Downsizing Comfortably: Tips for Seniors Considering a Smaller Home

As we age, many seniors find themselves considering the idea of downsizing to a smaller home. While the decision to move can be emotional, it’s often driven by a desire for easier maintenance, reduced costs, or the need for a home that better suits changing physical abilities.

At Community Home Healthcare, we understand the importance of feeling comfortable and secure in the place you call home. Whether you’re downsizing or staying in your current home, our personalized care services can help you live independently with the support you need.

Why Consider Downsizing?

Easier Home Maintenance: Larger homes come with more upkeep—lawn care, cleaning, and repairs can become challenging as we age. A smaller home is easier to maintain on a regular basis.

Lower Living Expenses: Moving to a smaller home often means lower utility bills, property taxes, and insurance costs, which can be especially beneficial for those on a fixed income.

Accessibility: A smaller, single-level home or apartment may be more accessible for seniors with mobility challenges. Downsizing allows for the opportunity to choose a home that fits physical needs, such as wider doorways or fewer stairs.

Closer to Family or Services: Downsizing can offer the chance to relocate closer tofamily, healthcare providers, or amenities like grocery stores and community centers, making daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Tips for Downsizing Comfortably

If you or a loved one are considering downsizing, here are a few tips to make the transition smoother:

  1. Plan Early: Downsizing is a big decision, so start planning early. Take time to assess your needs, research housing options, and decide what’s most important to you in a new home.
  2. Declutter and Simplify: One of the biggest challenges of downsizing is deciding what to keep and what to let go of. Take the time to declutter your home, then  donate, sell, or gift items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
  3. Prioritize Accessibility: When looking for a new home, consider features that support mobility and safety, such as ramps, grab bars, and walk-in showers. Opting for a single-story home or apartment can eliminate the challenge of stairs.
  4. Stay Close to Your Support Network: Whether it’s family, friends, or healthcare services, staying close to your support network is essential. Choose a location that allows for easy access to those who help you maintain your independence.
  5. Enlist Help: Moving can be overwhelming, so enlist the help of family, friends, or professional services to assist with the physical and emotional aspects of downsizing. Having a support system in place can ease the transition and make the process more manageable.

Homecare Support for Downsizing Seniors

Community Home Healthcare is here to help make your home a safe and comfortable space wherever you may be. We provide customized care that are designed to fit your lifestyle, no matter where you live. Here’s how an at-home caregiver can assist you:

  1. Daily Assistance: Our caregivers can help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, and mobility, making your home life easier and more manageable.
  2. Companionship: Loneliness is a common concern for seniors, especially after downsizing. Our caregivers provide companionship, engaging in activities and conversations to keep you mentally and emotionally stimulated.
  3. Health Monitoring: Our team can help monitor health conditions and encourage healthy habits that align with your needs.
  4. Flexible Care Plans: Whether you need a few hours of assistance each week or around-the-clock care, our plans are designed to meet your specific needs, so you can continue enjoying your home without feeling overwhelmed.

Downsizing can be an exciting new chapter in life, offering the chance to create a home that fits your changing needs while maintaining independence. With the support of Community Home Healthcare’s services, you can rest easy knowing help is available no matter where you choose to call home.

If you or a loved one want to learn more about our homecare services, contact Community Home Healthcare today. We’re here to help you create a home environment that supports your independence and well-being.

Crafting Care: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits for Seniors

Join Us in the Celebration of National Craft Month with Springtime Creativity

March is not only a month that welcomes new beginnings and the vibrancy of spring, but it also marks National Craft Month! This is the perfect time to celebrate creativity and self-expression. Did you know that crafting is beneficial to seniors?

Benefits of Crafting for Seniors

Mental Stimulation: Engaging in crafts stimulates the brain, promoting cognitive function and memory retention. It’s an enjoyable way for older adults to keep their minds sharp and active.

Emotional Well-Being: Crafting provides an outlet for self-expression and creativity, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting overall mood. It can be a wonderful stress-reliever!

Fine Motor Skills: Many crafts involve intricate movements, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of fine motor skills. This is particularly beneficial for seniors facing challenges with dexterity.

Sense of Purpose: Crafting projects offer seniors a sense of purpose and achievement. Completing a project provides a tangible representation of their efforts, enhancing feelings of self-worth.

Social Engagement: Participating in arts and crafts is a great activity for seniors and their caregivers to do together! This encourages social interaction and is a great way for older adults to connect with others.

Spring Craft Ideas for Seniors

spring craft paint flower planter
Photo: messylittlemonster.com

Painted Flower Planters: Get creative with flowerpots and acrylic paints. Seniors can design and paint their own personalized planters, bringing a touch of spring indoors. Add your favorite seeds and watch new life bloom!

spring craft greeting card
Photo: scrapbookingstore.com

Spring Greeting Cards: Crafting personalized spring-themed greeting cards allows seniors to express their creativity while creating something heartfelt for loved ones.

spring craft bookmark flowers
Photo: onelittleproject.com

Pressed Flower Bookmarks: Create beautiful bookmarks using pressed flowers from the garden. It’s a delightful way to bring a touch of nature into daily reading.

Spring Craft Collage
Photo: pinterest.com

Springtime Collages: Gather magazines, colored paper, and scissors to create vibrant springtime collages. Explore themes like flowers, gardens, and outdoor scenes.

Community Home Healthcare Celebrates Crafting with Between Ages Adult Social Center

This past Friday, we had the pleasure of sponsoring a crafting event at Between Ages Adult Social Centers. The attendees crafted Easter bonnets and baskets, answered trivia questions for prizes, enjoyed snacks and refreshments, then finished the event with a wonderful parade! We were thrilled to witness the joy and enthusiasm that crafting brought to their lives.

As part of our commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors in the communities we serve, Community Homecare is excited to host similar crafting events at other centers. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events by following us on Instagram and Facebook. Happy National Craft Month!

Tech & Seniors: They are more Closely Correlated than you Thought

Tech & Seniors: They are more closely correlated than you thought

When you think of technology, you may think of things like 4d movies, AI chatbots and teenagers.
You most likely would not associate technology with seniors. But technology is advancing every aspect of society- from waste disposal to wealth management- and senior care is not left out. Technology is transforming the landscape of senior care, providing innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life of seniors and improve their overall health outcomes.

Learn about some of the ways technology is impacting seniors and how you can utilize it to better care for yourself or the seniors in your care.

Telehealth:

With the advent of telehealth, seniors can receive medical consultations and treatment from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly important for seniors who have mobility issues or live in remote areas. Telehealth also provides easier access to specialists and reduces the need for hospitalization.

Wearables:

Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, can help seniors monitor their health and wellness. An invaluable device for seniors, to wear on a lanyard or belt clip, is an emergency call button that they can press to send an emergency alert to designated contacts or emergency services. This can be especially useful in case of a medical emergency or if the senior feels unsafe. Devices may also track vital signs, activity levels, and sleep patterns, alerting seniors and caregivers to potential health issues.
If you or the senior in your care doesn’t have one already, consider purchasing and setting one up for 24/7 safety.

Medication management:

Technology has made medication management much easier for seniors. There are now medication reminder apps and automated pill dispensers that can help seniors take their medication on time and avoid missed doses- something very valuable at this stage of life when prescriptions are piling up but memory is slowing down.

Home automation:

Smart home technology can help seniors age in place safely and comfortably. For example, smart thermostats can regulate temperature and smart locks can secure homes.
Voice-activated assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri, can be valuable tools for seniors to help them with daily tasks. For example, they can set reminders and alarms to help seniors remember important appointments, take their medication on time, or perform daily tasks.
Voice-activated assistants can be particularly beneficial for seniors with limited mobility, vision, or hearing. They can use them to help with simple tasks such as checking the weather or putting on some music. They can also provide a sense of companionship for seniors who live alone.
To ensure that seniors get the most out of voice-activated assistants, it’s important to set them up properly and provide training and support as needed.

Social connectivity:

Social isolation can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of seniors. However, due to their limited mobility, seniors may not be able to get out to see friends or family. With the advance of technology, seniors can easily stay connected with family and friends through social media such as Facebook, Whatsapp, and Twitter, video conferencing such as Zoom, Google Meet or Skype, and numerous other online platforms. With these technologies, seniors can enjoy speaking to their family and friends across the globe, ‘seeing’ their grandchildren grow up and staying updated with all the family news.

Overall, technology is providing innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for seniors and allow them to age in place with dignity and independence. As a senior citizen or a carer for one, make it your business to explore new aspects of technology and see what benefits you can gain from it.

At Community Home Health Care, we offer home health aides who can help you do just that. 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 any time. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Prescription Drug Misuse: Ways to Avoid Misuse among the Elderly

Prescription Drug Misuse: Ways to Avoid Misuse among the Elderly

When people talk about addiction, the elderly age group is the last thing to come to mind.
However, you won’t be surprised to find that in the United States alone, over 40 % of prescription drugs are used by the elderly. And according to NCADI, over 17% of adults aged 55 and above misuse prescription medicines such as painkillers, sleeping pills, and sedatives.

Why seniors?

Many adults begin to experience significant body changes as they advance in age. Their bodies tend to have increased sensitivity or reactions to medications they were previously comfortably using. These reactions may include increased body pain, slowed metabolism, memory loss, and sleeping disorders.

Older adults are likely to misuse medical prescriptions accidentally. Due to various body complications resulting from aging, the elderly take more medications than other age groups to help them live a comfortable life. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease may result in combined prescriptions leading to higher exposure to addictive drugs.Over 50% of people aged 55-85 use prescription drugs over five times daily, increasing the risk of misuse.

Since our bodies’ ability to absorb medications slows down with age, seniors may become prone to addiction or experience adverse side effects from prescription drugs, even at a lower dosage.

Misuse of Prescription Medicines: how this plays out with older people

The elderly are among those most exposed to prescription abuse. They take more over-the-counter (OTC) tablets and prescribed medicines, and the potential to misuse them is higher by:

• Taking alcohol with medications

• Taking the medications for a prolonged period against the prescription

• Taking higher doses to reduce the pain or anxiety faster than the prescription

• Taking non-prescribed medications

• Using multiple medications at the same time, resulting in drug interactions

Common prescriptions drugs that are most likely to be misused by the elderly

Medications mostly used by seniors to relieve symptoms associated with anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia have the highest potential of abuse resulting in addiction.
They include:

• Opioids

Opioids such as oxycodone and acetaminophen are commonly used to relieve or control pain. An older adult will likely become addicted by taking these medications for a prolonged period or in higher doses.

A person can develop feelings of euphoria after taking opioids in higher doses which may eventually lead to dependence and addiction, and even death.

• Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, diazepam, and lorazepam relieve sleeping disorders, anxiety, and depression. An older adult may become addicted by self-medicating or taking higher doses than the prescription.

Signs to look out for if you suspect an elderly is misusing or abusing prescription drugs

Recognizing the signs of prescription drug misuse among the elderly can be complex. This is because the signs are sometimes similar to those associated with aging, such as feelings of confusion and loss of memory. Becoming familiar with your loved one’s medication routines and behaviors will help you to identify warning signs of medication abuse:

• Taking more pills than the prescription instructs. This is a definite red flag. You can confirm this by looking at the dosage instructions on the medication container to clarify whether or not they strictly follow the prescribed dose.

• Change in behavior or moods by becoming argumentative, secretive, or nervous.

• Giving a lot of excuses for taking excessive medications.

• Becoming remorseful or concerned about using the prescriptions.

• If the older person has been previously treated for substance abuse.

• Changing their physicians or drug stores should be a cause for alarm.

• Receiving similar prescriptions from more than two drug stores at the same time.

• Becoming agitated when you ask or talk about their prescription usage.

• Losing interest in fun activities that they once enjoyed.

• Hiding or sneaking medications is a common sign of drug misuse.

• Showing signs of confusion and forgetfulness.

• Showing signs of slowed reflexes and slurred speech.

• Becoming afraid of going out without taking the medication.

• Storing “extra” tablets in their pockets.

• Showing signs of decreased attention.

• Exhibiting repetitive behaviors.

Physical signs like dilated pupils, dry mouth, watery eyes, or itchy skin are also common signs of prescription misuse.

How you can help an older person to effectively manage their prescriptions:

As a caregiver or responsible family member, there are many ways you can help the senior in your care to manage their medications safely:

• Keep a close eye to ensure you know the type and reasons for taking the prescribed medications.

• Ensure the senior in your care follows the prescribed dosage consistently.

• Draw up a medication table or purchase a pill organizer to so it’s clear which medications, and how much, should be taken each day.

• Ask the relevant drug stores if they can provide all medications in compliance packaging. (That means they custom pack blister packs with the specific meds for each day & time of day that they need to be taken.)

• Offer painkillers or sedatives only when really needed and reduce/remove them as soon as possible.

• Seek alternative pain management methods in the case of long-term pain A pain management professional or therapist can be a great help, managing and reducing the pain so that your loved one needn’t depend on drugs.

• Frequently remind older people in your care to avoid taking alcohol when on medications such as opioids or sedatives.

• Ensure that your loved one has all their prescriptions with them when they attend their periodic health check-ups. This will help the doctor to have an up-to-date prescription record, avoiding further unnecessary prescriptions that could result in misuse.

• Keep a close watch on the older person in your care and help them with keeping track of their medications to help avoid prescription misuse. If you are not available for assistance due to a busy schedule, seek the services of a caregiver or professional.

• Finally, another option is to store medications in a place where a senior can’t access them, allowing them only when necessary.

How to help an elderly person suffering from prescription abuse

If you are suspicious that the senior in your care is misusing their prescriptions or have noted some warning signs as a result of medication abuse, you should contact their healthcare practitioner for immediate intervention. The doctor may book an appointment and ask you to take them for an evaluation.
If the practitioner diagnoses prescription abuse, they can devise a treatment procedure to help the patient overcome addiction. The practitioner may propose lower doses or change the medications to less addictive options to alleviate the symptoms of drug misuse.

Reach Out

Are you looking for more helpful resources? Community Home Health Care has a caring, experienced staff of trained in-home caregivers, including personal care aides and nurses, to help care for the elderly.
Get more insights about our caregiving services and networks and fill out the online form to receive more information about the medical, personal care, and companionship services we provide. You can call (845) 425-6555 with any questions, and we’ll be happy to assist.

7 Strategies to Cope With Anxiety for Caregivers (And Their Seniors)

7 Strategies to Cope With Anxiety for Caregivers (And Their Seniors)

Recent reports indicate that approximately 20 million people in the United States are struggling with anxiety and depression due to various reasons.

And as a caregiver, you stand a higher risk of struggling with anxiety than the ordinary person. This is because of the emotional and physical strength they utilize to give proper care to their loved ones. Hence, there is a great need to help caregivers cope with anxiety as they take care of seniors.

Providing round-the-clock care to an older person who depends on you for almost everything can be strenuous, even for the strongest person. As a caregiver, you may gradually develop anxiety resulting in anger outbursts, sadness, isolation, and exhaustion.

Caregivers’ anxiety and depression has become a silent health crisis, with reports stating that over twenty percent of caregivers are struggling with anxiety.

What are the Leading Causes of Anxiety for Caregivers?

The caregivers are tasked with many responsibilities to ensure that their loved ones, including the seniors, are comfortable with life. Besides, caregivers spend most of their time and energy offering care which may deprive them of enough sleep and time to do the things they love most in their personal lives.

At times, the caregivers may feel out of control, feelings of fear concerning their loved one’s physical well-being, and other financial strains. These emotions may eventually result in anxiety, which, if not care for in good time, may gradually develop into depression.

A caregiver’s shift in roles and emotions is bound to happen, leading to anger, frustration, exhaustion, sadness, and loneliness. Fortunately, our team has developed strategies to cope with anxiety for caregivers to help them lead mentally and physically stable lives.

Common Causes of the Seniors’ Increased Anxiety

America Association for Geriatric Psychiatry shows that 10-20% of older adults suffer from anxiety, which can adversely affect their lifestyle. However, there are various ways to help cope with the condition.

The most common causes are:

• Frequent worries about being reliant on others
• High cost of medical costs
• Grief
• Severe side effects from medications
• Separation and loneliness
• Limited mobility
• Chronic health conditions such as arthritis pain and diabetes

What Are The Signs of Anxiety in Caregivers and Seniors?

Anxiety signs may vary from one person to another. Typically, the following are the behavioral and mental signs of anxiety:

• Overwhelming feelings of panic and fear
• Compulsive thoughts or beliefs
• Responses that are disproportional to the triggering fear
• Nervousness
• Frequent feelings of agitation
• Loss of focus due to troubled memory
• Sleeping disorders (too much sleep or deprived sleep)
• Hallucinations
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Frequent bouts of fatigue
• Changes in weight (gain or loss)
• Alcohol or drug abuse, including prescriptions misuse

Most caregivers and the elderly suffering from anxiety may exhibit the following physical signs:

• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeats
• Hot flashes
• Shivers
• Constant headaches
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Extreme sweating
• Cold or sweaty hands

What are the Strategies to Cope with Anxiety for Caregivers and their Seniors?

Anxiety is considered challenging when it hampers your daily activities and eventually affects your health.

At Community Home Health Care, we advocate for mentally and physically stable caregivers and seniors as we strive to help them lead quality and enjoyable life.

We understand that the emotional and physical burdens that come with caregiving can consume a considerable energy even on the strongest person.

Our team has, therefore, prepared 7 strategies to cope with anxiety for caregivers as follows:

#1. Admit that you need help and ask for it

Caregiving can result in burnout, especially if you carry out your responsibilities alone. It would be best never to think you are imposing yourself on others when you ask for help.

It would help if you came up with a list of the needs that others can step in and lend a hand. You can start with relatives, close friends, or neighbors. Someone can choose to help you walk the senior or loved one around, help take care of your young children or family if you have one, and to run up your errands when you have limited time to do them yourself.

Besides, consider hiring in-house help to lend a hand when you feel overwhelmed. You can also arrange a day-care facility for the seniors and enjoy some free time away from caregiving responsibilities.

If you have anxiety, feel free to talk with your local physician. They can determine whether you need medication or refer you to a counselor for some therapy sessions.

#2. Give attention to what you are able to deliver

As a caregiver, you must understand that “no one is a perfect.” While its normal o suffer from guilt, you need to believe that you are offering the best services or decisions to the senior or loved one.

#3. Attend a Local Support Group

Most support groups provide a serene environment for caregivers to share their emotions and fears. The support groups offer emotional and moral support, and you get to meet other people who are also experiencing similar caregiving challenges.
Additionally, by joining a support group, you can acquire new coping strategies or skills to overcome your anxiety trigger as a caregiver as you create new friendships with people who understand what you are going through.

#4. Have personal realistic goals and pace yourself

Prioritize your tasks and do one thing at a time. Come up with a daily routine list, and don’t focus so much on activities that can drain your energy early in the day. You can give more attention to the tasks that must be done daily and plan other tasks when you have the time and energy to do them.
Setting realistic goals allows you to accomplish more tasks within a specified time frame and free yourself from burnout and emotional outbursts.

#5. Seek Respite Care

Respite care plays a significant role in providing short-term relief for caregivers. This helps them to have time off from their demanding duties and focus on their personal lives. The care can take place around your home, a day-care facility, or facilities that offer overnight stays.

#6. Have Personal Health Objectives

Due to the demanding nature of a caregiver’s job, you can set some health goals to boost your mental and physical health. You can create a sleep routine, time for exercises or walks, and a healthy diet.

#7. Stay connected

Working round-the-clock as a caregiver can lead to an isolated kind of life. You need to lookout for caregiver resources within your locality to enlighten yourself more about caregiving services.

Further, it would help if you remained connected with your family members, friends, and close people who can provide frequent emotional support when you feel overwhelmed.

Key Take away:

Anxiety can impact your life as a caregiver, which may aggravate and require medical attention. Many caregivers experience anxiety disorders caused by exhaustion and emotional outbursts.

While you cannot watch your loved ones or the elderly suffer, you can use the above strategies to cope with anxiety and live a balanced life. This will, in return, give you the strength to offer better care to your loved ones.

Remember, if you don’t take good care of yourself, you will not effectively provide care to someone else.

For more information about caregivers’ anxiety and depression, you can find numerous resources on our website.

You can also get in touch with us today and learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families like yours. Call us at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for anyone else.

Winter Safety for Seniors

5 Tips for Helping Older Adults Stay Warm and Healthy.

While there is nothing as serene as sitting at the window watching the snow fall, the winter season brings along its host of challenges for all ages, as well. Icy walkways, compromised driving conditions and cold temperatures can cause a wide range of injuries for anyone, especially the senior population that is at higher risk for pneumonia, flu, and low immunity.

How can older adults take better care of themselves to avoid being affected by winter-related conditions? What can caregivers do to proactively protect seniors when the temperature drops? Here we’ve gathered 5 practical tips for keeping older adults safe, warm, and healthy throughout the coldest days of the year.

1. Winterize the home.

For seniors living independently at home, as opposed to being cared for in a nursing or assisted living facility, it is important to make sure that the rooms of their private home are properly insulated against drafts and leaks. Older windows or roofing can easily let unwanted cool air inside, as well as significantly compromise energy efficiency. Investing in weather stripping, caulking, gutter cleaning, and structural inspections can help ensure that your loved one’s home is protected and safe to withstand harsh winter conditions.

2. Dress Warmly to Avoid Hypothermia

Being properly outfitted both while inside and when outdoors is the first proactive step to take against temperature-related health conditions. Hypothermia can occur when the body temperature dips too much, which is below 95 degrees F, and can cause severe health problems like heart attack, liver damage, and worse. Being out in the cold for an extended period of time or even living in a home that is not properly heated can lead to hypothermia. It’s important for caregivers to be aware of the symptoms that indicate early onset or later stages of hypothermia and be vigilant in monitoring the conditions in which older adults are spending their time.

Early signs of hypothermia include:

  • Cold feet and hands
  • Puffy or swollen face
  • Pale skin
  • Shivering
  • Slower than normal speech or slurring words
  • Sleepiness
  • Being angry or confused

Later signs of hypothermia include:

  • Moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy
  • Stiff and jerky arm or leg movements
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Blacking out or losing consciousness

In an effort to avoid danger when heading outdoors, older adults are advised to layer themselves with warm socks, insulated boots, a heavy coat, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. In locales with a very frigid climate, seniors should cover all exposed skin, especially the head, and use a scarf to cover their mouth, as well.

While in the house, caregivers should monitor the temperature in the rooms to make sure it is consistently between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit and ensure seniors are well outfitted with several layers, using warm bed sheets, and have additional blankets on hand to use, as needed.

If you confirm via thermometer that your older loved one’s temperature has dipped below 95 degrees, seek medical assistance immediately.

3. Prevent snow-related injuries.

With muscle weakness and compromised strength, older adults are alway at a high risk of losing their balance and incurring a fall-related injury. Especially in icy and snowy conditions, it’s easy for anyone to slip and fall when outdoors in the winter, so extra caution is critical for older adults when walking on wet or icy sidewalks, and especially on stairs. Encourage your loved one to use handrails whenever possible or ask a friend, family member, or neighbor for extra support while walking outside. It is extremely dangerous for seniors with balance issues or osteoporosis to be out on wet or icy surfaces that compromise their steadiness. Strenuous activities like snow shoveling put too much strain on the heart, especially for seniors with chronic heart conditions. Establishing an outdoor maintenance plan that ensures prompt snow removal, salted ice, and cleared walkways is another proactive way to maintain senior safety in the winter.

4. Plan for senior safety on the roads.

If your loved one is independent enough to drive on their own, keep in mind that winter driving can be hazardous for anyone, and especially poses higher risks for older drivers who may not drive as much as they used to or whose reflexes are not as quick as they once were. Be sure you get your loved one’s car professionally inspected and serviced before winter arrives. Changing tail lights, tires, brakes and wipers can make a big difference on winter roads and prevent dangerous accidents in inclement weather. Also make sure your loved one’s roadside assistance plan is up-to-date in case of emergencies and keep the car stocked with emergency essentials, such as batteries, snacks, flashlights, and blankets, just in case. Unless driving is absolutely necessary during severe winter conditions, it may be worthwhile to explore local options for reliable senior transportation services as a safer alternative.

5. Have an emergency plan in place.

A winter emergency plan is the best way to keep your loved one safe at home. If you are a caregiver and are unable to check on your loved one due to personal illness or emergency, have a trustworthy family member or friend on-call to step in when needed. Be sure to keep the house stocked with essentials such as non-perishable goods, flashlights, and warm blankets, in case a severe weather event occurs and leaves your loved one without electricity. Plan for someone to keep track of the supply of groceries and medications, as well as snow removal services in case a blizzard hits. By frequently checking in on an older adult, even if you can’t be there in person, and making a list of all emergency phone numbers, your loved one will be able to remain calm and know who to call for help if needed.

As you gear up for the season, it’s important to explore the ways in which wintertime can be memorable for everyone, even with being cautious and limiting time spent out of the house. Allow your older loved one to explore new hobbies and opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available — and don’t leave out the camera as you create memories in the process.

At Community Home Health Care, we’re here to help you all around the year. No matter the caregiving challenge, you can navigate this winter season with safety, warmth and calm. 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 winter from your friends at Community Home Health Care!

A Proactive Approach to Loneliness and Social Isolation In Seniors

Although the prevalence of loneliness and isolation in seniors has been an enduring concern, the outbreak of the current COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased awareness and sensitivity to the issue. As a result of pandemic impacts, other populations are suddenly faced with a new social reality, prompting friends, family, and service providers to understand the elderly human experience more deeply and strive to minimize its negative outcomes.

Prevalence rates suggest that nearly 30% of older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation and 5% report often or always feeling lonely. As reported by the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation can have long-term negative effects on older adults’ physical and mental health, including:

● Poorer cognitive function

● High blood pressure

● Heart disease

● Obesity

● Weakened immune system

● Anxiety

● Depression

● Cognitive decline

● Alzheimer’s disease

● Death

Individuals can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons. These reasons include growing older or weaker, the deaths of their spouses and friends, limited mobility, illness, or leaving the workplace. Older people also often have limited access to transportation, and fear that they will become burdensome to their family and friends. This may motivate them to stay at home, or refuse to accept offers for participating in family and social activities. Regardless of the circumstance, it is crucial for social workers, family, and caregivers to compensate wherever necessary and provide seniors with opportunities for social engagement, in order to mitigate the effects of loneliness and isolation.

Recognizing Isolation and Loneliness

Research shows that social isolation and loneliness overlap significantly, and are often used interchangeably. In social isolation, individuals lack contact with their social network. On the other hand, loneliness refers to a state of feeling alone, separated, or separate from others. This can be defined as an imbalance between desired and actual interpersonal contact. Even though gerontological researchers and social workers distinguish between loneliness and social isolation, they acknowledge that both of these issues negatively impact older people’s health and well-being, and thus emphasize the benefits of interventions that address both.

Addressing Loneliness and COVID-19

In light of the recent pandemic, loneliness and social isolation heightened amongst seniors who were forced to be separated from loved ones for extended periods of time. In residential facilities, patient isolation remained a priority, as well as a significant concern. Since families were unable to enter the facility, senior programming directors were challenged to come up with creative ways to alleviate their residents’ loneliness and isolation. Visiting from outside windows or from a distance in outdoor premises, became the new norm. Utilizing technology, such as Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, and Hangouts has also been incredibly effective in keeping at-risk adults isolated, yet socially active. Re-thinking how to offer group activities with appropriate social distancing, or organizing compassionate visits for persons at the end-of-life posed an additional challenge for those who most appreciate the significance of social interaction for their patients.

Older adults living independently at home can face these challenges as well. Thus it is crucial to ensure the adult has a variety of occasions to engage in meaningful social activities. For loved ones living apart it is also important to keep consistent, open communication with on-site caregivers, or the elderly individual, to be assured that there are a variety of opportunities for social engagement, despite living independently.

How We Can Help

There are a variety of techniques on how caregivers can help reduce social isolation. With increased focus on the issue and a bit of proactive planning, caregivers, or even family and friends can easily help their loved one be set up for success. Here are some ideas:

Make a schedule

Creating a structure in day-to-day life, even if it may be difficult, offers the individual a sense of stability and purpose. Try setting an alarm to start the day at a reasonable time. Begin the week with a basic plan that outlines goals or activities for each day. Incorporate a combination of leisurely activities and chores, such as attending senior events, shopping, cooking a meal, a doctor’s visit, or taking a walk in a local park. Be sure to include something enjoyable and involve someone else’s company when planning the schedule.

Keep a Pet

Several studies have shown that pet attachment can alleviate loneliness by providing social support and companionship for the pet owner. Studies that evaluated the role of pet attachment or animal-assisted therapy demonstrated favorable effects on emotional well-being. A caregiver can help with pet care and maintenance so that the adult can enjoy full benefit, stress-free.

Discover New Friends

Facilitating opportunities to connect with new people is another way to alleviate isolation. Seniors can pursue their hobbies with like-minded peers, such as by joining a library society, sports venue, or knitting club. Caregivers can offer escort and companionship to adults pursuing their hobbies. There may also be local opportunities to connect with volunteers who are eager to join and facilitate new friendships.

Learn to love computers

In a fast-paced digital age, older adults often feel incompetent and isolated amidst a younger, tech-savvy generation. Explore opportunities for seniors to learn technology-related skills, such as corresponding by email, or following social media. Researchers have found that seniors who completed a 3-week computer training course and internet tutorial reported a significant decrease in loneliness. Caregivers can also offer ongoing assistance in this new experience.

Regardless of how you choose to fill the week, we encourage taking a proactive approach to combat loneliness and mitigate its effects. 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.

References:

Gardiner C, Geldenhuys G, Gott M. Interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people: an integrative review. Health Soc Care Community. 2018 Mar;26(2):147-157. doi: 10.1111/hsc.12367. Epub 2016 Jul 13. PMID: 27413007.

Cacioppo JT, Cacioppo S. Older adults reporting social isolation or loneliness show poorer cognitive function 4 years later. Evid Based Nurs. 2014 Apr;17(2):59-60. doi: 10.1136/eb-2013-101379. Epub 2013 Jun 8. PMID: 23749730.

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!

Caregivers and Seniors: How to Prepare for a Medical Emergency

Caregivers and Seniors: How to Prepare for a Medical Emergency

Seniors or people with physical disabilities are more likely to experience some kind of accident or medical emergency. That’s why it’s important for seniors and their caregivers to have a plan in place to deal with an emergency when it happens. Let’s review some steps you can take to prepare for a medical emergency and to ensure that you react calmly and purposefully when a crisis occurs.

Preparation and Prevention

You may have heard the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The phrase simply means that being careful and methodical in your daily routine can often forestall unfortunate incidents, like a medical emergency or accident. Preparing in advance for the possibility of a medical emergency is just as important as reacting to the incident.

Have a List of Emergency Contacts

First of all, make a list of anyone you may need to contact in an emergency. Since you are caregiving for a senior citizen, this would include any children or adult grandchildren who may need to know about the situation. It might also include a specialist or therapist, as well as friends or neighbors. The emergency contact list will look different for each person. If your client has memory issues, consider including the 911 number at the top of the list in case he or she forgets those important digits.

Know Your Client’s Allergies

If your client has allergies to shellfish, peanuts, medications, or anything else, you need to know those risk factors right upfront. You may even want to keep a posted list of the allergies in the home and in your client’s personal belongings, perhaps in their purse or wallet. If the allergies are so severe that they would require an EpiPen, make sure you have one on each level of the home if there are multiple stories. Carry one with you if you and your client go out anywhere.

Practice Your Life-Saving Techniques

As a caregiver, you have probably been trained in life-saving techniques such as the Heimlich maneuver, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, CPR, and the like. It’s important to maintain these skills by watching training videos again periodically, and by practicing on a dummy. Also, if your care recipient has heart problems, familiarize yourself with the emergency measures you could take to preserve their life through a heart attack or other heart failure incident, including chest compressions or administering life-saving medication or injections.

Establish Meeting Points

What if the medical emergency also involves a crisis event like a tornado, fire, earthquake, or flood? Plan ahead and identify safe spots to shelter in place from events like an earthquake or tornado. Map out safe exit paths to escape a fire and appoint a meeting place outside the home, such as the end of the driveway or a neighbor’s front porch. In the event of a severe crisis event, identify a spot where you could meet up with your care recipient’s family members, and communicate that plan to them.

Have a “Go Bag” Ready

It’s a good idea to have a “go bag” or “bug out bag” ready, in case emergency forces you and your care recipient to evacuate. A small rolling suitcase is excellent for this since you or the senior in your care can easily roll it along when you leave. In it, you can stow a 3-day or one-week supply of medications, bottled water, nonperishable food, contacts or glasses, and medical devices with extra batteries. You can also include travel-sized cosmetic and hygiene supplies, as well as spare cell phone chargers. Every three months, review and update the contents of the “go bag.” The emergency kit can also include copies of important documents sealed into a waterproof bag. And don’t forget first aid items as well!

Write Down the Emergency Plan

Every part of your emergency plan, whether for a natural disaster or a medical emergency, needs to be written down. Some parts of it may also need to be posted throughout the home, perhaps in the kitchen, in the bathroom, or beside the front door. Seniors often struggle with memory issues and with remembering a series of instructions or a particular sequence of events, so it helps them to have a written record of any emergency plans you have designed together. Be sure to share the emergency plans with your care recipient’s family as well, so you can all be on the same page in case of an emergency.

These are just a few of the steps you can take to be prepared for a medical emergency. Other precautions and preparedness measures will be unique to your situation as a caregiver, and to the specific health struggles that your client has.

Action and Implementation

So you’ve prepared and planned, and you’ve posted the emergency contacts, allergies, and steps to follow in an accessible place. What if a medical emergency actually happens? What can you do to move through it safely, with the best possible result for your care recipient?

Keep Calm

It’s really tough to stay calm when you’re faced with a serious medical emergency. However, yielding to panic will not help anyone, so it’s important to stay as calm as you can. Take a second to breathe deeply, and then act. Use your common sense and follow the emergency plan you have laid out.

Help Others Remain Calm

Even if you manage to calm yourself, those around you may not be able to control their emotions in the situation. Speak in a calm, even tone and gently but firmly direct anyone who isn’t emotionally ready to help the situation. Ask them to sit down, or give them a simple task to do.

Do Not Move an Injured Person

If your care recipient has fallen, unless the individual is in immediate danger from something in the vicinity, do not move them. Call 911 or another medical emergency number and wait for trained medical professionals to evaluate your client’s condition and determine if it’s safe to move them.

Remain with Your Care Recipient

If possible, avoid leaving the care recipient alone. If you need to step out of the room to grab a phone to call 911, that’s acceptable, but otherwise, try to stay right beside your care recipient until professional medical help arrives. Having you nearby, providing whatever care you can and speaking in calm tones, will help the senior in your care to stay calmer and wait more patiently for the help that’s coming.

Collect Necessary Items

If you and the senior in your care need to leave the home or residence to go to a hospital, or if you need to evacuate due to a flood, hurricane, or other critical events, be sure to grab the emergency kit and important documents bag that you prepared. In case of fire or an immediate threat, you can leave those items behind, but if you have a few moments before an evacuation or before departing for the hospital, take that time to collect any essential items and medications for the person in your care.

Sometimes, the items that seem least essential can bring the most comfort to someone going through a medical emergency or some other crisis. Whether you’re heading for a hospital or evacuating for another reason, try to bring along comfort items that will help your charge feel more at peace, such as framed family photos, small heirloom items, a soft sweater, or a favorite pillow.

If you’re looking for a caregiver for a beloved senior in your life, consider getting in touch with Community Home Health Care. We have an experienced, caring staff of trained in-home caregivers, including registered nurses, personal care aides, and home health aides. On our website, you can fill out the online form and we’ll send you additional information about the assistance we offer to seniors. And feel free to visit in person or call (845) 425-6555 so we can answer all your questions. 

 

How Caregivers Can Communicate with Doctors and Nurses on Behalf of Seniors

Being a caregiver has many benefits and drawbacks. While caregiving can be a wonderfully rewarding and inspirational career, it’s also a very challenging job, and many caregivers find themselves frustrated with the difficulties of their positions. Of all of these challenges, though, few are more agonizing than the task of trying to figure out how best to communicate with doctors and nurses on behalf of a senior.

For older adults, communicating effectively with care staff is often a difficult task. Thanks to cognitive decline or a simple unwillingness to speak up, seniors often don’t effectively express their needs to doctors and nurses, and the responsibility to ensure the senior’s medical wellbeing falls to caregivers.

While this can be a stressful experience for both parties, it doesn’t have to feel like a burden. Here are several tips for caregivers who want to learn how to communicate more efficiently with a senior’s care staff:

Communicating On Behalf of a Senior 101: 7 Tips to a More Open Dialogue

1. Develop a relationship with the senior’s doctors

Unless you have an ongoing relationship with a senior’s care professionals, communicating with them effectively can be a challenging task. Because of this, it’s essential to dedicate some time and energy to developing relationships with a senior’s doctors and nurses. The best way to do this is to attend as many appointments as possible with the senior you care for.

In addition to allowing you to get a feel for each doctor or nurse’s care style, this will also enable you to spot certain dynamics or difficulties and prepare yourself for how best to deal with the professional and his or her unique style of care and communication.

This is especially critical for caregivers working with seniors who see multiple doctors on a regular basis. Because each of these doctors’ care styles and treatment approaches may differ, it’s smart for caregivers to understand, as fully as possible, what makes each doctor tick and how best to communicate with each team to ensure the long-term care and well-being of the senior.

2. Gain inclusion in the HIPPA contract

HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) dictates that doctors, nurses, and other care professionals are not allowed to discuss a client’s personal medical information with anyone else unless the person is incapacitated and over the age of 18. While HIPAA rules are in place to protect patients, they can make it difficult for caregivers to access relevant health information about the elderly people they care for.

Because of this, it’s essential that caregivers gain inclusion in the HIPAA contract before it becomes time to speak with medical professionals on behalf of a senior. This enables caregivers to help seniors make medical decisions and to protect the senior’s overall health and wellbeing better. It also ensures that the caregiver will have all of the information needed should a major medical decision present itself.

3. Ask plenty of questions

Helping seniors understand and respond to medical conditions and care options can be difficult, and things like diagnoses and medical-speak are often far from easy to interpret. Because of this, it’s essential for caregivers to ask plenty of questions to fully understand a senior’s condition and what, if anything, can be done in some cases. This empowers the caregiver with relevant information and is an efficient way for caregivers to safeguard better the health and well-being of the seniors they care for.

While many caregivers shy away from asking questions because they believe they’ll be perceived as stupid or incapable, it’s important to ask for clarification any time you don’t understand something. Knowledge is power, and clarifying confusing explanations and asking for more information allows seniors and their caregivers to work together as a unified team.

4. Avoid assuming the worst

Among caregivers, specifically family caregivers, there’s often an assumption that a senior’s medical staff doesn’t want to help the caregiver provide care. Unfortunately, this makes it impossible to communicate efficiently and can have a drastic negative impact on the senior’s overall care and wellbeing. Instead of being combative with doctors or nurses, caregivers will do well to view them as skilled allies who actually want to help resolve problems and provide the best possible care for a loved-one.

When caregivers take the time to develop this type of relationship with doctors and nurses, caregivers and medical staff can work together to provide outstanding care for seniors without excess frustration and missed opportunities for communication.

5. Write down your questions

Many caregivers think of questions when they’re not in a doctor’s office. By the time they make it to the next appointment, though, they’ve forgotten their questions. This makes it easy to bypass critical inquiries and neglect essential queries that can help safeguard a senior’s health and well-being. Because of this, it’s essential for caregivers to write down their questions and bring them to the doctor’s office at every appointment. This ensures critical questions are being asked and prevents caregivers and seniors from suffering the fallout of forgotten information. 

6. Make additional appointments for additional concerns

Doctors and nurses are busy people, and they may not have time during a meeting to discuss, at length, all of your questions and concerns. While many caregivers take this as a sign that the doctor doesn’t care, this is seldom the case. To avoid frustration and ensure all questions are answered as thoroughly as possible, don’t hesitate to make an additional appointment. This can help facilitate more functional communication and avoid frustrations born from misunderstandings.

7. Encourage the senior to speak on his or her behalf

While caregivers must learn to communicate effectively on a senior’s behalf, it’s also important to encourage a senior to speak up wherever possible. Often, the message is a bit louder when it comes from the senior’s mouth, and doctors may well understand things better from seniors than they do from caregivers.

In some situations, it’s essential for caregivers to learn how to communicate with their seniors or on behalf of them. While this can be a confusing dynamic to learn, understanding different communication necessities and timeframes is critical for good ongoing communication.

Excellent Communication Starts Here

While learning to communicate on behalf of seniors can be difficult, it’s a critical skill for family caregivers and hired caregivers alike. By developing relationships with doctors and nurses, bringing lists of questions to every appointment, scheduling additional appointments for questions and concerns that will take more time, encouraging seniors to speak for themselves when and where appropriate, becoming included in a HIPAA contract, and holding off on assuming the worst, seniors and their caregivers can develop effective communication strategies that help ensure a good relationship with doctors and nurses and the best possible care.