Tag: age friendly

Advice for Older People, Age Friendly Advice, Caregiver Advice, Home Care Advice

Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare

Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare

As homecare needs increase for families and elderly alike, so does the necessity to find solutions to help those being cared for. Assistive technology has become a popular option among families to help them to manage their family care from the comfort of their own homes. From devices designed to detect signs of falls and other emergencies, to apps that aid communication between providers and patients, this technologically advanced solution is playing a more important role now more than ever before. We take a look at assistive technology and its role in homecare and how it assists with aspects of daily living.

The World Health Organisation estimates that:

Today 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition.

1. Mobility and Accessibility

Assistive technology aids mobility and accessibility, together they are essential aspects of homecare, especially for loved ones with disabilities. From motorised wheelchairs to mobility scooters, these devices provide newfound independence and freedom. Ensuring that the home is designed and equipped to accommodate these needs can greatly enhance independence, safety, and overall quality of life.

Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare

Mobility and accessibility considerations that can be used at home:

  • Wheelchair accessibility: involves turning spaces into larger areas to accommodate the wheelchair’s dimensions and widening doorways.
  • Ramps and lifts: for homes with stairs, ramps or stairlifts can be installed instead to provide safe and accessible passage between different levels.
  • Bathroom accessibility: this can include roll-in showers, raised toilets, shower seats, and non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls.
  • Grab bars and handrails: strategically placed grab bars and handrails in areas like hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and bedrooms provide support and stability for individuals to move around safely.

2. Remote Health Monitoring

Remote health monitoring in homecare involves the use of technology to gather and transmit health-related data from patients’ homes to healthcare providers or caregivers. This approach allows for continuous monitoring of a person’s health status, vital signs, and other relevant information without the need for in-person visits to a healthcare facility. It has become increasingly important in modern healthcare, offering numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. This is especially useful for elderly or chronically ill individuals who require regular monitoring.

elderly man and assistive technology

Key components and aspects of remote health monitoring in homecare include:

  • Wearable devices and sensors: patients can wear devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters that collect real-time data on vital signs, physical activity, sleep patterns, and more.
  • Telehealth and telemedicine: remote health monitoring often integrates with telehealth and telemedicine services, enabling virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Video calls, voice chats, and messaging platforms allow for real-time communication and assessment.
  • Fall detection and prevention: sensors placed throughout the home can detect falls or irregular movements, triggering alerts to caregivers or emergency services. This is especially important for older adults at risk of falling.
  • Caregiver support: caregivers and family members can also benefit from remote health monitoring by staying informed about their loved one’s health status and receiving phone/app alerts if there are any concerning changes.

Myhomecare and Assistive Technology

At Myhomecare, we are constantly looking for ways to leverage technology to improve the care we provide. Myhomecare has proudly partnered with Isaac Care, to bring innovative and easy-to-use assistive technology to our clients nationwide. Offering a unique combination of technology and care, supporting people to live independently in their own homes. Isaac Care’s technology allows us to provide wraparound 24/7 support to our clients and provides comfort and peace of mind when our dedicated staff and family members can’t be present. It consists of the following features:

Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare
  • “Circle of Care” family caring app: groups of people involved in the person’s care are kept up to date with real-time instant in-app notifications.
  • Discreet home sensors: a discreet way of detecting activity around the home, with useful security and safeguarding applications.
  • Industry-leading wearable devices: the Isaac Fall Alarm is a smart, easy-to-use, personal alarm that offers reassurance that your loved one can instantly access help whenever they need it.
  • Health monitoring: the Isaac health monitoring kit allows for easy and effective monitoring of a person’s health from the comfort of their own home.

Myhomecare’s clinical team continuously monitor changes in health trends over time from information provided by Isaac Care’s assistive technology. The use of data driven decision making and early interventions leads to reduced hospital admissions and better patient outcomes, further enhancing the quality of care delivered by Myhomecare’s team.

By leveraging the benefits of assistive technology, we can provide reassurance, personalised care and support to our valued customers in the setting of their own homes.

3. Environmental Controls

Lights, temperature control, and even appliances can be managed with the touch of a button or with voice commands. This technology offers not only convenience but can allow individuals to control various aspects of their environment, such as opening and closing curtains, adjusting lighting, and operating electronic devices. These tools can drastically improve the quality of life for those with disabilities or physical challenges as they don’t need to move around the house frequently.

Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare

Environmental controls that can help life become more convenient at home:

  • Adjustable furniture and beds: adjustable-height beds, recliners, and ergonomic furniture can be controlled to provide optimal comfort and support for individuals with mobility or positioning needs.
  • Security and safety features: home security and surveillance systems can be integrated into environmental control systems, allowing individuals to monitor and control cameras, alarms, and access points.
  • Voice-activated systems: voice recognition technology enables individuals to operate appliances, lights, fans, and other devices through spoken commands, making it easier for those with limited mobility to manage their surroundings.
  • Automated doors and windows: automated door openers and window controls make it easier for individuals with limited mobility to access different areas of the home and control ventilation.

It is clear that assistive technology has numerous benefits when it comes to homecare, whether it’s promoting independence, enhancing safety and mobility, tracking health and improving the overall quality of life for loved ones with disabilities or limitations. By addressing various aspects of daily living and healthcare, Myhomecare uses assistive technology along with the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place. This empowers individuals to remain in their homes and communities while receiving the support they need.

Find out more about the packages we have on offer.

Contact Myhomecare Today

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Advice for Older People, Age Friendly Advice, Caregiver Advice, Home Care Advice

Tips for Families in Managing the Cost of Homecare

Tips for Families in Managing the Cost of Homecare
Tips for Families in Managing the Cost of Homecare

Tips for Families in Managing the Cost of Homecare

Caring for a loved one at home can bring immeasurable joy and satisfaction, but it can also present financial challenges for families. The cost of care can take a toll both financially and emotionally, creating a sense of confusion in trying to find the best balance between quality care and affordability. We will provide some tips for families in managing the cost of homecare in order to make an informed decision when seeking assistance and to ease any worries and stress.

Did You Know?

Over two-thirds of family carers in Ireland are in financial distress, a survey by Family Carers Ireland has found.

Tips for Families in Managing the Cost of Homecare

Investigate grants

The expenses of homecare services can add up quickly and become overwhelming. However, there are various grants available in Ireland for those in need. It may take some research to see which one suits your family’s needs best, but these resources can make a significant difference in easing the burden of expenses.

  • The Fair Deal scheme: The NHSS, also known as Fair Deal, is a scheme under which the cost of nursing homecare is managed through the HSE paying either the full amount or part of it.
  • Tax relief: the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland offer tax relief for certain healthcare costs, including homecare services.
  • Carer’s Support Grant: The Carer’s Support Grant is an annual payment made to carers who get Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). It can also be paid to certain other carers providing full-time care. Carers can use the grant in whatever way they wish.
  • The HSE Home Support Service: aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to support informal carers. 

You can also contact your county council or community welfare officer to inquire about any available grants or financial aid programmes designed to support homecare services.

Homecare Packages:

• These are the services of nurses, homecare attendants, home helps and the various therapists including physiotherapists and occupational therapists funded by the HSE. 
• This scheme was set up in order to increase homecare support and home help.
• To avail of the scheme, a means or income test will need to be carried out.

If you are interested in this, we can assist you on how best to apply for one.

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Two hands and Tips for Families in Managing the Cost of Homecare

Part-time care

As the price of full-time care can be very costly, families are increasingly turning to part-time homecare solutions as a way to manage. By hiring part-time carers, it is easier to manage the cost of homecare without sacrificing the quality of care. It can reduce overall expenses while still offering many of the services and attention that full-time care may provide.

These compassionate caregivers are available for a few hours a day or week, providing the necessary help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. Not only does this solution offer more flexibility and control over the budget, but it also allows for a more personalised care plan that is tailored to your loved one’s needs allowing them to remain independent.

Cheaper homecare doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality, and part-time carers can help find the balance needed.

Create a budget

When it comes to managing the cost of homecare, creating a budget can be a helpful tool. Whether you are caring for a loved one or seeking assistance for yourself, understanding the expenses that come with homecare is crucial. From hiring caregivers to purchasing medical supplies, it can all add up quickly. Creating a budget can help you determine what you can realistically afford and identify areas where you may need to cut back or seek financial assistance. It is best to develop a comprehensive budget that includes all of the expenses relating to care such as:

  • Caregiver fees: assess whether these are weekly or monthly expenses and whether it is part-time or full-time.
  • Medical supplies: it is important to know what medical supplies are needed such as dressings in case of accidents, hearing aids, and walking aids.
  • Transportation costs: does this need to be paid to the caregiver and how far are they traveling?
  • Home modifications: these can be expensive and range from safety bars to installing ramps for wheelchair users.

By creating a budget, you can take a proactive step toward managing the expenses of homecare with compassion and care.

Homecare expenses can be challenging to manage, however within the stresses and strains of finances the options above can help to reduce costs while ensuring your loved one’s individual needs are being looked after. By taking proactive steps, discussing your budget and long-term care plans early on, and researching financial aid options and grants, it can make a big difference on the strain that comes with managing expenses.

It is vital your loved one receives the right care from the right people no matter what the budget may be.

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

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

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Advice for Older People

Keep Well This Winter

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Keep Well This Winter

Winter in Ireland is a gloomy time of year. The dark days can be lonely and it’s easy to get sick or have weather related accidents. Each winter, vulnerable people are more susceptible to hospital visits which can put pressure on emergency departments and acute hospitals.

Cold air and gloomy skies can make anyone feel less cheerful during the winter months. However, depression can have an outsized effect on seniors and their long-term mental health. Creating opportunities for socialization and finding joyful moments isn’t just for fun – it can help foster critical connection and combat loneliness. There are a variety of uplifting activities that can be enjoyed during the winter months. These include movie nights, and getting outside on a rare sunny day.

It’s important for everyone to stay safe this winter, but it is particularly important for older adults so stay safe. Older adults can lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young. Changes in your body that come with aging can make it harder for you to be aware of getting cold. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what’s happening. Doctors call this serious problem hypothermia.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a medical condition that occurs when your body temperature drops below 35°C. When this happens, the body’s internal organs don’t work properly. This can cause serious health problems, such as heart failure.

Older adults are especially at risk for developing hypothermia. This is because their bodies are not as efficient at regulating temperature and they may be more vulnerable to the cold due to age-related changes in body composition, such as reduced muscle mass. Older adults may also lack the awareness of how to protect themselves from the cold and may not recognize early signs of hypothermia, such as confusion or shivering.

The best way to keep older adults safe this winter is to prevent hypothermia before it starts. This means dressing warmly in layers and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially when windy or wet. It’s also important to ensure that the home is adequately

5 Ways to Stay Well This Winter


1. Wrap up warm – Make sure you wrap up well when going out, as cold weather can increase the risk of illnesses such as colds and flu. Wear several layers of clothing to help keep your body temperature steady and wear a hat, scarf and gloves when necessary

2. Eat well – Eating nutritious meals is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Choose nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to stay energized and help ward off winter illnesses.

3. Stay active – Regular exercise can help boost your immune system, reduce stress and make you feel better in general. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking or cycling, for five days a week.

4. Get enough sleep – Lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to illnesses. Aim for seven to nine hours of good quality sleep each night and try to stick to regular sleeping patterns throughout the winter months.

5. Stay social – Socializing with family and friends can help reduce stress and make you feel more connected. Try to arrange regular catch-ups with people, whether virtually or in person, depending on the local restrictions. Doing activities together such as online quizzes, walks or watching a movie are all great ways to pass the time and stay social during the winter months

By following these tips, older adults can stay healthy and safe during the winter months. It’s important to take care of yourself in order to avoid any illnesses or health risks caused by cold weather. Stay warm, eat nutritiously and enjoy the company of family and friends this winter!

How Myhomecare Can Help

Our goal is to provide uplifting home care that benefits those who need caring and their families. tailor-made home care services and packages cover a wide range of services from basic home help and befriending to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge.

Our home care service doesn’t stop at providing nurses or carers. Myhomecare can offer routine medical services such as vaccinations or pharmacy delivery in the comfort of your own home. We also work 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.

So if you are looking for someone to assist you with shopping, 24 homecare packages or nursing care for a loved one, contact us today here.

How Isaac Care Can Help

Isaac Care’s aim is to lower hospital visits as care can be given at home instead. Isaac’s early intervention at the first sign of declining health prevents the need for hospital admissions, creates a reduction in readmission rates and reduces demand for GP visits.

Isaac Fall Alarm connects to the Isaac Care app providing real time updates to families. It ensures there is help when you need it, whenever you need it. It is also a GPS enabled fall alarm and is ideal for people of all ages who are concerned about their wellbeing and safety both at home, and while out and about. You can find out more about the Isaac Care Fall Alarm here.

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

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Advice for Older People

Careers In Independent Living

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Independent Living Careers

Independent living doesn’t mean you have to be alone. There is support on hand if you ever need it in the form of homecare. Living alone can be challenging but homecare combined with assistive technology allows the elderly and vulnerable to carry on with their lives as independently as they can but with the knowledge that help is available. 
 
Homecare services have been designed to assist expecting mothers, babies, and young and older adults from birth to retirement and beyond. There are a variety of fulfilling careers that focus on helping people to live independently. The importance of homecare workers cannot be underestimated, you get to give back to your community and care for people in a very special way indeed. A career in independent living is very rewarding, allowing you to help people maintain their independence and dignity. 

Data from 2019 shows 65,247 people aged 65+ were in receipt of home support, both public and private, resulting in 24.7 million home support hours. This number is growing which means there is always a demand for more carers within the workforce. 

Myhomecare is a HSE recognised national supplier of homecare. Established in 2006 by Servisource Recruitment, it employs over 220 staff, including administrative staff as well as homecare workers. 
If you are interested in helping people live independently, you can explore an array of jobs within the following fields: domestic home support, tracheostomy homecare, mental healthcare, pediatric care and palliative care among others. 

Reasons to Work in Homecare 

  • A rewarding career 
  •  Flexible hours 
  • Create bonds with people 
  • Supportive team atmosphere 
  • Giving back to the community
  • Develop valuable clinical skills

There are a range of different jobs on offer throughout Ireland.

Some available positions include:

–Homecare Nurses

–Homecare Assistants

–Personal Care Assistants

View All Positions Here

Myhomecare partnered with Isaac Care

Carer helping in independent living

As well as in-person care, Myhomecare has partnered up with the Isaac Care, creating a complete independent living solution. Isaac Care is a complete solution designed to assist people safely and independently in their own home. Combining our Circle of Care app, with assistive technology and a complete wraparound care service, Isaac Care offers you the support you need for the hours of the day when homecare and family carers can’t be with you. Giving you reassurance that Isaac Care’s expert team are on hand whenever you need them. 
 

Isaac Care is proud to be partnered with Myhomecare. Myhomecare currently holds the International Gold Seal in quality by JCI. They are one of an exclusive group of 24 Homecare companies globally who have attained the required standard and the only one in Ireland in our sector. This accreditation demonstrates the excellence in service delivery from the Myhomecare team and their dedication to their staff, clients and their families.

“Knowing that your time with them makes a huge difference to their day and that they look forward to seeing you is such a great feeling.”

–Lisa Brazil,
Myhomecare Carer

If you feel like helping people is the job for you, why not give a job in homecare a try. There are a range of courses to choose and there is bound to be one suited to your needs.

Find Out More About Our Training Courses Here

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@www.myhomecare.ie and one of our team will be in touch.

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