Senior Independence
Senior Living Experts Share Benefits of Dementia Care at Home
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 »
Dealing with Dementia: The Two Top Treatment Options
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 »
“I Don’t Need a Caregiver!”: Tips to Help an Elderly Parent Refusing Care
Learn how an older adult may retaliate when you recommend an in-home caregiver.
Although many older adults adapt quickly when a new caregiver comes into the home, and begin to thrive and enjoy a higher quality of life, there are some seniors who may continue to feel threatened. What do you do if your elderly parent is refusing care? At Hired Hands Homecare, providers of elder care in Marin, we’re sensitive to the feelings of each senior we serve and are experienced in helping to ease concerns and restore peace.
A senior who feels the need to convince his or her family that a caregiver is simply not necessary may implement one of these common tactics:
Becoming argumentative. Frustrations at being perceived as incapable of self-care may display as an increase in arguments, even over seemingly trivial matters. It’s … Read More »
The Top Reason Seniors May Reject the Idea of Caregiver Services: It May Surprise You!
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 »
Senior Driving: When Should a Senior Should Give up the Car Keys?
Learn why giving up the car keys can lead to social and physical decline.
It’s one of the most difficult decisions we face as we grow older, and a highly sensitive issue for adult children to broach with their senior parents: unsafe driving, and the need to explore giving up the car keys. Driving a car, while offering a great sense of freedom and independence, can become risky due to a number of variables. And giving up that independence in order to remain safe can feel defeating.
On the other side of the equation, we need to take into account the latest research findings that show that giving up driving can lead to both mental and physical decline. Giving up driving, can lead to health decline through isolation, despondency, and reduced physical activity.
The study, as shared in … Read More »
Home Care Expert Tips: When a Senior Resists Home Care Services
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 »
Family Caregivers, You’re Not Alone! Find Relief with Respite Care Services
Family caregivers can find the support they need with respite care services.
In spite of spending plenty of time with a senior loved one, family caregivers can often feel very isolated and alone. These feelings, although normal, can result in depression and other health problems if not kept in check. When family and friends are not available to help provide respite care services, there are several community service options that can help family caregivers care for their loved ones.
Senior Centers and Other Senior Organizations: Local senior centers often have programs or can offer other resources to family caregivers in need of respite.
Veterans’ Programs: Family caregivers who are caring for a veteran can explore whether the person is qualified to receive financial coverage for home care or adult day care.
Adult Day Care: For seniors who are well enough, … Read More »
Learn the Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout and How to Prevent It
Learn tips on how in-home respite care can help you steer clear of caregiver burnout.
Providing care for an older loved one, in spite of being incredibly rewarding, can also include a high level of caregiver stress. The full-time responsibility of meeting a loved one’s needs can quickly escalate to caregiver burnout – a dangerous condition which can cause loss of patience and emotional outbursts. This has an impact on not only the caregiver herself, but on her senior loved one as well.
It’s crucial to discover if you might be in danger of developing caregiver burnout, and seek assistance if needed. The questionnaire below from Hired Hands Homecare, experts at in home care in Walnut Creek and surrounding areas, can help you determine if you might have crossed the line from caregiver stress to caregiver burnout:
Do you … Read More »
Try These Tips to Make Everyday Life Better with Fun Activities for Seniors
Fun activities for seniors can make every day a better day.
Millions of Americans find themselves in a role of providing senior care for an older loved one, and although being a family caregiver is extremely fulfilling in many ways, the everyday tasks involved with senior care can become monotonous for both the caregiver and the older adult. Hired Hands Homecare, providers of the professional senior care Sonoma, CA residents need, wants to help you put the fun back in your loved one’s daily routine. All it takes is a little creativity! Try some of these ideas to help brighten your loved one’s day and make everyday senior care more enjoyable:
Add Style
These tips can add some style and fun to dressing, laundry, and other chores:
Ask the senior to help with laundry (sorting/folding/putting away). Utilize this time to discuss your day, a TV … Read More »
Struggling with Diabetes Burnout? Hired Hands Homecare Can Help!
Learn from the North Bay, CA home care experts how to avoid diabetes care burnout.
Diabetics know that living with diabetes is an ongoing struggle, and constant diabetes self-care can at times feel relentless and unending. To overcome the fatigue and avoid diabetes burnout, sometimes all it takes is a little helping hand.
For instance, partnering with Hired Hands Homecare, the home care company North Bay, CA families trust, helps diabetes patients with medication reminders, healthy meal planning and preparation, personal hygiene needs, and even housework and running errands. Additionally, implementing the following tips will go a long way towards improving your outlook and reducing the chance of diabetes burnout:
Exercise regularly. You’re better equipped to overcome stress when physically fit.
Stop smoking.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
Set reasonable goals and expectations.
Get sufficient sleep. Your body needs quality rest time … Read More »
