AI Benefits for the Elderly and Disabled
June 15th, 2023aging 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, Homecare, 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,
Although there is so much consternation and hype, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can benefit the elderly and disabled population in many ways. Some of the benefits include:
- Health monitoring and assistance through wearable devices and smart home systems: AI can be used to monitor the health of elderly individuals through wearable devices and smart home systems. These devices can track vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and alert caregivers or medical professionals if there are any concerning changes. Smart home systems can also be used to monitor the movements and activities of elderly individuals, providing an additional layer of safety and security.
- Medication management: AI can assist with medication management by providing reminders to take medications, tracking medication usage, and alerting caregivers or medical professionals if there are any missed doses or potential drug interactions.
- Social interaction and companionship: AI can provide social interaction and companionship to elderly individuals through virtual companions, such as chatbots or virtual assistants. These companions can engage in conversation, provide entertainment, and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Cognitive stimulation and memory support: AI can provide cognitive stimulation and memory support to elderly individuals through games, puzzles, and other activities designed to exercise the brain and improve cognitive function. AI can also assist with memory support by providing reminders for important events or appointments.
- Daily living assistance: AI can assist with daily living tasks, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care. This can help elderly individuals maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes for longer.
- Increased independence: By providing assistance with daily living tasks, health monitoring, medication management, and other areas, AI can help elderly individuals maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes for longer.
- Lower healthcare costs, better transportation, and longer employment: AI can help lower healthcare costs by improving health monitoring and early detection of potential health issues. AI can also assist with transportation by providing ride-sharing services or autonomous vehicles designed for elderly individuals. Additionally, AI can help extend employment opportunities for elderly individuals by providing job-matching services or remote work opportunities.
- Virtual companions: As mentioned earlier, virtual companions such as chatbots or virtual assistants can provide social interaction and companionship to elderly individuals.
- Anti-aging research: AI can assist with anti-aging research by analyzing large amounts of data to identify potential treatments or preventative measures for age-related diseases.
- At-home health monitoring: As mentioned earlier, AI can assist with at-home health monitoring through wearable devices and smart home systems.
- Smart device-assisted daily living: Smart devices equipped with AI technology can assist with daily living tasks such as turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, or locking doors.
- Smart device-assisted fall detection: Smart devices equipped with AI technology can detect if an elderly individual has fallen and alert caregivers or medical professionals.
- Improved quality of care: By providing assistance in areas such as health monitoring, medication management, daily living assistance, and more, AI can help improve the overall quality of care for elderly individuals.
AI is also helpful in intelligent tracking of biometric information to early diagnosis of diseases, understanding the treatment pathways, and helping clinicians to take care of elderly and disabled people and treat them more efficiently.
Polish Care Services team provides blogs and news articles that are not only informative and entertaining, but can enhance the wellbeing of seniors and disabled in Connecticut and Sarasota County in Florida
Credit: Bing AI, Google AI, Peter Powell
Resources to Help Seniors Who Have Few Relatives Nearby
May 24th, 2023aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Employment, Caregiver job, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, Fall Activities for Seniors, Home Healthcare, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services,
Aging brings many challenges as well as joys. While it’s generally good fortune to have a long life, it’s even better if you have family nearby to offer help and companionship. Sometimes, seniors live far from family, though. In these cases, Polish Care Services suggests you make use of the following resources for managing daily life.
Maintaining a Social Life
Loneliness can be a risk factor for health issues, and we all need companionship. Here are some ideas to help seniors develop and maintain social connections.
- Consider volunteering. After all, seniors can and do contribute an enormous amount by tutoring, mentoring, helping prepare or distribute food to those in need, fundraising, assisting with tax preparation, or working the polls during elections.
- Take a class. Post-retirement is a wonderful time to pursue interests you may not have had time for while working. Whether it’s a non-credit history or language class at the local university, or a dance or crafting class at a community center, you’ll meet others with common interests and get to explore something you enjoy.
- Take a part-time job. Although not everyone is eager to return to the nine to five grind, sometimes working a few hours a week can enhance a senior’s life by providing social connections, as well as the satisfaction of contributing effort to an important cause.
- Join a church, mosque, temple, or other organization that supports your spiritual beliefs. If you’re already a member, look into getting more involved there. It’s a great way to get to know others who share your values.
Health and Wellness
Good health is important to people at every age, and there are always things a person can do to increase their chances of staying well.
- Join an exercise class. The connection between exercise and improved mental health has been documented increasingly over the past decade. Many forms of exercise are appropriate for seniors, ranging from swimming to no impact aerobics and gentle weight training.
- Consider a mind-body practice, such as tai chi, qi gong, yoga, or mindfulness walking. These disciplines can improve cognitive functioning as well balance, strength, range of motions, and stress relief.
- Get an exercise or healthy eating buddy. Having another person counting on you can help with motivation and increase fun, whether you’re cooking a healthy meal together or meeting for a walk.
- Laughter is good medicine. It can increase the release of endorphins, and alter serotonin and dopamine levels in the body. Whether it’s a funny movie, a cartoon in a magazine, a hilarious book, or a podcast, finding reasons to laugh can make life more healthy, as well as more fun. This is yet another activity best done with a buddy.
Financial Assistance is Available
Most people worry to some degree about running out of money, managing money, or calculating and paying taxes in a timely and accurate manner. There are many local, state, and federal programs to help with planning and managing financial concerns.
- Help with the cost of prescriptions can be found via the Extra Help program through Medicare in some states. Other states have their own programs.
- Seniors and all adults may experience stress when faced with financial and other types of decisions.
- The IRS sponsors free tax help clinics for seniors. These can be quite helpful since many seniors have complex situations involving pensions, IRAs, or pre-death insurance benefits. Having free help from an expert can make the challenge of tax preparation less daunting.
Use Technology to your Advantage
While it’s difficult to visit in person fr
equently, if you live a great distance from your loved one, the internet can be a great help. Using Google Meet, Webex, Zoom, or another online program you can be in touch with family members who live almost anywhere. The internet is also a good way to shop, learn, and connect with others.
- Take some time to make sure your loved one is comfortable using the internet. Sometimes technology classes for seniors can be helpful, as well as social opportunities.
- Click for info on a useful tool for combining digital documents for your loved one so that they’re easier to find.
- Having a weekly online call with your senior loved one is a great way to stay in touch, share family news, and monitor how they are doing. While “Zoom fatigue” is something that happens to people of all ages, there are ways to counter it.
- Although an online meeting is better than no connection, it’s important to supplement it with ordinary phone calls, letters via email or US mail, and the occasional in-person visit.
Although living near the senior you care about is the easiest way to stay in touch and be of help, there are many resources for those who are at a distance. Make sure that you keep your loved one in the loop when making decisions that will affect them, and take advantage of the many programs and options available.
For exceptional services for seniors, those with disabilities, and those needing companionship, visit Polish Care Services today.
Credit: June Duncan
Is It Time to Move Closer to Your Senior Relative? How to Tell
November 19th, 2022aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, Fall Activities for Seniors, Home Healthcare, In Home Care, Janitorial Service, Long Term Care, Outdoor Activities for Seniors, Polish Care Services, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Spring Activities, Summer Activities for Seniors,
It can be hard to be apart from your family as they age. You might be thinking about moving closer to a senior relative who lives in another city or state just because you want to see them more often, or perhaps they now need a little more support to get through the day-to-day activities they used to manage with ease. Moving for a loved one is a big decision, and there are many things that need to be taken into consideration before making the move. Today, Polish Care Services shares some tips to help you decide if it’s time for you to be closer to your senior relative.
Ask Yourself These Questions
You can start by asking some probing questions. Your answers will help reveal whether it’s time to be closer to your senior loved one.
● Is their current caretaker stressed out?
● Do you feel guilty for not visiting more often?
● How much can you afford to spend to relocate?
● Is your loved one no longer capable of living on their own (i.e., cooking, cleaning, taking care of personal hygiene)?
After you’ve asked yourself these questions, it’s time to consider what your senior relative thinks about you being closer to them.
Ask for Their Opinion
It is important to speak with your family member before making any decisions. They might not be as receptive as you think. If it’s determined that they require your care and assistance, you need to consider how they feel about you moving away from your current life, friends, and neighbors. If this is a difficult decision for you, it could be even more difficult for them. Although you may feel like it’s time to move closer together for the sake of convenience, they might not want to go through such a big change, especially if you have your own family coming with you.
You also need to consider how much care or assistance your senior relative needs. Do they need someone there all the time? Do they require an in-home nurse? Is there an adult daycare center near them? If so, does it have space available? There are many questions you’ll have to answer before moving closer.
Perhaps there are technologies and services that, if used, can allow your loved one to live independently for awhile longer. Consider hiring a gardener or housecleaner to help with daily tasks, and look for meal services to reduce the amount of cooking your loved one needs to manage. You can install a security system that allows you and your loved one to monitor the house. There are even options that will let you check on your loved one if they don’t answer the phone.
Discuss Living Situations
If you decide to make the move, think hard about your living situation. Will you buy or rent a house? Will you and your aging loved one move in together or will you live separately while still providing care? Don’t make these decisions for your loved one. Instead, talk with them and really listen to their desires and fears. AgingCare.com emphasizes the importance of really listening and being open to your loved one’s thoughts. Be sure to discuss the following questions: Is their current home no longer sufficient for their care? Will you need to buy a home that accommodates them, you, and your family? And if so, how will that play into your decision to move?
Discuss these possibilities – including asking pertinent questions and taking appropriate considerations regarding buying a new home – with your family and get their input on the best course of action to care for your senior relative. It’s important that everyone is on the same page, as this will help reduce stress and conflict.
Preparing for the Move
If you are uncertain whether this move will be long or short term, renting might be your best option, especially if your entire family won’t be moving with you. Not only will renting make it easier to pack up and move when or if the time is right, it can be less expensive and reduce the responsibilities of home ownership while you’re also helping your loved one. For instance, you can rent an apartment in Farmington for as little as $1,550 a month.
If you choose to buy a house, your debt-to-income ratio will be a key factor in your ability to qualify for a home loan. Lenders look at your income and the amount of money you spend on expenses each month, and they compare that to your debt. To determine how much of your income would be left over to put toward a mortgage payment, you can use an online mortgage calculator. Be sure to factor in what you will do with your current home, if you own one.
Your lender will also want to know if you have any recurring monthly obligations, like car payments or student loans. Generally, lenders will prefer to see at least 36% of your income available for your mortgage payment. A larger percentage means there is less risk for defaulting on the loan.
When planning for your move, remember to factor in ancillary expenses such as moving services. And if you will be moving your aging loved one, too, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a moving company that’s experienced with moving seniors and, preferably, has a senior move specialist on staff.
Figuring Out Your Work Situation
If you are moving and caretaking will become your full-time job, then make sure you can financially handle that shift. If you still need to work, consider looking for part-time work in your new area or search for a remote position you can do while caretaking. However, if you are a business owner, you will need to decide how the move will affect your business. You could choose to keep things as is while working remotely, which requires the least amount of transitioning. But if you choose to move your entire business, including employees and office or storefront, be sure to notify your employees right away and give them options regarding relocation packages or switching to remote.
Move Forward
Deciding to move closer to an aging loved one is a big decision, particularly if you’ll have to buy or rent a home or even relocate your business. Be sure to include your family members and your loved one in this decision; however, if you feel that your relative’s health or well-being is in jeopardy, act quickly. This transition may be difficult for all of you, so try to respond with kindness and patience as everyone adjusts. Remembering that you are making these changes for your loved one’s best interests can help you to persevere during tough times.
Polish Care Services provides high quality service, compassion and professionalism for cleaning, and caregivers that will meet or exceed expectations. Call 860-255-8278.
Credit: June Duncan
How Seniors Can Handle Common Health Care Challenges
November 9th, 2022aging 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, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Outdoor Activities for Seniors, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services, Spring Activities, Summer Activities for Seniors,
According to statistics, senior citizens use medical services far more frequently than younger people. Unfortunately, though, senior citizens often face major challenges as they navigate the health care system. Medical errors, inaccessible providers, and high costs of care are just a few of the most common problems. Seniors who want to address these challenges can do so through self-advocacy and education. Here are some tips from Polish Care Services to get you started!
Be Your Own Biggest Advocate
Self-advocacy is an important skill for every person, and it’s even more vital for seniors who are seeking medical care. You may hesitate to question a doctor’s opinion or feel timid about asking questions, but these are important steps to take toward handling your health care. If you struggle to advocate for yourself during medical appointments, consider asking a friend or family member to come with you to your next appointment.
Other ways that you can advocate for your health include reviewing your medical bills for errors, familiarizing yourself with your health insurance benefits, and maintaining your own copies of medical records. If you decide to keep your own records, you should ensure that you have copies of medical images, too, such as x-rays. You can keep all of these images in one file by uploading them with a free online tool, combining them, and downloading the file.
Remember that self-advocacy sometimes means that you must hold yourself accountable, too. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with work and feel as though you have no time to invest in physical activity. It doesn’t take much effort to commit to small changes, though, such as walking during a lunch break or taking the stairs rather than the elevator.
Consider All of Your Options
Seniors should never settle for subpar care. You may be tempted to do this, though, if you’ve been seeing the same medical provider for a while or if switching seems like it would be too much trouble. If you’re unsatisfied with the treatment you’re receiving, you need to consider whether it’s time to seek out a different doctor. Having a positive relationship with your health care provider can correlate to better health outcomes, so it’s worth investigating.
In other cases, you may not want to switch providers, but perhaps you do want to seek out a second opinion. Doing so is an effective way to advocate for your health and ensure that you are making informed decisions. To pursue a second opinion, ask your current provider for a referral, or simply search online for other doctors in your area.
As you’re wading through the challenges of the medical system, consider whether managing your own care is the best option. In some cases, it isn’t, and a senior living facility can alleviate the stress surrounding medical care.
Something else to consider: as you’ve probably already realized, these matters can be extremely complex, and jostling a great deal of paperwork and medical records can quickly become rather confusing. To keep things a bit more manageable, try combining your files whenever possible. If you’re not super tech-savvy, this is how you can add additional pages to your PDF with ease.
Seniors Can Care for Their Health Through Self-Advocacy
Despite a lifetime of experience and knowledge, it can still be difficult for seniors to advocate for themselves. It’s essential to do so when dealing with health care, though. Seniors can make progress towards self-advocacy and protect their health by maintaining their own medical records and investing in physical activity.
Polish Care Services provides a high quality of service, compassion and professionalism for cleaning, and caregivers that will meet or exceed expectations. Call 860-255-8278.
Credit: June Duncan
10 FALL ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS AND THEIR COMPANIONS
August 22nd, 2022aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Employment, 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,
You may think that once you reach a certain age, your time to pursue activities that don’t involve sitting in front of the TV and snacking on sugary treats has come to an end. But even if you or your loved one has health conditions that make it difficult to get around, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season while staying active and living well. Here are ten fall activities for seniors and their companions that you can do this year!
Get outside
Even though the weather is cooling down, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside all the time! Getting fresh air and vitamin D can work wonders for your mood and energy levels. And there are plenty of fun outdoor activities seniors can enjoy in the fall.
Apple Picking
One great fall activity for seniors is apple picking! It’s a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond with family or friends. If you need help getting around, there are plenty of homecare and caregiver services that can assist you. And if you’re looking for a more polished experience, there are also companies that offer Polish care services.
Watch the leaves change
One of the best things about fall is watching the leaves change color. So why not take a seat outside and enjoy the show? You can even bring a book or knitting to keep you occupied while enjoying the fresh air.
Have a picnic
One great activity seniors can enjoy in the fall is having a picnic. Picnics are a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the cooler weather. Plus, they’re a great opportunity to spend time with friends or family.
Go on a photo walk
A photo walk is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while enjoying the beautiful fall colors. And it’s a perfect activity for seniors, as its low-impact and can be done at any pace. Plus, you never know what interesting things you’ll see along the way!
Cook new recipes
Trying new recipes is a great way to get out of your cooking rut and explore different cuisines. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with friends or family. And who doesn’t love eating delicious food?
Try something new with paint or clay
One of the great things about being a senior is that you finally have the time to try things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance. So why not get creative this fall with some painting or pottery? It’s a great way to express yourself and relieve stress. And who knows, you might discover a hidden talent!
Have your friends over
One of the best parts about getting older is that you can finally have your friends over without worrying about your parents being home. Make the most of this newfound freedom by inviting your friends over for a night in. You can chat, play games, listen to music, and enjoy each other’s company.
Play games with family and friends
Spending time with loved ones is one of the best things you can do, no matter your age. But as we get older, it can become more difficult to get out and about. That’s where companion care comes in! If you’re a senior citizen, or have an elderly family member or friend, you can engage them in some games.
Watch some old episodes of your favorite shows
There’s nothing like binge-watching your favorite show to get you out of a funk. And what better time to do it than in the fall, when the weather is cooling down, and you can curl up under a cozy blanket? Plus, watching old episodes of your favorite shows can help you reminisce about good times and make new memories with your friends.
Polish Care Services provide caregivers for live in or hourly in home care for seniors and can assist seniors with daily activities. Please contact us for more information.
Aging in Place: 7 Solutions for Senior 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 safe 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 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 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
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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
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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.