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SUMMER IS HERE AND SCHOOL'S OUT, BUT WHO TAKES THE KIDS? --Tips for coverage during summer vacation

BLOOMFIELD, NJ, JULY 7, 2014 – Every year parents and caregivers of kids of all ages face the summer challenge of juggling to get coverage for their loved ones who need a ride, require an in-home visit from a certified home health aide to fill in the gaps. Personal-Touch® Home Health Services, www.pthomecare.com has a solution for those in need of companion help during vacation time this summer.

            “For many caregivers the summer months present a scheduling nightmare,” said Sandy Fromm, Administrator, Personal-Touch of New Jersey.  “Caregivers find themselves asking the perennial question where to get a little help to cover the times when the kids are released from day camp early, or who will look in on grandma and grandpa while the family is out of town on vacation. There are a number of companies that offer companion and sitter help on a part-time or full-time basis and they don’t just serve people who are infirmed.”

            According to a survey conducted a decade ago by the National Family Caregiver Association and the National Caregiver Alliance there were well over 800,000 caregivers in New Jersey, which included anyone who cares for children and elderly.[i]  Based on that survey caregivers are burdened to the maximum with responsibilities for their charges and their work, but help is available and in some instances just a phone call away.

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            There are a few rules of thumb that anyone seeking a companion or helper should remember.

1.      Think Ahead
Don’t leave it to the last minute. As soon as you realize that you are going to require help do research and get it set up as soon as possible.  It is best to give yourself at least one-to-two months to get everything in order.

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2.      Recognize Your Needs
Make a list of your needs. Are you going to require a ride or just a visit? Will there be meal preparation or light housekeeping involved?  Do you need someone who is trained in medication management or personal care?

3.      Consider Qualifications
Safety for the person you care for should be a concern. Based on your needs understand the experience of the aide or companion and be sure that their training and certifications are current, and they are bonded.

4.      Meet Face-to-Face
It’s crucial to meet with the potential hire in-person, and include the person for whom you care at that meeting. This allows you to see if the potential hire’s personality fits your child’s or grandma’s, and will help to avoid issues down the road. It also will give you an opportunity to discuss all the duties you would like accomplished so everyone is on the same page.

5.      Build a Relationship
Everyone knows that a good rapport makes for a successful relationship in business as well as in your personal life. The key to building a good relationship with a fill-in caregiver starts with being open and completely honest about the requirements you want accomplished. Remember you want the best for your loved ones for whom you provide care and since you are getting help the hire has to be someone who will tell you everything that goes on when you are not present.  They are going to be your eyes and ears.

            “Another  important factor to keep in mind when looking for a companion or sitter is to make sure the person you hire is trained, certified and bonded, added Sandy Fromm, Administrator, Personal-Touch of New Jersey.”

About Personal-Touch
            Personal-Touch Home Care, Inc. began operations in 1974 and since then has grown into a national company with over 50 locations in 11 states. Each office is licensed by the State in which it operates. Personal-Touch’s trained, certified and bonded staff of Registered Nurses, CHHAs, Housekeepers and Companions, provide home health care services to patients 24/7. Services include: Senior Care, Companions, Sitters, Certified Home Health Aides, Homemakers/Housekeepers, and Medication Management. Staff receives ongoing specialty training.

            Personal-Touch provides a variety of home health care services by Registered Nurses, CHHAs (certified home health aides), housekeepers, and companions to patients and their families throughout the Essex County towns of Belleville, Bloomfield, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Newark, Nutley, and the Oranges. In addition services are available in the counties of Hudson, Monmouth, Ocean and Union.  

             For more information please visit us at www.pthomecare.com or contact Sandy Fromm, Administrator at Personal Touch of New Jersey, 973-680-1434, X202 or at sfromm@pthomecare.com and ask about the Summer Special and roll back home care service rates in New Jersey through Labor Day.


[i] http://caregiveraction.org/_doc/pdf/State_Caregiving_Databystate2006.pdf

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