Library of Helpful Information

Click on any topic below for more information.

Advance Directive
Information about living wills, advance directives and durable power of attorney.

Family Disaster
Plan for a complete guide to help you prepare for an environmental disaster, such as a tornado or flood.

Home Safety Tips
Suggestions to make your home safe for you, your family and your friends who visit. Valuable information is contained for families caring for elderly or disabled persons.

Selecting a Home Care Agency
Information to help you evaluate home care agencies. Included are standards of care and business practices to guide you in comparing home care agencies in your community.

Professional Caretakers, Inc., is a licensed home health care agency for the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas, and the surrounding cities.

Advanced Directive

Advance Directives, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney

An Advance Directive is a document in which a person either states choices for medical treatment or designates who should make treatment choices if the person should lose their decision-making capabilities. One document can cover both situations.

A Living Will is a legal document that allows you to state, in advance, your wishes regarding the use of life-sustaining procedures should you have a terminal condition.

A Durable Power of Attorney is included in a written document, such as Advance Directives or a Living Will, assigning to another person the right to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

Advance Directive forms are readily available from many sources, including a physician or your attorney. Two adults who are not related to you must witness the document. A Durable Power of Attorney, stating your agent for decision-making, must be notarized.

The document should be reviewed every few years and can be changed if you want. It can also be cancelled by telling two adult witnesses of this decision. All old copies must be destroyed.

Your family members, clergy and physician should be made aware of your Advance Directives, or the contents of your Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney. Hospitals and other health care providers, including home health agency representatives must also be made aware of your Advance Directives. Your designated agent should have the original copy of the document and copies should be made available to all health care providers.

You can also obtain more information from your attorney or, if you are over age 60, Legal Services for the Elderly by calling your local Area Agency On Aging or Elderly Services, found in the Government section of your white pages.

Check List

Date of my Advance Directives or Living Will:
___________________
My Advance Directives documents are located:
__________________
My Durable Power of Attorney:
______________________________
Copies have been provided to:
_______________________________

This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com)

For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us:

Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500
Dallas Office (214) 691-4411
Austin Office (512) 794-0065
San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266
Houston Office (713) 840-8246

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Family Disaster

Family Disaster Plan and Personal Survival Guide

Fill in the blanks, and keep it posted in your home.

Preparation

Family Meetings: At least once a year have a meeting with your family to discuss and update your plan. Determine what training, equipment and supplies are needed. Occasional drills will assure quick reaction and avoid injury and panic in an emergency situation. Share your plans with your relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Training

Check your home to see that heavy items are secured to the wall, cabinet doors are secured, and that the chance for glass and other objects to fall on someone is minimized.
Attend Red Cross or other training programs to learn first aid and CPR.
Persons Trained: __________________________ Dates: __________
Learn how and where to shut off utilities.
Location of gas valve: ______________________________________
Location of wrench: _______________________________________
Location of main water valve: ________________________________
Location of main circuit breaker: ______________________________
Location of other utilities: ____________________________________
Draw a plan of your home showing the location of: . Exit windows and doors • Utility cut-offs • First Aid kit • Emergency supplies . Food, clothing, tools, etc. • Flashlights with extra batteries. Be sure everyone in your home is familiar with the list. Show it to caretakers, household guests, etc. They could use it or show it to someone in the event of an emergency.
Set up alternate places to meet around the house:
Outside: ___________________________________________
Inside: ____________________________________________
Set up alternate reunion locations when family is not at home (e.g. home, Red Cross shelter, neighbors, relatives, park, school, church):_______________________________________________
List name and telephone number of persons outside the area for family members to call to report location and condition:
_______________________________________________
Be aware of your surroundings and where possible, locate emergency exits and find out the disaster plan of areas you may frequent: • Shopping Mall • Grocery Store • Church • Workplace • Apartment Complex
List where emergency supplies and equipment are stored:
Portable Radio: ___________________________________________
Flashlight/Batteries: _________________________________________
Water and Food: __________________________________________
Sanitation Supplies: _________________________________________
Fire Extinguisher: __________________________________________
Tools: ___________________________________________________
Blankets: ________________________________________________
Cooking Equipment: ________________________________________
Special Equipment: ________________________________________
Prescription Glasses: _______________________________________
Medications: _____________________________________________
Complete set of Clothes, Shoes, and Gloves: _____________________

This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com)

For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us:

Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500
Dallas Office (214) 691-4411
Austin Office (512) 794-0065
San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266
Houston Office (713) 840-8246

BACK TO LIBRARY

Home Safety Tips

ELECTRICAL

Don't place cords under furniture or rugs.
Replace frayed cords.
Don't overload extension cords.
Don't use multiple outlet adapters on electrical outlets.

RUGS, RUNNERS, AND MATS

Secure loose rugs, runners and mats to the floor with double-sided adhesive or rubber matting.
Tack down carpet edges.
Repair, replace or remove torn, worn or frayed carpets.

TELEPHONE

One phone should be close at hand in event of an accident and a person cannot stand or walk to the phone.
Post emergency numbers near or on the phone with a sticker.
At least one phone must be connected directly...cordless phones do not work during a power failure.
Family members may want to consider carrying a pager (beeper) for immediate access if needed.

FIRE

One smoke detector is recommended on each level of the home.
Develop a plan to exit the home in case of fire.
Keep pathways to all exits clear.
Make sure a key is nearby deadbolt locked doors.
Don't leave cooking items unattended.
Never leave kerosene heaters, wood stoves or fireplaces unattended while in use.
Be sure any window bars are releasable from the interior of the home.

CUPBOARDS AND CLOSETS

Most frequently used items should be placed on lower shelves.
To reach high items, only use a sturdy step stool.
Place heavy items flat on lower levels to avoid the possibility of falling items.

This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com)

For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us:

Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500
Dallas Office (214) 691-4411
Austin Office (512) 794-0065
San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266
Houston Office (713) 840-8246

BACK TO LIBRARY

Selecting a Home Health Care Agency

The following is recommended to help you evaluate home health care agencies. You should be able to ask questions to determine whether an organization meets these important standards.

*Uniform Standards of Patient Care applies to all patients receiving home care, including private-duty; continuous home care and insurance/Medicare covered home health care.

*The Agency should be licensed by the State Department of Health.

STANDARDS TO MEASURE HOME HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Delivery of Care

Patient Rights are explained and observed at all times.
Confidentiality is assured and maintained at all times.
Professional assessment begins with the agency's first encounter with the patient/family and is ongoing.
Services are available and supervised 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Professional nursing is available at all times.
Planning for care includes the patient, family, physician and home care team.
Community resources are accessed appropriately.
Infection control processes are in place and monitored.
Patient and staff safety systems are in place and monitored.
Discharge planning involves the patient/family and includes instruction for self-care or alternate care arrangements.

Organization

Employees are screened, bonded and supervised by a nurse or therapist and held accountable to the agency.
Insurance is adequate for employee, agency and patient protection.
Staff Competency is evaluated and upgraded constantly.
Staff is provided with adequate resources to deliver quality and safe patient care.
Supervisory support and guidance is available at all times.
Billing Practices are ethical, consistent, fair and explained at admission.

REMEMBER:

*Ask probing questions ... it is your right!

*Get references from your doctor or friends.

*Call your state Home Health Care Hot-Line with any problems.

This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com)

For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us:

Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500
Dallas Office (214) 691-4411
Austin Office (512) 794-0065
San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266
Houston Office (713) 840-8246

BACK TO LIBRARY


	Library of Helpful Information Click on any topic below for more information. Advance Directive Information about living wills, advance directives and durable power of attorney. Family Disaster Plan for a complete guide to help you prepare for an environmental disaster, such as a tornado or flood. Home Safety Tips Suggestions to make your home safe for you, your family and your friends who visit. Valuable information is contained for families caring for elderly or disabled persons. Selecting a Home Care Agency Information to help you evaluate home care agencies. Included are standards of care and business practices to guide you in comparing home care agencies in your community. Professional Caretakers, Inc., is a licensed home health care agency for the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas, and the surrounding cities. Advanced Directive Advance Directives, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney An Advance Directive is a document in which a person either states choices for medical treatment or designates who should make treatment choices if the person should lose their decision-making capabilities. One document can cover both situations. A Living Will is a legal document that allows you to state, in advance, your wishes regarding the use of life-sustaining procedures should you have a terminal condition. A Durable Power of Attorney is included in a written document, such as Advance Directives or a Living Will, assigning to another person the right to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Advance Directive forms are readily available from many sources, including a physician or your attorney. Two adults who are not related to you must witness the document. A Durable Power of Attorney, stating your agent for decision-making, must be notarized. The document should be reviewed every few years and can be changed if you want. It can also be cancelled by telling two adult witnesses of this decision. All old copies must be destroyed. Your family members, clergy and physician should be made aware of your Advance Directives, or the contents of your Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney. Hospitals and other health care providers, including home health agency representatives must also be made aware of your Advance Directives. Your designated agent should have the original copy of the document and copies should be made available to all health care providers. You can also obtain more information from your attorney or, if you are over age 60, Legal Services for the Elderly by calling your local Area Agency On Aging or Elderly Services, found in the Government section of your white pages. Check List Date of my Advance Directives or Living Will: ___________________ My Advance Directives documents are located: __________________ My Durable Power of Attorney: ______________________________ Copies have been provided to: _______________________________ This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com) For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us: Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500 Dallas Office (214) 691-4411 Austin Office (512) 794-0065 San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266 Houston Office (713) 840-8246 BACK TO LIBRARY Family Disaster Family Disaster Plan and Personal Survival Guide Fill in the blanks, and keep it posted in your home. Preparation Family Meetings: At least once a year have a meeting with your family to discuss and update your plan. Determine what training, equipment and supplies are needed. Occasional drills will assure quick reaction and avoid injury and panic in an emergency situation. Share your plans with your relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Training Check your home to see that heavy items are secured to the wall, cabinet doors are secured, and that the chance for glass and other objects to fall on someone is minimized. Attend Red Cross or other training programs to learn first aid and CPR. Persons Trained: __________________________ Dates: __________ Learn how and where to shut off utilities. Location of gas valve: ______________________________________ Location of wrench: _______________________________________ Location of main water valve: ________________________________ Location of main circuit breaker: ______________________________ Location of other utilities: ____________________________________ Draw a plan of your home showing the location of: . Exit windows and doors • Utility cut-offs • First Aid kit • Emergency supplies . Food, clothing, tools, etc. • Flashlights with extra batteries. Be sure everyone in your home is familiar with the list. Show it to caretakers, household guests, etc. They could use it or show it to someone in the event of an emergency. Set up alternate places to meet around the house: Outside: ___________________________________________ Inside: ____________________________________________ Set up alternate reunion locations when family is not at home (e.g. home, Red Cross shelter, neighbors, relatives, park, school, church):_______________________________________________ List name and telephone number of persons outside the area for family members to call to report location and condition: _______________________________________________ Be aware of your surroundings and where possible, locate emergency exits and find out the disaster plan of areas you may frequent: • Shopping Mall • Grocery Store • Church • Workplace • Apartment Complex List where emergency supplies and equipment are stored: Portable Radio: ___________________________________________ Flashlight/Batteries: _________________________________________ Water and Food: __________________________________________ Sanitation Supplies: _________________________________________ Fire Extinguisher: __________________________________________ Tools: ___________________________________________________ Blankets: ________________________________________________ Cooking Equipment: ________________________________________ Special Equipment: ________________________________________ Prescription Glasses: _______________________________________ Medications: _____________________________________________ Complete set of Clothes, Shoes, and Gloves: _____________________ This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com) For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us: Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500 Dallas Office (214) 691-4411 Austin Office (512) 794-0065 San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266 Houston Office (713) 840-8246 BACK TO LIBRARY Home Safety Tips ELECTRICAL Don't place cords under furniture or rugs. Replace frayed cords. Don't overload extension cords. Don't use multiple outlet adapters on electrical outlets. RUGS, RUNNERS, AND MATS Secure loose rugs, runners and mats to the floor with double-sided adhesive or rubber matting. Tack down carpet edges. Repair, replace or remove torn, worn or frayed carpets. TELEPHONE One phone should be close at hand in event of an accident and a person cannot stand or walk to the phone. Post emergency numbers near or on the phone with a sticker. At least one phone must be connected directly...cordless phones do not work during a power failure. Family members may want to consider carrying a pager (beeper) for immediate access if needed. FIRE One smoke detector is recommended on each level of the home. Develop a plan to exit the home in case of fire. Keep pathways to all exits clear. Make sure a key is nearby deadbolt locked doors. Don't leave cooking items unattended. Never leave kerosene heaters, wood stoves or fireplaces unattended while in use. Be sure any window bars are releasable from the interior of the home. CUPBOARDS AND CLOSETS Most frequently used items should be placed on lower shelves. To reach high items, only use a sturdy step stool. Place heavy items flat on lower levels to avoid the possibility of falling items. This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com) For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us: Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500 Dallas Office (214) 691-4411 Austin Office (512) 794-0065 San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266 Houston Office (713) 840-8246 BACK TO LIBRARY Selecting a Home Health Care Agency The following is recommended to help you evaluate home health care agencies. You should be able to ask questions to determine whether an organization meets these important standards. *Uniform Standards of Patient Care applies to all patients receiving home care, including private-duty; continuous home care and insurance/Medicare covered home health care. The Agency should be licensed by the State Department of Health. STANDARDS TO MEASURE HOME HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS Delivery of Care Patient Rights* are explained and observed at all times. Confidentiality is assured and maintained at all times. Professional assessment begins with the agency's first encounter with the patient/family and is ongoing. Services are available and supervised 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Professional nursing is available at all times. Planning for care includes the patient, family, physician and home care team. Community resources are accessed appropriately. Infection control processes are in place and monitored. Patient and staff safety systems are in place and monitored. Discharge planning involves the patient/family and includes instruction for self-care or alternate care arrangements. Organization Employees are screened, bonded and supervised by a nurse or therapist and held accountable to the agency. Insurance is adequate for employee, agency and patient protection. Staff Competency is evaluated and upgraded constantly. Staff is provided with adequate resources to deliver quality and safe patient care. Supervisory support and guidance is available at all times. Billing Practices are ethical, consistent, fair and explained at admission. REMEMBER: Ask probing questions ... it is your right! Get references from your doctor or friends. *Call your state Home Health Care Hot-Line with any problems. This information being provided to you compliments of Professional Caretakers, Inc. (www.professionalcaretakers.com) For more information, please feel free to email us at info@professionalcaretakers.com or call us: Fort Worth Office (817) 921-9500 Dallas Office (214) 691-4411 Austin Office (512) 794-0065 San Antonio Office (210) 805-1266 Houston Office (713) 840-8246 BACK TO LIBRARY Tell a Friend Add to Favorites Print This Page HOME / ABOUT US / SERVICES OFFERED / INSURANCE / ARE YOU PROTECTED? / LOCATIONS / HOME OFFICE / REFER SOMEONE TODAY / LIBRARY / LINKS / EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES / CONTACT US / STAFF ONLY / SITE MAP ©1996-2008 Professional Caretakers, Inc., AssistGuide, Inc., All rights reserved.