Our Process
Our Process
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As with most things,
there is a process involved in selecting and beginning service with the home care agency that will provide care for your loved one. While the process outlined below isn’t carved in stone, it should serve as a reasonable guideline for getting you through. It reflects the process we prefer, but our service is customized to the needs and circumstances of the individual, and may vary.
- Do a thorough due diligence on the agency. It’s prudent to do your homework on the available agencies in your area. There are important differences in agencies and we want you to understand the differences.
- Meet with agency representative to get an introduction to the agency and discuss client’s requirements. Review agreements and agency-provided materials to ensure you understand your financial and other obligations. Only then should you sign any documents.
- The agency will arrange to visit the client in her/his home; preferably, the primary caregiver (most often a family member) should be there as well. This way we will get an understanding of the client’s needs, limitations and expectations. First Choice Senior Care uses one of the most comprehensive assessment processes in the industry, to ensure we are properly understand and can address the client’s needs.
- We will prepare a written plan of care, detailing the services and timing of various activities. The plan will be reviewed with the appropriate family member as well as the client.
- First Choice Senior Care will assign a caregiver, based on criteria provided by the client, family member. The caregiver will be provided with the plan of care and a copy will be kept in the client’s home for updating and notation during service.
- First Choice Senior Care management or staff will accompany the caregiver to the clients’ home on the first visit as an introduction and to answer any unforeseen questions that may arise. The caregiver will be wearing a First Choice Senior Care badge with photo for proper identification. Upon arrival our caregiver will use the client’s home phone to make a toll-free call to our office. This call (using our state-of-the-art technology) confirms that our caregiver has arrived. Another toll-free call is made at the end of the daily assignment at which time our caregiver will input the activities performed that day. This ensures accuracy in billing, as well as real-time verification of the caregiver’s departure.
- About every 4-6 weeks, our client care coordinator or other staff member will visit the home to check on the client and the caregiver, and to ensure that the plan of care is working as intended or to make any adjustments needed.
Our Senior Care Services
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In-Home Care
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Senior Community/Assisted Living Care
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Hospital Care
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First Choice Senior Care is dedicated to protecting our clients, their families and our caregivers from the threat of COVID-19. Read our policies and procedures for taking care of our patients, staff and families below.
First Choice Senior Care is now a part of the Arkansas Hospice family of services.
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As the day progresses, people with dementia diseases like Alzheimer's can experience a condition known as sundowning. Sundowning occurs late in the day and can last through the night. A state of confusion referred to as sundowning occurs as the sunlight fades away. Symptoms get worse over the remainder of the day and improve the next morning. An Overview Sundowning is a disorder highlighted by a disconnection from reality. Sufferers will show aggression, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and disorientation. They may refuse to follow directions or perform their regular tasks. Sufferers might pace or wander and could have trouble sleeping. The patient's stress is, of course, transferred to the caregiver. Caregivers can find themselves not getting good rest and having difficulty functioning during the day. It's believed one out of five Alzheimer's patients has sundown syndrome . This is also a condition that appears in mature persons who have no form of dementia. Possible Causes of Sundowning Scientists still debate the actual cause of sundowning. One hypothesis is a disruption in the "biological clock." The biological clock is a regulating cycle of circadian rhythms. Composed of molecules and cells interacting throughout the body, the process manages our 24-hour cycle of mental, physical, and behavioral activity. Circadian rhythms influence hormone release, eating, digestion, and even body temperature. They greatly impact sleep patterns. Our rhythms scan information about light. That info is delivered to the brain and transformed into preparation for sleep. In essence, when we "see" night coming, our brain makes melatonin that makes us drowsy. If there's a glitch in that delivery—such as the transmission to a brain not completely operational—the brain will receive messages but not send out signals. The body will never be told it's tired and should get ready to sleep. That, in turn, leads to the agitation and confusion associated with sundowning. Sundowning is often aggravated by: ● Fatigue ● Hunger and thirst ● Pain ● Depression ● Boredom ● Low lighting and increased shadows ● Inability to separate dreams and reality ● Infection such as a urinary tract infection Dealing with Sundown Syndrome Keep an eye out for symptoms of sundowning which tend to show up in the late hours of the afternoon and the early evening. Sufferers may be confused or irritated. They might yell, pace, or wander. If you come across this behavior, reassure them they have nothing to worry about and everything is fine. Listen calmly to their frustrations and concerns. Here are some other tips you can try: ● Minimize the number of people around the sufferer. ● Reduce clutter and noise. ● Relieve the stress by distracting the person with a favored snack, object, or activity. Give them a drink. Try talking about something they enjoy, like their grandkids or a cherished memory. Suggest a simple chore like folding clothes. Turn on a familiar and calming television show or movie. Avoid the news as it can be upsetting. ● Prepare so that the period where sundowning starts is quiet. Have soothing music playing in the patient's room or use a wave machine. Take them for a walk. Have a friend or family member call. Help the sufferer focus on a book. ● Shadows can agitate sundowning. Close blinds and curtains. Turn on lights at dusk to minimize shadows. Avoid Sundowning The restlessness associated with sundowning gets worse when everyone's tired. You can use the following tips to avoid restlessness among patients. Use them to give everyone a chance to reduce stress and possibly get a good night's sleep. ● Make sure the patient gets outside or sits by a window. Getting exposed to bright light can assist in keeping the body clock on point. ● Make sure the sufferer gets exercise or physical activity at least once a day. ● Have the patient take a short nap early in the day. There are also a few things you can do to keep sundowning from getting worse. ● Do not let sufferers drink cola, coffee, or other caffeinated drinks late in the day. ● Do not serve any alcoholic beverages. The psychotropic effect can aggravate the anxiety and confusion associated with sundowning. ● While we advise some exercise, do not think keeping sufferers busy with activities will help. Full schedules can be too tiring and may leave patients with unwanted energy. Get Professional Help Sundowning can be difficult for everyone. Even when following all the above guidelines, problems could still occur. Should you see any signs of sundowning in a loved one, talk to their doctor. They will conduct an exam to identify potential causes. The doctor will determine if it's a sleep disorder, a pain-related condition, or even a medication side effect. If the doctor prescribes a medication to aid with relaxation and sleep, make sure you know about side effects. Medication can increase the chances of falls, dizziness, and confusion. Medications are typically only used for short periods. It may be necessary to contact professional help to provide care at home that can help guide you and your loved one through difficult scenarios. First Choice Senior Care is the premier home care provider in Central Arkansas. Please contact us to learn more or visit our website for more information.