North Bay Home Care
Parkinson’s Disease Facts: The 5 Stages and How to Best Provide Care
More commonly diagnosed in men than in women, and more prevalent than MS, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined, Parkinson’s disease affects an astounding of 7 – 10 million people across the globe, and as many as 600,000 in America are diagnosed each year. Although each individual’s experience with Parkinson’s can vary widely, there are typically five stages of progression that are common to all. Since it’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Hired Hands Homecare of California would like to share the following important information on these stages:
Stage 1: Also known as early-stage Parkinson’s, the individual in this stage usually exhibits only mild signs or symptoms that may appear as follows:
Symptoms are on one side of the body only
Symptoms are concerning, but not disabling
Tremors or shaking in one limb may be discovered
Loved ones can frequently observe differences in the individual’s balance, … Read More »
Is Exercise for Seniors Safe, or Could It Be Dangerous?
It’s no problem at all for us to get plenty of exercise while we’re young; physical activity is just a natural part of our hectic, daily lives. As we grow older, however, it’s not uncommon for the pace of life to slow down, sometimes quite dramatically; and there are many people who assume that with aging comes a reduced need for physical activity, or maybe even that exercise for seniors could be dangerous.
The good news, however, is that these assumptions are completely false. Studies have shown that routine exercise for seniors offers both physical and psychological benefits in older adults, and that even just a small amount of exercise can go a long way. The Office of Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shares that an exercise plan can:
Lower the level of disability in older adults
Improve … Read More »
Vineyard Commons Health Fair
Cindy and Jake of Hired Hands Sonoma
office recently attended Vineyard Commons Health Fair. Hired Hands Homecare had a table with health information and a 30 minute presentation on Super Foods was given by Cindy in the Commons Lounge.
Hired Hands also had a Super Foods gift basket to raffle for the residents there. It was a great event for the residents and was well attended.
Congrats to the winner of the gift basket!
Thank You Zufan!
Sonoma’s September Employee of the Month
Our latest Employee of the Month is Zufan Almedom! Zufan began working for Hired Hands Homecare in December of 2015. Zufan brings to the table years of CNA experience, a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and help when needed. Thanks Zufan!!
“I called the house to check in and spoke with Katherine. She told me Zufan has been great with her husband and she asked that we send Zufan back to cover nights whenever she can. She’s really proactive!”
During our conversation, Becky told me that Zufan and the staff have been doing a wonderful job and Becky is glad we have her on their weekly team!
I called Sharon to check in, introduce myself and see how Zufan had done today. Sharon told me, “Zufan was wonderful! She helped Lee with a bed … Read More »
Family Caregivers in California. The Court Finds You Guilty…
…but not of the crimes you think you committed.
You think you’re guilty of not spending enough time with your loved ones. That you’re guilty of failing them because you are considering part-time in-home care or a full-time skilled nursing facility.
No. Here’s what you are probably guilty of instead:
Working too hard
Neglecting your own emotional and physical health
Judging yourself too harshly
Although immensely rewarding, caregiving for a cherished family member is one of the hardest things you will ever do, and the role of caregiver often comes at the busiest stage of one’s life. Caregivers in California often have full-time jobs on top of caregiving, plus children and spouses who need attention, too.
How do I know if I’m working too hard? The first thing you need to do is admit that you’re working too hard. Pull out a sheet of paper and make … Read More »
Sonoma Client Gayle Celebrates Her 100th
Gayle has been with Hired Hands since July 2012 and her favorite caregiver right now is Mary Martel. Gayle never had children or held an occupation. She and her late husband used to love hosting parties with friends and entertaining guests at their home in Santa Rosa. Gayle enjoys watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune; her favorite activities include walking in her neighborhood on nice days, conversing / reminiscing with her caregivers and weekly visits to the hair salon.
When Phyllis (Director of Santa Rosa office) and Jake (Santa Rosa Office Manager) arrived with cake and flowers, Gayle told them, “I’m so fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life. I am truly blessed!”
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Determining if Home Care Is an Option.
We face a number of critical crossroads in life, in which our decisions will have a long-reaching impact. Our career. Whether (and whom) to marry. Whether to have children. And once we’ve reached senior status, another major decision looms: should we consider a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home to ensure we have the care needed throughout the aging process, or is home care in California an option?
As with any crucial decision, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each choice. Hired Hands Homecare wants to help seniors and their families more clearly understand both options, in order to make the decision with which they’ll be most comfortable.
If you’re in the beginning stages of considering a move for your senior loved one, these questions are important to consider:
Is cost a factor? The U.S. Department … Read More »
How Pneumonia Vaccinations, Along with North Bay Home Care, Can Save Lives
Pneumonia: it’s one word we never want to hear in relation to our senior loved ones, but unfortunately, seniors are more susceptible to this extremely serious lung infection, for a variety of reasons: a weakened immune system, chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes that put them at a higher risk, surgeries, and frailty.
Symptoms of pneumonia can include:
Fever and chills
Coughing that produces yellow or green discharge
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Lethargy
Recovering from a recent cold/flu
With a fatality rate in seniors of between 30% and 40%, pneumonia kills more people worldwide than any other infectious disease. These alarming statistics on their own should prompt all of those over the age of 65 to seek out the pneumonia vaccine, but additionally, the pneumococcus bacterium that causes pneumonia can also cause further problems: ear infections, deadly blood infections, and meningitis.
Not surprisingly, the CDC unequivocally … Read More »
