Caregivers

Anosognosia for dementia patients, or the unawareness of dementia behaviors, can be challenging.

“How could you think that I have dementia? There’s not a single thing wrong with me!”

If a loved one with dementia expresses feelings like this, you might be thinking that he or she is simply in denial and unwilling to accept such a difficult diagnosis. Yet, there might be another reason: anosognosia, when a person is truly unaware that he or she is impaired by dementia.

Finding the most effective way to respond to a senior who is unfamiliar with his or her own dementia behaviors is a challenge. As the professional providers of the best elderly care Pleasanton and the surrounding area have to offer, we’ve compiled some tips to help family caregivers better manage care for someone with anosognosia:

Understand that the older … Read More »

Find tips to help when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis.

In some cases, the best lessons in life come about from going through them firsthand; yet the knowledge we are able to glean from those who have walked a similar path before us is priceless. If you are providing care for a senior who has been given a dementia diagnosis, and you’re becoming a bit stressed in this uncharted territory, the recommendations below can help:

A brief break often makes a big difference. Whenever your senior loved one is struggling with challenging feelings, such as fear or anger, it is advisable to stop whatever activity or task she is involved with, and allow time for a breather. Change the situation by moving into a different room or outside if the weather allows, play some favorite music, browse … Read More »

Learn why dementia care at home may be best from the senior living team at Hired Hands Homecare.

Although an incredible number of older adults are dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, an even greater number of family members are trying to cope with caring for them. Incredibly, nearly 75% of family caregivers are managing their older loved ones’ dementia care needs by themselves, with only 26% seeking professional care services.

Of course, families want to do all they possibly can to satisfy their loved ones’ needs, but dementia caregiving can lead to an extremely high level of both mental and physical stress. This takes a toll on the caregivers’ own overall health over time, particularly once the disease progresses. And some family members think there is an all-or-nothing strategy: either manage their loved one’s needs at … Read More »

When dealing with dementia, one of these two treatment options may be recommended.

The most recent Alzheimer’s statistics are worrying. The condition has become the 6th leading cause of death, overtaking both breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. And though deaths from several chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, are declining, those from Alzheimer’s have escalated more than 100%. The toll the condition takes on family caregivers with a loved one who is dealing with dementia is similarly shocking, with well over 16 million Americans supplying over 18 billion hours of caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Although we have yet to realize a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are two distinct forms of treatment options that can help alleviate some of the more prevalent symptoms. If your parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the following are two options … Read More »

Older adults tend to resist the idea of caregiver services for one surprising reason.

As the top San Rafael home care providers for the surrounding area, we see firsthand everyday the joy, companionship, and enhanced quality of life older adults receive through our caregiver services. Yet we also know that many seniors initially reject the idea of in-home care help.

To help overcome a senior’s objections to the care needed, it’s important to first understand why he or she is opposed to help at home. And while of course each person will have unique reasoning to support declining help, some of the more common feelings include:

Fear of lost freedom and independence
A desire to remain in control, and not wanting someone to come in and “take over”
Not wanting a “stranger” in the home
Feelings of shame or embarrassment in the … Read More »

Find tips for seniors who resist home care services.

Getting used to the reality that a senior you love needs help at home can be challenging. Even more difficult is talking about home care services with the senior and encouraging him or her to acknowledge that assistance is needed. If you have viewed changes in your loved one and you sense the need to initiate speaking about home care as a possibility to improve safety and independence in the home, try some of these conversation starters from the home care team at Hired Hands Homecare to raise the subject in a subtle, non-confrontational way.

If heightened frailty is growing to be a concern:

“I love you, Dad, and now that you’re living by yourself, I’m concerned about your safety. I know someone who can help us to make … Read More »

Wow, what an amazing honor!  For the SECOND time, the fine folks of Pleasanton, Livermore & the Tri-Valley have bestowed Hired Hands Homecare as the community’s BEST Home Healthcare in the Pleasanton Weekly!  As they so eloquently put it…  “Readers’ Choice winners yet again, Hired Hands Homecare provides senior care assistance to help locals maintain their independence as they age — and the clear communication and genuine care provided by Hired Hands obviously resonates with clients.”  We could not agree more!

This wonderful award goes to our entire team of phenomenal Caregivers!  It is their tireless dedication, compassion, and professionalism that truly set us apart, and allow us to WOW the seniors and families that we serve!  Our Caregivers truly Exceed Expectations, providing senior care Pleasanton families deserve!

Erin, Courtney, and the entire Hired Hands Homecare Team Pleasanton will wear this badge … Read More »

Understanding the impacts of a stroke can help caregivers create the most appropriate plan of care.

A stroke is a difficult experience to encounter, and no two individuals are impacted in the same way. While some stroke survivors will have few, if any, lingering effects post-stroke, for many, a stroke will be a life-altering event that results in weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one or both sides of the body. The impacts of a stroke can be evident in the individual’s coordination and balance, as well as result in changes in behavior and judgment.

Comprehending why a stroke survivor is acting a certain way or experiencing particular symptoms can often help caregivers create the most appropriate plan of care. Below are just a few ways that having a stroke might impact a person’s brain and level of functionality.

A stroke in … Read More »

Happy Spring… and Happy Earth Day from Hired Hands Homecare!

A beautiful time to plant new life, give someone flowers, or enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

May we all celebrate & enjoy & respect & protect Mother Earth!