Category: In Home Care

How Seniors Can Handle Common Health Care Challenges

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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

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Strong Habits for Retirement Health and Happiness

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Want to know the secret to happy, healthy aging? It doesn’t involve restrictive dieting or a fastidious fitness plan. Taking control of your physical and mental health is surprisingly simple! Move your body in different ways, keep your mind active, create a living environment that reflects your lifestyle goals, and strive to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Aging well isn’t about all-or-nothing wellness routines. It’s about the small steps you take every day towards overall improvements in your quality of life. Below, we share some tips to help you take control of your whole-body health!

Want to maintain your independence? The team at Polish Care Services provides high-quality home care and cleaning services so you can live safely and comfortably at home!

Consider Starting a Business

Having a sense of purpose is essential for a happy retirement. It’s easy to feel like life is a little meaningless after leaving a long-term job, but it doesn’t have to be this way. You just have to find new ways to fill your life with meaning! Starting a business is a great way to find fulfillment in retirement. And thanks to technology, launching a business has never been easier. There are countless resources online that can help you navigate the steps ahead, like registering your business and filing a DBA name. A DBA (doing business as) name will allow you to operate a sole proprietorship under a fictitious name rather than using your personal name.

Stay Mobile for Quality of Life

As people age, they often face difficulties with mobility. This can make everyday activities like getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, and even taking a walk around the block seem impossible. For many seniors, this loss of mobility can lead to a decline in their overall quality of life. However, there are a number of mobility products that can help seniors stay active and independent. For example, grab bars and bath chairs can provide support and stability when bathing. Walkers and canes can help with balance and stability when walking. And scooters and power chairs can help with transportation. By using these products, seniors can maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Try New Hobbies

Learning new hobbies is another great way to keep yourself busy in retirement while challenging your mind. Now is your chance to try out all of those hobbies you never had time for when you had a full-time job! Plus, studies have shown that maintaining hobbies in retirement can have a number of benefits for older adults. These include everything from increased mental stimulation to improved physical health. Social activities can also help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among retirees. So whether you’re interested in learning a new language or taking up an instrument, make sure to take advantage of your newfound free time by finding hobbies that you enjoy.

Engage in Different Types of Exercise

One form of exercise may not be enough to support your whole-body health. Seniors—and people of any age, for that matter—can benefit from four main types of exercise. Try to fit all four of these exercise types into your regular fitness routine so you can maintain your strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance:

● Strength training will strengthen your muscles, boost your metabolism, and support your bone health.

● Endurance exercises increase your heart rate to support your cardio and respiratory health.

● Flexibility exercises will protect your mobility by keeping your muscles and joints flexible and strong.

● Balance exercises can help to reduce your fall risk and help you live a more independent life.

Be Mindful of Your Diet

Diet also plays an important role in senior wellness. Try to be mindful about what you’re putting into your body and make choices that will help you avoid issues with malnutrition, a common problem among older adults. Due to age-related changes, you might need to adjust your diet to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Try to get most of your calories from nutrient-rich food like fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and lean protein.

Adopting healthy habits is the key to getting the most out of your golden years. When you strive for a healthy lifestyle, you’ll feel happier, think more clearly, and have more energy. You could start a business to put your skills to use, focus on making sure you stay mobile, try new hobbies, eat healthy and vary your exercise routines. All of these and more pave the way for better living and overall wellness in this new chapter.

Credit: June Duncan

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10 FALL ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS AND THEIR COMPANIONS

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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.

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Caring for Seniors: Outdoor Summertime Favorites for Seniors

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There’s never been a better time to go out and move now that summer is upon us. Staying active is one of the best things seniors can do for their physical and emotional health.

Outdoor activities are particularly beneficial to seniors because they receive exposure to vitamin D as well as other health, physical and psychological benefits. Vitamin D helps to improve brain and bone health. Leaving the house also allows seniors to socialize with others, giving them a social and emotional boost.

Here are some favourite outdoor social activities that seniors can do this summer.

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 enjoy the scenery as they enjoy the summer sun. Ensure they wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and drink non-sugary or alcoholic liquids to stay hydrated.

Take a Walk

Moving is vital to seniors, but it can be more challenging to do as they age due to physical limitations. Walking on a familiar flat surface with a family member, friend, in-home caregiver, or a pet is an excellent way to move around during the summer without overdoing it. Anyone caring for seniors can assist.

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. Seniors can attend classes at their local community pool depending on their ability level. 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 basketball game, tennis, soccer, or baseball match, whether 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 lovely day out.

Go Fishing

Families look forward to the chance to spend time when summertime arrives. Loved ones should make the most of the summer with water parks, sports, barbecues, and more. You may involve your elderly loved ones in a variety of enjoyable activities that they will enjoy, such as fishing. Fishing is one of the fantastic ways for older people to stay active and exercise as they age. Regardless of where they fish, one will have beautiful recollections for a long time.

Outdoor Social Activities.

Although it’s not always simple to form or maintain friendships, it is one of the most progressive and practical ways seniors can significantly impact their health and well-being. Recognizing the value of social interaction in one’s life and taking steps to create and maintain enduring connections can boost a person’s quality of life.

When it comes to establishing social ties, seniors wishing to meet other seniors and other people can have a variety of possibilities. They can locate people who share your interests and widen their social circle whether they do it through social media, online, or in person. Outdoor Social meet and greet includes dancing events, gardening clubs, and cruise or travel groups.

Shopping: antique stores and flea market

There are many potential bargains at flea markets, one of the main reasons families should involve their seniors to enjoy shopping there. Finding something for just about everyone, including unique items at affordable costs, is simply because of the large selection of goods available hence depending on their preferences, they can get items of choice. Everyone loves a bargain and the process to get there is rewarding.

Outdoor movie

Outdoor movies, particularly during summertime, have made seniors feel less alone, develop friendships, increase empathy, and give their minds a mental “time out.” It’s a fantastic chance to look back on old memories, too. Nowadays, seniors are portrayed as fun-loving, intelligent, daring, and dynamic individuals actively involved in society. Several recent movies have been developed sensitively and respectfully to illustrate health issues and age-related disorders, including dementia and depression.

Fairs

Fairs have been proven to reduce seniors’ social isolation and are effective for their overall mental health. One important thing for every family is promoting their seniors’ active and healthy lifestyles. Fairs during summer help seniors by providing them with social engagement opportunities while enhancing their partnerships and independence.

Bird Watching

Optimally, summer is the best time for watching and participating in the celebration of birds, with many returning species, blossoming trees, and warmer weather. Bird watching is impactful in engaging seniors’ brains and involves paying great attention to little visual details, identifying patterns in animal behaviour, and listening intently to bird songs. Bird watching is a memory-related exercise that improves an older person’s reflexes and mental clarity and may even help with dementia.

Outdoor Plant and Garden Showcase

For seniors, gardening, particularly food gardening, has many therapeutic and health benefits. A garden can be made fascinating, accessible, and productive by changing the garden beds, tools, and equipment. One can build a secure, usable, and comfortable space with some preparation and minor adjustments for seniors with medical issues, including physical disabilities.

If your loved one could use a companion or a caregiver to help them get outdoors and enjoy summer activities, or activities of daily living reach out to Polish Care Services. Our expert care staff will be happy to assist you. Reach out to us today!

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Caring for Seniors: Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Seniors

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The ability to enjoy various outdoor activities is highly beneficial to the elderly. However, for senior citizens to be adequately cared for, there need to be a wholesome approach which involves the caregiver agency its professional services team, and if at all possible their loved ones.

Polish Care Services is among the best service providers in caring for the elderly and its professional caregivers can assist with seniors participating with outdoor activities for seniors. Furthermore, there are specific outdoor activities which are effectively beneficial and can easily accommodate seniors at all levels of activities. These activities are available during springtime and summertime, including walking, gardening, fishing, and golfing, among many other safer activities for seniors.

The benefits of outdoor activities are well documented to suit people of all age groups. However, several of these benefits are designed to mitigate several challenges that people face along with ageing. For instance, among the significant challenges that face the seniors, particularly among the women, is bone health, which is positively impacted by sufficient levels of Vitamin D. For a person to acquire all the vitamin D that the body requires to maintain stronger bones and optimize the immune system, there is the requirement for exposure to the sunlight approximately 15 minutes each day. Scientific studies have revealed that spending time outside is impactful in boosting the immune system. The people who spend more of their time outdoors have more developed virus and cancer-fighting white blood cells than those who spend most of their time indoors.

Moreover, another practical benefit of the outdoors is that it can positively impact recovery time after an illness or an injury. Studies indicate that patients who spend more time outdoors, including those who stay in rooms with natural lights, get discharged sooner than those in rooms with artificial lights only. For elderly persons, it is more beneficial to get more exposed to the outdoors since prolonged stays or long-term care in healthcare facilities are associated with further complications capable of impairing the elderly’s health and wellbeing. Activities such as gardening, fishing, nature walks are among the summer activities that is beneficial in strengthening seniors’ bodies and minds.

Among the outdoor activities that stimulate and are effective for seniors’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being is walking. Walking with the elderly is a much-needed exercise and emotionally calming experience for seniors and caregivers too. Walking the elderly in the natural sunlight has proved to be a mood stabilizer with an increased mood of joy, contributing to a night of more restful sleep by altering the body’s internal clock. Walking is also one of the most accessible activities, which requires no extraneous equipment other than footwear. seniors may participate in their past times and can enjoy fun outdoors activities, including walking, gardening, golfing, and fishing with their companion caregivers.

Based on the physical level of the of the elderly, they may require different levels of outdoor activities. However, each senior person can enjoy at least one particular outdoor activity at a time. For instance, summertime is usually marked by safer activities sunbathing, cooking, playing games such as card games and other leisure activities, including reading books. These activities are done with the help of dedicated specialists passionate about helping seniors maximize their aging experience.

There is a myriad of activities that provide a variety of safer impactful activities which enhance the physical and emotional wellbeing of the elderly. For example, Gardening, walking and exercising are among the summertime activities recommended by Polish Care Services. For instance, Gardening is a simple act of relaxation technique for seniors and any other person striving to experience good moments for themselves. Please call Polish Care Services 860-255-8278 for details.

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The Benefits of Becoming a Professional Caregiver

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The number of older adults over 65 is expected to grow in the next two decades to 80 million by 2040. Many seniors will need the assistance of professional caregivers as they age. So, what are the benefits of becoming a caregiver? This post outlines the benefits of being a caregiver for the elderly, what hourly and live-in caregivers do, and why becoming a caregiver is rewarding.

Why Become a Caregiver?

Getting older isn’t easy. At a certain point, simple tasks such as getting up and downstairs, getting dressed, and even preparing meals can be hard for older people to do. A professional caregiver helps to make life easier for their senior clients by helping them with those tasks. The caregiver and client might work together over many years and form a close and rewarding professional relationship.

What is Hourly Care?

Hourly care is just what it sounds like. Caregivers for the elderly are paid hourly to take care of clients. Working on an hourly basis can provide caregivers with a certain amount of flexibility, depending on how their schedule is structured and how many clients they might see on a given day. Some caregivers may work a full 8-hour shift with one client, while others may split their time between a few different clients throughout the day. Some clients might need a caregiver’s help every day for a set number of hours, while others need assistance for a few hours on set days.

What is Live-In Care?

Live-In caregivers will spend their time living with and caring for one specific client. They live in the home with the client and will generally perform any task from activities of daily living (ADLs) to meal prep, errand-running, and homemaking services. As part of their compensation, live-in caregivers receive room and board as well as meals to provide care to their clients. Typically, live-in caregivers can receive at least one day off if desired, and they can sleep a regular number of hours during the night. The specifics of a live-in care arrangement are worked out between the caregiving agency and the family.

Benefits Associated with Being a Caregiver

Professional caregivers can largely determine the number of hours that they want to work. If they prefer the routine that comes with working for one client, they can choose to do that. Other caregivers might prefer working with multiple clients throughout the day or working overnight. Caregivers also get to decide whether they would like to work full-time, part-time, or overtime, which is not available to people who are traditionally employed.

Caregivers can be pooled from various backgrounds and professions than certified nurses assistant (CNA), home health aide (HHA), personal care attendants (PCA). Caregiver agencies hires those trained in other fields such as customer service, civil servants, teachers, nurses, doctors and provide tools for development as a caregiver.

Caregiving agencies offer various benefits for caregiver jobs. Ongoing training for caregivers is one. Continuous training programs allow caregivers to improve their caregiving techniques and learn new ways of providing care to clients. They can also offer job benefits like W2 matching for Medicare and Social Security, overtime, and bonuses for certain jobs.

To learn more about how to become a caregiver for seniors in the Farmington, CT and other Connecticut towns, reach out to Polish Care Services today!

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Spring Forward with These Activities for Seniors

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As we move forward one hour in time, it’s yet another reminder that spring is just around the corner. With warmer days full of sunshine ahead, it’s time to start thinking about spring activities for seniors to do. The winter months can be especially hard on older adults because cold weather forces them to stay inside, which can impact mental health and overall wellbeing. Here are some activities seniors can try that will support both.

Feed the Ducks

A simple activity like feeding the ducks is one way for older adults to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. It allows them to interact with the ducks and be in nature among the trees and in the fresh air. It’s common to feed ducks with bread. But foods like oats, grapes cut in half, rice, or seeds are healthier options.

Dine Al Fresco

Outdoor dining has become a preferred dining experience since the pandemic began. But it’s also the perfect way to embrace springtime. Set up lunch outside on a patio or in a park. Dinner is also an option. If it’s a little too chilly for outdoor dining, consider getting an outdoor heater or going to a restaurant that has heaters for their outdoor diners.

Have a Garage Sale

Get a jump on spring-cleaning by having a garage sale. Sorting through and getting rid of things can be hard for some seniors. But it’s also an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and rediscover lost treasures. Organize items into a sale, donate, and keep pile. Then set up a time to have the garage sale. It will take a little work. Once it’s done, though, your loved one can sit outside and meet other people in the neighborhood. It’s mutually beneficial for everyone!

Hang a Bird Feeder

Like feeding the ducks, hanging a bird feeder is a simple activity that can bring seniors a lot of joy. They can watch for the birds while in the yard and take satisfaction in knowing that they are helping the birds. It gives the birds a source of food. During nesting season, birds who have babies won’t have to fly too far from the nest to eat.

Plant an Indoor Garden

An indoor garden is one way to bring nature inside and keep plants safe while temperatures outside are warming up. Try starting a herb garden. Kits are available online or at your local garden store, making doing so easy. Other ideas include growing a few flower plants. If maintaining plants is an issue, consider getting low-maintenance ones such as a succulent or two. This is a great idea if gardening outdoors or spending time outdoors is more difficult for an older loved one.

Decorate for Easter and Spring

Nothing says spring more than decorating around the house. Create spring-themed coloring pages. They can be purchased at a craft store or downloaded and printed at home. Color them in and hang them around the house. Put up removable wall decals for Easter. They are easy to hang and remove when the time comes, especially for seniors in long-term care. Go pick a few wildflowers and make little bouquets to use around the house. Decorating can help put your loved ones in a new mindset and help them shake off the difficulties of winter.
Spring is a time for fresh starts. If you’re looking for companion care for seniors in the Farmington, CT area, reach out to Polish Care Services today!

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Why Choose a Caregiver Agency for Seniors and the Disabled

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Caring for a loved one that is elderly or disabled is not easy. More often than not, family caregivers are trying to balance work and other family obligations on top of their caregiver duties. This can result in stress and eventually caregiver burnout. Hiring a professional caregiver can help alleviate some of this stress. But the process of finding and hiring a caregiver is overwhelming. This article provides an overview of what you need to know about hiring a caregiving agency.

Types of Professional In-Home Care

The type of professional in-home care you and your loved one chooses depends entirely on their individual needs. Many people frequently start with what is known as hourly care services. A professional caregiver is hired to come for a set number of hours each day or on certain days depending on the need. Some families use hourly service as a way of filling in gaps of time when someone is unable to be home. A disabled person may want a caregiver to come help them with personal care in the morning and evening, and choose hourly care for that reason.

Live-in caregivers provide live-in care services and are with the clients they serve because they live in the home with them. A family member or client will choose this option if they do not have a solid care support system close by, or if they require professional support beyond what family and friends can provide.

How Professional Caregivers Assist Clients

When people hear the word “caregiver” they traditionally associate the term with a person who helps a person bathe, dress, eat, go to the bathroom and walk around. These are known as activities of daily living or ADLs and fall under the category of personal care. While this is the most common type of assistance that caregivers offer clients, it’s far from the only type of care or the end of a caregiver’s duties. Care types include:

Personal care: Assistance with ADLs, meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping, medication reminders.

Companion Care: Assistance with tasks like getting mail, feeding pets, transportation, errand running, and activities like walking, playing games or attending events.

Homemaking Services: Homemaking services focus on activities around the home such as light cleaning, making the bed, dusting, doing laundry, and organizing as necessary.

The Advantages of Hiring a Caregiving Agency

Some people choose to hire professional caregivers on their own. But for the uninitiated, hiring a professional caregiving agency is beneficial. Caregiving agencies hire trained caregivers that they have vetted and the caregivers that they send out are licensed, insured, and bonded.

A professional caregiving agency is also well-versed in figuring out how to best assist clients. This is why an agency often begins with an evaluation that identifies what a client needs assistance with. The results of this evaluation may identify more areas of assistance than what is initially sought. This data will help the family and client determine what type of care they want. And the agency will also have a better idea of the caregiver they may assign to assist.

Polish Care Services is a professional caregiving agency that helps clients with their personal care and companion care needs. To learn more about the services we provide, reach out to us by contacting 860-255-8278 today.

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Aging in Place: 7 Solutions for Senior Safety

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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

#in-home help technology #home security #alzheimers #ehealthmedical alert devices #Senior Services #senior safety #senior health #solutions for senior safety #aging in place

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Caring for Seniors: Making the Holidays Special for Seniors

aging 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.

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