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Author: ltcep2023

Six Ways Home Care Makes Long-distance Caregiving Easier

Posted on by ltcep2023

Caring for a family member from far away is full of some interesting challenges, but it’s possible. Long-distance caregivers often worry that they’re missing something or that they aren’t helping enough. Having help from home care services can reduce a great many of those difficulties without making seniors feel as if they’re being restricted. Here are some of the main ways home care providers can help.

Check-ins and Updates

It can be tough for long-distance caregivers to check in as much as they really need to, especially in the right ways. Sometimes it’s a delicate balance between just enjoying the senior’s company when talking with them and not wanting to overstep boundaries. When elder care providers are there visiting seniors in person, it’s a lot easier for long-distance caregivers to get an unbiased update about what’s happening with the person they care about.

Addressing Unique Needs

Each senior has a different experience and faces different health issues and other challenges. Senior care providers understand this fact and they are prepared to look at what the person receiving care truly needs. That allows them to help put a plan together that addresses those unique needs as thoroughly as possible.

Coordinating Services

Managing multiple health issues or other challenges sometimes means that seniors rely on a variety of different services or therapies. From afar, it can be really difficult to manage those services. Home care providers can help seniors to stay on target and coordinate these different care options. This makes it easier for seniors to get the care that they truly need.

Promoting Security and Safety

Safety is a huge part of helping aging adults to stay in their own homes for as long as they can. When family caregivers aren’t able to be there in person to ensure safety, it’s helpful to have someone else available to do those checks. Elderly care providers understand what types of safety issues are a huge concern for aging adults, so they’re able to stay on top of safety at home.

Offering Companionship

Depending on health issues, where family and friends live, and many other details, seniors often find themselves battling loneliness. Over time, this can even lead to isolation and bigger problems, like depression. When senior care providers stop in to help aging adults and tackle tasks for them, they’re also offering companionship that breaks through that loneliness.

Offering Flexibility

Above all, seniors need flexibility when they’re staying in their own homes while family caregivers live far away. Being able to access the different types of assistance that they need when they need it is the most important factor to consider. Home care providers can offer that flexibility, ensuring that seniors have just as much help as they need and want.

Adapting to long-distance caregiving can feel overwhelming for family caregivers, but having the right tools and solutions in place helps. Home care services can help family caregivers stay aware of what’s happening with their aging adults while also assisting in all of the ways that seniors need.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 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!

How Can Companion Care at Home Help Seniors Reduce Stress?

Posted on by ltcep2023

Navigating the challenges of aging is not for the faint of heart. Managing stress is a big part of aging gracefully, especially while dealing with health complications and other difficulties. Companion care at home can be a valuable resource for seniors who need and want support and companionship while they deal with the stress of daily life.

Engaging in Meaningful Activities

Feeling as if life has meaning is a huge part of reducing stress levels, particularly for seniors. Simple activities like playing a game or gardening offer seniors something to do, but they also help to keep brains and bodies active and engaged. These activities are a lot easier with someone else around to talk to.

Offering Emotional Support and Companionship

One of the biggest ways that companion care at home helps seniors is to offer emotional support. Seniors often end up feeling lonely and isolated for a variety of reasons. Companion care offers someone who can listen and with whom seniors can build relationships that matter.

Assisting with Small Daily Tasks

Home care providers offer hands-on help with daily tasks, like making meals and light household chores. Companion care at home is slightly different, but they might also assist with some small daily tasks. They can help seniors remember to do specific activities, for instance, like exercising or remembering to eat. If seniors need more help, different types of caregivers can offer that assistance.

Promoting Autonomy and Independence

One source of stress for aging adults is the worry that they won’t be able to continue living their lives on their own terms. Companion caregivers can offer seniors the emotional support they need to remember that there is plenty that they can still do on their own. When seniors feel empowered, they’re more likely to feel as if they still have some control over their lives.

Offering Individual Attention

Sometimes seniors feel as if they get lumped in with everyone else. But companion care at home is there to offer them individual attention according to their own needs. There aren’t any one-size-fits-all plans for the day, and that can be tremendously comforting for seniors.

Improving Safety and Security

Companion caregivers are in a unique position. They’re there to offer companionship and emotional support, but they also understand what life is like for aging adults. They know what to watch out for and what signs could indicate that seniors aren’t living as safely as they could be. This alone is a huge source of stress, both for seniors and for the family members who love them. Companion caregivers can help families to know what’s going on with the seniors they love so that they can take steps to help them be safer when they need to do so.

Companion care at home offers essential companionship and support for seniors, which can go a long way toward reducing stress levels. These caregivers can help in a variety of other ways, too, which keeps seniors happy and healthy for as long as possible.

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

CEU at a Local Hospital

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. Today, we did a CEU at A Local Hospital. A CEU means Continuing Education Unit. We love to share information. Dr Cohen did an amazing job with his presentation on “ The Psychiatric Risks of Hospitalization”. Thank you Dr. Cohen for your knowledge and participation. The more we share. The more we learn. The more we grow. Let’s keep growing.

Upcoming Senior Living Events

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. As an FYI, we have several events at Senior Living Communities coming soon. For more information on where and what, please contact us from the information within. According to Aging Care and an article written by Leah Hallstrom, the are seven levels and three stages of dementia. The three stages are Early, Middle and Late. Within those stages, there are 7 levels all having to do with cognitive decline. For more information on how to get care for a loved one or to get information on this article, please contact us from the information within.

Making Meaningful Memories

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. Happy Thursday! We hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. For the special day, one of our caregivers sent a picture of the breakfast she prepared for a client. When you have family out of town, your caregiver becomes responsible for providing the meaningful relationship and assistance you need. For more information on how to get this type of service for your loved one, please inquire within.

Having Fun with Friends!

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. Every now and then, I get to hang out with some really cool guys. Sometimes, they bring out the hot rods. This is what that looks like. Keep having fun seniors.

A Thank You Note From One of Our Wonderful Clients

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. Our caregivers love what we do. When you love what you do, you tend to do a great job. Please see the attached hand written note about one of our caregivers. It’s a wonderful day when a client writes a note of thanks as shown here. To receive the type of care that would increase your desire to write a hand written Thank You Note. Please contact us and we can discuss how. Have a wonderful year Arizonans.

10 Things Seniors Can Do Right Now For A Healthier Heart

Posted on by ltcep2023

February is American Heart Month and now is a great time for seniors and their families to take steps for better heart health. Doing things like changing your diet, exercising, and getting more sleep are all great lifestyle changes to make that will improve heart health in the long run. But there are also things that seniors can do right away, with the help of home care assistance, that will also help improve their heart health like:

Walk Around The Block

Exercise is very important to keep your heart healthy. Experts say that seniors should be walking for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. But if that’s too much right now, start by just going for a walk around the block. A home care assistance provider can encourage and support your senior on a daily walk when the weather permits.

Add A Vegetable

Seniors should be eating a heart-healthy diet that is mostly made of vegetables, some fruit, and lean proteins. But it can take time to make lasting dietary changes. To get started eating healthier seniors and their families can just add one vegetable to one meal today.

Smoke Two Less Cigarettes

Smoking is terrible for heart health. Seniors who smoke should really try to quit. But, quitting can be a process. Get started by smoking two less cigarettes today. You won’t even notice two less cigarettes, but your heart will.

Schedule A Heart Disease Screening

Schedule a heart disease screening for your senior parent if they haven’t had one yet this year. Seniors should be getting regular checkups and screenings for illnesses like heart disease.

Call A Friend

Stress can contribute to heart disease, and many seniors have stress related to being alone. Seniors who have a strong support network of family and friends who keep them socially connected are less likely to suffer from physical mental health problems. Seniors should try to reduce stress today by calling a friend to chat. Home care assistance can be there to offer companionship and a helping hand when your senior is lonely or spending too much time by themselves.

Skip Dessert

Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for preventing heart disease. Seniors who are overweight may need some time to lose all those extra pounds, but they can start right now by skipping dessert. Seniors who really don’t want to skip dessert can choose a healthier dessert options like fruit, Greek yogurt, or sugar free pudding.

Go To Bed An Hour Earlier

Sleep is also important for heart health. Getting more sleep can lower the risk of developing heart disease. It can also reduce stress, which is good for the heart. Seniors should try going to bed an hour earlier tonight to get more healthy sleep.

Make Something

Working with the hands and making things like painting, knitting, sculpting, sewing, or wood working can reduce stress, provide a sense of purpose, and give seniors a brain boost. It also can lower the risk of heart disease. Encourage your senior parent to get out their parents, pick up some yarn, or even just do some coloring and make something.

Take A Hot Bath

There’s nothing as relaxing as a hot bath. Seniors who are stressed out should take a hot bath to relax and help their heart at the same time.

Drink A Glass Of Water

Staying hydrated is important for seniors for many reasons, including heart health. And most seniors aren’t drinking enough water during the day. Go drink a glass of water right now.

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

Words of Wisdom From Our Weekly Coffee Group

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. As many of you know, I have coffee weekly with a group I call my guys. My guys are a group of guys, mostly widowers, who have coffee and talk every week. Yes, I am younger than they are. I do remember most of this. One of the guys brought it to coffee this morning. Will place a smile on a lot of your faces. Enjoy.

 

How To Help Your Senior Parent Find The Right Medical Care

Posted on by ltcep2023

When you start taking care of a senior parent that is aging in place, one thing that you may need to help them do is find appropriate medical care in their area. Finding good medical care can be overwhelming, especially for seniors. Navigating the maze of what providers are in the insurance network but also provides the care that your senior parent needs can be confusing. Beyond medical care, hiring senior home care to offer non-medical support is crucial to your parent living safely and comfortably at home.

When it comes to finding the right medical care for your senior parent, these tips should help you make sure that your loved one is getting the care they need:

Look For A Geriatrician

Seniors should have a primary care doctor that is a geriatrician. A doctor that specializes in medical care for seniors is the best person to provide referrals and other healthcare that seniors need. They also are the best doctors to perform routine exams and screenings.

Compile Your Senior Parent’s Medical Records

Create a comprehensive medical history for your senior parent. Include information about current medications, past surgeries, allergies, and any chronic conditions. Having this information easily available can streamline communication with healthcare providers. Keep a digital copy and also keep several hard copies that can be given to doctors or medical providers.

Check Their Insurance Coverage And Network

Verify your parent’s insurance coverage and understand the details of their plan. This includes knowing the network of providers covered, copays, deductibles, and any pre-authorization requirements. This information will guide your choices in selecting healthcare providers.

Schedule Regular Check-ups

Your senior parent is going to need yearly checkups for general health as well as things like vision and hearing screenings, cancer screenings, and other routine appointments. Schedule those now because getting those appointments can be difficult and the wait times can be long.

Request Referrals, Then Follow Up

If your senior parent has medical conditions that require specialty care put in the request for referrals with their primary care doctor or the insurance company, then follow up after a week or so to make sure the referrals come through. You will need to referral to schedule any kind of specialty care for your senior parent.

Research Healthcare Facilities In The Area

In case of an emergency, you must know where your senior parent wants to be treated. Sit down with them and research local facilities that are in-network for their insurance. Make sure it’s written down in their health plan notes what emergency room they want to be taken to if there is a need for emergency care. Also make note of what hospital they prefer. It’s also a good idea to write this information on a sheet of paper and post it on the fridge, next to the phone, or in some other central place in case the senior home care provider needs it someday.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior 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!