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Here’s How You Can Find Quality Senior Care When the Time Is Right

We understand how difficult it is to choose a senior living home or care provider for a loved one. Luckily, we are here to guide you. Here is a resource guide that will help you find practical tools for evaluating options and advice on knowing when “it’s the right time”. Continue reading to learn more!

Here’s How to Manage Difficult Emotions Around Senior Care

It can be extremely difficult and you may be fraught with emotions when you have to decide on your options for senior living homes or in-home care. Here are some of the main contributors to the stress that many caregivers experience:

  • You will witness a decline in your loved one’s health.
  • You will see your loved one struggling to maintain independence after they’ve lost a spouse or partner.
  • You are feeling the strain of balancing your career and family while being a caregiver.

Are you the primary caregiver for a parent or older relative? Then you must also be wrestling with guilt, grief, feelings of inadequacy, or even burnout – especially if you’ve been taking care of the person for a long time.

Related: “Improving Cognitive Health of Elderly People”

Being aware of and processing complicated feelings and emotions can be very important. It can help you shape the entire experience. Some tips you can follow to help include:

  • You can talk to a trusted friend, relative, mentor, or therapist.
  • You can seek professional support online or in-person.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Support

Apart from dealing with the emotions on your end, keep an eye out for things that may signal a parent’s or relative’s need for support. Some signs may be subtle, however, other times they are quite obvious and can include:

  • The lack of organization or forgetfulness such as piles of unopened mail or unpaid bills.
  • The lack of energy or inability to maintain their daily chores and errands such as cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.
  • Your elderly loved one failing to take their required medications or seek medical help.
  • Not enjoying or partaking in their usual activities.

Related: “Decluttering Your Senior Loved One’s Home”

Top Steps for Finding Care

Here’s a checklist that you can follow to find the right housing or in-home care once you’ve determined the type of support your loved one needs:

  • You can start your research online.
  • You can also consider referrals from friends or peers who have relied on those services.
  • Try making a list of three to five home care agencies or senior living communities and make appointments for consultations.
  • You can also interview prospective caregivers or take an in-person tour of the facilities.
  • Ensure that you are asking as many questions as you can while taking into account your elderly loved one’s needs and requirements.
  • Make sure to have a proper discussion with your family in order to take their considerations into mind and to make the right choices.

Conclusion

We hope the above-provided guide will help you make the right decision. At Home Instead Senior Care, our CAREGivers are professionally trained to care for your loved ones. With proper care and assistance, our team will ensure your loved ones are active and mentally stimulated so they can enjoy life to the fullest. Call us at (910) 421-2572 for further information.

How to Catch Early Signs of Dementia in Seniors

Dementia is becoming a common problem in society. Almost 6.5 million people have been actively diagnosed with dementia, and that number is projected to rise to 13 million by 2050, according to a 2022 report from the Alzheimer’s Association. As people age, they become prone to dementia. Here are some of the early signs of dementia in seniors.

1. Loss of Short Term Memory

The first sign of dementia is the change in short-term memory retention. Having trouble memorizing or forgetting daily tasks involving short-term memory is an early sign of dementia. People with dementia may also display other changes in their short-term memory, such as forgetting where they placed items and struggling to remember why they entered a particular room.

Related: “Improving Cognitive Health of Elderly People”

2. Difficulty in Managing and Finishing Daily Tasks

A subtle shift in the ability to complete everyday tasks is another possible early warning sign of dementia. This usually starts with difficulty doing more complex tasks, like balancing a checkbook, keeping track of bills, following a recipe, or playing a game with many rules. Along with the struggle to complete familiar tasks, a person with dementia may struggle to learn to do new things or follow new routines.

3. Struggling to Navigate Paths

A person who has dementia loses their sense of direction and spatial orientation needed to navigate their way around the block. They may have difficulty recognizing once-familiar landmarks and forget how to get to familiar places they used to have no trouble finding. Following a series of directions and step-by-step instructions may also become more challenging.

4. Losing Interest in Hobbies

As a person ages, it is rare for them to lose interest in things and hobbies they used to enjoy in their youth. This kind of behavior change is an alarming sign of dementia. They may also lose interest in spending time with friends and family and seem emotionally flat. This apathetic behavior can potentially indicate dementia.

Related: “How to Take Care of an Alzheimer’s Patient – The Ultimate Guide”

Conclusion

When your loved one displays troubling symptoms, you’ll need highly experienced caregivers who are experienced with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. At Home Instead Senior Care, our CAREGivers are professionally trained to care for your loved ones. With proper care and assistance, our team will keep your loved ones active and mentally stimulated so they can enjoy life to the fullest. Call us at (910) 421-2572 for further information. 

What You Can Expect From In-Home Respite Care

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.

How Caregivers Help Overcome Winter Challenges

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.

How to Take Care of Your Senior After a Hospital Stay

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

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.

4 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Pitfalls

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.

Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet

“Health is wealth.” We’ve all heard this very famous quote but often fail to prioritize our health. Moreover, as we get older, we regret the health choices we’ve made. Are you a person taking care of a senior but don’t know which foods to incorporate into their daily diet? Don’t stress! There are many healthy food options to choose from. To help you, we have listed all the important nutritional foods to help you establish a balanced diet for your senior citizen.

  • Grains
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Nothing is better than whole grain food. This type of grain is low in fat, contains complex carbohydrates, and is high in fiber. This will prevent seniors from overeating and keep them full longer. Some of the best grain foods that you can choose are:

  1. Brown rice 
  2. Barley, quinoa, whole corn, etc.
  3. Wheat crackers and bread
  4. Whole wheat pasta 
  5. Steel-cut oats 
  • Fruits and Vegetables

A bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables is amongst the most popular healthy foods. These are low in fat and packed with nutrients, flavors, and minerals. Some of the best colorful fruits and vegetables that you can choose are:

  1. Apples, mangoes, oranges, pineapples 
  2. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, pomegranates
  3. Citrus fruits: grapefruits and oranges.
  4. Peaches, pears, and melons
  5. Dark green vegetables: spinach and kale 
  6. Leafy green vegetables: cabbage and romaine 
  7. Tomatoes and avocados

Adding these healthy food items to a senior’s daily diet will not only keep them healthy but will reduce the risk of heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other health issues. 

Related: 3 Tips to Improve Your Memory – Home Instead Senior Care (homeinsteadseniorblog.com)

  • Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Beans
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Incorporate lean meats and fresh fish into your senior’s diet. We recommend serving these foods baked, boiled, grilled, and roasted instead of deep-frying. This is a great start to a healthy meal, as well as keeping your loved one from not becoming constipated and prevent weight gain in the long run. As they age, it may become difficult for a senior citizen to lose weight and burn calories. We suggest the following meats and fish for a balanced diet:

  1. A lean cut of beef or lamb
  2. Turkey and bacon.
  3. Chicken breast 
  4. Haddock, white fish, salmon, tuna, etc. 
  5. Shrimps, mussels, scallops, and lobsters
  6. Beans, lentils, and chickpeas
  • Dairy and Dairy Substitutes

Often, people experience joint pain, loss of bone mass, weakness, and slow movement as they age. A lack of proteins, vitamins, and calcium can lead to osteoporosis, causing the bones to become weak and more likely to break. In order to keep your senior bones healthy, you need to increase the intake of enriched milk substitutes such as:

  1. Sting cheese
  2. Low-fat milk 
  3. Low-fat cottage cheese 
  4. Plain, no-fat yogurt

The Bottom Line

As people age, it becomes quite essential to maintain a healthy diet. We hope that our guide will help you pick the best nutrient-rich food to meet your senior’s daily needs. If you’re looking for the most professional and friendly caregivers in Wilmington, NC, Home Instead Senior Care is the best choice. We have decades of experience in taking care of seniors’ meal prep and other lifestyle areas. For more information about our home care services, call (910) 342-0455 today!

How to Take Care of an Alzheimer’s Patient – The Ultimate Guide

Caring for an elderly person with Alzheimer’s disease at home is a challenging task that takes a lot of patience. If the patient is a member of your family, you may notice that sometimes their emotions can flip like a switch and range from anger to confusion. Not to mention, there are many troubles, pains, and arduous tasks that require constant care and supervision for an individual suffering from memory loss.

In the following guide, we will talk about some tips and advice on how to take care of an Alzheimer’s patient and reduce frustrations.

Before starting, you should remember that you are caring for the elderly with a child’s behavior. It is definitely a huge emotional and physical challenge. So, be careful not to pass judgment on them and sympathize with their situation.

The Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

To begin with, if one of your family members has Alzheimer’s disease, the whole family should know some basic information about the disease and its symptoms. You also should know how to cope with the disease to preserve the patient’s life from exposure to any harm, and to avoid the deterioration of their health. However, apart from the difficult technical definition of dementia and Alzheimer’s, we’ve simplified the difference between them. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that affects the brain, while dementia is the decline in cognitive ability that includes memory loss and thinking difficulties.

Hire Professional Caregivers to Take Care of Them

Families who experience high levels of stress during the moderate and severe stages of the disease may deal with it with anticipatory grief associated with feeling the impending loss of their loved one. For this, you have to ask for the help of experienced caregivers to take care of your loved one. In addition, it should be noted that your role in managing daily tasks will increase as the disease progresses. Therefore, we recommend you consider the following practical tips that can help you manage tasks effectively.

Reduce Frustration

A person with memory loss may become nervous when tasks become more difficult than before. To reduce challenges and relieve frustration:

  • Give yourself time to rest: You will not be able to do all the patient care tasks on a continuous basis; take time to rest between daily tasks.
  • Involve the patient: Allow the person with Alzheimer’s to do tasks on their own, such as dressing independently, or making the bed or the table.
  • Give simple instructions: It’s best for people with Alzheimer’s to understand clear communication in one step. Avoid complex commands that require multiple steps or involve more than one task.
  • If the person with Alzheimer’s smokes, make sure the smoke and fire sensors are working properly and that the fire extinguisher is easily accessible.

Related: Alzheimer’s Care: Engaging Activities for both Patient and Caregiver

Conclusion

People with Alzheimer’s will require more care and supervision as their disease progresses. Caregivers can protect their physical health since they are highly trained and know how to cope with them. If you’re looking for the most professional and friendly caregivers in Wilmington, NC, Home Instead Senior Care is the best choice.  We have decades of experience taking care of people with Alzheimer’s. For more information about our home care services, call (910) 342-0455 today.

Caregivers-A Guide to Self-Care

Being a caregiver can be a very emotionally and physically demanding job. In today’s events, emotions and stresses are at a much higher rate due to our nation’s fight against COVID-19. New regulations and restrictions have risen due to this virus, and seniors along with their caregivers and family members are some of the groups that felt these changes the most. It is important for caregivers to practice self-care and give themselves time to recharge. Read along as we discuss a few ways caregivers can practice self-care outside of work.

“Me” Time

“I’m going to have a me day,” can sound like a cliché to many, and even selfish. However, truth of the matter is that having a day to yourself is never selfish, in fact, it is necessary. Being on-the-go everyday and neglecting your own needs can lead to higher stress levels, mood changes, and unsatisfactory feelings. Practice self-care by investing in what brings you calmness and relaxation. Give your mind and body a break, we promise you’ll feel in a much better mood after indulging in things that help you recharge!

Good Meals & Good Sleep

When you are caring for someone else, it is easy to forget about your own meals. Having good, nutritional meals and a good night’s sleep can help prevent caregiver burnout. Make a schedule for yourself to ensure that you are eating at an appropriate time and not skipping any meals. Forgetting to eat can lead to an irritable mood and fatigue. A nighttime routine can also help you get much better sleep. Try going to sleep at the same time, avoid heavy meals at night, and reduce your consumption of alcohol at night to get the quality sleep you deserve.

Remain Social

The long hours of caregiving can lead to exhaustion, hindering your quality time with friends and family. While being social in a demanding job like caregiving, it is still important to remain socially connected to others in order to reduce that feeling of isolation and burnout.

Being a caregiver takes compassion, patience, and love for the position and those who you are caring for. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed and tired after a long day at work, which is why we put so much importance on taking time for yourself. Give yourself the same care and love that you give others, so that you can continue to do what you love with a good attitude and a rested body. Here at Home Instead Senior Care we appreciate our caregivers and their hard work. Learn more about our mission and services online.  

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