Caregivers
Grace Puts a Smile on our Face!
Please join us in celebrating Grace as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!
We have had the honor of working with Grace since September of 2024, and this is actually her second time receiving this award! We recently had the pleasure of visiting Grace on shift with our client, Darlene, and both were very pleasantly surprised. Our client Darlene, who is a retired school teacher, gives Grace an A+ and we couldn’t agree more!
Grace consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care. She is highly skilled, observant, and attentive to the little details that make such a big difference in our clients’ lives. Grace takes the time to get to know our clients, their needs, and always communicates important changes or concerns to our team to advocate for those she provides care for. What makes Grace especially wonderful is her gentle approach … Read More »
The Hidden Signs of Pain You May Be Overlooking
Recognizing pain isn’t always as simple as asking, “Where does it hurt?” Some older adults have difficulty describing what they’re feeling because of dementia or another cognitive condition. Others have spent years minimizing aches and pains because they don’t want to worry anyone or be seen as complaining. As a result, physical discomfort often goes unnoticed unless you know how to detect the hidden signs of pain.
Instead of talking about pain, an older loved one may begin acting differently. They may seem less interested in favorite activities, become more withdrawn, grow impatient over small frustrations, or experience changes in appetite or sleep. Although these behaviors are often blamed on aging, they may actually be clues that something is physically wrong.
Knowing how to recognize those clues can help your loved one get the attention they need sooner.
Notice … Read More »
Happy Labor Day!
On this important day, we tip our hat and raise our glass to our amazing team of dedicated professionals. Every day, you go out of your way to make a difference, and put a smile on someone’s face. Your compassion and dedication have such a positive influence on the lives of seniors and the disabled in our community. You are important, your are special, and you are appreciated!
Exceptional People. Extraordinary Care. The Hired Hands way.
Happy Labor Day!
Want to Reduce Chronic Pain? It Begins at Home.
Living with pain means accepting that some days will be better than others…and that finding ways to reduce chronic pain becomes paramount. While arthritis and other chronic conditions naturally have their ups and downs, everyday routines may also influence how much discomfort an older adult experiences.
The surprising part is that these pain triggers often have nothing to do with medication or medical treatment. Instead, they come from ordinary parts of daily life, including the furniture someone uses, the temperature inside the home, how well they sleep, and the way they move throughout the day.
Taking a closer look at these often-overlooked factors may help make each day a little more comfortable.
1. The chair you always choose.
It’s easy to understand why someone returns to the same favorite chair every day. It’s familiar, comfortable, and part of the … Read More »
Watch for These Common Comorbidities of COPD
Watching a loved one manage the daily challenges of COPD isn’t easy. You see them struggle with breathlessness and fatigue, and you want to do everything you can to help. What you might not realize is that COPD often brings along other health issues, known as comorbidities, which need to be addressed and managed in tandem with COPD. The best way to help someone with COPD is by learning about these potential comorbidities, and then supporting and advocating for the person to receive screenings and treatment as needed.
Here are some of the most common COPD comorbidities:
Cardiovascular Diseases. One of the most common comorbidities your family member might face is cardiovascular disease. People with COPD are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. The reasons for this increased risk include … Read More »
The Art of Decluttering Your Parents’ Home While They Can Still Join In
You’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and start working on downsizing and decluttering your parents’ home. As you begin sorting through the attic, you come across a box of old family photos, a stack of forgotten love letters, a collection of vintage toys. Each item holds a story, a piece of history, and a flood of memories.
Decluttering is so much more than just a housekeeping chore. It can be a memorable, emotionally charged occasion. It’s a task that should include your parents so that together, you can reminisce, rediscover treasures, and take a journey through time.
Why Declutter?
Aside from the sentimental, decluttering your parents’ home is important for several reasons:
Safety: Reducing clutter minimizes the risk of falls and injuries, making the home safer for your parents.
Organization: A decluttered space is easier to navigate and maintain, which … Read More »
“Michelle Deserves Every Ounce of Recognition”
Please join us in congratulating Michelle, as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!
Michelle has been a valued member of the Hired Hands team since August 2024 and we are proud to recognize her as our most recent Caregiver of the Month! Michelle is skilled, compassionate, and consistently brings a positive attitude to every client she serves. Her calm, cheerful personality provides comfort and reassurance to those in her care. Michelle is always creating meaningful moments that brighten clients’ days… Whether she’s playing the ukulele for a hospice client who enjoys music, assisting a client record entries in a Keepsake Journal for a grandchild, or reading a favorite book aloud, Michelle has a special way of creating moments of peace, connection, and joy. Michelle is gracious, dependable, and is always willing to go the extra mile. She cares deeply about our … Read More »
Don’t Let a Diagnosis of Cancer Overtake Your Parent’s Life
After a cancer diagnosis, it can seem as though one word suddenly takes over every corner of life. It becomes the focus of conversations, fills the calendar with appointments, and influences decisions that never used to require much thought. Before long, you and your parent may find yourselves measuring life by what happened before the diagnosis of cancer and everything that has happened since.
As you settle into this new normal, you’ll likely discover that many of the biggest changes take place at home. Treatment understandably becomes a priority, but everyday life keeps moving forward. The garden still needs watering. The morning coffee still tastes best on the back patio. Your parent still wants to hear how the grandchildren are doing, ask about your week, or tell the same favorite family story that somehow never gets old.
Those moments … Read More »
If Mom Has Alzheimer’s, Will You Get It Too?
When Mom has Alzheimer’s and you watch her struggling to remember your name or losing track of her daily routine, an unsettling thought might creep into your mind: “Will this happen to me, too?” It’s natural to struggle with the fear of facing the same challenges as a loved one with dementia. We invite you to take a deep breath and consider the following facts about, causes of, and risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to help empower you to navigate these worries and find some peace of mind.
Genetic Factors and Family History
One of the first things to consider is the role of genetics. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, has a hereditary component. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s are at a higher risk … Read More »
How to Make Life Better for Someone With Alzheimer’s Using Routines and Reminders
When it comes to Alzheimer’s, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. Simple, thoughtful routines and reminders can transform life for the individual, bringing moments of calm and clarity. They help the person maintain their independence while creating a comforting rhythm that both of you can rely on. Here are some innovative strategies to make life better for someone with Alzheimer’s.
Consistent Daily Routines: A consistent daily routine provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is extremely comforting for someone with Alzheimer’s. Try to schedule activities like meals, bathing, and bedtime at the same times each day. This regularity helps to reinforce memory and create a calming environment. Keep the routine simple and avoid making too many changes, as this can be confusing and unsettling.
Visual Reminders: Visual reminders are effective tools for helping someone with Alzheimer’s … Read More »
