Missed medications...a decline in the home environment...loneliness -  there are many signs it's time to hire a an in home caregiver, but how do you know which home care agency to choose? Whether you take a home care recommendation from a friend, check out online reviews, or consult your physician for a referral, there is no substitute for doing your own research. While policies and procedures vary from agency to agency, these are the questions you should be asking every home care provider you interview:

What is home health? Who pays for homecare services? If you find yourself asking these questions, you're not alone. Before you make decisions about providers and what care is needed, it's important to understand the difference between homecare and home health. While both of these services are dedicated to supporting the health and well being of older adults, they serve different functions and have different regulations. 

Naomi Williams wrote, “It’s impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.” While we often hear about the power of gratitude for creating a more positive and happy mental state, research from UCLA shows that gratitude has the power to transform your brain.

In fact, regularly expressing gratitude literally changes the brain’s molecular structure, keeps gray matter functioning, improves sleep, reduces anxiety, and makes us healthier and happier.