Family Caregivers


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 »



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 »



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.



Take Two: Why You Should Consider Keeping Two Caregiving Journals

Keeping two separate caregiving journals for two distinct purposes is most effective.

Most of us are jotting down notes all the time: grocery lists, to-do reminders, appointments, meetings, events…the list goes on and on. If you’re a family caregiver, you’ve got even more reasons for writing, as you manage another person’s life in addition to your own. Journaling is a great way to keep everything together in one concise location. Yet we recommend taking it a step further by utilizing two caregiving journals for two distinct purposes that are equally important to your caregiving role.

The Organization Journal

This type of journal is a great tool for keeping everything linked to a senior family member’s health and wellbeing in one place. Include:

Any condition changes
Information about any troubling symptoms and what could be having an effect on them … Read More »



4 Ways to Better Advocate for Your Older Loved Ones

Being a better advocate for your older loved ones begins with these four tactics.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Serving as an advocate for your older loved ones is perhaps one of the greatest honors – and responsibilities – you’ll have as a family caregiver. It means fully comprehending their needs and wishes, and communicating them to those who can help to make sure they’re achieved.



Tsengel… You’re Number One!

Posted on October 20th, by Mark Winter in Caregiver Careers, Caregivers, Family Caregivers, OUR Caregivers. No Comments

HIRED HANDS is proud to honor Tsengel as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!  She became part of our Hired Hands team back in October of 2017, and has been enriching our Clients’ lives ever since.  Tsengel wholeheartedly represents our standards of “Exceptional People.  Extraordinary Care.” with her positivity, commitment to our clients she serves, and doing all she can to support our team.  We can’t say enough about Tsengel, and neither can the Clients and families that she works with!

“Can I keep her forever?”

“The connection she has made is extraordinary.”

“So much trust.”

“Just like a member of our family.”

Upon receiving this award, Tsengel replied “I am so happy to work at Hired Hands in Marin!  I always feel so supported by my team here.”

Tsengel, your commitment and dedication is evident in all you do for us and the Clients … Read More »



Why You Need to Find a Geriatrician for the Best Senior Health Care

The best senior health care is provided by a geriatrician who is an expert in the unique needs of older adults.

If your child suddenly developed an illness, who would you call? It’s a no-brainer; many parents have the number on speed dial for the pediatrician they’ve carefully chosen to manage the medical care needs of their children. With their specialized training, working with a trusted pediatrician ensures the best possible care.

Likewise, selecting the best senior health care provider who focuses on specific health concerns of older adults is equally as important. However, sadly, the health care system as a whole has not placed a great focus on the unique health care needs of seniors. Dr. Carla Perissinotto, geriatrician and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, shares her alarm over this age-related health … Read More »



Feeling Worn Down? Try These Ideas to Gain Energy as a Caregiver!

These four simple tips can make a big difference in helping you gain energy as a caregiver.

Providing care for someone else can be exhausting. Add in the shortened daylight hours of fall that we’re beginning to experience, along with the everyday stressors in life, and it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling worn down and sluggish. Try these ideas from our home care team to help you shift from feeling fatigued to fabulous and gain energy as a caregiver.

Consume more high-energy, complex carbs. If the hectic pace of life or simply ingrained habits have you grabbing a quick bowl of sugary cereal for breakfast, snacking on chips and soda, and seeking out comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or white bread, it’s only natural for your energy level to be sapped. Instead, choose whole grains, … Read More »



Tatiana Brings the Joy and Happiness!

Please join us in congratulating Tatiana as Hired Hands Homecare’s latest Caregiver of the Month!

We recently lured Tatiana into the office to present the award to her, and she was so surprised! She has been with Hired Hands for a little over a year now and is still working with some of the same ongoing clients since she started with us. It has been an absolute delight to work with Tatiana and watch her blossom into the professional Caregiver she is today! Tatiana is a beam of happiness wherever she goes, and always shows up for work with a big, infectious smile on her face. She is an amazing companion which allows her clients to maintain their dignity and independence while remaining safe and comfortable in their own homes. Every client that Tatiana has cared for has had nothing but … Read More »



How to Care for Someone With a Progressive Disease

These tips will guide you in how to care for someone with a progressive disease.

It might have been expected, or perhaps broadsided you without warning. Mom has just received the official diagnosis for a progressive disease that is likely to make independent life difficult. While there are a number of uncertainties, one thing is for sure: she is adamant about remaining at home – meaning you’ll have to learn how to care for someone with a progressive disease.

Welcome to the world of family caregiving! If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with what can be expected next, these recommendations will help.

Discover as much as you’re able to about the disease. The older adult’s doctor can provide you with resources and educational materials to help you know what to anticipate and to gain confidence in your caregiving role.
Prioritize … Read More »






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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