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The Caregiver’s Guide to Senior Care

Senior care can be challenging: whether it’s a parent or a patient, the difficulties that arise can vary day to day, and it could get to the point that you are physically and emotionally drained. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some suggestions on how you can make the situation less difficult for you and the elderly person you’re caring for.

Set Boundaries
It’s tempting to do everything when it comes to elderly care for parents and loved ones, but unless you set boundaries you’re going to suffer from physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. If you’re going to do whatever they ask all the time, you’re health will give way. As a caregiver you have to set boundaries on what your responsibilities are as well as those of the rest of the family. You must accept that you have needs that must be taken care of.

Be Flexible with Your Schedule
Having stated the above, you need to be flexible: you never know when one of your parents might suffer a stroke or the patient you’re caring for requires a medical emergency. In cases like these you have to set aside your boundaries and take appropriate action. Caregiving for the long term also means the elderly’s needs will change and you must be prepared to adopt.

How to Cope with Resistance – Causes
One of the hardest things you may face with in-home care is resistance from the senior. The first step towards helping someone who doesn’t want it is to understand the cause.

If your loved one requires care, it is most likely due to a disability resulting in mental loss, physical loss, etc. The resistance stems from the fact they fear giving up their privacy and independence. This could result in your loved one feeling angry or afraid, or they could feel guilty because they are becoming a “burden” to you and the rest of the family.

Another possible reason is a mental health condition, or perhaps they think that asking for help is an indication of weakness. Another possible reason is their concern over the cost.

The Right Approach
Home health aides can tell if a person is resistant to assistance, and if that is the case with your loved one, you have to take the proper approach to avoid worsening the situation.

Here are some guidelines:

  • Assess what type of help is required. Speak with family members and figure out the best form of assistance or service they require.
  • Talk with the person when they are relaxed as it will make things easier and allow for both to speak your minds. While you’re discussing the subject, ask about their personal preferences and if you can work out an arrangement.
  • Do not hesitate to ask for help. Even professional caregivers need assistance whether it’s caring for a family member or someone else. Do not hesitate to tell them you are tired and need help. Caring for the elderly is stressful and will take its toll if you keep it to yourself. Don’t let it reach the point you take your frustrations on the person you’re caring for.
  • While you’re the caregiver that doesn’t mean you have to do this alone. Other family members can pitch in while you’re talking a break or better yet, talk to them so you can come up with a solution where everyone helps. The point is even a caregiver needs help.

Be Knowledgeable
Know what condition is affecting the person you’re caring for can simplify your duties. Is it dementia? Did he/she suffer a stroke? Learn as much as you can about their medical condition –symptoms, treatment, causes, – and you will be better off for it. You’re not trying to replace their doctor, but knowing the facts is going to go far in terms of easing your daily routines. As any professional caregiver can tell you, the more informed you are the better you and your loved one will be.

Home health care has improved significantly the past few years, but in the end it’s the human touch that the elderly need. By being informed and patient, you can develop the right approach in caring for them without sacrificing your health or well-being.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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How to Cope with Sundowning

Sundowning is one of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and it is characterized by agitation and confusion as the sun goes down during the afternoon and the evening. Home care experts have noted the symptom affects mainly those with advanced or mid-stage dementia. There are ways to help you deal with this, and it will help both the caregiver and the individual afflicted with dementia.

What Leads to Sundowning?
There are several factors that may contribute to sundowning such as mental and physical exhaustion as the day comes to an end. We all get tired from working and activities all day, and older people with dementia and related conditions also go through it. Another possible reason is Alzheimer’s might be causing a change in the person’s internal clock, leading to biological confusion between night and day.

In-home care studies also suggest the increased shadows and reduced light may cause people with Alzheimer’s to make mistaken assumptions about things they see, leading to fright and confusion. It could also be a reaction to dealing with caregivers, who at the end of the day are tired and not as responsive during the morning.

Adults don’t need to sleep as much as younger people, so they are usually up at night. Conversely, the agitation could also spring from disorientation due to difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality.

How to Deal with Sundowning
Here are some suggestions to help you deal with sundowning.

  • Make sure your home is lit up well during the night. Things that are familiar to the person with dementia during the day may look different at night and this could precipitate agitated behavior. By keeping the environment where they are well lit, it could set them at ease.
  • Home health care helpers and caregivers should take steps to make the sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. Elderly people afflicted with Alzheimer’s have difficulty sleeping as it is, so try to make them as comfortable as possible.

There are many ways to do this, and there are no hard and fast rules as people have different preferences. However there should always be night lights by the bed so the individual is safe. The doors and windows have to be secure as well. People with Alzheimer’s or dementia can wander off, so it’s a good idea to install door and motion sensors as they’ll notify you if he/she wanders off.

  • Maintain a Schedule: a daily routine helps minimize their stress. There should be a schedule for their meals and meds, and from waking up till they go to bed, a daily regimen helps reduce restlessness.

Senior care involves careful management of their meals, and the general rule is to steer clear from large dinners and stimulants. Don’t give them coffee or any form of caffeine in the morning. Sweets and alcohol in the morning should be avoided as well. Save the big meals for lunch and keep dinner small. A large evening meal is difficult to digest and will keep the person up, so make certain their meal leave them feeling full but not to the point it affects their sleep.

Activity Helps
If we rest the entire day we will end up awake at night, and this holds true for those with Alzheimer’s as well. Afternoon naps should be avoided as it will keep them awake during the night; instead you should prepare activities during the morning and afternoon. These can include appointments with their doctor, taking strolls, bathing and so on.

Exercise during the morning is ideal. However, exercising four hours prior to their bedtime should be avoided: when we exercise, our brain releases BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which make us feel alert and awake, so it’s not advisable to do it when they’re supposed to go to sleep.

Final Reminders
An important part of sundowning in elderly care is knowing the triggers and minimizing distractions. TV, music, people coming and going etc. in the evening, all of these might be triggers for sundowning, so you need to take steps to prevent this. When it is time for the person to go to bed, remove these distractions.

Sundowning is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s, but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. Take the right approach and you’ll make things easier for you and your loved one.

For caregiving help or advice, please contact us. We’d be happy to help you. For weekly caregiving tips from Home Helpers, visit our blog.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s Myths and Facts

To be a good caregiver, knowing the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s myths and facts is necessary. Because there is still a lot we don’t understand about them, it is not surprising that myths and misinformation have spread, and you need to be aware of them.

Myth: Herbal Supplements Can Cure Alzheimer’s
Fact: There are a lot of herbal products and supplements which claim to cure Alzheimer’s, but there is no scientific or medical evidence to support them. These herbal supplements have been the subject of a lot of studies but no definitive conclusion has been reached yet. It is unlikely these supplements will cause side effects that affect their behavior, but there is no evidence these herbs can help.

Myth: Dementia and Alzheimer are One and the Same
Fact: The two are not the same.

Dementia is not classified as a specific disease, but a collection of indicators that are linked to a decline or loss of reasoning, thinking and memory. Those with dementia encounter problems performing daily routines that they have been doing all their lives.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia. It is progressive, irreversible and progressive. The exact cause is unknown and there is no cure. The need for home care for Alzheimer’s is it robs the person of their memory, leading to disorientation, confusion, memory loss and personality changes. These symptoms usually manifest during the middle and late stages of the disease.

Myth: If a Family Member Has Alzheimer’s, You Will Get it Too
Fact: This is not true. Yes, some types of dementia have a genetic element, but this does not mean you’re going to have one as well. Even if your parent or sibling has developed this condition, you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. You can reduce your risk for instance, by living a healthy lifestyle, exercising and sticking to a healthy diet.

This doesn’t guarantee you won’t end up with dementia, but your risk goes down. By controlling your blood pressure and keeping your cholesterol at normal levels, you’ll be in better shape.

Myth: Red Wine is a Preventive Measure against Dementia
Fact: Home health aides are sometimes asked if red wine is good for people with Alzheimer’s, but it’s not. There are health benefits associated with red wine, but the amount consumed in typical social drinking is not enough to make a difference. Red wine contains a chemical known as resveratrol which offers some protective benefits. However, you need to drink about two dozen a night, which isn’t good for anyone whether they have dementia or not.

Myth: Head Injuries Cause Alzheimer’s
Fact: This myth is very persistent but again there is no conclusive proof yet. Certainly concussions among young and middle age people are a concern, but it is too early to link it linked to dementia. There are medical researchers who believe that concussions and other types of head injuries could lead to dementia, but until there is evidence to support this, it cannot be considered factual.

Myth: There is Nothing That Can be Done if a Person has Dementia
Fact: Dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive and up to now there is no cure. However, it would be wrong to say that nothing can be done. With proper care and medication, it is possible to make up for the decline in a person’s cognitive functions. With the combination of medicine and personal care, it is possible to help a person deal with the symptoms. One of the keys is making sure the person is as physically and mentally active as possible.

Myth: Drug Use Leads to Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Fact: There is no evidence to support this claim. Drug abuse is unhealthy in many other ways, but there are not enough facts to support the view drug use in any way makes a person more vulnerable. More research is necessary.

As an in-home care expert, part of your responsibility is answering questions from family members concerning the disease. Doctors should have the final word of course, but knowing the facts and myths can go far in informing family members and putting their minds at ease.

For more tips on Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia or caregiving in general, visit our blog.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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Why In-Home Care Is Better than Nursing Homes

Why In-Home Care Is Better than Nursing Homes

As your parents grow older, it’s natural for you to worry about how they will get along from day to day. This is especially true as they become feebler and more forgetful, as they’re more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. It becomes more evident that they need senior care.

Now as a responsible son or daughter you may want to take care of the problem yourself, but often this isn’t practical or even possible. So what should you do to make sure that your elderly mom or dad gets the elderly care they need?

Traditionally, the solution to this situation is for your elderly loved one to go to a nursing home. But more and more people are now opting for in home care instead. More people have realized that there are more benefits to home care than to have elderly parents live in a nursing home.

Here are some reasons why:

  • You can also be sure that a home caregiver will give your parent the one-on-one attention they need. The focus of the caregiver will always be on your parent. That’s often not true in nursing homes, where in general the seniors outnumber the caregivers. So they may have to “wait their turn” for the attention of the aides.
     
  • Your parents will also feel more comfortable staying at home than moving to a nursing home. A nursing home simply doesn’t feel “right”, no matter how homey the health aides there try to decorate the place. There’s simply no substitute for the comfort of a favorite couch or the view from a favorite corner of the house. Besides, relocating can be very stressful. With in-house care, your parents retain these familiar comforts.
     
  • Seniors who stay at home tend to live longer than those who live in nursing homes, and studies have confirmed this fact. In addition, those who stay at home tend to be physically and mentally healthier compared to the residents of nursing homes.
     
  • Home health care also promotes the healing process. Research studies have shown that patients can recuperate and heal faster and much more comfortably when they’re at home, compared to staying in a hospital or a nursing home. There’s also less chance of needing the services of the hospital again when their recovery process is at home.
     
  • Home health aides can also customize their services and attention to the needs of your elderly parents. So they can tailor what they can do, such as if your parents are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This is in stark contrast to the generic “one size fits all” approach that most caregivers offer in nursing homes. With home care, you’re aware of the fact that not all seniors need the same kind of attention and care.
     
  • It may turn out that a nursing home is also much more expensive than home care, even if you ask for as much as 8 hours a day of assistance. That’s because nursing homes offer live-in facilities, and they may have other special equipment that can be used for elderly care. But it may mean that you’re paying for equipment and services that your parents don’t really need. 
     
  • With a home caregiver, your parents can also enjoy the freedom and independence that they’re unwilling to give up. They can set the rules and they can even go out when they want to visit friends and socialize.

    But in nursing homes, this may not be possible. Many nursing homes have restrictive rules. And you may even have to visit your parents only at certain times. At your parents’ home, you can drop by at any time you want. And they can be driven by their caregivers to the supermarket or to the homes of their friends.
     

  • At home, your parents also enjoy meals that they actually like. Nursing homes may prepare food for large numbers of people, and in some days the food may not be to your parent’s liking. You can also ensure that the food your parents eat are properly prepared, tasty, and nutritious.

So before you try to convince your elderly parents to move to a home, reconsider your options. It may turn out that in-home care may be the best choice for you and your parents.

Find out how Home Helpers caregivers can help provide the best possible quality of life at home for your loved one – contact us to schedule your free in-home consultation today.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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6 Dementia Communication Tips for Caregivers

Caring for someone who has dementia is hard for both the family and the caregivers, especially if the condition is similar to Alzheimer’s or other disorders that affect the brain and affects the individual’s cognitive functions and behavior. Since the condition can lead to mood swings or even personality changes, it can take its toll on you. Here are some ways to communicate with people who have this condition.

Set the Right Mood
Working on your communication skills is going to reduce the stress you deal with and enhance your relationship. Communication is also crucial when dealing with difficult behavior.

Start by setting the right mood as your body language and attitude conveys your emotions and thoughts. This means your body language and the manner which you speak must be respectful and pleasant. Displaying feelings of affection, physical touch and the tone of your voice goes far towards establishing rapport.

Eliminate Distractions
If you need to talk to them, do away with the distractions: turn off the TV, close the door, shut off the radio etc. Before you talk to them, be certain you have their attention. Address them by their name and state your name and your relation. Speak clearly and by using nonverbal cues, you can help them focus. If the person is sitting down for instance, maintain eye contact.

Speak Clearly
Speak clearly and state your message using simple sentences and words. Home health aides talk to in a reassuring voice, slowly and distinctly. Don’t raise your voice and speak in a lower tone, but not so much they won’t understand what you’re trying to say.

If your loved one doesn’t understand what you said, repeat your question or message using the same words. If they still can’t comprehend, wait for five minutes or so and repeat yourself but this time rephrase the message. During your conversations, use names of people and places rather than pronouns.

Ask questions they can easily answer and do so one at a time. Avoid asking open ended questions or those that have multiple choices. Questions like “Do you want to drink juice or milk?” are ideal. You can also provide visual cues; rather than just ask if he/she wants to wear a blue or green shirt, show the shirts.

Be Patient
Home care is all about selflessness and being patient especially if your loved one has a brain disorder similar to Alzheimer’s. You have to be patient while waiting for their response. Don’t just listen with your ears but your eyes and mind as well. It’s all right to suggest words if it seems like they’re trying to say something.

You should also check their body language and nonverbal clues because it might be their way of responding. Keep an eye on these and respond accordingly. While you’re at it, listen to the emotion and feelings being conveyed in their words.

How to Manage Daily Routines
Senior care will be easier if you break down the daily tasks so they’re easier to manage. You may encourage them to do what they can on their own and provide assistance when necessary. Rather than make them feel totally dependent on you –which could lead to resentment or a feeling of helplessness on their part – you will be there to remind them and help in matters they can’t do alone anymore. This doesn’t need to be complicated or always verbal: you can use your hand to show them where to put the plate, for example.

Handling Difficult Behavior
If your loved one gets upset or irritated, try to get their attention and redirect their focus. If you sense they’re getting agitated, change the topic and or move them to another part of the house. Or you could ask them to do something with you like taking a stroll. Before redirecting, let them know you know they’re upset. Say something like “I’m sorry you’re feeling angry/sad/upset. Why don’t we go eat/walk/talk about this or that?”

As an in-home care specialist, you must always speak to them in a reassuring voice and with affection. These people are often unsure, confused and even “remember” things they didn’t do or say or never happened. Don’t contradict them and just focus on expressing love and support.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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Are You New to Caregiving? Read This!

As a home care expert for a loved one or a patient, you’re going to have to handle several responsibilities, and if you’re new to caregiving. it may seem overwhelming. In spite of the challenges however, caregiving is an emotionally rewarding experience, and there are things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for you and the one you’re caring for.

Learn Your Patient’s Condition
A lot of the challenges involved with in-home care can be avoided by learning as much as you can about the disability or illness your patient is going through. The more you know about their condition, the more prepared you will be and the less stressful the situation becomes. By simply being knowledgeable about the situation your patient or loved one goes through, you’ll be in a better position to handle the circumstances and take the appropriate action.

Reach Out to Other Home Care Professionals
The best way to learn what caregiving is about is to reach out to those who have been there. Talk to other caregivers in your community or online and they will be more than happy to share their experiences and offer advice to you. There is nothing more comforting than knowing there are people out who care about you and what you have to go through.

Trust Your Instinct
You’ll want to follow the advice of your patient’s doctor, but at the same time, listen to what your instinct tells you what has to be done. You have been trained for this, so feel confident to do what must be done. Even if you’re new to the job, your training will serve as your guide for handling unexpected situations as they arise, and this will serve you well going forward.

Allow Independence
Allow your loved one or patient to be independent. While you’re the caregiver, that doesn’t mean you should do everything for them: it’s better to help and encourage them to be as independent as they possibly can. This isn’t so much to simplify your task as it is to give confidence to your loved one they can still do things without requiring assistance. Just as young people love independence, so do the elderly. Bottom line: your relationship is key to success, so apply strategies and approaches that will improve it.

Be Aware of Your Limitations
Home health care can be stressful so do an honest assessment of your capabilities. How much time can you provide to your loved one without succumbing to stress? You can only take care of them if you take care of yourself, so don’t push yourself over the limit. Before starting, talk with the family and make it clear what your responsibilities and limitations are. This needs to be cleared up not just with family members but their doctors and everyone else involved.

Don’t Doubt Yourself
Caring for seniors can produce a wide range of emotions including grief, helplessness, guilt, resentment, fear and anger. As someone who’s new to caregiving, you need to accept that this comes with the territory: accept those emotions whether they’re positive or negative. Having those negative feelings doesn’t mean you don’t care for them; only that you’re a human being with emotions.

Coping with Worry and Anxiety
It’s okay to feel worried or anxious: even those who’ve been caregiving for a long time still go through this. There are a thousand and one things probably going through your mind, but remember you’ve been prepared for this.

There will be days when you will feel resentful of your job or even the individual you’re caring for. This is illogical of course, so just remember that it’s related to stress and can be overcome. Caregiving is no different from other types of jobs where there are good days and bad ones, and in time you’ll learn how to deal with it.

At the other end of the spectrum is guilt: you may feel that you’re not doing enough for your loved one and that you can be better. Just as you should accept the fact negative emotions will affect you, accept too there’s only so much you can do.

As someone who is into senior care, just do your best and it will be enough.

If you have any questions regarding caregiving, please feel free to call us or send us an email.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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Recognizing Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout and Stress and How to Deal With

Caregivers undergo a lot of stress: it is unpredictable, the workload can be immense and dealing with the individual, the family and your own personal needs can feel like the world is collapsing around you. Whether you’re a professional or just someone who needs to take care of a sick / elderly family member, it’s physically and emotionally draining.

Caregiving is usually long term, it’s even more stressful if the individual is suffering from a terminal illness or is a loved one. Without proper care and support, you are at risk of developing emotional and physical problems such as depression. Your priority may be to care for someone, but your ability to do this will be affected if you’re not well.

Symptoms of Caregiving Burnout and Stress
Being able to recognize the symptoms is the first step towards dealing with the problem.

Symptoms include:

  • Reduced time for leisure activities
  • Ignoring responsibilities
  • Eating more, smoking or drinking
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Health problems appearing
  • Feeling fatigued
  • Depressed
  • Irritated
  • Insomnia

These are the symptoms of home care burnout and as you soon as you recognize them, you need to take steps to deal with it.

Get Help
Caregiving is taxing enough as it is, and taking on additional responsibilities will take its toll on your body and mind. Don’t do more than you’re capable of, and make sure you have breaks. You should get help from the family to help you out even if you’re the one primarily tasked with caregiving. While you’re taking care of the person, there should be someone else doing the errands and helping you prepare meals.

Speak Out
Let family members know if you’re tired or not feeling well. As someone who has been trained for this you are in a position to inform the family of the situation, if you think there are ways to improve the arrangement and so on. You are not shirking away from your responsibility but looking for a way to improve the person’s condition.

Get Organized
One of the primary causes of stress is lack of organization, so set up a schedule and organize your tasks so you’ll know what to do. Note down your tasks, and don’t say no when someone offers help. It won’t just make your life easier, but people feel better when they’re helping someone they love.

Don’t be Afraid to Delegate
Even if you’re the expert in caregiving, there’s nothing wrong with delegating some duties. There’s no need to micromanage everything or insisting things can only be done your way. Caring for someone isn’t just your responsibility.

Take a Break
Caregiving takes up a lot of your time, but that doesn’t mean you cannot have fun and relax. Relaxing is the most effective way of dealing with stress, so you need to work out your schedule and allow yourself to relax. Whether it’s watching a movie, reading a book or just going out for a walk, don’t deny yourself these pleasures. If you’re stress free and enjoying yourself, it’s going to have a positive effect on your work and the people around you.

The point here is there’s a world of difference between being productive and busy. If you keep pushing yourself to the limit, you’ll get burned out and be more of a hindrance than help to the person you’re caring for. If you take breaks, you will be able to come back feeling refreshed.

You don’t need to set aside a lot of time for these, because even as little as 30 minutes a day when you can relax should be enough. You can read, watch TV, browse the web, play with the dogs, whatever you want. While you’re resting, someone else can pitch in.

Home health care can be easier if you don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Caring for someone is taxing, and there are days when you’re feeling like you’re overworked and other times when you like you’re not doing enough, but what’s important is you just do your best. The whole point is that in-home care specialists and aides need care as well. You have to learn how to manage your stress as it determines how well you’ll be able to perform your duties.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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How to Determine If Your Elderly Parents Need a Caregiver

As a responsible adult, part of your responsibilities is to make sure that your parents are alright as they grow older. So you need to be observant about the state of their health, so that you can provide the appropriate assistance when they need it. As they grow older, they become more susceptible to injuries and to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. You should be ready to provide some elderly care when it becomes necessary.

Determining the right time to provide in-home care for your parents requires careful observation on your part. So you have to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Has their appearance become noticeably sloppier? Signs of poor hygiene are often the first indicators that your parents can benefit for a few hours of home care each day. The caregivers can make sure that your parents can bathe properly, and that they can dress and groom themselves appropriately.
     
  • Does it seem like they have lost weight? When their weight loss becomes more apparent, this may be a sign that they’re not eating right. They may not be eating the right nutritious food items. They may not be able to buy food at the market because they’re no longer fit to travel that far. Or they may even forget to eat sometimes. With the proper senior care, you can set your mind at ease with the assurance that your elderly parents are getting enough nutritious food at the right time.
     
  • Have you seen any signs of injuries? Many elderly people may sport bruises, and that’s often the result of falls that are common among the elderly. Others may even have recent burn marks which indicate that they’ve suffered a mishap in the kitchen. With the right home health care, you can have home health aides helping your parents move from place to place. And you can also have them take care of the cooking chores.
     
  • Is there something wrong with the house and the surroundings? When you notice something wrong when you visit your parents at home, this may mean that there’s something wrong with your parents. A dirty living room may mean that they’ve become unable to clean the house as often as necessary. New carpet stains may mean that they’ve become prone to dropping things. Burn marks in pots and pans indicate that they’ve left food on the stove burning. And the smell of urine may be a sign of incontinence.

    A home caretaker can help your parents with their household chores. They can do some simple cleaning chores and make sure that everything in the kitchen is safe.

    You should also look for signs right outside their home. A yard that looks overly messy may mean that your parents may no longer have the energy to maintain the yard. New scratches and dents in their car may mean that they shouldn’t be driving anymore.

    A home caregiver can have people take care of the yard. And they can also drive your parents around so they’re safer and their automobile doesn’t get damaged.
     

  • Have their prescriptions gone unfilled? You have to check this for yourself. A Canadian study in 2014 found that older patients were more likely to follow doctor’s orders. People who were taking multiple medications were also more likely to fill prescriptions. So if your parents’ prescriptions are unfilled, something must be wrong. They may be unable to buy the medicine or they may keep forgetting to take the medicine.

    A caregiver can drive to the drugstore and get the right medicine. And they can also make sure that your parents take all their medications with the right dosages at the right times.
     

  • Are they paying their bills? The more common reason for unpaid bills isn’t that your parents don’t have the money. It’s more likely that they simply forgot to pay their bills. They may even have forgotten to open their mail.

    This forgetfulness can lead to rather troublesome results. If they don’t pay their credit card bills, they may owe more in interest charges and their credit scores may suffer. They may even have their utilities suspended until they pay up.

Whenever you’re with your parents, always ask yourself these questions. If you get the wrong answers, then it may be time for your parents to get some form of in-home care.

If you have any further questions regarding providing care for your loved one, please contact us at your convenience.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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How to Choose a Home Care Aide for Your Parent

The key to finding the right home care agency is knowing the level of care needed by your parent. There are essentially two categories of in-home care: custodial care and skilled care. Custodial care includes help with shopping, housekeeping, preparing meals, and even personal care like dressing, feeding and bathing. Skilled care, on the other hand, provides for the medical needs of the senior. Some agencies offer only one type of care while others have both.

Here are some tips for choosing a home care provider for your parent:

  • Assess your loved one’s home care needs. You need to thoroughly evaluate what kind of help is needed by your parent when it comes to their health care, household care and personal care. Do they need help with home health care like managing their medications or physical therapy? Do they need non-medical related care such as toileting, meal preparation, dressing and bathing? Or perhaps your loved one only needs a sitter or companion?
     
  • Create a job description. After you have evaluated your loved one’s needs, it’s time to write a job description which will help you identify the most suitable candidates for the job. If you’re going to a senior care agency, the job description will also help them in choosing the right caregiver for your parent.
     
  • Have a job contract. Your in home care agency should be able to draft a contract but it’s important to make sure all the pertinent details are included. This includes the cost/wages, hours of work, the job description, rules, reasons for termination, notice of termination, and signatures of the parties involved. Your contract will serve as your protection in case things do not work out well between any of the parties involved.
     
  • Look for prospective elderly care providers. You can ask around – friends, neighbors or even the people you work with – may be able to point you to a few good agencies or they may know of a caregiver personally. You can also check online for reputable agencies. On a related note, if your elderly loved one requires special care, such as if they are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you should also see to it that the caregivers you are considering have the proper training and experience in dealing with patients who have these conditions.
     
  • Prepare for the interview. Once you have found an agency that employs home health aides, it’s time to prepare for the interview. You need to have a list of questions to ask, not only the caregivers but also the agency itself. Ask how long they have been in the business, if their caregivers are bonded, if they are licensed, and what kind of training the home care providers have undergone. Pick an agency that is very helpful in answering your questions. Avoid those who appear too busy to answer your questions as well as those that do not provide satisfactory answers.

    When interviewing the caregiver applicants, always make it a point to observe their demeanor and personality. Invite a family member to join in the interview so you can get a second opinion. If possible, you also need to observe the interactions between the caregiver and the person who is needing elderly care.

    Keep in mind that a lot of agency workers look good on paper but may not really be qualified to provide care to the elderly. You need to look past their resumes and you should really do your best to find out as much about them and their personality before you decide who will care for your aging parent.
     

  • Run a background check and see references. This should be mandatory. You should also check if they have any records of alcohol or drug use, if they have offenses that present a safety risk, and if they have a driver’s license. Finally, hire thoughtfully. Find out as much as you can about the agency and the caregiver. You want the best possible care for your parent and this starts by giving him or her a caregiver who is experienced and trained to provide the services required, someone who is compassionate, understanding and patient, and someone you can trust to look after your parent when you’re not around.

Find out how the caregivers at Home Helpers of San Ramon can help provide the best possible quality of life at home for your loved one – contact us to schedule your free in-home consultation today.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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Should YOU Be Your Parent’s Caregiver?

Should YOU Be Your Parent’s Caregiver?

There’s certainly no easy answer to this question. Home care for the elderly comes with a lot of challenges and very few can handle the demanding job that caregivers do each and every day. So before you make a decision, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I ready emotionally, physically, mentally and financially?

To prepare yourself for the role of a caregiver for your elderly loved one, you need to take several factors into consideration. In-home care could entail a lot of things depending on the needs of your aging parent. If they are still able to handle most of their day to day activities, then you may not need to devote all of your time to them. For example, if they only need help with buying the groceries, accompanying them on doctor appointments, or perhaps managing their medications, then you don’t have to give up your job to care for your parent.

However, in some cases, you may have to. For example, if your parent is bed-ridden or if they’re suffering from mental ailments like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease then that means you have to spend as much time with them as possible because they certainly won’t be able to do things on their own without supervision or assistance. This can take a toll on you physically, emotionally, mentally and financially. If you have young kids, you may need to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to care for both your children and your parent. If you have a job, you may have to give it up because you certainly can’t go to work while caring for your parent full time.

You’ll essentially be juggling different roles – as a mother/father, wife/husband, worker, and caregiver. You’ll need to adequately prepare yourself for the big changes in your life. So ask yourself – is this something you can really do, or would it be more practical to employ home health aides to take care of your aging parent when you’re not around?

2. Am I equipped to do this job?

A lot of people may think that caring for an elderly parent is not so hard. How difficult could it be, right? But unlike caring for babies and young kids, seniors will pose a different set of challenges. That is why professional caregivers undergo trainings and evaluations before they are allowed to work in this particular field. They are taught how to feed, bathe and dress seniors. They know how to encourage patients who feel depressed because of their condition. They make sure the patient is taking their medications on schedule and also monitor their condition. They can even prepare nutritious meals and report any possible problems the patient may have while in their care.

3. Will I still be able to set aside enough time for my own family and myself?

Being a parent’s caregiver can potentially strain relationships especially if the senior requires a lot of help. Your spouse may start complaining that you’re no longer around for them. Your kids may complain that you are missing school events and not helping with their homework. And most importantly, you may start neglecting yourself. You’ll become stressed, unhappy and eventually depression will set in. Don’t let this happen to you. If you think your aging loved one will require a lot of assistance, it may be more beneficial for you and your parent to hire a qualified caregiver to care for them instead.

In a Nutshell

Millions of adults deal with this question every day: should I be the sole caregiver of my mom/dad? Naturally, we want to take care of them just as they have taken care of us when we were young. No one wants to put their parents in a nursing home, and no parent wants to live in a nursing home either.

Many seniors want to age in a place where they can continue being self-sufficient, retain their dignity and enjoy their twilight years. But if their health declines, they’ll need elderly care.

If you are facing the critical decision of whether to provide care for your parent, you have to consider the demands of being a family caregiver. There’s no right or wrong answer really. If you believe you can provide senior care for your parent, then go for it. But if you have other responsibilities such as being a parent yourself or if you have to provide for your family financially, then it may be best to get a caregiver for your aging loved one. By choosing the right home health care provider, you are still doing your part in taking care of your aging parent.

Find out how Home Helpers caregivers can help provide the best possible quality of life at home for your loved one – contact us to schedule your free in-home consultation today.

Home Helpers of San Ramon 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, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, Moraga, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Sunol, and Dublin.

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