Senior Safety

By the time your older loved one settles into their own bed again the first night home after surgery, everyone is running on empty. The hospital stay may be over, but the physical and mental exhaustion often follows you home. Your older loved one is tired from days of tests, treatments, interrupted sleep, and the effort of simply getting through hospitalization. You’re tired from coordinating discharge plans, listening to instructions, filling prescriptions, arranging transportation, and trying to absorb an overwhelming amount of information in a short period of time.

It can be tempting to look around and think, “We made it home. Now recovery can begin.”

The truth is, recovery has already begun, and that first evening often reveals just how much support the healing process will require. What seemed manageable at the hospital can feel very different once … Read More »

The hospital stay is over. Discharge instructions have been reviewed. Everyone is eager to get back to familiar surroundings and begin the recovery process at home. It feels like an important step forward.

However, the days immediately following a hospital discharge are often more fragile than many people realize. A large percentage of rehospitalizations happen during the first week home, not because of a major medical crisis, but because recovery can be more complicated than expected.

In many cases, it isn’t one significant problem that leads to a return trip to the hospital. Instead, it’s a collection of smaller issues that gradually create larger challenges. A medication gets missed. A follow-up appointment gets postponed. A symptom is brushed off as part of the healing process. Everyday activities become more difficult than anticipated.

Understanding where recovery commonly goes off course … Read More »

We’ve all experienced that moment of sheer panic when we can’t find our keys or wallet. It’s frustrating and disorienting. Now, picture this happening multiple times a day, coupled with an overwhelming sense of confusion and fear. This is a common experience for those with dementia. To make things even more unsettling, the person with dementia may often be hiding the objects themselves, typically in places you’re not likely to look.

So, why is your parent with dementia hiding things? There are several key issues that may be at play.

Memory loss and confusion: Hiding items can be a manifestation of the confusion and memory loss that accompany dementia. As memory fades, a person with dementia may no longer remember where they placed their belongings, leading them to hide items in what seems like a safe spot. This action can … Read More »

Did you ever notice how some phrases instantly make people defensive, even when the intention behind them is completely harmless? Telling someone they’re being “careful” sounds very different from calling them “paranoid.” Describing a person as “independent” creates a much warmer reaction than saying they “can’t handle things anymore.” The emotional meaning behind words matters, especially when figuring out how to talk about home care with your parent.

Conversations about home care are rarely just about errands, meals, or household tasks. For an older adult, certain words can stir up fears about aging, losing independence, or no longer being capable. And once those emotions surface, the conversation can quickly become tense. That’s why the language you choose can shape the entire discussion.

Words Like “Care” and “Caregiver” Can Feel Overwhelming
To you, the word “caregiver” may simply describe someone helpful … Read More »

Greetings,

The National Weather Service has issued an EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING and Red Flag Advisory, effective from 11:00 pm Wednesday, and extending at least into Thursday. What Does This Mean? An Excessive Heat Warning signifies that temperatures are expected to reach levels significantly higher than average, potentially causing heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can affect anyone, but the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable

How to Protect Yourself and Others: To ensure your safety and well-being, please follow these protective actions:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you must … Read More »

Decisions about home care are rarely straightforward. When your parent is still living independently and managing most daily routines, it can be difficult to know whether bringing in help at home for seniors is truly necessary or whether it somehow means “things are getting worse.”

That uncertainty causes a lot of people to wait longer than they probably need to. But home care is often most beneficial before daily challenges become overwhelming. Starting support earlier can help your parent remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home while also reducing the growing pressure you may be carrying yourself.

Part of the hesitation usually comes from misunderstandings about what home care actually looks like. If you’ve been unsure whether now is the right time, you may recognize some of these common concerns.

You May Assume Home Care Is Only for Serious … Read More »

If you’re noticing that a loved one with dementia is sleeping more during the day, you’re in good company. Oversleeping in dementia is extremely common, and it can leave you wondering what’s normal and what’s not. One day, they seem engaged and alert, and the next, they’re dozing off mid-morning and struggling to stay awake through the afternoon.

It’s important to recognize that oversleeping in dementia is often a natural part of how the condition progresses. Still, that doesn’t make it any easier to watch. When someone you care about is spending more time asleep than awake, it can feel like you’re losing opportunities for connection. The good news is that there are reasons behind these changes, and there are ways to gently support more balanced, wakeful time during the day.

Factors Influencing Increased Daytime Sleepiness

• Changes in … Read More »

Caring for an aging parent often means becoming their cheerleader and confidant. It should never be just about managing medications or medical appointments; you’re enriching their life, making each day more meaningful. It’s amazing what a difference it can make to foster a positive outlook for aging parents, and in your role as family caregiver, you can make a profound impact on the quality of their lives.

Even small, everyday moments can shape how the day feels. A shared laugh, a familiar routine, or simply spending time together without distractions can help create a sense of comfort and connection. When care is approached with intention and compassion, it naturally supports emotional well-being in ways that go far beyond a checklist of tasks.

Here are some ways you can promote a positive outlook and an environment focused on mental and … Read More »

Yesterday, the Press Democrat ran an informative article about the increase of scams specifically targeting seniors. It is mind blowing that national data shows that scams targeting older adults have quadrupled in the last four years!

Them come in quick, seeming legit, and prey on emotion. So, we should always take pause, verify information, and include a trusted party in any questionable situation.

Check out the article for more valuable information, and when in doubt… tell someone! It’s important that we ALL work together to keep our seniors safe from scams!

~HHH

Scams targeting elders are on the rise: Here’s how to stay safe

Join our friends at Emergency Prep Help (EPH) this summer as they present several FREE Community Workshops specifically designed to prepare seniors for natural disasters and other emergencies.  Great presenters, talk to experts, learn about pet safety, and every person gets a FREE emergency go-bag!

The next Workshop is:
Thursday May 14, 10:00am – noon
at Sonoma Clean Power
741 4th ST, Santa Rosa

More info and upcoming workshop schedules:  https://www.emergencyprephelp.org.
707-241-3280 or info@emergencyprephelp.org.

Here’s to working together and making sure we’re properly prepared in case of an emergency!