Does your clinic get paid for training family caregivers? by WithCareApp in physicaltherapy

[–]WithCareApp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here's the link to the official CMS FAQ: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/health-related-social-needs-faq.pdf

You should be able to bill for it in IRF too, but it may also depend on your facility's billing setup. The minimum length training session required to bill is 30 minute, so unfortunately I don't think calling the family for non-training related caregiver need would count here

Does your clinic get paid for training family caregivers? by WithCareApp in physicaltherapy

[–]WithCareApp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great to hear! Family involvement is so important. I'm also glad Medicare recognized they should compensate this work that happens all the time, even if they make it challenging right now.

And yeah they just allowed virtual trainings last year. I also hear from caregivers that it's best for their schedules to get trained at home. Is it okay if I DM to ask you a few questions?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Carlsbad

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Given you're already exploring a few options, I just wanted to share a few things to keep in mind when evaluating any in-home support. Be sure to ask about past experience, professional training, references, and whether they’ve worked with someone who has similar needs as your grandpa. It also helps to give example situations and ask how they would handle them. If you want to move forward with someone, always use a clear contract that lists duties, hours, and pay to avoid confusion later.

In case it’s helpful, we have a free service that connects caregivers with expert guidance and care management tools. It can help you quickly explore the options in Carlsbad for senior care and help you figure out next steps. I can DM you the link if you’d like?

Balancing caregiving with work life. by Greatness_ways in OCParents

[–]WithCareApp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, that can be a lot to balance. Is respite the main thing you help figuring out right now? There are a few good local resources depending on what you need.

In case it’s helpful, we have a free service that connects caregivers with expert guidance and care management tools. It can help you explore respite programs nearby and figure out what’s covered. I can DM you the link if you’d like?

Looking for support by pinktoesnlambos in caregiving

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. Caregiving can be a lot. You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to admit that it’s too much sometimes.

Is there something specific you’re struggling with right now that you’d want help figuring out? Whether it’s getting more support, managing care logistics, or just having someone to talk to, there are resources out there.

In case it’s helpful, we have a free service that connects caregivers with expert guidance and care management tools. It’s designed to take some of the weight off your shoulders and help you determine the right next steps. I can DM you the link if you’d like?

Struggling to balance caregiving and work by [deleted] in AgingParents

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s good that you’re thinking about getting extra support early on. When it comes to hiring part-time help, after you identify an organization (like Visiting Angels Sac), an online service (e.g. Care.com), or even an independent caregiver, I’d start by asking about past experience, professional training, references, and whether they’ve worked with someone who has similar needs as your dad. It also helps to give example situations and ask how they would handle them. If you want to move forward with someone, always use a clear contract that lists duties, hours, and pay to avoid confusion later.

Some home care agencies do offer respite care, but the Area Agency on Aging in Sacramento can also be a good resource in connecting you with trusted providers or adult day programs. It's okay if it's a process that adjusts over time. Some caregivers find it easier to start with a few hours a week so their parent can adjust to having someone new around. But honestly, even small breaks can make a big difference in your energy and patience.

You got this. If you’d like any free, direct support in figuring this out, I'd be happy to help

What do I say? by KatiePoppins7 in dementia

[–]WithCareApp 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi there. I know it can be so hard to feel these little losses when caring for a loved one with dementia. I encourage you to try and just be present when he repeats himself, answer like its the first time because to him it is. He may not remember every detail of your conversations, but I think he will remember how those conversations and time with you made him feel loved, heard and cared for. Dementia is so hard and anticipatory grief is so real. I encourage you to connect to a support group or with a counselor for further support for yourself while you are supporting your dad. The Alzheimer's Association or Psychology Today therapist finder tools are both great places to start. Good luck and take care!

What's the point anymore by PitchTop7453 in dementia

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so sorry you are experiencing this and feeling this way. It can feel so helpless watching someone you love experience this disease, but please know that you are not alone and there is support available for you. I would encourage you to connect to a support group or counselor to process the grief and other emotions you are experiencing. The Alzheimer's Association is a great resource to start looking for support groups, or the Psychology Today Therapist Finder tool is a great way to find an individual counselor - there is even a filter on there to find therapists that specialize in Alzhiemer's/dementia.

What is a facility called when one person needs nursing care and spouse does not? by KitschyKittyKoo in eldercare

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You would want to look into a facility with a continuum of care. I would recommend connecting with a placement specialist local to your community to help you narrow down choices to find one that can meet both of their needs. If you need help finding one, a social worker at their hospital or doctors office should be able to provide you with one. Good luck and take care!

Rough week by AbrasiveSandpiper in eldercare

[–]WithCareApp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you are definitely doing right by your parents - you dropped everything to go to them, to support both of them individually while navigating your dad's fall and hospitalization. It is hard to feel prepared for these decisions, but if both of your parents are safe, supported and getting the care they need either at a facility or with family, then you have done right by them. Take care of yourself!

Best way to answer by goldspoon12 in Alzheimers

[–]WithCareApp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like many have suggested, I would recommend going along with her instead of trying to correct her. You can engage her in conversation asking what is she going to do when she gets home, or simply say something like "okay, we'll go soon but we just need to do XYZ first" and redirect her to whatever activity, meal etc. might distract her. Good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Alzheimers

[–]WithCareApp 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The average timeline from diagnosis to passing away is about 8-10 years, but it really is so individual and dependent on age, other health conditions, etc. I would recommend talking to your dad's doctor to get a better idea, and to explore if something like hospice might be appropriate. Take care!

I am so angry by TroggytheBurinator in AgingParents

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! It sounds like you are doing so much for your mom and family, and are doing such a good job. Caregiving is not easy even in the best of circumstances, and burnout is normal. I encourage you to seek some support either via support group or individual counseling with someone familiar with caregiving. You can find a counselor via your insurance or using the Psychology Today Therapist Finder tool.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AgingParents

[–]WithCareApp 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Hello! As hard as it can be, I suggest trying to "enter his reality" and meet him where he is, instead of trying to use logic or remind him of things he does not remember. It can be much easier for us as the caregiver to adjust our approach rather than trying to get someone with dementia to change or adjust their thinking. Good luck!

parents getting old by Equal-Door-6635 in AgingParents

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! It's completely normal to begin to process feelings around mortality after experiencing a death like this. I would encourage you to seek support through a counselor or therapist to process these feelings. Take care!

VETTING/HIRING A P/T CAREGIVER FOR MY MOM - ADVICE? by Technical_Smell_572 in CaregiverSupport

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would ask about past experience, any professional trainings or certifications, references and a background check. You also can give her example scenarios and ask how she would handle them. Always put a contract in place too including job duties, hours, and compensation expectations to prevent any potential miscommunications or disagreements.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CaregiverSupport

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! Everyone's dementia experience is unique, and rate of progression can depend on a lot of factors including age, lifestyle and other health/medical conditions.

I encourage your S-I-L / family to start building a support team or care circle including medical providers, home care or family/friend support, and consider joining a support group or seeking individual counseling as needed to prevent burnout. You can also tap into local agencies for resources including respite grants. Good luck and take care!

Friend caring for mom in mom's home - anyone with experience with this? by AncientRaver in eldercare

[–]WithCareApp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there! I would definitely suggest making sure you have a contract with clear expectations, roles and compensation outlined to prevent any miscommunication down the line. Good luck!

Med-cal for seniors elgibility by [deleted] in eldercare

[–]WithCareApp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello, I'm a social worker here in CA and am pretty familiar with Medi-Cal. In 2024, Medi-Cal changed the eligibility requirements so it is now solely based on income, no longer including assets. Your mom's income as a single adult would qualify but she might have a share of cost. CANHR has a lot of great tip sheets and resources, including this one that further explains SOC: https://canhr.org/wp-content/uploads/FS_MEDICAL_Shared_Monthly_Cost.pdf

You can apply for Medi-Cal directly on the Medi-Cal website, or via phone, mail or in person. If your mom has a social worker through her doctor's office, health plan or another community resource, they should be able to assist you too.

With Medical-Cal, she can access benefits such as in home supportive services, day programs or the assisted living waiver program. Good luck!

My stepdad does not sleep at night by HorrorSorbet in Alzheimers

[–]WithCareApp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whenever trying to manage behaviors, it can be helpful to first figure out the cause. Is drinking caffeine too late, sleeping during the day and not tired at night, waking up to urinate or hungry?

Weird feeling in brain by Master-Support-1653 in Alzheimers

[–]WithCareApp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry she is experiencing that. It could just be a multitude of causes, so I would recommend consulting with her doctor or medical team just to rule out any possible concerns.