Kankakee & Frankfort Archives | Home Helpers® Home Care

Home Helpers Exists to Support Senior Independence and Make Life Easier

Post author By Home Helpers of Kankakee and Frankfort
Post date June 24, 2025

A Home Helpers client was determined to go somewhere. The 77-year-old gentleman had not driven his truck in more than two years due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, but in his mind, he had to go.

The man hoisted himself into the driver’s seat. He fiddled with knobs and tried desperately to engage the gearshift, but the engine wasn’t running. His caregiver did not know where the keys were, and if she did, she would not have told him.

Unfortunately, his grandson had driven the truck and left the keys in the console. The elderly man found the keys, figured out how to start the engine, and put his hand on the gearshift. The caregiver screamed, “NOOO!”. Fortunately, he removed his hand from the gearshift, killed the engine, and stepped out of the truck. He was angry and agitated, but the caregiver was determined to keep the man safe.

The truck was parked in the garage. If the man had changed gears from “Park,” he would have plowed through a wall or backed into the garage door and the caregiver’s car parked behind. It was a tense situation, to say the least, but the caregiver was trying to give him a sense of independence by letting him sit in his truck (not knowing the keys were readily available).

I tell you this story because this is one man in cognitive decline who valued his senior independence. This man is the patriarch of a large family who frequently hosts gatherings. He had been an astute, hardworking businessman, had traveled the world, had been an active, generous philanthropist, had attended his grandchildren’s athletic events, and was always on the go. Parkinson’s changed all of that.

Seniors have one primary goal, and it is to maintain their independence. Home Helpers exists to support senior independence and make life easier. Our award-winning home care services are how we do it.

Specialized Care

We understand the importance of finding the right caregiver for your loved one. That’s why we carefully match our clients with professional caregivers who are skillfully trained and have experience in providing specialized care for those with unique needs. Whether it’s due to aging, a disability, illness, or recovery from an injury or surgery, you can rest assured your loved one is taken care of.

Care and Companionship

The compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers are exceptional at forging relationships with our clients while providing customized in-home care and companionship.

24-Hour Monitoring

Effective 24-hour monitoring services and medical alert systems provide a safe, secure solution to these obstacles, independence for seniors and others requiring in-home care, and peace of mind for those who care for them.

Nutrition and Well-Being

Our goal at Home Helpers is to provide a personalized and holistic approach to home health care for seniors. We offer a comprehensive Cared-4℠ program that includes nutrition and well-being.

Caregiver Meal-Prep Services

Wellness Calls

At Home Helpers, we understand that the need to connect with others remains, especially for older adults living alone or far from their loved ones. Wellness calls provide much-needed companionship and reminders for loved ones and can be scheduled as often as you or your loved one would like.

Senior Care

Our care team is highly trained, experienced, compassionate, and understanding when it comes to senior care. They understand the importance of preserving your loved one’s independence and provide care respectfully and mindfully. Our caregivers are also background-checked, fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your peace of mind.

Every senior has unique needs. That’s why we offer custom care plans that are tailored to address them. If or when needs change, care plans can adapt accordingly. Whether your loved one requires care for a few hours a week or around-the-clock, we can accommodate them. Our caregivers are dedicated to delivering quality care.

As professional caregivers, they know what to do to properly care for and assist seniors in a variety of circumstances to preserve their independence at home for as long as possible. Moreover, our caregivers are available to provide exceptional in-home care services 24/7/365.

I welcome the opportunity to schedule a FREE Consultation at your convenience to discuss the many ways a perfectly matched caregiver can provide home care assistance. This comprehensive assessment of needs will allow me to create a customized care plan to best support senior independence for you or a senior you love.

Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort is honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights 2025 Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providersand to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards 2025, in addition to the Daily Journal’s Readers’ Choice Award 2025.

Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact our office today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® – We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238

When Stroke Occurs, BE FAST for Positive Outcomes

Post author By Home Helpers of Kankakee and Frankfort
Post date May 23, 2025

“Time is of the essence” is a phrase commonly used in contract law and construction projects to emphasize the importance of timely performance.

Time is of the essence when someone has a stroke, too, because it can take only minutes before a stroke makes or breaks a patient’s outcome.

May is Stroke Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to stress the importance of time when someone is having a stroke. Understanding the signs and symptoms of stroke and knowing that when stroke occurs, we must BE FAST for a positive outcome, could mean the difference between life and death.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to brain cells is interrupted.

Verywell Health explains in more sophisticated terms, “A stroke is a medical emergency in which blood flow in the brain is either blocked (called an ischemic stroke) or bleeds (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A stroke can affect a person’s movement, coordination, cognition, speaking, and more. Recovering from a stroke can be a challenging and emotional process and is different for everyone. The location, extent of the lesion or tissue involvement, time before treatment, and other factors all affect the outlook for recovery.² However, experts have identified a general pattern of motor recovery from stroke.”

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

I went to our local specialists at Riverside Healthcare and their award-winning Riverside Stroke Center to tap into their medical expertise.

“Did you know that having trouble speaking or understanding can be signs of a stroke? Sudden, severe headache, numbness, or blurred vision are also early warning signs, and being able to recognize them immediately could save your life,” Riverside explains.

The most common stroke symptoms include:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

BE FAST to Spot a Stroke

Outcomes vary depending on how quickly a person suffering a stroke receives medical attention, which is why we must BE FAST when a stroke is suspected. The BE FAST acronym is a means of identifying a possible stroke and a reminder to act quickly.

Balance – Loss of balance or coordination

Eyes – Blurred, double, or loss of vision

Face – Drooping or numbness of the face

Arm – Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs on one side of the body

Speech – Slurred speech, inability to speak, or difficulties understanding

Time – No time to waste! If any of these symptoms are identified, call 911 immediately!

“Stroke starts to destroy brain cells immediately. In fact, every one minute that passes, approximately 1.9 million brain cells are lost. The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the greater chance a person will have brain damage and disability,” says Natalie Lacer, Riverside Healthcare’s Stroke Program Coordinator.

Do NOT let time slip away if you suspect someone is having a stroke – BE FAST!

Stroke Treatment

Evaluation and treatment begin immediately in the field when a stroke victim is transported by ambulance. When they arrive at the emergency department at Riverside Stroke Center, they are quickly assessed by a physician and taken to the radiology department for a CAT scan.

A CAT scan may not detect a stroke, but it will indicate if there is bleeding in the brain. The patient is then returned to the emergency room where the teleneurology team coordinates the next course of action.

“If the patient is being seen within about a four-hour window of when the stroke initiated, they are eligible for a clot-busting medication. If within a 24-hour period, neurologists may proceed with a procedure called a thrombectomy.

“If you’re not a candidate for either of those treatments, we will usually admit you to the hospital. We can treat you with different antihypertensives, statin therapy, aspirin, Plavix, that kind of thing. We would also, if needed, admit you to our rehab unit where we have 24-hour coverage, and they can work with you that way,” notes Lacer.

Riverside Stroke Center is located at 350 N Wall Street in Kankakee and serves all surrounding communities.

Home Helpers assists seniors and aging adults who have suffered a stroke by providing support for stroke recovery that includes a variety of in-home care services, like personal care, homemaker services, transportation assistance, and more, for everyone’s peace of mind. Our compassionate, highly trained caregivers will help you or your loved one progress through the stages of stroke recovery, no matter how long it takes.

I am available for a FREE Consultation to assess specific needs and discuss ways our caregivers can assist. This comprehensive assessment of needs will allow me to create a customized care plan to optimize our support for your stroke recovery.

Sources:

Verywell Health

Riverside Healthcare

5 Daily Guidelines for Caregivers of Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease

Post author By Ralph Johnson
Post date April 25, 2025

One of our Home Helpers caregivers assists a 77-year-old gentleman with Parkinson’s disease (PD). She has reported to our admin team that she never knows what she’s going to contend with when she arrives for her shift.

As the stages of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) advance, it becomes more difficult or downright impossible for sufferers to manage activities of daily living like personal care, medication management, and meal planning and preparation.

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about PD, courtesy of the Illinois Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and review 5 daily guidelines for caregivers to seniors with Parkinson’s disease, thanks to WebMD.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a type of movement disorder that impacts one’s ability to perform common, daily activities. It is a chronic and progressive disease, meaning the symptoms worsen over time.

An estimated 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 10 million people worldwide. Most people who develop the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease do so sometime after age 50, but Parkinson’s disease can affect younger persons as well. Approximately 10% of Parkinson’s diagnoses occur before age 50—these diagnoses are called Early Onset (or Young Onset) Parkinson’s disease.

PD is characterized by its most common of motor symptoms—tremors (a form of rhythmic shaking), stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement (called bradykinesia)—but also manifests in non-motor symptoms including sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others.

“When you’re a caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s disease, some days you’ll need to help them with daily tasks. Other days, you just need to give them enough time to do them on their own. This checklist can make life easier for both of you,” explains WebMD.

Grooming

Make it easy for them. Try an electric toothbrush if their hands or fingers are stiff from Parkinson’s. If you help with flossing or brushing, try not to touch the back of their tongue to prevent their gagging. Keep a small towel handy if drooling is an issue.
An electric shaver may make shaving easier. After shaving, have them use lotion instead of aftershave, which may be too harsh.

Bathing

For safety and comfort, use the shower, if possible. Tub baths can be a falling hazard.
While they are bathing, have them sit on a shower stool, use a hand-held showerhead, and hold a grab bar.
Sometimes Parkinson’s causes dandruff. If it does, use a little shampoo with mild coal tar or salicylic acid, and rinse their hair well.
Wrap them up in an absorbent terry cloth robe after bathing. Then they don’t have to dry themselves off with a towel.

Getting Dressed

Make sure clothes are easy to put on, such as pants with elastic waistbands, bras that hook in front, and tube socks instead of dress socks. Skip pantyhose and clothes that pull on over the head. If their favorite clothes have buttons, replace them with Velcro.
Avoid shoes with rubber soles. They can cause tripping.
Make dressing simple. Lay out clothes ahead of time, in the order they like to put them on. Offer dressing aids like buttonhooks or long-handled shoehorns.
Let them dress themself as much as possible. Suggest that they sit down and dress on the side most affected first.

Eating

Serve fiber — like whole grains, bran cereals, fruits, and vegetables — to prevent constipation, a common Parkinson’s issue. If they are used to a low-fiber diet, add fiber slowly.
Serve a calcium-rich food at least three times a day to prevent osteoporosis. This is a special concern with a person with Parkinson’s, because falls that can lead to fractures are more likely. Dairy foods like cheese and vitamin D-fortified milk and yogurt are good choices.
The Parkinson’s drug levodopa is absorbed best on an empty stomach. Protein can decrease its absorption. So, space out proteins so they are served after they take their medicine, which may be every 3-4 hours.
If they have trouble swallowing, fix moist, soft foods. Avoid foods that crumble easily, like crackers. Thick drinks, like protein shakes, are also easy to swallow. If eating is tiring, fix smaller meals more often.

Activities

Don’t let their symptoms discourage participating in activities. Specially adapted tools are available to help with things like holding a paintbrush. Their occupational therapist can also suggest strategies. If some hobbies become too hard, like playing a musical instrument, go to a concert, or listen to music, instead.
Stress can make symptoms worse. Try relaxing activities to reduce stress. Listening to music and relaxation guided imagery may help ease tremors. You can learn guided imagery from books, CDs, or DVDs.
Besides the daily exercise that their doctor probably suggests, urge them to exercise their facial muscles, jaw, and mouth. Sing or read out loud (using big lip movements) or make faces.

WebMD says, “The hands-on daily tasks of caregiving can be hard for both of you. But they also bring you together. As much as possible, focus on what (the person) can do. Taking part in their own care and enjoying hobbies will help them enjoy life more.”

At Home Helpers, we find it very rewarding to help seniors daily by providing assistance with personal care, homemaker services, meal planning and preparation, and an array of other in-home care services. It is even more gratifying to lend a steady hand to senior clients with PD because they require more specialized Parkinson’s care that the compassionate caregivers I employ are skillfully trained to deliver.

Please remember that if you or someone you love has PD, Home Helpers can provide the necessary care and support to make life easier. I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and create a customized care plan.

Sources:

Illinois Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association

WebMD

Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer is Crucial for Successful Outcomes

Post author By Ralph Johnson
Post date March 26, 2025

One of the compassionate caregivers employed at Home Helpers gave me a written story by her aunt who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. With her aunt’s permission, and because March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share this information and encourage you to get colorectal cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor. Early detection of colon cancer is crucial for successful outcomes.

On New Year’s Day, I experienced what I thought was a virus with abdominal cramping and loss of appetite. Others in my family had similar symptoms, so I assumed that I had a virus. It continued for two weeks or so, sometimes better, depending on what I ate. This all occurred during a period of snowstorms in January 2025.

I stayed with my sister (who has the best room service in town), because we thought we would lose power, and she has a gas fireplace. During this time, we planned and carried out my 83^rd birthday party. There was lots of music and dancing and good times. I was still experiencing abdominal pain, but not bad enough to stop the celebration.

On Monday, January 27, I arrived at my sister’s house to hear her say, “Go to the doctor!” I must have looked pretty bad, so I called to make an appointment and got in two hours later.

After blood work and X-rays were completed, it was determined that I didn’t have an intestinal blockage. I went home with some medicine to help with the cramping.

At 8 AM the next morning, I was awakened by a phone call from the doctor’s office. The lady told me to go to the emergency room at the hospital for more blood work. Her answer to my question of why I couldn’t return to the doctor’s office, and she responded, “Your report wouldn’t come back until Wednesday, and there are some irregularities in your blood work.”

So, off I go to the emergency room feeling like I was taking space from really sick or injured people. After another round of blood work, a CT scan, and three hours of waiting, the ER doctor came back to me and said, “You have colon cancer and liver cancer.”

I responded in amazement, “I didn’t expect that. My family has been wanting me to write my autobiography, and I guess I should get started.”

Her reply was, “No, it’s not like that.”

I said, “You just told me I have cancer.”

After having the needle and tubing removed from my arm, I dressed and took the 7-page discharge instructions home with me. Actually, I didn’t go home. I went to my sister’s. After a few minutes of crying, I was able to tell her my story. I asked my sister to call my daughter, as I didn’t feel like I could talk to her about it.

The discharge info was for me to make an appointment immediately with the surgeon at the cancer center. I was able to get in to see the surgeon the following day. Impressed and calmed by him, we scheduled a biopsy of the colon tumor on February 3^rd. This went well, but not very much information was shared with my family and me. I was told I should have a liver biopsy and a contrast scan of my torso.

Unfortunately, I am allergic to the contrast used in a contrast scan, which meant I had to take a certain medication 24 hours ahead of the contrast. On Friday, February 14^th, I had the scan.

On Friday, February 28^th, another radiologist placed a needle in my liver to get a sample of what was growing there.

On March 7^th, my daughter and I met with another cancer specialist, and he had access to all of my test results. He told me that I had liver cancer, the same kind as the colon, adenocarcinoma. He said three lesions on the liver could not be removed surgically because it would not leave enough of the vital organ to function. He said the lesion in the colon was not large enough to cause a blockage, so surgery was not planned to remove any lesions on the colon or liver.

A PET scan was scheduled to see if the cancer had metastasized in any other organs or tissues. A port was placed near my right shoulder, so I am ready to begin chemotherapy on the first Monday in April.

The doctor confirmed that the cancer had developed based on genetic markers found in my DNA. My maternal grandmother died from the disease when she was in her mid-50s, and my father and mother had both received colon cancer diagnoses, even though colon cancer was not their cause of death.

Because this cancer is hereditary, I am making it my mission to inform all of my family members and encourage them to be vigilant in their health care and get screened for colorectal cancer due to our family history. I encourage everyone to do so.

The University of Illinois Cancer Center explains that colorectal cancer typically begins with non-cancerous polyps that form in the colon and/or rectum and they develop into cancer over time. If these polyps are found early through routine screenings, they can be removed to prevent them from spreading and becoming cancerous.

Considering colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States, colorectal screenings are recommended beginning at age 45, which is five years earlier than the previous recommendation of 50 years old, especially for people at higher risk because more and more younger adults are being diagnosed with the disease.

The most common screening test is colonoscopy, but several tests can detect colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy is when a gastroenterologist uses a scope to scan the large intestine to detect colorectal cancer and/or identify polyps that can develop into cancer.
Sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy but less invasive as it only looks at the lower part of the colon. A colonoscopy spans the entire large intestine.
Fecal Occult Blood Test and Fecal Immunochemical Test which detects blood in the stool.
Stool DNA Test, commonly known as Cologuard, where men and women can submit a stool sample to a lab for analysis. This is not a preventative tool, but it can detect blood in the stool and identify abnormal DNA which can be a sign of cancer.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “Determining which test would be most effective, and how often it should be conducted involves multiple factors including the patient’s age, overall health, family history, and risk factors. Patients should consult with their health care provider to determine which screening method would be most beneficial. Regular screenings are generally recommended for persons between the ages of 45 and 75, but those under 45 who may be at high risk should also consult their medical provider about testing.”

The professional, compassionate caregivers employed at Home Helpers understand the sensitive nature of colorectal cancer and colorectal screenings, and they are highly trained to assist with colonoscopy preps and provide transportation to and from doctor appointments, cancer screenings, and cancer treatments. They are also very skilled in performing a variety of in-home care services to make life easier for aging adults and seniors contending with colorectal and other forms of cancer.

I am happy to offer a FREE Assessment to determine specific needs and create a customized care plan for you or your senior loved one.

Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® – We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238

Sources:

University of Illinois Cancer Center

Illinois Department of Public Health

Best of Home Care Honors Awarded to Home Helpers Kankakee & Frankfort

Post author By Ralph Johnson
Post date February 26, 2025

It is awesome when small businesses in our community are recognized after providing award-winning services. When it comes to in-home care, it often seems thankless. Yet, our care team always strives to provide exceptional care regardless of the situation.

That’s why I am excited to announce that Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort has received multiple awards from Activated Insights, a research firm and experience management company that monitors the level of care received by our clients, the level of job satisfaction of the caregivers we employ, and the leadership we consistently demonstrate.

Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort has received four awards from Activated Insights in 2025: Top 100 Leader in Experience, Best of Home Care Leader in Experience, Best of Home Care Provider of Choice, and Best of Home Care Employer of Choice.

Best of Home Care – Top 100 Leader in Experience

The Top 100 Leader in Experience award is the highest honor Activated Insights bestows, because it recognizes the top 100 agencies in North America with the highest overall satisfaction (OSAT) scores. This annual award is based on our clients’ and care professionals’ experience surveys.

Best of Home Care Leader in Experience

This is another prestigious award from Activated Insights. The Best in Home Care Leader in Experience is based on client and caregiver feedback collected through telephone interviews.

Recipients of this award represent the top 15% of all providers participating in the Activated Insights Experience Management program. Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort provides quality care in nearly every satisfaction category measured: Leader in Experience, Best of Home Care Provider of Choice, and Best of Home Care Employer of Choice Awards.

Best of Home Care Provider of Choice

The Best of Home Care Provider of Choice is an award given to home care providers who consistently exceed industry standards for quality in-home care. Recipients earning this award deliver the highest level of care, professionalism, and expertise in the industry based on clients’ feedback.

Best of Home Care Employer of Choice

This award is very special because it means our compassionate caregivers are happy, engaged and motivated to provide exceptional service to our clients! When you choose us for in-home care services for your loved one, you can rest assured knowing we consistently exceed industry standards for employee satisfaction.

As owner of Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort, I couldn’t be more proud of these honors and our care team, without whom we would not achieve such success!

Please remember Home Helpers when you or a senior loved one could benefit from in-home care services such as companionship, meal planning and preparation, homemaking services, specialized care services, recuperative care, support for stroke recovery; respite care, wellness calls, 24-hour care, and so much more! Our highly trained and skilled caregivers are available to provide assistance 24/7/365.

I welcome the opportunity to schedule a FREE Consultation to assess specific needs and create a personalized care plan to make life easier and more comfortable for you or a senior you love to live independently at home.

Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® – We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238

Source:

Activated Insights

10 Facts About the Heart and Heart Disease to Stay Proactive About Heart Health

Post author By Kay Jurica
Post date January 28, 2025

A 77-year-old gentleman with Parkinson’s disease (PD) has endured several cardiovascular events late in his life, including a heart attack and open-heart surgery that required stints. His cardiologist has predicted the man will not die of PD but will most likely pass as a result of congestive heart failure.

February is American Heart Month because the heart is one of our bodies’ most important organs. After all, its involuntary actions keep each of us alive every day. This is why I wanted to share 10 facts about the heart and heart disease so we can all stay proactive about heart health.

Heart disease is also known as cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease. These terms refer to a condition called atherosclerosis which is characterized by the buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries. This typically presents in the form of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, or heart valve problems.

“When individuals think about heart disease, they often think about blockages in the arteries. But the reality is, that it’s problems with muscle function, valve function, the lining of the heart, and the electrical system. It’s much broader than blockages, although that tends to be the most common presentation of heart disease,” says Northwestern Medicine Cardiologist Micah J. Eimer, MD.

Fortunately, many people have heeded the warnings from healthcare professionals and have had significant success in the prevention and treatment of heart disease for better heart health. According to Dr. Eimer, there has been a decline in the number of deaths due to heart disease or heart attack over the last several decades.

10 Facts About the Heart and Heart Disease

Heart Disease is the #1 killer in both men and women.
Heart disease claims a life in the United States every 37 seconds.
Every year, approximately 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack.
About 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent – the person is not aware of the damage that has been done.
Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.
Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.
Half of men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease did not have previous symptoms.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American and white women in the U.S.
High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking are key risk factors.
Nearly 7 in 10 people over age 65 who have diabetes will die of some type of heart disease.

Risk Factors

Overweight and obesity
Unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
Excessive alcohol use
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Diabetes
Smoking

Heart Disease Prevention

There are ways to reduce these and other risks, like adopting a healthy diet and incorporating physical activity into your routine. The key is to find something you enjoy doing, like walking with friends.

Dr. Eimer says, ”People should be finding out if they have non-obstructive coronary disease. These are minor blockages that aren’t causing symptoms or detected by a stress test but can lead to heart attack in the future.” Your primary care provider or cardiologist may use a blood test or recommend a coronary calcium scan to better determine your risk.”

If you or a senior loved one has heart disease, high blood pressure, or is recovering from a heart attack or cardiovascular surgery, Home Helpers® Kankakee provides non-medical home care and support to help make their life easier. Our team of compassionate caregivers is highly trained and skilled to help with personal care, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, 24-hour monitoring, 24-hour in-home care, and a variety of specialized care services, including stroke support and recovery, post-operative care, and recuperative care.

I am happy to offer a FREE Assessment at your convenience to discuss specific needs and create a customized care plan.

Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and the differently abled in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about our many services that are Making Life Easier℠ every day. 815.427.4238

Source:

Northwestern Medicine

Older Driver Requirements Protect Everyone’s Safety on Illinois Roadways

Post author By Kay Jurica
Post date December 17, 2024

At Home Helpers, we have several senior clients who have retired from driving for their safety and the safety of others on the road. Conversely, we have elderly clients who refuse to give up their car keys because they think it will mark the end of their autonomy and independence, which isn’t necessarily true.

December is Older Driver Safety Month, so reviewing older driver requirements in Illinois is important to protect everyone’s safety on our roadways.

Illinois has implemented some special requirements and restrictions for senior drivers to ensure older drivers’ safety. Specifically, Illinois:

requires drivers ages 75 and older to renew their licenses in person
requires both a vision test and road test for drivers ages 75 and older renewing in person
requires drivers ages 81 through 86 to renew their license every two years, and those 87 and older to renew annually, and
accepts requests from physicians and members of law enforcement or the judicial system to conduct an unsafe driver investigation.

The Illinois Secretary of State operates the Super Seniors Program, a voluntary mobile program that goes to libraries, senior centers, and park districts and helps seniors ages 74 and under renew their licenses by giving both Rules of the Road classroom instruction and a vision-screening exam.

Vision test: Required at renewal. Licensing personnel will conduct a test free, or drivers can have an exam performed by a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or physician, who must complete a Vision Specialist Report and conduct the exam within six months of the renewal request
Written test: Required at every renewal for drivers ages 75 and older
Road test: Required at every renewal for drivers ages 75 and older

Possible License Restrictions

The Secretary of State can place restrictions or conditions on a person’s driver’s license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her.

The most common restriction for older drivers is requiring glasses or corrective contact lenses.

Illinois residents who live in areas with low populations may also apply for a restricted license authorizing them to drive only within limited areas.

Illinois Driver Improvement Programs

Illinois residents can improve their skills and confidence by taking an education and training class specifically developed for older drivers. Local course offerings are called Rules of the Road Review Courses.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers who have impaired mobility if a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, optometrist, or physician’s assistant certifies the condition.

The placards and plates are also available for those who have:

severe heart or lung disease
a diagnosed disease or disorder that significantly limits the use of lower extremities
the need to use portable oxygen
limited ability to walk without assistance or resting, or
the loss, or loss of use of a hand or an arm.

To obtain a disabled placard or plate:

Complete and sign a form titled Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates.
Have a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, optometrist, or physician’s assistant complete the Medical Eligibility Standards portion of the certification.
Include a fee of $29 for a disability plate (placards are free).
Mail the original application to the address on the form.

The compassionate, professional caregivers at Home Helpers are skillfully trained to provide exceptional senior care for aging adults in the Kankakee area, including safe transportation assistance for seniors who have retired from driving, have disabilities, or are under driving restrictions.

I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and review our home care services, so I can prepare a personalized care plan for you or a senior you love to improve overall quality of life, preserve senior independence, and make life easier.

Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® – We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238

Source:

NOLO

Be Proactive in Noticing the Needs of Seniors Over the Holidays

Post author By Home Helpers of Kankakee and Frankfort
Post date December 4, 2024

How the Holidays Can Be the Best Time for Noticing the Needs of Seniors and Helping Your Loved Ones

The majority of family members who reach out to Home Helpers Kankakee & Frankfort to schedule a free assessment and discuss details about in-home care services have a reason for doing so. They have noticed changes in a senior loved one’s behavior, physical or mental status, or home life. No matter the circumstances, these families always have their senior loved one’s best interests in mind.

Our Home Helpers corporate partners chose the theme of “Noticing the Needs of Seniors” in December, by no accident. Families notoriously gather this month, making it a great opportunity to be proactive in noticing the needs of seniors over the holidays to determine if they could benefit from assistance with activities of daily living to improve their overall quality of life and make life easier.

Why the Holidays Are the Best Time to Notice the Needs of Seniors

The problem is that seniors do their best to hide their vulnerabilities. This makes it even more important for family members to closely observe their appearance, behaviors, and cognitive abilities to determine if they are actually capable of adequately caring for themselves independently.

That is why I decided to review a list of cues and clues AgingCare has compiled to help make noticing the needs easier.

Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living

Bathing and grooming
Dressing
Toileting
Continence
Walking and transferring from sitting to standing
Eating and Drinking

Changes in Physical Function and Appearance

Noticeable weight loss due to poor nutrition, or difficulty shopping for food, cooking, eating, etc.
Wearing soiled clothing or dressing inappropriately for the season/weather due to difficulties dressing
Poor personal hygiene and unpleasant body odor as a result of infrequent showering or bathing
Unusually messy hair, untrimmed nails, or poor oral hygiene indicating a decline in grooming habits and personal care
Bruises, wounds, or other marks on the body that could indicate falls or changes in mobility
Burns on the skin could indicate a senior is experiencing difficulties cooking meals

Changes in Behavior and Mental Status

Lack of drive or motivation
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Difficulty keeping track of time
Failure to return phone calls to friends and family members
Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
Increased agitation
Verbally or physically abusive behaviors
Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)

Neglecting Household Responsibilities

Inability to independently complete activities of daily living
Changes in household cleanliness and organization
Extreme clutter or evidence of hoarding
Stacks of unopened mail, late payment notices or bounced checks
Unpaid bills, calls from collection agencies, or utilities being disconnected
Spoiled food that is not thrown away
Little or no fresh, healthy food or overall low food supply
Stained or wet furniture or carpet
Urine odor in the house, which may indicate incontinence
Cookware or appliances with noticeable burn marks could indicate food has been left unattended while cooking or reheating
Failure to maintain outdoor areas with landscaping, snow removal, and trash collection
Signs of unsafe driving (automobile accidents, dents, and scratches)
Unfilled prescriptions

Changes in Cognition, Memory, and Judgement

Forgetfulness, like forgetting to take medications or taking incorrect dosages, missing appointments, misplacing items, etc.
Increased confusion
Loss of reasoning skills
Consistent use of poor judgment (i.e., falling for scams or sales pitches, giving away money)
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Frequently getting lost when walking or driving
Repetitive speech patterns
Inability to complete sentences
Impaired word-finding ability
Changes in personality or behavior
Poor personal hygiene and/or wearing the same clothes over and over
Inability to recall names of familiar people, objects, or places

When you are spending time with senior loved ones during this holiday season, please take time to review this comprehensive list of warning signs that may indicate they could require some level of support and sustain and improve their quality of life.

How Home Helpers® Can Help Your Loved One

Home Helpers® makes life easier for seniors over the holidays and year-round. Please take advantage of the FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and our in-home care services. Following our consultation, I can create a customized care plan to assist your senior loved one with activities of daily living, improve their overall quality of life, and preserve their senior independence for as long as possible.

Source:

AgingCare

Home Care & Hospice Make Life and End-of-Life Easier in the Kankakee Area

Post author By Kay Jurica
Post date October 30, 2024

On Thursday, October 17^th, our Director of Operations, Sara, represented Home Helpers at a special Respite Day for Seniors event hosted by our local hospice agency, UpliftedCare. This event was held at their Grief Counseling Center in Bourbonnais to introduce aging members of our community to the new MCA Senior Adult Day Center in Kankakee.

Sara and I became familiar with the hospice and palliative care options UpliftedCare provides last November when we both attended their event commemorating National Hospice, Home Care, and Palliative Care Month.

This would become very lengthy if I tried to share all the information we learned about hospice care, veterans care, and family support services in one blog. Yet, it is important to review the hospice care services UpliftedCare delivers and recap the home care services Home Helpers provides to seniors, veterans, and families in the Kankakee area that make life and end-of-life easier.

Hospice Care

Hospice often gets a bad rap because it does not mean a patient is at death’s door. On the contrary, hospice care may help seniors with serious illnesses live longer.

“The extra support patients receive while on hospice care helps manage some of the complex symptoms patients may face while struggling with serious illness. When those symptoms are under control, the patient may feel better, increasing overall quality of life,” UpliftedCare explains.

Hospice care is considered a philosophy, not a place. It can be provided wherever the patient calls home, be it a private residence, a long-term care, or an assisted living facility. The focus is on the patient’s comfort and overall quality of life, not a cure.

“The patient and family remain in control of their medical decisions and work with our team to achieve their goals of care. In addition to routine visits from Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), social workers, chaplains, and patient volunteers, our complementary therapies – music, massage, pet, and respiratory – help enhance the overall quality of life of our patients and families,” UpliftedCare continued.

Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance. However, no one is denied care at UpliftedCare due to an inability to pay.

Veteran Care Services

UpliftedCare understands the special needs of veterans. “Veterans frequently have unique emotional and distressing conflicts at the end of life. Their feelings about their experiences may have lain dormant for years only to resurface when they know they are facing the end of life.

For many, their time in combat has had a deeply profound impact on their spirituality. Actions that may have led to death or injury, witnessing devastation, the loss of friends, and surviving while others did not, can lead to guilt, spiritual distress, depression, and anxiety as end-of-life approaches.”

When veterans face their own mortality, they can experience:

Belief their illness is a punishment
Self-blame
Guilt
Anger
Hopelessness
Feeling abandoned by God
Questioning their faith
Fear of death
Night terrors

UpliftedCare chaplains are experienced and trained in counseling veterans as the end of life nears, which, in most cases, eases their minds and consciences, helping them regain peace and accept personal forgiveness.

Family Support Services

The goal of UpliftedCare is to provide comfort and support for the entire family in several ways.

“Our team works with the patient and family to establish a holistic plan of care that fits everyone’s needs. Each plan focuses on the patient and family goals and wishes while making sure all of the complex medical needs are met.”

Additionally, after a loved one passes, families have 13 months to access counseling with an UpliftedCare chaplain, and opportunities to participate in programs and services at their Community Grief Center.

Community Grief Center

UpliftedCare Community Grief Center is a resource for families to utilize the dedicated grief support services for 13 months after the death of a loved one. These services are FREE to the entire community, even if a deceased loved one did not receive hospice services.

UpliftedCare also maintains luscious healing and memorial gardens for families and community members.

UpliftedCare accepts referrals 24/7/365, and its hospice care team will approach each patient’s situation with an individualized and integrated plan of care based on patient and family expectations.

Home Helpers Home Care and Hospice Support Services

At Home Helpers, our professional caregivers are skillfully trained to properly care for seniors under hospice care while providing hospice care support whenever and wherever needed. This allows family members to spend more precious time with their loved ones under hospice care while caregivers offer much-needed respite for family caregivers.

Our home care and hospice support services include but are not limited to:

I am available for a FREE Consultation to discuss more about your needs or those of a loved one and the in-home care we provide so I can match the perfect caregiver to help. This comprehensive assessment of needs will allow me to create a customized care plan to make life easier for seniors, veterans, families, and hospice staff.

Source:

UpliftedCare

Signs, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options for Breast Cancer in Illinois

Post author By Home Helpers of Kankakee and Frankfort
Post date October 2, 2024

Senior Care in Frankfort, Kankakee, IL and Surrounding Areas

One of our elderly female clients at Home Helpers carefully stepped into her caregiver’s car one morning and immediately announced that she had forgotten to put a sock in her bra that morning and hoped no one would notice.

At first glance, the caregiver hadn’t noticed, but our client felt self-conscious since she had undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer five years ago and the sock helped balance her outward appearance.

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to review the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for breast cancer in Illinois.

Breast cancer is a condition where breast cells become abnormal. As these abnormal cells grow, divide, and create more abnormal cells they become a mass known as a tumor. The best-case scenario is that the tumor is benign, or non-cancerous. If the tumor is found to be malignant, that means it is cancer.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), “Breast cancer often starts out too small to be felt. As it grows, it can spread throughout the breast or to other parts of the body. This causes serious health problems and can cause death.”

Although every individual is different when it comes to signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the general warning signs are:

A new lump in or near the breast or under the arm
A thickening or swelling of part of the breast
An irritation or dimpling of breast skin
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
Nipple discharge other than breast milk
A change in the size or shape of the breast
Pain in any area of the breast

The risk factors for developing breast cancer include:

Being female
Aging
Family history of breast cancer
Being older at the birth of a first child or never having a child
Beginning menstruation before age 12, or completing menopause after age 55
Drinking alcohol (more than one drink/day)
Not getting regular exercise
Being overweight
Having a personal history of breast cancer or other non-cancerous breast diseases
Having radiation therapy to the breast/chest
Using hormone replacement therapy for an extended period of time
Using birth control medications

IDPH says most breast cancer cases occur in women without any risk factors, meaning everyone should be checked regularly regardless of signs, symptoms, or risks.

“Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women and the second major cause of death after lung cancer. One out of eight women will develop breast cancer over the course of a lifetime,” IDPH explains.

Although there is no way to prevent breast cancer, there are ways to reduce the risk and help increase the odds that if cancer does occur it is found early when it can be more successfully treated. For example, women can reduce their alcohol consumption and stay more active with regular exercise to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Another way is to avoid post-menopausal hormone therapy.

Regular mammogram screenings are the most effective way to find and treat breast cancer. Early detection is the key.

Breast cancer treatments can be managed in different ways, depending on the kind of breast cancer and if it has spread. These treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and radiation. People with breast cancer often receive more than one kind of treatment.

IDPH says, “It is common for doctors from different specialties to work together in treating breast cancer. Surgeons are doctors that perform operations. Medical oncologists are doctors that treat cancers with medicines. Radiation oncologists are doctors that treat cancers with radiation.”

If you or someone you know is receiving treatment for breast cancer or is recovering from surgery to remove breast cancer, Home Helpers® Kankakee can provide assistance and support to help make life easier. Our team of compassionate caregivers is highly trained and skilled to help with personal care, homemaking services, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and much more.

I am happy to offer a FREE Assessment to discuss needs and recommend specific in-home care services we can provide to help you or your loved one navigate the challenges that come with breast cancer treatments and recovery.

Source:

Illinois Department of Public Health