The other day I was meeting with a new elderly couple. They do not speak English very well so their son was asking questions about my services on their behalf. One of the first questions he asked was if services like mine are regulated.
Point proved. I am not the only one who thinks that regulations are a must.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September 19 2009
This is the exact reason why I am on a mission to regulate private senior service companies.
No one should ever trust a loved one to be looked after by a staffing agency. If you knew the kinds of people that were hired by these agencies - you wouldn't even let them look after your pet!!!
Call to action - EVERYONE READ THIS ARTICLE. Comments are much appreciated. They will help me with my mission.
Part 1 = http://www.thestar.com/article/696940
Part 2 = http://www.thestar.com/article/697577
People who are thinking about hiring a PSW should know there are a lot of options out there - look for a company that is willing to match your loved one with the proper PSW for the job - a connection with companionship is the most important part of being a successful PSW.
No one should ever trust a loved one to be looked after by a staffing agency. If you knew the kinds of people that were hired by these agencies - you wouldn't even let them look after your pet!!!
Call to action - EVERYONE READ THIS ARTICLE. Comments are much appreciated. They will help me with my mission.
Part 1 = http://www.thestar.com/article/696940
Part 2 = http://www.thestar.com/article/697577
People who are thinking about hiring a PSW should know there are a lot of options out there - look for a company that is willing to match your loved one with the proper PSW for the job - a connection with companionship is the most important part of being a successful PSW.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
July 18 2009
So I haven't written in a while - doesn't mean that my mind has quit the regulations pursuit. I have had a number of realizations during an incident where one of my clients was rushed to the hospital emergency and then admitted for a number of days.
Realizations ...
1) Being a caregiver is not just sitting and talking about grandchildren. It is emotionally draining. Do new companies know this ... why isn't there a regulator body that explains or offers training to deal with negativity and stress?
2) I've been searching for policy examples for caregiver organizations - none exist. Is this because not one of these companies have policies in place, or is it because everyone is so secretive about this. Another long list of questions?
3) I always go back to the point of these small businesses, new to senior care, think they know everything because they help their grandparents and like being around seniors. This could be dangerous to them and the seniors they are trying to help.
Next week ... back to my hunt for regulations in the States.
Realizations ...
1) Being a caregiver is not just sitting and talking about grandchildren. It is emotionally draining. Do new companies know this ... why isn't there a regulator body that explains or offers training to deal with negativity and stress?
2) I've been searching for policy examples for caregiver organizations - none exist. Is this because not one of these companies have policies in place, or is it because everyone is so secretive about this. Another long list of questions?
3) I always go back to the point of these small businesses, new to senior care, think they know everything because they help their grandparents and like being around seniors. This could be dangerous to them and the seniors they are trying to help.
Next week ... back to my hunt for regulations in the States.
Friday, July 10, 2009
July 10 2009
Heard back from the National Home Care Association.
The lady told me that she doesn't have any data on which states have home care regulations. She told me that I would have to contact each state individually.
She also told me that I could try the Department of Public Health.
Contacting the States Home Care Associations looks to be my best bet.
Stay tuned ...
The lady told me that she doesn't have any data on which states have home care regulations. She told me that I would have to contact each state individually.
She also told me that I could try the Department of Public Health.
Contacting the States Home Care Associations looks to be my best bet.
Stay tuned ...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
July 7 2009
Found some more facts:
* Seniors 85+ compose the fastest growing segment of the population
* Home care is one of the fastest growing sectors in health care - provincial budgets for this service have doubled in recent years - representing 4.3% of the total provincial and territorial governments expenditures
* 1999 census data includes - 2.1% of Canadians use home care services
*According to the National Population Health Survey in 2002 - 12% or 400,000 seniors in Canada used at least one home care service in 1997
* 10% of seniors age 65 - 69 use home care services
* 20% of seniors age 80 - 84 use home care services
* 37% of seniors older than 85 use home care services
*Currently Canada doesn't have a national home care program, nor are public home care services required to be provided under the Canada Health Act.
*Health Commissioner Roy Romanow of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada recommends that home care be included as medically necessary.
CONCLUSION - Home Care is needed for our growing population & isn't even regulated at the provincial level, never mind the private sector.
Why are we forgetting about our elders?
Today I called The National Pace Association in Northern Virginia, as per the recommendation of the Rural Assistant Centre. They did not have any information for me, but put me in contact with the National Home Care Association in Washington. I called and left a message.
Who would have thought that a simple question such as which states have regulations for Home Health Care would be so difficult to answer?
More conclusions to come ... hopefully
* Seniors 85+ compose the fastest growing segment of the population
* Home care is one of the fastest growing sectors in health care - provincial budgets for this service have doubled in recent years - representing 4.3% of the total provincial and territorial governments expenditures
* 1999 census data includes - 2.1% of Canadians use home care services
*According to the National Population Health Survey in 2002 - 12% or 400,000 seniors in Canada used at least one home care service in 1997
* 10% of seniors age 65 - 69 use home care services
* 20% of seniors age 80 - 84 use home care services
* 37% of seniors older than 85 use home care services
*Currently Canada doesn't have a national home care program, nor are public home care services required to be provided under the Canada Health Act.
*Health Commissioner Roy Romanow of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada recommends that home care be included as medically necessary.
CONCLUSION - Home Care is needed for our growing population & isn't even regulated at the provincial level, never mind the private sector.
Why are we forgetting about our elders?
Today I called The National Pace Association in Northern Virginia, as per the recommendation of the Rural Assistant Centre. They did not have any information for me, but put me in contact with the National Home Care Association in Washington. I called and left a message.
Who would have thought that a simple question such as which states have regulations for Home Health Care would be so difficult to answer?
More conclusions to come ... hopefully
Monday, June 29, 2009
June 29 2009
Today was another day of interesting discoveries.
First - called AARP head office. They did not have any information on which states are regulated. They put me in touch with the Rural Assistant Centre in North Dakota. They also informed me that I could call each state AARP head office and they would know the answer state-by-state.
Starting to look like this might have to be done.
Second - called the Rural Assistant Centre. This is an organization that consists of librarians who find interesting statistics and post them on line. The woman I spoke to was very helpful, but did not have the answer for me.
She put me in touch with the National Pace Association, The Family Caregiver Alliance & The Administration on aging in the United States Government.
I am hopeful that my answer is coming closer.
First - called AARP head office. They did not have any information on which states are regulated. They put me in touch with the Rural Assistant Centre in North Dakota. They also informed me that I could call each state AARP head office and they would know the answer state-by-state.
Starting to look like this might have to be done.
Second - called the Rural Assistant Centre. This is an organization that consists of librarians who find interesting statistics and post them on line. The woman I spoke to was very helpful, but did not have the answer for me.
She put me in touch with the National Pace Association, The Family Caregiver Alliance & The Administration on aging in the United States Government.
I am hopeful that my answer is coming closer.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
June 28 2009
Still researching states that have regulations for home care organizations.
Found...
1) Maryland is licensed by the office of Health Care Quality: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
2) Virginia is licensed by the Virginia Department of Health.
More discoveries to come ...
Found...
1) Maryland is licensed by the office of Health Care Quality: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
2) Virginia is licensed by the Virginia Department of Health.
More discoveries to come ...
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