When visiting a senior relative this month over the holidays, be on the lookout for warning signs that their lifestyle may have become too much for them. Senior care experts recommend that families make note of the following things:

1. Learn about what your senior wants for the future – the holidays aren’t a time to bring up stressful conversations, but you can casually ask them about their desires for their future. If you learn they’re hoping to move closer to their grandchildren or to a warmer climate, that can help you understand for planning

2. Take a look at how they’re doing physically and mentally – simply being in a senior’s presence over the holidays will help you to evaluate their physical and mental health that could dictate their future senior care needs

3. Include the whole family – particularly if the senior you are assessing is a parent and you have siblings, everyone needs to be included in the discussions, at least until a family caregiver is decided to provide family care. Open the dialogue with your family members about the future of your loved one’s care

Via: www.stagesofseniorcare.com

Image: sxc.hu

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

More than 5 million seniors suffer from Alzheimer’s in the United States, and unfortunately, many of these receive medical care that is not geared towards helping their cognitive condition. A new study has demonstrated that with more comprehensive care, Alzheimer’s can be more manageable for seniors, their families and medical professionals:

1. Screening upon admission to the hospital – rather than learning that a senior has Alzheimer’s or dementia retroactively following a medical issue, this approach ensures seniors are screened when admitted to the hospital

2. Education of the nurses and medical practitioners – there are three levels of care depending upon patient needs, but all of them ensure that all medical professionals responsible for the care of a senior are aware of their Alzheimer’s diagnosis

3. Planning for the future – right from the time of admission in this three-tier program, medical professionals talk with seniors and family members about preparing for the future, and arrangements that will need to be made for discharge. For those who require more comprehensive care, follow-ups are conducted to ensure that a senior’s health comes first

Via: Hospitals and Health Networks

Image Source: www.sxc.hu

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

If you’re looking to hire a professional caregiver to help provide care for an elderly loved one, you need an agency that’s going to provide you with more than just the basics; you need a caregiver who will ensure that your loved one is safe and protected at all times. When interviewing prospective caregivers or talking to agencies, make sure that they have procedures in place to address the following areas:

1. Be aware of changes – seniors who are experiencing health changes, financial difficulty or other problems might begin to act differently. Often seniors who are experiencing problems might not be open about them due to embarrassment, but caregivers can speak with other family members if they notice anything unusual while spending time with their senior clients

2. Help address financial need – while it’s not a caregiver’s responsibility to pry into a senior’s finances, they can identify problems. If stacks of mail are piling up or collections calls are being received in the senior’s home, it’s possible bills aren’t getting paid. Again, a caregiver can approach this issue gently with the senior’s family, and suggest that a Power of Attorney be used if the issue appears to be that bad

3. Dispose of sensitive information – assist seniors by suggesting that they shred bills or other information that could compromise their safety

4. Know who is making healthcare decisions – caregivers should ensure that they have the contact information on hand for the family member or other individual for making these important decisions in case of a medical emergency

5. Suggest an advanced directive or living will – to help seniors secure their future wishes, suggest an advanced directive or living will so that their medical needs are fulfilled according to what they want

6. Determine how expenses will be paid – if the caregiver will be responsible for household purchases on behalf of the senior, it should be determined how this will be managed. Signed checks can be provided, seniors can open an expense account that the caregiver has access to, or if all expenses will be paid in cash provided

7. Be wary of strangers – caregivers should be wary of new friends that come into senior’s lives, especially if they are from a different generation. Seniors can become victims of scams because they are anxious to curb their loneliness with new social opportunities. With this in mind, caregivers should also work with seniors to investigate any charitable organizations or other causes seniors are thinking or donating to before a transaction is made

8. Provide a safe environment – in all circumstances, senior caregivers from a franchise should be responsible for identifying potential hazards in the household and ensuring that they are addressed to put their senior care recipient’s safety first.

Via: Keeping Seniors Safe

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Q – Since my dad had a severe stroke, he’s been unable to speak. It can be hard to remember to communicate with him, since often when you’re in a room with him, it feels like he isn’t there. We’ve had evaluations done in Phoenix to see if he’s still able to hear, but haven’t received any definite results. What should we do to communicate with him?

A – A parent who loses their ability to communicate can have a serious effect on the rest of the family, who suddenly feels like the person that they know and love has disappeared. While he’s there in body, I’m sure it feels like he’s not there in mind. However, just because your dad can’t show you he’s still in there, he’s likely very aware of many of the things happening around him and attentive to your every move. To communicate with your dad, keep on talking to him, whether or not he can talk back. His body language may indicate whether or not he can hear and understand what you’re saying, but even if not, he could be hanging onto your every word. If you’re helping him with tasks around the house, walk him through what you’re doing just to talk to him, and don’t be afraid to make body contact so he can feel that you’re there for him. Even if it means having a one-sided conversation, you can make your dad feel like he’s important, and that he hasn’t lost himself to his illness.

Sources:

1. Aging Care

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

I struggled with the idea of getting in home help for my aging father for a number of years. For the longest time I felt that he would be undignified accepting help, so I extended myself to try to provide it for him, hoping he’d feel that it was a question of spending time together more than it was providing for his shortcomings. Since he had given up driving, I drove to his Phoenix home, nearly 30 miles from my own three days a week to transport him to appointments and out on errands; working around my schedule dictated by my career and family. Anytime I came by, I also made sure he had a fridge and cupboard full of food, and even prepared some meals for him to freeze and reheat. I’d also give him a hand by doing laundry and tidying things up so he wouldn’t have the physical burden of having to do it by himself.

One day I realized that while I of course wanted to spend time with my dad, I just couldn’t do it all, and acting as his primary caregiver to avoid hiring a professional one in Phoenix was taking a serious toll on my life and my family. Finally, I had to make the hard decision to give up being a family caregiver, and going back to just being a daughter to my aging father. Instead, I now have a professional in-home caregiver going into his home 3 days a week to complete the tasks I was doing for my dad, and when I come to visit, I just focus on appreciating our time together.

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

When my father-in-law began to experience serious vision loss, it took a much greater toll on his life than we ever would have expected. While he managed to find ways to cope with his lack of sight, the emotional effects were far more damaging and through association, the rest of the family found themselves dealing with similar emotional struggles.

It was hard to see a family member forced to sacrifice his independence and give up on some of the activities he enjoyed. Once an avid card player, my father-in-law withdrew from his weekly card game night because he was self-conscious and discouraged by his vision impairment that presented additional challenges that his friends weren’t facing. Eventually, because he felt he didn’t have anyone that could relate to what he was going through, he found a local support group here in Phoenix for seniors coping with loss of eyesight and began to realize that all the struggles he was facing were normal and by talking over his experiences he was better able to grieve.

While we wished we could do more, our family tried to offer the encouragement and support we felt he needed. We pushed him to re-join his card night, with the assistance of a caregiver who helped him find ways to adapt to his declining vision so he could continue to enjoy his life and all his favorite activities.

Sources:

1. Web MD

2. Eldercare ABC Blog

Image Source: spectacle.berkeley.edu

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

“How can you call yourself a caregiver when you live so far away?” was the surprising question that greeted me when I introduced myself at a caregiver support group in my local Phoenix community. I’ve been faced with adversity before when people learn I live across the country from my elderly mother; they assume I’m uninvolved, irresponsible, and sometimes even selfish because I’m not there in person to act as her senior caregiver. However, this wasn’t the kind of reaction I expected from a group who were already familiar with the challenges that come with caring for an aging parent.

Maybe you relate to this sentiment; I’m not a caregiver because I don’t live nearby, so why don’t you give me the opportunity to explain myself. I’m not the primary physical caregiver for my elderly mother on a day-to-day basis, but I am a caregiver. I have arranged for my mother to physically receive the best senior care in Phoenix. I assist her in managing her finances and assets, and I am the first one that her caregivers or healthcare providers would call in the case of a medical emergency or for assistance in making a healthcare related decision. I am always ready to fly across the country at just a moment’s notice, and I spend most of my free time learning about how to improve my mother’s care by talking to those who are with her regularly and consulting senior care resources.

Whether or not you’d call me a caregiver doesn’t matter, it’s not about the labels, it’s about providing the best care possible for my mother, even if it’s from a distance. I’m a caregiver, but call me what you’d like.

Sources:

1. National Institute on Aging

2. How to Care

Image: Ucsb.edu

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Q – I have noticed some signs that my elderly mother is struggling to live independently in her own home. While I have some ideas about home care, I do come from a large family in Phoenix and feel it’s important that I involve my siblings and immediate family in the decision making. What’s the best way to go about this?

A – Ask your immediate family to get together in Phoenix so that you can all discuss your concerns about your mother’s health and care. If not all siblings live close by, you can set-up a conference call so that everyone can be involved in discussing your mother’s care requirements. For the first meeting, don’t involve your mother, so you can talk openly about your concerns without upsetting her. Discussing eldercare requirements for a loved one, can be stressful, so keep the following tips in mind when planning your first family senior home care meeting.

1. Establish a goal for each meeting – the first meeting might be about discussing concerns, and making suggestions for how to proceed with home care

2. Invite only close relatives – invite your close siblings or other family members you feel must be involved, but try to keep numbers under 7 people

3. Allow each family member the chance to speak without interrupting

4. Share resources – each family member can bring information about your mother’s specific conditions or local resources that may be able to help

5. Have a moderator – invite a 3rd, impartial party like a counselor or Geriatric Care Manager to help keep the meeting on track if you feel there will be disputes about your mother’s care amongst family

Sources:

1. Elder Care Online

2. Suite101

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

With the growth of the senior care industry in Phoenix and with many seniors requiring some form of in-home care or assisted living services, it comes as no surprise that almost everyday there seem to be new developments that surround the eldercare business. The best developments in Phoenix senior services are those that improve the lives of seniors and ease the stress of caregivers caring for their elderly family members.

1.    In-home monitoring systems – Big Brother style monitoring systems allow family members and eldercare professionals to monitor the safety of a senior living independently through motion detectors, cameras, and vital monitoring.

2.    Safety gadgets – electronic alert devices and personal alarms allow seniors to call for help when they’re in danger. Many come equipped with GPS for locating.

3.    Transportation services – many communities offer free transportation for seniors over a certain age, so they can get around independently.

4.    Exercise information and resources – it’s no longer believed that exercise is bad for seniors joints or their hearts when completed safely. Many gyms offer programs that cater to the older demographic.

5.    Luxury goods – personal care products, like canes and walkers no longer have a sterile medical feel. Seniors can purchase items that fit their style and personality.

6.    Elderlaw – with the number of baby boomers approaching their senior years, Elderlaw is addressing more needs of the elderly with legislation.

7.    Gadgets – technologies cater to senior living, can improve their lifestyle and increase independence.

8.    Resources for family caregivers – support groups, information sources and other resources are available to help family caregivers learn about senior care and connect with one another.

9.    Peer care – caregiving agencies may have older adults on staff to provide care to their peers that might better relate to senior issues, offer companionship and increase a care recipients comfort level.

10.    In-home Care – non-medical senior care is widely available through agencies like Home Instead Senior Care, to allow seniors to maintain their independence at home with the assistance they require.

Sources:
1.    Eldercare ABC Blog
2.    Franchise Prospector

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

In-home senior care, like that provided by Home Instead Senior Care, is non-medical skilled care to assist seniors with Activities of Daily Living and other responsibilities which they struggle with when living independently in their own homes. However, non-medical senior care is not the only type of in-home care available to help seniors remain at home, but by understanding the different service levels of in-home care, seniors and their families can make informed choices when hiring a caregiver to ensure that their elder care needs are met.

Non-Medical Senior Care
• Senior needs assistance with running errands, getting to appointments, cooking, light-cleaning and other Activities of Daily Living which could be completed by a senior helper
• Senior could benefit from the companionship of a caregiver
• Senior needs helps with bathing, dressing, grooming or has Alzheimer’s and needs someone present for safety

Home Health Care
• Senior requires more in-depth medical care, such as administration of medications, changing of bandages, monitoring of  vital signs and more
• Senior could benefit from medical supervision by a caregiver who is a registered nurse, or visits from a doctor

Hospice Care
• In-home medical care that focuses upon keeping chronically ill seniors comfortable or providing treatment at home.
• Senior requires medical professionals to administer treatment, monitor their health or instruct family caregivers on how to provide proper eldercare at the hospice level

Sources:
1. The Gilbert Guide:
2. American Cancer Society

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.