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Author: Craig Bass

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.

World Listening Day: Take Your Mom Outside for a Day in Nature

Posted on by Craig Bass

July 18th was established by the World Listening Project as a day to head outside and sit and listen to the soothing sounds of nature. It’s a good day for family caregivers to get outside, unwind, and listen to what’s out there.

A Yale report looked at more than 1,000 studies of “Nature Deficit Disorder,” and found that nature has a powerful restorative benefit. When people feel safe when they’re out in nature, it can lower their blood pressure, lower the stress hormones flowing throughout their body, reduce stress, improve their immune system response, and boost their mood.

As a family caregiver, you likely experience a lot of stress as you become a parent to your parent. Take a day off and go outside with your mom. Whether you go to a local park or sit in the backyard, stop and listen to the birds, listen to the water in a nearby stream or river or as it laps the lakeshore or coastline, and enjoy being outside in nature for a change.

Forget about your chores for the day. Focus on the important ones like making sure your mom has food and water and takes her medications on time. Things like vacuuming, dusting, and laundry can wait a day. It won’t hurt anything if you have a relaxed day out for a change.

Use Apps for Identifying Bird and Animal Sounds

You’d be surprised by how many bird sounds you can probably identify already. But, there are apps you can find online that allow you to record a snippet of a bird’s song or animal’s cry. Submit them to the app and it will tell you what you’re hearing.

Cornell Labs’ Ask Merlin is a highly-rated app for identifying bird calls. It’s a good place to start. If you’re looking to identify animal sounds, iNaturalist is one of the best options.

Apps Can Identify Animals by Picture, Too

One of the neatest features of Google Photos is that you can take your photo and have Google Lens identify it. Take a photo of a bird you see flitting in the trees, and Google Lens will tell you what it is.

Experience the Benefits of Companion Care at Home

When you’re not with your mom, is she alone? Does she often experience loneliness? Companion care at home services is an excellent solution. Instead of being alone all day, every day, a caregiver stops by to keep her company.

Your mom’s caregiver is there to help her with housework, cook and share meals, and take her shopping. If your mom has an appointment and hates going alone, her companion can accompany her. Learn more about companion care at home by calling a specialist with your list of questions.

Sources:
https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health

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

Hot Weather Hygiene Tips For Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass

Taking care of daily hygiene can be challenging for seniors even when the weather isn’t warm, but it can be especially challenging when the hot summer weather comes. Everyone can struggle to stay fresh and feel cool when the temperatures soar. Seniors can get personal care at home to help them maintain their hygiene. Personal care at home can also help seniors with tasks like getting dressed and showering. Some hot weather hygiene tips that seniors can use to be cool and confident all summer include:

Get A Sweat Proof Sunscreen

Seniors who are going out in the sun need to wear sunscreen. But regular sunscreen can wear off and it can wear off very quickly when seniors are sweating. If it’s very warm outside seniors should wear sport sunscreen or sweat resistant sunscreen so that it lasts. Otherwise seniors may be out in the sun for hours with no protection. That can lead to serious sunburn and other heat-related problems. A sweat proof sunscreen that is reapplied regularly while seniors are outdoors is the best choice.

Use Baby Wipes To Freshen Up

Baby wipes are something seniors should always have with them. Unscented or scented baby wipes are a great tool to use to freshen up. Seniors can use them to wipe away sweat if the day is really warm. And they can use baby wipes after using the bathroom to take care of any residual odor that might linger because of the heat and sweat. It’s a good idea for seniors to keep baby wipes in their bag, purse, fanny back, or in a pocket so that they can discreetly grab a couple if they need them.

Apply Powder When Getting Dressed

Baby powder that is talc free is safe to use and can make seniors a lot more comfortable. Baby powder can prevent odor, uncomfortable wetness, and rashes. Seniors can also use diaper cream to avoid getting heat rashes on their legs or arms. If your senior parent hates the feel of baby powder they should try anti-chafing gel. This product goes on like smooth like a gel but dries to a soft powder finish so it has all the advantages of powder but is easier and less messy to apply. Anti-chafing gel can be used between any folds of skin or anywhere skin rubs to prevent friction, skin tags, and rashes.

Wash Sheets At Least Once A Week

Seniors should be washing their sheets at least once a week when the weather is hot. Wash sheets in hot water to kill any odor-causing bacteria. It’s also a good idea to use only natural fiber sheets like cotton or linen. Natural fiber sheets will allow for good air circulation and that will help seniors who tend to sweat at night. There’s less chance of seniors getting skin infections, rashes, and other skin disorders from their sheets in the summer when they are washed regularly once a week. Use unscented soap or soap created to wash baby bedding so that seniors don’t have any kind of reaction to the soap used to wash their bedding.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home 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!

Thank You!

Posted on by Craig Bass

Hello Senior Community. Friends come in all shapes and sizes. Since my most recent journey, these two gentlemen have welcomed me and been extremely supportive. You know who you are based on the picture. I won’t say your name, but I will say thank you for being wind under my heavy wings. You gentlemen have been and continue to be wonderful to me. Thank you.