Aging in Place: 7 Solutions for Seniors Safety
November 17th, 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,
It’s hard to watch your parents age when you’re not nearby to help out, but there’s a lot family members can do to keep seniors safety even when they can’t be there themselves. From installing technology to hiring professional help, here are seven ways you can ensure your loved one is cared for every day.
1. Motion-Activated Lighting
Finding their way through a dark house at night leaves seniors vulnerable to falls, which can hold grave consequences for the elderly. Even when it’s not dangerous, walking across the room to switch a light on or off is burdensome for people with mobility limitations. Replacing light switches with motion-activated lighting ensures a senior’s path is always illuminated. If automated lighting is out of the budget, add LED nightlights in essential areas and replace toggle switches with arthritis-friendly rocker switches.
2. Medical Alert Devices
For seniors who live independently, falling at home poses a life-threatening risk. Medical alert systems get emergency services to seniors in need as quickly as possible. While some devices require the user to activate the alert, the best ones automatically detect a fall and contact emergency services on the wearer’s behalf.
3. Video Chat
While phone calls are a great way to stay in touch, video chatting adds a level of connection that voice alone can’t. An easy-to-use smartphone or tablet with a camera lets the elderly converse face-to-face with family members and caregivers. In turn, those people have an opportunity to visually assess a senior’s wellbeing, rather than relying on self-reporting alone.
4. Automated Pill Dispensers
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average adult over 65 fills more than 20 prescriptions every year. While some of those are short-term prescriptions, many are intended for long-term use. Keeping up with a heavy medication regimen is challenging for anyone, but especially for seniors safety whose cognitive abilities are changing with age. The best way to ensure medications are taken as intended, and to prevent prescription drug misuse, is to use automated pill dispensers that remind seniors when each medication is due.
5. eHealth Tools
Sometimes, a senior’s long list of medications includes drugs that are contraindicated or multiple prescriptions treating the same condition. This happens when doctors aren’t fully informed about a patient’s medical history, and it can lead to a potentially fatal drug interaction. Rather than typing up a new medication list every time a dose changes, seniors can store drug details, test results, and more all in one place using a personal health record app. HealthIT.govoffers recommendations on PHR apps worth trying.
6. Home Security
Whether you’re worried about a senior citizen with Alzheimer’s disease wandering away from home or a stranger breaking in, a home security adds peace of mind when you’re not around to keep an eye on the senior in your care.
7. In-Home Help
Despite advancements in technology, sometimes there’s just no substitute for human touch. Hiring in-home services to help with housekeeping, cooking, and other daily requirements reassures family that their loved one’s needs are being met. For seniors who need basic assistance and want to remain at home, these services are an attractive option. And, depending on the amount of care required, they can be a more affordable option as well. For example, in Washington D.C., a resident could spend $3,000 on care services and $2,787 on their mortgage, and still spend less than the $5,933 it would take to live in an assisted living facility.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the vast majority of American seniors safety want to age in place rather than moving to a care facility. However, preserving independence means acknowledging and accommodating the changes that come with age. While there’s no catch-all solution that will work for everyone, these seven ideas are a big step toward keeping seniors safe at home.
Author June Duncan for Polish Care Services
#in-home help technology #home security #alzheimers #ehealthmedical alert devices #Senior Services #senior safety #senior health #solutions for senior safety #aging in place
Caring for Seniors: Making the Holidays Special for Seniors
November 12th, 2021aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Employment, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, Fall Activities for Seniors, Home Healthcare, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family. But it is not uncommon for this
time of year to be difficult for older loved ones. Distance from family, loss, and ongoing medical
issues may make celebrating the holidays more difficult. This article discusses how to make this
upcoming holiday season special for seniors.
Activities to Celebrate the Holiday at Home
There are multiple ways to start celebrating the holidays at home. Consider making pomanders
with oranges and cloves. A long-term caregiver can assist with this activity by helping to create a
ring of cloves using a rubber band and a wooden skewer to create the pattern. Listen to some old
favorite holiday tunes while working.
When grandchildren come over or make a video call, prompt them to ask about some of your
loved one’s favorite holiday memories. When the weather turns chilly, think about having a nice
chat over coffee or tea. Perhaps this chat can happen while cookies bake in the oven. Don’t
forget the cards. Have an older loved one write them and then address the envelopes on
their behalf, or vice versa.
Activities Outside the House
Getting out into the community and spending time with others is a great way to spend the holiday
season. Prioritize activities that are outdoors and avoid crowds this year to make sure older loved
ones stay safe. Drive around the neighborhood and admire the decorations and light
displays that neighbors set up. If the weather is suitable and not too cold, think about taking a walk
to the park or around the block.
Merchants are encouraging people to shop for holiday gifts early this year. If an older loved one
wants to shop in person, go early to avoid the crowds, or find out if stores hold special senior
hours.
Remember to pace all home and outside holiday activities to meet a senior’s needs. If your loved
one would benefit from extra help this holiday season, consider hiring a live-in caregiver from
Polish Care Services. Reach out to us today.
Caring for Seniors: Technologies to Make Seniors Life Easier
October 27th, 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, 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,
Technology has made life easier for everyone, including seniors. And it’s not simply limited to smartphones with accessibility options, either. There are a variety of devices and applications designed to help assist older loved ones with many issues. This post offers an overview of technology options available to seniors and their families.
GPS
For seniors who live alone or have dementia or Alzheimer’s, knowing where they are is crucial. GPS services like Find my Phone on iOS are sharable with family members or caregivers. If a loved one falls while out on a walk, the GPS on the phone can indicate an issue. Smartwatches like Apple Watch now also feature fall detection. If wandering is a concern, GPS trackers come in the form of wristbands. Trackers can be put in bags and in items of clothing, and they connect to apps that can be remotely monitored by a family member or caregiver.
Medication Management
Medication management is a common challenge for seniors, even if a long-term caregiver sets out medications in advance. Automatic medication dispensers are programmed to dispense and remind seniors to take medications at the appropriate time. This is a great option for older loved ones who have a part-time caregiver.
Cameras
Cameras that are accessible via smartphone are a crucial tool in the prevention of elder abuse. Family members can set them up to watch over loved ones and make sure are safe at home. Live-in caregivers can also be granted access to them to watch over their clients in another room.
Applications
Health tracking has been made so much easier with smartphone applications. In addition to built-in health apps on smartphones, seniors can download specialty apps like Kardia Mobile to take an EKG of their heart and send it to their doctor. Other devices like insulin meters can also be monitored via Bluetooth on a smartphones.
In addition to health, seniors can do all sorts of things with their smartphone. They can keep up with religious activities, have apps read books to them, and stay informed with a multitude of news apps.
Technology is a good first step to help monitor a senior if they aren’t ready for a caregiver. When your loved one needs a little more help than technology alone can provide, consider hiring a caregiver from Polish Care Services. Reach out today to learn more about our services!
Caring for Seniors: Fall Favorites for Seniors
September 27th, 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,
Fall is just around the corner, which means cooler weather, warm sweaters, and pumpkins are on the way. While the season is well known for the use of pumpkin spice, it’s also a time full of activities. Here are several social activities to enjoy with a loved one in your life.
Create Costumes
Fall is home to Halloween, which means dressing up in fun costumes. Seniors can make their costumes with an in-home caregiver just for fun or for an upcoming party. It’s a great way to engage creative skills while having fun. It can also bring up memories of past Halloween holidays, which can be shared with friends and family.
Carve Pumpkins
Pumpkin carving is another fun fall activity that you can do with a loved one. It’s not as easy as it may appear. But with the right preparation, it can be a fun and satisfying experience. Tips to carve the perfect pumpkin include:
– Get a fresh pumpkin with a thick stem, and a flat bottom. Make sure there are no bruises.
– Scoop out all the pulp and thin out the area where the design or face goes to an inch thick to make the shell easier to pierce.
– Draw out your pumpkin’s design first before you carve and use it as a pattern.
Make Fall Crafts
Crafts help to celebrate fall and keep seniors engaged at the same time. Some use things from nature, while others mimic the colors of fall. Try projects like:
– Take leaves from your front yard and spray them with copper spray paint or another metallic color. Use them for a fall wreath or other crafts to dress them up.
– Make a hanging display with your crafts. Coat your crafts with glitter and let them dry. Apply a ribbon to each piece with a hot glue gun and hang them up.
– Press fall leaves between the pages of a book. Get two pieces of glass cut to the desired picture size and place the leaves between the glass once dry to hang on the wall.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your loved one engaged this fall, turn to Polish Care Services. Our expert care staff will match you with a caregiver just in time for fall. Reach out to us today!
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!
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.