5 Practical Ways to Relieve Caregiver Stress

Life is full of responsibilities. As we age, our responsibilities increase in significance and broaden to include a wider circle of individuals who depend on us to meet their emotional and physical needs. With a myriad of tasks that demand our attention and sap our energies, juggling families, jobs, social networks, and personal needs all at once proves to be as equally challenging as it is rewarding.

Family carers charged with overseeing their elders’ well-being have an additional weighty responsibility that affects their day-to-day living. With decision-making, emotional care, financial considerations and physical needs constantly requiring their attentiveness, an additional measure of resilience and support is critical for care success. Family caregivers play an invaluable role in enhancing their loved one’s quality of life and ensuring their overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for carers to confront the complexity of their role by taking time out to care for themselves, as well.

When asked what gets in their way of caring for themselves, family carers’ responses echo various sentiments:

“I just don’t have time.”

“I feel guilty taking time for myself when my Mom needs me.”

“It feels selfish to block out everything else I need to tackle.”

“I can’t delegate. No one can take care of Dad the way I do.”

These statements only highlight how heavily the responsibility of caring for their loved one rests on their shoulders, and how crucial it is for caregivers to prioritize scheduling slots for occasionally invigorating themselves.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 practical ways for family carers to relieve stress and avoid burnout, ensuring that they can continuously provide for their aging loved one with dedication.

1. Create a self-care routine.

Building self-care slots into your daily schedule creates a default for healthy emotional regulation. Daily self-care can be as basic as sitting down for a coffee break at midday, taking just 10 minutes of reading in quiet, enjoying a brisk walk around the block, or gaining some time to think along a 5-minute drive taken without company while running an errand. With self-care, consistency is key, and keeping the time sacrosanct is what will make the difference between being exhausted or energetic in the role of caregiver.

2. Get support from peers.

There are various formal support venues available to those providing in-home care for elders. Whether through a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meeting, in person or virtually, connecting with others who share your struggles and stresses can be a helpful tool in alleviating stress, gaining validation, or sharing your experiences. Search forums online, or find out if your community offers caregiver support groups at the local senior activities center. With an appropriate forum for sharing your caregiving dilemmas and challenges, you’ll eliminate resentment and find it easier to stay focused, positive, and helpful to your loved one.

3. Consult with a therapist.

With so many complexities and responsibilities to juggle at once, keeping your mind focused and clear can be quite a challenge. Meeting consistently with a skilled therapist can be a practical and comfortable space for processing your feelings, learning how to set boundaries, and improving communication with your loved one who is aging in place and other family members. Building rapport with an objective professional can go a long way in limiting tensions, misunderstandings, and emotional overload.

4. Embrace your limitations.

Caring for a loved one should be and could be a labor of love, even if it seems out of reach. By recognizing the areas in which you are limited and learning to accept them, you can deliver higher quality care that is stress-free. Keeping a constant reminder of how much you are doing for your loved one, will make it easier to accept the areas in which you can’t deliver, even if you wanted to.

Overwhelmed by nutritious meal preparation that consumes too much time? Consider stocking the freezer every two weeks to offer your loved one healthy choices that can be easily reheated. Want to make housekeeping more efficient? Invest in color-coded bins to keep things neat, categorized, and within reach, so you can maintain order with less effort and save time spent on putting things away. With practical tricks and a healthy outlook on how much you’re doing, you can feel calm and positively redirect energy that would otherwise be drained when focused on where your caregiving lacks.

5. Delegate as much as you can.

No one said you have to be doing everything. Caring for a loved one takes its toll emotionally, physically, and financially, and therefore, it is crucial to pursue options that can alleviate at least some responsibility, some of the time. Taking a much-needed respite from caregiving duties can also go a long way in invigorating your role. With constant demands from your loved one, it can be hard to carve out time to totally disconnect for a short while in order to return refreshed and recharged. Also, making temporary caregiver arrangements can feel far from ideal at the moment, yet, prioritizing pockets of self-care, as addressed earlier, will only strengthen your commitment to your loved one and enable you to continue giving without burnout.

In addition, there has been much public reform on the issue and value of aging in place, and therefore are countless resources available to adults in any financial bracket. Putting in some time to research your loved one’s Medicaid eligibility can open new doors for your family that can prove to be revolutionary. You may discover stimulating senior day programs, subsidized aide services at varying levels of care, transportation assistance, and emotional support that can all contribute to significantly lowering stress levels, saving time, and cutting costs.

Family members caring for the elderly should keep in mind that home caregiving services significantly relieve many of the stresses associated with eldercare responsibilities. Hired caregivers can offer valued assistance with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and various other daily household or personal care tasks. Aides can also afford the patient a sense of safety, companionship, and the comfort of remaining autonomous in a familiar environment. This doesn’t mean you’ll be giving up the privilege of caring for an elder, it will only enhance your quality of life and allow you to focus solely on what you enjoy doing most for your loved one.

Feel free to peruse our variety of additional caregiver resources throughout our website, and explore relevant topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

The Benefits of In-Home Care Services

Dorothy, the protagonist in the timeless Wizard of Oz, is not the only one to believe that “there’s no place like home.” A recent national poll conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons revealed that over 76% of participants 50 years and older prefer to stay in their current homes or communities for the long term. 34% of poll participating seniors also reported that they believe home renovations would be necessary in order to suit their changing physical and health needs as they age. However, many are still motivated to make these adjustments, despite the costs involved. This is due to their deep value for the comfort of remaining in their familiar environment, including vendors, neighbors, and their personal property. It’s not difficult to understand why most people feel comfortable aging in their current homes. Moving to an assisted living facility can be difficult. New friends and routines can be challenging, as can the prospect of giving up belongings accumulated over several decades.

Caregiving family members of seniors, as well, believe that aging in place is the ideal choice, both for the well-being of the patient and for the peace of mind it can afford their family members. Yet, caring for an aging loved one demands significant amounts of energy, and often brings on heightened stresses. With this in mind, family caregivers are most often eager to learn about Medicare or Medicaid benefits their loved one qualifies for and rely on professional assistance for easing the myriad of responsibilities caring for an elderly loved one entails.

Research on the topic of aging in place has shown that older adults who live at home enjoy various benefits that would otherwise be inaccessible to them if they would transfer to a facility. Here we offer a comprehensive outline of how hired caregivers can be of assistance, as well as the benefits patients enjoy while living at home:

1. Increased Independence

Older adults who remain in their homes enjoy much more freedom and independence than those who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Moving from an apartment or private home to a senior living facility or skilled nursing facility may address immediate safety and health concerns, but the trade-offs can be steep for older individuals who are still capable of living mostly independently. Having to live in someone else’s space involves living by another’s rules, including conforming to set meal times, structured activity schedules, and numerous regulations that can be less than appreciated.

Seniors who age in place are able to live life on their own terms, with more privacy, even when under the professional care of a hired aide. When aging in place, older adults are able to exert a greater level of control over their personal lives, choosing their routines, making decisions, and maintaining a sense of stability in the house they invested in and transformed into a home. This can lead to higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and personal satisfaction– all critical factors that contribute to better physical function, improved mental health, and a higher quality of life.

2. Connection to Family and Friends

Keeping the same social network as they age allows seniors to continue to stay connected to their friends and family. Not only do older adults have the opportunity to remain near their friends, but they can also host social events in their homes if they wish. On the other hand, in an effort to maintain professional standards, facilities need to enforce regulations and restrictions that limit a resident’s family members and may cause them to find visiting their loved one less than convenient, formal, or even unpleasant. Children are more likely to visit their elderly parents in an environment that is familiar and comfortable for them, allowing seniors to host and connect with the younger generation consistently. With the assistance of an in-home caregiver who can moderate conversation or make introductions, visits can become a lot less stressful or draining on the adult and visiting family members, alike. Caregivers can also be helpful in allowing the senior to prepare for hosting in advance by having a conversation about the upcoming visit, or preparing snacks, drinks, or gifts to have on hand.

Often, communities offer vibrant and active senior centers, volunteer opportunities, and other senior groups that provide opportunities for adults to expand their social circle by participating in various events and activities.

3. Companionship

Living at home with a hired caregiver affords seniors the opportunity for individualized care and constant companionship. Community Home Healthcare vets its staff and provides intensive quality training to ensure the caregivers working with your loved one are qualified to tend to their physical needs and are sensitive to their emotional well-being, as well. In-home caregivers are eager to provide stimulating activities and conversation, as well as accompany seniors to appointments or on errands. Having a specially trained companion who is committed to caring for your loved one while respecting your family’s values and dynamics affords both the patient and their family safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

4. Holistic Care

An older adult living independently often requires assistance and supervision for personal and health-related matters. With a highly qualified caregiver, grooming, toileting, and other personal care needs are attended to with utmost sensitivity to your loved one’s dignity. Caregivers can also be helpful in overseeing dietary considerations at mealtime, encouraging daily exercises, or giving reminders to take medications.

5. Affordability

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are enormously expensive. In addition, it’s important to consider the fact that by the time it comes to making a decision about long-term living arrangements, many seniors have almost paid off their home mortgages or already paid them off completely. Therefore, in addition to the comfort and familiarity that staying at home offers, it also becomes even more attractive from a financial planning standpoint. With Medicare coverage, seniors can receive part-time home care assistance by staying at home. Medicare pays for part-time, in-home skilled nursing care and home health aide services, provided they are ordered by a physician and the patient meets Medicare criteria for being homebound. Even without Medicare help, in-home care is usually more affordable than assisted living or nursing homes. At Community Home Health, our staff is eager to guide you in understanding your benefits eligibility and planning a caregiver arrangement that best fits your lifestyle.

Family members caring for the elderly should keep in mind that home caregiving services relieve many of the stresses associated with eldercare responsibilities. Caregivers offer valued assistance with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and various other daily household tasks, while affording the patient a sense of safety, companionship, and the comfort of remaining autonomous in a familiar environment. Feel free to peruse our variety of additional caregiver resources throughout our website, and explore relevant topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Creating a Senior-Friendly Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It’s the place where families gather to chat, cook, and share memorable moments. Having enjoyable experiences in the kitchen is vital for a senior’s overall health and functioning. Easy accessibility to gadgets, storage, and appliances is essential to keeping meal preparation safe and efficient, while allowing older adults to maintain their independence and self-esteem, as they feel productive in accomplishing household tasks with ease.

Remodeling a kitchen to accommodate an older adult’s evolving needs can be costly and beyond the means of many. Replacing appliances, cabinetry, or utility access involves large expenses that may be unnecessary once minimal effort is put into smart planning. While considering some of the common challenges seniors face in the kitchen, we’ve compiled a helpful list of various budget-minded adjustments you can make to ensure safety, independence, and convenience at home for your loved one.

1. Senior-Smart Storage

Putting a bit of thought into how kitchenware is being stored can go a long way. Do a full check to make sure that items most commonly used are positioned at a height that is easily reached without bending or using a stool. Avoid keeping cookware in higher cabinets, and opt for cutlery organization at waist level. There are countless storage solutions available for purchase, as well. Consider installing pull-out shelves to lower cabinets, keeping bottled ingredients on a lazy susan, or organizing spices on a 2 tier spice rack for easy access.

2. Better Lighting

Vision clarity is essential for seniors working in the kitchen. With sharp tools, heat, and a variety of items to choose from when cooking, proper lighting can spell the difference between danger and protection. By increasing lighting above and inside cabinets, over work areas, and in storage areas, seniors will find it easier to locate what they’re looking for and more enjoyable to work in well-lit areas. In addition to adjusting the brightness in the kitchen, consider replacing standard light switches with rocker switches to accommodate adults with weakened muscles or decreased hand-eye coordination.

3. Comfortable Seating

Being able to sit comfortably for long periods of time can increase efficiency in meal preparation and allow seniors to get off their weary feet while accomplishing tasks. While seniors’ living spaces are often far from spacious, it is important to consider seating options that accommodate company and convenience in the kitchen area. A medical kitchen stool offers padded seating, adjustable heights and arm supports to maximize comfort and productivity. Now your loved one can be active in the kitchen, pain-free!

4. Lower Workstations

Adding spaces that accommodate a wheelchair or lost height is another practical way to encourage your senior to take an active role in the kitchen. Installing a lower island or corner table makes meal prep simpler and more enjoyable for someone who finds standard counter height to pose a daily challenge. Being able to stay seated while accomplishing important tasks will offer your loved one a chance to relax and feel productive simultaneously.

5. Upgraded Sink

Upgrade the faucets at the sink to lever-style fixtures instead of twist knobs to make them easier to operate. For people with limited mobility, motion-activated faucets can be installed to reduce the need for reaching. In addition to eliminating the need to grip, these innovative faucets also eliminate the possibility of forgetting to turn off the water. Save effort, save money, and let your elder enjoy simple conveniences that make a difference. Alternatively, adding a motion sensor faucet adapter is a simpler and less expensive option to consider, as well.

Washing at the sink can also become a breeze with a faucet sprayer attachment that includes a lever for controlling water flow. Use the powerful water spray function to rinse hardened food remnants on dishes, or opt for the gentle water flow function that is more suitable for rinsing fruits or vegetables, and clearing the sink.

6. Useful Handheld Gadgets

Older adults often struggle with chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, poor vision, and fatigue. Many are also challenged by post-stroke effects that significantly limit their mobility and coordination. To aid seniors with their daily activities, geriatricians and experts recommend installing adaptive kitchen aids for your loved one’s meal preparation. Explore useful senior-friendly gadgets like automatic openers for jars, cans, and bottles, as well as oversized grip utensils, and more.

7. Effortless Reaching

Help your elder reach with ease. This lightweight reacher grabber stick allows older adults to navigate hard-to-reach places and enjoy their independence more. No more asking others to pick up, reach, or return items to their places! This product offers a strong gripping device that can handle both small items that require strong fine motor skills, like coins, as well as larger items that demand strength and flexibility, like pieces of fallen trash. Easy to handle, easy to store, this is a worthwhile investment for your senior’s kitchen.

8. Improved Time Tracking

For seniors challenged by maintaining focus or memory loss, cooking times can easily be forgotten and result in food that is all too well done, or no longer edible. Prevent your loved one from feeling frustrated when dishes prepared with effort are lost due to time oversight and add this magnetic timer to their kitchen routines. With minimal effort, the large knob can be set to pace cooking times and remind those present to monitor readiness. It can also be a useful tool in setting goals, motivating seniors to focus on specific tasks around the house for limited time frames.

Regardless of which kitchen upgrades you choose to undertake, your loved one will surely appreciate increased accessibility and independence in their kitchen experience. Paying attention to details that can improve task performance and kitchen safety can go a long way in making aging at home a pleasant experience. In addition to planning home improvements to accommodate senior needs, family members caring for the elderly should keep in mind that home caregiving services relieve many of the stresses associated with eldercare responsibilities. Caregivers offer valued assistance with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and various other daily household tasks. Feel free to peruse our variety of additional caregiver resources throughout our website, and explore relevant topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Communication With Dementia Patients

Dementia is one of the most challenging conditions associated with aging, both for the patient, and for those around him. Although there are multiple forms of dementia, all affect damage to the patient’s brain cells and impede the individual’s ability to process information, make decisions and communicate verbally. Therefore, the patient and his caregivers, family, and friends are often confused and frustrated by the challenges of daily functioning and interacting with one another.

Initially, your loved one may have trouble finding the right words to describe things or complete thoughts, confuse sequences when telling a story, or forget what they just said or intended to say. In a more progressive stage, the older adult may have a hard time following your words, take more time to respond to others or to join a conversation, and ask repetitive questions. As the disease progresses, the dementia patient only uses very few words each day, speaks strangely, or constantly repeats what was already said.

In light of the challenge of this diagnosis, how can family members and caregivers create an environment that still enables sharing experiences, laughing, and talking together? We’ve gathered some pointers that are sure to enhance your relationship with someone whose communication abilities are compromised because of their declining condition.

1. Recognize communication as a new challenge.

No one chooses to relinquish their faculties. A debilitating condition is hard both for the patient and for their loved ones around them who struggle to give support. By allowing ourselves permission to mourn the difficulties, we can more effectively deal with discomforts and replace negative attitudes with proactive strategies.

2. Remind the older adult who you are.

When meeting someone who suffers from dementia, be aware that they might not recognize you immediately. Introduce yourself and others by giving the older adult some background information, and gently explain how you are related to them. This can bring back memories that help the adult feel comfortable. It can also create a feeling of security once they have clarity on who is talking to them. A caregiver in the home who is more familiar with the adult may be able to make them feel more comfortable if they seem especially disoriented or frustrated.

3. Pay attention to nonverbal communication.

When communicating with a dementia patient, it’s important to keep in mind that this is someone who means a lot to you. You want to demonstrate that you care about them and the time you spend together and therefore do your best to communicate in a way they can grasp. While words can become a source of frustration, focusing on body language is a helpful tool for getting a message across without having to explain your intent. A caregiver can communicate more effectively by being careful to match their body language and facial expressions to the message being conveyed in their words. It is also important to remember that adults with dementia can still sense emotions, especially if the speaker’s tone doesn’t match their words. By focusing on non verbals, we can eliminate confusion, agitation, and anger and also increase the older adult’s cooperation and ability to follow the conversation.

4. Focus on the pace and style of your words.

Long sentences and impressive vocabulary can be confusing or frustrating for someone who struggles with communication. Caregivers should focus on keeping sentences short and pausing frequently so that the older adult can digest the information. Paying attention to the older adult’s facial expressions can often give the speaker valuable feedback on how much they’re following the verbal exchange.

5. Remove distractions to maximize focus.

Staying focused on something when there are distractions around is hard for all of us. For patients with dementia, it’s even harder. We recommend observing the environment or checking in with in-home caregivers to see what distractions can be removed. You can create a calm, quiet environment by simply turning off the TV, setting electronics to silent mode, or asking other people to lower their voices or move to an adjoining room. By taking an objective look around and minimizing overstimulation, you can make it easier for your aging loved one to stay focused on the conversation or the task at hand.

6. Remember that being present is most important.

When visiting someone with dementia, simply spending time with them goes a long way. At a phase when actively connecting with others is a challenge for the patient, having social interactions becomes even more valuable. Therefore, family and friends should consider visits and conversations meaningful to the older person, even when they are not getting such feedback. Practice actively listening to whatever verbal exchange you have with an older adult and let them know you’re listening to their ideas. Nodding and responding in validation gives people the feeling that you are engaged and want to hear more. For a dementia patient who struggles with expressing themselves, these cues are even more beneficial.

Family members should also keep in mind that in-home caregiving services can also make the time spent with an elderly loved one more enjoyable, especially if it is becoming challenging to manage essential tasks. You can find additional caregiver resources on our website, and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family.
Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Helping Seniors Stay Active at Home

This time of year presents a significant challenge to seniors because of the lull following the holiday season, the cooler temperatures, and the increased risk of contracting viruses and COVID-19. Minimizing exposure and limiting outings in winter weather are valuable safety precautions for everyone to take, especially older adults, who are at higher risk of contracting an illness. At the same time, it is equally important to consider mind and body wellness by continuing daily activities that keep your loved one active. We’ve compiled some of our favorite ways that caregivers can help seniors feel active, stay safe, and enjoy the warmth of home in good company. Here are some ideas:

Get Busy With Games and Puzzles

Engaging and stimulating indoor games and puzzles can help seniors stay active and motivated. There are a variety of puzzles and games on the market available to suit a wide range of interests and abilities, as well as an array of price points. Even with the gifting season behind us, friends and family can surprise their loved one with a gift delivered to their home. Caregivers can also spend time with seniors, choosing one together online or at a local store.

Explore the full range of activities and virtual products that sites like Relish or Being Saavy.com offer for keeping older adults active. Caregivers can engage seniors at various functionality levels in interactive games, such as Boggle, Rummikub, or Chess. Bananagrams is also a practical option, specifically because the game is available in a senior-friendly version that features larger letters.

Board games or puzzles require handling pieces, and are wonderful opportunities for seniors to stimulate their minds, while keeping their hands nimble. Caregivers will need to adapt their entertainment selections to the older adult’s ability, and choose puzzles that contain an appropriate amount of pieces. Some may be able and motivated to work on a long-term project, while others may need fewer, larger pieces that accommodate their limited vision or dexterity. When enjoyed in the company of a companion, friends, or family, games and puzzles can prove to be a truly memorable shared experience.

Design A Craft

Keeping active becomes easy with knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Older adults will find it rewarding to design and create their own masterpieces that can later be displayed, shared, or put to practical use. Caregivers can accompany seniors to their local craft supplier, such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels, where they can draw inspiration and shop for materials to create a work of art.

Knitting or crocheting for charity is a meaningful way for seniors to share their skills and make a difference. There are numerous organizations that accept donations of knitted hats, shawls, scarves, blankets, and more. For more information about using these unique skills to help benefit others, click here.

Take on an Exercise Routine

Staying active through movement improves emotional well-being and promotes good health. Caregivers can explore online exercise classes available on YouTube or other sites, and easily help seniors gain access to exercise routines that are geared specifically for older adults. There are many options for low-impact exercises that are free of charge and possible to do at home. Incorporating exercise into the daily routine will help seniors experience increased energy levels and maintain their health.

While being inside is encouraged, older adults can still remain active outdoors as well. On days that allow being outside, caregivers can accompany seniors on walks around the neighborhood, in a local park, or on a guided trail that is smooth and dry.

Regardless of how you choose to spend the days indoors, you can always find additional caregiver resources on our website and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family.

Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Sharing the Holidays With Seniors

The holiday season is upon us, bringing along its familiar sounds, smells, spirit —and stresses. Our families are planning get-togethers, feasts, gifting, and more, all to maximize this exciting time of year. Regardless of age, children and adults alike anticipate the holiday cheer, sharing, and memorable moments created during this time. Yet, what happens when the older generation is dependent on the younger generation to make the season a joyous and memorable one? How can caregivers juggle the multi-generational dynamic and celebrate with everyone’s interests and well-being in mind? We’ve gathered some helpful pointers that address this sensitive issue and are sure to maximize and enhance everyone’s holiday experience.

Be Proactive

It’s no secret that holidays can be demanding and overwhelming, as much as they can be joyous. For family caregivers, juggling multiple ages and needs can prove to be daunting. Therefore, proactive planning is crucial to avoid having the holiday experience feel anything but wonderful for anyone involved in senior care.

To begin with, you should determine what’s meaningful to you, your family, and your elder, and find out what is or isn’t a priority. This may mean having a candid conversation with children or seniors about their expectations or hopes for what celebrating looks like and planning logistics in a way that encourages everyone to be flexible. When everyone in the family’s preferences can be considered in holiday planning, you’re more likely to feel confident in your decisions and eliminate unnecessary disappointments.

For example, you may need to hire a part-time in-home caregiver to help ease the responsibilities, so that you can spend time shopping with the kids. It may be beneficial to rely on home health care staff to spread holiday cheer while you attend your children’s holiday performances or corporate dinner. Alternatively, try thinking about allowing someone else to host the big family dinner or purchasing a ready-made dish for the office potluck instead of making it yourself so that you can take the time to visit Mom or Dad. It’s all about striking a balance between the top few things that are most important. This will ensure that you don’t find yourself exhausted, or even worse, sick in bed, unable to join any of the excitement.

Maximize Inclusion

Having physical or cognitive limitations does not have to prevent older adults from enjoying the holidays. You don’t have to plan exciting activities or even leave the comfort of home in order to make the holiday season special and meaningful. It’s about spending time together, feeling included, and enjoying good company – even if it’s done virtually. Invite your loved ones to watch you decorate or wrap gifts via Skype, FaceTime, and other digital platforms. Playing and singing Carols, or looking through photos of past holidays can also create a positive atmosphere and help your older adult enjoy the season. No matter how you choose to spend shared time, be mindful of the pace and noise level to keep older adults from getting too tired or overstimulated.

Additionally, engaging the younger generation in elder care exposes them to the cycle of life and trains them to approach the responsibility with positivity and respect. You may include your children in decorating Grandma’s tree and create a personal and memorable holiday experience for everyone. Your family probably doesn’t fully appreciate how much effort you put into keeping everyone healthy and happy. Involving them might inspire a deeper sense of appreciation for all that you do for your loved ones.

Senior Gift Giving

Everyone loves receiving something special. Somehow, the challenge for most is determining just what to gift each person with. Considering varying interests, abilities, and budget constraints, you can still be sure to gift your elder with something they’ll appreciate.

1. Gifts for seniors to look forward to:

Holidays are a time to spend with others. Even when it isn’t always possible to attend an in-person celebration, there are many virtual ways to continue gifting from afar. For example, book tickets to an online comedy show that your loved one can enjoy from the comfort of home. Treat them to membership in a virtual fitness program designed specifically for older adults if they’re looking for fun ways to stay active. Pay attention to options for online access to media, educational courses, or exclusive entertainment venues for a variety of suitable gift options that don’t come wrapped in paper.

2. Gifts for seniors to use:

A meaningful gift does not have to be large and expensive a hat, slippers, or gift cards are among the most popular gift items that seniors appreciate. A gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or meal delivery service can be the perfect gift for those who enjoy a good meal.

3. Gifts for senior entertainment:

Books, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and magazines can serve as a great source of entertainment, keep the mind active and prevent boredom, especially if a senior is isolated or homebound. Consider gifting your loved one with a monthly subscription box to deliver a surprise to their doorstep every month. Choose from countless options and themes available, allowing your loved one to enjoy a gift that keeps giving through the year.

As you prepare for your holiday celebrations, it’s important to believe that the season can be memorable for everyone, even with some compromise. Allow yourself time and space to embrace this reality — and then remind yourself and your loved ones of the true reasons you celebrate.

At Community Home Health Care, we’re here to help you. No matter the caregiving challenge, you can navigate this holiday season with hope, peace and joy. Find additional caregiver resources on our website, and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours. We’re here for you and are happy to assist your family at this wonderful time of year. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Happy holidays from your friends at Community Home Health Care!

Senior-Friendly Activities for Fall

The days are gradually getting shorter, and the luscious lawns of summer give way to autumn’s fallen leaves. There’s always something special about each time of year, so we’ve rounded up 7 of our favorite fall activities that seniors can easily enjoy as well. With some great entertainment options while staying indoors, or venturing out into the crisp autumn air, you and your loved one can now go ahead and celebrate the new season!

1. Experience the Lovely Outdoors

As summer’s warmth fades out into the cold of winter, autumn offers the ideal climate to comfortably enjoy time spent outside. Take in the beautiful foliage and fresh autumn scents together, while engaging in a physical activity that relaxes and invigorates. When planning an outing with your loved one, it’s important to keep his or her mobility in mind. You’ll want to make sure your choice is suited to your loved one’s physical capabilities. Whether you choose to admire the scenery from the porch, in the car, strolling in a local park, or walking along a guided hiking trail, you’re guaranteed to return inside refreshed.

2. Prepare Seasonal Snacks

On a chilly afternoon, who doesn’t savor the tantalizing smell of freshly baked pastries? Or better yet, sharing the day and making memories together over a recipe? Cool days with longer evenings are the perfect time to get cozy in the kitchen and prepare a homemade snack. With easy-to-find ingredients, you and your loved one can whip up something delicious to enjoy together or share with friends and family on your next special occasion. Take advantage of autumn’s bounty of apples, cranberries, pumpkins in one of these simple seasonal treats.

3. Plant Ahead

Fall may not be the most enjoyable time to sit out in the yard, but if you’ve got a small patch for planting, this is the best time to invest in a home garden. Make the most of your loved one’s green thumb and get planting! Generally, trees, shrubs, and a wide variety of perennial plants grow best when planted at a time when the ground is moist. In this way, the roots can establish themselves before the ground freezes and winter sets in. Veggies that thrive in this season include bok choy, Brussels sprouts, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, cauliflower, celery, endive, kale, leeks, and head and leaf lettuces. They also include onions, peas, garlic, radishes, snow peas, spinach, Swiss chard and turnips. Flowers, such as tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils can be planted early in the fall and will reappear to decorate the landscape each year. For these, you’ll need one trip to your local nursery and then lots of patience until spring blooms again…

4. Decorate Indoors

Your loved one will enjoy crafting in good company while sprucing up the house with seasonal decor. Create an autumn wreath to display on the front door, paint pumpkins in varied sizes to dress up the table, or get started on crocheting a personalized holiday gift for someone special. Spend an afternoon visiting your local craft stores, like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s, and take advantage of the wide selection of seasonal art supplies they offer. You can also find some more ideas here for great crafts that guarantee memorable activities and warm autumn vibes. Crafting together will help you create the perfect atmosphere for this time of year.

5. Coordinate a Visit

While everyone is spending less time outdoors, seize the opportunity to reconnect with long-time acquaintances, extended family, and close friends. Ask your loved one who they’d like for company and schedule a date, or offer to accompany them on a visit to someone they’d be glad to get together with. You can invite guests to your loved one’s home, or make up for them to meet at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or entertainment venue. When guests visit at home, you can bring out old photo albums for them to reminisce with, as they enjoy the chance to reflect on a bygone era with someone from their past. Restoring old friendships is a powerful way for seniors to feel younger and more vibrant.

6. Work on a Fall-Themed Puzzle

Bring the scenic views inside and relax together with a cup of tea while you assemble a masterpiece. Larger-piece puzzles allow seniors to create their own works of art- ones that can both be displayed proudly and are easily accessible. They also offer older adults an opportunity to keep their fingers and minds nimble, while having fun and experiencing a sense of gratification. Many find that working on a puzzle has a meditative effect, subtly decreasing feelings of anxiety, and increasing mental well-being. Click here to choose from a selection of autumn puzzles that can be delivered to your door and enjoyed in the company of grandchildren, neighbors, or friends. When the project is completed and displayed, your loved one will be happy to show it off to visitors and tell them about the process of creating their masterpiece.

7. Visit a Farmers Market

A farmers market is more than a convenient place to purchase fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables, dairy products, or honey. Visiting a farmers market is also an informal way for seniors to be social by providing them with the opportunity to interact with neighbors and support local farmers. Adults can stroll through the market and stop for free samples and tastes while enjoying the plethora of colors and produce. Your loved one can select from a variety of fresh products to enjoy at home and is sure to look forward to another delightful trip. Click here to locate the farmers’ market closest to you.

Regardless of how you choose to share the day, we hope you enjoy the time spent together. You can find additional caregiver resources on our website, and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Community Home Health Care wishes you and your family a most memorable autumn!

How to Have a Successful First Day with a New In-Home Caregiver

Hiring a caregiver to help with your loved one can be an immense relief in the long run; but at first, you may find it slightly stressful. Introducing someone new into your life is a stretching experience, and an adjustment phase is normal and expected. With a little time, communication, and patience, you’ll find that your in-home caregiver becomes a welcome support and relief for your family.

If you’re hiring help for a loved one, whether it’s an elderly parent, a child, a disabled partner, or a recovering relative, it’s important to start things out right. Explore our tips for how to have a successful first day with a new in-home caregiver.

Discuss the Caregiver’s Arrival

Before your caregiver arrives, speak with the person in your home who will be receiving care. Depending on their level of cognitive understanding or their memory capabilities, you may have to simplify your explanation or repeat it a few times.

Talk about the person who will be coming over. Express excitement about their arrival and explain how helpful they will be. Describe each task that the caregiver will be performing so that the person receiving care knows what to expect.

You may also want to clarify what the caregiver is not responsible for. It’s important to begin the new caregiving relationship with open communication about responsibilities and boundaries.

Give a Tour of the Home

Your caregiver should have visited the home before, but if for some reason that hasn’t happened, take a few minutes to familiarize them with the layout of the home. Explain any quirks your home may have, such as hot water and cold water knobs reversed, or a fan that doesn’t work, or similar challenges.

If you don’t anticipate having enough time to give the full tour before you leave, write out the instructions or information on sticky notes. You can place these on cabinets, the fridge, the sink, or other areas where the caregiver may have problems or questions.

Talk about Family Preferences

You’ll also need to review house rules or habits that you may or may not have covered in a previous meeting. These items that aren’t necessarily directly related to the care plan—they’re more like preferences. Ideally, your caregiver should be eager to learn your family customs so he or she can make everyone more comfortable within the care plan.

Some in-home care experts suggest beginning with a basic list of top five preferences for the caregiver, and then once those become familiar, you can continue on from there. For example, if you want people to sanitize their hands or remove their shoes when entering the home, let the caregiver know. If you want the blinds left closed or open, verbalize that preference.

Keep in mind that your caregiver won’t know or remember all the details and habits of your home right away. It could take a few weeks for your caregiver to become accustomed to the way your family does things, and that’s all right. After all, the caregiver’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety, health, and wellbeing of your loved one. The other elements of function within the home are important, but not as vital as that primary goal.

Try to Stay Flexible

On that note, remember to allow for some flexibility. The care plan you’ve developed is a guide, but as the new caregiver evaluates your loved one’s needs from a fresh perspective, the plan may need to change a little.

If small alterations smooth out the process and enable a better bond between caregiver and receiver, allow those changes if at all possible. The new caregiver may not relate to your loved one the same way you do; and while this can be jarring at first, it can also be a wonderful thing.

Sometimes the introduction of a new person into your loved one’s life can be rejuvenating and refreshing. Other times, it may be an exhausting experience for your loved one until they adjust and accept the new presence as normal. Your loved one may need extra rest and additional reassurances of love during or after the first few shifts with a new caregiver.

Showcase Your Loved One’s Personality

The new caregiver doesn’t know all the aspects of your loved one’s personality like you do. Maybe your elderly parent accomplished wonderful things throughout their life, won awards, built companies, or pursued interesting hobbies. Feel free to share those details with your in-home caregiver!

Getting that full, colorful picture of your loved one is so valuable to a caregiver who’s working on developing a bond with a patient. With those details and facts in mind, the caregiver will be better able to engage with your loved one. They’ll have more conversation topics to explore, and who knows—maybe they will discover a whole range of shared interests that they can discuss!

A good caregiver recognizes that the people in his or her care have full lives, rich personalities, and intrinsic value. They are worthy of joy, health, love, and empathy, and part of the caregiver’s role is to enable those beautiful things. No disability or age limitation can define who a person is! The right caregiver will take a holistic approach to your loved one’s needs, going beyond the basics of physical care and ensuring a better quality of life overall.

Express Concerns Clearly and Kindly

If you notice an issue with the method of care, or if you’ve perceived a conflict or miscommunication occurring, sit down and chat with the caregiver. In most cases, such little bumps are easily navigated with clear, open communication and a positive attitude of partnership.

Don’t feel obliged to keep quiet out of reserve or politeness! Your caregiver welcomes feedback and wants to know how to improve the caregiving process and customize it to your family. Most caregivers will want to do a debriefing of sorts after the first shift, to get your opinion on how things went. If the caregiver doesn’t suggest a brief review of the day, feel free to mention it so you can dialogue honestly about any struggles or issues that may have come up.

Review the Care Plan

Following that first day, the care plan may need to be tweaked; and as the weeks or months go on, further adjustments may be necessary. It’s important to tell the caregiver if you’d like changes to be made. If your caregiver approaches you with suggestions, listen and consider the ideas. Sometimes, rather than rejecting the changes immediately, you may want to think them over for a while. A day or two of consideration may help you understand why the caregiver is suggesting that change.

On the first day with a new caregiver, clarity and kindness are vital. Respect your new caregiver’s expertise while being honest about your own needs and preferences, as well as those of your loved one. With a mutual sense of respect and openness in place, the way is clear for a healthy bond to grow between the caregiver and your loved one. And you’ll find that you feel a stronger sense of partnership and support as you and the in-home caregiver work together to ensure a wonderful quality of life for those you love.

Do you have someone in your life who needs care and companionship? Community Home Health Care features an experienced, caring staff of trained in-home caregivers, including personal care aides, registered nurses, and home health aides. Explore our website and fill out the online form to receive more information about the medical assistance, personal care, and friendship we provide. You can also visit in person or call (845) 425-6555 with any questions you may have, and we’ll be happy to help.

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors & Caregivers

Brrr! When temps drop and the roads get icy, it can be tempting to snuggle under the covers for the whole winter. But although the cold season may not be pleasant for anyone (sled rides excluded), winter weather can be particularly dangerous for the elderly—and caregivers and seniors alike need to be prepared and winter-smart to avoid the risks of cold, ice, and electrical issues.
Luckily, with just a little bit of planning and caution, you can make sure that the seniors in your life are prepared to handle anything the winter throws at them—and your elderly loved ones can know the right steps to take to stay safe and healthy all season.

6 Quick Tips for Keeping Seniors Winter-Safe

Prevent falls and slips.
Yikes, those icy patches can be tricky for everyone. But for seniors, any slip or stumble can lead to serious injury, from hip and wrist fractures to head trauma, lacerations, or even bad bruising that limits mobility.

Luckily, you don’t need to stay inside to prevent a slip (but if the weather is very bad, an evening at home can be a good idea!). To handle ice and sleet safely, make sure your loved one has winter shoes with good traction and non-slip soles and, if they use a cane, replace the cane tip for best use.
Once you’ve come inside, make sure both you and your loved ones leave any wet or icy shoes at the door to prevent slippery surfaces on hardwood or linoleum floors.

Prepare for outages and storms.
Snowstorm blackouts may be exciting for the kids, but lack of electricity or downed power lines can lead to harmful situations for seniors.
Prepare for limited travel ability or black-outs by creating a disaster kit of needed supplies and food to keep on hand. Your kit should include non-perishable food and water for several days, as well as a manual or battery-operated can opener, and battery-powered flashlight, radio, and extra batteries.
And don’t forget the medicine! Make sure you have extras of your loved ones’ necessary medications and first aid essentials.

Watch your heating appliances.
Space heaters, electric blankets, and other heat sources may be cozy and warm in cold climates, but they must be handled safely.
Before using any device, check that there are no signs of damage, age, or fraying to the material or power cords. When in use, make sure that avoid covering the device and keep any heat source away from flammable materials.
If you’re snuggling by a fireplace or warming up with gas heaters, prevent dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping an updated, working carbon monoxide detector nearby.

Stay covered and warm.
Cold temperatures can be a risk of easily preventable frostbite and hypothermia—-especially for those over age 65. And since we can’t stay indoors all winter long, make facing the cold a little easier by taking note of a few important cold weather steps:
Don’t skimp on the heating bills — keep your senior’s indoor space at a comfortable temperature,
Don’t forget to check on heating appliances, boilers, and utility bill payments to avoid being left in the cold!
Don’t skip bundling up with layers: socks, heavy coats, gloves, scarf, and a hat can keep everyone cozy and warm all winter long.
Don’t forget to stay warm indoors too—remind your loved ones to dress warmly if the house has drafts, chilly bathrooms, or cold floors.

Fight the winter blues.
Feeling gloomy under the grey skies? That’s pretty common!
Cold winters, with the lack of sun and limited social outings, can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression for everyone.

To help your elderly loved one or patient beat the winter blues, make sure to maintain a regular schedule of visitors or phone calls—or consider setting up a home companion or adult daycare schedule. A daily check-in not only keeps loneliness at bay, but also ensures there’s always someone to notice any health or environment changes that may be worrisome.

Keep a healthy diet.
In the colder months, dehydration and poor nutrition are common causes of poor health for seniors.
Limited time outdoors, lack of exercise and poor diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamin D. And since it’s chilly outside, it’s easy to forget a daily water intake—which can lead to dehydration. Focus on maintaining sufficient fluid intake and a fortified, balanced diet to keep healthy and fight off the sniffles, all year long.

Staying safe and healthy all winter can be a challenge. But the right home care can help. Learn more about finding compassionate caregivers focused on dignity and quality of life by reaching out to Community Home Health Care at 845.425.6555. We’re always happy to answer any questions and connect you with the right care for your family.

Balancing Elder Care With Other Relationships

Without a doubt, becoming a family caregiver can have an impact on all of your other relationships. Whether you took on the caregiver role gradually or suddenly, that role becomes the main priority in your life. Before you know it, almost all of your personal obligations become secondary, but you tell yourself, “this is only for a little while”. However, it’s easy for a little while to become weeks, months, and eventually years. You don’t want to look up one day and find that all of your other relationships are suffering. After all, socialization is a part of self-care and not taking care of yourself can impact your role as caregiver. Here are a few suggestions to help maintain your other relationships. 

Maintaining Your Marriage as a Caregiver

The relationship you have with your significant other is one that always has to be poured into. And it’s not just for them, but you too. Studies show that full-time caregivers are at an increased risk for substance abuse, health issues, and depression and anxiety. Fortunately, self-care and balance can reduce such risks. Some ways to stay present with your partner is:

  • Keeping the lines of communication open and judgment-free
  • Doing simple acts such as complimenting them 
  • Setting aside time for a date-night, even if it’s just snuggling up watching movies in the living room
  • Actively listening to your partner

These few acts can help alleviate feelings of resentment and neglect in your relationship. Overall, you’ll need to be a team and be realistic about the changes that need to take place. A supportive partner can make it easier to get through it all. 

Maintaining Your Relationship With Your Children

If you happen to take care of both your parents and your children, then you are in what’s called “the sandwich generation”. Those who take on this role are not only providing financial and care support to their parents and children, but emotional support. It’s easy to always feel like your shortchanging one when you’re providing support and care to the other. However, there’s a way to help both generations and also help yourself! 

The best thing you can do for your children is to explain that their elders will need help sometimes. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that they want to help, which can ease the burden on you. For instance, if your parents like to play card or board games and your children are old enough to play, then let them play together. Your children will feel helpful and your parents will feel good knowing that they taught them something new. 

While not every family dynamic will work that way, the best thing you can do is to clearly communicate and set boundaries. 

Maintaining your Friendships as a Caregiver

When you’re caring for an aging parent, it’s easy to cancel on a friend, not respond to a phone call or text message, and forego almost all social festivities. You may find that even though you want to maintain your friendships, you just don’t have the energy to do so. On top of that, you may feel guilty if you choose your friends over your parents. 

As we stated about other relationships, you must clearly communicate about what’s going on. Your friends may be going through the same thing too! You’ll need your friends to occasionally vent, workout together, and just let your guard down. 

Overall, You Don’t Have to do it Alone

Everyone on this list is considered a part of your support system. You need them and they need you. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries to refill your own cup. Be clear about your priorities so you don’t enter a downward spiral of broken relationships and ongoing burnout. 

Also, don’t forget that there are professionals out there that can give your parents the quality care they need on the days you need to refresh. At Community Home Health Care, we have Personal Care Aides, Trained Companions, and Home Health Aides, who are ready to provide part-time and full-time assistance. You owe it to yourself and it’ll improve not only your quality of life but everyone else in your circle too. Contact us today to learn how we can best help your situation.