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Learn the distinct dementia signs to watch for in Latinos.

A new study sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association is uncovering some striking results in how dementia may show differently in Hispanic people. While further research is necessary to fully understand whether these differences are the consequence of social/cultural nuances or the dementia itself, it is beneficial information for Latino families to learn the specific dementia signs to watch for in Latinos.

What Are the Unique Dementia Signs for Hispanic Seniors?

Daily Life Activities

One feature of this research was the dramatically faster decline in the capability to do everyday activities, including walking, getting dressed, and taking a shower, when compared with other ethnicities. Andrea Ochoa Lopez, the University of Houston doctoral student who performed the research, explained that the cultural dedication to caring for older relations can be … Read More »

Join us today from 10 to 3 at the 2023 Senior Disability Tech Expo!

Proudly sponsored by Sonoma County Senior Advocacy Services and HICAP.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Grace Pavilion
1350 Bennet Valley RD
Santa Rosa, CA

More info:  https://senioradvocacyservices.org/gva_event/2023-northern-california-tech-expo-outreach-event/

WOW!  Thanks to everyone who took important time out of their day to join us for our super fun Caregiver Appreciate Brunch yesterday in Santa Rosa!
We had such a great turnout, and it was wonderful to get to spend time with our amazing Caregivers both old and new!  Extra Kudos to those who brought our Clients to join in the festivities!

Can’t wait for the next one – hope you can join us then!

Learn what not to say to aging parents regarding driving and giving up the car keys.

As our parents grow older, it’s not always easy to know what our role as adult children should be. We want what’s best for them, but if we’re not careful, we can overstep our boundaries and find ourselves trying to parent our parents. It’s important to choose our words carefully, and to take it a step further, to know what NOT to say to aging parents.

This is especially true when safety is a concern. There’s a fine line to walk between ensuring senior parents are safe, and promoting the independent lifestyle they need and deserve. After all, it wasn’t all that long ago when our parents were meeting not just all of their own needs, but ours as well. The transition … Read More »

Greetings,

Today, we take a brief moment to stop, breathe deep, and celebrate our Erin.  It was a year ago today that she tragically passed away.

Over the past year, our family has received so many notes of sympathy and heartfelt condolences.  As you might imagine, it is hard to describe in words the hole she left in our lives.  They say that time will help heal, and so that is what we hope for.  It is still a bit surreal.

A very common thread in all of the kind words about Erin, was that not only did she always light up the room, but that she made everyone feel like they were special and important.  That is absolutely one of the biggest things that we are proud of, and will remember most about her.  … Read More »

All of us at Hired Hands are ecstatic to acknowledge Siteri as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!  Siteri is pictured here with our wonderful client Suki. Siteri has an amazing calm and caring demeanor when interacting Suki, which really makes the day go nicely!

We’re quite happy that Siteri was very pleased to receive this award and recognition. When she first started with us, she said she was nervous to make a change to our Team because she didn’t know anyone that worked here.  That didn’t last long, and Siteri now states that joining HH was the best decision she has ever made!

Hey Siteri, what do you have to say for yourself ?..

“Hired Hands is like family to me and the clients are an extension of that family. I have worked for other agencies and companies but never one as … Read More »

Alzheimer’s is increasingly common in older adults, but not all Alzheimer’s diagnoses are the same!

For many years, experts have been examining the advancement of Alzheimer’s through one basic model. Yet not all Alzheimer’s diagnoses are the same, presenting with a variety of symptoms and progression rates.

Now, however, a large, new collaborative study between the US, Canada, Sweden, and Korea is revealing some fascinating information to help us more accurately understand and treat Alzheimer’s disease. Rather than one universal, dominant diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, researchers have discovered that there are four unique variants that occur in as many as 18 – 30% of cases. This change in thinking is helping researchers more fully comprehend the variations in the disease from one person to another.

The findings are also significant in that they are allowing specialists to begin to … Read More »

The team at Hired Hands Homecare is proud to recognize Julianne as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!  We have actually only had the opportunity to work with Julianne for about five months so far, but in that short time, she has proven to be quite a star!  In fact, one of her most compelling talents is to WOW some of our most particular clients!  Her amazing smile and personality seem to be able to win just about anyone over… and we greatly enjoy working with her.  In fact, Ms. H, one of our MOST particular clients recently commented that Julianne is the Best of the Best, and thanked us profusely for finding her a perfect match.

Congratulations Julianne – it is a pleasure to work with you, and thanks for all you do!
~The Hired Hands Homecare Team

As many as half of all seniors living at home are not utilizing life-changing adaptive tools.

Consider the many tools you make use of each day – your phone, toothbrush, hairbrush – simple items, but ones you can’t imagine living without. For many seniors, there are basic but life-changing adaptive tools available that could mean the difference between living at home and facing a move to assisted living. Yet almost 50% of seniors living at home are not utilizing these helpful tools – even though costs are minimal.

A recent National Health and Aging Trends Study assessed the ability of older adults to execute tasks such as rising unassisted from a sitting position and walking, and discovered that a large number of the participants could benefit from assistive devices.

Not only that, but the likelihood of older adult … Read More »

Learn about three post-pandemic health care appointments you may have been putting off, and why you should get them scheduled.

At the start of the pandemic, life as we knew it came to a screeching halt – including, in many cases, our health care needs. Dr. Ned Sharpless, director of the National Cancer Institute, shares, “There was a time, early in the pandemic, when we didn’t know much about this virus. So at that time, I think hospitals and clinics closing – that made sense.” But he goes on to explain that we know more now – and now is the time to get back on track with post-pandemic health care appointments and procedures.

We have evidence now that the health risks of avoiding exams and tests outweighs the risk of contracting COVID-19. Experts have outlined three key … Read More »

If you’re asking yourself, “What can I expect as dementia progresses?” we have the information you need.

One of the first questions in most people’s minds when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia is, “What can I expect as dementia progresses in the weeks, months, and years to come?” We understand that the hallmark of dementia is the increasing decline in cognitive abilities as well as the skills needed to manage daily life. However, each person progresses through these changes at a different pace. There are a variety of factors that will influence the rate of decline, such as:

Prescription drugs the individual is taking
Overall health and physical makeup
The circle of support in place
The individual’s general emotional wellbeing and resilience

There are also other determinants to take into account based on the specific type of dementia diagnosed. As … Read More »

Please join us in congratulating Kelera AKA ” Lela” for being selected as Hired Hands’ latest Caregiver of the Month!  We have had the absolute pleasure of working with Lela for over three years now, and every day, she simply raises the bar for quality care.  In those three short years, this is actually her THIRD time being honored!

Lela is a key member of our special Hospice Team, and she considers it a personal calling to provide our clients and families with the most caring and compassionate care. Lela is an amazing teammate and everything she does comes from a place of love.

Here Lela is pictured with Debbie, one of our favorite clients.  When she first was discharged from the hospital, Debbie needed a great deal of care.  Under Lela’s watchful eye, Debbie’s situation has improved greatly and she is … Read More »

Studies are showing an increase in senior falls from medications, making it imperative to know what to do to reduce fall risk.

We’ve known for a while that there are certain medications that raise the likelihood of falls for seniors. Twenty years ago, a little over half of seniors were impacted by that risk; yet today, that number has increased dramatically – to a staggering 94% of older adults who are now in danger of senior falls from medications. Additionally, deaths from such falls are happening at more than twice the earlier rate.

Researchers who observed this growing concern also discovered that between 1999 and 2017, senior prescriptions for medications that escalate fall risk were filled more than 7.8 billion times. This consists of a spike from 12 million antidepressants in 1999 to greater than 52 million in … Read More »

The team at Hired Hands Homecare is proud to acknowledge Lilia C as our Caregiver of the Month!  We recently surprised her as we visited her on shift with our clients, Amelie and Gratien. They were so pleased to share in the celebration and noted that Lilia has really raised the bar for their care!

Lilia has worked for Hired Hands since 2017 (SIX years!) and is a highly skilled Caregiver, being a proud member of both our specialized Dementia and Hospice Teams.  She is so dependable and flexible and willing to help in any way, and she is often requested by name.  This is actually the second time Lilia has been honored with this award and she truly deserves it!

Lilia – take a bow as the Hired Hands Homecare Team proudly salutes you!  Thanks for ALL you do!

~HHH

“Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don’t want.” – Abraham Hicks

Discover how to ease caregiver stress in three simple steps.

Worrying can quickly become a way of life for family caregivers. Between age-related concerns, chronic health conditions, and trying to balance a plethora of other commitments, it’s no wonder that anxious thoughts tend to overtake positive, peace-inducing ones, making it difficult to know just how to ease caregiver stress.

How Can You Alleviate Caregiver Worries?

It is possible, however, to take the energy you’re exerting for worry and changing it into productivity. These three simple steps are a great place to start:

To start, write it all down. Worrisome, anxious thoughts have a tendency to swirl haphazardly through our minds. If you write down your thoughts, it corrals them into manageable chunks, while giving … Read More »

Today, we joyfully join the world as we honor and celebrate International Women’s Day!

From our humble beginnings Twenty-Nine years ago, Hired Hands Homecare has been owned, operated & staffed by some of the most compassionate and dedicated women imaginable.  During this time, we have had the amazing opportunity to work alongside literally thousands of heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty, in service to seniors in our communities.

We could not be more proud to work with such an amazing and diverse group of women, and proudly celebrate them on this special day!

Sincerely,
The Hired Hands Homecare family

If you’re asking yourself, “How can I overcome caregiver dread?” we have the help you need.

What are your first thoughts as soon as you wake up each morning? Are you looking forward to what your day will bring, or would you rather crawl back underneath the covers and stay there? If you find yourself wondering, “How can I overcome caregiver dread?” you are not alone.

Distinctly different from depression, anxiety, and even burnout, caregiver dread is a heavy, exhausted sense of duty. It stems from feelings of overcommitment and the need to get away from responsibilities. While it is possible to push through and carry out needed tasks regardless of these feelings, there are methods to conquer them instead – and restore the joy that comes from making life better for someone you love. To begin with, … Read More »

Someone you love may experience a heightened sense of awareness in end-stage dementia, which can be both surprising and overwhelming.

Even as confusion and memory loss escalate during the advancement of dementia, there’s a fascinating and pleasant reprieve that often occurs. Formerly termed “terminal lucidity,” it is more commonly known as “paradoxical lucidity.” It signifies an unexpected, short-term regaining of clarity and awareness in end-stage dementia to a nearly pre-dementia frame of mind. During this time period, the effects can consist of nonverbal but emotional connections to a more drastic improvement in cognitive functioning.

For loved ones, it’s a special gift to be cherished. It offers an opportunity for meaningful conversations and reminiscing, and also the mutual sharing of feelings and thoughts, if only for a brief period of time. For medical researchers, it means much more.

Dr. … Read More »

Help someone you love discover the incredible benefits of gardening for older adults.

The cool dampness of rich soil. The warmth of the sun’s rays. The joyful trills of songbirds. Gardening has the capacity to engage so many of our senses, and offers a great deal of positive benefits to seniors. Regardless of ability level or any space restrictions, there is always a way to help those you love reap the many benefits of gardening for older adults through the joys of planting outdoors or indoors, watching new growth appear, and harvesting.

If you’re struggling to come up with engaging activities for someone with Alzheimer’s and vision problems, give these ideas a try!

Finding meaningful, engaging ways to spend each day for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s can be a challenge. Add in vision impairment, and it might seem overwhelming. Even so, it’s vitally important to ensure every day holds opportunities for purpose and joy – minimizing the level of agitation, frustration, and other difficult emotions and behaviors in dementia. If you’re coming up blank when trying to come up with these kinds of activities for someone with Alzheimer’s and vision problems, we have some suggestions you can try.

Hired Hands Homecare is proud to announce Gloria as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!

Gloria has been with us only about six months, but in that time, she has done nothing but impress!  Every client and family that she has worked with has given her great compliments!  On top of that, Gloria has been super helpful to pick up extra shifts when our clients needed extra assistance, often working 7 days in a row… simply to make sure everyone is well cared for!  All in all, Gloria is honestly one of the sweetest humans we have ever met!

Gloria, THANK YOU for being you!  It is a pleasure and honor to have you on the Hired Hands Homecare Team!

~HHH

If you haven’t heard yet about the new scam targeting lonely seniors, be sure to read on to learn how to protect those you love.

Sadly, loneliness in older adults is quite common, for a variety of reasons. Mobility issues, chronic health conditions, and the loss of family and friends are all contributing factors. Yet humans are social creatures, and this lack of socialization has many seniors turning to online sources for connection – such as dating websites. While this may seem harmless or even beneficial, there can be hidden dangers for seniors specifically, known as sweetheart scammers. Here’s what to watch for to help keep those you love safe from the scam targeting lonely seniors:

Find out what experts are saying about a possible link between COVID-19 delirium and dementia.

Just one of the numerous negative effects from COVID-19 is temporary delirium. As a matter of fact, two separate studies revealed that 55% – 65% of individuals who were severely ill from the virus experienced the acute confusion that is one of the trademarks of delirium – as compared to approximately 33% of those critically ill with other health conditions. And while it may be short-lived, the long-term effects are still being determined, including a possible link between COVID-19 delirium and dementia.

If your family members refuse to help with senior care for a loved one, there are effective ways to get the help you need!

If you find yourself handling all of the care responsibilities for an aging parent while your siblings distance themselves from offering help, you’re not alone. In fact, as many as one out of every two family caregivers are taking care of an aging loved one on their own, according to a recent report from AARP. What can you do when family members refuse to help with senior care?

There are several reasons why siblings may shy away from supporting you in the care you’re providing. We’ve compiled the most common, along with what you can do to remedy the situation.

They don’t realize there’s a need for help. It may very well be that from … Read More »

If you’re the primary caregiver for someone with dementia, you may be quite familiar with the challenges experienced in trying to find a quiet moment or two alone – to use the restroom, take a quick shower, or even simply walk into another room. Seniors with dementia can experience heightened anxiety and fear when a loved one is out of sight – a condition known as shadowing. And the behaviors that result can be extremely difficult to manage: anger, crying, or repeatedly asking where you are, to name a few. If you’re struggling with how to overcome dementia shadowing, our dementia care experts have a few tips for you to try.

What Causes Dementia Shadowing?

It helps to understand the reasoning behind shadowing. You are the person’s safe place, the one who helps them to make sense out of … Read More »

“I have a dream that one day, this nation will rise up and live our the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self -evident, that all men are created equal.”  ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Martin Luther King day, we honor a leader whose message of remaining resolute in the face of adversity continues to guide us in building a more equal, compassionate world. We must continue to honor his legacy by fighting injustice in all its forms. We are so very honored to have the pleasure to work hand in hand with a very diverse workforce. Acceptance, unity, and inclusion must become more common place in today’s society. Thank you for your role in that effort. Together, we can move mountains.

In celebration of the great Dr. King, our offices will be closed on … Read More »

Learn from our home care experts when and if humidifiers for COPD should be used.

For seniors and anyone else with a lung condition like COPD, maintaining the best possible air quality within the home is vitally important. But are humidifiers for COPD the right solution? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. If the air is too dry, for example, it can cause or exacerbate health problems including:

Chapped, dry, or itchy skin
Nose bleeds
Dry eyes
Sore throat
Aggravated allergy, asthma, and cold/flu symptoms like congestion
And more

However, air that is too humid can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can lead to a host of health problems along with potential damage to the home.

Humidifiers, when used properly, can help maintain the ideal level of moisture in the air (between 30 and 50%), and in particular for those … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare is proud to honor Amelie as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!

Amelie is a real delight and such a kind soul.  She was brand new to the Senior Care profession, and has now been with Hired Hands for about nine months. Her older sister Azure referred her to us, knowing that she had the compassion and reliability to make an excellent Caregiver.  In her relatively short time with us, she has learned quite a lot, and continues to grow with us. While this may be her first “real job”, you would not know it, as she is regularly punctual, reliable, responsible and a great communicator.

Our clients love Amelie because she is a great companion and allows our clients to maintain their dignity and independence while residing in their private homes.  Safe and happy at home is … Read More »

Helping your parents downsize is a much smoother process with these tips!

Take a moment and look around your home and surroundings – the pictures on the walls, collectibles, furniture, books, and memorabilia that all are part of the story of your life and who you are as an individual. Now think about having to part with most of those items in order to move into a smaller home or a family member’s home. You can imagine how overwhelming it would feel. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re helping your parents downsize.

How Can I Help Make Downsizing Easier?

If your parents are faced with the need to downsize, there are a number of steps you can take to simplify and ease the process. These guidelines from a professional organizer are a great place to … Read More »

Parkinson’s fatigue affects a person cognitively, physically, and emotionally.

Parkinson’s fatigue affects as many as one in two people with the disease, but until recently, we haven’t fully understood just how debilitating this condition actually is. A study is providing us with the insight we need to comprehend the impact of Parkinson’s fatigue, and what we can do to help someone experiencing it. Led by Duke University’s Sneha Mantri, MD, the goal of the research was to gain firsthand patient insights to know how to better address this challenging condition.

Three distinct areas of fatigue were investigated in the study: physical, emotional, and cognitive. Participants were asked to describe their level of fatigue, and the terms they used were quite revealing, including feeling unmotivated, overwhelmed, isolated, lacking energy, and as if they were “walking through molasses.”

Parkinson’s fatigue … Read More »

Discover how to help seniors after a fall to regain the confidence they need to stay active while preventing a second fall.

While comedians and circus clowns may stir audiences to laughter over such stunts as slipping on a banana peel, there’s nothing funny about falling when it comes to seniors, who are at an elevated risk for serious injuries which could lead to a long rehabilitation process. Not just that, but there’s a lesser known complication that typically comes from a senior’s fall: a fear of falling again which is extreme enough to impact quality of life and health. Knowing how to help seniors after a fall to feel safe and secure again is crucial.

As the saying goes, “Once bitten, twice shy.” It is natural – and sensible – for a loved one who has fallen … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare’s Team Sonoma, proudly sporting their new Leader in Experience t-shirts!

We’re extremely proud to wear this badge of honor from Home Care Pulse, the leading national firm in Quality Assurance and Experience Management for the home care industry. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by Home Care Pulse and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest quality metrics.

This accomplishment demonstrates our long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. Over a 12-month period, Hired Hands received the highest client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, and more.

“Quality Assurance has been a daily focus since our family started our company TWENTY-EIGHT years ago,” says Mark Winter, President. “Our entire management team strives to deliver the highest levels … Read More »

Today, we are honored to recognize Sarah F as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!   Sarah joined the Hired Hands Homecare team just a few months ago, but has been amazing since day one.  She is always patient and professional, willing to jump in at the last minute to help when needed, and as her Clients have expressed… “extra caring”!  Recently, a family noted “We LOVE Sarah!  She is exactly the kind of Caregiver we have always wanted.  She is really engaging with Mom, is very safety conscious, super friendly, and keeps Mom mentally active and happy!”

Sarah is one of those Caregivers you wish you could clone and share with everyone.  When communicating with her, you can immediately sense her smile and positive attitude.  The Hired Hands Napa group is so appreciative to have her on our Team, and … Read More »

Happy Holidays
from the Hired Hands Homecare family!

Dementia delusions can lead to false accusations, and it’s important to know how to respond.

Dementia delusions can come seemingly out of thin air: you place your loved one’s favorite chicken salad sandwich in front of her – light on the mayo, no onions – something she typically enjoys. But today, she pushes the plate away and will not take a bite, insisting that you’ve poisoned the food.

Or, you’ve provided your loved one with a meaningful activity that links her to a significant time in her past career, sorting paperwork. Out of the blue, she accuses you of tampering with the documents in order to steal money from her banking account.

How can you respond to dementia delusions or hallucinations without further agitating the person? Try these strategies:

Keep a controlled, soothing, understanding tone. It might be instinctive … Read More »

Screaming, crying, and other extreme emotions of Alzheimer’s can unnerve even the most seasoned family caregiver.

Of the many and varied challenging behaviors someone with Alzheimer’s may experience and display, perhaps the most heartbreaking is uncontrollable screaming and/or crying. Seeing a person you love in an inconsolable state of mind, and being completely unsure how to help or to understand what’s causing these extreme emotions of Alzheimer’s, is both painful and frustrating. How can you help a loved one with dementia feel calmer?

To begin with, realize that crying and yelling in dementia can occur as the result of:

Pain
Fear
Boredom
Sadness
Agitation
Frustration
Delusions, delirium, or hallucinations
Sundowning
An uncomfortable environment
Or a number of other factors

For the short-term, try these strategies to help:

Stay calm yourself, speaking to the senior in a soft, soothing tone of voice.
Try to uncover what’s causing the outburst. Maintaining a … Read More »

Greetings!

As we step into the Thanksgiving holiday, we would like to send a sincere and heart felt THANK YOU to the amazing employees of Hired Hands Homecare.  It is a true honor to work alongside so many incredible individuals.  Together, our compassion and dedication make such an important difference in the lives of so many people, on a daily basis.
We sincerely wish you and yours a healthy and wonderful Thanksgiving!

With great Thanks!
The Hired Hands Homecare Team

When you can’t live up to your aging parents’ expectations, these tips can help.

In an ideal world, we could manage to perfectly compartmentalize our caregiving duties, staying with a routine that met your aging parents’ expectations, while allowing enough time to take care of our assortment of other responsibilities. But needless to say, life doesn’t follow our desired script, and conflicting needs are frequent when caring for an aging parent. Many older adults resist the need for help, while others may come to depend too heavily on an adult child, leading to unfulfilled expectations and ultimately disappointment for both parties.

Hired Hands Homecare’s aging care professionals provide the following tips to help clarify expectations and communicate successfully:

Focus on empathy. As opposed to pulling away from an older loved one whose expectations seem unrealistic, stop and empathize. Think … Read More »

Finalizing all of the necessary legal documents for aging parents can be a challenge, but these tips can help.

If there’s one thing we learned from the COVID pandemic, it’s to be ready for anything. Although it’s human nature to want to procrastinate, particularly as it relates to the unpleasant topic of future planning and putting together all of the necessary legal documents for aging parents, now is the best time to take stock of your loved ones’ final wishes and make sure all of the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, before the need arises.

Surprisingly, a number of older adults actually do begin the process of completing a will, trust, durable power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, etc., but for a variety of reasons, they never finalize these important documents. Attorney Carolyn Rosenblatt, author of … Read More »

Our heartfelt THANKS go out to all the men and women
who have given so much to protect our safety and freedom.
We gratefully salute you for your service and sacrifice.

We are truly honored to provide service and support
to so many Veterans in our community.

With great respect,
The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE family

Try these tips for rummaging behaviors in dementia.

Digging through boxes, cabinets, and closets, taking out assorted items from drawers, and searching repetitively through a number of items may be frustrating for the people providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, but in fact these actions are fulfilling a purpose. Rummaging behaviors in dementia can provide a degree of reassurance, along with the comfort of identifying familiar items and finding purpose and meaning.

The important thing then is not to discourage rummaging, which might lead to agitation, but to more effectively manage this behavior if it becomes disruptive.

How Can You Help Someone with Dementia with Rummaging Behaviors?

These guidelines will help:

Keep rummaging to a controlled area. Assemble bins of items the senior seems especially interested in, such as keys, paperwork, a billfold, tools, gardening equipment, sewing … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare is excited to celebrate and honor Juliet K. as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!

Juliet is a student working towards her Nursing degree while also working full time for Hired Hands. Hard worker is an understatement!  She is a beam of happiness wherever she goes. Juliet shows up for work with a smile on her face and accepts any challenge given to her with grace.  We were excited that her friend Monica referred her to work with us.  She is going on her 6th month with us and although she is a newer addition to our team…  if feels like she has worked with us for years.

Hey Juliet… what do you have to say?  “Hired hands is more than just a job to me because they are family oriented in that both clients’ and caregivers’ needs … Read More »

HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Receives
2022 Best of Home Care® – Leader in Experience Award

Hired Hands Homecare is extremely proud to announce winning the distinguished 2022 Best of Home Care –Leader in Experience Award from Home Care Pulse, the leading national firm in Quality Assurance and Experience Management for the home care industry. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by Home Care Pulse and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics.

This accomplishment demonstrates our long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. Over a 12-month period, Hired Hands received the highest client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, and more. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from Home Care … Read More »

Learn whether a senior may be experiencing delirium or dementia, and how you can help.

Although dementia takes center stage in diagnoses for older individuals who are struggling with confusion, memory lapses, and disorientation, there’s another condition that is also common, producing similar symptoms, and most importantly, can be cured: delirium. In fact, as many as ¾ of older adults experience delirium after a surgical procedure or infection, and proper diagnosis is crucial to ensure proper treatment. So how can you tell if it’s delirium or dementia impacting someone you love?

One of the biggest differentiators in delirium is that it arises quite suddenly. It also has a tendency to cause symptoms that come and go throughout the day, as opposed to dementia’s slow, steady, ongoing, and rather predictable progression. For example, a person with delirium may struggle … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare is proud to celebrate Loata as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!  We have had the honor of working with her since January of 2020, and this is actually the SECOND time she has received this important award.

Loata is extremely committed to senior care, and is an important member of our Live-in Team, providing compassionate care on a 24 hour basis.  Our client often note that she is soft spoken, extremely gentle and caring.   Our Management Team finds her consistently reliable, dependable, and always willing to assist in a pinch.   Even on some of our most challenging cases… Loata is steady, confident, and solid as a rock!

Her most recent client Helen adores her so much that she often writes us hand written Thank You notes showing her appreciation that Loata has come into her life.   She … Read More »

If dementia and incontinence are causing challenges for someone you love, these tips can help.

Dementia care necessitates both compassion and creativity to deal with a number of complex behaviors and effects, and that’s particularly true when someone is experiencing both dementia and incontinence. Unfortunately, incontinence occurs frequently in Alzheimer’s as well as other forms of dementia. These tried-and-true approaches from our experts in home care in Marin and the surrounding areas can help decrease the impact of incontinence and prevent an escalation of emotions in someone you love with Alzheimer’s.

Choose your words very carefully. Rather than making reference to incontinence products as “diapers,” for example, call them “briefs” or “pull-up underwear.” Nonetheless, take the cue from your senior loved one; if she or he chooses to utilize the word “diapers” and seems more comfortable with that, then … Read More »

This one simple addition to your next glass of water may just prevent hypertension.

Great news for the more than 116 million Americans who are fighting hypertension – and, for the rest of us who’d like to prevent hypertension. Recent studies shared in the Journal of the American Heart Association link calcium and magnesium to lowered blood pressure, and it might just be as easy as adding a certain combination of minerals to drinking water to benefit the entire population. 

The surprising results of the research uncovered that those who drank salinated water, compared to those who drank fresh water, experienced lower blood pressure levels – believed to have been the result of the positive benefits of calcium and magnesium outweighing the negative effects of the sodium. 

And though the resulting lowered blood pressure readings were small, Dr. … Read More »

Agitation in Alzheimer’s is common but can be eased with these tips.

Agitation in Alzheimer’s is one of the more difficult effects a senior may experience, and it can be incredibly hard for family members to manage. The key is in taking steps to handle agitation before it’s felt and expressed by the senior, which involves keeping track of what has brought about these feelings in the past, and creating a home environment in which those triggers are removed or minimized. These strategies can help:

Designate an area of retreat. When life begins to get stressful, having a specially created area for a senior loved one to go to de-stress can work wonders in restoring calm. This could be a separate room, or merely a comfortable corner with several soothing activities easily available, quiet music, a calming scent to … Read More »

It takes… AND WE HAVE… an Amazing Village!

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, we would like to humbly and sincerely salute and celebrate ALL the employees of Hired Hands Homecare.  We are absolutely amazed at the dedication and compassion that is shown to the clients and families that we serve on a DAILY basis.  Your generosity, professionalism, and smile make a huge impact every single day.  And it is SO very appreciated on so many levels!  When people are in the toughest times of their lives… we make magic happen.  It is truly a gift and an honor to work alongside so many amazing people.  

Please know that you make the world a better place…
and bring great comfort to folks that really need it!

With sincere gratitude,
Lynn, Mark & The HIRED … Read More »

Make family senior care meetings more productive and efficient with these tips.

“It takes a village” was never a more accurate statement than when taking care of an older family member. It’s important for that “village” to have effective, ongoing communication so that you can offer the best care and to make sure everyone taking part in that care is on the same page. It’s also critical for family caregivers to have the opportunity to express concerns and to come together to get to resolutions, to share various perspectives, and to continue to be proactive in preparing for the future.

Holding senior family care meetings that produce good outcomes includes thinking through the following:

Who should always be included – and who should not? Unquestionably, those providing direct or indirect care for the senior loved one should attend, as … Read More »

Today, we are honored to present Mereseini N with our Caregiver of the Month award!  Since Mereseini joined the Hired Hands Homecare team, she has quickly become one of our best Caregivers.  Every day, she brings her positive energy to brighten her Clients’ day.  Her passion of helping others really shows, as she is a great team player, and goes above and beyond regularly without hesitation.  On top of that, everyone knows we can rely on her whenever needed.

Mereseini, thank you so much for all you do!  We are truly lucky to have you on the Hired Hands Homecare team!

Get a grip on senior finances and plan for future needs today with these tips.

The good news is we’re now living longer than ever before, with upwards of one in three older adults living until age 90 and beyond. The bad news, however, is that retirement planning for today’s seniors often didn’t take into consideration such longevity, leading to a strain on senior finances in later years.

So, what happens if your parents outlive their financial resources? As part of the sandwich generation, making their own retirement plans while still covering expenses for your own children, you may find yourself in need of supporting your aging parents as well. As a matter of fact, a recent survey by AgeUp shows that:

Nearly three out of four participants believe that at least one of their parents will live longer … Read More »

Money management issues with seniors need to be addressed tactfully and with sensitivity.

Among the most difficult obstacles for older adults is recognizing the need for help with financial matters. Finances are both extremely personal and a representation of your autonomy, and adult children specifically can often be met with opposition when stepping into this arena when suspecting money management issues with seniors. 

However, for a number of reasons, including the ever-increasing incidence of senior scams and cognitive decline, it’s essential to make sure that the financial assets our senior loved ones have acquired through the years are safeguarded, and that bills are paid correctly and on time. It’s an issue that needs to be taken care of delicately and with diplomacy. Try these strategies for an easy transition to assisting a loved one with monetary management:

The introductory … Read More »

Discover how to help someone with Alzheimer’s in a simple and unique way: reminiscence therapy.

Did you ever experience that jolt of a past memory that immediately pops to the front of your mind, perhaps through a scent, a song, or a picture? For those with dementia, the power of long-term memories is especially impactful, as short-term memory becomes weaker. And if you’re looking for ideas on how to help someone with Alzheimer’s, tapping into this idea is a great place to start. In fact, it’s become a growing trend in creative Alzheimer’s care: reminiscence therapy.

One extreme example is the transformation of a 9,000-sqft building in Chula Vista, California. The building is now an interactive 1950s town, including storefronts like a diner, a movie theater, and a healthcare clinic, all operating just as they would have been … Read More »

We know that socialization is vitally important for our overall emotional (and even physical) wellbeing – but we also know that senior isolation and loneliness is an epidemic in America. With the hectic pace of life, it’s difficult for families and friends to provide the full measure of social interaction needed to keep loneliness at bay for older adults, who are often homebound or unable to get out as much as they’d like. 

But the mother of invention truly is necessity, and the need for creative socialization solutions has sparked some interesting innovations:

The Chat Bench

Thanks to the police department in the southwest England town of Burnham-On-Sea, several benches now boast signage that boldly proclaims, “The Happy to Chat Bench: Sit Here if You Don’t Mind Someone Stopping to Say Hello.” And, stop they do! It’s a lovely … Read More »

These facts about cancer may change the way you think about the disease.

Each year since 1999, we’ve achieved an increasing decline in cancer-related deaths, an encouraging trend that’s poised to continue as researchers learn more and more facts about cancer and its causes, and are able to develop new and better treatment methods. Yet cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in America, second only to heart disease – making it all the more crucial to continue to press forward with persistence to find a cure.

Here’s what we’ve learned so far:

Diet makes a difference. Although a diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent cell damage (and protect against cancer), a recent study showed that in some cases, cancers take advantage of a nutrient-rich diet, leading to accelerated metastasis. As a result, the recommendation … Read More »

Understand the trend between women and Alzheimer’s and discover how you can help someone you love who is battling the disease.

Researchers are finally beginning to get a grip on the imbalance between Alzheimer’s diagnoses in women and men. Currently, as many as 2/3 of those with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. are female. As scientists begin to understand the particular nuances behind the increasing trend of women and Alzheimer’s, we can begin to address the problem and find solutions.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Director of Scientific Engagement, Rebecca Edelmayer, “Women are at the epicenter of Alzheimer’s disease as both persons living with the disease and as caregivers of those with dementia. Over the last three years, the Alzheimer’s Association has invested $3.2 million into 14 projects looking at sex differences for the disease and some of the … Read More »

It’s important to be aware of several key triggers that can worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

While there are a number of commonalities, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can impact each individual differently. Our highly trained dementia caregivers know, for instance, that while one person may appreciate being outdoors, another may be overwhelmed by so much sensory input and prefer a quieter indoor environment. One may appreciate a morning bath routine, while a dose of resourcefulness is necessary to help a different individual maintain good hygiene. 

We also realize there are certain triggers that may often worsen the challenging aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Family care providers should be particularly careful to avoid the following:

Dehydration. Someone diagnosed with dementia might not be able to identify when they are thirsty, or may refuse when offered fluids. It’s vital to ensure appropriate … Read More »

Greetings,

We are VERY PROUD to share that we have once again been nominated and chosen as the winner
of the Pleasanton Weekly’s Readers’ Choice Award for the BEST HOMECARE COMPANY in the Tri-Valley area! Reader’s, Clients, Families, and our Caregivers took it upon themselves to vote and bestow this honor on us.  Of course, to us, it is a testament to our constant focus on delivering the highest levels of care, service and support to those whom we serve and have the privilege to work with.

We’re honored to have won this award FOUR years in a row…
but this one is super special, and is dedicated to Erin!
This award was really special to her,
so its only fitting that we raise a glass up to her today!

~ She is sorely missed, but her legacy lives … Read More »

Protect the seniors you love from financial elder abuse with these tips.

When asked whether they thought they might be at risk for financial elder abuse or fraud, the overwhelming majority of surveyed older adults – 81%, in fact – were confident that they would never fall for a scam. We all want to believe we’re too savvy and smart to be taken advantage of; but the reality is, many scammers are even smarter and savvier. 

And though we might assume that financial fraud mostly occurs at the hands of strangers, the truth is that as many as two out of three of all financial crimes are committed by people the victim knows and trusts. 

The good news is, there are several steps that seniors and their loved ones can take to protect themselves:

Register with EverSafe (or a … Read More »

Please join us in celebrating Luisa VP as our latest Caregiver of the Month!

Luisa joined the Hired Hands Homecare team in 2020 and has been such a hard worker every day since!  Luisa is always dependable and happy to jump in and help in any way she can. She has assisted several different clients remain comfortable in their homes and over the past year, has been assisting Jim 4 days per week.

We recently dropped in on her while she was on shift to present her with her Caregiver of the Month Award.  It was additionally exciting, as Jim and his family really wanted to join in on the fun, showing their appreciation for all Luisa does for them.  We were really happy that she felt so honored and appreciated!  Furthermore, Luisa enjoys working with us so much that she recently … Read More »

Certain medications may now be linked to an increased dementia risk.

They are currently recognized to cause various short-term side-effects, for example, memory issues and confusion, but new research links some of the stronger anticholinergic drugs (like those prescribed for Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, depression, and overactive bladder) to a markedly higher dementia risk. 

The research involved two groups of seniors: 59,000 patients with dementia, and 225,000 without. Approximately 57% of those with dementia, and 51% without, were supplied a minimum of one (and up to six) potent anticholinergic medications. Considering other established dementia risk factors, the outcomes were an astounding 50% increased risk of dementia in individuals who were taking strong anticholinergics daily for three or more years, with the highest risk to people who received a dementia diagnosis before age 80.

It is critical to note that … Read More »

Seniors know best what they’re dealing with; empower them to take control of their chronic health care needs.

When it comes to chronic health care, seniors are the experts, hands down, with up to three out of four seniors affected by a number of conditions that are ongoing, necessitate long-term medical treatment, and place restrictions on activities. With the never-ending barrage of bloodwork as well as other tests, physicians’ appointments and procedures, and medications, managing chronic diseases usually takes both a physical and emotional toll, and may quickly become daunting.

Dr. Mary Tinetti, chief of geriatrics and internist at Yale School of Medicine, said, “Once you get three, four, or five and six diseases, several things happen: Number one, almost guaranteed, trying to get one of these diseases under control is going to make one of the other … Read More »

The Team at Hired Hands Homecare would like to take a minute to salute and celebrate Alicia as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!

Alicia was actually introduced to Hired Hands by her sister Nancy, whom we’ve had the pleasure of working with for a very long time.  Nancy… we couldn’t thank you enough for referring her to work with us!

In a short time, Alicia has proven to be one of our absolute Stars!  She is highly skilled, responsible, kind, and has a very likeable personality, enjoyed by every client has the opportunity to work with her!   Others have complimented her saying that she is “quietly amazing, and an instant Client favorite!”  Alicia… we couldn’t be more proud to have you as an important member of the Hired Hands Homecare Team!

“I would like to thank everyone at Hired Hands for … Read More »

Senior couple in kitchen paying bills, looking frustrated

Even though the ultimate goal is always to improve safety and health for seniors they love, family caregivers, regrettably, frequently end up diminishing their very own in the process. In fact, an astonishing 94% of caregivers in a study carried out by Ohio State University revealed musculoskeletal pain in a minimum of one part of their body – and 66% noted this pain influencing their quality of life. 

And know that a “family caregiver” can describe anyone in the family who helps another individual with day to day activities. As reported by the Family Caregiver Alliance, this suggests 34 million Americans are at risk of becoming hurt through the care they provide. 

At Hired Hands Homecare, we know firsthand the amount of lifting, bending, and weight-bearing necessary in satisfying the … Read More »

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hired Hands’ Vice President, Erin Winter, who suddenly passed away of natural causes at her home on May 9, 2022.

Born in Milwaukee WI, Erin grew up in Virginia, North Carolina, St. Louis MO, & Los Angeles CA, before moving to Tiburon CA, where she graduated from Redwood High School in 1992.  She found quick success in the real estate industry before joining her mother Lynn and brother Mark in their thriving family business Hired Hands Inc.  It was here where she truly prospered, bringing light, commitment, and compassion to every day.

In 2013, Erin expanded Hired Hands operations by opening an office in Pleasanton and moving to Livermore to be with her long-time partner Tim.  It was here where she greatly enjoyed the ranch … Read More »

Learn about the tool that’s helping expedite Alzheimer’s research.

Alzheimer’s research took a giant leap forward, thanks to a tool that allows pathologists to analyze and classify amyloid plaques and abnormalities in blood vessels through technology similar to face recognition software – leading to the ability to process a vast amount of data in a markedly reduced amount of time. 

The study, conducted by UC Davis and UC San Francisco, tested the ability to automate the time-intensive process of reviewing, identifying, and analyzing microscopic amyloid plaques in brain tissue. Dubbed “blob or not,” this digital pathology tool was found to be highly efficient – correctly annotating plaque samples at the unimaginable rate of 2,000 per hour – limited only by the number of processors used in the study. The program was even able to distinguish between different types … Read More »

Make hygiene care for someone with Alzheimer’s more comfortable with these tips.

Of the numerous challenges related to caregiving, the Alzheimer’s Association indicates that the most prevalent challenge is hygiene care for someone with Alzheimer’s, for various reasons:

Decreased sense of vision and smell
Comfort found in familiarity (i.e., desiring to wear exactly the same clothes repeatedly)
The challenges of bathing, compounded by cognitive impairment and confusion
Fear of falling, the noises and feelings associated with the water, and more

Cajoling, arguing, and logical thinking are hardly ever practical strategies with those impacted by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Rather, attempt these innovative techniques if your loved one resists hygiene care:

Arrange the bathroom in advance so that the room will likely be comfortable and you will not have to juggle collecting supplies along with assisting your senior loved one. Warm the … Read More »

Make sure you’re not crossing the line from motivating to bullying with these caregiving tips.

As a family caregiver, you obviously encounter an array of feelings throughout the day: shared laughter over a joke with your senior loved one; worry due to a health concern; and certainly, from time to time, irritation. We want only the best for those we love, and if a senior loved one is resistant to doing an activity we realize is beneficial, it could be tough to identify the most appropriate response. 

The key is to try to offer motivation and support, while remaining cautious not to ever cross the line into bullying your senior loved one. These caregiving tips are good to remember:

There’s no one-size-fits-all. An approach that has worked on a single occasion may perhaps be entirely ineffective in another. In … Read More »

Rediscover joy and watch caregiver stress melt away with this one simple tip.

Our facial expressions divulge so much to those around us, and when you’re feeling an unusual level of caregiver stress, well-meaning family members will certainly recognize it, possibly encouraging you to essentially, “Cheer up, buttercup!” In reality, of course, it takes a whole lot more than a couple of words to turn our mood around.

Nonetheless, recent research does support the concept of positive thinking as a method to minimize levels of depression and anxiety which might develop when we’re bombarded with stress – something critical for busy family caregivers to take to heart to decrease the possibility for burnout.

Judith Moskowitz, head psychologist in the research project who consequently established a program to combat the downward spiral of emotions so typical in individuals providing … Read More »

When providing end-of-life care, one of the best gifts you can offer is a listening ear.

Sharing what’s on our hearts with those we love is never more important than when someone is nearing the end of life. There are often unspoken sentiments and unresolved issues that, once verbalized, can bring peace and a deeper connection with our loved ones in their final days. 

As Dr. Jessica Zitter, physician in critical and palliative care medicine at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA explains, “Those are opportunities for people to take stock and say, ‘I want to be more intentional about how I want to relate to people in my life.’ Death should really be seen as the last opportunity that you have to make amends and clean things up before you’re in the next world, wherever that may be.”

Read More »

Promote purpose and meaning for the seniors in your life with these ideas.

Think of a typical day in the life of a senior loved one. Hopefully it provides several positive and enriching experiences: enjoying breakfast, engaging in a fun hobby or interest, visiting with a friend or family member, watching a favorite TV show. Nevertheless, there’s a difference between positivity and purpose and meaning for seniors; and the need for a life rich with significance and purpose is starting to become more evident, particularly in the life of aging parents.

Viktor Frankl , world-renowned psychiatrist and survivor of the Holocaust, shares poignantly, “What matters is not the meaning in life in general, but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment.”

For people whose identity has been focused on a career and raising … Read More »

We’re extremely busy… and are seeking to add outstanding new Caregivers to our Team!  Thus, we’re bringing back our popular “$250 Times Two Referral Bonus” program!

Our Caregivers are like Family!

HIRED HANDS is extremely proud of our diverse, professional care team.  For over 27 years, we have focused steadfastly on being the BEST homecare provider in our Communities.  We are
honored to have many Caregivers that have worked with us for ten, Fifteen, and even TWENTY Years!

Growing to Serve our Community.

While we continue to grow, serving our community’s challenges and needs, we are seeking to ADD additional outstanding Caregivers to our Team.  Thus… we’re bringing back our popular $250 Times Two bonus.  That’s right… any current employee who refers a great new Caregiver will get a $250 bonus.  On top of that… the newly referred friend will also get a $250 bonus … Read More »

Please join us in congratulating our friend Apo as our most recent Caregiver of the Month.   We’ve had the distinct pleasure of working together with Apo since early last year.  He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in caregiving, and our clients that have had the opportunity of working with him recognize this!  On top of that, not only is he an pure joy to work with, but he has also referred some family members to work with Hired Hands as well. In his spare time, he really enjoys playing piano.  Not only is Apo a joy to be around, but he can handle almost any level of care, and works well with so many different sorts of people.  Put that all together, and there’s no question why Apo has quickly become one of our most requested caregivers!

Apo, Congratulations, … Read More »

Wandering in dementia is one of the most difficult effects to manage, and safety is a top concern.

Of all the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most alarming is the individual’s tendency for wandering and the potential dangers that may develop if the senior becomes confused or lost. Wandering in dementia can occur any time the older adult is:

Scared, confused, or overwhelmed
Trying to find someone or something
Bored
Trying to maintain a familiar past routine (such as going to work or shopping)
Tending to a simple need (such as searching for a drink of water or going to the bathroom)

The aim is twofold; to help keep your loved one secure, and also to be certain that his/her needs are satisfied to attempt to stop the want to wander to begin with. Consider the following safety measures if your … Read More »

Paranoia in seniors with dementia can be challenging, but these tips can help.

“I’m telling you, there’s a dog in my closet! I hear it growling all night long. We’ve got to track down its owner!”

Listening to a senior loved one express concerns like this that you know to be untrue is distressing – however, not unheard of. Your first instinct may well be to try and rationalize with the person with a response such as, “Nonsense! There is no way a dog could have gotten into the closet!” However, for various reasons, this could be the least effective technique to handle unreasonable thoughts and paranoia in seniors.

Instead, we at Hired Hands Homecare propose the following tactics which will help bring back a sense of calm and wellbeing:

First, schedule an appointment with the senior’s physician. It … Read More »

Many family caregivers are faced with the difficult decision to choose between a career and caregiving responsibilities.

Not long ago, actor Rob Lowe brought caregiving into the spotlight by sharing his story of caring for his mother and the toll it took on his own life. He said, “When you’re caring for a loved one, there’s nothing you won’t do to give them as much comfort and peace of mind as you can possibly provide. Often that means you’ll skip your social obligations, wreck your diet, suffer sleep deprivation, and even risk your career.” So, does that mean you need to choose between a career and caregiving for an older loved one?

Obviously, this topic is not anything new to the 75% of the United States workforce who are concurrently providing care for a parent at home. Based … Read More »

Today, on International Women’s Day, we enthusiastically raise our glasses to ALL the amazing women of Hired Hands Homecare! Bottom line… Your tireless daily contributions, both at work and otherwise, simply keep the world spinning in the right direction. Thank you for your care and compassion and guidance and humor as we all do our best to walk through this crazy thing called life. It is an absolute honor to know and work with such amazing women!

Sincerely,
The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Team

Improve heart health with this one simple lifestyle change!

In our younger years, physical activity was a given. Our days were filled with participating in sports programs, recess on the playground, and games of tag with friends. All of this naturally gave our heart the workout it needed to stay healthy. But as we grow older, a more sedentary lifestyle can settle in – having serious repercussions on our hearts, including stiffness, a decreased efficiency in oxygen production, and an elevated risk of heart disease and failure. Is there anything we can do to improve heart health and possibly even restore its functioning to what it was when we were younger?

Today, we whole heartedly honor and celebrate the outstanding Caregivers of HIRED HANDS HOMECARE, and all the Caregivers who give so much to keep our loved ones safe, healthy, and content. Every day, they make such an important impact in our communities, and the families we serve.

Happy CAREGIVER APPRECIATION DAY
from the Hired Hands Homecare family!

Learn how to help a reluctant senior follow through with doctors’ visits.

Let’s face it: a lot of us delay going to the doctor’s office. It could be somewhat uncomfortable, and downright distressing when something is wrong and we’re looking at the prospect of an unwanted diagnosis. Even so, we understand it’s wise to complete what’s best for our health and wellbeing and to be diligent about receiving necessary medical care. 

Seniors with dementia can very often continue to live where they’re most comfortable, with dementia care at home.

While countless older adults are struggling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, an even greater number of family members are trying to cope with providing dementia care at home. Incredibly, nearly 75% of family caregivers are managing their older loved ones’ dementia care needs by themselves, with only 26% reaching out for professional care support.

Caring for someone with dementia is easier with help from our experts in elderly care in Pleasanton and nearby areas.

At times, the best lessons in life come through going through them firsthand; yet the wisdom we are able to glean from those who have walked an identical path before us is priceless. If you’re caring for someone with dementia and feeling a bit stressed in this uncharted territory, the guidelines below will help:

Learn how to start the conversation when you notice warning signs of aging care needs.

The initial signs might be so subtle that many people wouldn’t even recognize that anything is amiss. Mom is outgoing, pleasant, and conversational while visiting loved ones and while running errands. But those closest to her have begun to detect concerns: being forgetful about the soup cooking on the stove, leading to a scorched pan. Putting her keys into the cookie jar. Failing to pay bills. What should you do when you begin to notice these kinds of warning signs of aging care needs?

As an adult child of a loved one in the early stages of compromised safety or the ability to make competent choices, it is normally incredibly difficult to transition to a higher degree of involvement and assistance – nonetheless … Read More »

These top medications for Alzheimer’s are key to managing the symptoms of the disease.

The latest Alzheimer’s statistics are sobering. The disease is now the 6th leading cause of death, rising above both breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. And though deaths from many other chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease, are decreasing, those from Alzheimer’s have increased upwards of 100%. The toll the illness takes on family caregivers is likewise shocking, with more than 16 million Americans delivering over 18 billion hours of care for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

Though we’ve yet to find an end to Alzheimer’s disease, there are two top medications for Alzheimer’s that can help minimize some of the more predominant symptoms. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there are a couple of options the doctor may … Read More »

Providing care for an aging parent can either strengthen or strain your marriage.

In marriage we agree to stick with each other for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness as well as in health – but what doesn’t come up through our vows to one another is how to deal with the mounting difficulties of providing care for an aging parent. 

However, with our life span increasing, it is highly recommended to put together a strategy to meet both the requirements of our parents as they grow older, and also the multitude of day-to-day needs, all while honoring our cherished relationship with a spouse. It’s a struggle that’s creating stress and pressure for 80% of couples interviewed, resulting in detachment and much less quality time with each other. These particular areas in a married relationship … Read More »

These tips can help protect senior skin from bruising, and heal bruises if they do occur.

You can blame it on the environment, changes in hormones, medications, and even the sun: our skin as we age is affected by a variety of factors, leading to thinning and an enhanced risk of bruising. As a result, it’s helpful to take proactive measures to protect senior skin from injury. Try the following tips:

Rearrange furniture and get rid of any clutter to reduce the chance of bumps and bruises.
Keep the skin moisturized, and always use sunscreen of at least 30 SPF or higher.
Talk with the senior’s physician about the impact of any medications on the skin. In particular, the long-term use of steroids, blood thinners, fish oil and vitamin E can enhance the risk of bruises.
Encourage the older adult to wear … Read More »

Learn how to best handle addressing early warning signs of Alzheimer’s from our experts in home care assistance in Walnut Creek & the nearby areas.

Our natural instinct when we are picking up on the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s or another type of cognitive decline in ourselves or someone we love is to look the other way, denying that there is a problem. However, the Alzheimer’s Association advises that it’s vitally important to face the issue head-on as quickly as possible, since early diagnosis and intervention allow for the most effective treatment plan to be put into place.

Overcome resistance to care with these family caregiver tips from the leader in Sonoma home care services.

For many seniors, admitting the need for help is likened to admitting defeat. After living in an era that emphasized the need to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and stay strong and self-reliant in the face of adversity, it’s a difficult mindset to change. How can you help aging parents understand the benefits of home care assistance, without viewing it as a threat to their freedom and independence?

about the incredible benefits of art in dementia from our experts in dementia care in Pleasanton, CA and the surrounding areas.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to comprehending the thoughts and feelings of someone with dementia, no truer words have been spoken. Artistic expression is vital for all of us, but the benefits of art in dementia are especially remarkable, including enhanced socialization and physical health, a calmer, more peaceful demeanor, and even improvements in both apathy and self-worth.

Caring for diabetes in seniors may look a little different, as explained by the top providers of home care assistance in Kentfield and the surrounding areas.

Diabetes is a complex condition, and managing it effectively can be challenging regardless of age. And although it seems intuitive to know the importance of managing blood glucose levels, there’s actually so much more to it than that, especially when caring for diabetes in seniors. 

Sometimes, the most effective way to communicate with someone with dementia is nonverbally.

Conversations with a senior battling with all the challenges of Alzheimer’s, especially in the middle and later stages, is often discouraging – both for you and also for the person with Alzheimer’s. Brain changes impede the ability to listen, process, and respond appropriately to conversations, and it is up to us to employ innovative approaches to communicating to more effectively connect with an individual with dementia.

It’s quite a bit easier than it might appear, however. We already communicate nonverbally in many ways:

Touch
Posture and body movement
Eye contact
Facial expressions
Gestures
Personal space

Consider these communication tips for dementia to include increased nonverbal communication into your interactions with a senior loved one:

Offer reassurance through gentle touch. If a senior loved one is comfortable with touch, hold and pat the … Read More »

As we embark on Thanksgiving,
we would like to extend an enormous and heart felt
THANK YOU to all our our outstanding employees.
Without their tireless dedication and compassion,
we would not be able to function as pillars of 
support in the communities that we serve.

It is an absolute honor to work side by side
with so many absolutely amazing individuals.
To you, and what we accomplish together.
we give great thanks!

~The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Team

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

Today, we whole heartedly salute the American men and women who have served our country, and sacrificed so much for our freedom and safety.

With much gratitude and respect,
The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Family

Discover how to reach a place of acceptance in dementia caregiving.

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is life-altering – for the person being diagnosed, of course, but just as much for his or her loved ones. It’s important for family caregivers to allow themselves ample time to process the changes to come and to find a healthy way to work through the various emotions that arise.

Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, one of the difficulties for caregivers is finding peace in the midst of each stage. And while providing care for a senior loved one is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding roles we can take on, it’s not without its challenges as well. It can be helpful to use reflection as a tool to better cope with the challenges and changes. Hired Hands Homecare’s … Read More »

During holiday visits with seniors, keep an eye out for these signs of dementia.

From the second the door swings open and your elderly loved one wraps you in a warm embrace, through the joyous holiday meal and each timeless family custom, possibilities abound for not simply quality time together, but also to assess how your parent is really doing and if any warning signs of dementia are noted. 

There are specific indicators which can suggest cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Because Alzheimer’s is now more and more common in seniors, and because early diagnosis and treatment are fundamental, the dementia care team at Hired Hands Homecare recommends monitoring for any of the following common signs and symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s disease throughout your holiday visit this year:

Social differences. According to John Ramsay, CEO of Shift … Read More »

Researchers are gleaning information from elephants to help us better understand Alzheimer’s disease.

The old adage is true: elephants truly do have amazing memories, even into their later years. To illustrate, they’re able to recollect and go back to highly specific locations decades after visiting them, irrespective of age. Exactly what can we glean from elephants that may result in helping us better understand Alzheimer’s disease and to maximize our own cognitive performance later in life?

Remarkably, older elephants’ brains show no buildup of the amyloid plaques some researchers are linking to Alzheimer’s. Even though other health professionals tout the need for sufficient sleep to permit the mind the chance to clean away plaques, elephants are tromping over that theory, sleeping as little as 2 hours daily.

But one factor rises above the rest which may be the main key: socialization. … Read More »

We are honored to recognize Jessica L as our October Caregiver of the Month! 

Hired Hands Homecare has had the pleasure of working with Jessica since early 2019.  Since then, she has continued to build caregiving knowledge to her skill set and has become a favorite of her many clients. She is pictured here with Jim, one of our most wonderful clients, whom she has assisted for the past year.  By the way, that bicycle you see… Jim rode that cross country from East Coast to West.  What an accomplishment!

Today, Jim and the entire Hired Hands Homecare Team salute Jessica for her outstanding dedication and compassion!  Jessica, you are a STAR!

~The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Team

A different support system is often needed for male caregivers.

If you painted a picture of a typical family caregiver, you’d probably portray a middle-aged woman, perhaps cooking and serving a meal, assisting with baths or getting dressed, an transporting a loved one to doctors’ appointments. And this assessment would be accurate; AARP reports the typical caregiver profile is a 49-year-old female helping with acts of service such as these for a 69-year-old female relative who is facing long-term health concerns.

Yet there’s a growing trend of male caregivers stepping into – or sometimes, falling into by default – this crucial role: nearly 40% of all caregivers, as a matter of fact. And though there are some trending differences in caregiving difficulties between the genders (such as a greater likelihood of discomfort for men in helping with personal hygiene tasks), … Read More »

Dementia and firearms are a dangerous combination.

With a heated level of debate rivaling the Hatfields and McCoys, it seems impossible to come to a resolution in the issue of gun control. Yet no matter which side of the issue you are on, there’s one little-spoken-of situation which should cause us all to take pause: the worrying mixture of dementia and firearms.

About 33% of all older adults in the U.S. report owning a gun, and an additional 12% are living in the house of a gun owner. Bearing in mind that approximately 9% of individuals over age 65 have some kind of dementia (and that figure is expected to more than double by the year 2050), it equates to scores of seniors with dementia living with guns. Coupled with erratic states of confusion, aggression, and other difficult behaviors, having … Read More »

Watch for the signs of senior depression and seek help immediately if noted.

Lots of people go through periods of time when they simply want to be left alone for a bit with their thoughts, to think through situations in their lives without any distractions, or just to experience some downtime. For older adults, however, being isolated for an extended period of time may be indicative of a more serious condition: senior depression.

At Hired Hands Homecare, our caregivers have shared the journey through depression with many seniors, and would like to offer help. The most important first step is to contact the older adult’s doctor as soon as possible if you suspect he or she is struggling with depression. Depression is treatable, and the sooner, the better.

Keep an eye out for these signs of senior depression in your loved … Read More »

Hot off the Press…  Hired Hands Homecare wins NAPA VALLEY’S FINEST In-Home Healthcare Provider, as reported by the Napa Valley Register.

This award is a huge testament to our absolutely AMAZING Caregivers & Management Team, who provide the highest levels of service and support to the seniors and families we work with!  This honor will be shared and celebrated by ALL the Hired Hands folks that simply take the finest care of our community’s seniors and their families. We could not be more proud!

Hired Hands Homecare discusses the power of play for seniors.

Do you remember that feeling as a young child when the school bell rang, indicating the conclusion of science and the start of the best part of the day: recess? There was an immense feeling of freedom bounding out onto the playground, leaving behind the pressure of school work for a quick period of unstructured play. Regrettably, for the majority of adults, this is just a happy but distant memory. Play for seniors isn’t usually something that’s considered by many adults. Nevertheless, is it possible, and even worthwhile, to recapture the enjoyment of playing? 

Hired Hands Homecare provides tips for determining if you’re a helicopter child.

We have all heard about helicopter parents, particularly when a daughter or son leaves for college, but what about a helicopter child? Truth be told, we may be guilty of hovering a bit too closely ourselves. Finding that optimal harmony between caring and overstepping our boundaries is not easy. 

With over 328 million people residing in the U.S. alone, it is hard to believe that senior loneliness would be so prevalent. And yet of the number of older adults living alone, more than 60% of them report being chronically lonely. 

Hired Hands Homecare provides tips for aging well.

A quick Google search for the word “aging” produces topics such as “coping with aging,” “what you can do about aging,” as well as “the cure to aging.” The pessimistic connotations to aging are, regrettably, so embedded in our society that it is estimated that by 2027, the aging care industry will be worth $83.2 billion. While it’s very easy to get caught up in the issues that may be realized in aging well – health concerns, the passing of family and friends, and cognitive issues – what’s getting lost in the shuffle are the remarkable benefits of growing older. 

As we head into this Labor Day Weekend,
we are absolutely honored to thank and celebrate
our outstanding team of dedicated and compassionate Caregivers.
These are certainly difficult times for families and our communities.
Day after day, our amazing Caregivers go out of their way
to assure that our clients are safe and well, giving families
great peace of mind and comfort.
Truly, Angels walking amongst us.

Happy Labor Day!
~The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Family

Senior falls can have serious consequences, but with a plan, the risk for falls can be greatly reduced.

Senior falls are all too frequent and may have serious outcomes. Taking preventative measures is key, such as examining the house for fall risks like area rugs and various tripping hazards, inadequate lighting, and a lack of appropriate grab bars and railings. But there is also a new strategy being advised now: creating a fall plan of care, which, when utilized correctly, has been shown to reduce fall-related emergency room visits up to 40%.

So while we absolutely don’t want to plan for a loved one to fall, we are able to be better equipped by helping the person take the following steps:

Stay vigilant – Avoid letting your mind wander and instead maintain your full focus on your surroundings.
Check vision … Read More »

It’s not uncommon for families to have conflict over honoring senior independence vs. safety.

It’s a conflict that occurs for numerous families: seniors are adamant about wanting to age in place in their own home, while their relatives worry about their safety and well-being. And there’s an argument to be made in both scenarios. Seniors, specifically individuals who live alone, confront multiple risks: falls that could possibly result in significant injury, trouble in maintaining the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed as aging progresses, even a susceptibility to scam artists. Nonetheless, senior independence is one of the keys to self-worth. 

Identifying a balance that fits the requirements of both sides may be challenging, but there are several important factors to consider that can make a difference.

Let go of ageism. While there is credibility to worries over safety for … Read More »

Family dynamics can make it challenging to provide care for a loved one with whom you have a difficult relationship.

When it comes to caring for a family member, family dynamics can play a big part in the caregiver’s outlook. For those who have been brought up by loving parents who provided for all their needs, providing the same standard of care may simply be second nature. But what if you’ve been scarred by childhood experiences, determined to keep your distance from difficult family members later in life, simply to end up going back to provide assistance for them in a period of need? 

AARP offers some helpful tips for family members who want to conquer old wounds in the interests of providing care:

Set emotional boundaries. It’s possible to give compassionate home care while staying emotionally detached. Just … Read More »

When a friend or loved one is facing a health concern, it’s important to know what not to say.

Have you ever walked in to the office or a get-together with friends or family and had a person say to you with great concern, “You really look tired today!” Although you may have been feeling pretty perky before that interaction, without warning you may suddenly actually feel exhausted and rundown. The words we use with each other and the manner by which we interpret them are meaningful. And when speaking with people who have a long-term health concern, it’s very important to thoughtfully think about what to express, and maybe more importantly, what NOT to say, that can help the person feel his or her best.

While we are surely well meaning, there are specific comments which are … Read More »

Every family caregiver should get answers to these questions from the doctor.

Of the many responsibilities a family caregiver faces, perhaps one of the more difficult is managing health concerns and knowing what questions to ask the Dr. as your parent’s caregiver. The National Council on Aging estimates that approximately three quarters of all seniors are clinically determined to have at least two chronic illnesses, and are seeing on average of four medical specialists. 

Hired Hands Homecare, offering in-home care in Napa, CA and the surrounding communities, offers these simple tips to communicate effectively with those on the senior’s medical team:

Are all of the medications essential? With most older adults taking many medications, you’ll need to keep an in-depth list and review occasionally with the doctor along with the pharmacist, each of whom should be able to make … Read More »

Watch for these warning signs to protect seniors against elder abuse.

As the seniors in your life become older and lose some of their physical and/or mental abilities, they become more susceptible to elder abuse and less equipped to protect themselves. Elder abuse is real and can have a traumatizing effect on the seniors in your life. It’s important that to protect seniors against elder abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse, you know the proper precautions to take and are aware of the key warning signs. 

The best way to help prevent elder abuse is to visit and call the seniors in your life often. The more you can see a senior loved one in person or hear their voice, the more you will be able to notice changes in or on their body and in … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare is excited to announce we have been nominated as NAPA’S FINEST, in the category of Homecare/Home Health in the Napa Valley Register!  This nomination is a huge testament to our amazing Caregivers, and the highest quality of service and support that our Team provides to the families of Napa county!

The nomination is honor, but its also a contest to be the Very Best, and we need your vote!  Please visit the Napa Valley Register, AND you can also text 506 to 707-289-5522.  Every vote counts, and you can vote everyday now through 8/1.  Let’s pack that ballot box, and crown Hired Hands Homecare – Napa as the BEST in the land!

Wow, what an amazing honor!  For the THIRD 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, Kristine, and the entire Hired Hands Homecare Team Pleasanton will wear this badge … Read More »

Today we have the pleasure of honoring Mr. Ian B as our Caregiver of the Month!  We have had the pleasure of working with Ian since 2018.  Ian joined the Napa team coming over from the Marin Team in March of this year and has been such an amazing caregiver to Mr. Jackson and Mr. Williams, his two regular Clients.

Ian is such a pleasure to work with!  Clients having nothing but the best to say about him and the care he provides.  He is professional, kind, knowledgeable, encouraging, insightful, a great communicator and always willing to help with such a humble demeanor.  Ian is definitely one of those caregivers we feel honored to work with and excited to see his future unfold as he continues his journey to help more people someday as an RN!

Ian, please know that all of us … Read More »

Trying to juggle work and caregiving can have a negative impact on everyone involved.

In the modern world, it is often difficult enough to maintain a work-life balance, but that is made nearly impossible when it comes to attempting to juggle work and caregiving. Up to 25% of employed adults are providing some level of care for aging parents or family members. How do you work a full-time job when a loved one needs care around the clock? Oftentimes, it simply is not possible. Hired Hands Homecare, providing home care in Napa, CA and the surrounding areas, has tips to help.

Aging with dignity is important for an older adult’s self-esteem.

It is quite easy to get swept up in the daily tasks of caregiving for a senior you love. There’s so much to be done, and sometimes it’s just easier and a lot more efficient to do it all on your own, letting the senior relax. After all, our elders have taken care of things for a lifetime; haven’t they earned a break? 

The truth however, is that aging with dignity is incredibly necessary to our wellbeing, something that comes from having a sense of purpose and meaning in life. And even though ensuring safety is, without a doubt, our primary concern, there are ways to empower a senior loved one in your care to remain in control whenever possible. For instance:  

Work together on projects. While standing … Read More »

Evaluate the risks of polypharmacy in older adults and keep seniors safer.

More than one out of every three 60-year-olds is currently taking five or more prescription medications, so it’s no wonder that problems occur from overmedication. Polypharmacy in older adults is defined as “…when an adverse drug effect is misinterpreted as a new medical problem – leading to the prescribing of more medication to treat the initial drug-induced symptom,” and can cause a number of additional health risks or worsen existing health conditions. 

It’s a good idea for older adults and their caregivers to work together on a plan of de-prescribing. These tips can help:

Compile a list of all medications the senior is taking, including prescription meds, over-the-counter meds, and vitamins/herbal supplements, and share with the senior’s physician and pharmacist.
Request an evaluation of the medications themselves as … Read More »

We are ecstatic to announce and honor Ms. Kimberly McP as our June Caregiver of the Month!

Kimberly is such an amazing, caring, & kind person.  Her heart is full of love, and she brings a cheerful smile to every client she cares for.  The lucky folks that have had the opportunity to work with her are always made to feel special.

How special you ask?  Our client Nancy comments “we are absolutely blessed to have Kimberly as part of our lives.”  WOW!

We are beyond grateful to work together with Kimberly, and very much appreciate the person and professional that she is!  The Clients of Hired Hands Homecare – Team Napa could not be more lucky!

Learn about where to dispose of unused medications safely.

With many older adults taking multiple prescriptions, and with physicians adding and changing dosages and medications to determine the ideal solutions, it’s essential to know where to safely dispose of unused medications. There are several options:

Check labels. The medication’s label or informational literature might provide instructions on how to properly dispose of the drug. You could also consult the pharmacist for suggestions.
Participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This is the suggested method to properly dispose of unwanted medications, and is held once a year in locations across the country by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. Discover the location closest to you as well as the next date for the event here. 
Exercise caution before flushing medication down the toilet. Flushing medications down the toilet … Read More »

Please join us in congratulating Lilia for being our Caregiver of the Month for May!

Lilia has been with Hired Hands Homecare for over 4 years and has really been there when we needed her!   She is soft spoken, calm and sweet with a wide variety of skills.  Her flexibility and the ability to go with the flow is often called upon, and she absolutely delivers!  Most importantly, our Clients and the families Lilia works with all give her high accolades, and glowing reviews of her ability to anticipate their particular needs.

Lilia – THANKS for being You, and doing all you do!
~ The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE family

It’s not unusual for some siblings to avoid helping to care for elderly parents.

If you are responsible for most of the care for elderly parents while your siblings distance themselves from helping, you are not alone. In fact, 50% of all family caregivers are caring for an aging loved one alone, based on a recently available report from AARP.

Understanding why this situation is so typical – and learning what can you do to safeguard your own personal health, which can easily be impacted by providing care for a senior loved one on your own – is critical. Our aging care experts have the answers.

Family members do not recognize there is a need for assistance. It may very well be that from the outside looking in, you have everything covered and running smoothly, and are not in … Read More »

An elder mediator can help siblings resolve differences when caring for aging parents.

When it comes to working together in caring for aging parents, even the closest of siblings could find themselves in conflict. Stress levels and emotions are, of course, running high. Add to that your past family dynamics and history, which tend to resurface during challenging times, and it’s easy to see how difficult this stage in life can be for each of you. 

The most prevalent aspects of contention among siblings include financial decisions, differing opinions on medical treatments or living arrangements, and an unfair balance of tasks pertaining to caregiving, just to mention a few.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you and your siblings are just unable to arrive at an understanding on precisely how to best care for your aging parents. … Read More »

An innovative new stroke recovery therapy holds promise for restoring mobility.

In an innovative, ongoing trial, deep-brain stimulation – more commonly used for Parkinson’s patients – has recently been tested on stroke survivors. Physicians are hoping that the end result associated with the deep-brain stimulation treatment – which involves implanting an electrode to stimulate a particular portion of the brain – will restore mobility in stroke recovery patients and place an end to the paralysis that so many often experience after a stroke, making the future of home care for stroke patients look much brighter!

To be able to comprehend how a stroke hinders normal brain activity, Laurie Ann Bonkoski, a speech therapist, compares a stroke to a home whose front door has unexpectedly become obstructed by a fallen tree. In her studies, she’s determined to sidestep that … Read More »

We join us this Memorial Day Weekend
to celebrate all the brave men and women
for the Courage, Bravery & Sacrifice they’ve made
to ensure our Freedom and Safety.

This weekend we join to Honor & Commemorate.

With sincere gratitude,
The Hired Hands Homecare Family.

As we grow older, most of us develop aches and pains. Sometimes we overlook the pain and get on with life, but other times soreness and pain interfere with our activities. But rather than simply swallowing a few pain pills from your medicine cabinet, you should know about recent FDA warnings about the health risks of ibuprofen and naproxen. 

These over-the-counter pain relievers, sold under various brand names, such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve, can be quite helpful. But as with any medicines, prescription or over-the-counter, they must be taken with caution, particularly because the FDA has confirmed that these have a hidden danger.

Although the FDA has long warned that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may potentially boost the danger of heart disease and stroke, the wording of this warning has been modified to reflect a more serious nature, … Read More »

Time matters when responding to a stroke. Learn the warning signs and why it’s important to act FAST.

As the fifth leading cause of death and number one cause of disability in the United States, strokes are a major health concern. Knowing the warning signs and risk factors for a stroke are critically important, as the longer someone suffers a stroke without treatment, the higher the likelihood of disability or death. That’s why when it comes to responding to a stroke, time is of the essence.

A stroke occurs when there is a blood clot or hemorrhage in the brain. A recent study from the American Heart Association has revealed that for every 15-minute delay in delivering a clot-busting drug after a stroke, there are a variety of long-term implications. This is because returning healthy blood flow to … Read More »

Seniors who have dysphagia can benefit from a variety of easy-to-implement care tips.

There’s nothing better than a tall, cold drink on a warm summer day, but for someone with dysphagia, this simple pleasure can be downright dangerous. There are millions of seniors with dysphagia – or trouble swallowing – due to weakened mouth and/or throat muscles. Alzheimer’s, MS, cancer, and stroke are all culprits as well. 

Signs of dysphagia include:

Drooling
Coughing, gagging or choking when eating, drinking, or taking medication
A gurgling sound in the senior’s voice after eating/drinking

Additionally, if you suspect dysphagia in an older family member, ask him or her the following questions – and check with the doctor right away for further guidance:

Are you coughing or choking when trying to eat or drink?
Are you having frequent problems with food “going down the wrong pipe?”
Is food … Read More »

Hired Hands Home Care, providers of hospice care in Pleasanton, CA and nearby areas, have gathered tips for the sandwich generation.

Ask anybody in the sandwich generation if they’ve achieved a healthy life balance between caring for an older loved one, children at home, career, self-care, household management, etc., and you are likely to receive a similar refrain: perhaps a sigh of longing, a snort of frustration, or a rolling of the eyes. And if you happen to be a sandwicher yourself, you may be struggling to set aside the time to even read this article completely! Nonetheless, allow yourself just a few minutes to consider the tips for the sandwich generation below that may just help you to breathe easier and let go of some of the pressure and stress associated with striking a better work-life balance:

Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare, providers of elderly care in Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas, provides tips for overcoming caregiver dread.

What are your first thoughts when you wake up in the morning? Are you looking forward to what your day holds, or would you like to crawl back under the covers and stay there? If you are experiencing more dread than delight when you think through your caregiving responsibilities for the day, you are not alone. Overcoming caregiver dread is possible, it just takes a little presence of mind.

Contact us online or call us at (866) 940-4343 to learn about how we can help your family

Distinctly different from anxiety, depression, and even burnout, caregiver dread is an exhausted, heavy sense of duty. It comes from feelings of over commitment together with the desire to get away from obligations. … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare, provider of senior care in Novato, CA and nearby areas, provides tips for avoiding caregiver depression.

There’s no question that it’s a wonderful honor to care for family we love. Family caregivers encounter a closeness and connection with those in their care that very often far outweighs the difficulties. Yet there are difficulties. A continuous to-do list to ensure the senior loved one you are providing care for is as happy and healthy as possible. Household duties and errands to run. Work responsibilities. The requirements of other relatives and friends. And don’t overlook self-care. The end result is an often an overwhelming quantity of stress, that if left unchecked, can easily transform into caregiver depression, which can appear in any or all of the following ways:

Thoughts of frustration, unhappiness, despair, anxiety
Trouble with falling or remaining … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare, providers of elderly care in Napa and nearby areas, provides advice for the boomerang generation.

Thanks to the advances of science and medicine, we’re now living longer than ever before, resulting in a new responsibility for not only the sandwich generation (adults who are providing care at home for both children and aging parents) but for countless aging adults who have been coined the boomerang generation. Luckily, there are some pieces of advice for the boomerang generation that can help seniors care for their aging parents while also caring for themselves. 

“Aging together” is the term being used to describe older adults whose mother and/or father are still living and in need of support to remain safe at home. This leads to a wave of seniors uprooting and “boomeranging” back to live in close proximity … Read More »

It was such an honor to go out and deliver recognition to Apple as our most recent Employee of the Month!  We have had the absolute pleasure of working with Apple for close to five years now, and she has developed into an amazing caregiver and has become Napa’s go to caregiver for so many reasons.  Apple has a positive, friendly approachable attitude and has been so extremely helpful, flexible and willing to jump in wherever needed.  Apple has worked hard to develop her skill set, and is now an active member on both our Hospice and Alzheimer’s’/Dementia Care Teams.

She recently stepped in when we needed her on a hospice client with little notice, and they absolutely loved her.  When we ask her to switch her shift out and run on over to assist with a difficult case in Marin … Read More »

Care management is an essential component to effective chronic disease care.

Juggling the numerous medical appointments, procedures, tests, medications, lifestyle changes, and more is a way of life for the many seniors with chronic health needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a full 85% of seniors have at least one chronic health care need, and 60% are diagnosed with two or more. The challenges may seem overwhelming. But there’s one essential component to effectively managing a chronic health condition: care management.

Diagnoses such as diabetes, COPD, heart disease, and more are life-changing. They impact a person’s mental as well as physical health, and it’s important to enlist help in meeting all care needs. Geriatric care managers, also known as aging life care specialists, are skilled professionals with expertise in meeting all of the diverse … Read More »

The providers of in-home support services in Santa Rosa offer tips on how to make use of care management services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially concerning for seniors and their loved ones. Seniors are disproportionately affected by the virus, especially those with underlying conditions such as COPD and heart issues. In an attempt to maintain social distancing and minimize contact with potential contagions, many seniors have become increasingly isolated from their family members. In the absence of routine socialization and attentive care, loneliness and depression as well as memory issues linked to dementia and other diseases can creep in. In response to these difficult circumstances, many families are seeking the assistance of care management services. 

Care managers help families ensure that their senior loved one is safe and cared for, even in unprecedented times such as these. … Read More »

Care management services can help families navigate care options and services.

Hiring a professional care manager could potentially make your everyday life or the life of a loved one who needs care support easier; however, are care management services the best choice for your particular situation? When determining whether or not to hire a care manager, also referred to as an Aging Life Care Professional, consider the following questions:

Are your obligations or the adult’s care issues becoming more complex and numerous than can be comfortably managed alone?
Are other family needs and responsibilities getting in the way of providing the desired amount of supervision and care for the loved one?
Are care responsibilities interfering with the paid employment of family members?
Is the current family caregiver struggling to provide the required level of care and supervision due to health issues or … Read More »

A care manager can help families navigate senior care options.

Are you helping to manage a loved one’s care? If so, you know that hiring services and managing finances to make living at home a safe and viable solution for relatives can be overwhelming, to put it mildly. Many people who are helping loved ones simply do not know where to seek trusted advice, what questions to ask, or where to find a supportive care advocate. A professional care manager (sometimes called an Aging Life Care Professional) is a great resource for these situations. Professional care managers are experienced and trained to work with families to create and manage a detailed care plan that fits each adult’s needs with services such as:

Care planning assessments to determine needs, challenges and eligibility for assistance
Coordination and communication across all medical and … Read More »

Family caregivers have many responsibilities to juggle each day.

It might have come completely without warning: an unexpected fall that resulted in a broken hip plus the need for Mom to have help and support to stay at home. Or, it may have been building up over the years, such as through the incremental and slow progression of Alzheimer’s. Regardless of the circumstances, you have now found yourself in the role of family caregiver, and maybe are wondering precisely what this means and how to navigate these uncharted waters. You could probably use some caregiver tips to help you get started.

First and foremost, take a good deep breath, and a moment to acknowledge the selflessness of your choice. Caregiving is a respectable and extremely rewarding undertaking, yet not without its challenges. A bit of proactive planning will … Read More »

Monitoring mental health and wellbeing in older adults is critical.

The isolation and fear brought on by COVID-19 has had a profound impact on mental health and wellbeing in older adults. In a Kaiser Family Foundation poll, nearly one half of seniors surveyed stated that their level of stress and worry has adversely impacted their own health. And even though it still may be risky to visit in person with older adults, it’s critical to stay in frequent and regular contact in order to watch for any changes or signs which could indicate a senior mental health concern.

As psychiatrist Judith Feld, MD, MPH, states, “If a senior usually really enjoys a call with a grandchild, for example, but that seems to have changed, maybe you need to ask more questions, such as, ‘How can we be of … Read More »

A professional caregiving career is personally and professionally fulfilling.

There’s an old adage that states, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” While professional caregivers will tell you that there are days their job feels like a lot of work, they will also tell you that more often than not, a caregiving career is professionally and personally fulfilling because of the difference they make in peoples’ lives.

In working closely to assist others, caregivers utilize a variety of skills in order to ensure that the people in their care live full and engaged lives. If you’ve helped a loved one informally as a family caregiver, you probably know firsthand the important role of a caregiver – not only in helping with basic care needs, but in helping maintain … Read More »

Working as an in-home caregiver can be a rewarding way to give back to your community.

As more and more members of our communities reach their senior years, the demand for in-home caregivers has increased. You may be considering making caregiving your career but aren’t entirely sure what to expect from the job, or if you’re even qualified. The good news is, even without previous experience as an in-home caregiver, you might be more qualified for this rewarding career than you think. 

Caregivers generally possess a unifying series of traits that form the foundation of their vocation, including compassion, responsibility, patience, and an interest in making a difference in their local communities. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are drawn to caregiving due to the job’s flexibility, variety, and service-oriented nature. 

So what can you … Read More »

Learn how home care services can help alleviate family caregiving fears.

“Of course Dad can move in with me!” 

Increasingly, more family members are making this commendable decision on a daily basis, signifying the start of lifestyle changes they can only fully gain an understanding of once immersed in them. And even though the rewards of family caregiving are immeasurable, it’s a role that is not without its struggles and challenges. That’s why it’s important to understand the top family caregiving worries that caregivers face. 

It may seem natural to manage everyday activities for a loved one; but it’s not as instinctive as it seems on first impression. For example, helping a loved one into the shower or bath incorrectly may lead to a fall. Inadequate incontinence care could cause skin damage and infection. Non-compliance with a recommended … Read More »

A trusted home care partner can help a senior loved one thrive in the comfort of home.

There are a number of facets involved in selecting a home care provider for an older adult. In our continued quest to help families sort through their options for home care with knowledge and confidence, the following are three tips to remember: 

Assessing Needs

With a professional home care agency, you don’t need to worry about determining what services are best for a particular situation. Prior to starting care, the agency will come to the home and, through a series of questions, be able to develop a care plan that is customized to the situation and suits the particular needs associated with the person needing care. The agency may also work with the client’s physician or others on the care team, … Read More »

Seniors and the holidays: learn why feelings of sadness are not uncommon.

In spite of its reputation for being viewed as the season of joy, the combination of seniors and the holidays can lead to profound feelings of unhappiness for many older adults. Yearning for holidays past, despair over the loss of family and friends, and worrisome changes to health can intensify throughout the holiday season, and it’s important to take the appropriate steps to help older loved ones avoid the downward spiral into senior holiday depression.

If an older adult you love is feeling blue this holiday season, begin by asking yourself these three questions

Could it possibly be normal nostalgia? Wistful feelings of nostalgia, thinking of pre-pandemic holiday get-togethers and celebrations, are normal for all of us. See if the older adult’s sadness is lifted immediately following … Read More »

Think about the most perfect holiday season you can possibly imagine. While that image may vary a bit for each of us, it typically includes lights, gifts, good food, and traditions handed down through the generations. Yet what most definitely rings true for all of us is the happiness in spending time with the people we love. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us all to rethink how to safely enjoy the holidays with seniors during a pandemic. With a bit of ingenuity and creativity, however, it’s feasible to bridge the gap while making new memories with the seniors you love, even if you cannot be together with them in person this season. 

Our aging care professionals have collected several suggestions to help you celebrate the holidays with seniors during a pandemic:

Adjust traditions. Think through the traditions that mean the … Read More »

Provide the gift of memories for a loved one with dementia this holiday season.

 “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss

Memories are what binds together our past experiences with who we are today; and for a senior with Alzheimer’s, confusion around these memories can have a powerful impact. One of our goals as a home care company in Santa Rosa, CA and surrounding areas in caring for seniors diagnosed with dementia is to help them store and share memories in order to make sense of daily life.

A great way to make this happen is through the creation of a memory book, which includes pictures and short descriptions to refer back to when an older adult has questions regarding his or her identity, relatives, etc. A … Read More »

Engaging home care services after a hospital stay is essential for a smoother transition.

As experts in home care in Rohnert Park and other California cities, we understand that recovering after a surgical procedure can take time, especially for older adults. Not only do aging bodies take longer to heal, but together with reduced mobility and a multitude of directions for medications, physical activities, follow-up appointments, and dietary restrictions, there is a lot to help keep tabs on after a hospitalization. So what is the best way to assist an elderly parent after a hospital stay? 

Recent research conducted by IPC, The Hospitalist Company, revealed that nearly one out of every five discharged patients required assistance with at least one thing that had the possibility of affecting their recovery. Other similar studies have shown that bringing in professional … Read More »

Incorporating laughter in dementia care can help relieve stress and instill joy.

Caring for someone you love with dementia is definitely nothing to laugh about. Yet studies are increasingly pointing towards the benefits of laughter in dementia care, and adding it may be exactly what the doctor ordered to boost well-being for a senior loved one.

As an example, an Australian study just recently revealed that humor therapy is effective in reducing agitation in individuals with dementia as effectively as antipsychotic medications, without any negative side effects. Shared laughter connects us, and assists people who have cognitive difficulties to feel understood, secure, and at ease. As stated by Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, “When anyone is sick or having a hard time, they still like to laugh. I spend a lot of time teaching people that … Read More »

Learn how Alzheimer’s impacts vision and what steps to take to ensure safety.

The intricate steps needed to make it possible for us to see are mind-boggling. Within the blink of an eye, our brains have the capability to take transmitted details from the environment around us, translate that information based upon input from other senses, thoughts, and experiences, and then build an understanding of that information to help make us conscious of what we are seeing.

It’s unsurprising that Alzheimer’s impacts vision, and therefore people with Alzheimer’s can encounter misperceptions and visual deficits, particularly in the aspects of:

Depth and/or color perception
Contrast
Motion recognition
Peripheral vision

What’s more, individuals who have Alzheimer’s can frequently encounter an altered sense of reality in the form of illusions. For instance, someone with Alzheimer’s disease could see a shadow on the ground, and mistake … Read More »

Greetings,

We are happy to share what should be two outstanding presentations important to both Seniors and our general community.  Please see below for details.

First, starting at 5:30 this evening, a super group of panelists join to discuss Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities.

Secondly, our Congressman Mike Thompson holds another important Town Hall regarding the current state of COVID-19 in our community.

Senior personal care needs, like dressing, can become a struggle with dementia.

Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or any other kind of dementia requires empathy, creativity, and patience, the capacity to step away from your individual reasoning and logic and realize why a specific behavior is occurring, and then to understand just how to effectively manage it. That is certainly the case with senior personal care needs, such as a loved one who won’t change his/her clothing, in spite of how dirty or unkempt an outfit has become.

There are several reasons why a senior with Alzheimer’s disease may insist upon wearing the same outfit, including:

Memory or judgment problems, including losing track of time or thinking the clothes were recently changed
The comfort and familiarity of a particular piece of clothing
A need to maintain control
Struggles with … Read More »

Inappropriate Alzheimer’s behaviors are common and can be managed compassionately.

Disbelief. Shame. Awkwardness. Discomfort. Many of these types of feelings can cycle through a family caregiver’s heart when a loved one with dementia displays disinhibited behaviors, such as:

Rude or tactless comments
Inappropriate sexual advances or remarks
Removal of clothing at improper times
And other socially unacceptable actions

The complicated changes that occur to the brain in Alzheimer’s disease may cause a complete turnaround in an older adult’s personality and behaviors, such as a formerly genteel grandma suddenly swearing like a sailor. For an individual who is confused, uncomfortable, disoriented, or has simply forgotten social skills and graces, these behaviors are actually quite common, so it’s crucial to learn how to specifically manage them should they arise in someone you love.

Hired Hands Homecare’s Alzheimer’s care experts suggest trying the following tactics … Read More »

Our heartfelt THANKS go out to all the men and women
who have given so much to protect our safety and freedom.
We gratefully salute you for your service and sacrifice.

We are truly honored to provide service and support
to so many Veterans in our community.

With great respect,
The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE family

Support for family caregivers is vital for success.

“Obviously Dad can move in with me!”

More family caregivers are making this commendable choice, signifying the start of lifestyle changes they may only truly comprehend once in the middle of them. Even though the positive aspects of providing care for an older parent are immeasurable, they’re not without a number of struggles as well.

It may seem natural to take care of daily activities for a senior loved one; however, it’s not quite as instinctive as it seems initially. For example, helping a senior in the shower or bath the wrong way can result in a fall. Poor incontinence care can cause skin damage and infection. Noncompliance with a recommended nutritional plan can bring about a wide array of health complications.

It’s no wonder that in a … Read More »

Family caregiving is a complex role and can bring feelings of uncertainty.

If you are feeling somewhat disheartened in your family caregiving role, take heart; you are in good company. Providing care for a senior loved one is probably the most complex role we can hold: highly fulfilling on the one hand, while at the same time discouraging and ever-evolving, often leading to feelings of uncertainty about whether we are up to the challenge and providing the best care.

It is why a number of family caregivers battle against some or all of these types of feelings:

Guilt: You may feel as though you are not doing as much as you really need to in order to help your senior loved one, that you’re self-centered for wanting time away for yourself, or that you’re inadequate to provide … Read More »

Dehydration in seniors is common and can lead to health issues if not addressed.

Did you realize…approximately 50% of all older adults are chronically under-hydrated, according to a recent study conducted at UCLA? Not only that, but seniors over age 65 account for the highest category of hospital admissions because of dehydration.

Dehydration in seniors can sneak up quickly because they often have a decreased sensation of thirst, can experience medication side effects that can cause hydration problems, or they mistakenly believe that drinking less will reduce incontinence issues.

Senior dehydration is extremely dangerous, increasing the risk for health issues such as:

UTIs
Kidney stones and/or failure
Blood clots
Seizures
Hypovolemic shock
And many others

Dehydration is generally detected by the following symptoms:

Early stages:

Decreased amount/darker-colored urine
Dry mouth
Feelings of weakness, dizziness, and/or exhaustion
Muscle cramps
Irritation

Advanced stages:

Confusion and disorientation, such as problems with walking
Low … Read More »

Managing medical issues for seniors requires effective communication.

Out of all the many responsibilities a family caregiver faces, possibly one of the most difficult is managing medical issues. The National Council on Aging estimates that around ¾ of all seniors are identified as having at least two chronic illnesses, and they are seeing an average of four healthcare specialists.

As your senior parent’s advocate, it’s crucial to know how to communicate effectively with those from the older adult’s medical team, and also to arrive at appointments fully prepared to address any and all issues. The following four questions are a good starting point:

Are all of these prescription drugs required? With most aging parents taking multiple medications, you will want to keep an in-depth list and examine regularly with the doctor and also the pharmacist, both of whom … Read More »

Home care recovery following a COVID-19 diagnosis is preferred by most individuals.

In the event that you or someone you love tested positive for COVID-19, you understand how serious it is and how recovery can be a long road.

The good news is that Hired Hands Homecare offers compassionate in-home recovery care services to help aid in the healing process after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. With continual adherence to CDC guidelines, including proper hand washing, sanitizing and disinfecting, and wearing personal protective equipment, our expertly-trained caregivers can help by allowing you time to focus on gaining strength, resting, and taking other steps necessary to make a full and complete recovery.

During recover, be sure to keep in mind the following:

First and foremost, know when you should seek emergency medical care. Some of the symptoms that warrant immediate … Read More »

Moving senior parents home is an option many families are considering during the pandemic.

The number of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes and assisted living facilities has been overwhelming, as the virus sweeps through our most vulnerable population who live together in such close proximity like wildfire. Not surprisingly, many families, as a result, are moving their senior parents home, which brings about a number of issues to work through.

Hired Hands Homecare, providers of senior care in Rohnert Park and the surrounding area, is here with the information you need to make sure the transition home for your older loved ones is a smooth one. An ideal place to start when considering moving senior parents home is by getting the answers to these questions:

Is there sufficient space for the senior to have his or her own … Read More »

Please meet Lela! Hired Hands Homecare is pleased to honor Lela as our Caregiver of the Month for August. Lela is on our Live-in Team, and has been finding a special calling for working with our Hospice clients. She is very special not only to us, we have had several clients and families mention that she is simply outstanding! Lela, we proudly salute you for all you do!

Thanks!
The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Team

Try these tips for helping family caregivers stay resilient during a crisis.

Times of crisis can sometimes bring out both the very best and also the worst in us. During the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve come across stories of people hoarding items and selling them in order to make an excessive profit, along with stories of wonderful people who selflessly met the needs of others in spite of their personal fears.

The key to weathering the storms which are certain to show up in our lives in a healthy and balanced way is resiliency. Mia Bartoletti, clinical psychologist for the Navy SEAL Foundation, works with families of people serving in the armed forces, and provides guidelines for helping family caregivers find resilience through any time of crisis.

Convey your reactions. It is common to have an array of responses to … Read More »

Determine the safety of elective medical procedures with these tips.

The COVID-19 pandemic put our world on pause, including, among many other activities, medical appointments and procedures. In fact, nearly half of all adults either cancelled or put off routine medical care and elective medical procedures since the coronavirus crisis began, leading physicians to become concerned about the consequences.

As we tentatively strive for a new normal, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any procedures you might have been considering pre-pandemic, and to get answers to the following questions to help you gauge the safety of following through with them now.

Is the medical facility where I’ll be treated also treating COVID-19 patients, and are the same medical staff who will care for me also taking care of them? If so, what precautions are in place … Read More »

It’s important to discuss long term care with your aging parents.

Millions of Americans struggle with the question of whether their elderly parents can afford long term care. Financial matters can be a sensitive topic, and when it’s time to start thinking about long-term care needs, holding an open and honest discussion about how your parents will be able to afford long term care services is crucial.

To that end, our home care team has compiled the questions below to help you get started:

What are your parents’ assets? A good starting point is to determine approximately how much money your parents have available in cash, investments, and Social Security. This provides a basis for covering for long term care expenses.
Do your parents anticipate the need for financial assistance? People are living longer than ever before, meaning … Read More »

These tips will help families access the benefits of long-term care insurance.

Long-term care insurance can provide extraordinary peace of mind, but accessing those benefits can end up being a confusing experience for seniors and their family members. To help guide families through the process, Hired Hands Homecare, the leader in home care in Rohnert Park and the surrounding area, provides this helpful overview.

What services are covered?

Prior to filing a claim, it’s important to thoroughly read through a copy of the long-term care insurance policy in order to gain an understanding of the types of services the policy covers. If you don’t have a copy of the policy, reach out to the carrier to request one.

While all policies differ in what they cover, long-term care insurance usually covers non-medical services at home, provided assistance … Read More »

Senior safety is key to keep in mind while stay-at-home orders are lifted.

After months of quarantining, isolating, and distancing from loved ones, stay-at-home orders have been relaxed. But for seniors in particular, can it be safe to consider heading out?

Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer, and a number of criteria need to be considered to arrive at the best decision for every person, balancing senior safety with mental and emotional wellbeing. For example:

What health problems is the senior loved one encountering?
How challenging has it been for her or him to be isolated from loved ones?
Is the incidence rate of the virus subsiding or spiking within your town?

As a family caregiver, the best place to get started is sitting down and having a one-on-one conversation with the older adult. If your senior loved … Read More »

Caring for aging parents raises some complicated emotions.

If you’re feeling a bit discouraged in your role in caring for aging parents, take heart; you’re in good company. Providing care for a loved one is perhaps one of the most complex roles we can hold: highly rewarding on one hand, while simultaneously frustrating and ever-evolving, often leading to feelings of doubt about whether we’re up to the challenge and providing the best possible care.

It’s why so many family caregivers struggle with some or all of these types of feelings:

Guilt: You may feel as though you’re not doing as much as you should to help your loved one, that you’re selfish for wanting time away to yourself, or that you’re inadequate to provide the help your loved one needs.
Helplessness: There are some circumstances when you simply … Read More »

If you’re a family caregiver, it’s important to manage stress.

Stress for a family caregiver is inevitable, and actually, not necessarily always a bad thing. After all, as the saying goes, “A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well.” Yet especially for family caregivers, the level of stress can quickly escalate and become overwhelming, and if not managed effectively, lead to serious health concerns.

Try these tips to minimize stress and achieve a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle – both for yourself and those you love:

Change your self-talk. Throughout the course of your day, you may find yourself entertaining thoughts such as, “I can’t do this!” or “Everything is going wrong!” Pause when negative thinking begins to intrude, and say to yourself instead, “I can handle this, one step at a time,” … Read More »

A hospice referral can help patients meet end-of-life goals.

We often educate on the importance of not delaying a hospice referral because we believe an earlier referral allows the patient and his or her family to better prepare mentally and spiritually for the end of the patient’s life. Yet a common misconception that hospice care is merely symptom management often leads to a later referral. In fact, hospice care involves many additional benefits to provide comfort:

Provides assistance in obtaining appropriate equipment and medications
Empowers families to take care of their loved one in the comfort of home
Helps alleviate the fear that often occurs for patients and their families
Helps a spouse with Social Security issues, financial issues, and long-term care questions
Addresses family dynamics and spirituality concerns (if any exist)

Hospice is not about dying, but about quality of life … Read More »

Hospice care provides comfort for a loved one and his/her family.

Determining when to shift focus from proactive cure attempts to hospice care can be difficult for the loved ones of someone diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Understanding what hospice care is and the benefits it provides is a crucial first step. Hospice care offers supportive social, emotional, and spiritual services to the terminally ill and their families, primarily in the patient’s home.

Hospice is typically recommended when:

The senior’s physician does not believe there is a viable treatment option available.
The prognosis is six months or less to live.
The patient is enduring treatment that is neither life-prolonging nor enhancing quality of life just to avoid addressing the unpleasant facts with family and loved ones.
Family and loved ones are postponing a discussion about end of life because of a … Read More »

Advance health care directives help individuals ensure their care wishes are met.

Life is unpredictable. And although an advance health care directive can be easy enough to put off, planning end-of-life choices now can help provide peace of mind that your standards and wishes about your health care will be listened to in the future. Additionally, it will ease the responsibility of decision-making on your family members.

Advance directives typically include these documents:

Living will. This written, legal document outlines the kinds of health care procedures and life-sustaining measures a patient would or would not like, such as mechanical breathing (respiration and ventilation), tube feeding or resuscitation.
Health care power of attorney (POA). The health care POA is a legal document that identifies an individual to make health care decisions on the patient’s behalf if the patient … Read More »

Understand the benefits of palliative care to help increase quality of life.

What initially comes to your mind when you hear the words “palliative care?” For many, it’s associated with hospice care. The true goal of palliative care, however, is to obtain comfort from symptoms such as pain, vomiting and nausea that are the result of either a disease or from the treatment for that condition. There are times when this does come about at the end of life.

Dr. Eric Widera, who practices palliative care at the University of California, San Francisco, explains, “We hear this all the time: ‘They’re not ready for palliative care,’ as if it’s a stage people have to accept, as opposed to something that should be a routine part of care.”

And though palliative care, much like hospice care, focuses on maximizing … Read More »

Learn the facts about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few misconceptions regarding mesothelioma, the rare and aggressive disease caused by asbestos exposure. Some people ask, “Is mesothelioma contagious?” Others believe the disease is linked to smoking.

These incorrect assessments range from how people develop mesothelioma to where the disease forms within the body. Other mesothelioma myths include the demographics affected by mesothelioma, the amount of asbestos exposure needed to develop the sickness and the legality of using the substance in the United States.

Below are some common myths about mesothelioma and asbestos, as well as the realities of the disease:

Myth 1: Smoking Is Linked to Mesothelioma

Smoking is not linked to mesothelioma. The act does not cause or increase your risk of developing the disease. The disease forms along the mesothelium, which is a lining … Read More »

Greetings,

All of us at Hired Hands Homecare are deeply saddened by the tragic events and violence that have swept through our communities and the country over the recent weeks.  Our hearts go out to everyone who has been negatively affected by the tragedy of George Floyd.  Unfortunately, our country has struggled with racial inequality for a very long time. 

 Hired Hands is extremely proud of the very diverse workforce we have had the honor of working with over the last 26 years. Hopefully, as a country, we can improve upon being a more inclusive and compassionate society.  We can only hope for peaceful progress in breaking down racial barriers as our communities work through this difficult and sad time.  May the best foot forward be with kindness and respect for all.  Please know that you are important and appreciated, and together … Read More »

Learn about your aging parents’ wishes by asking a few key questions.

We’re all familiar with Benjamin Franklin’s sage advice: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” This has special significance when it comes to our aging parents, and to finding the answers to a number of important (as well as engaging) questions: from the practical knowledge of what their wishes are for their remaining lifetime, to what their favorite hobbies were as a child – and anything in between.

It’s a good idea to let your parents know that you have some questions you’d like to ask, and then schedule a time that will be uninterrupted, inviting siblings or other family members to attend as appropriate. Then prepare your questions in advance, thinking through ideas such as:

Do you have a power of attorney? … Read More »

Having a frank discussion about senior finances is important for long-term planning.

Family financial matters are oftentimes a taboo subject, and in addition, the root of many different controversies, heightened emotions, and misunderstandings. And for a number of today’s older adults, who maintain a “Depression era mentality” from many years of saving for a rainy day and learning to “waste not, want not,” it may be hard for them to grant access to finances to adult children, and to acknowledge the necessity to spend some of those personal finances on caregiving needs.

Talking with an aging parent about finances is most efficient when begun before the need arises, appreciating it might take numerous discussions before an understanding can be reached. These conversation starters can certainly help:

“Dad, at some point, we have to make some choices in regards to … Read More »

Our team is here to keep you informed with the most useful dementia caregiver tips for COVID-19.

Providing caregiving assistance for your family member with dementia is complicated under the best of conditions; mix in a global pandemic, one that calls for social distancing, masks, and meticulous sterilization of both ourselves and the environment, and the challenge may seem impossible.

Hired Hands Homecare’s team of caregivers offers the following dementia caregiver tips to help reduce anxiousness and irritation for those diagnosed with dementia, while keeping both them and their caregivers safe:

Make self-care a top priority. Now more so than ever, it’s extremely important to assess your own personal degree of stress, and take action to make sure you’re healthy – both physically and emotionally. You can only supply the best help for a senior loved one if your … Read More »

Our team is here to provide the best resources for seniors and keep your family safe

Researching where to turn for the current, most dependable information about COVID-19, especially as it relates to older adults and people who take care of them, is extremely important – and can be difficult. Because of so many sources and differing opinions on this serious subject, we wanted to help make it more straightforward to locate what you need by building the following list of trusted Coronavirus resources for seniors and family caregivers.

COVID-19 Guidance for Seniors: The CDC’s COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults web page includes a great deal of information, including help determining who is at higher risk, symptoms, how to protect yourself, a checklist for the household, stress and anxiety coping advice, and much more.
Coronavirus: What Seniors and People with … Read More »

Greetings and Salutations!

First and foremost, we hope that this email finds you and your loved ones safe and well! These are very difficult times, and it seems so odd that many are starting to act like we beat this thing, and it is ok to go out and play like we used to! We know that we have made GREAT strides towards minimizing the spread, and that we will continue to do so only by maintaining and expanding upon safety precautions and healthy habits. Together we stand!

We would like to extend a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to all the Mothers – past, present & future! With their wisdom, love & support… they are the glue for our families! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Moms! We love you!

Be well & stay strong!
The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Family

THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all your Dedication, Compassion & Commitment to the Seniors and Families of our Communities!

Find the information you need to choose the best diet for seniors.

Determining the best diet for seniors can be challenging. With the many factors that impact an older adult’s ability to maintain a healthy diet, it’s important to know how to obtain the most nutritional punch for the foods your older loved ones are willing or able to consume.

Nutritional supplements, such as Boost and Ensure, are often recommended for the elderly, in order to ensure necessary vitamins and minerals are consumed each day, but many people wonder how these drinks stack up to real, natural foods. We decided to find out!

We first looked at two healthy food options that are easy, convenient, and low in cost for seniors to enjoy for breakfast or a snack: low-fat yogurt, and an orange. Together, these foods offer … Read More »

Keep your loved one’s safe from senior malnutrition.

Remember getting together for Sunday meals at Grandma’s house, when everyone gathered around the table for a home-cooked meal, conversations, and laughter? Unfortunately, with so many families now living at a distance from their elderly loved ones, and with so many varying needs pulling us in multiple directions, it’s hard to maintain this tradition – and it may be just one of the factors contributing to a recent dramatic increase in senior malnutrition.

In fact, as many as 25% of all adults over age 65 in the U.S. are malnourished, triggering critical health concerns. For some seniors who live alone, they simply aren’t inclined to want to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. Others are undergoing feelings of grief, depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, poverty, medication side effects, and many other influencers … Read More »

Poor senior nutrition may be linked to dementia.

Although there are a variety of age-related issues that can impact senior nutrition, research is now pointing to an even greater reason for ensuring our older loved ones stick to a healthy diet: potential cognitive impairment. And malnutrition in older adults is more common than you may think. According to the National Resource on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging, upwards of 35 to 50% of the elderly residents of long-term care facilities are struggling with malnutrition, and as many as 65% of older hospitalized adults are estimated to be malnourished as well.

Malnourished older adults are twice as likely to see the doctor, and three times as likely to be hospitalized. They also encounter lessened muscle strength and poor healing. Not only that, but a recent study points to the … Read More »

Senior workouts may be even more beneficial than medication.

If you made a New Year’s resolution to exercise more this year, hopefully you’re continuing to stick with it! As it turns out, adding more physical activity to your daily routine is one resolution we should all be keeping – and this is even more important for older adults, many of whom take multiple medications for a variety of conditions.

Research is showing that, surprisingly, doctor-approved senior workouts can be as effective as many typically-prescribed medications in treating or preventing some of the leading causes of death. In the study, scientists compared how effective various medications and exercise routines were in reducing deaths among those who had been diagnosed with several common and serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. The results consistently indicated that both … Read More »

Be sure to include laughter in your program of exercises for seniors.

Have you ever found yourself in the awkward situation where you’re about to bubble over with uncontrollable laughter, usually at the most inappropriate moment – standing in a crowded elevator, sitting in a quiet waiting room, or in the middle of a religious service? While there are, naturally, times when we should suppress the silliness, author Jane Heller explains that, “Humor can keep us balanced, even in the grimmest of times. It reminds us that despite illness and disability, there are moments of real joy in life and we need to embrace them.”

The health benefits of laughter are simply incredible, including:

Releasing endorphins
Strengthening brain connectivity
Providing a social boost
Relieving pain
Enhancing the immune system
Improving mood
And many more

When putting together a plan of senior exercise, be sure to … Read More »

Try these dementia exercise recommendations for each stage of the disease.

The many advantages of staying physically active are clear, but what is not as well known is that exercise can be extremely beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s disease, for a number of reasons: reducing the risk for muscle weakness and other issues that stem from inactivity, easing the effects of psychological and behavioral challenges, and much more.

As with anyone considering starting a new exercise routine, the doctor should first be consulted. Then, try these dementia exercise suggestions, utilizing the following strategies per each person’s individual abilities and the appropriate stage of  the disease:

Early Stages

Older adults in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease can often still fully enjoy active and social exercises like walking, dancing, bowling, golf, and swimming, even though some degree of … Read More »

The latest recommendations make it even easier to exercise for arthritis management.

We all need to exercise and stay as physically active as possible, and older adults are no exception. But those who are challenged by the pain and stiffness of arthritis have an additional hurdle to overcome to maintain a healthy level of physical activity.

The good news: the most recent recommendations reduce the level of intensity of activity for older adults diagnosed with arthritis, suggesting as little as just 45 minutes of exercise per week to achieve and maintain a higher degree of functionality – much less intimidating for those who may typically shy away from exercise.

Per Northwestern University professor Dorothy Dunlop, “Even a little activity is better than none. For those older people suffering from arthritis who are minimally active, a 45-minute minimum … Read More »

Those with senior vision problems can find help with these tech tools.

Affecting an overwhelming number of Americans, vision loss is as unique and individualized as each person who experiences it – from merely needing to don reading glasses when browsing through the morning newspaper, to full blindness and a plethora of varying degrees in between. And senior vision problems are even more prevalent, with as many as one in every three older adults experiencing some form of eye disease that impacts vision, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and others. The good news is that technology continues to offer new and improved options all the time to help those with vision problems. Following are just three of the many vision enhancement tools that are now available:

Be My Eyes. This incredible app connects sighted volunteers with those who have … Read More »

Seniors and their family seem to want to use care technology solutions. Find out why they typically are not.

Today’s older adults are overrun with an explosion of hi-tech products focused on bettering their independence and safety and providing life enhancement. With the touch of a button or two, older adults can automatically visit “in person” with friends and family through Skype, wear a pendant that takes action with emergency help and support when necessary, and even remain safe from getting lost with specialized receptors attached to clothes or shoes. 

The issue becomes how to encourage older adults (and family members who care for them) to shift from a low-tech frame of mind to embracing all that’s available to them, something that is continually top of mind for us at Hired Hands Homecare. AARP reports that only 7% … Read More »

Seniors and technology are the perfect match when facing these issues.

Whether you are looking to tune a guitar, study a new language, or just add cats’ ears to a selfie, there is an app for that! And when it comes to seniors and technology, specifically when older adults choose to age in place at home, high-tech tools are often an extremely important component in increasing safety, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Take Amazon’s Alexa, as an example. Whereas its current benefits for seniors are numerous, such as the ability to track sugar levels, make doctor appointments, and research information related to a specific health issue, it’s actually poised to dig even further into the medical care arena – possibly even detecting heart attacks and helping doctors obtain precise diagnoses.

Here are a few additional technology … Read More »

Teaching seniors technology is as important as giving high-tech care enhancing gifts.

More and more older adults are receiving high-tech gadgets as holiday gifts, for good reason: there are so many incredible benefits to enhance safety, socialization, and enjoyment. In fact, of those seniors who report using the Internet, a full 71 percent go online every day or most days, and another 11 percent are online between three and five times per week, per recent research from the Pew Research Center. And that same report revealed that seniors are more likely to own a tablet or e-reader than a smartphone.

Whether you give an older loved one a tablet, e-reader, or AARP’s new RealPad (made especially for older adults, with larger icons, fonts and around-the-clock live customer service), smart devices such as these are meant to make … Read More »

While we may envision a Norman Rockwell-worthy Thanksgiving celebration, with the whole family enjoying quality time together and Grandma’s traditional feast, the reality for many families includes something unexpected: a hospital visit. In fact, statistics show that E/R visits for the elderly jump an astounding 10 – 20% during the holidays. What can you do to avoid a hospital visit this holiday season?

While pinpointing the exact reasoning behind this increase is difficult, it stands to reason that one factor could be family members who haven’t spent time with an elderly relative in the months prior to the holiday season, only to discover then that his or her condition has deteriorated.

Dr. Tamara Kuittinen of Lenox Hill Hospital explains, “It’s an issue of out of sight, out of mind for many people. If you haven’t seen your mom … Read More »

As much joy as the holiday season brings, there’s also often an overwhelming level of stress, particularly for busy family caregivers who are already stretched thin. The additional responsibilities of shopping, baking, attending parties and events, and so much more can make it difficult to feel that all is calm and bright!

At Hired Hands Homecare, the top providers of Sonoma home care and senior care services in the surrounding areas, it’s our goal to partner with families to provide the dependable, professional care services that help restore a healthy life balance – even (and especially!) during the hectic pace of the holidays. One of the many ways we can help is through planning and preparing nutritious meals for seniors, and when stress levels are elevated, including these types of foods to reduce stress:

Whole grains. A great source of … Read More »

The holiday season can be filled with a whirlwind of activity for the seniors we love, with family gatherings, holiday parties, faith-based events and services, determining the ideal gifts for the ones they love, etc. However, after the holiday decorations are packed away and family members have resumed the everyday busyness of life, many seniors struggle with a prevalent but little-discussed concern: post-holiday loneliness.

Although naturally those who live alone are most susceptible to feelings of isolation and sadness when the holiday festivities are complete, all aging adults are susceptible to a case of the blues, as they look to the approaching year while reminiscing over years past. It’s crucial for family members to find help for lonely seniors that will encourage a positive transition. Give some thought to the following suggestions:

Start planning for the next gathering. Set a … Read More »

The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends, but let’s be honest: it’s often also a time for overindulgence in unhealthy food choices. With a variety of rich, fatty, and sugary delicacies offered at every turn, it’s difficult to follow a healthy diet, which can result in significant health concerns for individuals with diabetes.

At this momentous time of year,
we give great amounts of Thanks and Praise
to the outstanding management team and caregivers
that we have the utmost joy of working with.
It is an Honor to play such an important role in the communities we serve,
but an even higher honor to do it with such amazing people!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Lynn, Erin & Mark

Important new diabetes management guidelines for seniors from the Endocrine Society.

The latest guidelines from the Endocrine Society concerning diabetes management and the elderly are unexpected, to say the least: lower blood sugar isn’t always best. And for individuals who’ve been maintaining a routine of finger pricks, insulin injections, and keeping careful track of food intake, this alteration may be a bit hard to swallow.

Known as de-intensification, geriatricians are now often taking the strategy with older adults that the benefits to be attained by aiming for rigid blood sugar control are not outweighing the health risks inherent with aging and illness. When A1c and blood sugar levels are held at low levels in the elderly, for instance, it may possibly result in an increased frequency of hypoglycemia and also kidney failure.

With up to one in … Read More »

A chronic disease diagnosis doesn’t mean an end to finding joy in life.

Have you ever gotten out of bed and said, “It’s probably going to be one of those days!” Perhaps your alarm didn’t go off, the hot water heater decided to stop working, and the dog chewed up one of your favorite shoes overnight. Then imagine if every day were “one of those days!” For an individual living with a chronic disease (and that’s much of the elderly population), routine struggles and challenges can be a given.

However, there are many steps that older adults can take to realize and maintain a life of joy, even in the face of a chronic disease diagnosis. For instance:

Follow passions. Discovering purpose and meaning in each day is essential – and possible. Many seniors find gratification in assisting … Read More »

Please join us honoring Marcela as Hired Hands Homecare – Team Santa Rosa’s Caregiver of the Month for October!

We have had the pleasure of working with Marcela since March of 2017.  She is a compassionate and talented member of our special Live-in team, assisting clients 24/7/365.   Since Day One, she has gone above and beyond for our clients – especially during the weeks of the fires!

Marcela, we SO appreciate everything you do for our Clients, and your constant flexibility to help us in need!

Sincerely,
HIRED HANDS HOMECARE – Team Santa Rosa

Setting medical care goals is beneficial when facing chronic conditions.

When it comes to chronic diseases, the elderly are usually the experts, hands down, with as many as three out of four older persons impacted by several conditions that are ongoing, necessitate extensive medical treatment, and put limits on activities. With the continuous barrage of bloodwork as well as other tests, doctors’ appointments and procedures, and medications, managing chronic conditions usually takes both a physical and emotional toll, and may very quickly become overwhelming.

Dr. Mary Tinetti, chief of geriatrics and internist at Yale School of Medicine, states, “Once you get three, four, or five and six diseases, several things happen: Number one, almost guaranteed, trying to get one of these diseases under control is going to make one of the other diseases worse. Number two: The more … Read More »

Facing a chronic disease diagnosis head-on does not mean giving up.

In Isaac Asimov’s opinion, “The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.” It’s a standard feeling for many family caregivers when their loved one is faced with a chronic disease diagnosis, such as dementia. Even though this can instill some measure of comfort in thinking that life can carry on like it always has, if only we don’t acknowledge this new reality, the truth is that acknowledgement is extremely important in order to get the necessary support.

It is understandable for a family member to wish to deliver all of the care a senior loved one needs. Nevertheless, frequently in the crux of denial are feelings of guilt, helplessness, and in some cases incompetence in the ability to “fix things.” And you will … Read More »

Chemotherapy can impact a person’s appetite, but these tips can help.

Eating healthy is especially crucial for those undergoing chemotherapy or another type of cancer treatment, but one of the major side effects preventing patients from eating well is a change in how foods taste. It’s important to overcome this and other obstacles to healthy eating in order to maintain the strength needed for chemotherapy treatments and protect against infections. Eating a balanced diet may even help cancer patients better manage higher doses of certain types of medications.

When experiencing challenges with taste changes that interfere with adhering to a recommended dietary plan during cancer treatment, the following cancer nutrition tips from Hired Hands Homecare, providers of the the best senior care Santa Rosa, CA seniors need, can help:

Experiment with different food temperatures. For some people … Read More »

Learn how snake venom could possible provide treatment for cancer patients.

Besides helping to manage our mouse and rodent population, it may be hard to think of anything beneficial about snakes – especially poisonous ones. Yet there may be a surprising silver lining to slithery serpents: innovative new treatments for cancer.

Just ask Steve MacKessy of the University of Northern Colorado. He’s been collecting and studying snake venom for decades, freeze-drying the venom to retain its properties. He still works with samples gathered as many as 40 years ago, sharing, “A lot of other protein drugs are inherently unstable, but venoms in particular are designed to be stable under bad conditions.”

Because the toxins in the venom bind very specifically to the receptors of its prey, they have the potential to target only the cancer cells themselves, unlike … Read More »

Sometimes, the best cancer care is knowing how to be a good friend.

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is life-altering, and having a strong support system is crucial. When a friend or loved one is undergoing cancer care, you may feel at a loss as to how to provide the best support, without overstepping boundaries or causing the person any undue stress. These steps, courtesy of Hired Hands Homecare, the best elderly care Napa has to offer, are a great place to start.

Be present. Find out the best times to visit the person with cancer, and then simply be there, to listen, talk, and even laugh together when appropriate, which can bring a breath of fresh air to someone looking to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Bring a treat. The effects of chemotherapy and radiation can cause exhaustion, making it … Read More »

Breast cancer survivors experiencing hot flashes can find relief through this treatment option.

For many breast cancer survivors, the discomfort of recurring hot flashes – sometimes as often as multiple times each day – makes each day a struggle. And while there are various treatment options available, one surprising treatment option is beginning to rise in popularity: acupuncture.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Discover the facts behind these four common urinary incontinence myths.

Urinary incontinence can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing topic of conversation for those who are impacted by it. The stigma behind incontinence often contributes to either a lack of factual information, or a belief in some common misunderstandings and myths. The following are some incontinence untruths, and the facts to go with them:

Myth: Urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging.
Truth: Although growing older does increase our risk for incontinence, many older adults are able to maintain normal bladder functioning, so it should certainly never be regarded as an inevitable part of the aging process.

Myth: There’s no treatment for urinary incontinence in seniors.
Truth: In many cases, this is simply not true. There are ways that urinary incontinence can be treated with success.

Myth: Drinking as little water as possible will … Read More »

Learn three causes of incontinence and what you can do to help.

Incontinence is a distressing and sensitive concern, especially for older adults. It can cause a wide range of difficulties, from skin sores to isolation for those who are uncomfortable leaving the home in case of an “accident.” Yet although incontinence impacts as many as 25 million Americans, the affliction rarely gets the attention and discussion it needs. With a lack of communication and information shared about senior incontinence, many older adults and those who love them feel as though they need to simply accept and live with it.

However, senior incontinence is not unavoidable as we grow older. While many seniors do find that their bladder may be “weak,” resulting in leaks at times, sometimes the concern has a simple solution.

Below are some incontinence causes that can be … Read More »

Talking through emotions with someone in need of hospice care is important.

When someone you love has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, it might seem as though the best course of action is to talk about anything and everything BUT the illness and diagnosis, to ensure a positive, upbeat atmosphere and boost the person’s spirits. Yet although it is most certainly a good idea to offer a bright spot in the person’s life by staying optimistic, it’s just as important to provide the individual with ample opportunities to talk through any thoughts, feelings, and fears.

To take it a step further, providing the hospice patient with the opportunity to talk through end-of-life concerns can help lift a tremendous burden. So what’s the best approach to let your loved one know you’re available to share in these kinds of difficult … Read More »

Learn some of the most essential facts about hospice care.

When a family member enters into hospice care, it’s, understandably, a challenging and emotionally charged time for the individual’s loved ones, and raises a variety of questions. What exactly does hospice care entail? Who provides this type of care for your loved one? Should the person be in the hospital, or can hospice care be provided at home? Following are some essential hospice care tips from the experts at Hired Hands Homecare.

Hospice care is about helping individuals experience the highest quality of life possible each day, with comfort and support provided to both the person receiving hospice care and his or her family members.
The hospice team is comprised of nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health care aides, and bereavement counselors. The individual who is receiving hospice care will have … 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 »

Senior scams costs older Americans upwards of $2.6 billion per year, and can come in a

Senior scams are all too common. Find tips to protect your loved ones here.

wide range of guises. And scammers are often so crafty and good at what they do, any of us could find ourselves victims. For many older adults who may feel lonely or isolated, the joy in talking with someone on the phone may make them more vulnerable to these scams.

One particular red flag to keep in mind is that if the caller asks for money or confidential financial information, beware! The caller may even say that he or she is from a reputable organization, such as the Social Security Administration or the local police department. Keep in mind that these organizations will NEVER call to request funds over the phone.

Some … Read More »

Be sure to ask these questions when hiring a caregiver to ensure senior safety.

Let’s be honest; inviting an individual who is basically a stranger into a senior loved one’s home to help with care needs can be nerve-wracking. The top priority is ensuring senior safety for your loved one, of course, but determining whether a caregiver meets that criteria isn’t easy.

At Hired Hands Homecare, the provider of the most trusted San Rafael home care and senior care in the surrounding areas, we understand that finding an appropriate and trustworthy caregiver that you and the senior you love will feel comfortable with is not a decision to be taken lightly. To help in your care journey, we’ve compiled the following questions you can ask to make sure you’re hiring just the right person.

Are your agency’s caregivers employees of the … Read More »

Ensure senior safety by learning about these 3 types of elder abuse.

Even though abusing an older adult is something that would never cross the mind of most people, it’s a tragically frequent situation in the U.S. Elder abuse can arise in many variations, from physical to emotional, and it impacts the most frail and vulnerable among us.

Given that elder abuse is in many cases a voiceless problem, it’s imperative for families and friends of seniors to be familiar with the symptoms and signs of elder abuse to protect older loved ones. Our home care team have gathered together several of the warning signs that may suggest elder abuse.

Physical Abuse:

Evidence of injury such as bruises, scars, or welts, especially if they are noted symmetrically on both sides of the body
Sprains or broken bones
Drug overdoses or regularly missed medications
Cracked or … Read More »

Join us as we celebrate the Seniors of Sebastopol, and the FIFTIETH Anniversary of the Sebastopol Senior Center!

Saturday, June 8; 5:30-10:00 p.m.
A benefit dance and auction honoring the Sebastopol Area Senior Center’s 50th Anniversary!

Groove to the tunes of the 60’s with the Bay Area’s Favorite Party Band, Pride & Joy!
This year’s event is held at the Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol

For Tickets and more information, please visit https://www.sebastopolseniorcenter.org, or call 707-829-2440

Learn the signs that could indicate elder abuse.

Providing the helping hand that empowers seniors to continue to be healthy, happy and independent is the intent of not only our professional senior care staff, but of each and every family caregiver who has ever helped care for a loved one. Because the health and happiness of older adults is so important to us, it’s essential that we discuss a topic that can be difficult for many of us to even look into – elder abuse.

The CDC reports that approximately 500,000 older individuals are neglected or abused annually in the U.S. Not only that, but numerous other elder abuse cases are presumed to go unreported each year, which is why it’s essential for family members to be familiar with possible abuse risks.

Below are some of the risk factors connected with elder abuse:

Dependence … 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 »

Help ensure a safe, comfortable home environment for a stroke survivor.

May is designated as Stroke Awareness Month. Were you aware that stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in adults worldwide? When someone you love suffers a stroke, many aspects of life are impacted. Although we can never really be fully prepared for a stroke and the difficulties that arise with after stroke care, it is possible to ensure a safe, comfortable home environment for the stroke survivor to recover. Below are several stroke care tips to make the home more accessible for someone who has experienced a stroke, as shared by the National Stroke Association:

Prevent Falls by Removing Clutter: Be sure pathways to rooms are clear of any clutter and that electrical cords are all safely moved out of the way. Remove loose rugs and … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare of Napa can help make sure that your loved one’s home is safe and sound for stroke recovery.

Surviving and going through recovery after a stroke is both an emotionally and physically challenging experience, and the only thing you wish to do is to get back to your regular life. But, given that around 2/3rds of stroke survivors usually have some type of disability, according to the National Stroke Association, in-home safety modifications may be needed to make post-stroke life easier and safer.

The encouraging news is that there are some basic measures that can make the home safer and more accessible for stroke recovery. Below are several post-stroke home alteration guidelines from Hired Hands Homecare:

Fall Prevention:

Approximately 40% of stroke survivors suffer serious falls within a year after their strokes. These suggestions can help protect against trips … Read More »

It’s crucial to be able to discern stroke warning signs.

Stroke, according to the National Stroke Association, is listed as the fifth top cause of death in the U.S., with approximately 800,000 individuals suffering from a stroke each year. This suggests that every 40 seconds a person somewhere in the U.S. has a stroke. And every four minutes someone dies as a result of a stroke.

If you are helping an elder or chronically ailing friend or family member who is at an elevated risk for stroke, it’s crucial to ensure that you are in a position to discern stroke warning signs. The quicker you get professional help, the better the chance that your loved one will live through the stroke. Warning signs of a stroke typically include sudden onset of:

Weakness or numbness in the arm, leg, or face – especially … Read More »

Hired Hands Homecare’s Napa senior living experts share information on the initial symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease affects one out of 100 people above the age of 60, plus the U.S. sees around 60,000 new cases every year, reports the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Because April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the home care experts at Hired Hands Homecare want to help raise understanding of the initial symptoms of Parkinson’s, as finding help early is crucial.

A proper diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease requires a battery of tests to rule out other conditions that often mimic Parkinson’s symptoms. However, early diagnosis and treatment might help patients boost their overall condition and experience a greater total wellbeing over time.

Here are warning signs and initial symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

Moderate tremors – usually the symptom causing visitors to seek medical assistance.
Difficulty getting out of a … 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!

Learn tips on caring for a parent with Parkinson’s disease.

A large number of older adults with Parkinson’s disease receive the largest part of their care at home from loved ones, specifically during the earlier levels of the disease. As the leader in elderly care in Napa and the surrounding area, we at Hired Hands Homecare are aware of the unique concerns experienced by family members who are care providers for a parent with Parkinson’s, and want you to know you’re not alone! We are always available to offer recommendations and to partner with you in making sure your loved one is receiving the highest quality care at all times.

To begin with, it’s very helpful to keep these Parkinson’s-specific tips in mind:

Nutrition: A healthy diet helps lessen cell loss in an individual with Parkinson’s. Getting plenty of antioxidants, like … Read More »

Learn the important link between exercise and Parkinson’s disease symptom progression.

The particular results of exercising throughout aging are fantastic; however, for people who have Parkinson’s disease, it could truly be a game-changer in the progression associated with the disease. Several studies are revealing direct links between exercise and Parkinson’s disease, including the largest clinical study up to now, in which patients who exercised at least 2½ hours each week gained a higher total wellbeing compared to those who refrained from physical activity. And that’s only the start.

The onset of Parkinson’s symptoms develops following a loss in the brain cells that make dopamine. Experts think that exercise makes it possible for the brain to revive lost connections, form new ones, and keep maintaining those that continue to be in place. Additional studies show:

Gains were realized in stride length, gait … Read More »

Find help for relationship changes after a brain injury here.

Amidst the various life changes following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), personal relationships are impacted in a variety of ways as a result of:

Adjustments in responsibilities
Adjustments in relationship roles
Problems with communicating
Handling emotions and mood swings

Becoming accustomed to these changes often brings about feelings of uneasiness in the relationship, which can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and frustration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Considering the traumatic brain injury survivor must concentrate on healing, many daily tasks are shifted to the person’s partner. The partner also has to provide support with managing the survivor’s recovery while keeping up with his or her own regular obligations, which can lead to disregarding self-care and personal interests.

On top of that, the TBI survivor may perhaps be searching for more attention, which can create feelings of frustration and distress on both … Read More »

Thank you to our community for nominating and voting HIRED HANDS Team Napa
as the 2018 Best Home Healthcare Provider for Napa County.
This is a huge complement to our Management Team and Outstanding Caregivers who share this honor!

Find help for traumatic brain injury recovery here.

Providing care for a loved one who has encountered a traumatic brain injury can be more manageable when armed with knowledge and understanding. The recommendations below, courtesy of Hired Hands Homecare, providers of the best elderly care Santa Rosa and the surrounding area offer, can lessen stress and frustration for both family caregivers and traumatic brain injury survivors.

Healing Requires Time: Recovery for an individual with a brain injury very often takes years. Even though the person may seem to be recuperated on the outside, some days will probably be better than others, and pushing the person too hard can lead to setbacks. Be patient and stay away from negativity.
Look at Things from a Different Outlook: Try to place yourself in the shoes of the individual with the brain injury, and view … Read More »

For seniors who struggle with sleep problems, these tips can help.

A restful night’s sleep isn’t easy for many seniors – and for those who provide care for them. When the sun goes down, seniors can find it is a challenge to relax and fall asleep, or to remain asleep through the duration of the night. Sleepless nights then lead to sluggish days that can do more than just make someone feel sleepy. In fact, a chronic lack of sleep can impact a person’s overall health, making good sleep on a regular basis vitally important.

Taking steps to proactively prepare for a restful night’s sleep can help older adults and their caregivers get the sleep they need now to prevent health problems in the future. Try taking the steps below to improve sleep patterns:

Get regular exercise: Exercising several hours before … Read More »

Join us on March 14, as we celebrate Latinos in the Workplace!

Over the past Twenty Five years, we have had the honor to work with literally hundreds of amazing Latino Caregivers.  Today, Latino employees make up a considerable portion of our Caregiver team, making a significantly positive daily impact on the communities we serve.  Hired Hands is honored to support the upcoming 14th Annual Latinos in the Workplace conference, empowering and celebrating Latinos that make our community so strong.

Please join us for the 14th Annual Latinos in the Workplace Conference at the Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa.
Thursday, March 14, 2019, 7:30am  –  11:30 am.  Breakfast will be served.  An educational forum that seeks to help all employers provide a safe, productive and enriching work environment for Latino employees and empower Latinos to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Presented by Michael D. Lopez of … Read More »

Greetings!

What a beautiful morning in Napa, and the Bay Area!  While we need the water, may the Heaven’s take a break, give us more blue sky, and let Spring do its thing!

Here’s a quick reminder that Saturday night, we adjust our clocks and SPRING FORWARD one hour!  May the days get longer!

Have a wonderful weekend!
The Hired Hands Team

Details on common senior sleep disorders are provided by Hired Hands Homecare here.

Getting consistent, sufficient sleep can be a challenge for many older adults, due to a number of senior sleep disorders. And the effects of these disorders can be troublesome: extreme fatigue, concentration and memory problems, and sleepiness. Ensuring that your senior loved one gets enough rest each night is beneficial not just for the senior, but for you as a family caregiver as well. The following are some of the most common sleep problems for seniors, and the red flags that point to a need for medical intervention.

RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome): Restless leg syndrome is a neurological movement disorder that displays through an overwhelming urge to move the legs during periods of rest and relaxation. Someone with RLS may also experience a creeping, pulling, or tingling feeling in … Read More »

Learn the possible reasons why reducing saturated fat to improve heart health may not be working for you.

Our senior care experts in Santa Rosa, CA understand that it’s tough to make the right dietary choices when recommendations appear to constantly be changing. We’d been told that saturated fats from sources such as butter, red meat and fried food were detrimental and might affect a person’s odds of developing heart problems, but later research indicated there isn’t enough proof that people who gave up these delicacies improved their heart health – and so, we went back to our old ways due to the green light to select butter over margarine.

However, as reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, scientists clarify that the lack of noticeable results in reducing fatty foods is more likely related to equally … Read More »

Can caring for your heart help prevent Alzheimer’s? Learn more in Hired Hands Homecare’s article.

Taking good care of your heart can help you avoid Alzheimer’s disease, according to the latest scientific research. It turns out that things that are good for your heart – like regular exercise and a healthy diet – are also good for your brain.

There are many ways a heart-healthy lifestyle contributes to a better brain. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, while a healthy weight reduces inflammation that can contribute to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. The same risk factors also contribute to the development of heart disease.

LDL or “bad” cholesterol could harm the brain by promoting the buildup of plaques that lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Higher “good” … Read More »

Happy Valentine’s Day!

On this special occasion, we send out our love & affection to our absolutely amazing employees,
and all the families we proudly serve!  May your day be filled with love, laughter & joy!

With Love,
The Hired Hands Homecare Family

Are you taking heart disease medication? You’ll want to read these tips from the Marin County, CA home care experts.

If you have heart disease, you know it’s important to take your heart disease medications properly. But what exactly does that mean? Here are some tips from Hired Hands Homecare, a professional Marin County, CA home care agency, that will help you get the most from your medications:

Know what medications you’re taking. Learn their generic and brand names and make sure you understand what each one does. Read the patient leaflet so you’re aware of possible side effects.
Take your medications at the same time every day. When you partner with Hired Hands Homecare, your home care companion can remind you when it’s time to take your doses. Don’t stop or change any medication without speaking to your doctor first.
Make … Read More »

Thursday, January 31, 2019
4:00 – 7:00 pm
Valley Memorial Park – Novato
650 Bugeia Lane (off Atherton Ave.)
FREE EVENT!

Family caregiving can have an effect on your business growth. Find help here.

The number of families providing care for a senior loved one is on the rise, with many overly-stressed full-time employees having to leave work in order to provide care for a loved one. Is family caregiving impacting your business? The Walnut Creek senior home care team at Hired Hands Homecare suggests asking yourself the following questions:

Do you have employees who are arriving to work late or leaving early to tend to family caregiving issues?
Are your employees taking unpaid leaves of absence or using personal or sick days to provide care for family members?
Have any of your employees refused new assignments, relocation opportunities, or work-related travel because of family caregiving issues?
Has an employee left your business to provide full-time care for a family member?