Darlene Mann, a LivHOME Care Manager in Southern California, discusses the issue of advance directives. She addresses a number of topics including the difference between a living will and a durable power of attorney, what caregivers and care managers can do to assure that advance directives are in place and accurately reflect the senior’s wishes, and tips on raising the issue of advance directives with seniors.

Creating advance directives involves having an open discussion so that everyone understands what the senior wants, while allowing him or her to maintain control — even during a medical emergency.

You can listen to the episode at www.livhome.com/podcast

LivHOME, Inc., one of the nation’s largest providers of professionally led at-home care for seniors, has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for the fourth consecutive year. LivHOME has appeared in the prestigious ranking of U.S. private companies each year since the list’s inception in 2007.

Mike Nicholson, LivHOME’s CEO notes:

Given the challenging economic environment, we are particularly pleased with our performance as well as our ability to continue bringing high-quality care to seniors who wish to remain in their own homes.

To read the full release, please click here.

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal found that patients with home care after emergency hip replacement had a 43% lower death rate than those sent home without a program.

Elderly patients given formal home care after a hip replacement due to a fall have a lower risk of dying within a few months after leaving hospital compared to those who don’t get such follow-up services, a study suggests.

The lead author notes that often times the caretaker lives with the elderly patient and is as old as they are.

Click here to read more.

A full 59% of those providing unpaid care to another adult also work full-  or part-time.

Of those, 62% have had to make adjustments to their work lives as a result of their caregiving responsibilities.

To listen to our Care Manager Connection, “Freeing Two Daughters from Caregiving Responsibilities,” click here.

In this month’s issue of CARING magazine, Steve Barlam, MSW, LCSW, CMC, LivHOME’s Chief Professional Officer, talks about the concept of “reciprocity” when caring for someone with dementia. It is the idea that the relationship with a dementia patient must have a give and take, thereby empowering the senior. Steve offers specific activities appropriate for the various levels of dementia.

To read the article, click here.