I love to work with and help seniors. That is the most fulfilling part of my life. I must say, watching the Diamondbacks go to game 7 in the playoffs is pretty nice as well. Let’s go D-Backs.
Author: ltcep2023
Caregiver Rewards
Caregiver rewards are something we take seriously here at Golden Heart Senior Care. When a caregiver does something extraordinary or when they receive a compliment from a client, we reward them. We like to reward the behaviors that are becoming to our culture. Rewarding caring behavior help promote a culture of caring and helping. If you would like to receive this type of service or if you would like to be on a team that promotes this way of thinking, please phone us for more information. Allow us to Heart you as a client or employee.
Reward Bonus Points for Our Caregivers
Here at Golden Heart, we love to catch people doing things right or getting a client compliment. When you do, you receive an award called Reward Bonus Points. Reward bonus points can be turned in for different things related to cash that our caregivers find rewarding. Here is a picture of a caregiver receiving a reward. I must say, her smile makes me smile. Thank you Golden Heart caregivers for helping our clients live a safe and comfortable life at the place they call home. We Heart you here at Golden Heart. Please phone us for information on how to get a high quality caregiver or how to join a high quality team of caregivers.
Seniors and Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries, also called TBIs, can have a significant impact on individuals of all ages, but seniors are particularly vulnerable due to age-related factors. Understanding as much as possible about TBIs and how they impact seniors is so important for family caregivers. This can also help families to get the right help for their aging adults, like bringing in 24-hour home care providers.
Causes of TBI in Seniors
Seniors can experience traumatic brain injuries due to various causes. Falls are the most common reason for TBIs among older adults, often resulting from impaired balance, decreased mobility, or vision problems. Other causes include accidents during daily activities, such as bumping heads on furniture or cabinets, or even motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, older adults may be at increased risk of TBIs due to certain medications that can affect balance and coordination. Understanding the causes of TBIs in seniors is crucial in implementing preventive measures to mitigate the risks.
Lingering Effects of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on seniors, impacting their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Physical effects may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination and mobility. Cognitive effects can manifest as memory problems, decreased attention span, and difficulties with problem-solving and decision-making. Emotional effects may include mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety. It is important to recognize these lingering effects and provide appropriate support and resources for seniors to manage and cope with the challenges they may face.
Preventing Brain Injuries in Seniors
Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of TBIs in seniors. Strategies for preventing brain injuries include creating a safe living environment by removing hazards, ensuring proper lighting, and using assistive devices like grab bars and non-slip mats. Elder care providers can help with these tasks. Regular exercise and balance training can help improve strength and stability, reducing the risk of falls. Encouraging seniors to wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in activities with a higher risk of head injury, such as cycling or skating, is also essential. Furthermore, medication reviews by healthcare professionals can identify medications that may increase the risk of falls or affect balance, allowing for adjustments as necessary.
Helping Seniors Recover from Traumatic Brain Injury
Supporting seniors in their recovery from traumatic brain injury requires a multidisciplinary approach. Medical professionals, including neurologists and rehabilitation specialists, can assess the severity of the injury and create personalized treatment plans. Rehabilitation programs may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation to address the specific challenges faced by each individual. Emotional support is also vital, as seniors may experience frustration, anxiety, and depression during their recovery process.
Encouraging social engagement and providing a supportive network can help seniors regain confidence and improve their overall well-being. Hands-on help, especially with daily tasks at home is essential. Some seniors may need help around the clock from 24-hour home care.
Traumatic brain injuries can have a profound impact on seniors, necessitating a comprehensive approach to prevention, management, and recovery. By understanding how to help seniors manage TBIs properly, family caregivers can put the right solutions in place.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour 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!
Phoenix Legacy Foundation Hosts Golf Outing
Jason Bressler and The Phoenix Legacy Foundation hosted a wonderful golf outing. This outing is designed to raise money for first responders and veterans. Everyone had a great time. We raised great money. And, what a way to help the people the make our lives possible. Nice job Legacy Foundation.
Has Your Dad Talked About Aging in Place?
Aging in place is choosing to remain living at home in the twilight years of life. It’s what your dad wants, and you want to ensure he’s able to. Before he can, he needs to take a few measures to make sure he’s able to safely age in his current home. Here are a few important steps to take, and how elder care can help ensure he remains safe at home.
Heighten Safety Around His Home
Take measures to improve safety around your dad’s home. Add grab bars around his toilet and inside and outside of his shower. If he needs help keeping his balance, the grab bars are there. Non-slip bath mats and shower seats may also be useful.
In his living room and main living areas, make sure furniture is arranged in such a way that your dad has plenty of room to walk without tripping over things or stubbing his toe. Check that there are no loose or uneven hardwood boards, torn carpeting, or electrical cords that are in the way. If there are decorative rugs, remove them or make sure they have rubberized backing.
Where is his bedroom? If it’s upstairs, is he steady on the stairs or does he have a hard time getting up and down the stairs safely? Would a stairlift help or could you move his bedroom to the main floor?
How Is His Health?
Does your dad have health issues? Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol may have him taking prescription medications every day. If he forgets to take his medications, is anyone available to remind him?
If your dad has several medical appointments or therapy sessions throughout the month, is he able to drive himself? If not, who brings him? Would it help to have a caregiver available for transportation?
Is he supposed to exercise every day? Does he like to walk by himself or does he avoid it and skip the recommended exercise his doctor wants him to do? If he’d be more likely to take a daily walk if someone else joined him, make sure there is someone with him for his daily walks.
Plan and Cook Meals
If your dad is tempted to eat canned soup, ramen cups, frozen pizza, and other heat-and-eat meals, try to get him to focus on home-cooked meals. A ramen cup may be easy to prepare and taste good, but it contains over 1,100 mg of sodium. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 mg per day.
Instead, focus on meals that contain lean protein, whole grains, and fresh produce. Dairy is good for calcium and vitamin D. Keeping salt to a minimum is ideal, and easy to do when you cook from scratch and use herbs and spices instead.
Book Elder Care Services
Support your dad’s goal of aging in place by arranging elder care. He’ll have caregivers with him to cook meals, clean his home, and do the laundry. Your dad will have a driver when he needs to run errands, and company when he’s going for walks or shopping. Learn more about elder care by talking to an advisor.
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder 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!
K2 Adventures Foundation Fundraiser at Top Golf
Today, K2 Adventures Foundation raised money for special needs families by hosting an event at Top Golf. We had about 130 attend. We raised some great money. We passed out some great gifts. We helped some remarkable families. Keep up the great work K2.
9 Tips to Make Long-distance Caregiving Better for Everyone Involved
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.
Establish Open and Frequent Communication
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.
Build a Support Network
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.
Organize Important Documents and Information
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.
Utilize Technology and Remote Monitoring
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.
Plan Visits Strategically
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.
Explore Local Resources
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.
Be Flexible and Adaptable
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.
Foster Open Dialogue
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.
Practice Self-care
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!