It can be a tough decision to move an aging parent into your home, but once the decision is made, there are some things you can do to make the process as easy as possible. Here are some tips to help you plan for the big move.

Assess the Way They Currently Live
You may not notice cognitive decline right away, but it can start with small things like noticing the house is not as clean as it has always been, or bills are going unpaid or laundry is piling up. If you notice anything like this, it may be a sign that you need to start thinking about moving an aging parent into your home. The hardest part about this decision is having a conversation with your loved ones about the assistance they may need.

Have a Family Meeting
Having a meeting with family members, including extended family, can be very helpful for all parties involved. Remember, the decision to move your parents into your home will impact more than just them; it will also affect your spouse and your children. Have a meeting with everyone to discuss the care that is needed and how each family member can help. Most family members want to help but may not know what is appropriate. If discussing these things makes you tense or anxious, talking to an older family member or therapist can help ease the transition.

Navigating the Changes
There are many things to take into consideration before moving a senior loved one into your home. Is your house big enough to accommodate their needs? Will they have privacy? Do they need special handicap aids such as ramps or bathrooms that can hold a wheelchair? While some of these things are major, other things can be as minor as removing obstacles such as rugs or furniture and making sure the living space is safe.

Figuring Out Finances
There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a caretaker, and it can be challenging to add these tasks to your already full schedule. You may be working full-time or juggling children and the running of a household. It is important to go through the financial situation your aging parents are in, and if there are adequate funds to cover modifications to your home, extra food, and utilities, etc. Costs can add up quickly, so a budget is crucial.

Moving Day
Moving from their home can be very stressful for your parents. They may be leaving the house they have known for years and even raised their own family in and deciding what to take and what goes into storage can be emotionally challenging. It’s a tough job to sort, sell or donate, and pack, so you will need lots of help. Make sure this help comes from people who will keep things positive and upbeat and allow your parents to talk about things as they come up during the moving process. This can be very therapeutic for everyone! Ask them to tell stories and reminisce along the way so you can be as emotionally connected and supportive as possible.

It can be tough to navigate the waters of this season of life, but with a little help and planning, it doesn’t have to be a negative time. For more information on moving senior loved ones into your home, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

It can be a bit more challenging to help a patient with Alzheimer’s continue to enjoy things they once enjoyed before this life-altering diagnosis. After all, we all need a sense of community and fellowship with friends in order to maintain a sense of well-being and peace. While it is more difficult to do the same things, it’s not impossible. Here are a few ideas to keep your senior with Alzheimer’s thriving.

If you are a caregiver within the family, it may be a little easier to help your senior loved one find activities they enjoy, simply because you already know them a bit better than most. Here are some ideas to help enrich the life of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s:

Discover what the best time of the day is for your loved one. If they typically like to get up early but start losing steam later on during the afternoon, you may want to schedule any activities around that schedule. For instance, take an early morning walk together and then find an enjoyable activity you can do together.

Be present while looking to the past. With dementia and Alzheimer’s, long-term memory is usually much better than short-term memory. They may not know what they asked you two minutes ago, but they can sit for hours and reminisce about things that happened decades ago. Perhaps they would love talking about a certain period of time, people or places, or the career they once had. If they were a teacher before, they may enjoy drawing or painting as a way to communicate. If they were a musician, certain bands may spark nostalgia and get them talking, and if they raised children in the home, perhaps they just would like to fold laundry and talk about home life from years past. Whatever it is, finding activities that connect them with their past is often very helpful for their well-being!

Remember that asking for their help or letting them know they are needed does wonders for their self-esteem! We all need self-worth, and dementia has a way of eating away at it, especially among seniors. If they aren’t able to do an entire activity, they could at least help with it. For instance, if they loved baking cookies, perhaps now they could help stir ingredients together. Tasks that involve sorting items are often a good way to keep their minds occupied as well.

• Let the senior have all the time they need to go at their own pace with any activity.
• Offer support and guidance, rather than taking over or doing an activity yourself.
• Offer instructions one small step at a time so they don’t feel overwhelmed by information.
• Remember — the activity is more important than the result.
• Stay flexible and easily able to adapt and change. This will lower the potential for frustration.

Stay focused on the time you are spending together, talking through each activity and any memories associated with them. If your loved one isn’t enjoying the task at hand, perhaps just talking about things would be more enjoyable. You can attempt the activity again at a later time.

Our team of professionals in dementia care has many ideas that can help you if you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. We can help you as a caretaker keep them engaged in the world around them and although you might have to do it differently, you can still have very meaningful time and conversations with your loved one!

Contact us today for more tips on caring for those with cognitive decline.

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Did you know that nearly half of all senior adults over the age of 65 need some type of assistance daily? It’s true. As many as 70% of seniors will need a caregiver at some point as they continue to age. One of the biggest challenges with caregiving is how to know when it’s time to hire in-home care. The common thing to do is wait for an illness or injury and then figure that out. However, it is far better to think through the options sooner rather than later! Your options will decrease by waiting until a crisis arises, but there are several signs that can help you determine if the time is right.

Tips for Knowing It’s Time

Balance Issues. One of the greatest threats to seniors is the risk of falling. Pay close attention to signs of being unsteady on their feet, or having difficulty rising from a sitting position. Injuries from falling is the number one reason seniors go the ER every year! If the risk of falling is high, it’s time to think about in-home caregiving.

Memory Issues. It’s normal as we age to become more forgetful, even with simple things. If you notice your loved one regularly forgetting appointments, names of friends and family, or being unable to recall information that was recently spoken, you should consult with their doctor.

Driving Issues. Nobody wants to take a senior’s care keys away, but driving can be dangerous if they don’t have quick reflexes, forget where they are going or how to get home. Also, if they have had more than one minor accident or fender bender, it can be a sign that driving has become dangerous.
 
Missing Doses of Medications. Not taking medicine correctly is extremely common among seniors. This can be a sign of short-term memory loss and should not be ignored. If you notice your senior refusing or forgetting their medications, it’s time for supervision.

Personal Care. If you notice the senior wearing the same clothes several days in a row, refusing or forgetting to bathe, or not remembering simple tasks such as brushing their teeth, it’s time to consult their doctor about hiring a caregiver.

Decline in Housekeeping. If you notice food in the fridge that has gone bad, stacks of mail that has not been opened, or piles of laundry, it’s time to consider hiring a caregiver. These issues can also be the result of depression, so it’s critical that the home environment be kept clean and in order.

Loneliness or Depression. It is extremely common for seniors to have feelings of loneliness, which can lead to depression. If you notice that your loved one has lost interest in outside activities or is sitting in front of the TV all day, companion care may be very helpful!

If your senior loved one desires to age in place, don’t put off having a conversation about in-home care when the need arises. Many will see this as a threat to their independence, however, helping them make critical decisions early in the process is the best way to go! For more information on knowing when a caregiver is needed, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Did you know that Bingo has been recognized not only as a great pastime for the elderly, but also a great way to sharpen memory and thinking skills? It’s true! There are lots of positive benefits to playing Bingo on a regular basis—let’s look at a few!

Inclusivity
It makes no difference whether you are physically challenged, sitting in a wheelchair, or struggling with dementia. Bingo has a fun way of bringing together family and friends to create the perfect environment of fun where everyone feels welcome! No matter your skill level, you can play and have a lot of fun, even if you’re just beginning.

Improves Physical Health
Bingo is not exactly a game that gives you a cardio workout, but it does bring its own benefits! Research has shown that elderly clients heading into their 80s do much better overall and need far less assistance with everyday tasks such as getting dressed if they had an active social life. Bingo is just one way elderly friends can get together and have some fun, making this research more valid than ever! The study concluded that people with active social interaction with friends remained free of disabilities and challenges about twice as long as those who do not interact with friends.

Provides an Outlet for Social Interaction
Seniors are often susceptible to depression or anxiety. Having a social life that is active is one of the best ways to combat these problems! What better way than Bingo for seniors to hang out with friends, and even make new friends who can continue the friendship outside the Bingo Hall!

Improves Mood
We all need laughter in our lives and seniors are no different! Laughter releases our “feel good” hormones called endorphins, and that is what gives us relief from stress and elevates our mood. Laughing together with friends and family creates an overall feeling of calm and wellbeing, and even can relieve chronic pain! Having a good time is good for what ails you, whether it’s emotional or physical, and seniors are no different!

Promotes Healing
Other studies have shown that seniors who undergo surgical procedures or have been in the hospital will recover faster with shorter hospital stays when they have an active social life playing games like Bingo. This is partly due to the positive power of endorphins as they recover.

Helps Sharpen Cognitive Functions
Playing Bingo makes us think a little bit about the information in front of us. As we try to retain that info, the game of Bingo has done a very important job in helping seniors with cognitive challenges to stay engaged in the game and thinking through their options. It’s a good exercise for the brain to listen for the numbers called out and to try to quickly locate them on the board. Just this simple game can sharpen memory and help seniors think more quickly!

Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
As seniors continue to age, they may notice that reflexes and hand-eye coordination can be decreased. Bingo has a pretty fast pace and keeps the players engaged and focused, looking for the numbers that have been called out. While this is engaging the hand, brain, and eyes, it is also delaying the onset of issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.

Who knew Bingo could have so many positive effects on our elderly loved ones? If you want to know more information or are just curious about how Bingo can help the seniors in your life, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

It can be difficult at times to determine the difference between normal memory lapses as we age, and a more serious cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you notice your elderly loved one forgetting names, dates, or appointments on a regular basis, it could be cause for concern.

While some memory loss is a common sign of the aging process, it does not necessarily mean dementia is setting in. There are lots of things you can do to keep your loved one stimulated mentally, so their brain function stays sharp as they age. The following ideas are exercises you can do to help improve cognitive function and memory, as well as slowing the effects of conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

These exercises can help improve neuroplasticity, which is a fancy word for how well the brain reacts to changes and adapts to new information and situations. Brain games can be like mental gymnastics and go a long way in preserving good neuroplasticity. The better that is, the faster you’ll be able to recall important information, as well as preserve good memory skills.

There are two types of mental exercises: skill retaining and skill developing. It is important to always be learning new things at any age, in order to keep the brain healthy and functioning well. That falls under the “skill development” category. It is also very important to work on retaining memory by thinking through the skills and abilities that once came easily and talking about them regularly. This would fall under the “skill retaining” category.

Check out the following ideas and exercises you can easily do with your senior loved one as well as yourself, to keep the mind sharp and help prevent memory loss. Remember, the goal is to stay mentally stimulated.

Try your hand at an instrument or a paintbrush

There’s no doubt that one of the best ways to exercise your brain is to pick up a new skill or hobby. Help inspire your elderly loved one to take lessons on something they find interesting, or take lessons in painting, music, cooking, or even knitting. There is a natural sense of accomplishment that comes with learning a new skill, and that alone will keep them motivated to use their brainpower to stay active. Taking a class together is even better! It’s a great way to share time together at the same time you’re keeping the mind stimulated.

Test your recall

Let’s face it—we live in a society where everything we do is digital. No matter what we do, there is an app for everything, so we are not writing things down or making lists the old-fashioned way anymore. One way you can help strengthen memory is to practice recalling the things on your to-do list. Try leaving your shopping list in your purse and recall the things you need to accomplish by memory. Another good way to work on memory is by starting conversations about childhood memories such as pets or homes that the loved one had growing up.

Use your senses

You might not realize it, but the five senses are a critical factor in recalling memories and engaging our minds in the learning process. Engaging in activities with your senior loved ones such as gardening, cooking, or playing music will stimulate the senses as you experience these activities together. Touch, smell, and taste are all wonderful senses to utilize as you talk

Get active

With all the brain workouts, don’t forget the rest of your body needs exercise too! Did you know that staying active helps you feel better, sleep better and have better recall? It’s true! It also goes a long way in stabilizing mood by activating the body’s “happy hormones.” This happens as a result of oxygen to the brain during physical activity. This can also have other benefits such as lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Try going on neighborhood walks or join a free Silver Sneakers class at your local recreation center. If your loved one loves music, get them dancing!

As we have seen, memory loss is a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t have to decrease the quality of life. Trying these ideas will help keep the brain active and increase neuroplasticity, all of which will stave off cognitive decline. For more information on preventing memory loss, contact us today! Our caregivers are compassionate experts in this field.

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

All adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, no matter our age. However, as we age, it’s common to go to bed earlier and rise earlier than you once did. Even if you were a night owl as a younger person, you may tend to shift to more of a morning person.

Older adults often find themselves feeling frustrated when they can’t get to sleep or sleep through the night. It can happen for a variety of reasons, not the least of which could be medications, pain, or even depression.

Not getting proper rest can cause many issues, including:

• Feeling irritable.
• Feeling forgetful during the day.
• Feeling symptoms of depression.
•  Being more prone to accidents or falls.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

It’s a myth that just because you age, you will be constantly tired or fatigued. Here are some ideas to help you get the rest you need so you can live life fully!

• Go to sleep at the same time each night. It might be challenging, but your body will thank you if you can go to bed and get up at the same time, including travel days and weekends. 
• Try not to take naps too late in the day. Taking long naps in the afternoon will definitely keep you awake at night.
• Create a routine for bedtime. Reading, taking a soothing bath, listening to calming music are all ways to prepare your mind and body for nighttime rest. 
• Avoid having a TV or computer in the bedroom. Your body needs quiet and darkness to sleep deeply. The light and noise from these devices can interrupt your sleep patterns.
• Keep the thermostat at a cooler temperature that is comfortable at night. 
• Use soft lamps and cozy lighting at night as you prepare for sleep.
• Make sure your exercise routine doesn’t take place within 3-4 hours of bedtime.
• Don’t eat heavy meals at night.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Resist the temptation for alcohol—it doesn’t help you sleep any better.

Older Adults Commonly Have Insomnia

For older adults over age 60, insomnia is the most common problem they experience. This means that they may struggle with falling or staying asleep at night. It can often become chronic and can include the following issues:

• Lying in bed a long time before falling asleep.
• Waking up frequently.
• Waking up too early and being unable to drift back to sleep.
• Waking up feeling tired.
• Struggling to stay awake during the day.

Sometimes, insomnia just becomes habitual after we struggle with it for any length of time. It can cause anxiety before bedtime, which compounds the problem.

Older adults may want to try over-the-counter sleep aids before talking to their doctor about possible prescription medicines that help insomnia. These medications are good for short-term use, but not generally recommended for extended use.

The biggest way to help reverse insomnia is to develop good, consistent routines at night so your body will know what to expect at the same time each night.

Remember, your bedroom is the only place that should be used for sleeping. If you have laid down in the dark for more than a half-hour without falling asleep, go ahead and get out of bed. Read a book or do a quiet activity until you begin to feel sleepy and try again to go to bed.

If you find that you are struggling with insomnia for weeks on end, it’s time to talk to your doctor. He may recommend a sleep study to find the cause of the problem, such as snoring or being unable to enter REM sleep. Most sleep issues can be addressed successfully.

Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light, give yourself about 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed.
If you feel tired and unable to do your activities for more than 2 or 3 weeks, you may have a sleep problem. Talk with your doctor about changes you can make to get a better night’s sleep.

For more information on helping seniors fall and stay asleep, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.