Strategies for Adjusting to a New Caregiver

It can be difficult for seniors to admit that they need help and would benefit from the assistance of a caregiver. However, in-home care can support them in maintaining their independence as they age in place. There are varying levels of care so the right amount of help is provided according to their specific needs. Whether they are welcoming a caregiver for the first time or transitioning from one to another, there will be a period of adjustment. Family can help to ease these changes and build a trusting and respectful relationship.

Find a caregiver that fits with your loved one’s personality. It is important to find someone that your senior will get along with. They will be spending varying amounts of time together and the caregiver may be assisting with personal care tasks, so you want to make sure they feel comfortable with each other. Let the home care agency know about any special needs or requests so that they can find someone who may be a good match.

Talk to your senior ahead of time. Let them know what to expect so they are not caught off guard. Discuss the types of services or assistance that will be provided, when the person will be there, and how they can benefit your loved one. It can be a big change having someone else in their home, so give them a chance to ask questions and get used to the idea.

Facilitate the first few meetings. Introduce yourself and spend time helping your senior to adjust. Sometimes it can help just having someone familiar there until they get to know their caregiver a little better. Try to find common interests and work with the caregiver to understand routines, preferences, and other important information that impacts their relationship and care.

Maintain open communication. Talk to both your loved one and their caregiver on a regular basis. This will allow you to get a better feel for the situation and how things are going. You may be able to assist with resolving simple issues or decide that the match is not working and coordinate a new arrangement. Communication is important as hopefully it will become a lasting and beneficial relationship.

Have patience. It can take some time for your senior to warm up and feel comfortable with someone assisting them. This is a change in what they are used to. Be understanding, compassionate, and supportive. The caregiver is also trained in helping them to adjust, so let them work things out as well.

Home care can be a great way to provide your senior with the support and assistance they need to maintain their independence and safety. Finding the right caregiver can boost your loved one’s quality of life and give you peace of mind. In-home care can be a wonderful investment for the future.

Gift Ideas for your Elderly Parent

The holidays are fast approaching which always brings up the challenge of what to get for friends and family. This can seem especially tough for aging parents as over the years they seem to have accumulated everything they need. If you’re stuck trying to come up with some practical yet meaningful gifts for seniors in your life, here are some ideas to get you started:

Photos/Albums: Many seniors love to share pictures of their family with their friends, especially if they do not get to visit often. Frame a special picture or create a small album to give them something to reflect on and reminisce over. For those struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can help to trigger their memory and remind them of some of their favorite stories.

Stimulating Games: Help to keep their mind sharp with an assortment of crossword puzzles, logic puzzles, number games, or other fun challenges. You could also look for card or board games that they can play with friends and enjoy socially while exercising their mind.

Handmade Crafts: Show them how much they are loved with a handmade crafts. Have the grandchildren make cards, pictures, or other trinkets as keepsakes. You could also sew, knit, crochet, paint, or create other gifts that stem from hobbies you enjoy. Sometimes handmade gifts are more meaningful than anything you could buy.

Assistive Equipment: If your elderly parent is starting to have more trouble with daily activities, consider investing in some assistive equipment for them. This could include devices with larger buttons or displays, reachers to help pick things up, safety alerts, or other equipment that will help them maintain their independence while providing some support.

Basket of Goodies: Gather up some of their favorite items and tie them up in a decorative basket. You could include snacks, music, movies, coffee, or gift cards. You could also add lotions, air fresheners, warm socks, or other items that they can use to pamper themselves and feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Home Care: As your parent ages, you may notice that they are starting to need more assistance or are having difficulty remembering or getting around. In-home care through Always Best Care – Asheville/Hendersonville can provide your senior with just the right amount of support as they age in place. From companionship to home help and assistance with personal care, compassionate caregivers are there to meet your aging parent’s needs and give you peace of mind.

This season give your elderly parent a meaningful gift that they will remember. They may not realize how much they can benefit from having as caregiver there to support their needs, safety, and quality of life. As you search for the perfect gift this year, keep these options in mind.

Helping Your Senior Prepare for Winter

Winter days are approaching and that means colder weather and the chance of snow and ice accumulation. These changes can pose a threat to seniors if they are not prepared. If winter weather should strike, families can rest easier knowing that their loved one is safe and has adequate supplies. Here are some ways you can help to winterize your senior’s home:

Check the heating system

Temperatures can quickly drop during the winter making proper heat an even greater necessity. Seniors are often more sensitive to changes in temperature and may get cold more easily. Schedule a maintenance call to have their heating system checked to ensure it is in proper working condition. Replace filters and make sure they know how to set the system to a comfortable temperature. Also check smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors and put in fresh batteries. This will alert your senior so they can escape potentially dangerous situations.

Keep pantries and supplies well stocked

Make sure that your senior has plenty of non-perishable foods, bottles of water, and emergency medications. Stock up on batteries, flashlights, blankets, and other essentials in case the power should go out.

Have salt for walkways

Keep a container of salt on hand for when your senior ventures out. They can sprinkle it on icy patches or on wet surfaces to help prevent freezing. Make arrangements for someone to clear their walkway or driveway after a storm so that they do not have to do this themselves. If they are part of a homeowners association, the association may take responsibility for snow removal. In other cases, neighborhoods are often full of teenagers or young adults who would be willing to help out.

Seal doors and windows

Older homes especially can have cracked or broken seals around doors and windows. Consider replacing or repairing these seals or adding extra protection. Placing a draft stopper along the bottom of doorways and across window sills can also reduce the amount of cold air that enters and heat that escapes.

Check in frequently

Call or stop by to check in on your loved one. If you aren’t available, make arrangements with a reliable friend or neighbor, or use an in-home care service. Knowing that someone is regularly visiting with, checking in on, and assisting your senior can give you peace of mind as to their safety, health, and wellbeing. 

Don’t let the winter weather get ahead of you. Make plans now to assist your senior in preparing for the season and ensuring that they have everything they need.

Protecting Against Cold and Flu This Season

Having the flu or even a bad cold is enough to make almost anyone feel miserable. While these illnesses generally pass within a few days for relatively healthy individuals, they pose increased risk to people over age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1], “During most seasons, it’s estimated that 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50 and 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States occur in people 65 years and older.” Taking precautions to reduce risk of infection can help seniors to stay healthier this season.

·         Wash your hands: This is one of the most common recommendations for people of all ages and for good reason. Regularly washing your hands can minimize the amount of germs you are spreading. Always wash your hands before eating and try to avoid touching your face as the eyes, nose, and mouth are gateways for germs into the body. If you’re out in public, be conscientious about the surfaces you touch and make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to reduce the spread of germs.

·         Boost your immune system: As people age, their immune system begins to weaken and they are more susceptible to illness. Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting a good night’s rest every day can keep your immune system stronger.

·         Get vaccinated: Seniors are encouraged to get high-dose flu vaccines as well as the pneumococcal vaccine. This can protect against certain strains of the flu as well as pneumococcal disease, which includes pneumonia. You should get vaccinated every year as the vaccine changes depending on which viruses are thought to be most common for the season.

·         Limit visits with those who are ill: Try to limit exposure to anyone who is sick until their symptoms have subsided. Although this can be inconvenient at times, it can reduce risk of contracting or spreading germs. If you are sick, try to minimize your contact with others so you don’t make them sick as well. If you are around others who are sick, make sure to wash your hands regularly.

·         Stay alert for signs of illness: Being proactive can help you to reduce risk of complications from the flu. Practice good health measures and monitor any symptoms you may develop. Talk to your doctor if you know you are at increased risk and ask what they recommend. Ensure that you are resting, drinking water, and eating well to keep up your strength and allow your body to fight off any infection.

While there is no way to entirely eliminate the risk of getting sick, taking proper precautions can help to reduce exposure to germs. Know your body and recognize signs that you are not feeling well so that you can act quickly to treat illness and monitor your recovery. Caregivers should check in frequently on seniors who fall ill to ensure they get the medical care they need to minimize complications and enhance recovery.

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[1] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm

Ways to Support a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging as their condition progresses and leads to more changes in their memory and behavior. Making modifications to smooth transitions and help them to remain as independent as possible can be beneficial and enhance care. There are many ways in which you can support your senior:

·         Write down important information in an easily accessible place: As their memory begins to slip, it can be more difficult to remember essential information. Post a list on the refrigerator or right next to the phone of contact numbers, medication information, or other important details. Not only does this make it easier for your senior to find, but should someone visit and need to contact you, the information is easily accessible. You can also write down simple directions such as how to operate the television or DVD player in case they need a quick reminder.

·         Make labels for drawers and cabinets: This serves as a visual cue of where things are located and can cut down on frustration of locating or putting away various items. You could use words, pictures, or both.

·         Set reminders: Use a phone or other device to set reminders that alert your loved one of when it is time to take medication or if they have an upcoming appointment. This can keep them to better manage their medication and not miss out on appointments or events. If they have become disoriented to time or date, this can be especially helpful and help steer them back to the present.

·         Follow routines: People with Alzheimer’s may get more easily frustrated and confused. Try to follow structured routines so they get into the habit of doing certain things, or when things occur. This can make transitions easier and help them to more easily recall what comes next because it is a repetitive action. Creating a routine also reduces the need for your senior to have to make decisions.

·         Stay active: Remaining social and physically active can help to boost mental alertness and mood. Plan activities for your loved one to participate in, or schedule regular outings together. This can reduce mental decline and improve mobility and dexterity.

·         Remain calm: It can be frustrating to have to repeat yourself or answer the same questions over and over again when your loved one’s memory is fading. Try to be patient and remain calm, especially if your senior is getting agitated. Bring up happy memories, redirect them to something they enjoy, and keep things as stress-free as possible. The more you understand your loved one, the easier it can be to make connections and work with them as things change.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for support or ask for help if you need it. Through in-home care and other services, you can ensure that your loved one stays safe and gets the help that they need. Joining a support group for caregivers can allow you to connect with others going through similar situations. Simple changes can help both you and your loved one to enjoy the time you spend together and support them in maintaining their independence as much as possible.