Assisted Living for Your Loved One: When is the Right Time?

Posted on October 7, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

Assisted living is a housing option for older adults who want or need help with everyday activities, such as cooking meals, housekeeping, and keeping doctor’s appointments. In addition, this type of community can provide your loved one with maintenance-free living and social bonding that many older adults need at their age.

When your loved one’s health and safety is placed at risk because of their continued stay in their own home, assisted living may be your only option. Some assisted living homes even provide special memory care services for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia needs.

Signs that your loved one needs to be moved into residential care:

For a lot of us, it may be difficult to accept that our loved ones are no longer capable of living on their own. However, we cannot ignore the signs that indicate it’s time to consider moving them into an assisted living facility. Some of these signs are glaringly obvious but others require more communication. It’s important to spend time with the elderly adults in your family and determine their real condition.

Emergencies or Incidents

Falls, injuries, and similar incidents, especially if these incidents have happened several times, can be indicative of a mobility problem. These episodes could be caused by complications of diabetes and other diseases, stiffness in the joints, and porous bones. Because falls can be serious and even fatal in older patients, twenty-four hour monitoring may be necessary, which assisted living facilities can provide.

Physical Changes

Bodily changes in the patient, such as changes in appearance, unusual body odor, and obvious weight loss can be indicative of advancing health problems or difficulty in managing daily activities. A patient with notable changes in appearance and strange bodily smells could have trouble bathing or grooming themselves due to decreased physical strength while weight loss could be brought about by lack of appetite or proper nutrition.

Depression

It is common for elderly patients to suffer depression especially after the death of a spouse. Because loneliness and depression can lead to mood swings, loss of sleep and appetite, as well as contemplation of suicide, it is important for your loved one to have regular social interactions that they can get at assisted living facilities.

Clutter

Clutter could also be a sign that you should consider assisted living for your loved one. Messy and unkempt surroundings could be a sign of many things. It could mean that your loved one is suffering from a physical or mental issue if they are showing signs of hoarding or inability to throw anything away. Thick dust, cobwebs, bathroom molds, and other signs of sloppy housekeeping could indicate that your loved one is no longer physically able to tidy things up.

Security and Safety Issues

If your loved one has been involved in security and safety issues like a major accident or a fire because of forgetfulness, leaving them to continue fending for themselves is no longer an option especially since there is a possibility that their condition will only deteriorate with the passage of time. It’s also important to note that while forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, it could also suggest more serious conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Slow Recovery

Because of their frailty, the elderly can easily catch a cold or become involved in accidents. When these things happen to your loved one, make sure to monitor their recovery. If the patient’s condition usually gets worse or when recovery is slow, it could be time to take them to an assisted living facility where capable staff can look after their health needs for a majority of the time.

Inability to Manage Finances

The inability to manage money is an early indicator of cognitive impairment. One of the best ways to find out whether your loved one is having trouble with their finances is to check their mail. Be on the lookout for communication from creditors, insurance companies, and banks particularly when they are about recent accidents, overdrawn accounts, and late payments. You should also be on the lookout for letters from charities or possible scammers because impaired mental skills can make the elderly vulnerable.

Driving Difficulty

Many older adults like to assert their independence by driving themselves so now and then, it’s important to check if they are still properly able to do so. Check the condition of their car for dents or nicks and make sure to ride with them while they drive so you can observe whether they still follow safe driving protocols, such as fastening seatbelts, reacting to traffic lights in a timely manner, following the speed limit, and many others. If you think your loved one’s ability to drive alone safely is impaired, moving them to an assisted living facility is a way to ensure that they won’t be a danger to themselves and to others.

Anxiety at Living Alone

Apart from safety and health reasons, another important factor to consider when thinking of assisted living for your loved one is their emotional state. If they are constantly showing signs of anxiety or loneliness while living alone, then moving them to an assisted living facility may be the best thing for their well-being.

Caregiver Stress

Caregiver stress refers to the mental, emotional, and physical toll of bearing the pressures of caring for someone with special health needs. This strain includes sleep and eating disruptions and signals that the demands of caregiving have become too much to handle. Caregiver stress is especially difficult for caregivers who are also members of the family, such as the spouse, parent, or child of the patient. If the primary caregiver, such as yourself or another member of the family, is experiencing caregiver stress, residential care could be the solution.

Mistakes to avoid when choosing an assisted living facility:

Thinking only of the here and now

Before choosing an assisted living facility, you need to consider the present needs of your loved ones as well as their needs in the future. Careful planning is crucial because moving your loved ones from one facility to another as their needs change will not only be physically and emotionally disruptive and costly but could also have adverse effects on an elderly with dementia who may have difficulty adapting to changes.

Choosing a facility based on your own preferences

The facility will be your loved one’s home for hopefully a very long time so it only makes sense that the community you choose is what your loved one prefers. Of course, it’s not always practical or even possible to ask for your loved one’s opinion but you can always take into account their personality and inclinations.

Thinking that the more expensive the facility is, the better

Luxury in senior living communities shouldn’t be your priority when choosing an assisted living facility because state-of-the-art equipment and fancy accommodations don’t always mean quality care. Take time to do your research about a facility and learn to trust your intuition. During your visit, make sure to talk to the staff and the residents and ask them about their level of satisfaction. If you can see that they are genuinely happy, then you know that the facility is worth considering.

Choosing a facility based on proximity

It’s understandable if you want to be able to spend as much time with your loved one as possible but selecting a community based solely on its nearness is a mistake. For one, your loved one will be involved in many activities that there is little chance that they will feel bored or lonely. Moreover, while the idea of being able to visit every day provides you comfort, trying to follow through will put you under a lot of strain.

Ignoring the details

Contracts with assisted living facilities are generally straightforward but they could still contain confusing clauses or ambiguous conditions that require the payment of additional fees. If you are not aware of these provisions, you will be caught unprepared and saddled with costly fees that you might have difficulty paying. You can ask the help of a lawyer if after reading the fine print there are still conditions that are not completely clear.

Finally, here is a checklist of factors that you need to think about before choosing an assisted living facility:

Staff experience and training

Staff experience with your loved one’s condition

Ability of staff to administer medication

Overnight staff

Nurses who are available 24/7

Staff-to-resident ratio

Current residents

Availability of outdoor space

Types of apartments

Monthly cost of apartments

Billing and payment policies

Additional services

Cost of additional services

Discharge policy

Moving your loved one to an assisted living facility is a major decision, which is why there are many factors to consider. Not all older adults, however, need assisted living. If your loved one has rich social connections in the neighborhood and is well-adjusted emotionally but you worry about their failing physical health or their ability to take care of themselves, consider getting in-home care for them. You can contact professional caregivers or home health aides to see if they can be of help in your situation.

References:

http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-3-11-signs-its-time-for-assisted-living/

http://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/bid/325849/When-is-the-Right-Time-to-Move-your-Loved-One-into-Assisted-Living

http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-search-top-mistakes-to-avoid-1-22-13/

http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/assisted-living-residence-checklist

Caring for People Suffering from Dementia

Posted on August 16, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

Dementia is a mental disorder in which a person gradually suffers from loss of mental function as a result of certain brain diseases. Almost 50 million people suffer from dementia from all over the world while health organizations claim that the number will triple by 2050. The most common type of dementia in the world is Alzheimer. In United States, more than 60% of people (More than 5 and a half million) become victim of dementia because of Alzheimer. Other most common types of dementia are vascular dementia and lewy body dementia.

In all cases and types, the end result is often similar like loss of memory, judgment and loss of reasoning. It also causes anxiety, anger, behavioral changes, sadness and loss of muscle and weight. As loss of memory and resulting aggression is a common symptom, taking care of people suffering with dementia is often a very challenging task.

Even though, a small proportion of young people also suffers from dementia but most of the people get affected while growing old. In fact, the number of people suffering from dementia doubles with every 5 years of age bracket.

Understanding Dementia

To provide better care for dementia patients, it is necessary to understand the disease which helps counter gradual changes in the behavior of patients. Even when there is no present cure of dementia conditions like Alzheimer, there are reported cases in which good care and help from families significantly delayed the more severe conditions of dementia.

Once dementia is diagnosed, it follows a downward trajectory that usually consists of three steps.

Mild Dementia
In the initial stage, which is also known as mild dementia, people begin to show difficulty in learning new things, remembering names and often fails to perform more complex tasks like operating a smart phone or driving. They also begin experiencing sadness, stress, anxiety and loss of interest in healthy activities and entertainment.

Moderate Dementia
The second stage is moderate dementia in which senses are affected. The affected person suffers from loss of physical function, loss of judgment and more severe memory loss. At this stage, person also loss interest in proper diet, begins to wander and often uses inappropriate language and sentences that does not make any sense. At this time, challenges for care givers begin as they need to invest more time and energy.

Severe Dementia
In the third and last stage, person suffers from complete memory loss, difficulty in eating with no control over bowl and bladder. The mobility also becomes limited. At this stage, round-the-clock care is required that is why many people seek professional care givers to help them cope with the growing needs of patients. At this time, most patients also stop recognizing family members making it easier to introduce professional caregivers.

Caring for Dementia Patients

When taking care of people suffering with mild dementia is easy, the real challenge starts with moderate to severe dementia stages. At this time, care givers may have to deal with aggressive and in some cases, violent behavior of patients which is result of growing confusion, fear, sadness and anxiety.

Learning Basics of Care Giving

Listed are some basics of taking care of dementia patients.

No Aggression: First thing that care givers need to learn and understand is that whatever the dementia patients do, they are not doing it on purpose. Reacting with anger or aggression can only result in more violent behavior of patients in future.

No Argument: There is no point in explaining things to patients especially in the last stage. In simple words, no one can reason with dementia patients and can make them understand as they have lost their ability of learning and judgment. In fact, trying to reason with patients can result in adding confusion and triggering aggression.

Dos and Don’ts while Dealing with Aggressive Behavior

In many cases, a simple refusal of doing a routine task grows into violent speech or actions. While dealing with such situations, you need to understand that the violence committed by the patient is not on purpose.

Don’t: As aggression by patients often caused by fear, responding in harsh way can only worsen their condition. Don’t force the issue that is discomforting the patient or engage into an argument. Until you have no other option left, use of force can make the situation worse.

Dos: Instead, make sure to look for the cause of fear and try to provide them with the comfort zone that usually keeps them calm. Communicate in a reassuring but calm manner diverting their focus to something else.

Dos and Don’ts while Dealing with Confused Questions

Dementia patients often get confused about the time and place. They often want to be in a place or time when they were in more control or felt safest in their life.

Don’t: Long answers, reasons and explanations are not going to help. Instead, they will add to confusion and more questions. In some cases, lengthy reasons and arguments trigger violent behavior in patients.

Dos: Provide simple answers in reassuring and helping tone. Use photos and other reminders in the house. If the questions are insisting, it is better to redirect their attention to something else instead of trying to answer the questions again and again.

Dos and Don’ts while Dealing with Poor Judgment

Family members may have to face accusations from patients or actions that are result of cognitive problems and thinking errors. Alzheimer can cause people to have untrue beliefs, delusions and poor judgment.

Don’t: No matter how ugly it looks, never question the accusation or patient’s ability to handle particular situation. Letting him believe that he is in control can help otherwise the confusion can result in aggression or anger.

Dos: Help patients in keeping their stuff organized. Even when it looks difficult, accept the accusation and let him/her believe she is right and in control.

Tips that Can Help

Few simple tasks and small adjustments to your daily life can make life much easier of the care giver. Some helpful tips are listed below.

Graded Assistance to Encourage independence. There are reported cases in which dementia patients maintained functional independence for a long period of time when independence is encouraged. The technique “Graded Assistance” is used to help patients accomplish their work without providing extensive help. Instead, verbal instructions, physical demonstrations and other means are used keeping least amount of physical assistance.
Make Your Daily Routine more Smooth. Make things simpler for dementia patients by maintaining simple to follow routine in your home. Simple daily routine can help dementia patients to adapt quickly providing them independence to work alone.
Simple and Direct Communication. Use of simple sentences, reassuring tone and loving gestures can make things simpler for you and patients.
Limit Distractions. Make sure the patient is not distracted while eating or doing routine work. Provide calm and quiet environment that can help patient concentrate on eating or other similar tasks. Limit the number of baths as physical activity required for shower may make some patients aggressive or uncomfortable.
Ensure Family Activities. Plan comfortable routine activities with patients that attract their interest. Engaging patients in healthy activities can help delay downward behavior trend. Just don’t push any activity in which the patient is not interested.
Follow Consistent Bedtime. Make sure to keep the bed time consistent to develop the internal clock that works on its own. Provide peaceful environment with no noise.

Taking help from Professional Caregivers

In many cases, family members taking care of dementia patients often begin suffering with anxiety, stress and growing depression. As care givers have to sacrifice their social interactions, put more time and effort along with compounding grief of seeing loved ones in poor mental condition, they develop their own mental problems like depression.

This is why taking help from professional caregivers is often very important as they not only take good care of the patients but also conduct sessions with family members which help them understand their feelings. With professional advice, family members can develop strategies to deal with the growing stress while taking better care of loved ones.

Recommended Vaccines for Adults

Posted on August 14, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

Vaccines are an important step in protecting adults against serious, sometimes fatal, diseases. Even if you were vaccinated at a younger age, the vaccine may have worn off, or you may have developed a resistance to the vaccine.

As you get older, you may be at risk for vaccine preventable diseases due to your age, job, hobbies, travel, or chronic health conditions.

List of Recommended Vaccines for Adults

Influenza Vaccine (Flu) is recommended every year.
TD Vaccine is recommended every 10 years to protect against Tetanus.
Hepatitis B Vaccine is recommended for people who have Type 1 or 2 Diabetes, because they have a higher risk of developing the Hepatitis B Virus.
Shingles Vaccine is usually recommended for adults 60 and older.
Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia) is usually recommended for people with heart disease, respiratory illness, and history of stroke, as they are at a greater risk of developing pneumonia and requiring hospitalization.

Staying healthy is a top priority for all of us. Vaccination is a simple thing you can do to help prevent diseases. Make sure you have the best protection. Speak to your doctor to see which vaccines are right for you.

Please visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ for a full list of vaccines to further educated yourself about preventing diseases and staying healthy.

Knowing When it’s Time to Ask for Help in Home Care

Posted on August 12, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

Whether a person is elderly or disabled, it can be difficult to know when to ask for help. Societally, we are taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness and a cause for embarrassment. Unfortunately, nothing could be further than the truth. If one of your friends or loved one is facing difficulty due to age or disability, certain telltale signs can help indicate when it is time to hire in-home help.

General Signs that It’s Time to Ask for Help

When an elderly or disabled friend or loved one needs help, the signs may manifest in a variety of ways. Some signs are clearly big-picture issues that will be obvious to friends and family, regardless of distance or relationship. Keep an eye out for the following:

Close Calls or New Difficulties

If your elderly or disabled loved one has been living alone, it’s likely that they have been relatively self-sufficient for some time. However, if your loved one has recently begun having new difficulties or suffering from close calls, like falls, medical scares or even car accidents, it’s likely that it is time to ask for help.

When an elderly or disabled person lives alone, these close calls are more likely to happen again and again and, when they do, it is wise to employ a trusted caretaker in order to ensure that somebody is there to respond to falls or other accidents.

Chronic Health Conditions or Worsening Health

Progressive issues like dementia, congestive heart failure and COPD can result in marked, rapid decline a loved one. Generally, the presence of these issues means that it is time to ask for help from a qualified caregiver or to move the person to an assisted living facility.

Difficulty Recovering

In elderly or disabled people, common illnesses like colds or the flu can produce serious health issues. If an elderly or disabled loved on has recently suffered from a common illness but is having a difficult time recovering, consider asking for help. This is especially true if your loved one was unable or unwilling to get the help he or she needed during the time of the illness, which resulted in the illness becoming much more serious.

Difficulty With Activities of Daily Living

The activities of daily living (ADL’s) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s) are the skills an adult needs to live independently – without the care of a relative or caregiver. These skills include dressing oneself, cooking, driving, shopping, using the bathroom, bathing, doing laundry, taking medications and cleaning.

Unfortunately, age or disability often rob people of these abilities and make it increasingly difficult for them to live alone. Fortunately, if a loved one is having difficulty with ADL’s or IADL’S, bringing in-home help into the equation can often restore some independence and help the person live a better life.

Social Signs That It’s Time to Ask for Help

Often, when an elderly or disabled person is beginning to decline, it will become obvious through their social interactions, or lack thereof. In order to determine if your friend or loved one needs help, keep an eye out for these important social waning signs:

Lack of Friendships

Age and disability make it easy to become reclusive and a person who no longer keeps close companions or pursues friendships may very well be declining. Generally, lack of active friendships is a sign of depressive symptoms and may indicate that it is time to secure in-home help or a change of scenery for your friend or loved one.

Refusal to Leave the Home

When an elderly or disabled person is afraid to drive and unwilling to take public transportation alone, they often begin to go days on end without leaving their home. Often, these individuals benefit from hiring in-home help, which may help them regain their mobility and resume regular outings.

No Activities or Interests

If your friend or loved one has abandoned activities and interests, it is time to call for help. Isolation is generally related to depressive symptoms and acting quickly is the best way to prevent your loved one from becoming further depressed and isolated.

Physical Signs That it’s Time to ask for Help

An elderly or disabled person who is declining will exhibit noticeable physical signs that indicate in-home help is needed. Any of the following signs warrant a call for assistance:

Weight Loss

If your friend or loved one feels thinner or looks like he or she is swimming in their clothing, there’s a good chance that something is wrong. Physical conditions ranging from tumors to depression can cause weight loss, as can declining motor skills that may result in a loss of cooking or shopping ability.

Additionally, some elderly or disabled people may be forgetting how to cook or eat. In these cases, it is wise to ensure there is food in the house and spend some time watching the person prepare a meal for him or herself. In any event, drastic weight loss is a valid reason to call an in-home caregiver.

Weight Gain

Like weight loss, sudden and drastic weight gain can indicate serious health issues like diabetes. Additionally, weight gain may indicate that a person is having financial troubles and subsisting on cheap, processed foods rather than healthy fare. Watch meal prep and call for help if you notice that the person is forgetting having eaten or binge eating all day long.

Frailty

If you notice that your friend or loved one is having difficulty completing simple tasks like removing shoes, opening drawers, sweeping or getting out of a chair, it is time to call for help. As people age, they generally become frailer, which may lead to difficulty completing everyday activities.

Disheveled Appearance

It is generally possible to tell a great deal from a person’s appearance. If you notice that your typically well-kept loved one is wearing stained, sloppy or torn clothing or that hair and makeup are noticeably different or disarranged, consider asking for help. These signs typically indicate that the person has lost strength, dexterity or memory and are a valid reason to call for in-home help. Elderly or disabled people often need help dressing, shaving and fixing their hair and an in-home caregiver can help them meet those needs.

The Case for In-Home Help

Realizing that a friend or loved one needs help is never an easy experience. Watching a person decline is difficult and it is made worse by the fact that they often need help we are simply incapable of giving. In these cases, the most important thing you can do is notice signs that indicate physical or mental deficiencies and take it upon yourself to secure help for your friend or loved one.

Often, elderly or disabled people are embarrassed to ask for help and see it as a sign that they are becoming infantile or incapable. Assure the person that this is not true, that there is nothing to be embarrassed about and that extra help can help them preserve the quality of their life rather than subtracting from it. Although it can be difficult, asking for help is never anything to be embarrassed about and in-home caregiving can often preserve, extend and boost a person’s quality of life for many years.

National Smile Week: 10 Fun Facts About Smiling

Posted on August 10, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

Smiling. It feels good and looks great but did you know it could actually increase your life span and do everything from making you more attractive to helping you land that promotion? In order to help you celebrate National Smile Week, we’ve compiled a list of fun and surprising facts about turning that frown upside down. Get ready to smile because these facts about smiling are nothing but good news:

Fact #1: Smiling Helps You Live Longer

Smiling has many benefits, not the least of which is that smiling can actually help us live longer.

People who smile more often are generally happier and, since smiling decreases blood pressure and releases endorphins, it’s a great way to boost health and protect your golden years.

Fact #2: Smiling Makes Promotions More Likely

Who knew that landing that exciting new position would be as easy as smiling? As it turns out, people who smile at work are more likely to be promoted than those who do not. This is because smiling conveys a message of happiness, approachability and confidence, all of which are things managers typically look for in employees that are up for promotion.

Fact #3: Smiling Boosts The Immune System

In addition to making you look more attractive, successful and approachable, smiling and laughter may also protect you from the common cold. According to recent data, smiling can help boost the immune system by decreasing stress levels, which in turn increases white blood cell count and releases beneficial antibodies that help fight infection and disease.

Fact #4: There Are Many Different Types of Smiles

People smile for all sorts of reasons and, as it turns out, we smile all sorts of ways, too. According to Paul Ekman, an American psychologist who studies human emotions and facial expressions, humans display very different types of smiles depending upon the situation. Types of smiles include the felt smile, the fear smile, the miserable smile and the flirtatious smile.

Fact #5: Smiling is Contagious

Have you ever been around someone who seemed to be smiling all the time? Chances are, you found yourself smiling as well. This is because smiling is incredibly contagious. Research suggests that happy people influence the people closest to them and provide a boost of good energy, smiles and laughter. So, next time you’re feeling down, seek out your happiest friend and let the smiles begin.

Fact #6: Smiling Is A Global Sign of Happiness

There are a few human gestures that cross language barriers around the world and smiling is one of them. No matter where you are on the globe, smiling is recognized as a universal display of happiness and good nature.

Fact #7: Babies Can Smile Moments After Birth

Most of us have heard that babies are not capable of smiling during their first few months of life. As it turns out, this is untrue. According to research and ultrasound evidence, babies can smile in utero and immediately after birth, although it is important to distinguish between automatic smiles and social smiles. Automatic smiles are produced as a result of pleasurable physical sensations, such as falling asleep, resolving gas or eating. When babies smile during the first few days after birth, it is typically an automatic smile.

Social smiles, on the other hand, are produced as a result of facial recognition and the type of conscious happiness that arises when a baby recognizes a parent’s face or sees a favorite toy. Babies do not generally begin to exhibit social smiling until about two months of age.

Fact #8: Women Smile More Often Than Men

Studies have found that women smile more often than men but the difference disappears when men and women occupy similar business or social roles. Many scientists interpret these results to indicate that gender roles are fluid and that both men and women act differently depending upon their social or business environment.

Fact #9: Smiling Drastically Reduces Stress

Feeling stressed out and over-loaded? Try smiling. According to recent studies, smiling has the power to reduce stress and increase our ability to deal with trying situations. This is largely owing to the fact that smiling boosts endorphin output and forces us to breathe deeper, resulting in a calmer outlook and increased coping ability.

Fact #10: Smiling Can Make You Happier

If you’re having a bad day, force yourself to smile. Research suggests that the act of smiling can actually trick the brain into feeling happier, no matter how bad the current situation may be. While smiling certainly doesn’t fix all problems, it certainly has the power to make us feel just a little better at any given moment.

The Case for More Smiles

National Smile Week is a wonderful way to bring some consciousness into your everyday life. We all know that it feels better, emotionally and mentally, to smile than it does to frown and it is obvious now that smiling offers some serious, scientifically backed benefits that have the power to boost our lives and improve the quality of almost everything we do.

A Boost in Morale

The simple act of smiling can go a long way toward boosting morale in difficult situations, as well, and is a powerful practice for those employed in difficult fields, such as medicine, hospice and home care. These jobs often entail dealing with great sickness, disability and transition and the simple act of smiling has actually been proven to significantly boost morale in hospital settings.

Increased Comfort for Patients and Caregivers

Because smiling is a global signal of happiness and confidence, patients who are cared for by smiling, upbeat caregivers are more likely to feel at ease, positive and comfortable, not to mention that the hormonal and endocrine changes induced by smiling may actually reduce pain and promote quicker healing. It is easy to bring National Smile Week into a home care setting by simply paying more attention to the things you can do and say that will help your clients smile. This could be as simple as baking a favorite meal or playing a favorite song. Smiling is a practice that is accessible to everyone, at all times, and it is clear that nurturing a life with more plentiful smiles is synonymous with nurturing a healthier, happier, more confident and more resilient life.

A Happier World

We’ve all heard the saying “turn that frown upside down” but who knew that smiling could actually be so beneficial to health and happiness? With perks like increased life span, greater happiness, reduced stress and boosted immune function, it seems obvious that a smile a day can truly keep the doctor away. In honor of National Smile Week, get out there and give the world your best grin.

Don’t forget to smile today!

7 Ways to Improve Caregiver Patient Relationship

Posted on July 28, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

The caregiver/patient relationship can often be tenuous and difficult. Home care is a stressful setting that typically involves great sickness or disability and within that, it is easy for tempers to flare and patience to run thin. This is unfortunate, however, because in addition to being a difficult relationship, the caregiver/patient relationship is also an immensely important one.

In order for quality care and healing to take place, the caregiver and the patient must foster a good relationship, no matter how difficult that may be at times. Here are seven steps caregivers and patients can take to improve their relationship and form a genuine bond:

1) Learn to Ask for Help

The caregiver/patient relationship is very intimate and it often involves difficult, confusing or emotionally challenging scenarios. One of the first steps toward high-quality communication and a safe, healing relationship is transparency and the ability to ask for help. This is true for both the patient and the caregiver.

In order to build trust, the patient needs to be able to request help when it is needed and, in order to provide quality care, the caregiver needs to be able to ask the patient for help in understanding something new or clarifying a preference or concern. Asking for help is central to communication and communication, in turn, is central to the rest of the caregiver/patient relationship.

2) Exercise Compassion

A home care environment often entails a severely disabled or wounded person who may not have full command of brain function and capacities such as motor skills, memory and speech. These types of disabilities are difficult and can easily create frustration within both the client and the patient.

Frustration, however, leads to a strained and fractured relationship, which is not appropriate for the home care setting. Instead of allowing frustration to take hold, caregivers and patients alike should seek to exercise compassion. Compassion for self and others allows people to soften their hearts toward another person and get to a place of honest communication.

3) Be Patient

Patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury often have difficulty with skills like speech and memory. Additionally, since traumatic brain injuries often affect the part of the brain that deals with response to stimuli, risk-taking and adherence to rules, injured people may exhibit less concern for rules and an increased level of risky or downright dangerous behavior.

Patience is the most important virtue a caregiver can have in situations like these. It is important for a caregiver to understand that injured people are not always in complete control of their actions and, with that in mind, to give the person extra time to calm down and make different decisions. This often requires reasoning, positivity and empathy.

4) Use Encouragement

Encouragement is an underrated soft skill. In addition to motivating patients to behave differently when needed, encouragement also goes a long ways toward boosting a patient’s self esteem and making him or her feel capable and in charge once more. Additionally, since being encouraging with patients benefits both the caregiver and the individual, it can rapidly increase the fullness of the relationship.

5) Be an Active Listener

Each client has a story to tell and learning to truly listen to that story will quickly foster a bond and encourage increased communication and understanding. Additionally, active listening with clients encourages increased rapport and allows the caregiver to better pick up on potential warning signs.

When having a conversation with a client, make eye contact and turn your body toward the person speaking. Be careful not to interrupt and ask plenty of good questions to ensure that the client feels heard and respected.

6) Do What the Patient Loves

Do you have a patient who loves to read but cannot anymore due to poor vision or impaired brain function? Maybe you have a patient who loves puzzles, scrapbooking or board games. Whatever the case may be, make a concerted and honest effort to engage the patient in these pastimes.

In addition to helping a client feel more involved, whole and capable, these activities can go a long way toward decreasing feelings of distress in a patient and encouraging positive changes in behavior.

7) Practice Respect

Caregivers must have a deep respect for the patient and his or her family. The patient’s home is a workplace and must be treated like one. When a caregiver is respectful of a patient’s home, belongings and preferences, the patient feels respected in turn, which leads to less distress and an increased feeling of relaxation and comfort. Additionally, practicing constant respect serves to place the patient and the caregiver on the same plane, encouraging increased communication and a deeper relationship.

When practices like empathy, active listening, respect, transparency and patience are exercised, both a patient and a client can find themselves in a deep, caring and safe relationship. In a home care setting, these types of relationships are integral in creating healing and comfort. Although home care relationships can be challenging, at times, both patient and caregiver can take a variety of simple steps toward improving the relationship and creating a lasting bond.

Tips on Preventing Accidental Falls in Home Care

Posted on July 26, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

Everyone is susceptible to falling. Younger people usually suffer no ill effects or if they do, the injury is minor and causes no long-term harm. Falls among older people, however, are a different story.

Every year, one in three older adults falls but only less than half of them tell their healthcare providers about it. The low number of people who report falling is alarming because falls are the chief cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. In fact, more than 90% of hip fractures are caused by falling. The percentage of fractures related to falls is twice as high for older women as it is for older men, and falls among adults over 65 cause the highest number of fatalities.

In 2013, the direct medical costs from falls of older patients amounted to $34 billion. In the same year, about 25,500 older adults died from injuries caused by accidental falls.

Falls among older adults happen for a variety of reasons. Muscle weakness, infections, poor eyesight, issues with walking or balance, and hazards in the home are some of them.

Aside from causing fatal injuries, falls could also lead to nonfatal injuries that range from moderate to severe, such as laceration, hip fractures, and head traumas. In addition to the physical effects of a fall, there are also some psychological consequences, such as developing the fear of falling. Unfortunately, older patients who develop the fear of falling tend to restrict their movements, which makes their strength and flexibility deteriorate. This increases the risk of more falls in the future. Moreover, the same fear could keep them from engaging in social activities that are necessary for their mental and emotional health.

With the assistance of family members or a caregiver, here are what patients can do to prevent falls and reduce their negative consequences:

Eat a balanced diet

Calcium, protein, and essential vitamins are necessary for optimum health and having a balanced diet can help older adults prevent weakness, poor fall recovery, and risk injuries. A diet rich in calcium may also help decrease the negative effects if a fall should occur because calcium makes the bones stronger.

Exercise

Regular physical exercise helps improve balance and leg strength. This is especially important for older patients so the risk of falling will be lessened as they move around the house or other environments. Tai chi, walking, and water workouts are ideal activities as these exercises are usually not too strenuous. However, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor whether you can engage in these workouts. If not, the doctor may suggest other exercises that are better suited to you.

Visit the eye doctor at least once a year

Poor eyesight is a common cause of falling. Patients can sometimes perceive objects as being closer or farther than they are and in some instances, they don’t see objects in their paths altogether. To avoid accidents caused by eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts, get your eyes checked at least once a year and make sure that your eyeglasses are updated so your vision will be maximized.

Take note of your medications

Some medicines or combinations of medicines can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which could increase the risk of falls in elderly patients. If you are taking more than four medications at a time, develop a good medication management plan and ask your doctor or pharmacist to review all the medicines you are taking.

Reduce home hazards

Many things in the home could increase the risk of patient falls. To reduce the risk, rearrange the furniture to make wide and clear paths for walking, get rid of worn or slippery rugs, and make sure that objects are not left lying on the floor. Adequate lighting should be provided in areas where you usually spend your time in and grab rails should be installed in the bathroom, the kitchen, and other places in the house where falls are most likely to occur.

Avoid risk-taking behaviors

The elderly sometimes overestimate their abilities to do certain activities. Standing on unsteady chairs, climbing ladders, or moving without the assistance of prescribed devices are some behaviors that can increase the risk of falls. Although refraining from doing these activities could make your mobility limited, it’s more important to be cautious to avoid accidents that could lead to more complications.

Wear well-fitting shoes

Loose footwear could be the cause of tripping or falling so make sure that you wear shoes that fit you perfectly. Choose shoes that have non-slip, textured soles with good ankle support to help you be balanced and stable on your feet. Avoid wearing slippers or going barefoot.

Use mobility aids

Walking aids, such as a walker or a cane are helpful in the reduction of falls in seniors who have difficulty walking steadily. It is crucial, however, to consult a physiotherapist first before getting a walking aid because the wrong one could actually increase the risk of injuries due to falls.

Get assessed for fall risk

If you are prone to falls or if you want to know how high your risk for falls is, you can visit a falls clinic. There, you will be assessed for risk factors, such as the following:

Impaired balance, strength, or bearing
Impaired maneuverability
Psychological/Cognitive impairment
Nutritional issues
Medications
Neurological issues, such as Parkinson’s diseases and stroke
Musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis, foot problems, joint replacement, and deformity
Chronic illnesses, such as osteoporosis, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes
Previous history of falls

Without a doubt, preventing a fall is better for the patient’s health and well-being than dealing with the results of an accidental fall. However, caregivers may encounter some challenges when proposing the idea of fall prevention to older adults because for them, fall prevention initiatives have a negative implication. Instead of focusing on ways to prevent accidental falls, the best way to deal with resistance from patients is for family members and caregivers to:

Encourage patients to participate in activities that aim to improve their balance and strength

For most patients, fall prevention means making changes in their homes, the use of mobility aids, or the restriction of their activities. This is particularly true among older adults so it is important to educate them in this area in a way that promotes a realistic but positive attitude. To do this, family members and caregivers should emphasize the need for engaging in activities that improve balance, strength, and stability instead of highlighting the need to avoid the risks. For instance, instead of asking patients to avoid climbing the stairs as much as they can, patients should be encouraged to exercise to develop their leg muscles and their ability to maintain their balance during movement. This strategy improves the patients’ view of exercise and allows them to actively participate in the activity to protect themselves from falls.

Emphasize benefits that promote a positive self-image when offering falls prevention initiatives

Older adults are often hesitant to acknowledge falls or to participate in interventions because (1) they are afraid that others will perceive them adversely, (2) they think that falls are part of ageing, or (3) they are ashamed to admit that they are losing control over their own bodies. These concerns are all valid but redirecting their focus to the benefits will make them more likely to participate in the initiatives. Because it’s important for older patients to be in good health, to avoid becoming too dependent on the people around them, and to be sociable and interesting, some of the benefits that you could discuss with your ward are increased confidence, heightened independence, and the improvement in their ability to take a more active role in society.

Design fall prevention initiatives in such a way that they will meet the preferences, capabilities, and needs of the individual patient

Patients come in all shapes, sizes, and dispositions. Some like being in a group while others prefer the one-on-one approach. There are patients who like to keep the company of only people who share the same social standing, religious beliefs, cultural background, ethnicity, and even gender while there are those who have no such preferences. In any case, designing the fall prevention initiatives while taking into account the personality of the patient will go a long way in keeping him or her engaged in the activities.

Encourage patient participation in designing or choosing the type of fall prevention initiative

Adults are more open to participating and adhering to fall prevention initiatives when their participation in the decision-making process is encouraged. Therefore, patients should be involved in creating or selecting the kind of initiative, the different forms of the same initiative, and the goals they want to achieve.

Contrary to what most people think, falls are not inevitable nor do they have to be a natural consequence of ageing. These accidents could be avoided if the patients work together with their family members and caregiver in understanding that they can proactively safeguard themselves from falls. It’s also essential for them to develop a positive attitude about keeping themselves healthy and making changes in their lifestyle and surroundings not only for fall prevention but for their overall well-being and health.

10 Ways to Bring Positive Energy Into the Home

Posted on July 23, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

There are few settings where positive energy is more important than a home care environment. Home care sometimes involves great sadness and difficult situations and while it is important to respect those things as realities, it is also important to go to great lengths to magnify positivity on every level.

Fortunately, there are many easy steps caregivers and residents can take to bring positive energy into the home. In addition to contributing to the overall health and well being of the home care patient, making a home brighter, cleaner and more positive also benefits caregivers and attendants alike. That said, here are ten easy ways to bring more positive energy into the home:

1. Focus on Natural Sunlight

For such a simple tip, this one really packs a punch. Natural sunlight stimulates the production of Vitamin D, which elevates mood and makes people feel happier almost instantly. Additionally, ample access to natural sunlight can help alleviate depressive symptoms and uplift lonely, ill or aging patients.

To capitalize upon the positive powers of sunlight, open blinds and draw back curtains to let natural light into the room. Cleaning glass windows and removing obstructions that block light can also help make the room feel brighter and more positive.

2. De-Clutter

Clutter causes stress and nothing squashes positive energy quite like stress. In addition to being unpleasant to live with, clutter can often be dangerous in a home care setting. De-cluttering an area helps the space feel calmer and more open and also serves the utilitarian purpose of getting rid of things that are no longer needed.

Even a simple step like de-cluttering a single drawer in the kitchen or bedroom can have a profound effect on the positivity of a room or space. Make sure that commonly used areas such as kitchen tables, night stands, coffee tables and kitchen counters stay clean and clear of clutter and replace the clutter with a jar of flowers or treasured family photos, instead.

3. Incorporate House Plants or Flowers

Incorporating plants into a household offers dozens of benefits. In addition to improving air quality, beautifying a space and adding personality to an area, living houseplants and fresh-cut flowers have also been shown to improve the emotions and mental states of ill or elderly patients.

Opt for easy-care plants like succulents or ferns and arrange them around the house in sunny windows and high-traffic areas. To incorporate even more beauty, opt for plants that flower, like lilies or orchids. Flowering plants give both the patient and the caretaker something to look forward to every few months and there is nothing quite likes a beautiful bloom to make a space feel happier and more positive.

4. Open Windows

Most people know that spending time outdoors offers benefits like reduced anxiety and lower blood pressure rates but, in a home care setting, it is often difficult for patients or caregivers to spend a great deal of time in nature. Fortunately, it’s easy to do the next best thing. As often as possible, throw windows open to let some fresh air into the home.

In addition to reviving a musty room by allowing fresh, clean air to enter the space, opening windows also allows both the patient and the caregiver to hear outdoor sounds such as birdsong, rainstorms, distant thunder and kids laughing down the street. Although it’s not quite the same as actually being outdoors, opening windows can have a huge impact on the positivity of a given space.

5. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Although some home care settings may not allow this, sprucing up a room with paint is a wonderful way to make it feel clean, fresh and bright. Pick a color the occupant loves and paint while he/she is away.

When the painting is done, put everything away and have a mini “Welcome home” party. Painting, although simple, can have a profound effect on the positivity of an area by covering blemishes on the walls and imbuing the room with new life.

6. Hang Artwork

Hanging meaningful artwork on the walls goes a long way toward inviting positive energy into the home. Hang favorite artwork in high-traffic areas and consider placing cards or drawings done by children, friends or grandchildren in high-visibility areas like the refrigerator or in frames on the living room and bedroom walls.

Hanging meaningful artwork provides a constant reminder of love, light and happiness and can immediately make a room feel more positive.

7. Invite Nature In

If there is a large window anywhere in the home, consider placing a bird feeder directly outside of it. Bird feeders come in a variety of sizes and can be hung from freestanding iron stands if nothing else is available.

Birds will start frequenting the new feeder within a matter of days and both the resident and caregiver can enjoy spotting new species and listening to their beautiful songs.

8. Add some Color

Adding a pop of color to a room can immediately make the area feel brighter and livelier and, fortunately, it is one of the easiest changes a person can make. Place a few bright throw pillows on the couch or drape a pretty quilt over the bed for an instant boost. Color is clinically proven to influence mood and lively colors like greens, yellows and reds can have an immediate positive impact happiness and energy.

9. Use Scent

Scent is a powerful sense and multiple studies have proven that aromatherapy can actually contribute to making people feel happier. To instantly invite positive energy into a space, pick an upbeat essential oil like lavender, rosemary or tangerine and place a few drops into a diffuser.

Essential oils are non-toxic, customizable and safe and they can help make a room smell fresh, bright and happy for hours on end.

10. Pay Attention to Lighting

A room that is dark and poorly lit is almost guaranteed to feel depressing and close. Even if a room doesn’t have much natural sunlight, it is important to make sure it is well lit just the same. The simple act of turning on lamps and overhead lights at the appropriate times of day can instantly help a room feel brighter and cleaner, which can help residents and caregivers alike feel more awake, more lively and more positive.

Learning to bring positive energy into the home is especially important in a home care setting. Making a room feel happier, brighter and more expansive can have marked effects on the happiness and wellbeing of both the resident and the caretaker. Fortunately, enhancing the mood of a space is easy and these ten simple tips can help you start bringing positive energy into the home today.

Celebrating National Anti-Boredom Month: 9 Steps to Help Remove Boredom in In-Home Care

Posted on July 17, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

When we prepare for our retirement and old age, we worry about things like money, future living situation, kids, grand kids, friends etc. What many of us forget to take into account is how boring life age can become. In our older age, kids are busy in their own lives and our friends live in different parts of the city or country. Slowly, boredom and loneliness creep in. With in-home care, there are daily interactions between the caregiver and the patient and this somewhat alleviates the boredom. But slowly, caregiving also falls into a routine and we are back to square one. However, we can prevent this mind-numbing boredom with help of companionship and spontaneity in our lives.

With July being the National Anti-Boredom month, let’s take a look at some solutions which will remove boredom for both the caregiver and the patient:

1. Get a pet:

Pets are a wonderful source of companionship, whether it is for the caregiver or the patient. They bring fun and joy in our lives. Playing with them is so entertaining and if it works for you, you can also take them out for walks. Dogs are amazingly loyal and social and will always be there with you. If you prefer a little more solitude, cats will be a good choice for you. They are very low maintenance pets who prefer to wander and give space to their humans.

2. Try gardening:

Gardening doesn’t always means being out in the garden, on your knees with your hands in the dirt. You can always get some potted plants indoors or on window sills and look after them as they grow. Watching something grow (like plants, pets or kids) and taking care of it is a very emotionally rewarding experience. Both patient and caregiver can take part in this and watch the plants grow.

3. Video Games:

Video games are exciting and provide a stimulating experience to our brains. In the past decades, these games have made impressive progress. Most of these games can now be played while sitting or lying down. You can play them alone or with partners. Try games from Wii, Nintendo, PSP, X Box etc. These games are not only fun, they give you a sense of achievement, exercise your motor skills, and stimulate your brain.

4. Internet is a wonderful thing:

Internet, one of the most useful inventions ever, is a wonderful thing. It can open the doors of a whole new universe for you. You can watch interesting or funny videos on YouTube, TV shows and movies on Netflix, use sites like Reddit, StumbleUpon to discover new things etc. If you feel uncomfortable in using a desktop or a laptop, I would suggest trying an iPad or any similar tablet. They are lightweight and easy to hold and you can surf the internet with ease. Both the patient and the caregiver can keep themselves entertained on the internet.

5. Learn a new language:

To avoid boredom, it is important to stimulate our minds. Learning new things is an excellent way to do this. When you are older or caring for an elderly person, learning a new language is a great option as it doesn’t requires physical exertion. You can use websites like Duolingo and iTalki to learn new languages for free.

6. Start a book club:

This is a great way to regularly meet up with your friends and loved ones. You can organize a biweekly or monthly book club meeting, where the members of the club meet at a fixed spot and discuss books, stories etc. You can meet at each other’s house, in parks, in cafes etc. Through book club meetings, you catch up with your friends, see them on a regular basis and get to read some new books which keeps your mind engaged.

7. Bird Sanctuary in your backyard:

The caregiver and the patient can work together to set up a small sanctuary for birds in the backyard. You will need things like feeder, birdbath, and a shelter where they can escape to in case of storms, cats etc. Once the birds start coming in, you can sit back and watch them through the windows. Bird watching is a very relaxing hobby. You can also take pictures of birds to identify their breed. It’s a fun way to spend time.

8. Puzzles and crosswords:

Activities which stimulate our brains are a great way to keep boredom at bay. Solving puzzles and crosswords are good examples of such activities. The caregiver or the patient can buy some puzzles and then they can try to solve it together. Same goes for the crosswords published in newspapers and magazines.

9. Journaling:

Getting older has one huge benefit. You now have lots of stories to tell! These stories are experiences and knowledge you have acquired over the years and it would be a shame to let it all go to waste. You can try journaling to write down your thoughts, your feelings, your experiences and your stories.

Top Qualities to Look For in a Good Caregiver

Posted on July 16, 2015September 9, 2023 by Martin

Caregivers do more than just look after their patients and attend to their needs. They nurture, and foster a bond that makes them almost a part of the family. Sometimes, they provide more than what is required of them.

Many patients spend a majority of the last years of their lives with their caregivers, so it is important for families to find home health aides who will treat their loved ones like their own. These are some of the important qualities that one should look for in a capable caregiver.

a good caregiver knows how to empathize.

To give the patient the best care possible, it is important for a caregiver to have a personal understanding of and connection with what his or her patient is going through. Being able to empathize allows the caregiver to put himself or herself in the patient’s shoes, and identify and ease the patient’s fears or discomfort.

a good caregiver is patient and flexible.

Patience and flexibility are qualities that every person in the caregiving industry must possess. There’ll be many hurdles along the way–the patient is being stubborn and uncooperative, the schedule doesn’t go as planned, or difficult situations arise. A caregiver who is very rigid will find it challenging to deal with these circumstances in a positive way.

a good caregiver is passionate about what he or she does.

What makes caregivers good is the passion for what they do. This means that they are not only in it for the compensation but genuinely care for people in need. A passionate caregiver tries to prepare for possible difficulties that his or her patient might experience and takes the necessary measures to make things easier.

Caregivers who are passionate about their jobs are happy with what they do, and this becomes evident in how they deal with their patients, who in turn will respond positively to their enthusiastic and lively attitude. Moreover, these caregivers are constantly looking for ways to improve how they perform their jobs, and ultimately, to make the lives of their patients better.

a good caregiver is attentive and responds to situations in a timely manner.

A patient, especially the elderly, needs constant care and attention. It’s the caregiver’s job, therefore, to be attuned to those needs even if the patient doesn’t or is unable to communicate them. Paying close attention to the patient’s needs is also crucial because in many cases, the patient is unaware that they require help from their caregivers, and with little or no warning, the caregiver must respond to those needs to avoid untoward events.

a good caregiver puts the needs of his or her patient first and is able to take charge when necessary.

A good caregiver knows that it is her or her role to make sure that the needs of the patient are met. But, there are times when circumstances and even people, including the patient’s family, make it difficult for the patient to receive the care he or she needs. When this happens, the caregiver must put the patient’s welfare first and he or she should be able to take charge and do everything possible for the patient to receive the required attention.

a good caregiver is a good communicator.

Good communication is key in all successful relationships and this is especially true when it comes to the relationship a caregiver has with his or her patient and the patient’s family as well.

Being able to communicate crucial details regarding the patient’s care in clear and simple terms fosters understanding and trust. This helps the caregiver perform his or her job better.

a good caregiver is creative and innovative.

Engaging the attention of patients is not easy if they are given the same activities day in and day out. Therefore, it is necessary for a caregiver to be creative in the activities he or she comes up with. The activities should be creative enough to keep the patient interested, involved, and excited.

It’s also essential for the caregiver to be innovative because each patient is unique. A technique that works on one may not work on another.

a good caregiver is committed and dependable.

Commitment to one’s job means that you can be depended on by the patient and the patient’s family. These are crucial traits because more often than not, the patient is left entirely in the caregiver’s hands.

a good caregiver is supportive and encouraging.

Every caregiver should be able to identify the kind of support the patient needs and to provide them. It’s also important for the caregiver to be encouraging because this is necessary in helping patients achieve more than what they think their capabilities allow. This is particularly helpful for older patients who need to perform regular physical and mental exercises so they can stay in shape.

a good caregiver is honest and trustworthy.

Honesty and trustworthiness are indispensable qualities in a caregiver, particularly with the live in ones who are entrusted with not only the patient’s health care but also the patient’s home and resources.

a good caregiver is able to maintain confidentiality.

Part of a caregiver’s job is to be privy to a lot of information about the patient and the patient’s family. A good caregiver knows how to keep things to himself or herself unless divulging the information is essential for the safety, well-being, and protection of the patient.

a good caregiver has a sense of humor.

Having a sense of humor is a good indicator that a caregiver is able to tolerate and deal with difficult situations, which is essential because caregiving involves conditions that more people would find hard or challenging.

A caregiver with a sense of humor also makes the atmosphere around the patient light and comfortable and this helps with the overall well-being of the patient and the caregiver as well.

a good caregiver is capable of being emotionally tough.

As humans, it’s very difficult for caregivers not to be emotionally affected by their patients. It’s also natural for a caregiver to form a genuine bond with his or her patient, which helps the caregiver perform his or her job better.

However, this bond could be a downside, especially if the patient is suffering from a severe disease or is dying. The caregiver needs to maintain a strong outward attitude despite his or her emotional sufferings for the ultimate benefit of the patient.

a good caregiver should be physically fit and have a strong constitution.

Patients that caregivers look after are often too frail to do everyday things on their own so it is important for a caregiver to have the physical strength or stamina to assist his or her ward when it’s time for a bath or if the patient needs to move from one room to another.

Additionally, a major part of caregiving involves dealing with the patient’s bodily functions, which are sometimes uncontrollable. A good caregiver accepts this part of his or her job with patience, dignity, and respect for the patient.

a good caregiver is able to perform light housekeeping.

Preparing nutritious food, cleaning, doing the laundry, and running errands are some of the things that a caregiver needs to do as part of his or her responsibilities to the patient. Some caregivers even go beyond the call of duty performing tasks, such as taking care of their patient’s grandchildren who visit or looking after their patients’ plants or pets.

a good caregiver is experienced in monitoring a patient’s vital signs, temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration.

Knowing how to monitor and interpret a patient’s vital signs is an essential skill, especially if the patient is suffering from a particular medical condition.

a good caregiver is able to keep track of the patient’s medication and when medicines should be taken.

Patients often forget to take their medicines or they forget which ones to take so it’s the caregiver’s job to make sure that his or her ward is drinking the right medicine at the right time.

a good caregiver is a consummate professional.

Caregivers are not robots so it’s normal to expect that they will have “off” days due to a variety of reasons. However, it’s important not to let personal issues get in the way of their professional responsibilities. While this may be very hard, especially if the personal problem is serious and difficult to ignore, a caregiver’s first responsibility is to see to the needs of his or her patient.

If the caregiver feels that he or she cannot perform his or her duties without personal emotions getting in the way, then proper arrangements need to be made so the patient will not be negatively impacted by the circumstances.

Being a qualified caregiver involves more than just having adequate training and experience because many capable caregivers have had little or no formal education or background in the field. They, however, possess the qualities in this list and the sincere desire to help their patients to the best of their abilities.