Caregiving
Through our Companion Care Program, Rapp at Home helps connect older community members needing in-home care with the appropriate assistants. When an individual contacts us looking for help, options for care providers are discussed and a brief assessment is made of the level of care needed. Based on this assessment, recommendation is made concerning the most suitable type of caregiver. There are three categories of caregivers:
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are licensed and have completed some medical training. They can perform basic medical tasks, such as taking a patient’s blood pressure, administering medications, and discussing health issues.
- Personal Care Aides (PCAs) have completed somewhat less training and have received a certificate. They can help with basic personal tasks such as personal hygiene, getting dressed, and transferring to and from a wheelchair.
- Home Helpers (HHs) are able to perform light household tasks, such as planning and preparing meals, handling errands, and doing light housekeeping. A major component of the service they provide is emotional support through listening and empathy.
Once the assessment is made of the level of assistance needed, a list with the names and contact information of potential caregivers is provided to the individual seeking help. These caregivers have been carefully vetted by Rapp at Home through background checks, id verification, and recommendations. Rapp at Home follows up to make sure that care has been established. It is up to the individual receiving care to establish payment rates and a schedule for services.
Medical alert device and installation - Guardian Alert
Guardian Alert is a medical alert system that with a push of a button automatically dials 911. Its components are a charging station and a small handset that can be worn with a provided lanyard around the neck, clipped to a belt, or put in a pocket. In addition to giving fast access to emergency responders, the Guardian Alert brings peace of mind to the owner and family/friends because of the reassurance that help is readily available. Someone who might have been concerned about living alone can now do so confidently.
The system is installed by a Rapp at Home trained volunteer. There is no charge to the Friend and no monthly fee.
Reflective 911 Emergency Signs
If you have an emergency, you want responders to be able to find you quickly and easily. Highway signs that indicate your street number and are visible both during the day and night can help accomplish this. The signs are made by the Castleton Fire and Rescue Squad and are installed by a Rapp at Home volunteer on a convenient location, such as a mailbox or post. There is no charge for the sign or for the installation. To download a sign request form click here
“File of Life” Magnets
These provide pertinent information for responders who might come to your home in the event of an emergency. Information such as emergency contact names/ numbers and prescribed medications is entered on a card, which is slipped into a small red holder. A magnet then holds the holder on the refrigerator or other appliance where it will be apparent to anyone arriving to provide assistance.
Help upon return from the hospital
We can make it easier for you to transition from the hospital to your home.
Do you need help with arranging transportation to your home? Perhaps you may require a walker or other equipment from the Rappahannock Loan Closet before you return home. Or, if you need the help of a caregiver, we can provide you with a referral list of vetted caregivers in the area. Would you like a friendly visit from a volunteer or a meal delivered to you upon your return? We understand that this can be a difficult time and Rapp at Home wants to support you in any way we can.
Accessibility in the community
The goal of the Accessibility Program is to improve the accessibility and safety for older adults and others with mobility challenges. In collaboration with the Businesses of Rappahannock, Rapp at Home's accessibility team visits local businesses to identify and suggest simple modifications to support people using wheelchairs, walkers/rollators, or canes, and those with impaired hearing or sight.
The team makes use of an accessibility checklist borrowed from a Canadian business association, but perhaps most valuable is the actual “testing” of the facility by a team member who uses a wheelchair or a walker. We do not suggest full or expensive ADA compliance, but look for simple fixes that could make local businesses more accessible and safer.
Several businesses have had assessments of their locations and have made improvements such as providing entrance ramps, railings and interior modifications such as grab bars in restrooms. If you would like a review of your business facilities, or if you as a business customer have suggestions of businesses Rapp at Home might assess, please contact the Rapp at Home office at 540-937-4663 or info@rappathome.org.
Aging Together Art of Aging Rappahannock Expo
This annual free expo for older adults, their families, and caregivers offers information on the numerous organizations and services available to older adults. Regional organizations providing services and support to older adults participate to share information about what they offer.
Rapp at Home partners with Aging Together, the Rappahannock Department of Social Services, and others to plan this annual expo that includes exhibitors, food, free vaccinations, free health and hearing screenings, and more.
Some past partners and participants have included:
- Aging Together
- Rapp at Home
- Rappahannock Department of Social Services
- Rappahannock Rapidan Health District
- Encompass Community Supports
- The Regional Transportation Collaborative
- Fauquier Free Clinic
- The Rappahannock Benevolent Fund
- AARP Virginia
- Legal Aid Works
- Hospice of Piedmont
- Lions Club
- Home Instead
- Food Pantry
- Hero's Bridge Wagner Hearing Aid
- Foothills Forum
In addition to offering important information for older adults, this event is fun! It has included flower arranging demos from the Rappahannock Garden Club, fitness games by Commit to Be Fit, free ice cream, lots of souvenirs from vendors, music, and just the opportunity to socialize with friends.