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Author: Craig Bass

Laurie Malone Education Foundation

Posted on by Craig Bass

Hello Senior Community. As you may know, we are approaching the one-year milestone of Laurie’s passing. Thank each of you who contributed to the Scholarship Fund Last year. We find peace in knowing the Laurie Malone Scholarship Fund raised over $17,000 in 2022 and afforded 8 students with scholarships to further their education. In memory of Laurie, we are continuing to raise awareness and funds for scholarships. If you would like to donate to K2 Adventures Foundation, please use the link below. This link will take you directly to the Laurie Malone Scholarship fund.

On behalf of the Malone Family, we are grateful for your support and keeping Laurie’s memory and dynamic personality alive.

https://k2adventures.org/programs/local-programs/educational-scholarship/

Older Adults Have Mental Health Issues, Too

Posted on by Craig Bass

Many people think of mental illness as something affecting teens and young adults, but fewer people realize that the elderly are just as likely to be experiencing problems with their mental health. Twenty million older adults have at least one mental health issue. Depression and chronic anxiety are the two most common.

A bigger problem is that many people with mental health disorders do not get the treatment they need. WHO and PAHO estimate that 66% of older adults fall into what’s called a “Treatment Gap” and receive no care for their mental health. This is concerning as 90% of older adults also reported not feeling that they get enough support, whether it’s from family and friends, their community, or the medical profession.

It might be that your dad is ashamed and doesn’t want to mention it to his doctor. He may have tried to bring it up and wasn’t taken as seriously as he expected. Either way, mental health is not something to ignore.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. These are the most common mental health issues and the things you can do to support your dad if he has any of them.

Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common, and it can be tied to excessive stress that’s not properly managed or past events that left lasting scars. There are many types of anxiety and some of the more common are:

  • Generalized Anxiety – Anxiety that happens every day that can be about anything.
  • Social Anxiety – Becoming extremely anxious in social settings, such as a holiday party or while shopping.

If anxiety isn’t addressed, it can build into panic disorder. A full-blown panic attack will hit and cause symptoms like a racing heart, chest pain, chills, feelings of detachment, tingling hands and feet, nausea, dizziness, etc. As many of the symptoms mimic a heart attack or stroke, it can be alarming and that fear only makes it worse.

When he’s dealing with anxiety, your dad may find it comforting to have people around more often. Try to make sure companionship visits are boosted.

Bipolar Disorder

Someone who is bipolar goes through good and bad periods where that person can be feeling fantastic and full of life one day and then experience a depressive episode the next. These waves of ups and downs can be exhausting and isolating.

Your dad will be prescribed medications to help balance his mood. He must take them each day.

Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment is also a mental health condition. This includes things like Alzheimer’s where the brain’s deterioration affects mood, memory, and behavior.

In the early stages of dementia, there’s not much that needs to be done. It is a good time to address advance directives and estate plans. As the disease progresses, help with personal care, housekeeping, transportation, and meals are all important.

Depression

Depression is a disorder that affects how you think, feel, and act. Someone who is depressed may withdraw from others. You might notice your dad stays in bed all morning and doesn’t ever want to get out of bed. He’ll lose interest in activities that he used to enjoy.

He needs to see his doctor and have an honest conversation. If his doctor dismisses him, make sure you advocate for your dad to get proper treatment.

In-home care is a good way to provide your dad with the companionship and household help he needs as he focuses on de-stressing and improving his mental health. His caregiver can drive him to therapy sessions, support groups, and other counseling sessions.

He’ll also have a caregiver to accompany him on walks in nature, shopping trips, and time spent in his gardens. Learn more about these and the other benefits of in-home care.

Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-improve-access-to-mental-health-and-substance-use-care-for-older-adults
https://www3.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9877:seniors-mental-health&Itemid=0&lang=en#gsc.tab=0
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/mental_health.pdf

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

Thank You for Stepping Up, JC!

Posted on by Craig Bass

Sometimes, someone steps up to help and they should be recognized for doing so. JC was at his home doing personal chores. When we phoned him to say that a client has an emergency and we need your help, JC did not hesitate to say I’ll do it. We offer what’s called Bonu$ Reward Points. This is when an employee does something extraordinary, they win points that can later be turned in for cash rewards at Target, Starbucks, Bed Bath and Beyond, Walmart and the likes. JC will receive both a financial bonus and Bonu$ reward point$ for his efforts in helping over the weekend. Thank you JC for stepping up to help. We Heart you at Golden Heart.

Tips for Selecting a Home Care Agency

Posted on by Craig Bass

Choosing the right home care agency for a loved one can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision and find a home care agency that meets your loved one’s unique needs.

  1. Determine Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you start searching for a home care agency, it’s important to determine your loved one’s specific needs. Are they recovering from an injury or surgery? Do they have a chronic illness? Are they dealing with cognitive decline? Understanding your loved one’s situation and the level of care they require will help you narrow down your search and find an agency that offers the appropriate services.

  1. Research Home Care Agencies

Once you know what type of care your loved one requires, you can start researching home care agencies. Look for agencies that specialize in the type of care your loved one needs, such as dementia care or post-surgery care. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or healthcare providers.

  1. Check the Agency’s Reputation

When choosing a home care agency, it’s essential to check their reputation. Look for reviews online, and ask the agency for references from previous clients. You can also check the agency’s accreditation and licensing status to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.

  1. Consider the Caregiver’s Qualifications

The caregiver who will be providing care for your loved one is a crucial factor to consider. Ask the agency about their caregiver screening process and training. Look for agencies that employ caregivers who are licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also consider the caregiver’s experience and expertise in providing care for your loved one’s specific needs.

  1. Evaluate the Agency’s Communication and Support

Effective communication and support are essential for a successful home care experience. Look for an agency that provides clear and consistent communication with you and your loved one. They should also have a support system in place to address any concerns or issues that arise.

In conclusion, selecting a home care agency is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding your loved one’s needs, researching agencies, checking their reputation, considering caregiver qualifications, and evaluating their communication and support, you can find an agency that provides the high-quality care your loved one deserves.

When should seniors stop driving?

Posted on by Craig Bass

As people age, their driving abilities may decline due to a number of factors such as slower reflexes, vision problems, cognitive impairment, and medical conditions. This can raise concerns about their safety on the road and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. However, giving up driving can also mean a loss of independence and mobility, which can be a difficult transition for seniors. So, when should seniors stop driving?

The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability, not just their age. Some seniors may be able to drive safely well into their 80s or 90s, while others may need to stop driving earlier due to medical conditions or cognitive impairment. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and assessing whether it’s time for them to stop driving.

Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time for a senior to stop driving:

  1. Difficulty with basic driving tasks: This may include trouble with braking or accelerating, staying in the correct lane, and maintaining a safe speed.
  2. Getting lost or disoriented while driving: Seniors who get lost or confused while driving may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory problems.
  3. Increased accidents or near-misses: If a senior has been involved in multiple accidents or near-misses, it may be a sign that their driving skills have declined.
  4. Difficulty seeing or hearing: Vision and hearing problems can make it difficult for seniors to drive safely, especially in low-light conditions or when navigating busy streets.
  5. Medication side effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, confusion, or other side effects that can impair driving abilities.

If a senior is experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to have a conversation about their driving abilities and consider alternative transportation options. Family members and caregivers can work together to find alternative transportation options such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, or volunteer driving programs.

It’s important to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, as giving up driving can be a difficult transition for seniors. Encourage seniors to express their concerns and feelings, and work together to find solutions that meet their transportation needs while ensuring their safety on the road.

In conclusion, there is no set age at which seniors should stop driving. The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability and any medical or cognitive issues that may impair their ability to drive safely. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and finding alternative transportation options when it’s time for them to stop driving.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleeping Issues

Posted on by Craig Bass

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be tough. They experience all sorts of issues including sleeping issues. Many people who have this disease have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. There are many reasons for this that you and their caregivers should be aware of.

Trouble Sleeping

Your elderly loved one might have trouble sleeping. If you have noticed they have had changes in the way that they fall asleep or stay asleep, it is time to find out what the issue might be. The first thing to note is that this disease, alone, can cause people to have trouble sleeping. There is something in their brain that causes sleep disruptions. It could be they are feeling restless or anxious before going to bed. Whatever the issue might be, these troubles sleeping should be addressed.

You should pay attention to how your loved one is behaving. Pay attention to how they are acting before bedtime. If they seem anxious about something, find a solution for their anxiety. You should also be sure that your loved one gets ready for bed 15 – 30 minutes before their bedtime. This way they can get laid down and situated before it is time to fall asleep.

Sundowning Syndrome

Sundowning is when your elderly loved one displays negative behaviors around sundown and through the night. Sometimes there are medications that the doctor will prescribe to help manage the sundowning symptoms.

You should also make sure your loved one’s sleeping environment is as comfortable as possible. Increasing the activities they do during the day can help to tire them out for nighttime, as well. Lastly, you and your loved one’s caregivers should make sure they don’t have electronics during the evening or nighttime.

Hallucinations

Your loved one might also experience hallucinations that make it difficult for them to fall asleep. They may see things in their bedroom that make them scared to fall asleep. It might seem as if the shadows are strangers in their house. This can be very frightening for your elderly loved one.

If your loved one is experiencing hallucinations, the first thing to do is make sure they talk to their doctor about it. In addition, you should make sure the corners of their rooms are lit. This will prevent them from seeing things in the dark. You should also make sure there aren’t any noises that could be deemed as scary throughout the home at nighttime.

These are some of the sleeping issues that your elderly loved one might have with Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure you and their caregivers do your best to understand what they are going through and help them in any way that you can.

Sources
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/sleep-deprivation-increases-alzheimers-protein
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/6-tips-managing-sleep-problems-alzheimers

When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide. 

How Can Home Care Help Seniors to Age in Place?

Posted on by Craig Bass

When seniors are planning to age in place for as long as they possibly can, it is essential that they have the support that they need to make that goal attainable. Home care providers are able to keep seniors as safe as possible while also offering companionship and help with daily tasks. Here’s what family caregivers need to know about this type of help.

Activities of Daily Living

Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are tasks that seniors need to do every day as a part of life. These are tasks like preparing meals, bathing, getting dressed, and taking care of household matters. Home care providers are able to assist with these tasks to whatever degree is necessary. Having that help allows aging adults to conserve some of their energy and avoid struggling through daily tasks. This can be instrumental in helping seniors remain in their homes.

Safety and Supervision

Some seniors might need more help recognizing and addressing safety concerns, and elder care providers are able to do just that. Caregivers help to prevent falls and reduce other safety complications for aging adults and family caregivers. Home care providers can also help seniors to be more active and to remember to use assistive devices, like walkers, when necessary. If there are bigger safety concerns, caregivers make sure that family members are aware of what’s happening.

Companionship

It’s not uncommon at all for aging adults to gradually find that they’re spending the vast majority of their time alone. As time goes on, seniors may feel as if they’re becoming isolated. This can lead to some big mental health difficulties, including depression. Home care providers offer companionship, which can be an essential part of reducing the impact of loneliness.

Transportation

Seniors may not be able to drive any longer, which can complicate life a bit. That’s especially true when they still have appointments and other activities that they need and want to get to. Caregivers can help with transportation, ensuring that seniors safely get where they have to be. This also helps seniors to remain engaged in the world around them.

Education

Family caregivers have a lot going on and often aren’t as aware as they might want to be about how to meet the needs of the person they are helping. Home care providers offer education about what seniors need, especially in terms of things like safety and home modifications that make life both safer and easier. Understanding more of these details helps family caregivers to make better care decisions for their aging adults.

Home care helps seniors to age in place with the support that they need in order to live safely and independently in their own homes. Caregivers offer support with daily tasks, companionship, transportation, and more. All of this helps to improve quality of life for aging adults and for the family caregivers helping them on a regular basis. It also helps seniors to avoid moving away from their homes if that is what they are trying to avoid for the foreseeable future.

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

We Love Visiting Our Clients!

Posted on by Craig Bass

I will say it over and over, getting out to see clients is my favorite part of of what I do. Thank you to those clients who entrust us with caring for their loved one. We take pride in keeping your loved one safe, happy and healthy.

Golden Heart Sponsors a CEU

Posted on by Craig Bass

Golden Heart sponsoring a CEU at a hospital. Continuing Education Units are needed in our industry. We will be happy to hold a CEU for you. Please email rodney@goldenheartscottsdale.com for more information.

Why Are Eye Exams Imperative for Seniors?

Posted on by Craig Bass

Vision and eye health are topics that lots of people don’t think about too much until they’re affected by something else. Seniors who aren’t going to eye appointments every year might find that they’re having a lot more difficulty with daily tasks. Personal care at home can help with these tasks and preserve independence for seniors, but it’s still vital to get to those eye exams, too.

Eye Health Changes Over Time

Eye health is an important aspect of health for seniors in particular. As the body ages, the risk of developing certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration increases. Seniors should prioritize regular eye exams in order to maintain clear vision and to catch any eye diseases in the early stages. Challenges like not driving any longer might make it more difficult to get to appointments, but home care providers can assist with transportation.

Eye Exams Help Detect Problems

Regular eye exams allow for early detection of any potential eye issues that may arise as well as maintain clear vision. Eye exams are especially important for seniors as age-related eye diseases can often be treated more effectively in the early stages. Additionally, regular eye exams can help reduce the risk of falls due to poor vision. If a senior notices a change in their vision, they should be sure to schedule an appointment with their optometrist immediately.

Vision Loss Is the Biggest Risk Seniors Face

If a senior chooses not to prioritize regular eye exams, they may be at risk of vision loss due to an untreated eye condition. Glaucoma can cause permanent injury to the optic nerve. If left to continue, that damage can lead to blindness. Cataracts are also a common eye condition among seniors. This condition occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing vision to be blurred. Early detection and treatment of cataracts can help reduce the risk of vision loss.

Tests During an Eye Exam

Sometimes seniors are worried about what the eye exam is going to be like, so they don’t prioritize the appointment. Glaucoma tests involve a machine blowing a puff of air onto the surface of the eye to measure the pressure within the eye. Other tests might involve pictures of the retina as well as an in-depth exam by the eye doctor.

Being Proactive about Eye Health Is Important

Seniors who aren’t able to see well may need more help with daily activities like bathing, getting dressed, and grooming. Personal care at home can help with all of these tasks on a daily basis. Caregivers can also be there to assist with mobility and other concerns. Staying on top of eye health helps to reduce the problems that can lead to permanent vision loss.

Seniors need to prioritize eye exams regularly in order to protect their vision and ensure that their eyes are healthy. Avoiding these appointments doesn’t mean that seniors won’t eventually have trouble with their vision, so it’s important to make it easier for them to get to these appointments and to take care of their eye health at home.

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