Caring for Seniors: Benefits of a Longterm Live In Caregiver
August 31st, 2021aging 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, Polish Care Services Trademark, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Spring Activities, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
Hiring a caregiver for your loved one is not an easy decision. It often comes with questions such as what type of care do they need, and how often does the caregiver need to come? Live in caregivers provide a constant level of care and are with your loved one constantly since they live in the house with them. If you’re thinking about whether live-in care is the right option for your loved one, keep reading to learn about its benefits.
Better Care and Reliability
One of the most common problems seniors face when they need longterm care is having a caregiver they can count on to be there. Caregivers who live outside the home and care for other clients may miss a shift from time to time. Live in caregivers don’t have this problem since they are with their clients constantly, except for time off. They also provide better care to their clients overall because the caregiver will get to know them over time and give them the personalized care they deserve.
Familiarity
Bringing a caregiver into the home to care for an older loved one is a major step, especially if you live further away and cannot be there for your loved one. Finding the right live in caregiver helps ease these concerns. Having a constant companion around the home will provide reassurance for an older adult and assure you that your loved one is receiving the care they need. Additionally, if they have an accident, someone will be there to help them immediately.
Maintain Independence
Seniors often fear that bringing in a caregiver will mean losing their independence. Hiring a live in caregiver will help them preserve their independence instead of losing it. Because a caregiver who lives with their client gets to know them personally, they will assist only when your loved one needs help. Over time, they will understand how their client lives at home, what they can do independently, and what they struggle with.
To learn more about the benefits of long-term caregivers who live with clients, reach out to Polish Care Services. Our staff of care experts will be happy to find the right care match for your loved one.
Caring for Seniors: Outdoor Summertime Favorites for Seniors.
August 9th, 2021aging 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, Polish Care Services Trademark, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Spring Activities, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
There’s never been a better time to go out and get moving now that summer is upon us. Staying active is one of the best things seniors can do for their physical and emotional health. Here are some favorite outdoor social activities that seniors can do this summer.
The Benefits of Getting Outdoors
Outdoor activities are particularly beneficial to seniors because they receive exposure to vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to improve brain and bone health. Leaving the house also gives seniors the opportunity to socialize with other people, which gives them a social and emotional boost.
Go on a Picnic
Picnics are one way to get out in the fresh air. Seniors can take a comfortable seat in the shade, enjoy some delicious food and watch people enjoy the summer sun. Make sure they wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water or non-sugary or alcoholic liquids to stay hydrated.
Take a Walk
Moving is vital to seniors, but it can be more difficult to do as they get older due to physical limitations. Walking on a flat familiar surface with a family member, friend, in-home caregiver, or a pet is a good way to move around during the summer without overdoing it.
Go for a Swim
Swimming is another activity that gets seniors going without overexerting themselves. This is a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints. Being in the water reduces the weight put on the legs while moving, which is why it is easier to move around. Depending on their ability level, seniors can go to classes at their local community pool. But there are also rehabilitation pools seniors can go to that are specially adapted for people with physical challenges.
Watch a Sporting Event
Summer is the best time to watch sports. Get your loved one out to watch a baseball game or a soccer match. Whether it’s a professional game or a grandchild’s league, set up a comfortable place for a loved one to watch the action and bring along a few snacks for a nice day out.
If your loved one could use a companion to help them get outdoors and enjoy summer activities, reach out to Polish Care Services. Our expert care staff will be happy to assist you. Reach out to us today!
Caring for Seniors: Social Activities for Seniors
May 25th, 2021aging 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, Long Term Care, Outdoor Activities for Seniors, Polish Care Services, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Spring Activities, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
Social activities for seniors have many benefits including improving wellbeing. But engaging them is not always easy. Seniors may become depressed as they age due to loneliness and isolation. This post examines some benefits of social activities and the kinds of activities seniors can get involved in, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Benefits of Social Activities for Seniors
When seniors participate in social activities they can live longer. Participation in activities can lead to the formation of friendships and result in happiness. Happier seniors are not stressed, and they may live healthier lifestyles with friends around to encourage them. Their health also tends to be better, in general, because being physically and mentally engaged helps to boost mood and reduces the likelihood of becoming depressed.
Activity Ideas
Fitness
Joining a walking group helps older adults stay physically fit and helps them make friends at the same time. Groups can be found online through Meetup or Facebook and through local resources like a senior center. A senior fitness center is another idea. These gyms cater to the older demographic. They provide motivation to help stay physically active while offering the opportunity to socialize.
Programs at the Senior Center
Senior centers have many activities for older adults to try whether that is cooking, playing games, a book club, or gardening. These activities all lend themselves to socialization for seniors.
Active Games
Getting outside and playing a game of tennis, golf, volleyball, or pickleball gets endorphins going. It’s also the perfect way to invite a friend to join or to find someone new to play a game with.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Activities
Memory Boxes
Creating a memory box is an idea that helps seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia connect with their past life and engage their minds. Simply grab a box of any type and fill it with objects from hobbies or previous jobs. It can be done in a group setting.
Cut Pictures From Magazines
This is an activity that lends itself to doing it with a friend or a group. Cut pictures from magazines and calendars that reflect an interest for the person. Use them to create a scrapbook.
Play Cards
Large format playing cards are easy to read. Play go fish or blackjack alone or with a caregiver.
In-home caregivers can help promote socialization for seniors through activities as well as conversation. To learn more about the care services Polish Care Services provides reach out to us today!
Caring for Seniors: Preventing Slips and Falls in Seniors
April 21st, 2021aging 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,
Managing slips and falls at home are some of the biggest concerns for seniors and their families during long term care at home. Fortunately, these incidents are preventable. This post talks about the steps that should be taken to keep seniors from falling at home with tips for family members and caregivers.
See a Doctor
The first step to preventing falls at home is to schedule an appointment with a senior’s doctor. Make sure to cover concerns such as:
– Some medications put seniors at an increased risk for falls. Making some changes may help lessen the risk. Bring a list of medications with you and ask the doctor to review it.
* Discuss any history of falls to help the doctor determine what fall prevention measures can be taken.
* Talk about how you feel when you walk. Do you feel dizzy when you walk, short of breath, have numbness, or joint pain? These can increase the risk for falls.
How to Prevent Slips and Falls at Home
Prevent slips and falls at home by following common-sense rules like wearing the correct footwear. Shoes that have nonskid soles, are sturdy, and fit properly indoors and outside will go a long way towards fall prevention. Wearing good shoes also means moving more because physical activities help prevent falls. Consult your loved one’s doctor and ask if things like tai chi, walking, or working out in water would be beneficial.
Implement Simple Safety Measures
Seniors often slip or fall while engaged in daily activities. Caregivers should conduct a safety assessment to look for potential fall hazards. Recommendations based on that safety assessment might include things like:
– Store things you reach for every day within easy reach.
* Clear walkways of cords, boxes, and newspapers.
* Secure loose carpets with double-sided tape or a slip-resistant backing.
* Use non-slip mats in the bath or shower and use a shower chair while in the shower to allow you to sit.
Watch for Behavioral Signs
Caregivers for seniors may also notice that behavioral changes in seniors that increase fall risk. Difficulty getting up from a chair, holding on to someone else while walking or holding on to walls are all signs that a senior could benefit from physical therapy.
If you’re looking for a caregiver to help a senior avoid falls and manage safety at home, contact Polish Care Services. Our staff of care experts will be happy to assist you. Reach out to us today!
Caring for Seniors: Preventing Loneliness for Seniors
March 2nd, 2021aging 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, Polish Care Services Trademark, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Spring Activities, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
Social isolation or loneliness is a significant problem for seniors. It’s estimated that by the year 2030, 20% of the population is going to be made up of people who are aged 65 and older. 28% of that population will live alone. Isolation is not cheap either. Over $6.7 billion is spent each year on costs that can be attributed to social isolation. This article offers more information on how social isolation impacts seniors and ways it can be prevented or reduced.
Health Risks Associated with Loneliness
Loneliness isn’t simply a statistic. It comes with consequences for a senior’s health. Social isolation increases the risk of premature death more so than other causes like smoking or obesity. It also increases the risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke. Clients who have heart failure are four times more likely to die if they are lonely, have an increased rate of hospitalization, and visit the emergency room more often.
Furthermore studies on loneliness suggest that older people who are immigrants, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender may feel lonely more often than other populations due to factors like community differences, language barriers, discrimination, barriers to care, stigma, and family dynamics.
How to Prevent Isolation and Isolation
Keeping seniors active is one way to reduce isolation. Getting exercise three to four days a week is shown to reduce rates of loneliness by 6% to 9%. Having regular social contact with people through in-person visits, if safe, through texts, or video chat is another way to keep loneliness at bay.
Being able to access transportation is another way to increase engagement. This includes public transportation, rides from family members, and caregivers as well as ride-share. Having someone to do activities with like play games, read, socialize, and get active can also stave off loneliness.
At Polish Care Services we offer long-term care services and senior care that includes companion care. Our companion caregivers offer stimulation, socialization, transportation, and other aspects of care that are intended to keep loneliness at bay and keep seniors engaged. Reach out to our caring care team today!
Caring for Seniors: Recognize Memorable Moments with Seniors
February 15th, 2021Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Employment, Caregiver job, Disability Care, Elderly Care, In Home Care, in home care assistance,
Memory care is a specialized type of care designed to meet the needs of seniors who have Alzheimer’s or dementia and who want to stay at home. This is particularly true for seniors in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s. But providing such care for a loved one can take a toll on a caregiver which is why in-home memory care services are helpful.
Benefits of Memory Care
Long term care at home designed for patients with dementia helps keep them from feeling disoriented compared to moving to a specialized care facility. Agencies that offer specialized care for seniors with these conditions typically have specialized training for their caregivers. This added benefit gives families who may already feel overwhelmed and stressed added security and peace of mind.
Caregivers can help with things like helping seniors look at photos or other objects to help support and engage their memory. If a loved one is prone to wandering at night, a caregiver can help with those issues as well.
How Caregivers Provide Care
Caregivers who provide memory care often assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding. With their additional specialized training, caregivers can:
– Manage unpredictable behavior
– Help seniors stay engaged
– Break down tasks so that they’re easy to manage
– Communicating more effectively
– Prevent wandering and make sure seniors are safe
Activities of Memory Care
Caregivers who specialize in memory care can create a safe and positive environment for their seniors. This includes helping them participate in hobbies and activities like going for walks, playing games, and looking at photographs for example. Other things caregivers can do with seniors include using music therapy, dance, or aromatherapy to improve positivity, mental health, and physical health. Caregivers can also adapt to changing abilities and interests of their clients. Memory care at home can adapt to the ever-evolving needs of a client in a way that residential care may not.
If you’re in search of long term memory care, reach out to Polish Care Services. Our staff of care experts will be happy to find a care solution that meets your needs.
Caring for Seniors: Diet and Nutrition
January 22nd, 2021Caregiver Service, Elderly Care, In Home Care, in home care assistance, Long Term Care, Uncategorized,
Caring for Seniors: Diet and Nutrition
Eating a healthy and nutritious diet is essential for seniors as they age. The human metabolism changes as people grow older. Seniors don’t need to eat as much as they did when they were younger. This makes what they do choose to eat all the more important. Here are some tips to keep in mind about diet for seniors and nutrition.
Put Colors on the Plate
One way to make sure older people eat healthily is to encourage colorful eating. A healthy plate includes foods from different food groups including:
– Whole grains like whole-wheat pasta and brown rice
– Lean proteins like eggs, lean meats, beans, and seafood
– Fruits and vegetables that are green, red, orange, and purple
– Low-fat dairy such as milk, almond milk, and cheese
Know What’s in Your Food
Labels matter when it comes to a good diet. The healthiest ones are foods like produce, dairy, and meat because they are whole and not processed. This is why reading labels matters. Hidden things such as added sugar, higher fat, and sodium lurk in processed foods and can derail the most well-intentioned efforts to eat well.
How to Get Healthy Food For Seniors
Knowing what is in food and the types of food to eat are only one part of proper nutrition. The truth is that many seniors struggle with accessing food due to a lack of ability to get out and shop. But there are several ways to make sure seniors have access to nutritious foods. These include:
Stocking up on healthy foods:
– Boxed, shelf-stable soups
* Almonds and cashews
* Fresh salads
* Dried fruits
* Baby Carrots
* Sliced chicken
* Fresh string beans
Arranging for prepared meals from services like Mom’s Meals or meal kit services like Hello Fresh to deliver ingredients to make meals.
Set up grocery deliveries from services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or Shipt. These services can be scheduled days in advance or delivered the same day. Instacart and Shipt offer multiple stores on their platform including Safeway, Target, and CVS.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s diet and nutrition. Reach out to Polish Care Services about setting up long term care services that include meal preparation. Reach out to us today.
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.