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Top Tips to Assess the Fall Risk of Older Adults

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

The holidays are officially upon us. This year, after so much time apart during the pandemic, many of us are excited to celebrate the season by visiting with friends and family once again. For families with elderly loved ones, this time of year is important, not only as a time to reconnect, but as an opportunity to check in on health, mobility, and how older relatives are getting along at home.

If you're visiting in person this holiday season, it's an ideal time to evaluate the fall risk of older adults both inside and outside of the house. Particularly if you haven't seen aging parents or older relatives in person due to the pandemic, there may be changes in the condition of the home or in the overall health and cognitive state of a loved one, that may make a fall more likely.

These tips, from the care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, can give you an idea of what to look for and how to make a senior loved one’s environment safe:

  • Monitor overall physical health and mobility. In addition to playing a part in a person’s overall health, chronic illnesses can also impact physical health, including balance and mobility. Pay attention to how elderly loved ones walk. Do you notice shuffling? Can they get up from a seated position without assistance? Do they have any illnesses that might increase the risk of falls? The following are some conditions that may impact an older adult’s balance and mobility:
    • Vision impairment or loss
    • Arthritis or other bone and joint conditions
    • Chronic pain
    • Diabetes
    • Hypertension
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Anemia or other blood disorders
    • Thyroid issues
    • Foot problems
    • Muscle weakness, particularly in the legs
    • Vertigo or dizziness
    • Cognitive or mood disorders, like dementia, depression, etc.
    • Urinary incontinence
  • Discuss current medications being taken. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications increase a person’s risk of falling. These include pain medications, sedatives, insulin, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleeping pills. Diuretics and blood pressure drugs may also lower blood pressure which can create a fall risk as well. Some drugs have side effects such as dizziness or confusion which can create fall hazards in older loved ones, too. Drinking alcohol or using marijuana while taking medications can increase this risk as well. Help your loved one make a list of which medications he or she is taking and discuss with his or her physician any concerns about fall risk associated with these drugs.
  • Ask about exercise. For many older adults with chronic conditions, exercise can be challenging. Regular exercise, however, is essential to ensure muscles stay strong, which improves balance and decreases the chance of falling. Talk to your family member and ask how much exercise he or she gets daily. With the help of a doctor, develop an exercise plan that is safe, fun, and easy to keep up with.
  • Survey the home environment. There are many factors in the home that create fall hazards, including:
    • Slippery footwear, like socks or shoes without treads or any footwear that is too big or small or uncomfortable
    • Loose carpets, electrical cords, clutter, dark stairways, etc.
    • Outdoor risks like uneven ground, stairs or porches without secure railings
    • Lack of walking aids such as canes or walkers

When it comes to fall prevention, creating a safe home environment is key. For more helpful tips on how to reduce the risk of falls for older adults, contact the Florida senior care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care. We can refer a care professional to help older adults in a wide variety of ways, including:

  • Range of motion assistance
  • Assistance with light housekeeping, laundry and linen changes
  • Transferring and positioning
  • Walking with accompaniment
  • Going to the restroom
  • Diabetes care
  • Medication assistance
  • Companionship and encouragement for physician-approved exercise programs
  • And so much more!

Contact us today at the location nearest you and let us help find the perfect care provider to meet your in-home care needs. 
 

 

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

The Importance of Good Nutrition for Older Adults

Family Caregiver Tips, All Posts, Health and Wellness

One of the top concerns for family members is ensuring proper nutrition for the older adults they love. If you’re unsure whether an older adult you know is getting the nutrients he or she needs to stay strong, healthy and well, this quick checklist from Florida’s top-rated referred care providers at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care can help uncover potential red flags:

  1. Is the older adult you know experiencing a loss of appetite, difficulties with digesting food, or problems with chewing/swallowing? Has there been a decrease in the amount of food being eaten over the past several months as a result?
  2. Has the older adult experienced significant weight loss over the last few months? Losing weight, especially for someone with a less active lifestyle, can indicate that the person is not eating properly on a regular basis.
  3. Does the older adult have difficulty with mobility? Being confined to the home can lead to nutritional problems, as it’s more challenging for those with mobility issues to grocery shop or fix meals.
  4. Has an older loved one been under stress lately, or been diagnosed with a chronic illness in the past few months?
  5. What is the older adult’s Body Mass Index (BMI)? A BMI of 18.5 or less may indicate that a loved one is not eating enough, while a BMI of 30 or above can point toward obesity.

If you find through answering these questions that an older adult may be experiencing problems with getting sufficient nutrition, it’s a good idea to check in with the older adult’s doctor.

MyPlate for Older Adults is a helpful guide to appropriate nutrition for seniors, with details on foods that are high in vitamins and minerals and low in sugar, salt, and fat. It also includes recommendations for exercise and fluid consumption, issues that are of particular concern for many older adults. Nutritional tips according to this model include:

  • Bright-colored vegetables, such as peppers and carrots
  • Deep-colored fruits, such as berries and melons
  • Whole grains and cereals, such as brown rice
  • Nonfat or low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt and low-lactose milk
  • Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads, as they are lower in saturated and trans fats
  • Replacing salt with spices
  • Physical exercise including walking and resistance training

Additional guidelines include selecting foods that are easier to prepare and decrease waste, such as bags of frozen vegetables and single-portion containers of fruit.

The trusted Florida referred care providers at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are on hand to help older adults maintain proper nutrition through grocery shopping, planning and preparing healthy meals, serving as a companion to make mealtimes more enjoyable, cleaning up the kitchen, and more.

Contact us any time to learn more about in-home care for older adults by clicking the link to the location nearest you below:

 

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Tips to Help Manage Behavioral Challenges in Older Adults with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s and Dementia, All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Your usually calm loved one suddenly starts shouting and swearing at you. You wake up in the middle of the night to find your father wandering down the street. Your mother suddenly feels confused and has trouble sleeping at night.

It is common to see changes in behavior in a loved one with Alzheimer's. Still, scenarios like these can be deeply upsetting for family members. It is important to remember that these changes, while challenging, are typical as the Alzheimer’s progresses. And while it’s easier said than done, caregivers should try not to take these episodes personally.

Another vital thing to remember is that all behavior is triggered by something. If a loved one with Alzheimer’s has recently become aggressive, this change is occurring for a reason. Perhaps it is loud noises or something else in his or her environment that causes the aggression. Maybe someone said or did something that triggered the behavior. At American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we know that getting to the root of the behavior can help family caregivers manage and potentially avoid many behavioral challenges associated with dementia.

Wandering

A common behavior for people with dementia, wandering poses a number of potential safety hazards. Boredom, medication side effects, or the urge to look for something or someone are often triggers for wandering. If a loved one is wandering, try these tips:

  • Help the older adult get regular exercise and participate in enjoyable activities to reduce boredom and restlessness.
  • Camouflage doors with removable curtains or use safety covers on door knobs.
  • Install an in-home monitoring system that can alert you if a loved one is moving around or attempting to leave the home.
  • Have the older adult wear an ID bracelet and/or a GPS tracking device that will help with identification and location tracking if wandering occurs.
  • Alert neighbors about a loved one’s propensity for wandering and make sure they know how to contact you if needed.

Sundowning

Sundowning consists of restlessness, disorientation, sleeplessness, and agitation around nighttime. This behavior can be caused by a number of factors, including exhaustion and changes to a person’s biological clock. These steps can help ease sundowning behaviors:

  • Discourage inactivity and napping during the day.
  • Cut back on sugar, caffeine, and other foods that may contribute to sleeplessness.
  • Plan for calm, quiet activities in the afternoon and evening hours.
  • Turn on lights before sunset and close curtains. This can eliminate shadows and help reduce confusion.
  • Consider talking to the older adult’s doctor about medication side effects if you feel that may be an issue.

Agitation

Agitation can be a particularly troubling behavior to witness in a loved one with Alzheimer’s. This can include irritability and verbal and physical aggression. Agitation may be triggered by environmental factors such as loud noises or clutter, fear, and fatigue. It can also be the result of the person feeling as though they are losing control of their own lives. These tips can help:

  • Reduce noise and clutter in the home.
  • Follow routines as much as possible and keep commonly used household objects and furniture in the same place.
  • Allow the person to do as much as he can for himself to support a sense of independence.
  • Play soothing music, read, or take a walk to soothe agitation.
  • Do not confront or argue with a person experiencing agitation. Instead, distract him or her with a calming activity.

Alzheimer’s disease gradually changes loved ones in a number of different ways, and everyone experiences the disease differently. If you have a loved one with dementia who is exhibiting challenging behavioral changes, remember, you are not alone.

The referred care providers at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are always on hand to help reduce restlessness or boredom, and they are highly skilled at creating calming environments that allow older adults with Alzheimer’s to feel relaxed and peaceful. For family caregivers overwhelmed by new behaviors and caregiving duties, our referred caregivers also provide respite care services to ensure you get a chance to rest and recharge yourself.

Contact us today at the location nearest you and let us help find the perfect care provider to meet your needs.

 

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Beware of These Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults

All Posts, Beware Scams

Older adults are a prime target for financial scammers, for several reasons. Scammers make the assumptions that older adults have built up significant savings, that they are lonely and will welcome a conversation with someone who wants to talk with them, and that they may not be savvy enough to detect the scam. As a result, older adults lose more than $3 billion annually to financial scams. And sadly, many of these crimes are committed by a trusted family member of the victim.

It’s important for all of us to be aware of the latest scams targeting older adults in order to protect the ones we love – as well as ourselves. American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care share some of the current top scams to watch for:

  • Email/internet scams. Seemingly generated by the senior’s financial institution or online store and looking very legitimate, these scams are easy to fall for. An email link will be provided to update an account, which leads to a location for the senior to enter sensitive personal or financial information, which is then stolen.
  • Romantic scams. For someone who is lonely, receiving texts or emails from a romantic admirer can be hard to resist, and difficult to identify as scams. The recurring theme to watch for is when someone asks for money, especially for travel expenses to come to the U.S. to start a new life with the senior.
  • Sweepstakes winner scams. Receiving a “free” check in the mail as a lottery or sweepstakes prize can be exciting at first, but this scam involves a payment to be made to “unlock” the prize. Once the check (which is fake) is deposited to the senior’s account, it will be rejected – and the scammer is long gone with the payment.
  • Grandparent scams. These scams are intended to pull a senior’s heartstrings. The scammer simply calls and says, “Hi, Grandma, do you know who this is?” Once the senior guesses the name of a particular grandchild, the scammer can describe a financial emergency, asking for a credit card number to get out of the jam.
  • Government agency scams. Receiving a call from the supposed IRS, Medicare, or Social Security Administration with the threat of penalties for unpaid taxes or benefits being stopped can be intimidating. Seniors need to know that government agencies will never call and request personal information over the phone.

The Florida aging care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are always here to help with the resources, education, and in-home care services older adults need to stay safe. And, our referred care providers are the ideal solution to the loneliness and boredom that can make seniors more vulnerable to con artists. Through conversations and fun, engaging activities, older adults can enjoy each day to the fullest.

Contact us any time and let us know how we can help by clicking the link to the location nearest you below:

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

How Home Care Can Help Following a Cancer Diagnosis

Chronic Disease Care, All Posts

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021, more than 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Cancer treatment options vary, but most people have a combination of treatments, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation with surgery. For many cancer patients, treatment involves both hospital stays and regular outpatient visits to a clinic for chemotherapy. As options continue to advance, some cancer treatments can even be done at home. This is usually the case for oral treatments, such as pills, capsules, tablets, and liquids, or topical treatments that are rubbed on the skin. Sometimes, even IV or injectable treatments can be given at home, too.

Regardless of the course of treatment following a cancer diagnosis, there are frequently side effects that can make day-to-day life challenging. The good news is that in-home care help from a professional care provider, like the services offered through referrals from American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, can offer the assistance needed to make day-to-day life more comfortable -- even when cancer treatments become overwhelming.

What Is Home Care?

It’s important to note that “home care” is often used as a blanket term to refer to different types of care provided in the home. Following is a breakdown of the types of home care services that can be beneficial to a person undergoing cancer treatment:

  • Personal care: These services focus on helping people with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, running errands, or housekeeping. Personal care can provide much-needed assistance at home for those feeling weak or ill from chemotherapy or following surgery. Care providers can also run errands, such as picking up medications or groceries.
  • Home health care: This type of care focuses on what’s known as “skilled care services” that are provided by licensed health care professionals, such as registered nurses. For a cancer patient, these services might include nursing visits for injections or physical therapy following surgery.
  • Palliative care: When cancer is life-limiting, palliative care services can help keep the person comfortable and provide respite for family caregivers.

At American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we know that home care helps many people live fuller, more comfortable lives as they receive treatment for cancer. Our referred care providers are dedicated to helping those recovering from or being treated for cancer in the following ways:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Using the restroom
  • Transferring
  • Walking assistance
  • Continence care and feeding (as needed by the patient and recommended by their physician)
  • Medication reminders
  • Running errands
  • Light housekeeping
  • Accompanying to doctors’ appointments
  • Monitoring for behavioral changes
  • Helping to maintain safety
  • Assistance with exercises
  • Skilled nursing care

Contact us any time to learn more about how our referred care providers can help you or someone you love following a cancer diagnosis or treatment. Or, simply click on the links below to find the location nearest you:

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Overcoming Caregiver Guilt When Providing Dementia Care

Alzheimer’s and Dementia, All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

In any given day in the life of a caregiver, a full gamut of emotions can come into play. Joy in hearing a senior loved one’s laughter. Pride in knowing you’re making a difference in the senior’s life. Frustration and stress when things don’t go according to plan. And perhaps one of the most common: guilt.

Caregiver guilt is particularly common when caring for someone with dementia. Dementia care is both challenging and ever-changing. What works today may not work tomorrow, as the disease progresses and the older adult experiences more intense effects. Knowing exactly how to meet the needs of someone with dementia isn’t easy, and there will be times you wish you’d done something differently. As the premier source for care provider referral services throughout Florida, American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care understands that managing feelings of guilt starts with understanding the different scenarios in which they arise, such as:

  • Comparing yourself to others. It may seem as though others caring for a senior with dementia have it all together and know just how to handle the difficult effects of the disease. Why is it so easy for them and so hard for you? It’s helpful to remind yourself that no one is perfect, and regardless of outward appearances, it’s likely that anyone providing dementia care is struggling in one way or another. Set realistic goals and expectations based on your particular circumstance and steer clear of comparisons.
  • Getting stuck in the “should haves.” It’s easy to look back and zero in on any regrets you may have. Looking back at your relationship with the senior prior to a dementia diagnosis can bring to mind situations you wish you’d handled differently. Allow yourself time to look back, but from the perspective of learning what you’d like to do differently now and in the future, instead of getting stuck in the past.
  • Thinking negative or unkind thoughts. It’s common for seniors with dementia to behave in ways that are off-putting. A senior may become aggressive and combative, exhibit inappropriate sexual behaviors, repeat a statement or question over and over again throughout the day – just to name a few. Accept that there are dementia-driven behaviors you dislike, and work through them by talking with a trusted friend or professional counselor, or expressing your feelings through journaling.
  • Losing your temper. Feeling frustrated and angry are natural responses to the level of stress that is often inherent with dementia care. Find healthy releases for these emotions, such as deep breathing, counting, meditation, and especially by taking regular breaks from care to engage in exercise and relaxing, enjoyable activities. A professional caregiver should be an integral part of the senior’s care team to provide you with the respite you need.

The aging care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care can help family caregivers enjoy quality time with the seniors they love as well as time away to themselves to rest and recharge.

Contact us any time to share the challenges you’re facing and to allow us to be part of the solution. Reach out to the office nearest you by clicking the links below to get started:

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Kick Off Healthy Aging Month With These Six Important Tips

Family Caregiver Tips, All Posts, Health and Wellness

Staying healthy at any age is essential, but as we get older, health and wellness take on a whole new importance. People are living longer and the senior population is growing larger each year. As older loved ones age, their minds and bodies go through some changes, and having a healthy lifestyle makes them better prepared for the changes ahead.

September is Healthy Aging Month, and it's the perfect time to focus on lifestyle habits that can benefit the older adults in your life. American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer the following simple tips for older adults that can help them stay healthy and well as they age.

  • Eat, drink and be healthy! A balanced diet is essential for good health at any age. Making healthy food choices, like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, can have numerous health benefits. It is also important for seniors to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Get moving. Getting regular exercise helps prevent, delay, and manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise can also improve brain health as well as balance and flexibility, which are essential for preventing falls in older adults. Seniors should aim for moderate physical activity, such as walking, 22-30 minutes each day and strength building exercises at least twice a week.
  • Quit Smoking. If your senior loved one is a smoker, one of the best things they can do for their long-term health is to quit. Giving up tobacco can lower a person’s risk of several types of cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke.
  • Keep up with check-ups. Doctor’s visits aren’t just for when a senior is feeling sick. Visiting the doctor for regular check-ups can help prevent illness or identify it early so it can be treated. Doctor visits are also a great time to review medications and any side effects that a senior might be experiencing.
  • Know the senior’s family health history. Many illnesses can be hereditary, so it is important to know and share family health history with your senior’s doctor. This helps them take steps to prevent diseases or catch them early.
  • Be aware of changes in cognitive health. As a person ages, changes in the brain, such as mild forgetfulness or slower reaction times, are normal. However, bigger changes in brain health, like struggling to do common tasks, confusion in or trouble navigating well-known areas, or rapidly forgetting people or events can be signs of serious cognitive decline related to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you are concerned about a senior loved one’s memory or cognitive health, talk to their health care provider.

It’s never too late to start improving your health. Following these tips can help senior loved ones stay healthy as they age. Partnering with in-home senior care experts, like those at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, can also help seniors better manage their health. The professional care providers we refer can assist with things like meal preparation and diet monitoring, medication assistance, diabetic care, transportation to doctor’s appointments, monitoring for health changes, and more.

Celebrate Healthy Aging Month all year long with better senior care! Contact our team any time to learn how we can help match you with a care provider who can meet your loved ones needs. You can contact the office nearest you by clicking the links below:

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Understanding and Managing Diabetes in Seniors

Chronic Disease Care, All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Living with and managing diabetes can be difficult, even for otherwise healthy individuals. However, managing diabetes in older adults can be an especially unique challenge. An estimated 14.3 million seniors are living with diabetes. Many older adults also have other health issues to deal with as well. Over 50 percent of all adults age 65 and older have three or more chronic health issues, like heart disease, arthritis, and high blood pressure. These issues, along with the complicated ongoing management of diabetes, can lead to frustration and fatigue among seniors.

Some older adults may not even know that they have diabetes. Nearly 7.3 million people have the disease, but are undiagnosed. Because managing diabetes in seniors is important for overall health and wellness, learning about early warning signs and how to delay or prevent worsening symptoms is vital.

To help older adults and their families better understand and manage diabetes, the trusted Florida care professionals at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care provide the following information on this chronic health condition.

What Is Diabetes?
When we eat, our bodies convert food into sugar, called glucose. This fuels the body with energy. However, in order to use glucose as energy, a hormone called insulin is needed. This lets glucose into our cells. A person with diabetes either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin in the right way. This causes too much glucose in the blood, which leads to health problems over time. Often, this is referred to as having “high blood sugar.”

High blood sugar levels affect many parts of the body and can cause a multitude of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, eye conditions, kidney disease, nerve damage, and more.

Types of Diabetes
Diabetes isn’t the same for everyone. There are two main types:

  • Type 1: In this type of diabetes, the body does not make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed most often in children and young adults, but older adults can develop it too.
  • Type 2: This is the most common type of diabetes. In Type 2, the body does not make or use insulin well. It occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults, and those who are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of the disease are at a higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
As Type 2 diabetes is most common among older adults, it is important to recognize the signs of the disease early in order to get treatment right away. Symptoms include:

  • Increased hunger and/or thirst
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Skin infections or cuts that are slow to heal

These symptoms often come on slowly, and seniors may chalk them up to “old age.” If you have a senior loved one who is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to speak with a health care professional.

Diabetes Management Plans
Depending on the severity of the disease, some people may be able to manage blood sugar levels with exercise and dietary changes alone. Others may require insulin injections along with these lifestyle changes.

If you or a senior loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, a good management plan is essential. Your doctor can help you develop a plan that will optimize health outcomes, while taking into account your lifestyle and other health conditions.

A typical diabetes management plan will cover:

  • Tracking glucose levels: Glucose levels that are too high or too low can be dangerous. Your doctor will show you how to check blood sugar levels, often using a blood glucose monitor, and will discuss how often this should be done.
  • Making healthy dietary choices: The foods you eat have an effect on glucose levels, which is why it is important to make healthy dietary choices. Your health care provider can help you develop a diet plan that includes healthy foods and portion sizes.
  • Exercising: Exercise can help improve glucose levels. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that will meet your needs and fitness level.
  • Taking medications: A vital part of managing diabetes in seniors is taking medications on time and as prescribed. Keep a medication schedule and talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects.

The senior care professionals at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care can help older adults manage diabetes, as well as a variety of other health conditions. Any of the care providers we refer can assist with vital diabetes-related care, including medication assistance, exercise or range of motion activities, skin and nail care, bathing, and diet monitoring.

Reach out any time for additional information about managing diabetes in seniors or to learn more about our trusted referred care providers. You can contact the office nearest you by clicking the links below:

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Practical Steps to Take When Aging Parents Need Help at Home

Family Caregiver Tips, All Posts

Perhaps on a recent visit with your aging parents, it became apparent that keeping up with household tasks is challenging for them. Or maybe during a phone call, you realized that Mom is having some minor memory issues and you worry about her remembering to take her medications regularly. Whether you live down the block or across the country, ensuring that aging parents are healthy and safe at home can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are new to family caregiving.

To help outline practical steps and a plan that prioritizes not just safety, but independence and overall health and wellbeing, the care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer the following recommendations:

Determine the needs of your parents. Consider the tasks involved in day-to-day life and make an assessment based upon how much help may be needed in the following categories:

  • Home safety and upkeep
  • Cognitive health
  • Medical needs
  • Mobility
  • Meal preparation
  • Personal hygiene
  • Social interaction
  • Family support
  • Transportation

Consider your own abilities and station in life. While your first reaction may be to handle all of your parents’ care needs yourself, it’s important to consider your own situation and capabilities. Not everyone is cut out for hands-on family caregiving, and that’s OK. You can still be supportive and keep your aging parents’ best interests at the forefront by ensuring that they are safe and thriving at home. When assessing your ability to provide care, make an honest assessment of the following:

  • Do you live in close proximity, allowing you to visit whenever assistance is needed?
  • Would you consider living with your parents, either at your home or at theirs?
  • Do you have any health issues or physical limitations that would make physically caring for someone a challenge?
  • Do you have a spouse, school-aged children or a career that requires time and attention?
  • Do you have a relationship with your parents that can withstand a great deal of time together?
  • Are you willing to take the time to learn proper care techniques to keep both you and your parents safe?

Engage your parents in discussions about care. Research shows that most older adults want to age in place and remain at home for as long as possible. It’s important to have multiple conversations with aging parents to determine their care wishes. By having honest two-way discussions about care needs, older adults are able to be involved in planning for their care and can feel empowered knowing their voice is being heard. Older adults are frequently worried about losing independence and are hesitant about having outside help – either from a family member or from a professional caregiver. Use these conversations as an opportunity to reemphasize that you understand their wishes and are working to honor those, while also prioritizing health and safety.

Prioritize home safety. Keeping the home environment safe and free from fall hazards is vitally important. Falls can lead to serious injury and hospitalization. Help your parents reduce their fall risk with these tips:

  • Make sure pathways are clear, especially from the bedroom to the bathroom, and free from cords, throw rugs and other tripping hazards.
  • Install or update lighting so that rooms, indoor pathways, and outdoor walkways are well lit.
  • Install grab bars in the bathroom and check that handrails along stairwells inside and outside are secure and sturdy.
  • Move frequently used items to cabinets and shelves that are at counter height, eliminating the need for a step-stool.
  • Have the names and contact information for nearby neighbors and

    • friends you can contact in case of an emergency.

  • Compile a list of your parents’ physicians and any over the counter or prescription medications they are taking.

Partner with the aging care experts at American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care. With experienced referred care providers who can assist with a variety of needs, families can feel confident that their loved ones are engaged, safe and enjoying life. Our services include:

  • Alzheimer’s and dementia care– Specialized training enables referred care providers to offer engaging companionship, a structured daily routine that prioritizes safety, memory care activities, and more.
  • Companion care– Companion or homemaker care includes services such as nutritious meal and snack preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, transportation for errands, social engagement or medical appointments.
  • Personal care– Personal care services are provided by CNAs or HHAs, who can help your loved one with bathing or showering, personal hygiene, transferring and getting around, eating, using the bathroom, dressing, and much more.
  • Respite care– Respite care helps family caregivers by providing them with a break to attend to their own needs, from lunch dates with friends to routine medical appointments. Respite care is available anywhere from a few hours each week to overnight.
  • Post-operative care– Following a hospital stay or surgery, post-operative care helps seniors transition home so that the focus can be on rest and recovery. RNs and LPNs who specialize in surgical aftercare work closely with the senior’s physicians to ensure recovery goals and pain management needs are met.

To learn about all of the home care services offered, and to set up a no-obligation in-home consultation, reach out to the office nearest you today:

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Top Tips to Manage Arthritis Pain in Older Adults

Chronic Disease Care, All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips,

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Arthritis pain impacts an astounding one in every two older Americans, and can cause seniors to limit physical activity – leading to a vicious circle of additional pain and discomfort. The top-rated referred care providers at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer the following suggestions to ease arthritis pain in older adults and lead to a better quality of life.

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  • Heat and cold therapy Both heat and cold can help with improving circulation, reducing muscle spasms, and relieving stiffened muscles and joints. Some individuals respond better to heat, and others to cold, so try both to see which works best for a senior you love. Be sure to place a thin towel between the senior’s skin and the source of heat or cold, and then apply a heating pad, heat wrap, air-activated heat patch, cold wrap or pad, a small bag of ice or frozen peas. Remove after no more than 10 – 15 minutes to protect the skin.
  • Massage Gentle massage, with lotion or oil to reduce friction on the skin, can help relax painful joints and muscles, and also promote better sleep. Warming the area first as mentioned above can help prevent any pain that may be experienced.
  • Healthy lifestyle choices Losing weight removes extra pressure on the knees and other joints. For a senior who is overweight, talk with the doctor for a recommended diet and exercise plan, and then help the senior stay motivated to stick with the plan. Having someone to exercise with is a great motivator, so join in and work out together!

The referred Florida in-home care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care can help seniors with arthritis to feel more comfortable too. Whether the need is for transportation to medical appointments, planning and preparing healthy meals, offering encouragement and opportunities to remain physically active, or a wide range of other care needs, families trust our referred care providers to make life the very best it can be for seniors at home.

Contact us any time for more information and additional tips and resources to help with better management of arthritis pain in older adults. You can reach us by clicking the appropriate link below for the location that is nearest to you.

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661