Decisions about home care are rarely straightforward. When your parent is still living independently and managing most daily routines, it can be difficult to know whether bringing in help at home for seniors is truly necessary or whether it somehow means “things are getting worse.”

That uncertainty causes a lot of people to wait longer than they probably need to. But home care is often most beneficial before daily challenges become overwhelming. Starting support earlier can help your parent remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home while also reducing the growing pressure you may be carrying yourself.

Part of the hesitation usually comes from misunderstandings about what home care actually looks like. If you’ve been unsure whether now is the right time, you may recognize some of these common concerns.

You May Assume Home Care Is Only for Serious … Read More »

If you’re noticing that a loved one with dementia is sleeping more during the day, you’re in good company. Oversleeping in dementia is extremely common, and it can leave you wondering what’s normal and what’s not. One day, they seem engaged and alert, and the next, they’re dozing off mid-morning and struggling to stay awake through the afternoon.

It’s important to recognize that oversleeping in dementia is often a natural part of how the condition progresses. Still, that doesn’t make it any easier to watch. When someone you care about is spending more time asleep than awake, it can feel like you’re losing opportunities for connection. The good news is that there are reasons behind these changes, and there are ways to gently support more balanced, wakeful time during the day.

Factors Influencing Increased Daytime Sleepiness

• Changes in … Read More »

Caring for an aging parent often means becoming their cheerleader and confidant. It should never be just about managing medications or medical appointments; you’re enriching their life, making each day more meaningful. It’s amazing what a difference it can make to foster a positive outlook for aging parents, and in your role as family caregiver, you can make a profound impact on the quality of their lives.

Even small, everyday moments can shape how the day feels. A shared laugh, a familiar routine, or simply spending time together without distractions can help create a sense of comfort and connection. When care is approached with intention and compassion, it naturally supports emotional well-being in ways that go far beyond a checklist of tasks.

Here are some ways you can promote a positive outlook and an environment focused on mental and … Read More »

Yesterday, the Press Democrat ran an informative article about the increase of scams specifically targeting seniors. It is mind blowing that national data shows that scams targeting older adults have quadrupled in the last four years!

Them come in quick, seeming legit, and prey on emotion. So, we should always take pause, verify information, and include a trusted party in any questionable situation.

Check out the article for more valuable information, and when in doubt… tell someone! It’s important that we ALL work together to keep our seniors safe from scams!

~HHH

Scams targeting elders are on the rise: Here’s how to stay safe

A move into a care community often brings a sense of reassurance.

There’s a plan in place. Support is available. And there’s comfort in knowing that help is always nearby when it’s needed.

But even with that foundation, you may begin to notice moments that feel less supported than others. Not because care is lacking, but because shared environments are designed to meet many needs at once.

In the first part of this series, we explored how to recognize when senior home care assistance in assisted living might be helpful. Now, let’s look at what happens next and how bringing in a home caregiver can enhance what’s already in place.

How Does a Home Caregiver Support Someone in a Facility?

A home caregiver works alongside the facility team, not in place of it.

The facility continues to provide its … Read More »

Join our friends at Emergency Prep Help (EPH) this summer as they present several FREE Community Workshops specifically designed to prepare seniors for natural disasters and other emergencies.  Great presenters, talk to experts, learn about pet safety, and every person gets a FREE emergency go-bag!

The next Workshop is:
Thursday May 14, 10:00am – noon
at Sonoma Clean Power
741 4th ST, Santa Rosa

More info and upcoming workshop schedules:  https://www.emergencyprephelp.org.
707-241-3280 or info@emergencyprephelp.org.

Here’s to working together and making sure we’re properly prepared in case of an emergency!

Join us TODAY, Friday May 8th, from 11-3
at the 18th Annual Aging & Disability Expo!

This great event highlights local resources, services & products for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

FREE Admission & GREAT Raffle Prizes!

Located at:
The Backdrop
1455 Corporate Center PKWY
Santa Rosa, CA
Free Parking!

For more information, please call 707-528-2745.

See you at the Expo!

You took the time to do this carefully.

You researched your options. You visited communities. You asked the right questions and weighed what felt best. In the end, you chose a care setting that seemed safe, supportive, and like the right fit.

And still, something doesn’t sit quite right.

That feeling can be difficult to explain. Everything may look fine on the surface. The environment is good, the staff is attentive, and care is being provided. But there can still be moments where it feels like something is missing.

That’s where adding extra support in assisted living can make a real difference.

In this first part of a two-part series, we’re taking a closer look at how home care can work alongside assisted living or skilled nursing to help fill in those gaps.

Is It Possible to Add Home … Read More »

Please join us in congratulating Lilia, as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!

The Hired Hands team has had the pleasure of working with Lilia for over NINE years now! During that time, this is her FOURTH time being awarded as our Caregiver of the Month and she truly deserves every single one! Her dedication, compassion, and professionalism shine through in everything she does. Lilia is a highly skilled caregiver and supports both of our Dementia and Hospice specialty teams with grace and confidence. She is one of our most requested caregivers and it is easy to see why. Lilia brings warmth, attentiveness, and exceptional care to every client she works with. Lilia has set the standard of excellence and we are incredibly grateful to have her on our team.

We recently had the pleasure of presenting Lilia with her award … Read More »

Use these suggestions to boost independence for someone with dementia.

Everyday small victories can boost independence for someone with dementia—like tying their own shoes or deciding what they want to have for lunch. These moments may seem small to others, but for someone navigating memory loss and cognitive changes, they represent meaningful achievements.