Arranging my Mother’s Care

For a few years I have told myself that I need to look into care options in my mom’s area, because I have noticed some signs that she is finding living independently too difficult. This year, when I visit over the holidays, will be the year. I don’t know if I will come to a decision before I get back on the plane, but while it town I can better arm myself with the information I need that I can’t attain long distance.

I have already called ahead to determine when a local support group for caregivers meet; I think this is the best way to begin the process, because I can talk with others who have had similar experiences and may understand the challenges I face living long distance. After this meeting, I will also pick up any literature available on groups for seniors, because my mom, who has a history of suffering minor strokes, may find it beneficial to talk with others that she can relate to.

In the past, I’ve noticed that my mom’s balance isn’t what it used to be, so I’ve looked at safety products online that will help her remain safe in the bathroom. When I get to her house, I’m going to check out what’s most appropriate and stop in at a local store so I can purchase and install the items while I’m visiting.

While I don’t yet know what the best caregiving option will be; I’m also going to visit a few nursing and assisted living homes in the area, and meet with private in-home caregivers so I am aware of the options.

I know it sounds like my holidays will be all work; but I’ll make time to celebrate, and I know that taking control over my mom’s care will be one of the best gifts I can give her.

Resources:

Seniors Resource Guide, Texas (http://www.seniorsresourceguide.com/directories/SanAntonio/search_topics.html)

Texas Aging Network
(http://www.texasagingnetwork.com/)

USA.gov Senior Citizens Resources
(http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml)

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Knowledge for Caregivers: Senior Changes

As an organization that specializes in senior care, we know that the loss of independence older adults face can be one of the greatest emotional struggles of their long lives. As family members and caregivers, it is our responsibility to understand why losing independence can be so difficult for seniors. We also need to do our best to be supportive and empathetic during the process to make the changes as easy on them as possible.

Why Loss of Independence is Challenging

• Seniors are force to face the realities that they are aging
• Seniors may be incapable of completing routine tasks without assistance
• Seniors may need to turn to family members to monitor their finances, which results in a loss of decision-making control
• Seniors may be forced to move from the homes that contain family memories
• Seniors may no longer be able to get around on their own, based on limitations of physical mobility or inability to drive a car
• Seniors may be resentful of the fact that they need assistance with dressing and bathing
• Seniors may be concerned about their own physical and mental health
• Seniors may become preoccupied with the perceived burden they are placing on family caregivers
• Seniors may face financial strain by hiring a caregiver or paying for residence in an assisted living facility

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Shopping for your grandchildren. The secret is in the planning!

Shopping on the day after Thanksgiving is as much a part of the holiday season as tree lights, holiday cookies, and tinsel. You can find bargains if you do some preparation beforehand and ready with sales flyers, newspaper and ads.

And boy, can you find deals. Here are some tips:

• Map your course - stores release their sales flyers in Thanksgiving Day newspapers. You can also go to blackfridayads.com.
• Planning is important - you may have a list of what the grandchildren want.
• Best time to shop - morning. Stores start their Black Friday early that morning after Thanksgiving. 
• Check the papers or the Internet for stores that have “doorbuster” deals on items for customers who arrive when front doors are unlocked. 

http://www.grandparents.com/gp/content/newsoftheday/news/article/black-friday-a-grandparents-guide.html

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Holiday activities for senior family members are more fun if they are simple. It’s not necessary to make intricate plans involving your senior family members or to make elaborate ones. Seniors are more interested in keeping to routines. It’s not comforting to them if these routines are interrupted too much.

Here are a few simple holiday activities that seniors enjoy:

• Ask family members and seniors to put together a recipe book oes cook book. Each family member can select their favorite food or recipe. 
• All family members can join in the kitchen and prepare a meal together. 
• A favorite activity for Home Instead to do is put together a family photo album or scrapebook. 
• Take a family drive to look at you local city holiday lights.

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

 Late Fall Walks

The inclement weather of late fall and early winter can isolate seniors, keeping them homebound and depriving them of exercise.   Why not suggest a walk in the mall where your mom or dad can window shop? 

A trip to the gym or YMCA could include light weights and walks on the treadmill.   Or contact a local community center to learn what classes might be available to help you and your aging parents stay active this holiday season.

Don’t fall in the “give up exercise” trap during holidays, family visits, vacations and other time devourers, instead - make a schedule for the next few months that includes family obligations, and pencil in exercise sessions just like any other appointment. Work out at least three times a week instead of five so that while you may not build new strength, you won’t be losing ground, either.

And remember, it’s important to stay hydrated - drink plenty of water all day long, and especially before and during workouts.

Have a great holiday season, don’t eat too much, and exercise!

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

When thinking of the holiday season, it’s often with thoughts of happiness and joy surrounded by a loving family and friends. Many seniors, unfortunately, do not experience this as a time of happiness. For them the holidays bring feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation.

Some factors that contribute to sadness that seniors may feel:

• Losing a spouse
• Losing close friends as they age
• Separated from family
• Suffering from ill health
• Feel guilty for feeling sad 

Dr. Harry Croft, a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in San Antonio TX, also shared strategies he gives to his patients to help them cope with the holiday blues:

• Don’t isolate
• Invite close friends 
• Volunteer - Helping others is a great way to forget your own troubles
• Avoid alcohol 
• Watch your finances
• Set a budget for gift giving and stick to it
• Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness
• Take time to relive the fun and friendship

These same coping strategies can be useful for seniors suffering from clinical “major” depression as well.

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

In order to make life easier as a caregiver, one must be able to ask for help from friends, professionals, and family. Don’t let the voice of the responsible child whisper in your head… mom and dad raised me. I should take care them now. It’s my responsibility. This can be hard to hear and ignore. But it is important to care for ourselves too, no matter how hard it is.

“People feel guilt because they think that somehow there’s something they could, might, should, would have done,” says Lee L. Pollak, director of the Bereavement Center at Jewish Family and Children’s Services in San Francisco. “But the perfect ending never happens, no matter how well prepared a family is.”

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

Taking Care during the Holidays

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. We shop, we plan, we cook and we visit. With all of the activity, it’s easy to for seniors to get caught up and forget to take the time to look after their health.

Seniors of all ages and health need to make sure that they don’t overburden themselves, remain well-rested, eat well and enjoy their time with family and friends. Seniors with diabetes need to take particular care of their health at a time when food is in abundance and diets go out the window until the New Year.

In order to get through the holidays with health in tact, individuals with diabetes need to watch their portion sizes even though there may be a temptation to fill their plates with the vast assortment of food available. While preparing for the season, seniors also need to eat regularly and often (5 to 6 small meals) in order to keep energy levels up.

Meals should consist of lean meats and proteins and fill up on salads, vegetables and calorie-free drinks. Alcohol should be avoided, and to encourage the healthy eating of others, bring a healthy snack or dish to a party.

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

“I had a fall.” These can be chilling words to hear if you are a caregiver, spouse, child, or friend of an older person.  The possible consequences can be devastating: bruises, broken bones, hospitalization, loss of mobility, and loss of independence.

The fear of falling can lead older adults to limit their activities. This can actually increase the risk of falling as lack of exercise and reduced movement impairs flexibility and balance. 

Falls are the leading cause of injury among Americans over age 65, sending 1.8 million seniors to the emergency room in 2005, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing falls is a key component of healthy aging.

Experts say that efforts to prevent falls should include management of chronic conditions, limiting the number of medications to reduce adverse side effects, physical therapy to increase range of motion, and “fall-proofing” the home.

The first step to fall-proofing the home is to create open paths through each room.  Furniture should be re-arranged so that seniors can walk through each room without have to maneuver around tables and chairs.  There should be a clear path from the bed to the bathroom that is wide enough to be negotiated in the dark.

Home Instead Senior Care Austin - Providing the most trusted elder home health in America! Call us today at (512) 347-9207.

Senior exercise expert Colin Milner says that even a small amount of activity for older adults can be like a fountain of youth, actually reversing the negative impact that disuse has had on their bodies. 

Inactivity is a leading cause of health problems for seniors.  But it is never too late to start home health.  The key for family caregivers is knowing just the right way to motivate their aging loved ones and to recognize when they need home health.  Milner offers simple, creative ways family caregivers can add activity into a senior’s daily routine.  Family caregivers can learn how to recognize when their seniors have become couch potatoes and what to do about it.