Home Instead Senior Care

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Tag: senior

Improving Cognitive Health of Elderly People

January 12, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Cognitive health is defined as the ability to think and remember clearly. It is considered an integral part of brain function. Recently, we have seen a clear demise in the mental capabilities of our aging seniors. This has led to conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.   

But there is no problem without a solution. Studies have shown that elderly people who constantly engage in meaningful activities have improved cognitive abilities and increased brain activity. This reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

One of the ways to maintain and improve the cognitive health of elderly people is by managing stress. There are countless simple yet effective ways through which one can manage stress.

  1. Meditation: The simple act of following your breathing pattern can do wonders to help alleviate stress. It clears the mind and gets rid of all the unnecessary negative thoughts that can cloud one’s rational judgement.
  2. Journaling: Journaling is a perfect way to keep track of your emotions and daily activities. It is a candid reminder that one always has a safe place to vent out their feelings.
  3. Have Someone to Talk to: Aging seniors often require someone trustworthy to confide in and talk to. Someone who cares for them and shares a bond that allows them to express themselves freely. They are more likely to thrive with such freedom. It is crucial for your elderly to have a trained professional to take care of them.   

Conclusion

The caregivers at Home Instead are professionally trained to take care of your loved ones. In the elderly community, dementia and Alzheimer’s become quite common. But with proper care and assistance, all can easily be tackled and managed. Our team will keep your senior active and mentally stimulated so they can enjoy life to the fullest.

Picking a Pet for Your Elderly Loved One

August 29, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Loneliness is common for those who are growing old. During this time, friends and other loved ones are passing away and daily activities are getting harder to partake in. While these situations can’t always be controlled, there is one sure way to provide your elderly loved one with some enjoyment – a pet! Animals are a great source of companionship and stress relief, making them the perfect investment. Follow along with our blog to learn how to pick the perfect pet!

Consider Disability
As you age, certain physical limitations can start to arise. It is important to keep in mind these disabilities when it comes time to select the pet. A dog is a friendly and lively companion, however, most dogs are very active. If your loved one has mobility struggles, a dog may not be the right fit. An animal like a cat or a bird may be a better and safer option!
Consider Pet Age
Young pets, much like children, require near-constant care. On top of that, a puppy or kitten is going to need intense training in order to learn how to function properly within a home. While care and training may not be an issue for some, another thing to keep in mind is lifespan. The last thing anyone wants is for a pet to become abandoned should their owner pass on before them. When picking a pet for a senior it is smart to keep in mind the age and lifespan of each animal.
Consider Temperament
Just like humans, animals all have different personalities and characteristics. The temperament of each pet is something to keep in mind before purchasing for a senior. Many character traits run in specific breeds, especially in the case of dogs. It is important for you to do some research before impulsively making a decision. Talk with your loved one and see what characteristics they may prefer and which ones they will want to avoid.
Pet Health
If age is an issue, adopting a pet that is a bit older is common. If this is the case, it is important to get the animal you adopted checked out by a vet before introducing them to your home. There are a variety of illnesses and diseases an unhealthy pet can have that will compromise the health of a senior. Ensuring that your new furry friend is healthy is a great way to keep your loved one safe.
Finances
If you’ve ever owned a pet before, you know how expensive they can be. Between food, toys, and vet visits having the funds to own an animal is important. Before jumping out and making the big purchase of a pet for your loved one, check into their financial situation. It would be a terrible situation to find yourself in should a pet prove to be too expensive. Checking out the financial situation will help you decide what pet is a good option.


Back-Up Plans
While it may not be something you want to think about, backup plans are necessary when owning an animal. If something should ever happen to your loved one, it is important to think about what will happen to their pet. Sorting who will step in to help care for them while your loved one is in the hospital is a good start. Other plans include who will take on full care of the animal if your loved one passes on or ends up unable to care for them any longer.
Conclusion
Helping your elderly loved one find companionship during lonely times is one of the best things you can do for them! While it may seem stressful to try and figure out which animal will be best, we are here to help. For more information regarding the care of your elderly loved ones, head on over to our website!

Assisted Living versus In-Home Senior Living Care

April 5, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Many families have to struggle with the decision on what they should do about the living situation for their loved ones who have reached retirement age. Many seniors tend to prefer to stay inside their own home for as long as possible due to the familiarity and the attachment they have, which is completely understandable if not incredibly subjective.

Of course, with every compromise comes a threshold for when one choice is simply no longer sustainable, but there’s always a need to respect and accept the desires of a loved one. But there are several other questions that should be asked when deciding between an assisted living facility or in-home care services.

The Right Questions to Ask for Senior Living

There are a number of things you should inquire about before making such an important decision about an aging parent. Do they live alone? Is there somebody they could move in with? Do they require constant medical care? Would they be comfortable having someone caring for and feeding them while keeping them safe?

You would be well off sitting down and creating a list of any potential queries so you have all your bases covered!

Weighing Your Options

From there, you can move on to the pros and cons of an assisted living facility versus in-home care. As we already mentioned, many will opt to continue living in their homes where they are most comfortable.

To move away from the social isolation and poor nutrition that is typically caused from independent senior living, many families will hire in-home caregivers who will provide oversight, prepare meals, and take care of any transportation services. On the other hand, some will choose to go with an assisted living community so they’re among others their age they can interact with.

Coming to a Final Decision

Any choice you make should always take the wishes of your loved one into consideration. That way, you will be able to come to a solution together so everyone feels good about the arrangement. There are other factors you should think about.

This is why you should get in touch with a professional who can sit down with you and go over these matters in full. In the meantime, if you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share regarding this determination, be sure to share them in the comments section below. We would love to read them!

Choosing the Right Caregivers for a Senior Citizen

February 2, 2018 / / 6 Comments

Millions of Americans who have reached an elderly age are impaired and require some form of long-term care. This personal assistance allows them to perform daily routines including eating, dressing, and bathing.

While this may be the case, most of these senior citizens prefer to live in their own homes for as long as they possibly can. However, they have to also deal with the fact they may have disabilities, so they may typically receive care from family and friends.

But now more than ever, people are recognizing the benefits of hiring professional caregivers. It offers peace of mind for families while also ensuring the patient receives the comfort and safety they need when they want to stay in their homes for a longer period.

With that in mind, in this article, we’ll run down some tips for choosing the right in-home caregiver for your loved one!

Take Stock of Your Needs

Before you go through the process of searching for a skilled caregiver, first take a moment to determine the level of care the person in question needs. If they only need help with preparing meals or getting dressed, you will typically work with a homemaker or personal care assistant.

You also have home health aides who do all the above including attending to their medical needs such as changing bandages, administering medications, and other related duties. They typically work under a nurse’s supervision to ensure all the proper protocols are followed and safety remains the priority.

It’s also important to consider just how many hours of care are required. Does your loved one need around-the-clock attention, or simply some help performing chores and run errands a few days a week?

Choosing a Home Health Agency

If you decide to go with a home health agency, they are able to take care of a lot of these inquiries on your behalf. That includes assessing your loved one’s needs while also assigning appropriately trained staff to care for them.

Make sure the agency is certified and you have a strong grasp of the level of care they will provide. There are also those who offer a free, in-home consultation with the patient and a family member or friend.

This is the perfect opportunity to have them answer any questions you may have, as it also allows the one being cared for the chance to get comfortable with the person they will depend on for assistance.

Conclusion

Perhaps most beneficial is if there is any problem whatsoever with the service, the agency is responsible for handling the situation. There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing the right caregiver, so spend the time to make the right decision. It can really make all the difference.

Do you have any questions or comments regarding this process or the role of a caregiver? Please share them in the comments section below!

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