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.
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: 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.
Self-Care Tips For Caregivers: How To Feel Better
August 17th, 2018Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, House Cleaning, Janitorial Service, Long Term Care, Office Cleaning, Polish Care Services Trademark, Senior Care Services,
Self-care is incredibly important for all of us; it reduces stress and anxiety, helps with fatigue and health issues, and allows us to focus on our needs in order to heal emotionally, mentally, or physically. It can be difficult to carve time out of our busy schedules to do so, however, and when you’re a caregiver, looking after your own needs can bring on feelings of guilt. Caregivers often put themselves last on their list of priorities, and unfortunately, this can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even substance abuse.
The good news is that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be time consuming or lead to feelings of guilt or selfishness. Finding small ways to make yourself feel good and stay healthy is easy when you know where to begin, and usually, it starts at home. Create a relaxing space that will help you feel better after a long day and reduce stress, and set aside time to do things you enjoy, such as reading or gardening.
Keep reading for more great tips on how to practice self-care when you’re a caregiver.
Keep your finances in order
Many caregivers draw from their own finances to take care of a loved one, and it can be a huge drain on your savings to continue doing so, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Keep a close eye on your finances, set a budget for both of you, and look for ways you can save money by applying for grants for home modifications and medical equipment. Look online to see what you might qualify for; you can start here.
Take a time-out
Taking the time to get away from the stress you face every day is important, and it doesn’t require a vacation; you can take a little time-out whenever you feel overwhelmed simply by finding something that relaxes you and committing to it. Whether it’s a long, hot bath, sitting down with a cup of tea or coffee, or going out in the garden to putter for a few minutes, having a go-to stress reliever will help you feel in control and will allow you to combat emotional and mental fatigue.
Find healthy ways to cope
Many caregivers find that it’s difficult to deal with the stress of taking care of a loved one every day and turn to substances for a reprieve. It’s essential that you learn how to cope with those feelings of stress in a healthy way so that they don’t overwhelm you, because relying too much on alcohol or other dangerous substances will only lead to more issues. Find a support group so you can talk to people who understand what you’re going through, or consider taking up art therapy to help you release feelings of stress and tension.
Stay connected
Taking care of someone else’s needs for 24 hours a day can lead to feelings of isolation, so it’s imperative that you stay connected with your loved ones and friends. If you’re unable to go far, set up a Skype account so you can stay in touch with the people you enjoy spending time with, and make arrangements for video calls that will allow you to see them.
As a caregiver, you have a very large responsibility, and it can easily become overwhelming physically, mentally, and emotionally. Take care of yourself and make your health a priority; exercise daily to keep up your strength, and eat well-balanced meals. Learn how to focus on your own needs so you won’t suffer burnout.
Credit: June Duncan for Polish Care Services https://polishcareservices.com
Polish Care Services Trademark
July 22nd, 2018Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Dementia Care, Elderly Care, House Cleaning, Janitorial Service, Long Term Care, Office Cleaning, Polish Care Services Trademark, Senior Care Services,
Polish Care Services was grated the trademark from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for cleaning and caregiving services. As a company that genuinely cares about our clients and what we do, this is one more effort to let us stand out as a Polish European and American company that sets high standards not only in quality of work and care, but also customer service. Thank you to all our customers, employees and those who have supported us throughout the years.