The divergence in costs between facilities can be dramatic By Mike Takieddine Nursing homes are expensive by any measures, although costs vary considerably depending on location, type of accommodations, the level of care needed and, naturally, by the metric of luxury. Average Costs In 2014, the average daily rate for a semi-private room was $212 ($240 for a private room), with the lowest average rate at $94 ($104 for privacy), and the highest at $800 (or $954). Because the ma

Everything you need to know about Mom’s professional caregiver By Mike Takieddine With life buzzing around you at warp speed, and with children to be preoccupied about as well, Mom’s companion, homemaker and personal assistant may just about be the most important person for you at any given time. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), or Home Health Aides (HHAs), as they are also named, are the backbone of home care agencies and senior living facilities. They are thoroughly vet

A “live-in” arrangement is best: here is how it works By Mike Takieddine 24-hour live-in arrangements are much in demand these days, and it’s not only because of their cost savings. Here first are their benefits: Who benefits the most You and your parent would both benefit greatly. In your case, having a devoted caregiver living in with your parent gives you great peace of mind, particularly if you live at a distance or in another state. Having the one caregiver day and night

Private Duty Division By Mike Takieddine 1.We’re All the Time Recruiting & Screening Allheal’s main role is to build up a substantial roster of thoroughly screened and qualified caregivers to match your specific requirements. Having a substantial roster of vetted and ready caregivers is the number one hallmark of a great agency. 2.Matching Clients with Caregivers Based on your preferences when it comes to a caregiver, and based on our daily interaction with our caregivers,

Why the best caregivers prefer to work through an agency By Mike Takieddine AllHeal’s Role with its Caregivers It is well known in at-home elder care that great caregivers like to work through a Homecare agency. The agency provides the marketing that they lack individually. Here is what that means: Caregivers don’t like to commute farther than 10 or 15 miles on a daily basis, and they have specific needs as to the number of hours a day that they are able to work. Because of i

The cost of staying at home vs. an Assisted Living Facility By Mike Takieddine Awkward transitions, including end-of-life transitions, have a way of hitting us on the head with the subtlety of a sledge hammer. And when aging Dad is suddenly widowed, you pull out your contingency plan and, together with your siblings who each now their exact responsibilities for a crisis of this nature, you go to work. What, no fully agreed upon and updated contingency plan? Oh-oh, prepare to