Caring for Seniors: Caring for Seniors During Changing Seasons
September 7th, 2020aging in place, Alzheimer's Care, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Companion Senior Care, Home Care, In Home Care, Preparing for the Holiday, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Care Services, Senior Living, Senior Services, Seniors, Summer Activities for Seniors, Uncategorized,
As we head into another time of the year, start thinking about long term care for seniors at home during each season. Every time of the year has unique challenges for the elderly population. Keep reading to learn how to care for seniors during season change such as autumn, winter, spring, and summer.
Care During Autumn
Autumn is the season to prepare in-home care clients for the winter ahead. The flu season officially begins in October. So start asking your client’s family or nurse to arrange for a flu vaccine in September or early October. Go through the client’s over-the-counter medicines and get rid of any cold-related medication or supplies that have expired. Replace the expired supplies and stock up on other things like tissues, cough drops, and nose spray if applicable.
Fill the pantry with cans of healthy soups and find recipes for warm dishes that can be put in the crockpot for easy meals. Fix any drafty spots in the house.
Don’t forget to go through existing cold weather clothes and replace anything that’s no longer wearable. Make sure the client has enough socks, sweaters, warm pajamas, and blankets to keep them cozy.
Care During Winter
Winter is the coldest time of year and can present the most risk to seniors at home with increased fall risks and household risks. One of the most important steps to take is to prepare the home for winter. Caregivers should notify the client or their family of any potential hazards around the home such as a lack of fire extinguishers around the fireplace, stairs that present a fall hazard when wet, or carbon monoxide detectors in need of batteries.
Make up an emergency kit with a flashlight, warm blankets, a radio, backup batteries, water, and nonperishable food to last for several days in case in-home visits cannot be made. Install non-slip mats under rugs and in any room where the client may slip and fall. Keep shoes on mats inside the house to keep puddles from forming on the floor if they’re wet. Finally, keep areas well-lighted as it gets dark to prevent clients from falling over objects.
Care During Spring
Spring is a season of fresh starts and is a time for caregivers providing in-home senior care to reassess things in the home. Examples of this include making sure that the medication list for the client is current and has all prescribed medications as well as vitamins or supplements. Any expired or discontinued medications should put in a separate location until a family member or client’s home care nurse can look at them or disposed of if possible.
Evaluate the rooms used by the client for any repairs or improvements to be made. Consider installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom, putting appliances and dishes within easy reach in the kitchen, and installing a nightlight in the bedroom. Move clothes and grooming items within reach for the client to use and make sure they can reach the phone or medic-alert devices from the bed.
Lastly, secure cords out of the way and get rid of clutter in the home that presents an ambulation hazard.
Care During Summer
When the weather begins to heat up, seniors face new challenges. Heat can put added stress and pressure on the elderly. It’s best to keep them cool and indoors. Avoid any strenuous activities. If the client wants to do a physical activity like take a walk, it’s best to do it early in the morning while it’s still cool. Keep them hydrated throughout the day with water and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in it. Encourage wearing light layers and keep the home cool by running a fan or using solar curtains.
Prepare meals that are light and healthy like salads and avoid heavy meals. Stock up on popsicles or other frozen items that help keep clients hydrated and cool. Offer a cool shower or bath to help beat the heat and use a cool washcloth on the back of the neck when sitting to help alleviate feeling hot.
If the client wants to go out, go to places with air conditioning like a library, coffee shop, or mall.
Every season has its care benefits and care challenges. The most important thing to remember is to prepare in advance. The more prepared a caregiver is for each season, the less stressful it will be for the senior. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and prepared caregiver, contact Polish Care Services. Our staff will be happy to match our caregivers to your loved ones.
Caring for Seniors: Need to Fall Prevention in Future
March 31st, 2020Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Elderly Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services, Uncategorized,
The fear of falling at home is a major concern for seniors and their caregivers. While falls can cause injury, learning how to prevent them is key to being able to help seniors stay at home safely and receive the necessary assistance from caregivers to make their in home care experience better.
Being Aware of the Risk Factors
When it comes to fall prevention, making the home safe so that falls don’t happen is something to consider. However, there are risk factors that contribute to falls other than home safety.
– Medications impact fall risk. Some medications cause dizziness or dehydration. In some cases, two medicines might react badly with each other and contribute to falls.
– Poor balance, gait, or a visual impairment impacts a person’s ability to function normally, leaving them more susceptible to falls.
– Conditions and diseases can increase a fall risk too due to symptoms like dizziness and compromised balance .
Start Simple
Fall prevention can be as simple as asking the client about their own concerns. It’s not uncommon for a senior to be concerned due to risk factors such as the ones described above. Starting with a discussion can help a caregiver or loved one determine why the senior in question has fall concerns. By learning about them, you can create a plan together.
Poor balance and lower body weakness contribute to falls. Simply doing exercises that focus on improving strength and balance can help prevent them. Simple fall prevention measures to take include making sure areas around the home are well-lit including having nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom. Install grab bars by the toilet, shower, and bath, and move items out of the way that may be a fall hazard.
Make Staying Safe Around the House Easier
Falls can occur because of small but important things. Wearing the wrong footwear can contribute to falls. All footwear should fit comfortably and not be loose. Furniture like beds, chairs, and sofas should be a comfortable height to make them easier to get in and out of. Any loose carpeting should be properly secured and throw rugs removed. Use nonskid treads on the stairs.
The thought of falling might be scary. But they are preventable.
For more fall prevention tips, contact Polish Care Services. Our knowledgeable senior care staff will be happy to answer your questions.
Polish Care Services Essential Services COVID19- Update
March 22nd, 2020Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Elderly Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services, Uncategorized,
Because of the governor’s order 7H to shelter in place slated to be in effect Monday March 23rd at 8:00 PM. Polish Care Services is postponing essential services such as cleaning and janitorial services until this travel restriction is lifted.
We will still be providing caregivers for seniors and the disabled as this is classified as essential services.
We are closely monitoring the CDC website and updating our employee training portal, as the health and safety of our employees and clients are of utmost importance.
We are constantly reinforcing the basics:
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water often.
Use sanitizers of 60% or more alcohol.
Avoid touching face.
Practice social distancing
If there is a fever or cold, alert the agency immediately.
If there is contact with someone with the virus, self quarantine, consult a doctor and inform the agency.
Mental health: Tune out from the negative news, and social media ever so often, find some way to relax through communication, music, meditation and exercise.
Please stay safe and healthy, together we will get though this and be stronger.
Agnes,
Polish Care Service
Polish Care Services Update on COVID19- Coronavirus
March 16th, 2020aging in place, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Dementia Care, In Home Care, Long Term Care, Polish Care Services, Senior Care Services, Uncategorized,
Dear Customers,
We want to thank you for allowing Polish Care Services to make a difference in your lives with continued service, and we look forward to continued care in 2020.
As the success of our business is extremely important to each of us, we would like to provide you with an update on the Covid19 – Coronavirus, its effects and impacts on caregiver and cleaning services, our customers, employees and stakeholders.
All employees are trained on the necessary precautions, including guidelines from the CDC.
This includes:
Hand washing 20 second rule
Using sanitizers
Disinfecting areas
Use gloves when necessary
Keep hands away from face
Wear masks when necessary
Minimize use of personal space
Employees are constantly informed though their employee training portal, and updates from CDC to ensure the health and safety of themselves and our clients.
We hope all will keep healthy, safe and calm during this time.
Sincerely
Agnes
Polish Care Services
Services Gift Certificates
April 13th, 2018Uncategorized,
Did you know Polish Care Services creates personalized gift certificates?
We at Polish Care Services creates personalized gift certificates for cleaning for corporate and business clients.
Our certificates can showcase your company’s logo and offers a minimum of four hours of cleaning sessions for homes or offices along with your personal touch, to make the moment memorable.
We have designed for a few top fortune 500 corporate clients, lets see what we can do for you!
Polish Care Services provides cleaning for offices and homes and caregivers for seniors and disabled.
Please contact us at 860-255-8278 or visit https://polishcareservices.com
Alzheimer’s Caregiver: Preparing Your Home for Care
March 31st, 2018Uncategorized,
All About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that largely affects people age 65 or older. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s progress in stages with time and eventually become completely debilitating. Early on, the Alzheimer’s patient may only show some signs, including short-term memory loss, misplacing items, losing one’s bearings, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. However, as time goes on, the symptoms become more serious. These symptoms include:
● Troubles with money
● Difficulty completing sequential tasks
● Long-term memory loss
● Agitation and extreme mood swings
● Inability to problem solve
● Confusion with time and place
● Disorientation
● Communication issues
● Wandering or frequently getting lost
● Repetitive speech or actions
● Eating things that are not edible
● Issues with spatial relationships
● Seemingly purposeless activities
● Social withdrawal
● Deteriorating motor skills
● Forgetting friends and family
● Disregarding personal hygiene
● Issues getting dressed
● Forgetting to eat
● Inappropriate behavior
● Severe depression
● Delusions or paranoia
● Aggressive, even violent, behaviors
Alzheimer’s Disease and Caregiving
Because the progressive symptoms make it difficult to live on one’s own, Alzheimer’s patients eventually must rely on a caregiver. In the United States, an estimated 15.7 million adult family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Furthermore, the economic value of the care provided by these unpaid caregivers was an estimated $217.7 billion in the year 2014.
Caregiving for an Alzheimer’s patient is a noble but difficult task. Every day is different when dealing with dementia, but one can guarantee that the disease only gets worse as time goes on. Watching a loved one’s health and mind deteriorate can truly take its toll on a caregiver’s mental health. While there’s nothing one can do to reverse the symptoms of the disease, there are home modifications that can help make the process of caregiving somewhat easier. Below, we have highlighted some of those preparations.
Making Hygiene Easier
The bathroom is considered the most dangerous room in the house. A simple slip-and-fall in the bathroom can put an Alzheimer’s patient in the hospital. To help prevent injury, install non-slip decals not just in the tub, but also along the floor in place of shower rugs. While a shaggy bath mat may be nice for your use, they are actually just another tripping hazard for someone with limited mobility.
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, caregivers have to help the patient with daily bathing. Installing a shower chair is an easy way to turn a typical bathtub into a safe place for bathing. Use a tape measure to estimate the size of the bench you will need, and visit your nearest hardware store to get a model that is right for you. Furthermore, a handheld nozzle can make the task simpler by providing the reach you need for efficient bathing. You may also want to keep a designated towel nearby to place over the patient’s torso as a way to give them a modicum of privacy that can also preserve their dignity.
Prevent Falls
When most seniors age, they can use a cane or walker to add stability in order to prevent falls. Alzheimer’s patients can often be stubborn and refuse to use these mobility aids. To help prevent falls, try the following:
● Ensure your home is well lit in every room.
● Provide visual cues that help them identify which room they are in.
● Clear your home of tripping hazards such as low profile furniture.
● Outfit them with safe and supportive footwear.
● Install grab bars throughout the house.
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that requires more and more care as the patient ages. For millions of people, it comes in the form of family members or friends stepping up to act as informal caregivers. While caregiving is difficult, you can make it a bit easier by modifying things around the house to make it safer and easier to navigate. Safety measures in the bathroom reduce risks in the most dangerous room in the house. Beyond that, try preventing falls by reducing trip risks throughout the house. These simple things can make a big difference when it comes to Alzheimer’s caregiving.
Credit: June Duncan for Polish Care Services https://polishcareservices.com
Claim your Coupon $108.00
February 27th, 2018Uncategorized,
Coupon Up to 4 hours of cleaning or caregiver session for $108.00
Valid for:
✓ Regular Maintenance Cleaning of homes and offices within 15 mile radius of 06051. May accommodate other towns in Connecticut. Call before purchase.
✓ Companion and Caregiver for Seniors and Disabled throughout Connecticut. Call before purchase.
We know its hard to try a new service. Here is an opportunity to try us and realize the benefits of additional help. Maybe you will realize why most of our customers stay long-term! Share with family and friends!
We are A+ BBB, insured, licensed HCA.0001283 and accept most major insurance.
Please call 8602558278 before purchase to see if we are a fit for your needs.
Code 0042 Promotional value for coupons expires 120 days after purchase. Amount paid never expires. New customers only. Limit 1/person, may buy 1 more as a gift. Limit 1/visit. Limit 1/household. Valid only for option purchased. Appointment required. 48-hour cancellation notice required. Must use promo value in 1 visit. All goods/services must be used by the same person. Not valid for cleaning of stove top, windows, inside refrigerator or ovens, garages, pet cages or unusual cleaning. Not valid for deep clean or move-in/out. Valid only within 15 miles of zip code 06051 for cleaning. Must call to verify service and service area before purchase. Cleaning supplies not included, available for an extra fee. Caregiver service are for non medical, companion and care. May add time for $27 per hour. Proof of purchase is required before service.Time is calculated based on one care person per hour. Most major insurance is accepted, but client is responsible for all unpaid charges. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Share with family and friends! They will be happy you did! https://polishcareservices.com
Planning for Spring?
February 19th, 2018Uncategorized,
Are you considering to hire a caregiver for seniors or the disabled in this spring?
Or, are you interested in hiring a house cleaning, janitorial service for office or commercial cleaning? Do you need company that believes in quality of the work performed, or customer service? See what Polish Care Services have to offer.
contact us at 8602558278 or polishcareservices.com we provide top quality at the most competitive rates. Ask about our long term discounted rates.
Elderly Care Assistance
February 18th, 2018Uncategorized,
Almost all of us have elderly loved ones around us who are very dear to us, might be our parents who have made sacrifices for us but as they grew old, they want us to help them and take care of them. We on the other hand are busy in the hustle and bustle of our surroundings and often either forget or fail to take out some time for them. We provide elderly care assistance to them.
As much as a child needs help at every step, the older our elderly parents gets the more they need our assistance or elderly companion care. A question that arises is what if we don’t have enough time and favorable circumstances? How to care of our parents then? An easy solution is, you can hire a caregiver from elderly care assistance companies.
What are the attributes these caregivers acquire? Can we trust them enough to leave our elderly people with them along with all their belongings?
Here is a guide and outlook on the qualities of these caregivers
Responsible:
If you ask for the most important quality of a caregiver then it would be responsibility. The responsibility for taking care of an elderly person is quite high and companies that hire people as caregivers train them to be responsible enough at every situation.
Tolerant :
Another important thing to live with an elderly person is to be patient. Patience is needed while interacting with seniors. Patience towards every situation because the person whom you are taking care of may have trust issues and boundries at first for which you need to tolerate patiently and take them in confidence. Caregivers are trained for this attitude.
Challenge accepted:
It may not be appropriate to say but some elderly personalities can be very challenging at times. This may be from social interactions, or due to failing health such as alzheimer or dementia, or just a bad day. A good caregiver is always open to challenges. Their giving nature takes all the negativity out of the situation of an elderly person for a better living.
Trustworthy:
It is quite difficult to get an assessment of a stranger, at first for your loved ones. You somehow get an assessment, but may be concerned about not only the well-being of your elderly parents but also material belongings too. Caregiver agencies and companies performs background checks, before hiring people who are experienced and reliable and if you are taking assessment of a caregiver through any such company you do not need to worry about their reliability.
Empathetic nature:
What would happen to your loved one if their caregivers was uncaring? While taking care of an elderly person, one need to be of an empathetic nature. A sense of understanding between the two is vital. A caregiver should understand what an elderly person is going through at this age with all the illnesses and other difficulties and should be able to soothe them.
If you are searching a caregiver for your loved one then look for above mentioned qualities in a caregiver for the care and comfort of your loved ones.
Please contact Polish Care Services at https://polishcareservices.com to see the list of services we offer.
Benefits of Residential Cleaning
February 18th, 2018Uncategorized,
Some may think that it is a luxury to get residential cleaning as a service. But when you are working and have a family, there are many obligations to fulfill and it becomes very hard to make time for cleaning. Time is important and most people don’t have time to do residential cleaning tasks, so the hiring of cleaning companies or getting maid service can offer you the best thing in the time, and that is time. There are many benefits of hiring professional house cleaner for your residence. Let’s look at the top 3 benefits.
1: Peace of Mind
Hiring professional cleaning services gives you peace of mind that every inch of your house will be cleaned. If you are having company, you don’t have to worry about where they will sit because the house is presentable when cleaned. You don’t have to decline your friends or your relatives visiting your house anymore as you have everything cleaned up. If you are a landlord then hiring cleaning companies can offer you a peace of mind as you don’t have to worry about next tenant complaining about the hygienic condition of the house, same thing goes for the tenants who don’t want their landlord to complain about the living conditions of the house. Hiring cleaning agencies gives you the confidence and satisfaction that everything will be done in a professional manner.
2: Time Saving
Probably the best thing about getting professional cleaning service is that it saves your precious time. The time that you spend every week can be spent somewhere much more useful. Time is money, if you think you are wasting money by hiring a cleaning agency, then think again. You can manage your house bills or do some productive work to earn money while professional cleaners will do the cleaning of the house. If you are have a family, then getting residential cleaning service gives you the luxury to settle down and spend some quality time with your family. You can enjoy the free moments with your loved ones, not scrubbing the floors.
3: Don’t have to worry about supplies
Cleaning the house requires a lot of supplies. Tiles and toilets are not easily cleaned and they need special detergents to give off a shiny look. Carpet stains and stains on your couch need other types of detergents. You need to buy different kind of brushes for different surfaces. But you don’t need to worry about that as professional maids have their own supplies. All the supplies are effective in removing stains from all the surfaces. Hiring professional cleaners gives you the satisfaction of using supplies that won’t affect you or your children. If you have pets in the house you do not need to worry about them as well, the professional maids take special attention to the health of everyone. Your house will be cleaned up and you do not need to worry about buying these expensive supplies.
Contact us at Polish Care Services. email: care@polishcareservices.com or visit at https://polishcareservices.com/ and see how we can meet your needs.