Important?

Wellness involves practicing healthy habits on a daily basis for better physical and mental health.

Why should we focus on our wellbeing? Because when we are well, we are able to show up as our best selves in all areas of our lives. When we feel good mentally and physically, we have more energy to put towards our relationships, careers and hobbies.

One way is to focus on healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress effectively. Another way is to make time for self-care activities that help you relax and rejuvenate.

Types of Wellness

There are different types of wellness that we should all strive to maintain. These include:

-Physical Wellness: This is our body’s overall condition and includes exercise, nutrition and sleep habits.

-Mental Wellness: This is our state of mind and includes our thoughts, feelings and emotions.

-Emotional Wellness: This is our ability to cope with life’s challenges in a healthy way.

-Spiritual Wellness: This is our sense of purpose and connection to something larger than ourselves.

-Occupational Wellness: This is our satisfaction and engagement with our work.

Making Wellness A Priority

Now that we know what wellness is and why it’s important, let’s talk about how we can make it a priority in our lives. Below are some tips on making wellness a part of your everyday life:

-Schedule time for yourself: Make sure to schedule time each day or week to do things that make you feel good. This could be anything from reading, taking a bath or going for a walk outdoors.

-Create healthy habits: Habits are easy to form and hard to break. So why not create ones that will benefit your wellbeing? Try swapping out unhealthy habits with healthier alternatives like meditation or journaling.

-Find a balance: It’s important to find a balance between work and play, rest and activity. When we have too much of one thing, it can lead to burnout. Make sure to schedule time for both work and leisure activities so you don’t get overwhelmed.

-Connect with others: Social connection is so important for our mental health. Spend time with loved ones or join a club or group that shares your interests. Take 10 minutes out of your day to call someone that makes you happy.

-Nourish your mind and body: Eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly are great ways to nourish your mind and body. To help nourish your mind, find things that make you happy and do them often.

–Exercise: We know how difficult it can be to gather the motivation to exercise, but even 20 to 30 minutes of exercise can make a positive impact on your mood. Start of small by taking a brisk walk after work or use the stairs instead of opting for the elevator.

Commit to making small changes that will lead to big improvements in your wellbeing.

Remember, it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself. Your wellbeing is worth the effort.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way.
Contact us on +1 800 400 900 or email us info@myhomecare.ie and one of our team will be in touch.

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Advice for Older People, Age Friendly Advice, COVID-19, HSE Announcements

The Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Explained

The Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Explained

In light of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the Covid-19 Vaccine booster programme has been extended following the recommendations of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced new Covid measures with the vaccine booster rollout ramp up a key phase in combating the ‘fourth surge’ of Covid-19.

The latest figures show 4,407 recorded daily cases, of which 634 are in hospital with 119 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the ICU.

**accurate at time of writing visit Ireland’s COVID19 Data Hub (arcgis.com) for updated daily figures

The vaccine booster programme has already begun with over 400,000 booster doses already being administered to those aged 80+ and those living in care facilities, according to HSE CEO Paul Reid.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly explains they have already seen a positive impact on those who have received the booster,

“In Ireland, we have already seen that booster doses given to those aged 80 years and older have been followed by a sharp decline in case numbers in that age group. This is very welcome news, and I encourage all of those who are eligible for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine to come forward and receive that vaccine as soon as it is available to you.”

During Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s address on Tuesday (November 16th) he announced that the NIAC have approved booster jabs for everyone over the age of 50 (a cohort of 600,000) and those under 50 with underlying illnesses in a bid to reduce Covid case numbers and relieve the pressures facing the HSE and Hospitals at present.

“NIAC have pointed out that the risk of vaccinated people aged 50-59 years requiring hospitalisation and becoming seriously ill and dying is higher than in younger age groups, therefore they are next in the order of priority for booster vaccination.”

As a result of this latest change, over 2.5 million people will now be eligible for their booster vaccine

Why Get The Vaccine Booster Dose

The HSE and NIAC are recommending those 50+ should consider receiving the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as the protection of the vaccine can weaken with time especially as we age. There are also concerns that with the more infectious Delta variant spreading, coupled with the easing of restrictions, it has lead to the surge in cases and hospital admissions.

The booster dose has been approved by the European Medicines Agency however if you have any concerns, please contact your GP or Pharmacist.

Find out more here – boosterpatientinfo.pdf (hse.ie)

Who Can Get The Vaccine Booster Dose?

  • Anyone aged 50 years plus
  • All Healthcare workers under 60 years
  • Anyone aged 16-59 years who have an underlying condition
  • Residents of irrespective or age or underlying conditions

You can only receive the booster vaccine if you have been double vaccinated and no sooner than 5 months after your second dose of your initial vaccine.

What Is The Vaccine Booster Dose?

All booster recipients will be given a single mRNA dose of Comirnaty® (Pfizer BioNTech) or Spikevax® (Moderna) regardless of which type of vaccine they initially received two doses of i.e. you received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine but will received a Pfizer booster dose.

For more information visit https://www.ema.europa.eu/en or COVID-19 vaccines – HSE.ie

How To Get Your Vaccine Booster Dose

  • You cannot receive your booster shot at a walk-in centre.
  • There is no registration needed.
  • Appointments will be issued by your GP or you will receive an SMS from the HSE with your appointment details.
  • If you cannot attend your appointment or are unable to leave your home contact HSELive on 1800 700 700 to reschedule.
  • Anyone in Long-term Residential care will not need to attend an appointment, they will be vaccinated at home.
  • If you are a frontline healthcare worker, you will be invited for your booster vaccine once 6 months has elapsed from your second dose.

Healthcare Workers and the Booster

The HSE advises that most Healthcare workers will receive their booster appointment within the next six weeks.  All healthcare workers under the age of 60 are expected to receive their booster vaccine by the end of December, with those aged 60+ already being called alongside the over 60 cohort.

For those who have become a healthcare worker after they received their second dose of the initial vaccine, you may need to register on the HSE, a service that is pending rollout.

However if you need to receive your booster vaccine quickly and have surpassed 6 months since your second dose details on how to get in contact are available here.

What If I Had Covid Recently?

The HSE is recommending that anyone that has been double vaccinated and since contracted Covid-19 will be invited to receive their booster shot six months after their Covid-19 diagnosis.

Can I Still Get The Flu Shot?

The NIAC and CDC, have also recommended that the seasonal influenza vaccine and Covid-19 booster can be administered at the same time, but advise to use different limbs (arms).

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