July brings the celebration of freedom.  Independence Day is our time to recognize those who have fought for our freedom, and those who continue that fight today.  This was certainly brought to mind for me while visiting my parents in Northern Wisconsin recently.

My 92 year old father, a World War II veteran, is an active participant in the American Legion Honor Guard.  I was able to observe a military funeral and listened to my Dad’s bugle sound out Taps into the still evening air – revering the service and sacrifices the deceased veteran made for our country.  What a moving experience for his family, and for all of us in attendance.  I am so very proud that Dad has made this commitment for over 60 years now, and plans to continue for as long as he is able.  I know that there are veterans all over our country who are still giving of themselves in so many ways.

I have two challenges for all of us this July.  First of all, thank a veteran!  It doesn’t matter if they are 22 or 92.  They are protecting us, our families, and our country.

And secondly, help us spread the word about the Veteran’s Administration Aide and Attendant Care Program.  This provides financial assistance to qualifying veterans and/or their spouses for caregiving services. We find that many, many veterans and their families are not aware of this program.  This financial support may make the difference in their “independence”.  It could mean staying at home instead of relocating.

So as our sparklers die out, and the hot dogs and watermelon are eaten, reach out and say “thanks” to those military veterans who serve us so well.

For more information about the Aide and Attendant Care Benefit and other home care services, please contact Villa Home Care at 602-957-9300 and request a complimentary consultation from one of our Care Managers.

“I don’t know what to do?  My Mom needs help at home and she has some income, but limited savings.  She really needs some help to be able to stay at home.”

This is a common response when families call asking about the services of Villa Home Care.  In fact, while we have seen a significant increase in the number of clients we care for, we have seen a decrease in the number of caregiver hours we are providing to them. 

There are some obvious reasons for this trend.  First of all, older adult’s retirement plans have some very diminished returns.  That money that was going to carry them through their nonworking years just isn’t there.  Secondly, people are absolutely living longer.  We have clients who are 100, 103 and 105.  No one, in their retirement planning, counted on that!  Lastly, we are finding that our older adults are now subsidizing their adult children, who may be struggling with upside down mortgages or lost jobs. 

This is all real life.  So to better serve those callers as above, Villa Home Care has changed our direction.  We now “Preserve the dignity, independence and resources of our clients though a continuum of care”.  What this means is that our Care Managers continue to be the cornerstone of our care.  Our Care Managers complete a complimentary, comprehensive assessment of the older individual’s situation, and make recommendations to the client/family.  Those recommendations may include caregivers, or may not.  Perhaps the services of a Care Manager once or twice monthly would meet the client’s needs.  Or with the use of some technology such as monitors or sensors, the family would be assured of their loved one’s safety. 

Contact Villa Home Care today to schedule your Care Manager assessment.  Find out options for your loved one – while preserving their dignity, independence and resources!
Call 602-957-9300 or contact@villahomecare.com. 

Sincerely,

Karen Jeselun, RN, CCM, CSA