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Author: Craig Bass

Helping Clients in Many Ways!

Posted on by Craig Bass

Seniors, Families and Friends. Sometimes the picture doesn’t match the message. This is a summation of a note from a client making a change. Every client and family needs something different. The family dictates how they need our help. We work with each family in the the way that benefits their needs best. We wish the client best. We thank the caregivers for their continued love, time and attention.

The Client says:
Thank you to D for continuing to visit. We will be relocating and want to confirm her help please. If she could please pick him up as usual. The new location is in Phoenix. His daughter and I will meet at the front entrance and take him inside. Once he moves in, we will confirm with Golden Heart how much service we will need. We have no idea about his readjustment. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

We help in ways every family feels is best for them. We would love to work with you and your family to help those who in need. For more information, please contact @GoldenHeartScottsdale.com.

Talking About Senior Home Care with Aging Adults

Posted on by Craig Bass

As seniors age, their needs change. Sometimes that happens so gradually that they don’t realize that they need to be doing something different. Accepting the help of senior home care providers is one solution, but if seniors aren’t ready to hear about making this change, they might not be too excited about the idea. What can make a difference is how family members talk to seniors about this type of care.

What Does Senior Home Care Do?

First, it helps to know what senior home care does. This type of care is designed to support aging adults in their own homes with tasks that they need help managing. Home care can handle things like light housekeeping, helping out with personal care tasks, making meals, and so much more. What they do is more dependent on what seniors need help managing than anything else.

Prepping for the Talk

Before starting up a conversation about elder care services and bringing them into a senior’s life, it’s a good idea to do some prep work. Identifying current needs and considering how those needs might change in the future helps when looking at how senior home care can help. It’s also a good idea to consider what health issues seniors are facing now and later.

Choosing the Right Setting

Timing is always important with big conversations and this one is no different. Family caregivers should choose a time and place when everyone involved is relaxed and open to talking about big topics. If there’s a lot of stress happening, shift the conversation to a later time.

Engaging with Empathy

The idea of bringing in home care assistance can feel threatening sometimes for aging adults. Thinking about the topic from their perspective helps family caregivers understand more about why this might be tough for seniors to talk about. Try to keep that in mind and engage with empathy instead of trying to make the conversation cut and dry.

Highlighting Benefits and Finding Solutions

Focusing on benefits and solutions can sometimes be the key to helping seniors embrace home care. This is where the research about current and future needs can pay off. Comparing how senior home care can help aging adults with what they need help doing can be a fast way to help them see why this is a good idea.

Listening and Addressing Concerns

It’s normal for seniors to have questions and concerns about such a big change. When family caregivers take the time to actively listen and understand why seniors are concerned, everybody benefits. It’s always possible that there’s merit to what seniors are worried about. Finding the answers and alleviating the concerns builds trust.

Take Small Steps

Finally, it’s never a good idea to make immediate changes and to tell seniors that they have to simply accept this new type of help. A better option is to take small steps and go with a trial period. This allows seniors to have time to adjust and to get a feel for what senior home care is all about.

Senior home care offers tons of benefits, but burying those in a conversation that didn’t go well doesn’t help anyone. Tackling the conversation the right way can help seniors and family caregivers get the help they need.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-caregiving-older-adults

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Tempe, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Home Care Assistance and Better Time Management

Posted on by Craig Bass

Taking care of aging family members is something that most family caregivers would never trade for anything. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t sometimes feel overwhelmed by the demands on their time and energy that make them feel as if they’re constantly behind. Relying on tools like home care assistance can make a huge difference for family caregivers and seniors alike. These care providers can also help everyone involved feel like they’re better able to use the time they have to get better results.

What’s Taking So Much Time?

There’s so much involved in caring for aging adults. There are the daily household tasks that are never-ending, but there are also admin tasks, too. Talking with healthcare providers, setting up appointments, managing prescription needs, and so much more all take up time and mental energy for seniors. That doesn’t even count the active help that seniors may need as well, or simply spending quality time together.

Connecting and Spending Time Together

Connecting with seniors and simply spending time with them is so powerful for both seniors and family caregivers. But with so much to do, it may seem as if this gets shoved to the side. What home care can offer to seniors and family caregivers is the opportunity to spend time together just connecting and focusing on what really matters.

Enjoying Activities for Fun

One way for family caregivers to spend quality time with the seniors they love is by finding activities to share that are just for fun. This could be taking walks together, spending time in the garden, or sitting around talking about old stories and family history. When home care assistance is helping with the hands-on tasks, it’s easier for families to find the time to engage in activities simply for fun.

Recharging Emotional Batteries

Another aspect of home care assistance that family caregivers need to remember is that they can take respite time. Elder care providers can stay there with seniors, offering them the support that they need, while family caregivers take time away. This is a crucial step that family caregivers can’t ignore. They need to be able to rest on their own, recharging to keep up with the demands of being a family caregiver.

Prioritizing Respite Time

The problem that family caregivers often encounter is that it feels too difficult to prioritize respite time. Taking care of themselves is not a selfish act, but it can feel that way to family caregivers. Constantly being on and worrying about the seniors they love is a source of stress and anxiety, however. The question really isn’t how can family caregivers afford to take time away. It’s how can they afford not to prioritize respite time. Home care assistance makes it all easier to do.

Everyone has the same twenty-four hours every day. Family caregivers are trying to pack so much more into that time than most other people are, however. Letting home care assistance take over some tasks so that they can use their time more wisely just makes sense.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Scottsdale, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

How Do You Make Housekeeping Easier For Your Dad?

Posted on by Craig Bass

As your dad’s stamina and strength decline with age, he’s finding it harder to keep up with daily housekeeping chores. How do you help him with these tasks when you’re not always around? How does in-home care play a role? Read on to learn more.

Aim for Rechargeable When Possible

Rechargeable small appliances remove the cord that could trip your dad up. A rechargeable vacuum is just one of the helpful cleaning tools out there. A rotary scrub brush and steam mop are also handy to have.

At the very least, try to have a rechargeable vacuum to lower the risk of your dad tripping on cords while he’s cleaning his house. If it has a removable hand-held section for cleaning stairs, that’s even better.

Embrace Technology

Make the most of technology as it can make housekeeping a lot easier to manage. A robotic vacuum can clean floors on a schedule. Some are set up to empty their canisters themselves. This can eliminate a second chore from your dad’s list.

If you clean with a broom, there are automatic stationary vacuum bins where you sweep crumbs, pet hair, and dust to the device’s intake vacuum to clean up without needing a dustpan.

Move the Laundry Room If Possible

In some countries, it’s common to have a combination washer/dryer in the kitchen. If your dad has a basement laundry room, while it’s the norm in a lot of the U.S., the stairs can be impossible for your dad to navigate. Is it possible to move the laundry room upstairs?

If there’s room in his kitchen, a closet, or even a bathroom and there’s money available for this small renovation project, it’s worthwhile. He won’t have to struggle to do the laundry or wait until others are there to help him.

Simplify Meal Preparation

A slow cooker is one of the best kitchen tools for older adults. It’s not as heavy as a casserole dish that’s taken out of the oven each day. It also doesn’t require constant attention. At most, your dad has to stir the food in the cooker every couple of hours.

Having vegetables prepped and ready to use is helpful when your dad isn’t good at slicing or chopping ingredients. You can take care of it on the weekends or when you visit, and he can use items when he needs them.

Hire In-Home Care to Help

Is it better if someone else helps your dad with the housekeeping tasks? Home care services are ideal for assistance with household chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

Have you considered the benefits of in-home care services like housekeeping and laundry? Instead of struggling to do things as he has the energy, your dad can have caregivers to do these things for him. Talk to an in-home care expert to learn more about the availability and cost of caregiver services.

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Cave Creek, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

 

Crafting with K2 Adventures Foundation

Posted on by Craig Bass

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.

 

Wonderful Feedback from a Treasured Client

Posted on by Craig Bass

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.

Six Highly Effective Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass

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.

Wear Solid, Non-slip Shoes

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.

Use Mobility Aids

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.

Make Home Modifications

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.

Build Strength and Balance

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.

Address Risk Factors

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.

Work with Home Care Providers

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!

Another Wonderful Client Review!

Posted on by Craig Bass

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

It’s Hot Outside, so Make Sure Your Mom Stays Cool

Posted on by Craig Bass

The first week of July saw the world break the hottest global temperature since records for global highs have been recorded. A day later, the record was broken again when the global temperature reached 62.92 degrees Fahrenheit.

In southern regions of the U.S., heat waves have been affecting states like Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. The Eastern Seaboard and New England are also experiencing extremely hot weather that isn’t going away. For an older adult, this heat is dangerous.

Your mom lives alone, and you can only check on her with a phone call as you’re on the other side of the country. How do you make sure she’s staying cool when it’s so hot outside?

Is It Time for a New AC?

If your mom’s home doesn’t have central AC, you may want to consider looking into energy-efficient window AC systems. With ENERGY STAR rebates available, she can get an AC system for a lot less. There are also tax incentives for heat pump AC systems if she wants to take advantage of an energy-efficient system for her home.

What If She Doesn’t Have AC?

If your mom doesn’t have an AC system, she can keep her home cooler by closing the blinds and keeping sunlight from warming her rooms. A floor fan or ceiling fans help keep air moving, which will make her rooms feel cooler. If she sits in front of a fan, she’ll feel cooler.

When it’s extremely hot, wearing damp clothing keeps her core body temperature lower. Dampen a T-shirt in the sink and wear that. When it dries out, repeat the process.

She needs to stay hydrated. If she’s on medications to lower fluid retention, talk to her doctor about how much water she should be drinking. If there are no limits, two liters is a good goal, but excessive sweating can increase the amount she needs.

If she doesn’t like drinking a lot of water, stock her refrigerator and fruit bowl with fruits that have high water content. Oranges, berries, watermelon, and cantaloupe are excellent options.

Finally, make sure she stays inside during the hottest times of the day. Generally, this is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If she needs to take a walk, she should go first thing in the morning and after dinner.

Rely on In-Home Care to Support Your Mom

Arrange in-home care services for your mom. You might not live close by, but that doesn’t mean she has to go without anyone checking in for weeks or even months. A caregiver can stop by and make sure her AC is running and that she has access to clean water for showers and staying hydrated.

In-home care aides can clean your mom’s home, take her shopping, and schedule HVAC services if her AC system isn’t working effectively. Learn more about home care services by making a call.

Reference
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency-preparedness/older-adults-extreme-heat/index.html

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Tempe, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Going Above and Beyond

Posted on by Craig Bass

Here at Golden Heart Senior Care, we love to catch people doing the right things right. In this case, we needed to make some last minute changes due to a caregiver having a baby. You know who you are, congratulations to both of you. So yes, Golden Heart welcomed to new babies to our family this week.

Back to this young lady. When we asked her to work with us on flexing her schedule, her response was Sure. No problem. Just let me know how I can help. That is a philosophy her at Golden Heart. Everything we do comes from the spirit of service. KH will receive additional bonus points for her willingness and ability to help. Thank you KH for being Golden. We Heart you at Golden Heart.