Issue 52.09

What is Home Care and when is it appropriate?  When someone has trouble taking care of their daily needs, such as; bathing, dressing, regulating their medications and preparing meals, it might be time to consider utilizing the services of a Home Care Agency.  It is also important to consider if safety issues are involved.  If there is a danger of falling while getting in and out of the shower, dizziness or poor eyesight, periods of forgetfulness or an inability to process information, then getting help would be essential.

Home Care is the professional care of seniors in their home, and a wonderful alternative to assisted living when the senior just needs a little help, but can otherwise do fine.  Home Care professionals are able to help with the daily living activities, as well as dealing with transportation needs and companionship.

Sooner or later all of us will require some assistance in managing the things that we once handled very efficiently.  Chronic disease, physical ailments, loss of motor skills and weakened systems are all a natural part of the aging process.  But when it begins to happen, it is important to get the help you need to deal with the changes.  Some people require assistance sooner in life than others.

Most seniors prefer to stay in their homes as long as they possibly can, but in order for them to be safe it may be necessary for them to receive some help.  In many cases adult children, other family members, neighbors and friends can and do pitch in to help.  The problem with this is that it is often not enough.  Home Care is a paid alternative where a trained caregiver comes into the home to help with things like bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, medication reminders, meal preparation and shopping.

Admitting the need for help can be extremely difficult for some seniors.  But meeting with the staff members and caregivers can help alleviate the nervousness of having someone in the home.  Home Care Agencies hire staff members that are compassionate and caring, and are trained to deal with the special needs of the elderly.

Most Home Care Agencies hire and train their staff, providing them with Workman’s Compensation Insurance, cover their taxes, run background checks and have them bonded.  This eliminates the need for you to worry about employing a caregiver privately and having to file taxes as their employer.

If you find yourself in the position of needing help with your daily living activities give Heart to Heart Home Care a call.  We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your individual needs. 

Issue 43.09

Isolation, loneliness and depression affect many seniors, and can become a serious problem if not dealt with.  Changes in life circumstances can create a period of loneliness for anyone.  The death of a loved one, relocating to a new area, the loss of a job, retirement or a long illness can leave us feeling lonely.  When we are lonely, time seems to slowly grind by and we may doubt whether anyone would find us interesting enough to offer us their friendship.  If left unchecked, loneliness can turn into depression, a more serious condition.  Learning ways to reach out and reconnect with the world around you can be incredibly helpful.

Fortunately, loneliness can be overcome, although it does take some initiative on your part.  You might find some of the following strategies helpful.

Make the effort to meet and interact with new people.

The senior center can be a wonderful resource, often organizing classes, outings and social functions for people who want to enjoy life with other seniors.  Churches, health clubs, educational classes, travel clubs and special interest groups are good places to meet people of all ages.

Never miss an opportunity to introduce yourself to someone.  Ask others about themselves and let them know something about you.  Most people are happy to include newcomers, but growing new friendships requires ongoing contact and an effort on your part.  Don’t forget your old friends and neighbors.  Renew connections with friends you have lost touch with.  Organize a luncheon or neighborhood get together.

Volunteering your time and talents can also help to put your own situation in perspective.  Bring a positive attitude to the things you can do to help and be thankful that you are able to do so.  Making life easier for someone else is a wonderful way to reconnect with others.

Hobbies can keep you motivated.  There are many hobbies that are possible even if your mobility is challenged.  Find people to connect with that share your interests and hobbies.  That way you know that you share some of the same interests, and can give you a starting point for a lasting friendship.

You can always adopt a pet.  Most people find it impossible to feel lonely in the company of a pet.  Pets love unconditionally, they are always accepting and they never criticize.  They are very forgiving and they are able to give us great pleasure.  Caring for a pet can renew meaning and purpose in your life.

Loneliness can indicate depression, a disease causing mental and physical deterioration.  Feelings of sadness and despair, loss of appetite, reluctance to make decisions, and trouble sleeping are all signs of depression and should be discussed with your doctor.

With so many opportunities available to join groups or to volunteer, there is no reason for you not to get out into the community and get involved. Learn to enjoy your life!!

Issue 38.09

The brain is like any other muscle in your body.  You need to use it to keep it functioning at its full capacity.  The brain can lose the ability to retain new information, recall old information and function properly.  This is not necessarily a normal part of the aging process.  To prevent this from happening it is important that you never stop learning new things.  Trying new things is a great way to supply your brain with new information to process.

One of the best things you can do to keep your mind sharp is to exercise it.  A decrease in memory and concentration is generally caused by decreased blood flow to the brain and a loss of brain cells.  Research shows that physical and mental exercise may encourage the brain to work at optimum capacity by causing nerve cells to multiply, strengthening their interconnections and protecting them from damage.

It is important to incorporate mind-stimulating games into your daily routine.  Keeping your mind working and stimulated is extremely important.  Some of the things you can do are to listen intently to other people and learn information regarding their lives.  Try to memorize names, grocery lists and daily routines.  Puzzles and memory games can be fun and will also provide your brain with necessary stimulation.  Solving puzzles is a great way to stimulate your brains ability to think critically and process information.  Puzzles can be thought provoking, challenging and a fun activity.

A good night’s sleep is critical for mental energy because our bodies regenerate during sleep.  Sleep can help clear out the mental clutter and unimportant thoughts.  A good night’s rest can be the difference between a sharp memory and feeling forgetful.  

It is important that you maintain a sense of humor.  Laughter causes a natural release of the brain’s endorphins- chemicals that help lessen pain and increase overall well being.  Laughter is a well known, natural stress reliever.  Take the time to watch a comedy, share a comical story with a friend, crack a joke and increase your endorphin levels.

Sing and dance along to your favorite music.  Keep a daily journal and/or write down your childhood memories.  These things will all accomplish getting your brain stimulated.

A healthy debate strengthens the brain’s ability to think quickly and apply intelligence to verbal situations.  Socializing may have a protective effect on the brain because it is also a form of mental exercise.  Not only does interacting with other people stimulate the brain, but it can help keep it sharp, as dealing with other people can sometimes be pretty challenging.  Strong social ties have been associated with lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.  Having no social ties is believed to be an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in older people.

So get out there and socialize with others.  Have a great time, and laugh a lot!!

Issue 34.09

Lately I have had the unfortunate experience of working with a family that had not prepared themselves for a medical emergency.  They had talked about their Advanced Directives, but had not filled out or signed the paperwork  Because of this, the family has been left to make all the medical decisions for the patient.  This has added an enormous amount of emotional distress in an already difficult situation.

An Advanced Directive is a medical form that allows you to outline, in writing, your wishes for medical treatment should you become incapacitated.

Discussing your decisions with your family is NOT enough.  If you have not taken the time to outline your medical decisions on paper, the doctors will look to the family to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself.  Even though the family may be aware of your wishes, during this emotionally charged time they will most likely follow their hearts regarding treatment.  These decisions may or may not reflect your own choices.  This is a terrible burden to place on those you love, and can tear families apart.  By being prepared and having your Advanced Directives in place, your family will not be placed in a position to have to make life altering medical decisions for you.

It is extremely difficult to make educated medical decisions during a crisis.  Preparing your Advanced Directives should be done prior to it being necessary, and during a time when you are able to sit and really think about what medical treatment and lifesaving measures you want.

An Advanced Directive or a Physicians Order for Life Sustaining Treatment addresses your end-of-life decisions.  These documents explain your wishes in case the condition becomes terminal while you are incapacitated.  You are able to outline in these documents when and under what circumstances life-sustaining measures should be aggressively pursued or withheld.  The documents can be changed as often as necessary to keep it updated.

Make sure that your physician is provided with a copy of your Advanced Directives so that they are aware of your treatment wishes.  These papers will become a part of your medical records, and the doctors will then be able to direct any medical team regarding the care and treatment you want provided or withheld.

Quality of life is a subjectively defined experience and people value aspects of their lives differently.  Let people know what your desires are.  Fill out, and sign, your Advanced Directives paperwork.  These papers can be provided by your physician or can be found on the internet.

Take the time to get this done, so your family is spared the agony of make decisions for you.

Laura Kelso is the owner/manager of Heart to Heart Home Care.  With 25 years experience in nurturing and caring for people, Heart to Heart Home Care has the ability to help meet all your non-medical caregiving needs.  To contact Heart to Heart Home Care please call 435-986-1077.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Issue 28.09

During this time of financial insecurity, there are more families taking on the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents or family members.  Taking care of your elderly family member is very gracious and makes good financial sense, but it can also be extremely challenging.  Care giving is a demanding, difficult job and is hard to do alone, especially if you are still working and/or raising your own family.  Getting help is essential for your own health.  Your ability to remain energized and happy is also critical for the elder persons that you are caring for.

This is where respite care would come in.  Respite care provides short term breaks that can help relieve stress, help restore your energy, and help promote balance in your own life.  Allowing someone else to help will give you an opportunity to spend time with other friends and family, time to run errands, time to go to the hairdresser or time to just relax.

Licensed agencies are available to help.  We have caregivers that are available to provide you with relief from 1 hour, while you go shopping, up to 24 hour care while you take vacation.  Respite care provides you with a temporary break from your daily care giving responsibilities.  

Using respite care before you become exhausted, isolated or overwhelmed can be a life saver.  Respite caregivers can provide you with the peace of mind you need, knowing that your loved one is in good hands while you are taking some time to care for yourself.  The caregivers come into the home of the client, so your loved one is able to remain in the environment they are comfortable and familiar with.

The most important key to successful respite care is matching your needs to the services provided by the agency.  Selecting an agency that has qualified providers and that can meet your time frame requirements, and the physical requirements of the client, is crucial.  Taking the time to find the right agency will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your loved one will be taken care of safely.

Finding and implementing respite care sounds like a lot of work, but it is worth it.  Relief and relaxation is not just important for the primary care provider, it will also benefit those loved ones you take care of.

Issue 23.09

This is the time of year when seniors are planning on leaving this area for a cooler climate.  Traveling can be a very rich and rewarding adventure.  No one wants to think about the possibility of needing medical care while hey are on vacation, but taking a few precautionary measures will make a big difference should medical assistance be necessary.  Whether you are taking the trip of a lifetime, or are an experienced traveler, there are certain things that need to be addressed to ensure that you are traveling as safely as possible.

Discuss your travel plans with your doctor.  If you are (or recently were) under a doctor’s care, talk with him/her to be sure that it is safe for you to travel.  Discuss whether changes in food, humidity or altitude will affect your health.

Plan travel activities with your fitness level and mobility in mind.  Traveling can be very demanding on the body.  Changes in food, elevation or activity level can worsen some existing health problems.

Take a list of your medications with you.  Include the dosage and the times the medication is taken.  Also list all your allergies and emergency contact information.  This list is important in case you become ill or injured while traveling.

Refill all your prescriptions.  Of course you will bring enough medicine to last the whole trip, but in the event of unexpected delays, be sure that you have enough medication.

Make sure that your itinerary is not too demanding for you or your companions.  A copy of this itinerary should be left with family or friends, so that someone is aware of your travel plans incase you need to be reached.

If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you.

Find out about emergency care and customs in the places you will be visiting.  The 9-1-1 system is not available in every area.  Make sure that your medical insurance provides coverage in the area where you will be traveling, especially if you are traveling out of the country.

When you leave your home empty for an extended vacation there are a few things you can do to protect your property:

·  Secure all doors with quality deadbolt locks

·  Make sure to lock the door between your home and the garage

·  Set your lights, radio and TV on an automatic timer to go off at various intervals

·  Install low-voltage, motion detection lights around the perimeter of your property

·  Stop mail and newspaper deliveries

·  Ask a neighbor or friend to park their car in your driveway

These simple tips can help you enjoy a safe trip, without a lot of worry.

Laura Kelso is the owner/manager of Heart to Heart Home Care.  With 25 years experience in nurturing and caring for people, both young and old, Heart to Heart Home Care has the ability to help meet all your non-medical caregiving needs.  To contact Heart to Heart Home Care please call 435-986-1077.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Summer provides an excellent opportunity for seniors to get outside, increase their activity and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.  But summer also holds risks that effect the elderly more often than the general public.  One of those risks is dehydration.

Take advantage of summer weather to enjoy walks or gardening, but don’t do too much too soon.  Whether it’s gardening or exercising, ease into it and gradually build your endurance.  Watch the heat and your fluid intake, and you can enjoy summer in good health.

The desire to quench our thirst seems like the most natural thing in the world, but as we age that thirst urge diminishes.  When you are past 60, you can’t depend on the usual signals to tell you that your body is in need of hydration.  You may have to schedule your drinking to stay hydrated.  Increase your awareness and drink frequently.

Dehydration in the elderly is not just caused by inadequate fluid intake.  Other causes include diarrhea, excessive sweating, blood loss, fluid accumulation and fever.  Illnesses that entail excessive urination, such as diabetes, may also put people at risk.

The most common signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

·    Persistent fatigue

·    Lethargy

·    Muscle weakness or cramps

·    Headaches

·    Dizziness

·    Nausea

·    Forgetfulness

·    Confusion

·    Deep rapid breathing, or an increased heart rate

Other less common signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

Excessive loss of fluid through vomiting, urinating, stools or sweating

            Poor intake of fluids, “can’t keep anything down”

            Sunken eyes

            Dry or sticky mucous membranes in the mouth

            Skin that lacks its normal elasticity and sags back into position slowly when pinched up into a fold

            Decreased or absent urine output

            Decreased tears

Dehydration is a very serious condition, and is the most frequent cause of hospitalization after the age of 65.

Everyone gets almost half their daily water requirement from solid foods, fruits and vegetable juices.  But seniors often have a reduced sense of thirst and a reduced appetite.

Dehydration in the elderly can often be misdiagnosed, as symptoms can mimic those of dementia.  Confusion and disorientation, which aren’t normal at any age, may be the first clues.  Certain common medications like diuretics or laxatives can make dehydration worse.

How much fluid you need to keep hydrated is dependent on many factors–your activity level, your weight, your health, etc.  People with heart conditions, high blood pressure or swelling of the lower legs (edema) need to avoid excess water.  If you have health issues or concerns, talk to your doctor about your ideal fluid intake.

If you have any of these symptoms, and they are persistent for 2 to 3 days, call a doctor immediately.  If left untreated dehydration can quickly cause severe problems.

Laura Kelso is the owner/manager of Heart to Heart Home Care.  With 25 years experience in nurturing and caring for people, both young and old, Heart to Heart Home Care has the ability to help meet all your non-medical caregiving needs.  To contact Heart to Heart Home Care please call 435-986-1077. 

We all face different kinds of mental and physical stress in all stages of life.  Chronic and excessive stress can be harmful, causing physical and emotional problems.  Stress is a sign that we need to look more closely at our lives.  Like pain, stress should also be viewed as a warning sign from your body.

We need to understand more about the stress we face and learn appropriate coping strategies for our well being.

Common sources of stress for the elderly include:

Change in lifestyle and financial status after retirement

Caring for a sick spouse

Death of a spouse or close friends

Deterioration of physical abilities

Chronic illness or pain

Surgery

Loneliness or isolation

Worrying about not being able to live independently

There are some common signs and symptoms that would indicate that you, or someone you love, is under an excessive amount of stress.  These symptoms include:

Insomnia or nightmares

Loss of appetite, palpitations

Muscle pain or tiredness

Weight loss

Anxiety and/or fear

Frustration

Depression

Poor concentration

Forgetfulness

If these signs are present, it is time to change some of the stressors in your life.  It may be difficult to notice that you are under an undue amount of stress, so it is imperative that you discuss your situation with family and friends.  They may notice things you can do to change the situation or be able to offer solutions and support.  It is also important that you speak with your physician regarding your symptoms and seek his/her advice on ways to help deal with the stressors in your life.

Some of the things that you can do to help manage the stress in your life is to share your difficulties and feelings with your spouse, family and friends.  Maintain a healthy, active social life.  Maintaining a healthy diet is very important.  Think positive!  Appreciate your achievements and your personal strengths.  Engaging in volunteer work helps to boost self-confidence and broaden your outlook on life.  Simplify your schedule and get plenty of sleep.  Spend time listening to music that you enjoy.  Take a long bubble bath.  Exercise and get outdoors to enjoy nature.  Garden or do home repairs.  Go out with friends to enjoy shopping, dining or a movie.  Laugh a lot.  Do a creative activity such as writing or painting.  Practice deep breathing, meditate or do yoga.

Planning is an important part of controlling stress.  We all want to maintain control, independence and our dignity as we grow older.  Being proactive and discussing the important issues with loved ones, even putting your wishes in writing gives the aging adult control over their lives even when they are unable to speak for themselves.

Organization is very important to avoid stress.  Have things in one place with important medical, legal, financial and personal information easily accessible.  Stress can cause distraction, so write important information down.

Learning to implement some of these techniques will allow you to better control the stress in your life.  Turn down the stress level and get back to enjoying life!

Age affects everyone differently and in many different ways.  Some elderly persons experience forgetfulness, confusion and dizziness, while others might experience serious health issues.  There are certain symptoms that could be a signal that the elderly person in your life is in need of help.  Some of the symptoms include:

• Problems in maintaining personal hygiene,
• A cluttered home that needs immediate cleanup,
• Incapability in managing medical appointments and medication,
• Decrease in mobility,
• Increased forgetfulness and missing date for important events,
• Decline in social activities and increase in self-isolation,
• Change in overall behavior patterns or in mood,

If you notice any of these symptoms it is imperative that you get some help for your loved one to ensure their safety.

If an elderly person is returning home from a long stay at the hospital or rehabilitation facility, they may not feel confident in their ability to be completely self-reliant.  Under these circumstances Home Care may be an effective way to help them.  Home Care provides caregivers that are trained in helping people to remain, or become more independent and self-reliant without the fear of being alone.  With a support system in place, the elderly person can return to their normal daily routines much quicker and in a safe manner.

When asked about their preference for living arrangements, it should not be a great surprise that they would prefer to stay in their own homes rather than relocating to a long-term facility or an assisted living facility.  They enjoy being in their own homes where things are familiar and they are surrounded by their own treasures.  The person already has established friends and know their neighbors.  Trying to make new friends can be a very stressful situation for some of the elderly.  Home Care Agencies provide several options that vary from companion care services to round-the-clock in-home care.

The primary purpose for Home Care is to help enhance the quality of life for homebound adults and the physically challenged.  Home Care is able to provide support and practical help to those that might require additional help to remain safely in their homes.  Caregivers are specially trained to deal with the special needs of the elderly.  They are able to provide mental and emotional stability, help plan meals, shop, cook and clean-up.  Caregivers are also able to help with personal care and provide transportation to appointments, church, shopping or just going for a drive.  A caregiver also helps the elderly person in making their own choices and determining the course of their own lives.

Having a caregiver come into the home is not giving up independence, but provides support and assistance on the way to complete independence.

Caregivers are very dedicated people that have the desire to help others in their daily lives.  They help bring joy by alleviating the day-to-day struggle people deal with due to age, illness or injury.  A good caregiver is compassionate and kind.  They are willing to go the extra mile to help make someone happy, healthy and safe.

If you or your loved one is in need of this type of service please give us a call.  Together we can make a difference.

Laura Kelso is the owner/manager of Heart to Heart Home Care.  With 25 years experience in nurturing and caring for people, both young and old, Heart to Heart Home Care has the ability to help meet all your non-medical caregiving needs.  We are a locally owned business that goes “above and beyond” to staisfy your requirements.  To contact Heart to Heart Home Care please call 435-986-1077.  We look forward to hearing from you.