With more and more baby boomers growing older, the time has come for many of them to begin thinking about senior care. Most people want to remain in the comfort of their home, sleeping in their own bed for as long as they can. Nobody wants to think of being in a senior care facility long-term, and with senior home care options, they may not have to.

Senior home care covers more than just light housekeeping and distribution of medications. It spans help with mobility problems, dietary concerns, dementia care, and even chronic or terminal medical conditions.

Before you make the decision to hire a senior health care agency, there are a few things you should check into. Following is a list of important check points to help you get the best home care possible.

Proper Licensing
Every state has its own regulations to properly monitor agencies that provide senior home care. Making sure they are properly licensed will ensure they have passed required inspections, as well as cooperating with all federal guidelines. Contact your state’s health department to obtain an approved list of senior care services.

Accurate Servicing
Getting the right services will ensure that you don’t have to contact multiple agencies or caregivers to cover the services needed for your senior. Any agency will provide a list of their services, but take the time to make sure they provide what you and your loved one’s doctor deem to be the most important services.

Hours of Availability
Make sure you understand exactly when the hours of care will be. Some agencies do provide round-the-clock care, so if you need this service, be sure to ask if it is available. You may also want to ask how many workers will cover any given shift. Sometimes, it’s not the same person for the entire time, so you’ll want to make sure your senior loved one is comfortable with everyone who cares for them.

Familiarize Yourself With Their Emergency Policy
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Accidents do happen, so make sure you know what the protocol is should it happen while caring for your senior family member. You’ll want caregivers who are calm, responsible and able to think quickly. Procedures for accidents and emergencies can be provided, so be sure to ask for them!

Understand the Care Plan
When interviewing any nurse or caregiver, make sure you and your elderly loved one receiving care feel heard and understood. Any reputable agency will strive to make the entire family feel comfortable and take all the time necessary to answer questions and address concerns.

Make sure you understand the care plan. How many hours will the care provider be there? Will they administer all medications? Will the care include personal care/hygiene? These are all good questions to ask!

Methods of Payment
Finally, always make sure you and your senior family member understand how the senior home care will be paid for. Senior services can be covered in many different ways, so find out if the agency you choose accepts Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance. Some will even work with military benefits. If none of these options are viable in your case, you’ll need to create a payment plan.

Do your homework and ask lots of questions! It only takes a little digging to find out violations or other concerns. Take the time you need to interview several home care workers and makes sure there is a good rapport there. Above all else, your senior loved one needs to feel loved and taken care of!

Call Home Helpers today for more information on senior home health care.

People across the globe are looking for the best way to stay young. Some of us embrace the “aging gracefully” theory and others want that eternal fountain of youth. The good news is there are many ways to help retain that youth for as long as possible! According to experts, staying engaged socially is one of the top ways to feel young. Let’s look a little deeper…

The Benefits of Remaining Socially Active

As we begin to age, our brains go through normal changes that can bring new challenges. One of the most common signs of these changes is memory loss. You may find it a little more difficult to retain information. It may be simple things such as remembering peoples’ names or important dates. But for those who struggle with dementia, the loss of memory can seriously impact normal life. While we can’t always prevent mental impairment, we can certainly do things to keep our brains active, just like any other part of our body. For seniors, it’s very important to stay engaged socially and keep the brain stimulated. This goes a long way in staving off dementia and depression.

According to recent studies on Alzheimer’s Disease, seniors who remained socially active had a rate of memory loss that was 70% slower than those patients who were not active socially. The study went on to show that symptoms of depression were lowered by 30% for those who used the internet for social networking.

Tips for Staying Socially Active

There are many ways you can keep engaged socially as you age. Here are a few tips for staying intellectually sharp:

• Get involved with social networking. Relationships need to be nurtured, so put the effort into keeping up with friends and family. Staying connected to neighbors and friends from church will also go a long way in keeping you socially engaged. If important people in your life don’t live near you any longer, utilize social media such as Facebook to keep in touch. The use of email, Facebook and Twitter has increased so dramatically among seniors, that assisted living facilities across the country have begun offering special classes in technology. Learning computer skills isn’t nearly as hard as you think! Just remember that kids and grandkids are the perfect resource for learning how to use social networking sites!
• Keep your brain busy! Brain teaser games such as crossword puzzles or card games is a wonderful way to stimulate your intellect. Choosing games that you can play with friends is even better. Games like chess will keep you mentally active, as well as provide great entertainment with your peers.
• Consider joining a club. If you have a favorite hobby, there may be clubs in your area that you could join for that activity. Ask a senior center near you for a list of clubs in your area. It might be gardening, reading books, needle point, or many other ideas. Clubs are a great way to find new friends who share your passions.
• Go back to work. All too often, retirement can cause many seniors to feel as though they’ve lost their purpose in life. Taking a part-time job can help prevent depression that comes with a loss of identity. It can also be a wonderful way to work with peers and meet new people
• Do some volunteer work. Volunteering in your community is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself and pay it forward. Find a cause that resonates with you and call that organization to see if they need volunteer help. Nearly all charities are thrilled to have help, no matter how great or small! Also, it’s proven that seniors who volunteer and stay active live longer, healthier lives than those who don’t.
• Stay involved with family. Offer to babysit the grandchildren or sit with other members of the family who may need assistance. Perhaps your grown children need a little help with cooking or cleaning. Staying involved with your family will keep you feeling young and maintain a sense of purpose. Chasing little ones is also a fun way to burn off those extra calories!

It’s normal to withdraw socially as we age. But staying engaged socially and intellectually is the best way to ward off depression and increase your enjoyment in life. Social stimulation is crucial for seniors, so make the effort to stay connected! Not only will you stay healthier, but you will live a more fulfilled life.

AARP is hosting their next Virtual Career Fair on September 14 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. PST. This live online event provides those 50+ with the opportunity to recharge their job search and connect with local and national employers – all from the comfort of home.

During the Virtual Career Fair, participants will have the opportunity to chat with recruiters from companies like Home Helpers. There will be opportunities to apply to caregiver jobs during the event.

This official AARP event is a great way for job seekers to:

• Re-charge their job search
• Connect with local and national employers and volunteer organizations, such as Home Helpers
• Chat with recruiters, submit résumés, view job openings, and tap into on-site educational resources
• Get timely job search advice during four live webinars and a half-dozen live scheduled chats
• Play games that help brush up on job search skills (and enter for a chance to win a prize!)
• Connect with other job seekers
• Get a sneak peek at AARP’s new Work & Jobs Skills Inventory designed to help job seekers polish the digital skills they need to find a job or keep the job they have
• And more!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Virtual Career Fair

Q: What is the AARP Virtual Career Fair?
A: The AARP Virtual Career Fair will feature AARP Employer Pledge Program employers that are hiring. In addition, AARP will be providing job search resources to job seekers in the form of live webinars and online chats with career professionals, tip sheets, games, and other resources.

Q: Are all of the employers in the Employer Exhibit Hall hiring?
A: Yes.

Q: What types of jobs will they offer?
A: A range of skills and jobs are being recruited for by employers.

Q: Where are the jobs located?
A: We have recruited employers that are looking for candidates locally, regionally and nationally. There is no guarantee that participating employers will currently have job vacancies in your area.

Can’t make the live date? Register anyway! By registering, you’ll have access to the Virtual Career Environment and see the jobs listed by employers, access tip sheets and view webinars on-demand through the end of 2017.

And don’t forget to share this opportunity with friends and family who might be interested.

Register now or visit our caregiver employment page for more Home Helpers job information.

REGISTER NOW! HOME HELPERS CAREGIVER EMPLOYMENT INFO

Our caregiver jobs and senior home care opportunities are available in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

The vast majority of Americans assume that the best way to care for our elderly is to place them in a nursing home or other skilled care facility. But did you know there are many reasons why allowing seniors to recover at home is better? In this article, we’ll explain the differences between home health care and nursing home care.

Recovery
It’s a fact that most seniors will recover much faster if allowed to stay in their homes when possible. Whether it’s a recent surgery or even psychological trauma, being in the home with unlimited access to loved ones offers the senior family member the best chance for a full recovery. Since nursing homes often have rigid schedules and routines, being at home also allows for much more flexibility for both the senior and the caregiver. This translates to less stress for everyone! After all, nobody wants to be told when they can visit or how many visitors they can have.

Economical
It goes without saying that providing care in the home is far less expensive than paying full-time room and board at a nursing facility or assisted living center. Nowadays, there are many wonderful options for home health care that allows your senior loved one to receive excellent care only when they need it. In these cases, there is usually a family member who is helping with the daily chores and tasks, while the home health care nurse can help administer medicines, give baths, and help provide any therapy needed. When you tally the costs involved, home health care usually is the most cost-effective plan. Senior patients often save up to 70% when being cared for at home, rather than the hospital. This statistic, and others like it, have created the huge flood of home health care nurses that we are seeing today. Since no one enjoys being in the hospital for any length of time, home health care workers can be a life-saver so the patient can recover at home.

Latest Medical Technology
The age in which we live has produced rapid advancements in medical technology. This technology allows more and more patients to receive certain therapies at home, rather than having to be in the hospital. A comfortable surrounding always helps a person heal faster.

Should there be any procedures that require a skilled health care worker, that can usually be done at home? This would include such things as dressing changes on wounds, hygiene and personal care, help with proper diet, and the administration of medications that would normally require the patient to be in a clinical setting. A home health care nurse can be worth their weight in gold!

More Freedom
This may seem obvious, but there is certainly far more freedom and independence for seniors who stay in their own homes, rather than having to be hospitalized. They are able to visit friends and family and have as many home visits as they like, whenever they like. They’re able to eat on their own schedule and create a sense of normalcy that works for them.

If you are considering home health care, rather than a medical facility, do your research and make sure you follow up on any references. If there are multiple family members, bring everyone together so a decision can be reached by everyone involved. Lastly, talk to your senior loved one about what their wishes are! They are the ones who will have to go along with the plan, so it’s important to discuss the options with them and if possible, allow them to be part of the decision-making process.

For more information on the benefits of home health care vs. hospital care, please call us today!

Heat stroke can be deadly in seniors. As the summer heats up, so does the risk for heat stroke. It is a potentially fatal condition and can happen before they realize they are in the danger zone. As we age, out bodies become less responsive to heat, so it’s important that seniors understand the signs of a heat stroke. Some medications, such as beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure can make it harder for the body to regulate heat.

So just what is heat stroke and how does it happen?

When the body is overheating, it can reach temps of 104 degrees and cause major organs to begin failing if not treated quickly. It should be considered an emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and death.

5 tips for preventing a heat stroke in seniors

1. Be familiar with the health conditions of your senior loved one. Keep a list handy of all medications and ask their doctor about things that could interact with heat, such as low-sodium diets or fluid pills. (Diuretics) You’ll want to know the best plan of action to restore fluids and cool the body down. Keep in mind that some people can’t handle copious amounts of water, so IV fluids are critical.
2. Dress appropriately and stay hydrated. Encourage your senior loved ones to drink plenty of water during the summer months, especially if they are going to be outside. Keep in mind that very cold water can bring on cramps, so staying hydrated with cool or room temperature water is best. Sports drinks are often not a good idea for seniors due to the high sugar content. Have your senior adult wear clothing that is light weight, light in color to deflect excess heat, and very breathable. If they feel chilly while indoors, a small lap blanket can be helpful.
3. Keep your home cool. Utilize inexpensive methods for keeping cool in the house, such as curtains that block excess light and heat. This can make a huge difference in the temperature in the house, as well as your energy bills!
4. Keep cool outside. You may need to go someplace that has good air conditioning with your older adult during the hottest part of the day. If their home is too warm or doesn’t have adequate air conditioning, they may enjoy places such as a mall, library or restaurant.
5. If you use fans, use caution. Fans offer some relief from the heat but can sometimes trick the body into feeling much cooler when the danger of heat stroke is still there. A good rule of thumb is to stick with air conditioners whenever possible, especially if the temperature outside is above 85 degrees.

Signs of heat stroke should always be taken seriously. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your senior loved one has gotten overheated. You may just save their life!

For more helpful tips on how to keep your seniors safe at home, visit our senior home care blog.

Anyone who has been part of the work force can attest to the careful planning that goes into accident prevention. It’s in the company’s best interest to keep their employees safe and free of hazards as much as possible. As we age, it’s natural to take extra precautions at home to prevent slips and falls, so shouldn’t this caution also be taken in nursing homes and senior living facilities? Think about this—three fourths of visits to the hospital emergency department are caused by accidents that happen very close to home. For the elderly, these accidents can easily fracture a hip or other bone that is very tough to recover from. So, what can you do to keep your senior parents safe at home? Read on!

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Being absent minded can be a hazard, so be sure to get plenty of sleep. Also, don’t allow your thoughts to interrupt your day. Try these helpful tips and turn around the risk of falling:

• If possible, have railings installed in your home. They are a huge source of support.
• Pay attention to the floor. Look for changes in the floor height, defects in the carpet, wet spills, etc.
• Take some slow deep breaths if you begin feeling dizzy. Be sure to keep a firm hold to the railing
• Walk at your own speed. You can always catch up.
• Keep lamps that are easy to reach or night lights to illuminate a room and create warmth. Turn on lights at night to prevent falls and other accidents. These accidents for seniors can have devastating consequences, so you should never look for an assisted living retirement community that doesn’t have excellent credentials.

What to Do After a Fall

Whether it’s you or a senior loved one, the thing to remember is to stay put where you are. Even if you have to yell, keep doing it until someone hears you. If you have a cell phone, try to call 911 yourself to give them a head start. You don’t want any internal injuries, so staying awake until help arrives in crucial.

Survey the Area

This is a good time to do a short “checklist” and determine if medical attention is needed. You may be aware of a broken bone or fractured hip, due to pain. Check yourself and any others for injury. If you have fractured an arm, you should stay put until help arrives via an ambulance.

If you know you don’t have serious injuries, simply roll over to your side and bring your knees up toward the chest and sit up as normal.

Fall hazards are a very real threat for seniors, so give them the best life possible by pulling up throw rugs and anything else that could cause them to trip or fall. For more information on this subject, call us today!