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What You Can Expect From In-Home Respite Care

March 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Caring for an elderly loved one at home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also take a significant toll on your physical and mental health. As a caregiver, you need to take a step back and recharge your batteries every now and then. This is where respite care comes in – offering rest and reassurance for both parties. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 13.8 percent of the U.S. civilian population provides unpaid eldercare, and if you’re one of them, then this blog is for you.

The Care Your Loved One Needs In the Place They Love

Respite care provides the necessary elements that help seniors achieve the highest quality of life possible. We’re talking about access to medical care if needed and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This helps you to do your everyday activities, relax, deal with stress, and look after yourself.

Related: Learn more about the benefits of respite care here.

Flexible Care You Can Count On

In-home respite care is, by its very nature, a care that provides benefits to both you and your love one. Unlike facility-based respite care, in-home respite care can be tailored to your loved one’s specific needs and schedule. You can choose the frequency and duration of care that best suits their needs.

A Chance to Socialize

While respite care provides companionship for your loved one, it also gives you the time to catch up with friends, both old and new. Yes, you can happily take time out for yourself, knowing that professionals are taking care of and accompanying your loved one. This means there is no room for loneliness and isolation concerns.

Assessment and Guidance

Since respite care will be provided by professionals, you’ll have a chance to determine your abilities and learn more about caregiving. Many caregiver families assume their role without having any experience, and this can put their loved one’s health at risk. A respite caregiver will guide you to develop easy schedules that include self-care and provides you with tips to avoid caregiver pitfalls.

Related: Learn more about helpful tips to avoid caregiver pitfalls here.

Conclusion

With in-home respite care, seniors and their family caregivers can get the needed break they deserve and build a better relationship. When you are looking for reliable in-home respite care in Wilmington, NC, turn to Home Instead Senior Care. Our respite caregivers are highly trained to assist seniors with all their daily needs. Call us at (910) 421-257 to create an in-home respite care plan for your parent.

Safe And Reliable Techniques To Safely Transfer An Individual

February 17, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Transferring an individual is a process of moving a person from one flat surface to another. From a bed to a stretcher and from a bed to a wheelchair are some of the common transfers. This transfer is often required for a bedridden person who may not be independent (requiring minimal help) or totally dependent. Since transferring a person is not as easy as it seems, it requires the right techniques and following certain guidelines because it all depends on understanding each person’s specific needs. To help you understand better, here is a guide to follow.

What are the general safety precautions you need to follow?

Below are some of the general safety precautions that you must consider when you transfer an individual.

  1. You need to ensure that you are using the correct body posture during the transfer.
  2. You need to ensure that you lift and move the person safely.
  3. You need to ensure that you are not letting his or her arms wrap around your neck or back, as this can injure your back and neck.
  4. Seek out help if you find yourself struggling to move the person because of their weight.
  5. To avoid the risk of falls, injuries, or pain, ensure to move the individual smoothly, without quick and forceful movements.
  6. Make sure you have the right equipment nearby as these will help you transfer the person safely. Some of the best equipment includes slide boards, slide sheets, hoists, and transfer belts.

Related: “Organizing 101 for Seniors”

What do you need to consider before transferring someone?

  1. Make sure you are aware of the person’s pain, condition, or other problems.
  2. Make sure to keep some extra pillows around to ensure a smooth transfer.
  3. Try wearing shoes with nonslip soles, as they will help you have a firm grip on the ground. Also, look around the room to remove anything you might trip over while lifting the individual.
  4. Ensure that all equipment is locked and not moving, be it a wheelchair or walker.

Related: “How to Take Care of Your Senior After a Hospital Stay”

What do you need to do after you’re done with transferring someone?

  1. You need to check whether the person is comfortable or not after the transfer.
  2. If he or she needs to rest, help them sit with their back resting against the back of the chair.
  3. Double check to ensure that all medical equipment is running correctly.

Conclusion

We hope that the above-mentioned important advice will assist you in providing the best possible care for your loved one. If you need professional help, Home Instead Senior Care is here to help your elderly loved one stay healthy, engaged, and connected to their communities. Give us a call at (910) 421-2548 to avail of our services. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.

How Caregivers Help Overcome Winter Challenges

January 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Winter with its cold temperatures, can make things challenging, especially for those who are elderly or have mobility challenges. The shorter days and colder temperatures in the US can make it difficult for seniors to get outside and stay active, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Caregivers play an essential role in helping older adults overcome these winter challenges, so read along to explore more.

Stay Engaged and Connect With the Community

During the winter, roads can be icy, which can lead to a perfect storm that abstains seniors from attending their appointments on time. Here the role of caregivers comes into play! Caregivers can help by driving them to appointments, running errands, and accompanying them to social events.

Related: learn more about why you should hire a caregiver for elderly the here.

Stay In Shape

Another way caregivers can help is by assisting with exercise and physical activity. The elderly need to be as right as rain during winter months, but cold can make it difficult for them to stay active. Caregivers can help by providing safe indoor exercises, such as walking or stretching, or by encouraging the individual to participate in activities that they enjoy such as dancing.

Health Is Wealth

When the temperature drops, seniors run a higher risk of health problems. This goes to show that seniors need to be prepared with foods that encourage healthy thermoregulation. However, seasonal fruits and vegetables are not always available, so caregivers can plan meals that include nutrient-rich alternatives. They can also remind their clients to be hydrated, as it can be easy to forget when it’s cold outside.

Related: learn more about how to prevent elderly dehydration here.

Staying Connected With Family

Staying inside during the winter can develop feelings of isolation and loneliness, which means that depression can occur like a bolt from the blue. However, caregivers can give seniors the necessary love and assistance they need. For instance, a caregiver can encourage socialization by setting up regular visits with friends and family, or by arranging for phone or video calls.

Related: learn more about how to help seniors deal with depression here.

Conclusion

Caregivers play an essential role in helping individuals overcome the challenges of winter. Home Instead Senior Care is here to help your elderly loved one stay healthy, engaged, and connected to their communities during the colder months. Give us a call at (910) 421-2548 to avail of our services. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.

Tips to Prevent Diabetes Among Seniors

December 16, 2022 / / 0 Comments

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report. This report estimates that more than 130 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes — high blood sugar that doesn’t reach the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis — lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of disease. Following are some the lifestyle changes that you can adhere by for diabetes prevention among seniors.

1. Minimize sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet.

Sugar and refined carbohydrates are one of the biggest reason for high spikes in sugar level in blood that leads to type 2 diabetes. White bread, potatoes and sugary cereals should strictly be avoided and replaced with a diet rich in complex carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains. They can help delay the onset of diabetes and management of insulin levels in one’s body.

Related: “Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet”

2. Exercise daily to lose extra weight.

Losing extra weight has shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. Try to incorporate exercise in your daily routine for at least 30 minutes. Even if it is light walking around the block, exercise can be beneficial as it will help you remain fit and lose weight eventually. So, plan an exercise regimen and consult your doctor for weight management goals based on your personal needs. Stay healthy and remain energetic as you age.

Related: “Things You Must Know If You’re A Diabetic Patient”

3. Quit smoking.

If you are an active smoker or tobacco user, now is the time to stop. Smoking makes you resistant to the insulin that further leads to type 2 diabetes. Quitting tobacco has shown to reduce the risk of diabetes among seniors. Apart from diabetes, it will also improve your respiratory health and save you from breathing problems and cancer.

Conclusion

Want to give the best care to your senior loved ones but can’t manage time for it? Have no worries! Our caregivers at Home Instead Senior Care are passionate about delivering important in-home diabetes care to the senior population of Wilmington, NC. Call us to find out how we can help your loved one manage life with diabetes at (910)-342-0455 or visiting us online here.

Ways to Improve the Life of Your Loved One When Dealing with Arthritis

November 8, 2022 / / 0 Comments

There are numerous ways that you can opt to manage the arthritis of a loved one. To help you improve the life of your loved one dealing with arthritis, we’ve listed some simple strategies that will help you reduce symptoms so your loved one can pursue the activities that are important to them.

  • Teach Self-Management Skills

Ecourage your loved one join a self-management education workshop. This will help them learn new skills to manage their arthritis and make better decisions about their health. Here are some of the main factors involved in teaching self-management skills to your loved one:

  1. They will feel more in control of their health.
  2. They will have the courage to manage pain and other symptoms.
  3. They will have more energy to plan and carry out valued activities, like working and spending time with other people.
  4. It will help them reduce stress.
  5. It will improve their mood.
  6. They will feel more conformable and able to communicate better with their health care provider(s) about their care.
  • Visit the Doctor

Accompanying your loved one to their medical appointment can help them feel more confident about getting medical treatment. Especially with an early and accurate diagnosis, this can help with effective treatment for your loved one to minimize symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse.

Your main focus for arthritic treatment for your loved one should be to:

  1. Reduce their pain
  2. Effective treatment plans to minimize their joint damage
  3. Improving or maintaining function and quality of life

Ensuring your loved one is going for regular appointments with their health care provider and following their recommended treatment plan will play an active role in controlling their arthritis.

  • Managing Weight

Helping your loved one lose excess weight and stay healthy can also help them overcome arthritis. This will not only reduce their pain but will also improve their general physical movement.

Conclusion

We hope this guide will help when it comes to supporting a loved one dealing with arthritis. If you have a senior loved one that needs home assistance in Wilmington, NC, rely on Home Instead Senior Care. We provide the best quality care, with services personalized to you and your family’s needs. Visit our website or call (910) 421-2574 for more information!

How to Take Care of Your Senior After a Hospital Stay

October 21, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Returning home after a hospitalization is a delicate period for seniors. Indeed, it is often synonymous with a loss of bearings. Fatigue and lack of confidence, combined with reduced mobility and the fear of losing their autonomy, are generally what they fear most. However, taking care of them is a must in their recovery process. In this month’s blog, we will share with you some helpful tips that can give your loved one all the affection and attention they need.

Hire Qualified Professionals

Human support is essential. You will not be able to be present 24/7 for your loved one. You will have to delegate at one point or another. For this, you can call a local caregiver center for home assistance. A caregiver can accompany your elderly loved one with a variety of daily tasks including getting up, going to bed, bathing, or eating meals.

Related: Learn more on how to choose the right caregiver here.  

Bring Technology to Your Home

For an elderly person to be confident, they must feel secure. You can equip them with technological devices, such as path lighting or a medical emergency alert system such as Medical Guardian. This system allows you to be in touch with a person in the event of an emergency, day and night.

Equip the House with Mobility Equipment

It is also a good idea to offer your loved one technical aids to help them stay at home, such as a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair. You can buy or rent this medical equipment according to your loved one’s needs. Besides that, you must learn some safe methods when moving the patient.

Keep Them Healthy

The patient’s body after a hospital stay will be in need of more healthy food than usual including protein, fiber, and hydration. Adopt a healthy diet for them along with giving them some advice, such as avoiding fast eating, having enough daily meals, and so on. Healthy food and healthy eating habits will tide them over until they recover and help prevent complications like elderly dehydration.

Review Your Interior Layout

Finally, in anticipation of returning home after hospitalization, it is ideal to rearrange the living space of the vulnerable person. For example, you can declutter their rooms to facilitate movement and remove any objects on the ground to limit the risk of falling. It is also possible to have a stair lift installed or to transform the bathtub into an accessible shower. The options are endless. An occupational therapist can even support you in this process.

Related: Learn more about the best home modifications for seniors here.

Conclusion

Many seniors no longer have the same physical abilities after a hospital stay. That being said, their home must be adapted according to their abilities, so that they are secure and comfortable. If you have a senior loved one that needs home assistance in Wilmington, NC, rely on Home Instead Senior Care. We provide the best quality care, with services personalized to you and your family’s needs. Visit our website or call (910) 421-2574 for more information!

Why You Should Hire a Professional Caregiver for the Elderly

September 23, 2022 / / 0 Comments

In this fast-paced world, many seniors may need the additional help and support. As they age, the deterioration of health and energy is inevitable. They require more attention, care, love, and support. It can be hard to always be present for them, which is why hiring a professional to assist them in their daily routine is often recommended. The following are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring a professional caregiver for the seniors in your life.

1. A caregiver can help maintain a senior’s independence.

Being sent to an old home can be the cause for a senior to lose their independence. A personal caregiver in the comfort of a senior’s home allows them to have a sense of individuality and independence even at such an age even with the extra help. As a much happier alternative to in-facility care, seniors can still receive personalized care without losing their confidence, comfort, and independence.

2. The care services are personalized depending on the individual.

A professional caregiver can solely focus on one person and give them their undivided attention and service whenever it’s required. By choosing a professional caregiver, you get a personalized plan for your beloved elderly that contributes to their health and wellbeing. Whether the services call for transportation and mobility or housekeeping duties, a professional caregiver will do it all.

3. Caregivers are excellent companions and listeners.

One of the biggest problems the elderly face as they age is the struggle with loneliness and depression. The family is not around as much as they used to be before. At such times, they need a companion to help them share their feelings. It curbs loneliness and keeps depression away. A caregiver will always be present to act as an emotional support for the elderly. They will assist your loved one to be in touch with life and their emotions.

Conclusion

We understand that life can get very hectic with things coming up out of nowhere. If you have trouble maintaining housekeeping and taking care of your loved one, we can help. Home Instead Senior Care provides compassionate in-home care services that includes personal care, light housekeeping, meal prepping, grocery shopping, transportation, and much more. Give us a call at (910) 421-2574 to avail of our services. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.

Things You Must Know If You’re A Diabetic Patient

August 26, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Do you want to keep your blood sugar steady but are not sure how? Stress not! Firstly, you just have to focus on having a balanced, lower glycemic diet. Secondly, you also need to keep track of what and how much you eat, because eating healthy is an extremely important factor in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. To help you understand better, we have compiled some important things that you need to consider if you’re a diabetic patient. Scroll down to read more.

1. Foods to Eat as a Diabetic Person

If you have diabetes and high blood sugar levels and wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle, here are some foods that can help you lower your blood sugar levels.

  • Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel
  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, chard, lettuce, etc.
  • Avocados
  • Chia seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Flaxseeds

Related: “Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet”

2. Foods to Avoid if You Are Diabetic

Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body without you even realizing it. Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to the food you eat. To help you understand better, we have listed some food items that you must avoid in order to maintain a healthy blood sugar level naturally.

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Trans fats, white bread, rice, and pasta
  • Fruit-flavored yogurt
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals and coffee drinks
  • Honey agave nectar and maple syrup
  • Dried fruit

Related: “The Hypertension Diets for Seniors”

3. Exercising

We have all heard this quote: “Health is wealth”. Exercising regularly helps in improving your health while maintaining a healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water can also add benefits to your health. So, if you want to stay healthy, start off by exercising. Even simple activities can make a big change to a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Must Have Medical Devices

Nowadays, there are many diabetic devices available on the market. These devices are easy to use and less invasive. So, purchasing these devices will not only help you monitor your sugar level while sitting at home, but will also keep track of your blood level. Some of the best devices are listed below.

  • Ketone monitor
  • Blood glucose monitor
  • Continuous glucose monitor
  • Insulin pumps
  • Smart insulin pens
  • Diabetes management apps

5. Expert Advice

Though we understand that diabetic devices are super handy, consulting with a diabetes specialist is also very important at the same time. These experts can provide you with the best diabetes treatment based on your condition, diabetes level, and type. So, if you haven’t visited a healthcare professional for your diabetes treatment yet, we recommend you do so.

Related: “Home Care Help for Diabetic Seniors”

The Bottom Line

We hope the above advice helps you in maintaining your diabetes. If you need professional and friendly diabetes senior care in Wilmington, NC, look no further than Home Instead Senior Care. Visit our website or give us a call at (910) 342-0455 to learn more about our services.

4 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Pitfalls

July 11, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Aging is a natural and inevitable development. As a person ages, their life experiences become a part of them, which makes communicating with the elderly and engaging in discussions with them an interesting matter. However, interacting with them must be done respectfully and strengthen the relationship between the two parties – seniors and caregivers. In this month’s blog, you’ll find some tips to avoid some caregiver mistakes and give your loved seniors the best care.

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Consider the Age Difference

The age difference is what dictates respect, attention to behavior and even tone of voice.

What to do: Talk to seniors in a calm, understanding, and honest manner about their needs and what you can offer them. Also, do not hesitate to seek help from a caregiver to provide further care. Especially if they suffer from a disease that prevents them from serving themselves, which is something you must fully understand and accept with open arms.

Related: learn more about how to choose the right caregiver here.

Keep Them Strong with a Healthy Diet

Keeping a healthy weight is worthwhile for seniors, so it’s important to follow the golden rule – provide them with healthy food rich in fiber and protein. In addition, if they are suffering from any disease that requires a special diet, it’s best to seek advice from a doctor or nutritionist.

Related: learn more about the healthiest diet for seniors here.

Talk With Them Regularly

Sometimes people forget that seniors get bored quickly. They might have less day-to-day interactions, so this could affect their mood or mental health.

What to do: Allocate time with seniors to have meaningful interactions. Including them in conversations and discussions can lead to better mood improvement and provide deeper connections.

Be Patient

Some elderly people may suffer from disorders that affect speech and comprehension. Memory can be affected by Alzheimer’s, so patience is one of the most important things to have. Moreover, please remember to be understanding of a senior’s medical status, as new symptoms may emerge or change.

 Related: Learn more how to cope with an Alzheimer’s patient here.

Conclusion

From having meaningful conversations to dietary changes, there are certain areas of a senior’s life that may need more attention. If you need professional and friendly caregivers in Wilmington, NC, look no further than Home Instead Senior Care. Visit our website or give us a call at (910) 421-2574 to learn more about our services.

A Guide to Improving the Respiratory Health of Seniors

June 24, 2022 / / 0 Comments
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With growing age, maintaining your physical health is important. The respiratory system performs the most essential of the tasks for your body and breathing is vital for humans. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the respiratory system healthier has become a priority, especially for seniors. The following is a helpful guide to improving and maintaining the respiratory health of seniors.

1. Quit smoking.

Smoking is one of the leading reasons for a weak respiratory system in seniors. Even passive smoking harms the lungs and damages the respiratory system. Regardless of how long you have been smoking, the best time to quit is right now. Get your breath back by giving up on tobacco and nicotine today.

2. Set the right posture.

Your lungs are made up of soft tissue. With a bent and poor posture, the lungs bend as well. They’ll occupy as much room as your posture allows. Stay mindful of your posture and try to sit as straight as possible. This ensures that the lungs are unobstructed, and you can breathe much easier with this simple step.

3. Add exercise to your daily routine.

Exercising is great for all ages. Seniors can still benefit from it to improve their cardiovascular and respiratory health. Exercise also prevents muscle atrophy around the chest, which helps the lungs to open up freely. You can also incorporate deep breathing exercises in your daily workout to ensure better lung health. If you’re not sure what exercises are safe for you, please consult with your doctor.

4. Get screened and checked routinely.

Going for routine checkups should be on the priority list. Don’t miss your doctor’s appointment under any circumstances. It is better to get screened and checked routinely so the doctor can catch any sort of medical anomaly early on. Early detection of medical conditions can save your life and finances from a huge loss.

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Conclusion

Depending on your physical capabilities, taking care of your respiratory health as a senior can be difficult alone. Let the trained and experienced professionals take care of you. That is what we are here for. Home Instead Senior Care provides compassionate in-home care services which includes personal care, light housekeeping, meal prepping, grocery shopping, transportation, and much more. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website. Get in touch with us by calling (910) 421-2574 to avail our services.

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