Caring for Seniors: Music and Health Benefits for Seniors
December 15th, 2020Caregiver Employment, Caregiver Service, Preparing for the Holiday, Retirement Plans for Seniors, Senior Living, Senior Services, Seniors, Uncategorized,
Caring for Seniors: Music and Health Benefits for Seniors
Music is beneficial for everyone. There’s always a song that makes each person that hears it feel something. But for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is especially beneficial. It allows them to access parts of their mind that might be unreachable otherwise. Here’s how music helps seniors when they need it the most.
What Music Therapy Does
Music therapy is part of what some experts refer to as entertainment. When people start to listen to music, it allows them to focus on it and feel more relaxed. This facilitates better physical and emotional processing so that everything from medications to feeling emotions is more effective. It’s used in care settings to help bring about change for therapeutic reasons, spiritual ones, or emotional ones.
This is why music therapy is used in a wide variety of care settings including long term care communities, rehab centers, hospice, and in home senior care. It helps people manage conditions like chronic pain and Alzheimer’s disease. In Finland, doctors studying its effects found that survivors of a stroke who listened to music every day improved their auditory memory, mood, verbal memory, and focus.
How Music Therapy Helps Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Melody has a profound effect on people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and it is like a medicine for seniors with these conditions. Some studies have shown increased eye contact, communication, and happiness. It’s also shown that elderly people are less fatigued and that music helps regulate sleep, due to higher melatonin levels, if music is listened to regularly. Seniors are more likely to walk further when exercising and keep a better pace as well.
For those in the later stages of the disease, music therapy has shown to decrease stress and agitation while increasing relaxation and responses.
Caregiver Benefits from This Therapy
Caregivers also benefit from music therapy. Listening to songs with seniors who have Alzheimer’s or dementia helps lighten the mood. Plus it creates a connection with the client or loved one and helps the two communicate without needing to use words. Caregivers can use music to make the daily routine they go through with clients or loved ones easier by creating a connection. Most importantly, music helps improve the bond between caregiver and elder that can fray due to stress.
If you or someone you know need help caring for an elder with Alzheimer’s or dementia, contact Polish Care Services. Our team of care experts will be happy to help match you with a caregiver who meets your needs.
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.
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.