How to Get Away From It All While Caring for an Older Loved One

Dreaming of that perfect vacation while listening to friends and family share tales of exciting getaways? The desire to travel and escape reality for a little while is universal, but when you are caring for an older loved one, it might seem like an unattainable luxury. However, taking a break is not just possible; it’s crucial for both your well-being and the well-being of your older family member.

Why Taking a Break Matters

Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and depression, ultimately affecting the quality of care you provide. So how can you step away and know that the individual you’re caring for will remain safe and well while you’re gone?

These tips are a great place to start:

Talk About It. Initiating a conversation with the older adult about your upcoming break is a crucial step. Transparency builds trust … Read More »



What to Do When an Older Adult Refuses to Pay for Care

Many of today’s older adults grew up during the Great Depression. They lived through a time when the country was cutting corners and pinching pennies. Frugality was embedded in many of them at an early age and quite often remains firmly in place for life.

So what can you do when an older adult refuses to pay for care, even though they clearly are in need of care at home and have the financial ability to pay for the care?

First, empathize. Understand that the person’s perspective is valid and determined by past life experiences. If the older adult seems to be resistant to the idea of spending money for the care they need, remind yourself of the emotions behind the behaviors. An additional layer of difficulty may be in simply accepting the need for care altogether, something that … Read More »



Acceptance, Unity & Inclusion!

Posted on January 12th, by Mark Winter in Caregivers, OUR Caregivers. No Comments

“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”  ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Martin Luther King day, we honor a leader whose message of remaining resolute in the face of adversity continues to guide us in building a more equal, compassionate world. We must continue to honor his legacy by fighting injustice in all its forms. At Hired Hands Homecare, we are so very honored to have the pleasure to work side by side with such an amazing, diverse workforce. Acceptance, unity, and inclusion must become more common place in today’s society. Thank you for your role in that effort. Together, we can move mountains.

In celebration of the great Dr. King, our offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.  Even though our … Read More »



Reminiscing in Dementia: How to Spark Memories and Instill Joy

Memory loss and dementia may seem synonymous. Yet it’s crucial to understand that long-term memory frequently remains intact long into the progression of the disease. For this reason, tapping into those distant memories is a good way to help an older adult with Alzheimer’s stay engaged in current conversations by connecting to the past. Reminiscing in dementia can help older adults:

Better connect to others through sharing stories
Instill self-confidence by bringing to mind the numerous accomplishments they have made as well as the lives they’ve impacted
Minimize some of the adverse effects of Alzheimer’s, such as restlessness, wandering, agitation, and more
Reduce negative emotions and stress by shifting the focus to happier times

Reminiscing in dementia, also known as reminiscence therapy, doesn’t have to be elaborate. Begin by cracking open a photo album and simply looking at pictures together. Then let … Read More »



How to Manage Feeling Unappreciated as a Caregiver

These three simple steps can help if you’re feeling unappreciated as a caregiver.

From the moment you started your day until its end, you’ve dedicated yourself entirely to the well-being of an older loved one. Your tasks ranged from assisting with daily activities to managing appointments and household chores, all performed with love and dedication. Yet, the acknowledgment you deserve is often absent, leaving you feeling unappreciated as a caregiver. Left unchecked, this can lead to caregiver burnout or depression.

If you’re experiencing this, know that you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help navigate and address the challenge of feeling unappreciated in your caregiving role.

1. Practice Self-Appreciation:

Acknowledge the importance of the work you’re doing and prioritize self-appreciation. Take a moment each week to reward yourself for a job well done. It … Read More »



Ease the Strain of Working and Caregiving With These Tips

Working and caregiving together isn’t easy, but these tips can help you find a healthier life balance.

The far-reaching impacts of the pandemic have touched every aspect of our lives, creating unprecedented challenges for many, especially those juggling the responsibilities of both working and caregiving for senior family members. The stress of managing both roles simultaneously can be overwhelming.

If you find yourself in this situation, consider these tips to better navigate the dual demands of caregiving and professional responsibilities.

Understand Finances

The financial aspect is a crucial component of caregiving that deserves attention. Initiate a conversation, albeit potentially uncomfortable, with the senior in your care to assess their financial situation. Address important questions such as the senior’s financial security, the need for setting aside funds for future care needs, the existence of a long-term care insurance plan, … Read More »



The Importance of Friendships and How to Find Friends as a Senior

Knowing how to find friends as a senior is the first step to enhancing socialization and quality of life.

Observing kids effortlessly form friendships at the playground is a heartwarming sight, but as adults, building connections can be a bit more complex. Friendships are vital, especially for seniors emerging from COVID-related isolation. How can you assist the older adults in your life in enhancing their socialization and making new friends?

While a pick-up game of tag might not be on the agenda, consider these alternative tips for how to find friends as a senior:

Join a Club: Help an older loved one brainstorm their interests, whether it’s reading, knitting, gardening, fishing, or sports. Look online for local groups or explore resources at the senior center. If no suitable groups exist, consider creating one!
Take a Class: Community colleges often offer … Read More »



Jane is Definitely Not Plain!

Posted on December 8th, by Mark Winter in Caregivers, OUR Caregivers. No Comments

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

Last week, we had the pleasure of surprising Jane with our Caregiver of the Month award while she was on shift with our client, Peter. Jane originally joined our Hired Hands family in February of 2015.  She had taken a brief break, and we were so happy when she returned this year!  Let’s just say that it didn’t take long for Jane to prove she is one of our Best, and quite deserving of this award!

Jane goes above and beyond each day with the care she provides. Jane is a part of our live-in team and has taken on some high acuity cases during her time with Hired Hands. She never misses a beat and is an excellent reporter, which is so important to our Clients’ well … Read More »



Understanding Chemo Brain and Its Effects

Chemo brain can last for months or even years after treatment has ended.

Memory lapses, confusion, and difficulty concentrating—these symptoms could easily be attributed to Alzheimer’s, but for cancer survivors, there’s another likely culprit: chemotherapy. Referred to as chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment (CICI) or “chemo brain,” these effects can linger for months or even years after treatment concludes. It’s not exclusive to chemotherapy recipients, either; radiation, surgery, hormonal treatments, and even the cancer itself can contribute to cognitive challenges, complicating effective treatment.

Exploring the Complexity:

Dr. Kevin Liou from the Bendhaim Integrative Medicine Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center emphasizes that cancer-related cognitive impairment is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors. This complexity means that chemo brain can manifest at any point during or after cancer treatment, presenting symptoms like difficulty multitasking, reading comprehension issues, word-finding … Read More »



Do You Need a Guardian for a Senior Parent?

Learn when it’s a good idea to designate a guardian for a senior parent.

In an ideal world, our family relationships would all be helpful and positive. We would manage transitional times cooperatively, smoothly, and without any disagreement. As our parents grew older, it would be a simple process to satisfy their current needs and their changing future needs.






Contact Us to Learn More!

Want to find out more about our senior care in California and how it can improve safety, comfort, and independence at home? Contact us at (866) 940-4343 to request a free in-home consultation to learn more about our customized care solutions in Novato, Pleasanton, Santa Rosa, Napa, Sonoma, and the surrounding areas.


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