How Companion Caregivers Engage Seniors and Reduce Isolation
November 13th, 2020aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Employment, Caregiver job, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, Fall Activities for Seniors, Hire CNA, Hire HHA, Hire PCA, Home Healthcare, House Cleaning, In Home Care, Janitorial Service, Long Term Care, Office Cleaning, Outdoor Activities for Seniors, Polish Care Services, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Spring Activities, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
Caring for Seniors: How Companion Caregivers Engage Seniors and Reduce Isolation
Seniors are prone to isolation. But the ongoing pandemic has increased the possibility of seniors becoming isolated even more. One way to reduce isolation is to connect seniors with a companion. Here is an overview of how seniors can benefit from companionship and increased engagement from companion caregivers.
What Companion Caregivers Do
The main thing that companion caregivers do for seniors is to socialize with them. They provide in home senior care on set days of the week, giving their clients something to look forward to during the week. Companion caregivers can assist seniors with household tasks like paying bills, caring for pets, and preparing meals, assist with transportation, and provide medication reminders. But it is the social aspect of their job that cannot be understated.
Companion caregivers provide a connection to the outside world, and for seniors who have difficulty leaving their house due to physical limitations or conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, this is important.
Making Connections and Engaging
Companion caregivers help connect with seniors by engaging them in activities like taking walks together, reading together, playing games, and simply having conversations about life and family. Studies conducted in recent years have shown that taking the time to do these things matters. Care workers at nursing homes in the United Kingdom were given care champion training to help them engage residents with dementia in conversation for at least one hour a week. The care workers were given prompts and cues to help elicit conversation.
Over time, researchers found that the seniors who participated in the study had a better quality of life and were less agitated compared to using medication to reduce it. Other studies have found that creating individualized care plans and teaching seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia how to do certain tasks saw their activities of daily living go up.
Benefits of Staying Active
Engaging with seniors by using conversations and activities has shown that seniors live longer and improve memory and executive function. Companion caregivers can also provide long term care and emotional support that connecting with family and friends would normally bring and make them feel joy.
If you’re searching for a companion caregiver for your elderly loved one, reach out to Polish Care Services. We’ll match a companion caregiver to a senior that meets their needs. Reach out to us today.
Caring for Seniors: Card and Puzzle Games Benefits for Seniors
October 27th, 2020aging in place, Caregiver Employment, Caregiver Service, Elderly Care, In Home Care, in home care assistance, Long Term Care, Meditation, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services,
Exercising your mind is just as important as exercising your body. This is especially true as people get older. One way to keep the mind active while having fun is to play board, card and puzzle games. Here’s how such games help the mind stay sharp and entertained simultaneously in long term care.
Come Together
Card and puzzle games are activities that bring people together. Being able to play a game with a friend or family member brings a sense of purpose to the gathering and can help seniors feel less isolated and alone. They’re able to connect to other people, share stories with one another and build on relationships. Such games also have the impact of reducing anxieties about social situations.
Improving Brain Function
Studies show that seniors who participate in activities like playing cards and doing puzzles regularly can improve their brain function because it engages memory, reasoning, and mental speed.
Games to Play
Call to Mind is a card and board game that focuses on communication. It was developed for people in the early stages of dementia. Its purpose is to help seniors remember things from their past and strengthen those memories. It’s also one way to get to know other people.
Jigsaw puzzles utilize multiple parts of the brain which is why they are beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They require creativity and logic to solve and help to exercise short-term memory. Simple pictures with distinct shapes are recommended. Puzzles can even be made of pictures from a person’s favorite memories.
PicLink is a type of puzzle and card game. It uses tiles with photos on them to help encourage conversation and memory building for people who have dementia. It’s a simple game so it may be too simple for some seniors. But it’s one of the very few options out there for people who can’t do complex tasks.
Shake Loose a Memory is a type of card game. Players keep cards if they have a memory listed on the card like gardening. Then it asks a specific question about that subject. It encourages players to share memories and stories they haven’t thought about for a while. The game encourages seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia to communicate more.
If you’re searching for in home senior care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, reach out to Polish Care Services. Our dedicated care team will match you with a caregiver to meet your needs.
Caring for Seniors: Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 During Cold
September 28th, 2020aging in place, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Companion Senior Care, Dementia Care, Disability Care, Elderly Care, Fall Activities for Seniors, Long Term Care, Meditation, Senior Living, Senior Services, Seniors, Spring Activities,
COVID-19 is here to stay for the foreseeable future, until there is an effective and safe vaccine. As the pandemic considers, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep seniors safe during long term care as we head into the colder months. Here is what to keep in mind when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Covering Your Bases: Basic COVID-19 Spread Prevention
It is best to reinforce what is already known, wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times when outside the house and encourage everyone you live with to do the same. Keep one in your car or bag if you accidentally leave it behind. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others when outside the home. Avoid large gatherings with friends, and groups and observe social distancing and mask-wearing precautions if you do. Do not touch your face and monitor your health daily by going through the common symptoms. Stay home if you feel ill.
What to Do in the Fall
Flu shots are available starting in September. Experts recommend getting one starting in October so that it lasts for the entire season. Arrange for your elderly loved one to get one as well. Some medical providers or services may come to the house to give one for a fee if your loved one or client doesn’t already have home health care nurses seeing them.
How to Care For Clients or Loved Ones at Home During the Colder Months
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 during fall, winter, and spring relies upon following many of the same basic precautions for in home senior care. Both the care provider and the elderly person should be wearing masks while the care provider is in close proximity. Minimize indoor conversation and stay six feet away from any other family members or pets in the house. Minimize conversations indoors and clean surfaces touched as you go. If possible, increase ventilation indoors without making the room too cold. Encourage others in the home to clean surfaces after you leave as well.
If you have supplies such as gloves, masks, or hand sanitizer, keep the supplies in a sealed container in the home to use only when you’re there.
Finding a trusted care provider to help your loved one is a challenge. Polish Care Services will answer the call. Reach out to us to learn how our caregivers help the elderly receive quality in-home care.
Caring for Seniors: Caring for Seniors During Changing Seasons
September 7th, 2020aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Companion Senior Care, Home Care, In Home Care, Preparing for the Holiday, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Senior Living, Senior Services, Seniors, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
As we head into another time of the year, start thinking about long term care for seniors at home during each season. Every time of the year has unique challenges for the elderly population. Keep reading to learn how to care for seniors during season change such as autumn, winter, spring, and summer.
Care During Autumn
Autumn is the season to prepare in-home care clients for the winter ahead. The flu season officially begins in October. So start asking your client’s family or nurse to arrange for a flu vaccine in September or early October. Go through the client’s over-the-counter medicines and get rid of any cold-related medication or supplies that have expired. Replace the expired supplies and stock up on other things like tissues, cough drops, and nose spray if applicable.
Fill the pantry with cans of healthy soups and find recipes for warm dishes that can be put in the crockpot for easy meals. Fix any drafty spots in the house.
Don’t forget to go through existing cold weather clothes and replace anything that’s no longer wearable. Make sure the client has enough socks, sweaters, warm pajamas, and blankets to keep them cozy.
Care During Winter
Winter is the coldest time of year and can present the most risk to seniors at home with increased fall risks and household risks. One of the most important steps to take is to prepare the home for winter. Caregivers should notify the client or their family of any potential hazards around the home such as a lack of fire extinguishers around the fireplace, stairs that present a fall hazard when wet, or carbon monoxide detectors in need of batteries.
Make up an emergency kit with a flashlight, warm blankets, a radio, backup batteries, water, and nonperishable food to last for several days in case in-home visits cannot be made. Install non-slip mats under rugs and in any room where the client may slip and fall. Keep shoes on mats inside the house to keep puddles from forming on the floor if they’re wet. Finally, keep areas well-lighted as it gets dark to prevent clients from falling over objects.
Care During Spring
Spring is a season of fresh starts and is a time for caregivers providing in-home senior care to reassess things in the home. Examples of this include making sure that the medication list for the client is current and has all prescribed medications as well as vitamins or supplements. Any expired or discontinued medications should put in a separate location until a family member or client’s home care nurse can look at them or disposed of if possible.
Evaluate the rooms used by the client for any repairs or improvements to be made. Consider installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom, putting appliances and dishes within easy reach in the kitchen, and installing a nightlight in the bedroom. Move clothes and grooming items within reach for the client to use and make sure they can reach the phone or medic-alert devices from the bed.
Lastly, secure cords out of the way and get rid of clutter in the home that presents an ambulation hazard.
Care During Summer
When the weather begins to heat up, seniors face new challenges. Heat can put added stress and pressure on the elderly. It’s best to keep them cool and indoors. Avoid any strenuous activities. If the client wants to do a physical activity like take a walk, it’s best to do it early in the morning while it’s still cool. Keep them hydrated throughout the day with water and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in it. Encourage wearing light layers and keep the home cool by running a fan or using solar curtains.
Prepare meals that are light and healthy like salads and avoid heavy meals. Stock up on popsicles or other frozen items that help keep clients hydrated and cool. Offer a cool shower or bath to help beat the heat and use a cool washcloth on the back of the neck when sitting to help alleviate feeling hot.
If the client wants to go out, go to places with air conditioning like a library, coffee shop, or mall.
Every season has its care benefits and care challenges. The most important thing to remember is to prepare in advance. The more prepared a caregiver is for each season, the less stressful it will be for the senior. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and prepared caregiver, contact Polish Care Services. Our staff will be happy to match our caregivers to your loved ones.
Using Ultraviolet UV Rays for Coronavirus Covid-19 Sanitizing
April 19th, 2020aging in place, Caregiver Employment, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, Home Care, Home Healthcare, Homecare, House Cleaning, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services,
Because of the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, Polish Care Services team has been researching global solutions to eliminate viruses and bacteria, to better understand how to improve on care quality for its seniors and disabled clients, also to improve its residential and commercial cleaning operations.
Our primary source has always been the CDC and its guidelines. However we believe in gathering and analyzing enough scientific data from credible sources to make informed decisions, for more effective outcomes.
During our research for a no mess solution, we were enlightened about the benefits of Ultraviolet rays for sterilization purposes.
Coronavirus Covid-19 Survival and Transmission
According to the Annual Reviews Covid-19 type viruses transmission is seasonal and cyclical and will primarily occur during December through April. Transmission was found to be most efficient under 23°C/ 73.4°F/ 30% relative humidity RH conditions, and least efficient at 23°C/73.4°F/ 50% RH and 5°C /73.4° F/ 70% RH.
What is Ultra Violet light
Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is used for for summer tans, sunburns also makes black-light posters glow. However, too much exposure to UV radiation is damaging to living tissue.
UV is generally divided into three sub-bands:
● UVA, or near UV (315–400 nm)
● UVB, or middle UV (280–315 nm)
● UVC, or far UV (180–280 nm)
The greater the intensity and exposure, the more dangerous it is for organisms. UV-C is considered the most safe when used with precautions.
How does it Work
According to the National Institutes of Health NIH Ultraviolet short-wave radiation destroys DNA in living microorganisms.
The effectiveness of UVC’s is directly related to its intensity and exposure time.
Although UV-C LEDs are relatively new to the commercial market, it is becoming more popular in global communities.
UV-C LEDs targets a specific wavelength needed for disinfection. This is important considering that pathogens vary in their sensitivity to specific UV wavelengths. The benefits of LEDs are unlimited daily cycle, instant on/off and mercury free. Most handheld ultraviolet LED sanitizer wands has a shield that minimize light and radiation contact with user.
What are the Dangers
Dangers of too much exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer, skin aging, eye damage, and may affect the immune system.
Further research is needed for the consistent use of Ultraviolet sterilization, although most studies shows that the use of these devices with the proper precautions, can be effective and relatively safe. Virus in hard to reach areas such as cracks and crevices may not have the adequate exposure to be eradicated, and can still survive.
It is recommended to use sanitizing solutions with ultraviolet rays to be more effective.
Best Solutions
Best solutions are still social distancing, hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and wearing mask when necessary. If possible, seniors and those with preexisting conditions should avoid areas with large groups or gatherings, as the risk of contracting the virus is more elevated in these settings.
In home care with a personal caregiver may be the best viable option. Without a vaccine, and because of the cyclical nature of the Covid-19 virus, this indicates occurrences will be seasonal and cyclical December – April.
Polish Care Services provides caregivers for seniors and disabled, we also provide cleaners for homes, and janitors for offices and business.
Please visit us at polishcareservices.com or phone 860-255-8278 or email [email protected] so we can better understand your needs.
Polish Care Services Update on COVID19- Coronavirus
March 16th, 2020aging in place, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services, Uncategorized,
Dear Customers,
We want to thank you for allowing Polish Care Services to make a difference in your lives with continued service, and we look forward to continued care in 2020.
As the success of our business is extremely important to each of us, we would like to provide you with an update on the Covid19 – Coronavirus, its effects and impacts on caregiver and cleaning services, our customers, employees and stakeholders.
All employees are trained on the necessary precautions, including guidelines from the CDC.
This includes:
Hand washing 20 second rule
Using sanitizers
Disinfecting areas
Use gloves when necessary
Keep hands away from face
Wear masks when necessary
Minimize use of personal space
Employees are constantly informed though their employee training portal, and updates from CDC to ensure the health and safety of themselves and our clients.
We hope all will keep healthy, safe and calm during this time.
Sincerely
Agnes
Polish Care Services
Caring for Seniors: Exercise Tips for The Elderly
March 6th, 2020aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Dementia Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services,
Exercise is essential for seniors. Physical exercise helps seniors maintain and improve their balance as well as prevent falls. It also can help the elderly from losing muscle mass and bone density.
Exercising the mind is just as important as physical exercise. Doing active exercises with the mind helps prevent the onset of dementia and keeps seniors engaged. Here are tips to help seniors get the most out of physical exercise while staying mentally sharp.
Make the Most Out of a Chair
Many seniors are afraid of hurting themselves during physical exercise. The good news is that a chair is the perfect platform for working on different parts of the body from the shoulders or chest, and you can even use it to do modified pushups. A chair can also help keep you steady as you work on your balance while lifting a leg off the floor or doing toe lifts.
Make Exercise Work for You
Exercise is often difficult for seniors due to fears of getting hurt,being in pain or simply doing more than is necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask your medical professional what exercises might work best for you. Try to find something you like doing such as walking, visiting the pool, or using an exercise machine. A caregiver for seniors could help you stay safe during these activities. Never do anything that causes you pain and be creative when it comes to making time pass while exercising. Watch TV or listen to a book or a podcast.
Keep Mentally Fit
Common exercises for keeping mentally active as a senior are usually things like crossword puzzles or sudoku. But there are so many other ways to keep your brain sharp. Taking an art class or taking up drawing helps keep your mind focused. Learn a language or another skill you’re interested in. Puzzles and card games are other activities that help improve memory and thinking skills.
Engaging all of your senses; touch, smell, hearing, taste, and sight by cooking something or visiting a new place is another way to keep your neurons firing.
Changing it Up
Don’t be afraid to try something new either. Just the act of changing your daily routine a little bit can help your brain. Play music more often or try learning an instrument. You could even try meditation. It reduces stress, helps with memory, and improves mental processing.
It doesn’t matter how you decide to exercise your body and your mind as long as you stick to it.
Polish Care Services is dedicated to helping clients stay physically and mentally healthy with its in home care services. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help clients stay physically safe and mentally fit at home. Contact us today to learn more.
Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Senior Citizens In-Home Care
February 27th, 2020aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Dementia Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services,
People who care for senior citizens need to be knowledgeable and caring. In fact, caring for senior citizens means taking care of your elderly loved ones by providing the necessary care and attention. It also includes making sure that they get enough rest and get their daily exercise both physically and mentally.
It is vital to understand that caring for seniors are different from caring for children. This is because senior citizens may have more complex health issues, which can be worse than those of someone who are of a much younger age. As a result, they are prone to ailments that other people may be able to recover from with simple treatments. In some cases, these illnesses are even life threatening. There are many options for care givers, and those needing to care for senior citizens.
The first option for caring for senior citizens is in home care. This entails working with a nurse or care aide to monitor the elderly person’s needs on a day-to-day basis. When the family members are unable to care for the person, a caregiver will be able to provide the necessary help for the individual. This type of care is appropriate for senior citizens who require minimal monitoring. Instead of having the elderly live in the home, he/she may rather live in a nursing facility. Some caregivers have more knowledge and experience with this method of care.
There are many options for care than in home care, such as independent living facility, assisted living facility, and nursing homes. These are not just for seniors who are very ill, but for the vibrant and young at heart. However, in home care is a trending and preferred option as this allows seniors to enjoy the comforts of home and independence. Moreover this option is less costly. Aging In Place allows seniors modify their home to make it easier for him/her to navigate safely.
There are the programs that provide assistance to an individual. This assistance can include the services of a professional who will prepare meals, light housekeeping, assist with bathing, personal care, dressing, medication reminders, companionship, hobbies and cognitive care.
There are those that provide counseling services for senior citizens. While some of the people will prefer to work with the professional, others will prefer to go through the counseling program and have someone to guide them on the process. Seniors will be given support in terms of learning how to manage their finances and do the things that are important to them. All in all, there are several programs and forms of assistance that can be provided to senior citizens. Some include group therapy, home help, and family counseling.
Each form of assistance comes with different types of treatment methods. For example, group therapy and group treatment are helpful because of the support that can be given to the person. Home help involves the use of an individual, usually a friend or relative, to do all the chores that the senior citizen cannot do himself or herself.
Seniors who are concerned about being alone often prefer the family counseling method. This method involves the services of a caring person who will help the person develop a positive attitude and make sure that he/she gets enough rest. Family counseling also involves the role of support groups and other activities that can keep the person’s mind active.
If you are looking for excellent care for one of your family members or friends, Polish Care Services is an excellent choice. Visit their website to learn more at polishcareservices.com or feel free to contact us by phone at (860) 255-8278. You and your family member will be happy that you did!
Exploring Long-Term Care Options: In-Home Care, Nursing Homes
January 25th, 2020aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services,
There are several options available to help those individuals in need of long-term care. Long term assistance care is a type of specialized care that involves providing comfort and care for individuals who are older or who are suffering from any type of disability or illness that does not allow them to properly care for themselves.
There are different kinds of long-term care, including institutional care, in-home care, nursing home care, adult day care, and assisted living care. Each individual has their own needs and each individual has their own set of challenges when it comes to providing long term care. These can include some that are based on physical conditions, others that are based on physical conditions or mental health concerns.
For those individuals who are in need of long-term care, there are many options available to help them. There are several types of long-term care available today. These include group homes, intermediate care facilities, personal care homes, and personal care agencies. With the help of these programs you can be able to choose what you need and make your own choices. Many individuals will choose to live in their own personal care home or community residential care facilities. As you research long term care options, you should remember that each situation is unique and that no two individuals are the same.
When considering long term care options, you must first decide if you want a facility, community residential care or personal care home. It is important to consider these options before choosing one. To do this, you should research the various options.
Some of the problems with long term care is that the costs of care can become a financial burden. This is due to the fact that the medical bills tend to be substantial for the individual in need of long-term care. There are often many bills associated with long term care, so it may be wise to know what you are looking at before deciding on a particular facility or plan.
Long term care can help the individual you are caring for by providing comfort and care. This may also include help with activities that the individual needs. When you are choosing long term care options, you must know what to expect in order to be sure that you are doing the right thing. When it comes to long term care, there are different types of choices. These are rehabilitation, which is used for individuals with physical and mental disabilities, the last type of long-term care is the nursing home care.
The rehabilitation type of long-term care is a very good option for individuals who are older and are in need of some type of physical activity. Rehabilitation is used for seniors who have lived a long life and are not physically fit. They need assistance to get more physical activity. The physical activity level of a senior is sometimes the determining factor in whether or not a patient is eligible for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation can also be used to help those who are young and who are in need of socialization and the emotional support of friends and family.
It is important to speak with your family member about their options. If there are any concerns, you should discuss with them before you make any decisions. You want to make sure that you will be able to provide all the care that they need when you decide to use long term care.
If you are looking for long term care solutions in Connecticut, there is no better place than Polish Care Services. Polish Care Services is located at 254 Main Street, Farmington, CT 06032 and can be reached by telephone at (860) 255-8278. Hours of operation are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. On Sundays the office is closed. The 24 hour line is available for emergency situations. Feel free to visit the website at https://polishcareservices.com/ to see the list of services. You will be happy that you did!
Three Reasons to Make a Long Term Care Plan
November 5th, 2019aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Senior Care Services,
Aging tends to sneak up on all of us. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a plan for how to account for the care you or your loved one may need over the long-term. In fact, planning for long term care can help you maintain the lifestyle you’re used to. Here are three reasons why you or your loved one should create a long term care plan.
Long-Term Care Insurance Does Not Account for Everything
Many people obtain long-term care insurance as a way of planning for their long term care needs. And while it does have many benefits, you or your loved one should plan for what it does not cover such as:
· Who will be a caregiver?
· Will any family members who become caregivers need to leave or take an absence from their job?
· Who pays for expenses not covered by long term care insurance?
You Can Choose Where You Want to Be
Planning for your long term needs in advance means that you can choose whether you want to stay in your home. If maintaining your independence at home is a concern as you age, consider hiring an agency that provides in-home care services into your plan.
In home care agencies employ caregivers that help seniors maintain their independence at home by helping to cook and clean around the house, drive to appointments, and help with bathing and dressing. Even if you plan to have a family member be a caregiver, in home care providers may be able to help when a family member is unavailable.
Guard Against the Unexpected
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. When you plan for your own long term care or that of your loved ones, it helps make an unexpected hospitalization health challenge, or other concern a little easier to navigate. Often, unexpected events lead to disagreements among family members about what happens next. By making a long term care plan now, you will reduce the likelihood of disagreements and make sure the person in need of care gets what they want.
Planning for the future comes with its own challenges, especially where getting older is concerned. But making a plan for long term care including whether or not you need in home care is one way to make aging a fact rather than a challenge that seems insurmountable.
Polish Care Services provides trained and experienced caregivers to assist seniors in their home or care facilities. Call 860-255-8278 to see how our caregivers can assist you or your loved one. We accept various payment methods, including long-term insurance for live in or hourly care to assist seniors with in home care needs.