The Importance of a Daily Routine for Someone With Dementia
Have you ever woken up from a dream feeling completely disoriented? The dream seemed so real, and it takes a moment to regain your bearings. For someone with dementia, this disorientation is a part of everyday life. One highly effective way to help is to provide as much stability as possible, and one of the best ways to accomplish this is by sticking to a daily routine for someone with dementia.
How Can a Routine Help Someone With Dementia?
Short-term memory loss makes it challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s to learn and remember new things. A familiar routine helps build self-confidence, reinforce a sense of independence, and reduce anxiety.
To establish the most comfortable routine for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, try the following:
Follow their lead. Retain any routines the person already has built: a morning shower before … Read More »
Flo is such a Caregiver PRO!
The Hired Hands Team is excited to celebrate Florence as our next Caregiver of the Month!
We have had the distinct pleasure working with Florence for almost two and a half years now, and are consistently impressed by her skills and abilities to perfectly handle sometimes difficult situations. She has had amazing success with her current Client, who had a history of behavioral issues due to cognitive impairment. In a short time, and with much dedication and heartfelt work, Florence was able to completely turn the situation around. With her calm demeanor and keen attention to detail, life has become much more manageable for the Client, who has been not only able to remain safe and comfortable at home, but also to frequently visit her beloved ranch estate.
Our team had fun presenting Florence with this award while she was on shift. … Read More »
Hidden Disabilities in Seniors: How to Recognize and Combat Ableism
What’s your first thought when you see an individual in a wheelchair? Do you view that person as less-than, someone in need of being fixed? Do you assume they need special treatment, as though a physical disability impacts intellect as well? How does your thinking shift to see someone standing upright, without the need for a wheelchair; would you think they were better-abled than the wheelchair-bound older adult?
These are tough questions that call for honest answers if we’re to understand and respond accordingly to hidden disabilities in seniors and ableism.
What Is Ableism?
Ableism is identified as “the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior.” It leads to harmful misconceptions and stereotypes.
The Two Sides of the Disability Coin
Individuals with visible disabilities encounter ableism in many … Read More »
Having Fun with Emergency Preparedness!
We had a great time yesterday supporting an informative and engaging Emergency Prep seminar presented by Emergency Prep Help. This organization does an amazing job working throughout our community to prepare seniors for natural disasters and other emergencies. Their program is extremely informative for seniors, and we fully support their philosophy that proper education and preparedness will be extremely beneficial should a wildfire or other natural disaster happen in our community. More information and resources, as well as a schedule of future presentations, can be found at https://www.emergencyprephelp.org.
Feeling Bored as a Caregiver? Try These Ideas!
If you’re feeling bored as a caregiver, try these helpful suggestions.
It’s hard to admit but even harder to avoid. Feeling bored as a caregiver is a common response to spending so much time together, completing the same tasks, engaging in the exact same activities, and running out of intriguing conversation topics. This is not by any means associated with your feelings for the person in your care. In fact, they could be feeling just as tired of a stagnant routine.
Tips to Overcome the Challenges of Medical Tests for Older Adults
Ease the process of medical tests for older adults with these tips.
There’s often nothing “routine” about a routine checkup. You may arrive to your appointment perfectly fine, but leave with orders for blood work along with other medical tests a doctor recommends to keep you as healthy as possible. These tests may be nothing more than a minor inconvenience for you, but medical tests for older adults could be challenging for many reasons: transportation problems, mobility issues, thinner skin, fragile veins, cognitive difficulties, and much more.
Marin Senior Fair
Join us for the 36th Annual Marin Senior Fair
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Marin Center Exhibit Hall
Wow, it has been quite an honor to have participated in THIRTY of the Thirty Six Senior Fairs! We’re not too sure if anyone can say that?!?
This year’s theme is Flower Power, Where Peace and Wisdom Flourish.
The Fair will have 140 Exhibit Booths presenting valuable information and resources for seniors and those caring for seniors. The Fair will feature Food, Live Music and Dancing, along with costumes and booth decorations. As always, you can enjoy beautiful quilts, have your photo taken, and pick up some free books.
Attendance and parking are free. Free transportation to and from downtown San Rafael.
Enter our free raffle to win prizes. More information can be found at https://2024.marinseniorfair.org/
Come visit us at Booth 200 – We’ll see you at the Fair!
~Your … Read More »
Supporting Mental Health in Aging Parents and Breaking the Stigma
Supporting mental health in aging parents starts with recognizing the signs and addressing the stigma around mental health care.
Mental health is a critical aspect of well-being throughout life, and it becomes even more significant as our parents grow older. For many older adults, however, talking about mental health can be especially difficult due to ingrained stigmas and the values they were raised with. It’s important to understand why older loved ones might be hesitant to discuss mental health and to recognize the signs that they might be struggling. This knowledge can guide you in supporting mental health in aging parents to ensure they receive the support and care they need.
We say YAY for Jose’!
Over Napa way, we are completely honored to celebrate Jose’ as our next Caregiver of the Month!
We actually had the pleasure of working with Jose’ for a couple of years, several years ago. Life takes us down different paths, and we were VERY happy when he was ready to REJOIN the Hired Hands Team this year!
When you have a caregiver that is so professional, knowledgeable, a great communicator and someone who truly cares about the clients he cares for… you feel incredibly blessed to have them on your team! Sometimes when you are working with dementia clients, you need a lot of patience and need to stay on your toes to keep up with them and Jose is definitely a rock star! He is always a few steps ahead and ready to go.
Jose’s current client recently noted “Jose’ is such … Read More »
Feeling Bored as a Caregiver? Try These Ideas!
Identifying the signs of substance misuse in older adults is the first step towards getting them help.
It’s not unusual for Dad to enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner, but lately, you’ve noticed that he’s gravitating towards stronger drinks more frequently, and earlier in the day. He might say it helps with sleep or eases the aches of arthritis, but is there more to be concerned about?
