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Older Driver Requirements Protect Everyone’s Safety on Illinois Roadways

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

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.

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:

AgingCare

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

On Thursday, October 17th, 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.

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:

UpliftedCare

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

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.

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:

Illinois Department of Public Health

Seniors Receive Valuable Resources at Home Helpers & Senior Fair 2024

August 21st was National Senior Citizens Day, and I want to publicly recognize and honor the beloved senior citizens in Kankakee and surrounding areas! After all, senior citizens have lived through challenging times we’ve only read or heard about through stories passed down or historical news reports. They have endured changes that today’s generation cannot even fathom. Their perspectives are priceless, and their tenacity is undeniable.

My admiration for seniors is immeasurable, which is why I own Home Helpers® Home Care: to provide loving care, respect, and helpful resources to seniors in the communities we serve.

The compassionate caregivers I employ are some of the most amazing people I know, and they all go above and beyond to provide exceptional home care services to make life easier for senior citizens. These include but are not limited to:

I am proud to offer these important services for senior citizens in our community to promote senior independence and an improved quality of life. I am equally proud that Home Helpers provides invaluable resources to educate seniors (and caregivers) about what they can do or where they can go to address specific concerns. These include:

  • COVID-19
  • Caregiver Resources
  • For Healthcare Professionals
  • Free Guides
  • How to Pay for In-Home Care
  • Veteran & Military
  • What to Ask a Home Care Provider

Home Helpers will be among many vendors providing valuable information and resources at the Daily Journal’s Senior Fair 2024, on September 24, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

There will be FREE health screenings, informational seminars, a $5 lunch, raffles, door prizes, and more! This year’s Senior Fair 2024 is brought to you in part by Ascension Saint Mary at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene, 1000 N. Entrance Ave., Kankakee, IL, 60901, the location of the event.

I strongly encourage seniors to make plans to attend! The goal of the Senior Fair 2024  is to introduce aging adults to the businesses in our community that offer valuable information, resources, products, and services that will help make their life’s journey easier to navigate.

The professional caregivers at Home Helpers maintain a goal of Making Life Easier® for seniors to navigate life, too. They are each licensed, bonded, insured, thoroughly background-checked, and skillfully trained to properly care for and assist seniors from all walks of life. From being certified in Alzheimer’s and dementia care to performing basic wellness calls, the caregivers I employ are your family when family can’t be there to deliver exceptional in-home care services to you or a senior you love, 24/7/365.

I’m happy to offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and prepare a personalized care plan that is designed to meet you where you are and help you reach your lifestyle goals.

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

10 Actions for Seniors to Promote Healthy Aging and Wellness 

I opened Home Helpers in 2008 to serve seniors in the Kankakee area. One of the most important aspects of managing a home care agency is ensuring our senior clients are on a positive health and wellness journey as they age.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says, “Many factors influence healthy aging. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others — like exercise, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health — are within our reach.”

The NIA supports research that has identified 10 actions for seniors to promote healthy aging and wellness so seniors can live as independently as possible and maintain a healthy quality of life.

Physical Health, Activity & Exercise

Scientific evidence suggests that people who exercise regularly not only live longer but also may live better — meaning they enjoy more years of life without pain or disability.

Healthy Diet & Food Choices

You’ve heard the cliché, “You are what you eat.” This is true because healthy food choices can help prevent certain health problems and improve brain function. Poor food choices can lead to chronic illness and cognitive decline.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide healthy eating recommendations for each stage of life. The Dietary Guidelines suggest an eating pattern with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

Get Quality Sleep

Not getting enough quality sleep can make a person irritable, depressed, forgetful, and more likely to have falls or other accidents.

Good sleep patterns can lower rates of insulin resistance, heart disease, and obesity while improving blood sugar levels, creativity, and decision-making.

Limit or Eliminate Alcohol & Monitor Medications

Alcohol dependence or heavy drinking affects every organ in the body, including the brain.

In addition to being cautious with alcohol, older adults and their caregivers should be aware of other substances that can be misused or abused. Because older adults are commonly prescribed opioids for pain and benzodiazepines for anxiety or trouble sleeping, they may be at risk for misuse and dependence on these substances.

Visit the Doctor Regularly

Going to the doctor for regular health screenings is essential for healthy aging. Getting regular check-ups helps doctors catch chronic diseases early and can help patients reduce risk factors for disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. People who went to the doctor regularly also reported improved quality of life and feelings of wellness.

It is recommended that seniors visit the doctor at least yearly and possibly more depending on their health. You cannot reap the benefits of medical advancements without regular trips to the doctor for physical exams and other tests. Regular screenings can uncover diseases and conditions you may not yet be aware of, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Monitor Mental Health

Mental health, or mental wellness, is essential to your overall health and quality of life. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Managing social isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and mood through medical and self-care is key to healthy aging.

Social Isolation & Loneliness

As people age, changes such as hearing and vision loss, memory loss, disability, trouble getting around, and the loss of family and friends can make it difficult to maintain social connections. This makes older adults more likely to be socially isolated or to feel lonely. Although they sound similar, social isolation and loneliness are different. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated, while social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly.

Stress

Stress is a natural part of life and comes in many forms. Sometimes stress arises from difficult events or circumstances. Positive changes, like the birth of a grandchild or a promotion, can cause stress too. Research shows that constant stress can change the brain, affect memory, and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or related dementias.

Finding ways to lower stress and increase emotional stability may support healthy aging.

Depression and Mood

For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. Instead, they might feel numb or uninterested in activities and may not be as willing to talk about their feelings. Depression not only affects mental health but also physical health. 

If you think you or a loved one may have depression, start by making an appointment to see a doctor or health care provider. If you are thinking of harming yourself, get help immediately — call the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

Leisure Activities and Hobbies

Your favorite activities are not only fun — they may also be good for your health. Research shows that people who participate in hobbies and social and leisure activities may be at lower risk for some health problems.

Music, theater, dance, creative writing, and other participatory arts show promise for improving seniors’ quality of life and well-being, from better cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction. Even hobbies as simple as taking care of a pet can improve an aging adult’s health and quality of life. 

Getting exercise, eating right, sleeping well, participating in social activities, and engaging with peers are all very important factors in preserving a healthy quality of life.

August is National Wellness Month, and the compassionate, professional caregivers at Home Helpers are skillfully trained to provide senior care for aging adults in the Kankakee area and to assist with and support the actions outlined above that promote healthy aging and wellness.

I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and review the home care services we provide, 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:

National Institute on Aging – National Institutes of Health

4 Ways to Help Seniors While Promoting Senior Independence

I know a family who did everything they could to keep their Mom/Grandma with chronic health
issues at her home, but at times, they brought her to their homes in their attempt to honor her
wishes to never be admitted to a skilled nursing or assisted living facility. However, the family
members realized this was not a permanent solution, and their senior loved one would require
home care and assistance to maintain her independence and quality of life or transition to a
facility.

In situations like this, family members may try to do too much for their loved ones, stripping
them of their autonomy; or they may struggle with hectic schedules, juggling the
responsibilities of their own families while trying to keep their senior loved ones safe, secure,
healthy, and happy.

Dr Barry J. Jacobs at AARP writes about caring for his mother, “With all my best intentions and
concerted energies, I mostly succeeded in curbing her independence and squelching her spirit.
She didn’t see me as her caring son so much as the overbearing usurper of roles she cherished.”
Daily Caring said, “Sometimes in our eagerness to keep our older adult safe, we end up helping
too much.”

But there are ways to achieve a balance between helping too much or too little.

Dr. Jacobs recommends 4 ways to help seniors while promoting senior independence.

1. Talk and plan together. Before your older adult needs help, have conversations about
how their abilities may change as they age. Find out how they’d like to be supported
when they need help physically, mentally, and/or cognitively. Being proactive and
realistic about the future and preparing for inevitable changes will help you both.
2. Don’t jump in with help too quickly. There may be times when your senior loved one
needs help once or twice, but you shouldn’t assume it is a permanent necessity. It may
be a fluke. Before jumping in to take over, step back and observe their “true” behavior
and confirm your concerns with others.
3. Focus on their abilities and what they can do. Continuing to do as many activities and
tasks as independently as possible helps seniors retain their abilities and boosts self-
esteem. Guide them toward tasks they’re able to do or adapt activities to make them
easier. For example, if setting a table from the beginning is too overwhelming, pull out
the needed dinnerware and flatware and ask your senior loved one to help set the table.
4. Focus on the fact that help is empowering and allows them to do more. Remind your
senior loved one that the purpose of assistance is to enable them to do what they want
as safely and as independently as possible. Dr. Jacobs uses the analogy of a cane. Using
a cane allows someone to walk farther on their own. When you provide help, they’ll be
able to do a lot more than they would without any help at all.

Senior independence is one reason we do what we do at Home Helpers. Seniors value their
independence more than just about anything, and the compassionate, professional caregivers
at Home Helpers are skillfully trained to properly care for and assist seniors in a variety of
circumstances so they can stay independent at home for as long as possible. You can consider
my team of caregivers your family when family can’t be there. They each deliver exceptional in-
home care services to make life easier every day.

I’m happy to offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and review the home care
services Home Helpers provides, so I can prepare a personalized care plan for you or your
special senior someone to assist with activities of daily living, improve overall quality of life, and
preserve senior independence.

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

Sources:
Daily Caring
AARP

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