On this day in conjunction with K2 Adventures Foundation, a non profit we have been involved for many years, we did crafts with a group of special needs individuals. You may recognize some of them from the fashion show of our last fundraiser. Days like this fill my soul with joy. Community helping community is what life is all about for us.
Hello Senior Community. As you all know, here at Golden Heart we like to catch people doing things right. Below is a copy and paste email we received from a client recently. I just wanted to share with you what our clients are saying about us. Because of HIPPA, we have redacted the names. Please know this is the type of feedback we work to earn from every single client. Please see below.
Hi Rodney,
As you know my relative passed away on Friday August 25th. Your team was incredible throughout and your home team/admin was also very supportive and professional. I am infinitely grateful. I would like to send a tip to caregiver 1, CG2 and CG3. Those three were with us consistently and always helpful. How best to do that? I hate for you to include on their check as I don’t want them to be taxed. But I had in mind $100 each. Thank you for your kind, professional and wonderful service.
Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges for family members who want to provide support and care for their aging loved ones from afar. Distance can make it difficult to be physically present and to stay informed about their well-being and daily needs. However, with careful planning, effective communication, and the help of senior home care services, long-distance caregiving can be made more manageable and rewarding for everyone involved.
Maintaining open and frequent communication is essential for long-distance caregivers to stay connected with their aging loved ones. Regular video or phone calls or even emails can help bridge the physical distance and allow for meaningful conversations. These interactions provide an opportunity to check on their well-being, discuss any concerns, and offer emotional support.
Creating a support network is crucial for long-distance caregivers. Involve other family members, friends, neighbors, and community resources in the caregiving process. Home care providers are able to offer specific and accurate feedback to help family caregivers know what is going on. Regularly communicate with the local support system to stay updated on the aging adult’s condition and any changes in their needs.
Gather and organize important documents and information related to the senior’s medical history, medications, legal documents, insurance, and emergency contacts. Keep these records in a secure and easily accessible place. This ensures that essential information is readily available in case of emergencies or when communicating with healthcare professionals.
Take advantage of technology to enhance long-distance caregiving. Remote monitoring devices, such as medical alert systems or smart home technology, can provide real-time updates on a senior’s activities and safety. The use of technology can be especially helpful when seniors are reluctant to accept help from caregivers.
When possible, plan in-person visits strategically to spend quality time with aging adults. These visits offer an opportunity to assess their well-being, discuss care plans, and address any issues that may require attention. Coordinate visits with other family members to ensure regular support and to avoid overwhelming the person receiving care.
Familiarize yourself with local resources and services available in your aging loved one’s community. Look into senior centers, meal delivery programs, transportation services, and support groups. These resources can provide additional assistance and social engagement for aging adults in addition to the help they receive from senior home care.
Long-distance caregiving may require flexibility and adaptability. Seniors’ needs can change over time, and unexpected situations may arise. Long-distance family caregivers need to be prepared to adjust care plans and support as needed and be willing to seek additional help when it’s necessary.
Encourage open dialogue with seniors about their preferences and wishes regarding their care. Respect their autonomy and involve them in decision-making as much as possible. Regularly check in with them to ensure that their needs are being met and to address any concerns they may have.
Long-distance caregiving can be emotionally demanding for family caregivers. Taking care of their own well-being is essential in order to keep the system working. Make time for self-care activities that help reduce stress and maintain overall health.
Long-distance caregiving presents its challenges, but with thoughtful planning, effective communication, and the use of available resources, like experienced senior home care services, it can be made better for everyone involved.
Reference
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/long-distance-caregiving
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Scottsdale, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!
Falls are something that seniors need to take seriously because they can lead to life-changing injuries and a loss of independence. There are plenty of proactive steps that seniors can take to prevent falls, however, and improve overall safety in their homes. Often it’s easier to keep seniors safe at home with the help of home care providers because they’re uniquely positioned to know what seniors need and how to help them stay as safe as possible.
Wearing the right footwear is crucial for fall prevention. Seniors should opt for sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid high heels, open-back or loose-fitting shoes, and flip-flops, as they can increase the risk of trips and falls. Choosing shoes with low heels, good arch support, and non-skid soles helps seniors to have a solid foundation while they’re walking. Ensuring a proper fit is essential, as ill-fitting shoes can impair balance and stability.
Mobility aids can provide valuable support and stability for seniors. Using assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or grab bars can enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls. It is vital to choose the appropriate aid based on individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional for proper fitting and training on how to use them safely. Regular maintenance and adjustments should also be performed to ensure optimal functionality and safety.
Modifying the home environment can significantly reduce fall hazards, too. Simple adjustments like installing handrails along staircases, adding grab bars in bathrooms, securing or removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and decluttering walkways can make a significant difference. Seniors should also ensure that commonly used items are within easy reach, reducing the need for stretching or balancing on unstable surfaces.
Regular exercise and activities that focus on strength and balance can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls for seniors. Engaging in activities such as walking, tai chi, yoga, or even water aerobics can help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and enhance balance. Seniors should consult with healthcare professionals to develop an appropriate exercise plan tailored to their abilities and needs before starting a new plan for exercise.
Identifying and addressing risk factors that contribute to falls is essential. Seniors should work with their doctors to manage chronic conditions, review medications for potential side effects or interactions that may affect balance or cognition, and undergo vision and hearing check-ups regularly. Maintaining overall health and addressing risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls.
Elder care providers can play a vital role in fall prevention for seniors. These professionals can assist with daily activities, provide companionship, and offer support in navigating the home environment safely. They can help with mobility and transfer, provide medication reminders, and ensure the home is safe from hazards as much as possible. Collaborating with home care providers allows seniors to receive personalized assistance and care, enhancing their safety and well-being.
Preventing falls is absolutely an essential aspect of planning for the safety and independence of seniors. Family caregivers need to keep all of these tips in mind while they’re helping their aging adults to plan for future safety.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Mesa, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!
Rodney,
I just wanted to thank you and your team for jumping through hoops for us. I know 24-hour coverage is not easy, much less scheduling for all of your clients.
It has made a big difference for us (well, mainly me) to be able to take a break during a time when we don’t know what to expect each day. I appreciate the flexibility you have given us, and the peace of mind knowing we are doing the best for my mom.
Best,
HB
