Sponsor thank you: Visiting Angels

A big thank-you to Visiting Angels, one of our 2026 Platinum sponsors!

Visiting Angels provides personalized, in-home care for seniors, helping people age safely and comfortably in their own homes. Here are some tips they’ve provided to share with our members:

Navigating Care: Choosing an Agency, Preventing Falls and Transitioning Home

As you age, ensuring your safety, independence, and comfort at home becomes a top priority. Navigating the world of home care can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with sudden changes in health.

To help you make informed decisions, here is a guide to three essential aspects of home care: choosing the right agency, minimizing fall risks, and managing a safe hospital discharge.

1. Finding the Right Homecare Agency

Selecting a homecare provider is a deeply personal decision. You are welcoming someone into your private space, so finding a trustworthy, professional organization is vital.

When evaluating agencies, consider the following key factors:

• Credentials and Licensing: Ensure the agency is fully licensed in your state, bonded, and insured.
• Vetting and Training: Ask how caregivers are screened. A reputable agency conducts thorough background checks, interviews, and provides ongoing training for their staff.
• Customized Care Plans: Every senior has unique needs. Look for an agency that conducts an in-home assessment to build a personalized care plan tailored to your routine and medical requirements.
• Compatibility and Consistency: Ask how the caregiver is selected to support you, and what the protocol is if a caregiver is sick or unavailable. Consistency is crucial for building trust, especially for those with cognitive decline.

2. Reducing Fall Risks in the Home

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, but many are entirely preventable. A few strategic adjustments to the living environment can dramatically lower the risk of accidents.

Take a walkthrough of the home and focus on these areas:

• Clear the Pathways: Remove tripping hazards such as clutter, loose electrical cords, and throw rugs. Ensure furniture is arranged to leave wide, clear walking paths.
• Brighten the Lighting: Poor visibility contributes significantly to falls. Install bright, glare-free bulbs, and place nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to guide nighttime movement.
• Install Safety Equipment: Equip bathrooms with grab bars next to the toilet and inside the shower. Use non-slip mats on slippery surfaces and consider adding a shower chair.
• Secure the Stairs: Ensure handrails on both sides of any staircase are sturdy and secure.

3. Hospital Discharge Considerations

The transition from a hospital stay back to home is a vulnerable time for people. Without a clear plan, the risk of readmission increases significantly. A successful discharge requires proactive coordination.

Before you leave the hospital, ensure you have addressed the following:

• The Discharge Summary: Request a written copy of the discharge instructions. Understand the diagnosis, what recovery looks like, and what symptoms or warning signs require a call to the doctor.
• Medication Management: Review all prescriptions with the hospital staff. Understand what new medications have been added, which old ones should be discontinued, and what the exact dosages and schedules are.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Know when the you need to see your primary care doctor or specialist next, and ensure transportation is arranged.
• Home Support Readiness: Determine what physical limitations you will have. Will you need assistance with bathing, meal preparation, or moving around? Having a professional caregiver or family member scheduled to be at the house the moment you arrive prevents immediate setbacks.

By proactively addressing home safety, choosing the right support network, and carefully managing medical transitions, you can provide yourself with a secure environment to age in place with dignity. 

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If you are interested in learning more about Visiting Angels of Greater King County, call 425-828-4500.