Holiday Planning for Caregivers

The holidays can be extremely stressful for caregivers, and it can take a little bit of effort to really enjoy the spirit of the season even while caring for an elderly family member. Here are some tips for senior caregivers to make the most of the holidays!

1. Get shopping done in advance – don’t just shop for the holidays when the season is approaching, start early. Keep your shopping list in mind throughout the year, and when you find something that you think someone in your life would appreciate as a holiday gift, buy it and store it away!

2. Get into the spirit with your loved one – involve your senior in seasonal preparations. Put up decorations together, collaborate on writing cards, and even create decorations or bake

3. Reminisce about past holidays – remember happy times in the past with your senior care recipient. Even if there are members of the family no longer with you, positive memories create positive holiday experiences

4. Remember to ensure that the senior you care for is comfortable – when family is visiting, particularly a senior with Alzheimer’s might become overwhelmed. Try to keep the noise down and give them a quiet place to escape to.

5. Plan and ask for help – for any holiday celebrations, plan early and write everything down. Then, you’ll feel less overwhelmed about the process and can better ask for help

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Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 602.588.7725 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

When thinking of the holiday season, it’s often with thoughts of happiness and joy surrounded by a loving family and friends. Many seniors, unfortunately, do not experience this as a time of happiness. For them the holidays bring feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation.

Some factors that contribute to sadness that seniors may feel:

* Losing a spouse
* Losing close friends as they age
* Separated from family
* Suffering from ill health
* Feel guilty for feeling sad

Dr. Harry Croft, a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in San Antonio TX, also shared strategies he gives to his patients to help them cope with the holiday blues:

* Don’t isolate
* Invite close friends
* Volunteer - Helping others is a great way to forget your own troubles
* Avoid alcohol
* Watch your finances
* Set a budget for gift giving and stick to it
* Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness
* Take time to relive the fun and friendship

These same coping strategies can be useful for seniors suffering from clinical “major” depression as well.

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

Home Instead Senior Care created and designed the 40/70 Talk with Parents. Please use it as a helpful guideline to start a conversation with your parent about tough issues. Sign up - on the left under Special Offers to receive our free Conversation Starters Guide.

View our Video on 40/70 Talk: Starting Conversations About Care For An Elder

In the research of seeking advice on family meetings when addressing our aging parents home care & critical life’s decisions, we like some families would rather chew nails than have select members give advice or opinion on how parents should live out their lives. Even though we come from the same blood line, each one of us are so different. It’s like comparing a woman to a man. We share different attitudes, perspectives, life experiences and joys, and fears.

• Start with immediate family then add extended family and friends for subsequent meetings if this would be helpful. Include the elder person in the meeting if at all possible.

• Make sure you can hear each other – literally, reduce background noise, check to see what has been heard through review, summary, etc.

• Consider large print or recorded material if resources or other written materials need to be reviewed together.

• Have ground rules such as agreeing to talk with the whole group together rather than member to member outside the meeting, can call time out if necessary, be polite and respectful of each other, no walking out.

• Stay focused on the purpose: “helping the parent maintain independent living as long as possible” or “developing a plan of care” or “planning for facility based care,” “home care” etc. Don’t wander into past hurts or past promises. It is a new day with new questions to consider. Eldercare is a process that changes over time and new plans and decisions come up.

• Respect each other’s opinions and listen to each other, especially to the elder person. Different opinions can be respected.

• Create an agenda and use it to stay on task.

• Identify someone to take notes and share them with everyone. Ensure that your elder can read the copy he/she is given. This can be used later to remind people of their agreements, responsibilities, and commitments.

• Consider a neutral 3rd party or professional to facilitate the meeting.

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

Heart disease refers to any condition that affects the normal functioning of the heart. Since heart disease touches the lives of many seniors and their families, at Home Instead Senior Care we believe it’s important to spread awareness about the signs and symptoms of heart disease, so that serious complications or death are prevented with diagnosis and treatment. A woman in our network explains how her mother’s symptoms lead to the discovery of heart disease.

One day I received a terrifying phone call; before I even had the opportunity to say “hello”, the voice on the other line said “I think I might be having a hard attack.” The caller was my mother, who at the time was 72 years old with no previous history of heart trouble, as far as we were aware. While my first instinct was to rush to her side, living with states between us made that impossible, so instead I tried to get a grasp on what she was experiencing. Based on her disposition, I suspected she wasn’t actually suffering from a heart attack, but I knew it was important to be supportive and make a point to understand.

Not surprisingly, the first symptom she mentioned was a severe ache in her chest, but she also complained of dizziness. I encouraged my mom to hang up with me and contact the office of her physician to determine the best way to proceed in order to deal with her symptoms. The doctor said that if she felt the symptoms were severe, she should go immediately to the emergency room at the local hospital; otherwise she could come in for an appointment at his office later that afternoon so he could assess what she was experiencing.

My mom felt that her symptoms were not severe enough to go to the hospital, but opted to take the doctor’s appointment with my encouragement. Speaking to her after she returned home to the doctor, I learned that heart disease was the suspected diagnosis. Her physician said that she did the right thing, even though she was only exhibiting some of the symptoms of heart disease; dizziness and chest pain, and not nausea, shortness of breathe, an elevated heart rate, loss of consciousness, or palpitations. He explained that elders who suffer from heart disease, can experience any mix of the above symptoms, which can also include heart attack or stroke. He also said that in the future, if she experiences symptoms of a heart attack which he explained, had severe chest pain or loss of consciousness, then emergency medical treatment should be sought.

After completing further tests to ascertain a more concrete diagnosis, the doctor prescribed a course of treatments which included management through medication and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While my mom has had no further complications to date, I still can’t help but hold my breath when the phone rings; but I know now I can put my own reservations aside and offer my support where it’s needed.

Sources: Heart Disease About.com

Heart Disease About.com

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Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

It’s always best to keep your doctor apprised of any changes in your health habits.  Your physician can let you know whether your appetite is normal or the sign of a health issue.  Here’s a study, though, that might interest you.

According to researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, consuming fewer calories leads to a longer, healthier life.

After studying monkeys who have lived most of their lives on a restricted diet, scientists found that a nutritious but reduced-calorie diet blunts aging and significantly delays the onset of such age-related disorders as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy.

“We have been able to show that caloric restriction can slow the aging process in a primate species,” says Richard Weindruch, a professor of medicine in the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health who leads the National Institute on Aging-funded study. “We observed that caloric restriction reduced the risk of developing an age-related disease by a factor of three and increased survival.”

Eating alone certainly is not enjoyable.  Why not check into a senior center in your area where you could join others your age for a nutritious meal and companionship.  Or consider contacting a caregiving and companionship company such as Home Instead Senior Care.  The company’s CAREGivers, who are screened, trained, bonded and insured, not only can serve as dining companions, but they can help you prepare tasty meals as well.  Regardless of what you decide, make sure that you are getting nutritious meals each day.

For more about the study, log on to http://www.news.wisc.edu/16889

Image: pro.corbis.com

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

At approximately $174,000, the average lifetime cost for senior Alzheimer’s care, the disease can take a toll on the finances of seniors and their families. There are two major aspects of Alzheimer’s and finances that seniors and their families need to consider; advance financial planning, to prepare for a stage when the senior may be unable to be involved in their own financial decisions; and understanding the costs associated with Alzheimer’s care.

Elderly costs for Alzheimer’s care do vary dependent upon the progression of the disease; but can average around $18,000 per year for early Alzheimer’s care, $30,000 for a senior with moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms and $36,000 during the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease. 75% of the costs incurred are due to Alzheimer’s care required in the home, while the other 25% of average Alzheimer’s costs relate directly to health care. Since costs of Alzheimer’s care are so significant, often seniors are unable to support the costs self-sufficiently, and family caregivers may become responsible for medical and care costs.

Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s, may also become physically and mentally unable to manage their finances self-sufficiently, so during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease it’s important for seniors to establish a living will, appoint a Power of Attorney, and ensure that all bills and financial documents are consolidated.

With appropriate planning and consideration of the costs implications of Alzheimer’s, seniors and their families can put greater emphasis upon health over finance.

Sources:

1. Alzheimer’s Association

2. About.com

Image Source: jupiterimages.com

A recent study led by Johns Hopkins and Utah State University researchers suggests that a particularly close relationship with caregivers may give people with Alzheimer’s disease a marked edge over those without one.  The benefits appear to result in retaining mind and brain function over time.

The research focused on how caregivers affect the well-being of people with Alzheimer’s disease.  Most other studies have looked at the well-being of caregivers.  Of the 167 pairs of Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers studied, patients with close spouses declined the slowest overall.

Knowing that you make such an important difference in the life of your loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease is good for all family members to know.  However, caring for an elderly loved one can be stressful. Please make an effort to get a break once in a while.  Can you call a trusted family member or friend to sit with your husband?

Why not consider professional respite care.  Home Instead Senior Care employs CAREGivers who can serve as a helper to family caregivers who need even a few hours a week away from home.  Many CAREGivers are trained to work with seniors who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  Why not call today?

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

Elder care emergencies can happen at anytime day or night. Unfortunately, senior care issues and medical emergencies just don’t operate on a standard 9-5 schedule. So what do you do if your elderly relative requires care assistance outside of regular business hours?

Many Phoenix senior home care providers offer live-in senior care, which ensures there is a caregiver available to address a senior’s every need 24/7. Others, like Home Instead Senior Care, guarantee that a caregiver is available on call when a senior needs them 24 hours per day. If you believe that the level of care required by a senior loved one requires the availability of 24 hour elder care, make sure you do your research and ask the right questions when selecting a senior caregiving agency. Look at the rates closely, as some may charge a much greater cost for caregivers who work outside of normal business hours; and if your choice is to hire a live-in caregiver, ensure that background and reference checks are completed so you have a greater guarantee that they are trustworthy.

Obtaining 24 hour care for a senior is a big decision, so don’t take it lightly! Involve your elder in the decision process as appropriate, and be thorough!

Sources:

1. Home Instead Senior Care

2. ForElderCare.com

Image Source: www.homeinstead.com

After a senior has suffered from a medical emergency or accident, the last thing they need to worry about when returning home from a hospital or rehabilitation center is to worry about how they’re going to manage to take care of themselves and their home in Phoenix.

After retuning home from the hospital, Phoenix seniors need to focus on their recovery, regaining their strength and health so they can get on with their lives; however, this is a process that just cannot be rushed as much as they might want it to be. In order to help seniors with the transition from hospital or rehab to home, Home Instead Senior Care in-home caregivers can ensure that all seniors need to focus on is getting better and that they don’t take on any unnecessary burdens that might compromise their recovery.

Bringing a caregiver into a senior’s home can help them through the recovery process; Home Instead Senior Care’s caregivers can help seniors with dressing and bathing, getting in and out of bed, cooking, and giving reminders for prescribed medications. We are happy to help your elder or senior with follow up doctor visits too.

Having a caregiver help a senior around the house, also ensures that they don’t need to worry about maintaining there home, since caregivers can take care of those tasks; from light-housekeeping, to laundry, cooking and errand running.

Hire a Home Instead Senior Care home caregiver for your aging loved one when they leave the hospital, and know that all they need to worry about is their recovery.

Sources:

1. Caring.com

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative 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.

What Does the Housing Crisis Mean for Senior Assisted Living?

The housing crisis in North America is changing the aging living structure, forcing seniors to decide to age in place rather than move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. While many seniors would prefer to downsize their homes as they get older or move to an assisted living facility, the housing market in the United States means that many seniors are unable to sell their homes in order to come up with the financing they need to pay for the fees to live in these retirement facilities.

The senior living industry has slowly transformed from assisted living to hiring a caregiver and staying in their own homes due to the housing crisis. While many seniors feel that it’s the more traditional route to move away from home as they age, the reality is that today there are many more options available which allow seniors to maintain independence and live the lifestyles of their choosing without having to give up elements of their life that define them, like their homes.

Seniors may not like to find themselves without options, but by being forced to remain in their homes, they might just have the opportunity to age with independence, grace and live their lives according to their terms.

Sources:
1. The New York Times
2. Bio-Medicine

Contact us if you need help caring for your dad in Phoenix, AZ.  Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative 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.