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Eating Together Shares More Than Food


Sharing a meal promotes closeness, builds trust and establishes a bond. Business people take clients to lunch, former classmates catch up over brunch, and many first dates involve dinner at a nice restaurant. It is equally important for a caregiver to eat together with that special senior as often as possible.

Realize the Advantages

Whether you are a caregiver for a family member or someone assigned, taking time to partake food with that person brings many benefits. Sharing meal time with another person has proven to provide the following benefits:

• Demonstrates respect and affection

• Promotes better menu selections

• Slows eating speed and consumption

• Improves social skills

• Builds self-esteem

When seniors eat alone, they may take the quick, easy route and make poor food choices, such as a quick bowl of cereal. If they had a guest over for a meal, there would be motivation to prepare something casual versus just a bowl of cereal. If they eat in front of a television, this can often lead to consuming food mindlessly and eating more than needed. Since this takes away interaction with others, they can feel lonely and unimportant.

Schedule Dates

It’s easy to have good intentions but fail to follow through. Setting aside a definite time together, whether a one-time occasion or recurring appointment, will give your senior something to anticipate and assure the meal actually happens. At the same time, take advantage of unexpected opportunities to join in an unplanned meal.

Get Ready for Each Occasion

The idea of preparing for your time together isn’t to focus solely on the meal, but to keep the dialog going if conversation lags. The focus should be on the senior across from you as well as come with a few ideas:

• Memories to recall together

• Questions about programs viewed, books read or other activities

• Discussions concerning current events

• Suggestions for possible interests or projects to pursue

Obviously, the possibilities depend somewhat on the mental and physical capabilities of the person who would be preparing the meal. Try not to underestimate their abilities to plan and prep a meal. Assist when needed or asked of and treat them with respect and value the input they give, and you may be surprised at their understanding and insights.

Enjoy the Moment

Even if you only have time for a half-hour lunch, make it the best 30 minutes possible. Be present, listen attentively and make eye contact to assure this special person knows you value time with them.

Leave With Positive Encouragement

When the meal is over, mention one or two specific things you enjoyed discussing. It might be memories you talked about or some insights your dining companion shared about an issue you’re facing. Make sure your special senior feels loved, respected and still capable of contributing to sharing special time together over a meal.

If you are a caregiver concerned about the nutritional and social needs of someone you love, Home Helpers of Drexel Hill can help. Set up a consultation now to discuss the details.

3 Ways to Introduce In-Home Care for a Loved One

You’ve noticed your senior mom struggling with grocery bags, forgetting to pay bills, and failing to keep a clean house. If your loved one is stubborn or unable to see the physical toll that their daily activities are taking, it might be difficult to convince them of what you and other family members have thought for a long time: They need help. Here are three ways in which you can introduce the idea of an in-home caregiver in an empathetic manner that includes your loved one in the decision-making process.

1. Try Out In-Home Services

Some seniors simply will not accept the idea of a full-time, live-in caregiver. The change is too shocking, and the battle of wills becomes an uncomfortable situation for everybody involved. To sidestep this scenario, see if you can negotiate one day a week, or even a few hours a couple of times a week, with your loved one. The caregiver could assist with laundry, errand shopping, lifting heavy bags, or completing difficult tasks like getting in and out of the bathtub that your aging parent might feel afraid to do alone.

2. Consider Gradually Increasing Care

Consider having a conversation that involves increasing the amount of time the caregiver spends at their house. An elderly parent may not like the idea of full-time help, but have they accepted someone coming over twice a week to deliver groceries and chat? How about adding a third day, and then maybe a fourth? They may bristle at the thought of having someone help bathe them, but would they accept someone doing housework or yard work? How about having someone do their hair so that they can look their best?

3. Approach the Conversation with Compassion

It’s best to approach these conversations with empathy and an open mind, as in-home help can be a sensitive topic for both the aging relative and the person who is responsible for arranging care. Remember the most important point: If they do not want to continue, it’s their right to refuse. It’s possible, though, that the introduction of a small time slot of home care can be enough to help them see that having someone help on a daily basis can be a big relief.

Home helpers can serve your loved ones in a variety of ways, and they can be a wonderful addition to your elderly loved one’s life. For more information about in-home care for your senior loved ones, contact Home Helpers of Drexel Hill today.

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

If an emergency arose, would you be prepared? How about a senior in your life? Whether a natural disaster or another type of emergency, seniors need to have a preparedness plan in place to help them handle unforeseen events. Seniors can manage a situation better if they possess the knowledge of what to do and if they can practice safety scenarios before a disaster strikes. As a caregiver, you can assist the senior in your life by offering proactive and useful ideas on how to take prompt action in a crisis.

Develop an Effective Plan

A preparedness plan gives seniors the information they need in a crisis. Here are some key areas to address in developing helpful emergency guidelines:

• Create a chain of contacts: Develop a group of contacts into a call chain, where one-by-one you call each person until all group members are reached. If everyone is comfortable using a mobile phone, create a group text that is sent to all emergency contacts.

• Arrange for transportation: If self-evacuation is not an option, have a designated driver (caregiver, neighbor or family member) ready to transport. Consider arranging a back-up driver for additional protection.

• Review shelter-in-place procedures: Shelter-in-place may be required in some emergencies. Employ visual aids, with clear instructions, as quick reminders of the most important safety steps.

• Prepare an emergency kit: Emergency kits can be purchased or created depending on personal needs. Kits should always be stored in an accessible place.

Seniors should review preparedness plans regularly, so that taking action feels familiar and provides reassurance in a crisis.

Prepare Emergency Kit Items

An emergency kit is a must for any preparedness plan. Check them regularly to make sure supplies are stocked and ready for use. Here are some ideas for what to store in your emergency kit:

• Flashlights with fresh batteries

• Extra batteries

• Canned foods

• Snack supplies

• Can opener

• Water

• First aid supplies

• Hygiene supplies

• Medicines

• Cash and debit/credit cards

• Phone chargers

• Pet food and supplies

It’s a good idea to include a quick-glance sheet of all the medications, for both personal reference and for medical treatment. Make copies of important documents, such as wills, power of attorney forms and insurance cards to place inside the kit.

Stay Informed

Conditions in natural disasters can shift quickly, so stay up-to-date by watching TV, by listening to the radio, or by using weather apps on a mobile phone to receive updated instructions from local authorities. Group contacts can also disseminate this information to each other in a timely manner.

Get Help When You Need It

If you need assistance with emergency preparedness, Home Helpers of Drexel Hill is always here for you. We provide the support, guidance and personal care to keep seniors safe in emergency situations. You can learn more today by calling our office at (484) 730-2201

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Healthy Eating Habits: How Seniors Can Defend Against COVID-19


The weather is warm and perfect for outdoor exercise, but have you thought about pairing it with a healthy diet? Paired with exercise, a smart diet is always important for an overall healthy lifestyle. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking steps to improve overall mental and physical health has become essential. While this may seem like a large undertaking, just making a few small changes to diet can aid in a strengthened immune system.

Change is Good

Most people assume that healthy foods are bland or difficult to prepare. However, with internet recipes and cookbooks, food preparation can be an easy and fun way to explore new foods. Think about substituting a few ingredients in the dishes you prepare or making a new side dish. Fresh foods can be interesting to cook and stimulate the appetite. Think of it as a taste adventure, with the advantage of protecting your overall health.

Some Ideas to Get Started

Meal preparation can feel like drudgery when you cook alone. Get family members involved in cooking through the COVID-19 crisis. Studies also show that eating with someone else is an emotional benefit, and people enjoy trying a wide variety of foods with others. Try to reduce processed food from your diet. It’s fine to have some canned and frozen foods, but fresh foods offer the best nutrition and guard against disease.

Also, remember to stock up on healthy snacks. Most grocery stores have designated aisles and produce areas where they stock nutritious foods. These are perfect in a hunger pinch between meals. You can also check out local food cooperatives and farmer’s markets. Caregivers can assist with grocery lists and preparation of meals. Make the outing to pick up groceries fun and enjoyable together. Caregivers and clients from different ethnic backgrounds can offer a unique way to try new foods together.

The Alkaline Advantage

Improving the alkalinity in your diet boosts your immune system. This helps fight disease and illness, which is especially important in protecting against viruses, like COVID-19. Here are some alkaline rich foods to add to your list for your next trip to the store:

1. Leafy green vegetables: kale, spinach, arugula, parsley, mustard greens, seaweed

2. Nuts: cashews, almonds and chestnuts

3. Spices: ginger, garlic, sea salt

4. Fruits: citrus and seasonal

5. Root vegetables: sweet potatoes, beets and carrots

Alkaline diets also strengthen bones, reduce inflammation and help fight fatigue. These are definite foods seniors should include in their daily diet.

Help is on the Way

If you need assistance with meals or nutritional plans, Home Helpers of Drexel Hill can assist with caregivers for list making, shopping, and preparation. They can provide the caring support you need to live your best, healthy life. You can learn more today by calling (484) 730-2201.

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7 Tips To Keep Your Elderly Loved One Safe in the Heat

With temperatures creeping up higher in the summer, you may be worried about how your senior can stay comfortable and safe. Spending too much time outside or not being properly hydrated can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The truth is that due to aging, some medical conditions, and even several prescriptions, seniors’ bodies are not as able to adjust to temperature fluctuations as they once were. Most times, seniors don’t even know they are overheated. These seven suggestions for beating the heat can keep you, your loved one, and also a caregiver safe in the summertime.

1. Keep It Dark
Pull the shades closed especially during the hottest part of the day This is an effective way to keep your senior’s room cool, unless sundowning is a concern. The darker the space, the easier it is to maintain a comfortable temperature.

2. Stay Inside
Air conditioning is your friend in the summer, so stay in if it is just too hot outside. If you or a caregiver needs to leave for appointments or errands, try to schedule them early in the day before the heat gets worse.

3. Cool Off
When you are concerned about your senior getting overheated, try a cool, damp washcloth on the back of his or her neck. Rewet the cloth several times to freshen it, as their body temperature can warm it up quickly.

4. Drink Up
Staying hydrated is essential in the heat, but encouraging seniors to drink water can be a challenge. Vary what you offer throughout the day, such as flavored water, sports drinks, or popsicles, and try to limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.

5. Keep Them Off
A stove or oven can heat up the inside of a kitchen or small home quickly. Encourage cold plates, such as salads or sandwiches that do not require cooking. A microwave oven is a good alternative for heating up simple meals if they prefer a warm meal.

6. Embrace the Cold
While a hot shower has its benefits, they can also cause more harm in the warmer months. Help your senior cool off with a lukewarm shower or bath.

7. Reflect Light
Dark-colored clothing absorbs more light. Making you feel the heat on a warm day especially when the sun is shining bright. Switch to lightweight fabrics, looser fitting clothing, and pale colors to stay comfortable, reflect the sun’s rays, and get more air circulated near the skin.

The dog days of summer can be uncomfortable, especially during a heat wave, but your senior can stay cool as a cucumber if you or a caregiver tries these suggestions. For more ideas about senior safety, call Home Helpers of Drexel Hill.

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Spring Cleaning Tips for Senior Caregivers

The official start of spring is almost here which means it’s time to take inventory of your cleaning supplies and get ready to declutter and deep-clean your home. If you are a primary caregiver for a senior or an independent retiree yourself, it is especially important to make sure to make a clean, safe, clutter-free space to live in.

Senior Caregiver Cleaning Tips

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to do an inventory of your cleaning supplies. Check that you have clean rags, sponges and paper towels on hand, as well as glass, wood, floor, and multi-purpose cleaners (or, if you make cleaners yourself, ingredients and empty spray bottles). Other essential tools to have include:

  • Broom
  • Dustpan
  • Mop
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Trash bags
  • Hand duster
  • Bucket

Once you have gathered your supplies, it’s time to get busy.

Keep, Donate and Trash

We all keep cherished items that hold valuable memories, but having too many things in your home can create potentially dangerous fire and falling hazards. Start decluttering a room by sorting items into one of three labeled bags:

  • Keep: items you need and cherish
  • Donate: items you don’t need but someone else might want
  • Trash: items that can’t be donated

If you are the primary caregiver, be sure to include seniors in the sorting process to ensure they keep the items that mean the most to them.

Start at the Top

Dust and clean ceilings, walls and ceiling fans using rags and a hand vacuum. If areas are particularly grimy, use a multipurpose solution.

Dust and Wipe

Wipe down and dust all shelving, cabinet tops and furniture using rags and a hand duster. It’s also a good time to scrub the baseboards along the floors of the house, an area often overlooked.

Clean the Windows

Now is the perfect time of the year to wash windows and window screens, since windows are more likely to be open during the spring. Also, launder curtains and window treatments and wipe blinds thoroughly with a damp cloth.

Sweep, Mop and Vacuum

Lastly, sweep and mop linoleum and wood floors. Vacuum and if possible steam-clean carpeted rooms to start the season with fresh, clean floors.

Change Smoke Detector Batteries

Nothing is more important than the safety of you and your family members. Be sure to take the time twice a year to dust smoke detectors and replace their batteries. We recommend doing this when the clocks “spring forward” and “fall back”. 

Contact Us Today for Homemaker Services

The professionals at Home Helpers of Drexel Hill are here to help you and your senior loved ones with a variety of home care services. Contact us online to schedule a free in-home consultation to assess what our team of experts can do to assist you.

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Lifestyle Changes That Help You Keep Your Heart Healthy

Do you know what the most important muscle is in your body? The heart! The heart is responsible for pumping blood so you can move, breathe, and live a healthy life the way you should. Of course, taking care of your body means the healthier your heart will be. This guide will help you understand how to keep your heart healthy and happy..

Drink Plenty of Water

Everybody seems tired and most people think coffee, energy drinks, or other caffeinated beverages are the only way to get through the day. What you might not realize is that a lack of water makes you dehydrated, leaving your mind tired, your body sluggish, and your heart struggling to keep up. Do you drink enough water? An average adult should drink at least 64 ounces of water per day, but your personal lifestyle factors into your individual number. If you live in a dry environment, already have heart issues, or are active than most people, you should be drinking more water. Purified water is often considered healthier than tap water, but any water is better than none at all.

Eat Nutritious Meals and Snacks

Foods that are high in fat and cholesterol can make it harder for your arteries to pump blood and cause your heart to work double-time to get its job done. This is especially true for people entering their senior years. Cut back on sugar, fatty meats, and other unhealthy items in favor of some of your favorite, more nutritious foods. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, swap out red meat for poultry and fish, and trade in your regular dairy products for low-fat varieties. Avoid items that are loaded with saturated or trans fats, and high in sodium.

Get More Exercise

Are you moving your body enough? A sedentary lifestyle causes your heart to not pump to its full potential. Whether you’re working out for yourself or are a caregiver encouraging exercise, promote heart health by doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity 3-5 days per week. Riding a bike, swimming, or even just taking a walk can improve heart health and decrease the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

If you or a loved one are looking for assistance with keeping on track when it comes to healthy eating or exercise regimens for heart health, consider hiring a caregiver. Home Helpers of Drexel Hill can provide experienced, compassionate, and professional caregivers to help you meet your needs. Contact our office to discover how you or a loved one can benefit from an in-home caregiver.

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What Caregivers and Seniors Need to Know About Thyroid Conditions

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Most people know that they have their thyroid, but do they know the importance of this organ? The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate body functions. It controls almost every cell in the body. When the thyroid over or underworks, it causes health concerns especially for seniors.

Thyroid Diseases

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid overproduces the hormone T4. This disorder is more common in women than men, because it is often associated with hormonal changes after pregnancy or during menopause. With hyperthyroidism, you may experience these symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiousness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Weight loss

Hypothyroidism is slowing down of the thyroid. The body doesn’t produce hormones that regulate the body systems. This can cause a person to experience the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Lethargy
  • Drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland

When to Contact Your Doctor

It’s estimated that around 20 million Americans suffer from a disease of the thyroid gland. About half of those people go undiagnosed. The key times when thyroid issues peak are during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Thyroid conditions can go undiagnosed because the symptoms mimic other conditions.

A blood test can detect thyroid hormone levels. The thyroid also regulates metabolism therefore someone may realize something is wrong due to weight gain or loss. When a person has many unexplainable symptoms or experiences a significant change in energy, they should consult a doctor to order thyroid tests to rule out any other causes.

Take Care of the Thyroid

Iodine fuels the thyroid gland. It doesn’t take a lot of iodine to keep the thyroid working effectively, just 150 mcg per day, but it does take a steady supply. Iodine sources include tuna, eggs, iodized salt, and cheese. Currently, there are no tests to determine whether a person is getting enough iodine in their diet. Eating common foods with iodine is usually sufficient to maintain healthy iodine levels.

Taking care of your body also helps your thyroid. Eating healthy and taking care of your body with plenty of fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants helps the thyroid work effectively. Stress can negatively affect the thyroid. Manage stress in a healthy way to maintain thyroid health.

Many thyroid conditions are genetic. Fortunately, thyroid diseases are treatable to manage the symptoms and keep the thyroid functioning properly. Many thyroid patients live a good quality life even with a thyroid disease. Let Home Helpers of Drexel Hill help you find a caregiver to take care of someone in your life. Contact us today for more information.

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What You Should Know About Senior Support Groups

Being a caretaker or having a loved one who requires help can present physical, mental, and emotional challenges that can feel overwhelming at times. You may not have a strong network of people who can help you when you have questions, which in turn can make you feel like you must face those concerns on your own. Fortunately, senior support groups are available in many communities to lend a hand or provide an ear to listen to any stress. Here’s how support groups can be a lifesaver for anyone taking care of a senior.

What They Do

Support groups exist in many forms. They may be organized like a class, with a lecturer who educates the participants, or they can be more informal, just a simple gathering of people to share stories and offer comfort and advice. They can meet once a week, once a month, or somewhere in between, and the meetings are usually scheduled after traditional work hours, on weekends or in the evenings. Health systems, hospitals, rehabs, and other senior care facilities will host these support groups for a small fee or free of charge. 

What To Expect

Support groups for seniors specialize in health conditions such as dementia, various types of cancer, heart conditions, etc. A facilitator, who may be a geriatric professional, counselor, or a trained volunteer will start the discussion, either opening the floor to the group or introducing a topic of focus. The group provides a safe space for everyone to speak, if they wish to do so, or to just sit and listen. It should be an environment free of judgement, allowing caregivers and seniors the chance to share their stories and learn from others who are going through the same experiences. Meetings can last up to two hours and should be small enough to allow everyone the opportunity to participate.

How To Find One

You shouldn’t have to look too hard to find a support group for seniors. Often times groups are held in church halls, as well as groups that are independently run by other senior providers such as day programs and in-home care companies. Physicians can recommend a hospital-sponsored group closer to the participant’s home. A social services agency or non-profit organization in your area may also be a good resource. You can also find an online support group through a national program or with just a quick internet search.

Having support from other peers can be helpful during the aging process for seniors and their caretakers. For more resources or services for both caretakers and seniors, contact Home Helpers. We provide free in-home consultations and can recommend support groups that are local to you.

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Chair Exercises

Exercising has physical and mental benefits for seniors, but many seniors find it difficult to get in a full exercise workout especially on their feet.  Here are some range of motion exercises that can be done in a chair.  

Ankle and Wrist Rolls 

Improve flexibility and circulation in your wrist and ankles by getting your hands and feet moving while sitting in a chair. Start by flexing your fingers and opening and closing your fists several times. Then roll your wrist while making a fist. Do this 10 times with each hand. Use the same exercise with your feet. Curl and straighten your toes and flex your foot. Roll your ankle to the inside, then roll it to the outside. Do this 10 times on each foot.  

Single Leg Calf Raises  

Sit in a chair with your back straight and shoulders back. Lift one heel from the ground keeping your toes on the floor. Raise your heel as high as you can, then lower it back to the floor. Complete 10 repetitions with each foot.  

Hip Marches  

Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor. Use the armrests of the chair to help keep your torso straight and sit tall. Keep your knees bent and lift your leg as high as you can. Lower your leg to the floor. Repeat 20 times with each leg. When done for two or three repetitions, this exercise has a cardiovascular effect. This exercise is also great for strengthening the hips. 

Seated Shoulder Press  

Use lightweight dumbbells, water bottles or small cans as weights to do overhead arm raises. Sit in a sturdy chair with proper posture. Hold a small weight in your hand with your elbow bent and palm facing away from you at shoulder level. Push your arm straight up overhead while extending your elbow. Lower your hand back to the starting position. Repeat 10 to 20 times for each side.  

Yoga Twist  

Sit in a chair with your back about an inch away from the back of the chair. Use your hand to grab onto the opposite side of the chair. Twist and move toward the arm. Hold for two to three seconds, then release. Repeat with the opposite side of the chair. Perform this exercise 10 times on each side to increase blood flow through the body. 

As a caregiver, you can encourage your senior to do exercises by teaming up and completing the exercises together. Let Home Helpers of Drexel Hill help you find care options for your senior loved one. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation.

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